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lilbitdepressed27 · 5 months ago

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Tara Carpenter/Fem!DeafReader

Summary: Part two to deaf reader

Warnings: none I think

WC: 3.5k

Author's note: for the ones who requested @perfectartisanwerewolf and @freakshow2501. How y'all enjoy. Sorry for any mistakes.

Moving to New York had been a big change. With everyone getting accepted into in Blackmore University, everyone packed up and moved. Everyone had to wait a few weeks before actually moving, with everyone's injuries and unable to do anything it wasn't until summer break till you moved. Once everyone was healed.

Your fingers had healed, slowly but surely. They still ached sometimes but the doctor had said that was normal. They only really ached when it was cold out.

With Sam finding an apartment with three bedrooms. You had planned to get your own apartment but with not only Tara trying convince you, so had Sam to room with them. The original plan was for them to find a roommate in New York. Although the more Sam though about it. She didn't want to be living with a stranger. You moving in with them was the best and safest option.

"Y/nn?" Tara had loved every second of you living with her. Everyone was still settling into the new apartment. Your room was basically across her own. The few weeks of living together with her sister and you have been honestly the best. If she tried really hard, she could forget what happened last year. She knew it wasn't healthy. But she had tried hard to move on. Move on with her sister and you. Her friends. It was all she needed.

Her own healing process took a bit longer. Her leg still caused her pain from time to time. Times when she'd walk for too long. The ache it brought would make her want to cry. The ache brought back the horrible memories of that day. How it had been Amber in that mask. How it had been Amber to almost kill her. Her once best friend.

On those days you were a great help, helping her with her leg. Always offering a leg massage to relieve some of the pain. It always helped. With your hands fully healed it also helped you with your fingers, as you've said before. The constant need to move them, you had hated it having them binned together so tight. You had said that it had quickly become stressful. The need to move your fingers and being unable had quickly become too much at times for you. The day you got the bandages off, she had seen the way your shoulders seemed to drop the stress they carried for the past weeks.

Having your hands massaging her leg had become a way for you to move your fingers. Exercises them as you said. She couldn't complain, your massages had quickly become one of her favorite past times. She also worried about you. Making sure you would go to your physical therapy, after the bandages and little casts were off. She always made sure you had gloves on you especially when it was cold out. She knew the cold caused your fingers an ache.

Having you live not only a few feet away from her had also brought her more peace to have you closer. Since they moved in. She's either spent the night in your room or you in her room. She has yet to gather the courage to ask you out on a date. She could say she's great at reading you. She could see how often you had your arms around her, yes you had always been a touchy person. But you were never this touchy with anyone but her. That was something she always treasured. The way you had a different smile every time you looked at her. The looks you both shared, the way your eyes said so much.

She just hoped she was reading things correctly.

When you didn't turn around and continued to do what you were doing she stepped into the room. She took in the room, you were quick in making your room feel like home. The boxes that once filled the room were now gone. She also took in that your hearing aids were being charged on your drawer next to your bed. So you couldn't hear her.

You wanted to be done unpacking as soon as possible. Seeing all the mess that came with moving was beginning to bug you. As soon as you were done with your room you would offer your help to Tara. Sam was also almost finished with her own room. You were now just fixing up your pictures. Most of them being of you and Tara. Some with Mindy, Chad, Wes and Lev. You missed Wes and Lev a lot. They had always been super nice to you.

Turning around to put some of your pictures on your desk. Only to get startled, seeing Tara leaning on the desk.

Where are your spare hearing aids?

You smiled with a shrug. You thought you had packed them with your chargers and lap top. But you had unpacked that already. Maybe you left them at home. You tried to remember where exactly you put them.

Tara wanted nothing more than to kiss your pouty lips as you concentrated. With a smile she shook her head walking towards you gently pushing you to sit on the bed. Digging in her hoodie (your hoodie). Cupping your cheek to make you look up at her. She moved to put on your hearing aids. Purposely moving closer hearing the small hitch coming from your throat to turn them on.

"You left them in my room back in woodsboro." Tara could never get over how you looked at her. The gentleness in your eyes, it always made her heart race.

The smile she got in return just made her want to kiss those lips. Wondering what they'd feel like on hers. Feeling your warm hand on her cheek, her head moving to lean on your palm.

"I really like the sound of your voice."

The blush that covered her cheeks, leaning closer just a tad bit closer. Seeing you not pulling away was making the bravery she felt in this very moment grow. The way you were looking up at her as she stood between your thighs. It was giving her all the strength and courage to do what she had been dreaming about doing. Giving you a chance to pull away just in case she was reading everything wrong. But that didn't happen, instead the hand still cupping her cheek pulled her closer. Closing the small distance in between them.

The feeling of your soft lips on hers, the fireworks, butterflies in her stomach going absolutely crazy. Her hands taking their place on each side of your cheeks, your own arms wrapping around her waist. Her heart jumping into her throat at how effortlessly you picked her up and put her on your lap.

"Fuck."

The way she sounded had you pulling away. Your hearing wasn't the best but Tara was right in front of you, on your lap. So you were able to hear how breathless she was. Her lip stick was a mess and most likely on your lips as well.

"Will you go out on a date with me?"

The words were heard loud and clear. You couldn't believe it, not only did you just kiss the girl you've been deeply in love with. With a beaming smile you brought her down for another kiss.

Tara had been a nervous wreck the whole day. She was finally going out with the girl of her dreams. The girl she had been longing for, for so long was finally going out on a date with her. She wanted this date to go perfect. So she had asked Sam to help her set everything up. With that she looked herself over making sure she looked good.

The last thing she expected when she opened her bed room door was to see you standing there. A sight that had her smiling, the happiness she felt in this very moment. Nothing could ruin how happy she felt. The adorable sight of your hand raised to knock and your other hand with a single rose, a sweet but shy smile on your face.

"For you." You signed too nervous to speak. "You look beautiful."

Your style had always been the baggy style. It had been a look she loved seeing on you. Especially loving how your clothing fit on her when she "borrowed" them. Right now you were dressed a bit more formally, for you at least. But you still looked absolutely stunning.

"Thank you. You look beautiful to." Leaning forward placing a sweet kiss on your cheek. Loving the way you bashfully looked down. A clear blush on your cheeks. Quickly putting the rose in a cup of water before taking your hand.

Making sure you had everything, including your hearing aids. She lead you out of the apartment. Her nerves being replaced with excitement.

The drive to where ever Tara was taking you had been a half hour drive. You had tried to get more information on where she could possibly be taking you. But with a smile she had refused to answer your questions.

Until you saw the bright colorful lights. Ever since moving New York you had been wanting to go here but things had been busy with your therapy that you still had to go to. You had promised your mom that you would keep going. With school almost starting up again. You just never had the time.

"Oh my god is that the New Yorks state fair!"

The smile on your face had been everything Tara wanted to see. She knew taking you here would be a great idea. Parking Sam's car couldn't have been quicker.

You were having a blast. You had gotten on rides with Tara. Who also had such a big smile on that beautiful face. Taking food breaks here and there. Refusing to let Tara pay for everything.

"Can we go play some games?"

It wasn't rare that you fell back on your sign language when you were in a crowded and loud place. It was often hard for you to focus with so much noise. So with a smile Tara interlocked your fingers with her own and lead you to the shooting range. You had been eyes the big stitch bear. And damn it she was going to win it for you.

Thanks to the shooting classes that Sam had signed her up for. She didn't have to try so hard. Successfully shooting the six bottles for the big prize. Taking in how excited and happy you looked hugging the stitch. Laughing when you pulled her in for a hug. Cheeks flushing a the feeling of your lips on her cheek, close to her lips. As you softly whispered into her ear.

"Thank you."

You had made it your own mission to win Tara something. And you may have gone a bit over board. The basketball game you were able to win her a few prizes. With the prizes you won and the big prize she won you. You both had walked back to the car to leave all the things in the back seat.

"Come on. There's one more thing I wanna show you." It was getting late and the weather had gotten colder. Yes she should have worn another sweater. But she wanted to show you one more thing before the night ended. At the sudden halt coming from you not moving she turned to look at you. Only to see you taking off your coat.

"Here you go." The warm coat that filled her nose with your scent had her almost wanting to bury her face into the warm coat.

"But you'll be co-" Stopping herself as you showed her the hoodie and sweater you had on. With a shake of her head she pulled her own arms in the coat. That fit her more like a dress and took your hand back in hers.

Not far from where Tara parked the car, there had been a nice little baking store. One where she knew you'd love. Baking had always been something you loved to do in your past time. The shop didn't close till midnight so she had plenty of time. She had the best idea to ask you officially to be her girlfriend. Being with you had been everything she's ever wanted. Your smile directed at her. Being the cause of your happiness. She's been in love with you for so long.

Entering the bake shop you felt your stomach growl at the sweet smell. The fair food had been delicious but that had been two hours ago. And all that walking had built up an appetite.

"Hello welcome to Honey's Bakery! What can I get started for you lovely ladies."

With the shop being mostly empty, the soft music of Taylor Swift playing in the background. Your hearing was a bit better than back at the fair. The hearing aid doing its job in helping you hear a bit more clearer. It wasn't the clearest but it did the job. Letting your ears be pleased with the sound of Taylor Swift's Enchanted. Letting Tara lead you to where ever the mid age woman was leading you.

Seeing all the plain cup cakes and decorating supplies it was then did you realize what you would be doing.

"We will create each other's cup cake."

So with that you were in your own little station decorating a perfect cup cake for Tara. Doing your best to draw a little babadook doll. It wasn't your best work but it was coming out pretty good. You tried to look over the small divider separating you and Tara to see if she was finished.

"Hey! No pecking." Blocking you from seeing her cupcake with her body.

"Let me see. I'm done with mine." You handed her your master piece. Watching the the excitement in her eyes.

"Oo! That looks so good. Thanks baby."

The pet name had your cheeks feeling like they were on fire. Then she handed you her own cupcake. One that had a small writing. 'Be my girlfriend?'

This was it. The courage and determination she had for so long to finally ask you that question. Yea she shared a kiss with you but she wanted to make sure. That you knew she wanted to be with you, forever. You were her endgame. And she had to make sure that you knew that. Judging by the way you smiled down at her and lightly pecked her lips.

"As long as you're mine as well."

You had been dating Tara for a month now. And you honestly never been happier. The moments you shared with Tara had been so refreshing and just lovely. You couldn't be happier. Sam had been so supportive of the relationship. The bond you had with Sam had been a strong sister bond. Obviously not as strong as her and Tara. But strong nevertheless.

College had been something you had been excited and nervous about. But as the weeks went on, school had gone as expected. You had a completely different career path than Tara did. With her law classes and your veterinary classes. You both were busy. But never too busy for each other. Always taking time in each other's day to get together.

Like today, for lunch you were waiting in the quad. Waiting for Tara to get to the table as well. Sam had agreed to drop off some food for you and Tara before heading off to work. You had been let out a bit early. So you sat alone. Tara had texted you that her professor wanted to talk to her after class so she would be a bit late.

The slight vibration of the table shaking, from a book being slammed on to the table grabbed your attention. You looked away from your phone. Seeing two girls standing in front of you. Their lips were moving, you had turned off your hearing aids the moment you stepped out of your class. The halls tended to be too loud.

But you weren't stupid, the mannerisms of the two girls weren't nice ones. You had been deaf for quite a while now. It wasn't rare for you to get made fun of. To be teased in such a way that left you feeling humiliated and vulnerable. The way two girls moved their mouths, the way they did weird motions with their hands was anything but friendly.

Sam had loved the moment you and Tara finally got together. You were sweet, caring and protective of Tara. You were also trustworthy. If she felt comfortable and sure of someone being with her little sister. That someone would be you. She knew she could trust you.

Since her sister and her friends stated college, things had mostly stayed the same. Instead of Tara going off to some parties like she had said. Tara stayed home with you. Baking, cooking, watching movies. Or sometimes even going out to explore more of New York. Sam much preferred Tara being with you than out by herself at a frat party.

You moving in with them had been the best decision she could have made. She wasn't sure why she almost let a stranger move in instead. It also helped that you were a great cook. You had always helped around the apartment. You were honestly the biggest help repairing the sisterly bond between Tara and herself. With you in the apartment it made it feel more homey with all the delicious food you cooked.

She can't deny that she's grown quite protective of you as well. So when she saw two girls yelling at you. As you sat on the table looking uncomfortable. She picked up her pace to get to you.

"Hey! I'm talking to you. Aren't you going to fucking respond. Are you a fucking killer just like those psycho sisters."

Placing the pizza and bag of two drinks on table. Getting the attention of the two bitches. "You mean the same sisters who aren't afraid to put two bitches like yourselves in your place. Now walk away before I do something I for sure won't regret." The fear on the two girls was hard to miss. And she thrived in seeing how scared the two girl got.

"You're still standing here, why?"

It was all she had to say before the two girls basically ran away. Turning back to face you. You now looked relieved.

"You okay?"

"I'm okay, thanks."

With a nod Sam decided to wait for Tara to get there. Asking you questions about your classes. How you excitedly answered her questions. Her sign language skills still weren't the best so she appreciated you going a bit slower, so she could understand.

She didn't have to wait too long till Tara showed up.

"Hey baby." Placing a kiss on your cheek, your smile was much more relaxed at the sight of Tara. Sam could only smile at the sight of the two. "Sam? Thanks for the food but shouldn't you be heading to work?"

Tara could read her sister like an open book. "What's wrong?"

"Just some girls being assholes." That took her attention from her sister to you. Who refused to meet her gaze, pretending to not hear but she saw the moment you turned on your hearing aids when she got to the table. She knew you didn't have any more classes and neither did she so she gathered your things along with the pizza and sodas.

"We're going home. We'll see you later Sam."

With a nod Sam was on her way, leaving Tara and you.

"What did they say?" She had waited till getting to the safety of their apartment.

"What they always say Tar. It's nothing new. Can we just cuddle and watch some movies?" You had already moved to go to your room to change into some more comfy clothes. Tara right behind you. Her words getting stuck in her throat momentarily at the sight of your bare back before it was covered by a hoodie. Your smooth toned legs for show as you also got rid of your jeans before putting on some loose sweats.

"I promise I'm okay." You know stood in front of her. Your strong arms wrapping around her body pulling her closer. Leaning down lightly kissing her nose. Smiling when she adorably scrunched her nose.

With a sigh, she let it go. Promising her self that she'll ask Sam when she gets back from work. A moment of relaxation is what you both needed.

The rest of the day was spent cuddled up together. Basking in your warmth as she laid her head on your chest.

Your hearing was never the best. Life without sound had been hard. It hadn't been long till your mother was actually able to afford hearing aids. Without hearing aids it had been hard for you to get used to life without sound. The moment you actually got your hearing aids and heard Tara's voice for the first it truly had sounded so heavenly to your ears. From that moment your favorite sound had been Tara's voice.

To this day it still continues to be your favorite sound.

#tara carpenter x reader #fem!reader #scream #tara carpenter #x reader #jenna ortega x fem!reader

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brightlotusmoon · 2 months ago

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When I was under ten, in the 1980s, my public school in New York didn't know how to deal with me being a "genius" in reading and writing while completely failing at math. They wanted to send me to a gifted program but I didn't have the math scores. So they would pull me out of my English classes to bring me to the next grade up English class. Like, fourth grade me in fifth grade English.

And on top of that, because the school had a disability program, I got pulled from class to go to the gym and get physical therapy. I was one of a small handful of kids with cerebral palsy.

I have been thinking about that. I was obviously autistic with ADHD, but only my mother suspected and she kept quiet because she didn't want me harmed by the very institutions that claimed could help. She got me therapy for depression when I was nine, and it took me a year to realize it wasn't just because of my frequent nightmares.

I was a deeply anxious child, clinging to my parents. They taught me to stand up to the world, how bodily autonomy worked, how to defend and protect myself, how to be kind and compassionate, how to accept people as they were.

Decades later I married one of the kids of the lady who led a revolt against Reagan's administration in 1980, to keep disabled kids in mainstream education instead of damning them to institutions. And he, considered a genius, was practically the poster child for 70s/80s ADHD.

And now I'm wondering how many other 80s kids were pushed up a grade just for one class.

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paladin--strait · 4 months ago

Note

Here Is the request as asked!

It was that Matt Rempe and the reader were in a long distance relationship, she flies over which he knows about. But she goes to watch one of his games, afterwards she walks into the locker room with a baggy jersey on and a mini skirt (obviously it has Remps name and number on the back).

How would he react? 🤣

i hope this is okay! let me know if you want me to rewrite it! ❤️

matt and i's relationship grew after we met when the rangers came to play the new jersey devils. he saw me wearing a jonas siegenthaler jersey, sitting on the nearest row to the ice.

when matt knocked jonas out with a high elbow, skated over to me, he smiled and laughed, pointing at me from the other side of the glass. my eyes widened in confusion and a bit of fear at his actions.

when a staff member came up to me after the game and handed me a pass to meet the rangers players after the game, i looked at the her with confusion. "i'm not here for the rangers, sorry." i don't accept the pass and hand it back to her.

"miss, one of the rangers players wants to meet you. please, follow me." she hands me the pass again, insisting i come with her. i sigh and follow her, down a hallway and past a bunch of reporters, waiting to get in to meet the players for post game interviews.

when the staff brought me into the locker room for the rangers, she pointed at matt rempe and told me that he was the one who requested to see me. i look at him and make eye contact, his black eye staring back at me as i walk towards him.

"so, did you like that elbow i got on siegenthaler earlier?" he smirks out at me. "saw you in his jersey, and i knew i needed you to be a rangers fan. and to make it even better, wearing my jersey."

i scoff. "hurting my favorite hockey player isn't going to win me over, ya know." i smart mouth back at him, rolling my eyes.

matt then made a comment about me being feisty, and that he needed to find another way to win me over. he offers to take me out that night in an attempt to win me over, and it took some convincing, but he finally managed to take me out for dinner and drinks.

he eventually brought me over to become a rangers fan, or what i called the dark side for a long time. matt and i became friends and eventually more, but the distance between us became a problem very quickly. matt and i are both clingy. when we finally get to see each other, we can't keep our hands off of the other.

we facetime every morning and every night, even if one is too tired to stay awake. we fall asleep on the phone if we have to. so when i had enough of the late night and early morning calls, i booked a plane ticket to new york.

after the flight, when i land in new york, i walk out of the small, cramped hallway and walk to baggage claim. matt told me he would be waiting there, but i didn't know that he would bring some of the guys with him to meet me. i smile and we run at each other, giving each other the biggest hug.

after a while of hugging each other so tightly we could barely breathe, we let go and give each other a kiss. i hear my name being called and look behind matt to see igor and artemi. i smile and hug them too. we smile and talk a bit before matt grabs my bags for me and we leave.

the next day, matt has a game at MSG. i tell him i'll be there and i'll see him at the arena after the game. but while he's gone all day to rest at the gym in the arena, using the hot tubs and the physical therapy to help him warm up for the game like he always does, i'm sleeping in his comfortable bed that smells like him.

after i wake up, i spend my time at home before the game getting ready. taking a shower and after that doing my makeup and hair. before i get dressed, i have two hours left before the game starts, so i don't get changed just yet. i use the extra time to put my things away for while i stay in new york.

when it's time to get ready, i throw on my rempe jersey and a short skirt, it reaches above my knees. matt told me once on the phone that he loved this skirt. he saw it on my instagram post from a girls night out about a year ago. it's blue, with two white stripes at the bottom and it matches the jersey perfectly.

i take an uber to the game, arriving just in time for the players family members, partners, and friends, all with passes, to go in. i flash my pass to the security, and he lets me in. i walk up to the VIP booth and say hello to some of the WAGS that i haven't seen in a while. i text matt, letting him know i'm here and i'm in a vip booth.

he texts me to wave at him when he come out on the ice during warmups and that he loves me. when i see him skate out a few minutes later, i raise my hand, waving at him and he waves back at me. i smile and giggle, watching him skate in circles like a ballerina during warmups.

after the game, i show my pass to the security once more and they let me into the locker room. i walk over to matt, who's tying his sneakers. "hey there. good job out there." i smile and giggle when he jumps like i scared him.

"hey...holy fuck, thank you." he says, standing and hugging me. "i don't think i've ever played that much. my body hurts so fucking bad..." he kinda leans his weight on me with his arms wrapped around my waist.

i smile and pat his wet hair from the shower he just took, kissing his cheek. "it was well deserved playing time, babe. you played so good." i pull away, kissing his forehead and smiling at him.

i see his eyes rake over my body, eyes wide when he sees my skirt. "that's the one i love so much..." he makes eye contact with me, grinning happily. "god...it looks so fucking good on you...even better in person..." he smirks slightly, placing his hands on my hips and pulling me closer to his body.

"careful big boy..." i whisper, laughing. "we're not alone in here." he nods and rolls his eyes at my words, but still smiling at me. i smile and kiss his lips, leaning close to her ear, "you can take it off of me later, if you want."

i pull away from his ear and look at his now wide eyes. he suddenly pulls away, beginning to pack his things as quickly as possible. i laugh, "matt, honey, what are you doing?"

"i'm packing my things so we can leave." his voice is serious, but my laughs make him break, bursting into laughter too. his teammates look at us weirdly when our loud laughter fills the room. "gotta get that cute little skirt off of you as soon as possible." he smiles at me, grabbing his bags and taking my hand, leading me out of the locker room after saying his goodbyes to his teammates.

matt is never the first player to leave the locker room and arena after a game, especially after a win. but that night, matt had a reason to leave, and it was you. matt scored twice that night, once on the ice, and once with you.

#nhl #hockey #matt rempe #new york rangers #matt rempe x reader #paladin's 100 follower celly!#igor shesterkin #artemi panarin

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dandylovesturtles · 1 year ago

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Sidelined AU Info Post

Alright, I guess we're doing this

CWs: mentions of internalized ableism, struggles with mental health

Timeline:

all of S1 is the same as in canon up until End Game

however, after Splinter turns over the helmet to Draxum, Draxum does not put on the armor, but chooses to put Leo inside instead, realizing that whoever goes in will probably have something horrible happen to them. that's detailed in this fic

unlike Draxum, who gets spit out of the armor immediately, Leo ends up trapped inside. from Leo's perspective, he is only vaguely aware of what's happening outside (it's a bit sunken place-ish, with him seeing snatches of events like through a grainy television), and he has only small amounts of influence over what the armor does

once Feral Shredder is on the loose, he pretty immediately starts destroying the Hidden City. Draxum realizes that he has inadvertently released a great evil on his people, the exact opposite of what he wanted, and he turns to the Hamatos to help him stop it. obviously they don't want to work with Draxum, but they have to get Leo back so they take the help

it takes them two days, during which the Shredder moves up to start terrorizing New York as well, but eventually they get him subdued. I'm not 100% on what goes down yet or whether Big Mama gets involved (I'm leaning toward not), but Leo fighting from the inside is a big help

Leo is removed from the armor and is in really bad physical shape; meanwhile the Shredder is subdued for now. in the immediate aftermath, the Foot Clan manages to get ahold of the Shredder and take off with him

he's too weak to do anything immediately but he is very much a Looming Threat the family is aware of

Draxum leaves for awhile at this point because none of them want him around and seeing Leo in the aftermath did wake him up to "oh yeah that's just a kid and I did that to him," also he's feeling real bad about that whole "accidentally almost destroying the yokai and also maybe the world" thing

meanwhile, Leo is severely weakened, but there's not anything that the family can do to hasten his recovery. they can only get him hooked up to an IV for fluids and nutrients and wait

it takes Leo a few days to become fully lucid again; during that time he tries to fight anyone around him off or sometimes pushes his family away to "protect" them

eventually Leo does regain lucidity, he tells everyone he's fine but he's Super Depressed. he's also lost his mystic powers completely.

Splinter also retreats a bit at this point, because he feels guilt for handing the helmet over to Draxum instead of trying to find a different way to rescue his boys, which isn't a great thing for him to do but his mental health is also not doing very well (someone get these guys some therapy)

in the meantime the bros and April manage the best they can, they all have different approaches but I'll go into detail about that in the next section

there's no treatment for Leo's condition outside the most boring one: time, exercise, and diet. unsurprisingly he hates this

Healing Bad Times abound, as shown in this fic

eventually the boys have to go out on a mission again. Leo, feeling useless, listens in on the comms from the lair, and ends up catching something the other boys' missed, meaning he's able to save them from a trap or something idk exactly what the point is he makes himself useful

this opens up a new path for Leo, one his brothers very heavily encourage

with a new goal in mind, Leo starts taking a lot better care of himself, actually following his physical therapy routine, spending time gaining new skills, and accepting help in the form of mobility aids. his physical and mental health both start making big improvements

this also helps his dad's mental health, everyone is doing better even if things aren't perfect

Donnie builds Leo a command center modeled after the bridge of Jupiter Jim's ship, he absolutely loves it. whenever the boys+April are on missions, Leo is in his command center helping from the background

eventually Leo has gotten to the point where he has enough strength for day to day life most of the time, he still isn't fighting baddies on rooftops but he can get to a store and back without collapsing on a good day and that's pretty good!

the Foot Clan has been a much bigger threat in this version of S2 and it's clear they're up to something big

of course right when Leo is starting to feel stable and happy again, that's when they launch their final attack

a lot of the finale events go down similarly to how they do in canon, minus Battle Nexus New York. they get Karai back but then she dies, Shredder destroys their home (including Leo's command center :c ), everything is Bad

Leo gets his mystic powers back the same way his brothers do, though he needs a little bit of an extra helping nudge from April/Karai, since he didn't think that was a thing he could still do

everyone getting their mystic powers is emotional but it's especially emotional for Leo. he didn't even know what ninpo was before today, but he knew after the Shredder it was like some part of his soul got locked away, and now that he can feel it again he finally feels whole

it gives him a burst of adrenaline so he can participate in the fight, though he doesn't do much of the actual battling, instead getting his bros where they need to be for the big hits (I mean this is basically what he does anyway haha)

it takes Donnie exactly .02 seconds to figure out how to use his own mystic powers to support Leo physically so that helps

after this, Leo becomes a more constant part of the team in the field, though he still primarily works as support and only gets into direct fights when he feels like he has to

instead of being made leader like in canon, Leo and Raph become co-leaders. Leo's own leadership abilities have improved massively, but Raph has more experience in the field, so having the two of them working together means they cover each other's blind spots, and the division of labor is less stressful for both of them

since Leo's already been through his character development and this tension is gone the movie events play out totally differently but I haven't gotten that far yet lol. I'm sure the apocalypse still happens somehow, though, I'd hate to lose Casey Jr

happy ending whooo

Relationships

Raph

Raph feels a lot of guilt about what happened to Leo; he was supposed to protect his little brothers and he didn't, and now one of them has permanent physical disabilities as a result. add to that it was Raph's idea to be heroes in the first place and yeah... he's not doing great

because of this guilt, Raph's instinct is to essentially baby Leo - he wants to take care of his every need as soon as it arises. this makes Leo feel stifled and infantilized, and drives a wedge in their relationship (the same one Raph is driving between himself and Mikey, in fact)

his and Donnie's distinctly different approaches to the situation also mean that they get into arguments often and can't really deal with being around each other, leaving Raph feeling isolated at the start (and thus pouring more attention and effort into Leo, which compounds the problem)

Raph dealing with his own guilt and trying to find the balance between helping Leo while also respecting his need for independence, boundaries, and dignity is a big part of his journey in the AU, and it also improves his relationship with Mikey and Donnie as he gets better at those skills

Donnie

Donnie is not dealing well with the fact that there's nothing to fix. they can only be patient and work incrementally to improve Leo's condition

he distracts himself by putting all his energy into making the lair accessible for Leo, building him mobility aids and doing everything he can to help

he also has a hard time understanding why Leo won't do the things that will help him (at first), because doesn't he just want things to go back to normal? doesn't he want to help himself? why won't he just do what he obviously has to do, Donnie does not understand

Leo is deep in denial at first, and he feels like he breaks down and starts doing physical therapy and using mobility aids and doing basically any of the things that will help him, that means it's not going to magically get better, it's going to take time and effort and it will probably never be fixed, just improved, and he hates that so much he's choosing to treat this like a temporary cold or flu that will blow over any day now

Donnie doesn't understand that so he takes Leo's refusal as a rejection and animosity abounds!

breakdowns and admissions of feelings will eventually happen

Donnie and Leo together come to grips with the idea that there is no fixing this and there is no return to how things were before but they can work toward a new normal that's just as good

Mikey

this one is a little bit too big for Dr. Delicate Touch and Dr. Feelings

Mikey tries, but he is just a kid, and with their dad emotionally retreating too there's just too many feelings for him to deal with on his own

he's gonna play family therapist until he breaks

he's frustrated because he can see what each of his brothers need to do to feel better but they just! won't! they won't do it, and he doesn't know how to make them

he's really stressed

it's Mikey that realizes that Leo needs goals to work toward to get himself motivated to take care of himself, and it's Mikey who pushes the hardest for Leo's new role in the team

sometimes Mikey will challenge Leo to something silly, like who can make the most throws of a paper ball into a trash can, just to push Leo into exercising

he finds other little ways to help the others too, but he still can't solve the big problems on his own

meltdown ensues

Mikey has to learn to take care of himself, too, while the others have to learn they can't lean so hard on him for all their emotional problems

April

the only one holding on around here. it helps that she doesn't actually have to live in the powderkeg

takes a rationally minded approach to all these problems, kind of functioning like family therapist along with Mikey but in a healthier and more controlled way

helps get them resources from above ground

Leo opens up the most about his feelings about his physical condition to her first, because she strikes the best balance between being a sympathetic ear without coddling him

she's also stressed, but she has an outside support network so she's handling it better

Splinter

fully blames himself for what happened to Leo and has a hard time getting over it

depression in full swing

it means he can't easily get out of bed to help his kids, but then he feels bad because he isn't helping them, which worsens the depression, which makes it hard to get out of bed... a vicious cycle

when Leo starts working on his condition he gets a pact out of his dad that they will both work on being healthier together

maybe they manage to find an actual therapist eventually idk lol

either way, Splinter and Leo grumpily sitting over their plate of broccoli and then Leo says "bet I can eat more pieces than you" and it's on son

he's trying his best

Leo's Condition

Leo came out of the armor severely dehydrated and malnourished, even more so than any person should realistically be after two days; just keeping him from dying of the dehydration was the most immediate struggle

the main issue is that Leo's life force, mystic abilities included, were basically sucked out, leaving his body catastrophically physically weak

his muscle mass can come back with time and diet

the bigger problems are the bone density and chronic fatigue. while Leo can improve these, they'll never be back to where they were before the Dark Armor

his reduced bone density means he has to be careful doing anything physical because the chance he can break a bone is much higher than average, and he stands to suffer more from that break than the average person

he'll eventually get to where he can go through his day-to-day life just fine most days, and can even do some of the physical things he enjoyed before, he just has to be careful and know his limits. he'll never be pulling the 1440 off the halfpipe again, but he can still skateboard as long as he's careful.

even when recovered (as much as he can be), he has bad days and days when the fatigue is really strong. how Leo feels on a bad day is up in the air; sometimes he's at peace with it and generally cheerful, happy to be around his family even if he spends most of the time in his chair or on the couch dozing in and out. other days the depression rears its ugly head and he can get a bit nasty and bitter again. his family is much more patient with him on days like that than he is with himself.

in the beginning Leo also has brain fog and sensitivity to light and sound. these clear up over time, especially once Leo starts making more effort to exercise his brain. he starts reading a lot more and doing puzzles, especially things like sudoku and word puzzles, which helps a lot. thankfully these changes aren't permanent

his inner ears were also damaged a bit, this also heals up largely on its own, sometimes he still has difficulties hearing his brothers if they're whispering or far away but it's not so bad he needs assistance

Leo's Devices

Wheelchair

this is obviously the one Donnie had the most fun building and it shows. this baby is tricked out. Leo also likes to suggest improvements often, some for actual functionality but many just because he thinks it would be cool (like neon lights on the spokes)

it is blue obviously. do you even need me to tell you that?

it's fully electronic but Leo can also wheel it around freely if he wishes. Leo likes to wheel himself when he has the energy because it's good exercise he doesn't have to go out of his way for and he just likes feeling like he's moving himself under his own power. but when he's not feeling up to it he just drives it with the electronic controls instead

it has handles that extend and retract. being allowed to touch the handles is a major sign of Leo's trust and initially it's only for his bros + April + Splinter. Leo hates being moved when he doesn't actually ask to be moved, and he also hates being tipped backwards so his fam knows not to do it even as a joke (and it's so heavy that tipping him is kind of hard, anyway). someone touching the handles or messing around with them without permission gets you immediate backlash from protective siblings

that said Leo has them extended often so he can hang things off them, even though Donnie constantly gripes that that is not their intended purpose!

Sr Hueso is another person who gets handle-touching-privileges pretty fast, and he's also the one Leo asks to move him most often because he thinks it's really funny. he hams it up every time. Hueso is exasperated but does it anyway

(if Hueso adds a few extra wheelchair-accessible tables to Run of the Mill no one has to know)

the chair can also be moved by S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N. this is mostly just for emergency situations, or times when the chair is somewhere Leo is not. Shelldon is a very good boy who does not move the chair without Leo's permission.

it has a billion storage spaces and little hidey holes and it can sync with Leo's phone to play music and it also has a charge port for his phone and yeah basically anything Leo and Donnie can come up with goes into this thing. it's a behemoth

Donnie also made Leo a lighter-weight chair with fewer features that he most often uses when he's good using his walker/cane/braces but wants to clear a larger distance first, and eventually Donnie makes him an athletic wheelchair so he can play games like wheelchair basketball

Walker

the walker is also blue but there's nothing particularly special about it

Leo hates using it because it feels like an old person thing. even if realistically he knows there are plenty of reasons people use them, including his own situation, culture is culture and it makes him feel bad no matter what rationality states

so basically once he doesn't have to use it he doesn't

as they all get more comfortable with Leo's situation and he starts openly using humor to cope, jokes about Leo's chair and cane become pretty commonplace in the fam (all good-natured of course). they know the walker is too much of a sore spot though, and poking fun at it is the fastest way to get Leo to do something stupid, so no one does. it's better to just pretend it's not there

Crutches/Canes

he eventually ends up with a variety of these, with different levels of support depending on what he's needing on a given day.

some of the canes are more fashionable than others. this is important to him.

Leo pretty much always has one of these on hand just in case, even on days where he feels alright to walk on his own

he is not afraid to bonk a brother with a cane or crutch but he does so knowing they are free to retaliate

Leg Braces

Leo doesn't need these every day but they're a pretty standard part of his wardrobe at this point

they start out plain but get increasingly elaborately decorated as time goes on because he, Donnie, and Mikey can't help themselves

like the walker, the braces are in the "don't make fun of" zone, though Leo is happy to get positive comments about them and doesn't really need their presence ignored

Other Mobility Aids

Leo has a variety of things to help with his loss of grip strength, difficulties bending over, tremors, etc. all of them are either made by Donnie or ethically "acquired" by April

he drives everyone crazy by leaving them in random places and then forgetting where they are. Donnie starts installing locator tags on everything they give Leo

jokes about these are fine, Leo makes them often himself and has silly names for all of them (this also drives Donnie crazy)

#rottmnt #sidelined au #phew #can't believe it lol I don't need more AUs but here we are #also I do not have any mobility disabilities myself #a lot of this comes from experiences with family + research #however feel free to correct me if I've misrepresented anything!#I do want to be respectful #it's why it's important for me to stress the name of the AU is based on Leo's own feelings (and how he overcomes them)#and not intended as an outward judgement on his situation or abilities

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newyorkmedicalservices · 11 months ago

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Accident Doctor Near Queens

#new york car accident doctors #no fault chiropractor #no fault doctors in queens #no fault doctor #neurologist #injury doctors #injury doctor #car acccident doctors #queens car accident doctors #car accident doctor #accident doctors #no fault physicaal therapist #queens physical therapy #pain management doctor #physical therapy

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orphicdreamers-wp · 11 months ago

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All I Want Is You— Jamie Drysdale

Summary: In which your boyfriend is traded to Philadelphia and hurts your relationship and all you want is Jamie back.

Content Warning; Angst, breakup, reader is the lakers athletic trainer, happy ending

Pairing; Fem Reader & Jamie Drysdale

Your relationship with Jamie was new enough that when you found out he got traded from the Ducks to the Flyers you immediately knew that your relationship was over. You had only been together a little short of 4 months. You were restocking your medical supplies when a knock on the door pulled you from your daze. Your boyfriend stood in the doorway with a sad look on his face, “Hi.”

You smiled sadly, “Hey J.” Jamie on one of the exam tables, “You heard.” You ran a hand through your hair, “Yeah, how are you feeling?” Jamie ran a hand over his face, “I’m not sure. I don’t know what it is but I don’t want to go to Philly.” You sighed as you sat down, “I don’t want to hold you back Jamie. I want you to have the best life possible. I don’t think that life has me in it.” Jamie’s eyes softened lightly, “So we’re broken up?” You nodded sadly, “Yeah. I think we are.”

The door to the athletic office opened and Lebron James entered the room, “Hey Y/N. Oh my bad, am I interrupting?” Jamie shook his head, “Nah man, I’m heading out. Bye Y/N.” A sad sigh left your lips, “Bye Jamie. Good luck.” Jamie nodded sadly as he walked out of the room. You sniffled slightly, “I’ll be right with you man.” You walked into your office and let the tears forming in your eyes hit your cheeks. A shaky breath left your lips as you wiped your face and returned to the athletic office, “Alright Lebron, how’s your ankle feeling?”

A worried look overtook his face, “Are you doing okay Y/N?” You nodded softly, “Yeah, I’m okay. Just dealing with a breakup. So how’s your ankle?” Lebron picked up on the fact you didn’t want to talk about it, “It’s okay, just a little sore.” You nodded as you began to work on loosening his muscles in his ankle for his physical therapy.

A few days had passed since you and Jamie broke up, you hadn’t been feeling the best. Jamie had officially moved to Philly and everything in Philly reminded him of you. Philly was cold in January and all Jamie wanted was to be back in California in your arms. So when he learned that the Lakers were traveling to Philly to play the 76ers he knew he had to figure out a way to get you back.

You were standing on the edge of the court taping a players fingers when you heard the announcer’s voice, “And in house tonight we have Philly Flyers players Cam York and Jamie Drysdale.” You felt your heart beat up into your throat as a sad smile overtook your eyes. DLo looked at you and spoke softly, “You gotta get your guy back. It’s getting hard to watch you move Y/N.” You smiled sadly, your smile not reaching your eyes, “I can’t, I don’t want to hold him back.” DLo sighed, “Girl, your a lot of work. I don’t know him that well but I know a guy in love and he hasn’t taken his eyes off of you since he saw you.”

You shook your head ever so slightly, “Doesn’t change the fact I feel like I’m holding him back.” DLo shrugged, “Maybe not. But you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” You laughed softly as you patted his shoulder reassuringly, “I’m okay D. You should get out there. Have a good game.”

The game went extremely well for you as none of the Lakers players were injured during the game. You were organizing your stuff in the visiting locker room when the locker room door opened, “Hi.” You felt your heart rate increase, “Hey.” Jamie spoke softly, “I miss you.” You shook your head, “We can’t. I can’t.” Jamie shook his head, “I can’t not want you Y/N. I can’t pretend I don’t miss you and think about you.”

You sniffled, “I love you, this isn’t fair to either of us.” Jamie shook his head, “I love you and I am going to love you no matter how far we are. I won’t care that I wake up in Philadelphia in January in the horrid cold. As long as I get to be with you.” You sniffled, “I won’t care if I’m alone in LA. I just wanna be with you.” Jamie pulled you into a embrace, “I love you.” You looked up at him, “I love you.”

#hockey player x reader #fanfic #hockey #nhl #nhl fanfiction #anaheim ducks #jamie drysdale #jamie drysdale x reader #lakers #basketball #athletic trainer

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unholyhelbig · 6 months ago

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werewolf kate RAH i love your fics

Title: What? I've Seen Twilight [A Once Bitten, Twice the Idiot Oneshot]

Summary: It's been six years since reader has been out on her own, but now that she and Kate have an apartment in the city together, the last thing they're expecting is old company.

Trigger warnings: Sadness, angst, burns (Physical), general emotional distress, therapy,very brief mentions of assult, and spelling mistakes.

A/n: I went a little wild with this one. It's way longer than I intended, but jesus, did I have fun.

Read the Full Series:

Kate Bishop’s height advantage killed most situations. She could ride every rollercoaster, and one could spot her in a crowd of people as they bustled in and out of the New York Subway system. She could easily lead you, just the same, her large hand engulfing yours and making sure that you’d be able to stick together.

Kate hated her height sometimes. When she was a child, she was approached by her high school gym teacher that begged her to be on the basketball team. She was lanky and awkward, sitting on a whisp of a bench.

She’d wanted to join the team, but her father was vehemently against sports. He said that it worked her up too much and she’d be a danger to society if her adrenaline became too high for her to manage, as it often was. It was just one of those rules that were accompanied by breathing exercises and the occasional sedative.

You’d never made Kate feel an aversion to her height, in fact, you utilized it to your advantage. You’d curl up in her arms, slotted against her body. Her height could nearly swallow you whole. It was no trouble for you to ask for her to reach for certain things that were out of your grasp.

She had a horrible advantage when it came to hanging things, however. Everything was crooked, including the painting she was frustratingly trying to level over a crisping water stain. She’d worked up a sweat, blowing strands that had fallen from her ponytail from her face.

You came up behind her, wrapping your arms around her toned stomach. You were too short to rest your chin on her shoulder, so you settled for nuzzling into her back instead, breathing in the lemon scent of her. Kate let a smile spread across her face, sighing into your warmth. “Remind me why we decided to move out of the compound again?”

“Because we’re engaged and wanted some form of privacy.” You mumbled into her spine.

She beamed and turned in your arms. You much preferred this side of her. You were able to tuck your head under her chin. The painting took a hard left and slid into a diamond shape on the wall. A rumbling growl moved through her chest, vibrating against your ear.

“Was that your stomach or your frustration?”

“I think maybe it was both. Where’d you put the takeout menus?”

“Drawer by the fridge, we can’t make a habit of ordering out though.”

Kate detached herself from you and crossed the mostly bare living room to the kitchen. She rifled through them until she found her prize, a menu from the Tex-Mex place that had opened up down the street. They had massive portions, and that always worked in both your favors with the appetites you carried.

“We’re not going to make a habit. I just think we deserve a little treat after moving everything up six flights of stairs. Don’t you?”

The motivation to cook had left your body between floor three and four. You were determined to prove to Steve and Natasha that you were both more than capable of being on your own. It took months of convincing, and you’d even considered making a power point to demonstrate how responsible you’d be.

It didn’t’ come to that, just a promise (and then a pinky-swear) that the two of you would return back to the compound the week of the full moon. It was an easy compromise. In fact, it even made you feel safer. There was infinite space, and it was the only place you’d ever gone through a transition. Dozens, at this point, possibly hundreds.

“Fine, just this once, and only if you get extra nachos.”

“Okay, bossy. You can brave the copious number of stairs and pick up the order, then.”

That seemed like a fair enough deal. You dawned your coat, the sound of thunder a few miles away having reached your ears. Most things, you’d learned to tune out; the sound of traffic, voices from the multiple families that lived around you. But you would actively seek thunder, enjoying the rain and the dryness you could secure.

Kate pressed a kiss to your cheek, giving your arm a squeeze, a silent plea to be careful. You always were, both at the compound and here during your trips to the city. The apartment building the both of you had rented from was far from swanky. The hallways were lined with polished wood and a fresh paint-job made it look semi-presentable.

It was the quintessential first apartment experience that you’d been craving. It made you feel normal. Living here with your fiancé. A small smile worked its way onto your lips. This was a big step, possibly the biggest you’d taken since you’d followed Kate to the compound in the first place. To your family.

You shoved your hands in your pockets as you walked down the hallway, nearly brushing shoulders with a woman who had her head turned down, struggling to find her keys. She grunted, struggling to keep a paper bag filled with produce righted.

“Jesus Christ,” her muted growl alerted you more.

Not even a full day in the city and you decided to break one of Natasha’s rules. Don’t involve yourself. Which you thought was overkill. She became strict in that way, the insinuation that you shouldn’t talk to strangers on the tip of her tongue. But you weren’t moving here to be a recluse. A simple favor wasn’t going to hurt anyone.

“Here,” you scooped the bag gently from her hands, saving a particularly ripe orange “Let me help you with that.”

“Oh, thank you. I know that paper bags are great for the environment, but they turn to mush when it rains. It makes everything ten times harder.”

Her words died in her throat when her eyes met yours. You took a defensive step back, your mouth suddenly dry and muddy. Those eyes. You cursed yourself for not knowing sooner. She’d straightened her hair, wore a suit that was wrinkled from almost an hour of transit.

She looked older, tired around the eyes. It had been six years.

MJ was at a loss for words, just as you were. Her groceries were still in your hand, the bag finally giving way and spilling oranges, apples, and two soft peaches onto the floor. Neither of you made a move to gather them.

“Let me help you pick these up.”

“I think you’ve done enough.”

The two of you remained frozen. You’d moved in three doors down from someone you’d shared your first three years of college with. The last you’d seen her, she’d been wolfing down mac and cheese, looking queasy as you’d left your key on the coffee table.

A crack of thunder snapped you both out of your staring match. Kate could hear you, you knew she could. It wasn’t that she pried but she did keep an ear out for the cadence of your voice. You didn’t want to worry her, and you certainly didn’t want MJ to see her. Not yet, maybe not ever.

“I don’t have anything to say to you,” She turned away and struggled to stick her key in the lock. Her hands were trembling. She worried her lip between her teeth, a nervous habit that reminded you of when she held her tongue. She often failed.

“Okay, alright.” You threw your hands up in an act of surrender, scooting past her, careful to avoid the fallen fruit. “I’m sorry… about your groceries.”

You made it three more steps before her voice rang out again.

“About my groceries?” Her voice was harsh, you winced, stopping in your tracks. “You’re apologizing for ruined produce after what you did?”

At this, you turned, a small bit of anger in your stare. Maybe Natasha was right, as she usually always is. You should just keep your nose down, stay away from other people at least while you got settled. You’d been plunged into ice water, the realization that this city may be gigantic, but so incredibly small.

MJ closed the distance between you, her breath hot on your collarbone. It was startling, but your wolf reacted as it typically did, without fear and with a heir of competition. It figured you threatened, your nails curling into your palm hard enough to draw blood.

“You know, the police didn’t take us seriously. We went to them a week after you left, and they wouldn’t let us file a missing persons report because you left willingly. America, god, she wasn’t convinced. She spent months putting up posters around campus, at train stations. And people called, but not about you. Just to be needlessly cruel.”

The sting of her words made you tremble, your eyes downcast and your hands shoved back in your pocket. Each breath you took felt like needles being shoved forcefully into your throat and twisted until it touched your esophagus. You were going to vomit.

“One second you were there, and the next you were gone, y/n. We never stopped searching. Anyone who looked like you, smelled like you… just reminded us that you’d run off with some stranger after being an absolute psycho for the week. I mean, for fucks sake! Your mother was devastated!”

“My mother?” Your eyes finally found purchase in her own.

“Yeah,” MJ breathed out, shoulders slumping. “Or did you forget her as well?”

“I didn’t…” You took a step back. Tears threatened to spill over, so you averted your stare back to the ground, quickly wiping them away with your fingers. “I could never forget about any of you. I left to protect you.”

“From what?” She’d gotten quieter, her voice breaking. She looked like she wanted to reach out and embrace you, but stopped herself. “Because America is going to be here any minute, and god help me, y/n, if you don’t have a better answer than that, you can’t let her see you. You can’t put her through that again.”

You took another step towards your apartment. You’d lost your appetite, your sureness in each step that you took. There was a roiling pit in your stomach that threatened to make your breakfast reappear. MJ watched you for a few moments. You were retreating again, and the sadness in her eyes cut into you like a finely sharpened knife.

She let out another breath and knelt down to collect the fruit that had splayed across the floor. She averted her gaze and you let her. There was no explanation that you could muster up without risking everything you’d worked so hard for, every moment of pain that ripped through you once a month. Years spent learning control.

The anxiety had fully built up in your chest by the time you made it the two doors down to your apartment. You shut it as softly as you could, pressing your back against the wooden door slathered in a deep forest green that reminded you of home. Your home.

The two of you had fought so diligently to get out of the compound and now all you wanted to do was retreat back into solitude, away from the world and the people you had wronged long ago. They were easy to push to the back of your mind when you didn’t see them every single day.

Of course, you never forgot them, you couldn’t. But there was a clear separation between your life before that night in the woods, and your life after. You had long ago admitted that you much preferred this one. Even if you did have dreams of finding your mother when you had the chance. Finding America and MJ. This was certainly not on your terms.

Kate was in front of you instantly, cupping both your cheeks and running her thumbs over the dampness. She didn’t’ say a word, and you were suddenly thankful for her inhuman hearing capabilities. You wouldn’t be able to explain, to tell her what made your throat so incredibly tight with grief.

Her height made it easy to tuck yourself against her, quivering as you cries were muffled against your chest. She radiated a warmth that calmed you like no other. Part of your nature, the connection the two of you carried. She could take your pain away, just as you could do the same. It evened your rapid breaths, her hand cupping your head.

She shocked you, her voice a low whisper. “I think you should tell them the truth.”

“What?”

Your voice was nasally and marred with snot. Kate gave you a sympathetic smile, moving her hand through your hair. She’d seen you at your absolute worst, and you weren’t exactly a beautiful crier. Her statement was jarring enough, though disarming.

“All those years ago, I told you that you’d be able to come back once you gained control of your wolf. And you’ve done that, you put in the work, you’ve embraced what we are. The reason for going to the compound in the first place was to protect the ones you love, and you can still do that.”

She dipped her head and your forehead pressed against hers. You stared into her startlingly blue eyes. They were genuine and so full of love.

“I mean it, sweetie. They deserve answers, I think we both know that.”

“Yeah… they do.”

It was easy enough to slip a note under MJ’s door. You figured she went to work early and returned late. There was a solid window of time for you to act. The letter contained your phone number, and an offer to talk, if she was willing.

It took three agonizing days of pacing the small length of the apartment, painting and repainting the bathroom, and busying yourself with little tasks. Kate had mastered hanging artwork and the two of you had finally made a trip to the grocery store instead of ordering from pizza places and diners that did take-out.

Kate was laying on her back on the second-hand sofa that the two of you had purchased and dragged up the stairs with little to no difficulty. She was skimming through a book she had to read for one of her classes, and the slow rhythm of her heartbeat had lulled you into a less than peaceful sleep.

Your cell phone was clenched in one hand, hanging off the side of the couch, full body weight snuggled up close to Kate, a blanket spread across you both. When your phone buzzed you shot up, knocking your forehead against Kate’s chin, she let out a startled grunt.

“Sorry, baby” You soothed your hand over the slowly growing red spot on her skin, simultaneously staring at your phone.

Unknown [3:00pm]: I’ll consent to dinner tonight. America may or may not be there.

Unknown [3:02pm]: 6:00, don’t be late.

“I thought you said MJ was the nice one.” Kate set her book aside, peering at the messages you had received.

“She is… was. I don’t know anymore.”

Your antsy energy seemed to work in your favor when it came to preparing a dinner that was actually edible. Wanda had been teaching you to cook for the last few years, and it had been a difficult skill for you to pick up. She’d helped you master a dish from her birthplace that had quickly become one of Kate’s favorites.

She leaned against the counter and watched you cook as she always did, stretching up to retrieve the spices that were a little far past your reach. She handed you the paprika, kissing the back of your neck as you placed the chicken in the pan. You worked nervously, and methodically.

Despite Kate’s constant reassurances that they would love it, you weren’t much concerned about the food choices. Of course, you wanted it to be edible. But it could have been pizza all the same. There wouldn’t be much eating, you were sure. Even your appetite had been spoiled.

You panned the chicken onto a plate of rice and left it on the counter for Kate. She glanced down at it with confusion and then back up at you. “I’m not going, am I?”

“Darling, I would love nothing more. But, I’m certain that you being there will exacerbate things.”

Kate frowned, her lip jutting out in a borderline pout. You scoffed, gripping both of her arms. “They don’t know you like I do, Katie. They don’t know you at all.”

“Yeah,” She sighed “I know you’re right. This is just a hard thing to do and I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I’m not alone. You’ll be listening the whole time.

It was a comforting fact, but did nothing to quell the swirling in your stomach when you stood in front of MJ’s door. It was much too late to turn back, though everything in your body screamed at you to do so.

Before you could knock, she opened the door. She dawned an oversized flannel and a t-shirt for a band that you didn’t recognize. Her hair was damp, the scent of mint from her bodywash enveloping you. You’d missed the smell, missed her, but didn’t make a move to advance. She sniffed the air herself, raising an eyebrow. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say she was impressed by the meal you’d shoved in Tupperware.

“I didn’t think you’d come.”

“I almost didn’t.”

She narrowed her eyes at you but opened the door wider and gestured to the living room vaguely. You took in the deep blue walls, and the multitude of thrifted artwork that made it feel homey as opposed to cluttered. There was a warmth to her apartment that you and Kate hadn’t yet cultivated.

In a midcentury modern chair next to a large record player, was America. Your grip tightened against the dish, careful not to shatter it, something easily done with your strength. Spilling chicken paprikas all over the carpets would not a good impression make.

America’s rural eyes scanned from your boots to the collar of your shirt, stopping just shy of your own stare. She’d aged, but it was less noticeable through her fierce scowl. A black t-shirt hugged her frame, her hair curly and flowing across her shoulders. Tattoos stretched evenly over her biceps and forearms, ones you didn’t’ dare move to get a better look at.

She stood, setting her glass of wine down on the coffee table. MJ worked the Tupperware from your hands. She moved silently towards the kitchen. You could feel the tension in the air. It made your wolf nervous. You swallowed back a whine.

Her eyes flashed in anger. “It really is you. When MJ told me that she’d run into you, I didn’t believe her. I couldn’t, because if you’ve been alive this entire time, and just chose to keep us in a constant hell of wondering, then I’d never be able to forgive you.”

“You have every right to be angry.”

“Maldita derecha, I do!” She shoved you back. You were startled by her strength, but still caught yourself with a small step back.

“Hey, relax. She’s here to explain, right?”

MJ stood behind the kitchen island, her fingers drumming on the countertop. Maybe she’d been given a chance to cool off, though there was still trepidation in her stare. You let out a small breath, throat suddenly tight.

“What?” America shoved your shoulder again, you could smell the alcohol in her breath “Does this bother you? Are you going to tuck your tail and vanish for another six years?”

Again, she pushed you back, this time with more force. You stood strong, letting her show her rage, her hatred towards you. Hell, you hated you in this moment. Your skin prickled, seeing her as a threat. You were sure that Kate, down the hall, was pacing with the same pent-up worry.

MJ urged “Meri, come one, let her be. We’ll eat dinner, and she’ll tell us what happened.”

“And what if we don’t like the answer?” She turned her venomous stare on the other woman. “What if we prefer that she had died and spared us all the pain?”

A brittle silence fell over the room. You were trapped within the walls of the apartment, ears ringing. Even if you could focus your mind hard enough to hear past it’s confinement, you didn’t want to. Your blood was rushing hard enough to create a ringing in your ears.

MJ had dropped the fork she was using to shovel food onto respective plates. America’s shoulders dropped. She opened her mouth and closed it again like a fish deprived of water. Her voice came out in a sand-paper whisper. “I didn’t mean that.”

“No, you did, and that’s okay.”

“It’s not.” MJ had abandoned her task and instead flopped down on one end of the sofa. She moved a throw pillow and gestured for you both to sit. “Both of you, we need to talk about this. It’s defined us for too long and we won’t get anywhere by hurling horrible words at one another.”

Cautiously, America returned back to her chair and you sat stiffly on the other end of the sofa. It would be better for them to both hate you. But, MJ’s usual rationale had kicked in and that scared the hell out of you. You ran your hands over your jeans, trying to find purchase in them.

America’s sharpness was back. “Well?”

“Okay, alright. Just… I need you both to keep an open mind before I get into this. I’ve never had to explain what happened before and, well shit, it’s going to be a lot to take in.”

You pleaded silently with them, flitting your eyes from one to the other. MJ nodded first and eventually America gave you a course gesture that you interpreted as agreeance. You could hear both of their hearts beating, perhaps harder than your own.

“The night before that stupid frat party, I didn’t fall asleep in the library. Something happened.”

“lo sabia.”

“I know you did, which is why I did everything in my power to avoid the both of you until I left. I didn’t know what was happening and the last thing I wanted to do was throw you into something that I couldn’t even begin to understand. I was feeling weird, and overwhelmed. Confused. You’ve always been too good at reading me. You’d both know in an instant that I’d been attacked if I was truthful with you.”

“Attacked?” MJ rasped, “You could have come to us, y/n. I’ve been fighting every single day of my career to make sure that Universities are a safe and forthcoming place. Even with campus police being absolute garbage, we would have found some way to help.”

You looked at her with soft admiration, guilt soaking your voice. “It wasn’t like that. I was walking home from the library and knew that I was being followed. I thought it was a person at first, but it wasn’t. The faster I moved, the faster she did. It didn’t matter how quick I was, is the point. Because it wasn’t a human that attacked me, it was a wolf.”

“A wolf You’re expecting us to sit here and believe that a wolf somehow escaped a zoo and miraculously hunted you down? I’m sorry, baby, but that’s the most bullshit excuse I’ve ever heard.” She laughed humorlessly and moved to stand.

“I told you to keep an open mind.” You pleaded, “I’m begging you, please. Just let me finish. And if you want me to leave after that. If you both want me to leave, then I will. You’ll never hear from me again.”

It would be easy to return to the compound, shield yourself from the world and make sure that neither of them had to live with the turmoil you’d caused all those years ago. You could feel sweat at the back of your neck, mouth dry in comparison.

She leveled you with a skeptical stare but sat back down, this time swiping her wine from the counter. She took a long gulp, the red staining her lips with a pink tint. The quiet urged you forward and your stomach clenched in nausea.

“It had bitten me, right through the shoulder and it was some of the most intense pain that I had ever experienced. I was certain that I was going to die there, alone and no one would find me for weeks, maybe even months. I have never been more terrified.”

Your hand moved up to rub the pulsing scar just below your t-shirt. You could feel the hardened tissue, the indents that Kate’s teeth made before they tore through tendons and ground your bones to a shattered powder.

You pulled the fabric away, shivering from the suddenly cold air against your skin. MJ gasped, closing the gap between the two of you on the sofa. She was gentle, running her own fingers over the scar, the large-mouthed pockmarks that could only be that of an animal.

“Jesus Christ, y/n. Does it still hurt?”

“Not anymore. It just serves a reminder, is all.” America was looking at you in disbelief, her confidence in your falsehood wavering. “When you called the next morning, I was just thankful to wake up, and rushed back to the apartment so I didn’t worry you anymore than I already had.”

“Why didn’t you just tell us?” America asked.

You shook your head “I couldn’t understand what had happened. Just like you, I didn’t think there were wolves in New York. If I was having some type of break due to stress, I didn’t want to drag the two of you down either.”

“You can’t just decide how we’d react to things, y/n. If you had asked for help, explained what had happened, we would have been there for you.”

“I know that… and I was going to tell you both, I was. But by the second day, the bite was just gone. There was no evidence that anything had happened, and I was starting to doubt myself. At least I was, until Kate.”

That fury returned to America’s eyes. If you didn’t’ clock it in her stare, you would have in the way she smelled. The metallic edge overtook any other scent in the room, including the boisterous spices on the Paprikash. “Oh? Is that her name? I figured we were chasing a ghost for all those years.”

“We know who she is. Your mother… she was insistent that your father hire a private investigator. She knew that your behavior was out of the ordinary, but he wasn’t convinced, so she fought him tooth and nail. They had a name, and a last known address. But that was it. Her trail went cold too. It was like the two of you just vanished into thin air.”

Your heart seized at the admission, but you swallowed it back, locked it away for something to deal with later. It was one person at a time, and your mother was untouchable, something you refused to acknowledge until you were standing on her doorstep with your apologies and your broken sobs.

You cleared your throat, making a point to shove your hand with the simple golden band on it into your pocket. That was another conversation you weren’t willing to have at this point.

“Right, yes. Kate. She’s helped me tremendously over the years.” You drew in a breath, bracing yourself for the next statement. “In fact, she caused it.”

“She… caused it? Please, y/n. I may not like the girl but what you’re insinuating…”

“You’re saying she’s the one that bit you?” MJ let out a nervous chuckle “That, or unlatched the cage at the zoo.”

Another silence fell over the room. You gave them a nervous smile. God- this was absolutely harder than you expected. They didn’t’ say anything, they just stared at you blankly, and then at each other. Then, it was back to you. There was something akin to pity in their stares that you didn’t appreciate.

They thought you were insane and suddenly, it was like the glass coffee table had shattered and they were afraid that if they stepped too hard, it would cut the soles of their feet. MJ even reached her hand out and placed it on your knee. You shivered at the touch.

“Listen, I know neither of you believe me, but it’s why I had to leave.” Your voice broke. “I was so afraid that I was going to hurt you. I-I mean what if I lost control? Back then, I didn’t have a handle on any of this, so I went to a place that was safe. A place that taught me how to control it.”

“It being… Lycanthropy?” America stood up now, started pacing from the edge of her chair to the front door and then back again. “You know, we worked a case ages ago and the fifteen-year-old son of a wealthy couple believed that he was a werewolf.”

“Meri, please. Don’t psychoanalyze her.”

“Shouldn’t we? Y/n, this is an actual thing. It’s called Lycomania. It’s a form of psychosis, and with the right medications, the right therapies-“

“It’s not psychosis!” You stood from the couch, suddenly feeling frantic, like a caged animal. She was a social worker, or at least, that’s what she was studying to be. From her wording, you figured she’d gotten there just fine. “I’m not making any of this up.”

“It’s a little hard to believe, is all.”

MJ had reached up from the couch and took your hand, soothed it over your knuckles. It was like a horrible game of good cop, bad cop, and you wanted no part of it. You knew that there would be some disbelief, but the way America’s fingers inched towards her cell phone worried you.

“It’s a lot to take in, I know. It’s impossible to believe, but you both deserve the truth. I need you to believe me.”

“I believe that you believe.” America said softly, “Please, y/n/n, just come get checked out with us. If you’re a… werewolf, then what’s the harm?”

You took a deep breath, glancing down at MJ who hugged a throw pillow flush against her chest. She was pleading with her stare, begging you to agree. And America, God, she looked like she was about to bolt or throttle you. But there was a kindness behind her eyes that you missed dearly.

“This was a mistake. Look, I just wanted to come here and apologize for everything I put you through. I want you to know that I mean it, and you both are very important to me.” You took a step towards the door, rolling your eyes when America stepped in front of it, crossing her arms over her chest. “Seriously?”

“Prove it.”

“What?”

“If you’re a werewolf, and this isn’t some type of mental break, then prove it. Show us what you’ve got.”

A dry laugh escaped you, one of disbelief. You glanced back at MJ, she looked nervous, but didn’t’ object to the demand. You’d grown so used to living in a home with ten other people who never doubted what you were, because they were the exact same.

Your ‘wolfy’ attributes were mostly limited to the night of the full moon. By all accounts, you were normal the rest of the month, and things that weren’t normal often were disguisable. Sometimes, if you roughhoused with Peter or even Clint, your eyes would catch the color of the sunset, glowing in response to their own. But there were no sudden outbursts of sharpened teeth and extended claws- not anymore. You’d fought so hard to contain it.

If you let the curtain slip, even this once, would you be able to get it back up? It was another two weeks until the next full moon, and by then, you were sure they’d grow tired of waiting for you to prove yourself.

With a groan, you walked over to the kitchen. MJ practically threw herself over the back of the couch as you started to rummage through drawers, not finding anything but plastic forks, and a butter knife that certainly wouldn’t do the trick. “Jesus dude, this is not cutlery.”

“I’m not home often,”

You turned the closest knob on the stove and watched as the electric cooktop started to glow an angry red. This was going to fucking suck. Just because you could heal, didn’t mean you enjoyed utilizing the perk. It came in handy when you’d broken two fingers sparring with Natasha, and again when Tony had taken you on a long-winded hike and you’d lost your footing. Both still held the same amount of pain that was expected.

With a deep breath you splayed your hand on the burner before MJ or America could object. They both made distressed noises in the back of their throat, the sound of your skin against the intense heat sizzled with a popping fierceness.

“What the fuck!” America clawed at your wrist, struggling to pull your hand away. With your strength, she didn’t’ get it to budge “Y/n, stop!”

When you were satisfied enough with the heat eating away at your skin, you released your hold. Your palm was angry, already blistering. Some spots bloomed a darker red, wounds close to the base of your ring finger where the gold band had heated up enough to cause some stinging damage.

“Oh my god, I’m going to vomit.” MJ moved her forearm over her mouth, swallowing heavily. “I’m calling an ambulance. Do we run it under cold water?”

“Relax, just watch.”

“Relax! You want me to relax?”

Her jaw snapped shut, head lilting to the side. America still gripped your wrist, watching as the redness quickly faded away to the smoothness of your palm. The blisters seemed to vanish, and the bleeding split by the edge of your ring sealed back together. You could still feel your hand throbbing, but flexed your fingers to prove your point.

“You wanted me to prove it, and I didn’t much feel like ripping your throw pillows to shreds.” You snatched your hand back from America, twisted the ring around in a nervous habit. “Can we take the psyche unit off speed dial, please?”

“No, no, keep it up for me.” MJ leaned her back against the island, trying to steady herself. “That just… your hand was… did you see that?”

America whispered, her stare suddenly fuzzy. “Yeah, I saw it.”

You flicked the stove off and crossed your arms over her chest, letting them take a few moments to relish the quiet. You were feeling a bit too self-satisfied considering the circumstances, but enjoyed the fact that you had stunned them into silence.

“So, you left with this Kate chick because she turned you into a werewolf and then you’ve what? Been hiding these last six years? It’s hard to vanish in the 21st century. Nearly impossible.” America said, voice quivering.

“I went to a place where there were others like me. They taught me how to live with this, how to control it. They’re my family.”

“Your pack?” MJ asked. “What? I’ve seen Twilight!”

You laughed “Yeah, my pack. Kate included.”

“no confío en ella.” America growled.

You let out a sigh of relief. You’d take it. For now, you’d take it. The tension in the apartment had lowered a few notches, enough for your stomach to clench in hunger. It made an audible growl. You hadn’t been able to eat for the last few days, worry enveloping you.

America pulled her jacket from the back of the sofa. “You two eat. I’ve got a few case files I have to finish. Y/n, it was good to see you. I hope… take care of yourself. Okay?”

“Okay,” The word came out as a breathless whisper. Even if your objections weren’t trapped in the netting of your throat, you wouldn’t’ have had a chance to say them. She was slamming the door behind her, shaking the photos on the wall.

“She’ll come around,” MJ squeezed your shoulder, giving you a wavering smile before she started to divide the food with her plastic fork. “In the meantime, I have so many questions.”

#Kate Bishop #Kate Bishop x reader #Kate Bishop x y/n #Kate Bishop x you #kate bishop x female reader #wanda Maximoff #Natasha Romanoff #Wandanat #Steve Rodgers #Tony Stark #thor odinson #bruce banner #peter parker #yelena belova #Werewolf au #Mj watson #America Chavez

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