#that's totally why she hesitates on surgery

[thisblognameistakennow]

Thinking of hanahaki as suppressed unconfessed love, i think Dedra will actually just. fucking die.

[ms-demeanor]

I've been following what's been going on with Belphie the kitten and his person, Greer Stothers, has just mentioned pet insurance in a tag on a post and I wanted to give an example from my life backing up why pet insurance can be a good idea and why I think it is worthwhile.

Two years ago my sister's dog had bloat while she was on vacation. The kennel he was staying at recognized symptoms and called my sister to clear them to take him to the emergency vet. My sister is very financially secure and this dog is an enormous part of her life, so she said yes with barely a moment of hesitation. That ended up being about twelve thousand dollars of emergency surgery.

Large Bastard and I got pet insurance for Tiny Bastard the same week because we realized that if someone had presented that option to us, we would have had no choice but to have Tiny Bastard put down, and we didn't want to be put in that position.

I did a lot of research about different kinds of pet insurance and different levels of coverage and annual maximums and deductibles and so on and so forth. Tiny Bastard is a senior dog, so this was going to be expensive no matter what options we went with, so I chose a moderately priced plan with a $500 annual deductible, unlimited annual coverage, that pays 80% of the bills incurred annually below the maximum. What that means is that we pay the first $500 of care totally out of pocket, after which point we are reimbursed 80% of any vet bills for care covered by the plan.

The first year we had this plan I was kind of iffy about it. It's a noticeable monthly expense and we didn't even spend the deductible in vet bills the first year. Except that a month before the policy was set to renew, Tiny Bastard got diagnosed with diabetes. We now have monthly insulin costs and syringe costs; there are tests she has to have regularly to monitor her overall condition and we need to do more frequent vet visits to track symptoms.

Suddenly the insulin alone means that the insurance is break-even within six months and the additional visits and tests are something we can afford instead of something we'd have to put on credit.

Our plan (through ManyPets) covers medication, surgery, diagnostics, medical equipment, and euthanasia and cremation. It doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, joint conditions for dogs who were signed up over a certain age, dental care, spay/neuter, vaccinations, or prescription food but honestly all of that makes me just kind of wish we'd signed her up earlier - her knee problems *would* be covered if we'd had her signed up as a puppy, and the monthly cost would have been lower if we'd signed her up then. And there are at least a few emergency vet bills that I wouldn't still be paying off on my credit card. Hell, I've probably paid more in interest on some bruising she got in a fight three years ago than I have for this policy as a whole.

I am glad that Greer is able to take care of Belphie. I am glad that my sister was able to take care of her dog. But I'm also really, really glad that for a relatively low cost, I would be able to take care of Tiny Bastard if she were catastrophically injured, or if she needed emergency surgery. I'm glad that I'm able to take care of her now with her medications and her additional vet visits.

There are a lot of people who say that pet insurance isn't worth it, especially not for young animals. But if your young animal gets very sick, or gets badly injured, or eats a hairband and needs an emergency endoscopy, then it will probably be VERY worth it. It's a risk/reward question. You feel like you're wasting money if you're paying for a policy that you never use, but honestly that just means you're lucky to have a healthy pet.

I'm lucky that Tiny Bastard was relatively healthy before I got the insurance; I'm also lucky that she was insured when she was diagnosed with a chronic illness that will need lifelong care. This enables me to provide care for her that would otherwise be financially unmanageable, and that makes the insurance *extremely worth it* from my perspective.

And Belphie is a good example of why it's a good idea to get coverage even for very young pets. Greer is recommending it because this kitten has required a tremendous amount of care during a period in his life when it's generally taken for granted that a cat will be healthy. (And Greer is not stupid for forgoing pet insurance - pet insurance is still a relatively new concept and there are lots of people who are leery of it for a number of good reasons)

So I'd say that if you've got a pet or are getting a pet it is very worthwhile to find a pet insurance plan that fits in your budget. There are a variety of plans out there and some are very inexpensive. Check coverage levels (you can even get some with wellness plans that include dental care and vaccinations) and see if there's something that works for you.

I personally don't think I'm ever going to own another pet without having pet insurance. It's ridiculous how much easier it is for me to say yes to diagnostic tests or different treatments than it was before because I know I'm going to be able to fit Tiny Bastard's care into our budget.

[beatrixstonehill2]

Veronica smiled as an older man approached her, recognizing him because he was eyeing her ever since she got to the hotel's pool that morning. "Hello, stranger," she said.

"My apologies, I don't mean to stare. That's quite the affliction you have there," the man said.

"Affliction?" Veronica giggled.

"Sorry, I'm Dr. Finch. I treat severe cases of macromastia like yours all the time. Your particular case looks like it's gone untreated for a long while. Is there a reason you haven't had them reduced or removed, as would be my recommendation?"

Veronica blushed. "Wait, you're seriously asking me why I haven't chopped off my awesome natural tits?"

"May I?" the doctor said, stepping forward with his hand out.

Veronica, without hesitating, undid her top and exposed her breasts for everyone at the pool to see, getting a few whistles and cheers. Dr. Finch sat next to Veronica, sensually grabbing her breasts, squeezing and pulling them. Veronica gasped from pleasure, pressing her thighs together. His touch was incredible. "Well? Are they OK?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," the doctor said. "It's worse than I feared."

"What's wrong with them?"

"My dear, they're riddled with cancer." He took her hand, making her squeeze her own breast. "Can't you feel all the lumps and all that unhealthy rotting fat?"

Veronica gasped again as he made her grab her own breasts in just the right spots to get her going. "Oh fuck..... wow. Um..... no, I don't feel anything. I love my breasts."

"Don't delude yourself, sweetie. You love these heavy, bloated, tumor-filled fat bags? I mean, I could always have you committed for saying something so preposterous. Then I could take your choice away from you." He made her squeeze her nipple, down and up her breast, grabbing the other one himself.

Veronica's free hand reached for her sex, rubbing it through her bikini. "Fuhhhh...... Um, I mean.... No need for that." Her breaths trembled. "I think I feel them."

"Do you now?" He made her squeeze extra hard as his other hand pulled her nipple cruelly.

"Yes! Um, I feel all the tumors in my breasts, they're totally overrun with cancer. They're basically just a big set of tumors, aren't they?"

"Yeah, I can't quite say they qualify as breasts anymore. Why would they? They're just oversized bouncy tumors full of rotting fat. I'm surprised they aren't covered in sores you aren't scrambling to pick maggots out of every time you 'wear something cute'."

"That's only happened a few times! ..... Um, does that mean they're really diseased they're rotting?"

"Oh, any day now you'll be having sex and the guy you're fucking will grab them and his fingers will sink right into them like a moldy plum. I can picture you profusely apologizing that they aren't that diseased or rotten, they're just falling apart a little."

"Holy fuck! Ummmm...... I....."

"You dirty little slut. Did you just cum, picturing what I said?"

She nodded, silent other than her quivering breaths.

"Pathetic. Come on, my room is on the tenth floor, I have my mobile surgery kit there. If we're lucky I can get these tumors off your chest before they get even more disgusting than they already are."

"Fffffuuuuck...... please, Dr. Finch..... chop off my tumors.... my agent will understand, I hope...."

"What are you, a model or something?"

Veronica nodded. "I have a big shoot tonight......"

"Oh well. Looks like you'll have to tell your fans you needed emergency surgery, that they've been jerking off to a big set of rotting tumors you falsely claimed were a pair of tits. It's honestly quite shameful of you."

Veronica mindlessly fondled her pussy and breast, no help needed from Dr. Finch. "Thank you.... please chop them off!"

"I dunno, you seem to really like these bloated, maggot-filled tumors of yours."

"What? No! I hate them, I want them chopped of ASAP!"

"Well, I am on vacation. Tell you what, set up a livestream and direct all the donations to me, we'll call it a charity stream. You can happily tell all your adoring fans how much yours big fat tumors need to be chopped off. Maybe if you're good I can fuck you afterwards and make you watch them sitting on my table in a trash bag. Would you like that?"

"Yes, very much so! I'll even make the trash bag my new profile pic...."

"Good girl. Now let's get you upstairs before you embarrass yourself with those gross things even more."

[madi-writes-things]

Partners In Crime

Summary:

Matt leads a dangerous life, and his wife is keeping one hell of a secret. What happens when she almost loses her chance to tell him?

Word Count: 738

TW: Angst with happy ending, hurt/comfort, near death experience, guns, mafia, hidden pregnancy

A/N: This fic is a submission for the Bratzfornick141 writing contest!!! Hosted by @bratzforchris & @nicksbestie (Angst, Mafia X Goody, Taking Care Of Each Other, Hiding a Big Secret)

-Madi <3

“”“”“”“”“”

I stare down at two pink lines on the bathroom counter, as I realize that I don’t know what to do. I love Matt so much, and I know he wants a family together… but it’s not safe with the work that he does. He does his best to protect me from it, but I know I’m always in danger. I know that he would leave it all behind to start a family with me, but I can’t ask him to leave behind the life he built with his brothers.

I’ll just wait until the time is right, and then I’ll tell him. Whatever he decides is going to be okay.

“”“”“”“”“”

Three Weeks Later

I quickly walk through the warehouse, towards my husband’s office. He hates it when I visit him at work, but this is too important to wait. I understand his hesitation with letting me into this part of his life… he just doesn’t want to risk me getting hurt, but there’s no way I let him out of my sight for too long. I’m constantly worried that something will happen to him, but there’s no way that he would leave the empire that he built from the ground up.

“what are you doing here?” He’s already annoyed. I had no choice but come to him, since he refused to come home early. “You know I hate it when you come here, I can’t let anything happen to you baby.”

“I have to tell you something…” All of the sudden it’s like the words refuse to leave my mouth. I didn’t mean to hide it from him for so long, but we’ve seen each other for a total of one hour over the last two weeks… I can’t keep a secret like this anymore. “Matt… I’m p-” all of the sudden I’m getting pushed to the ground by my husband.

I hear it, before I see the reason. It’s all so sudden. The guards tackle a man with a gun in his hand. Then it clicks.

“MATT!” He’s toppling to the floor, and I barely stop his head from hitting the ground.

no.

no.

nononononononono.

this isn’t happening… this can’t be real… wake up!

my husband lays with his head in my lap, gasping for air and wincing in pain. The black button up that he wear is slowly turning a dark shade of maroon.

I place my hand directly under his left rib and push down hard. “MNPHH… Did he hit you?!?!” Matt reaches up to my shoulder trying to decipher whether I was hurt or not.

“No, I’m okay…” suddenly there are guards pulling Matt away from me, and escorting us to a blacked out car. Once we’re in the backseat, I tear open Matt’s shirt…

there’s so much blood…

Shit.

all of the sudden everything starts spinning, as I feel the bile rising in my throat. I quickly reach for my purse and dump it out, before emptying the contents of my stomach into it. I quickly zip it up and turn back to Matt, taking his shirt off completely and using it to apply pressure to the wound. He’s squirming away from my touch, but I can’t stop applying pressure… I can’t lose him.

“I know baby… I know it hurts, but you’re going to be okay… you have to be okay.” I’ve never seen Matt so pale.

why won’t the blood stop?

”it’s o… okay, I love you so much ma, a…and I know that you will be oka- okay, no matter what happens.” He gasps for air. This can’t be real.

“NO!” He looks at me, this time less scared of death, and more scared of me. “You aren’t allowed to die…” he tries to argue again, but I cut him off. “NO, You aren’t allowed to make me a single mother!” I choke on my tears as I say it, and it feels like something in Matt’s eyes changes.

“okay… I won’t leave you alone.” He says softly.

we finally arrive at the safe house after what feels like hours, and they sweep Matt away to get him to emergency surgery. Nick and Chris arrive shortly after.

“WHAT HAPPENED?!?!” Nick screams as he runs up to me. I flinch back at his volume. Chris gently grabs my arm, in an attempt to comfort me.

“it’s all my fault… he pushed me out of the way, and I couldn’t stop him… I think it was someone who works for y’all, the guard tackled him… it was supposed to be me.” I devolved into sobs and apologies, as Chris and Nick hold me. We sit like that for what feels like an eternity.

“”“”“”“”“”

when they finally allow visitors, Chris and Nick tell me to go first. I nearly burst into tears when I see Matt, fragile and tangled in wires.

“Hey, ma… or should I say Mama?” With that I run to his side sobbing. He manages to adjust himself so that I can lay with him. I fall asleep peacefully with him next to me, knowing that our little family will be okay.

“”“”“”“”“”

@unbruisable @bernardsbendystraws @sturniolo-fann @jnkvivi

[shootingstarpilot]

An Interlude on Melidaan

(Please check the tags for content warnings!)

Stitch is sitting with Helix when he gets the call.

Helix had woken up for just long enough to squint, recognize Stitch, mutter something about his head having been trampled by a herd of banthas, and pass out again- enough to reassure Stitch that the surgery had gone smoothly. He doesn't like it when any of them are out of commission, but it had been agreed that de-chipping the medics was a priority so they could facilitate removals of the rest of the 212th when they were underway again.

Helix had volunteered first, with an expression that forbade disagreement. Needle's in pre-op now, Stitch knows- he'd hugged him tight and had told him not to worry, and Stitch had nodded against his chest and had told him he was going to worry anyway because that's what you did for your brothers, and Needle's smile had gone all soft around the edges before he'd vanished down the hall.

Stitch has a very long list of things you do for your brothers, and the list grows longer by the day.

And right behind worrying for your brothers is going to them when they need you.

"Needle?"

He knocks once, twice, three times before a steady voice tells him to come in.

He does.

Needle is sitting on the edge of the gurney, pale-faced, hands clutching the blanket under him so tightly his knuckles are turning white. Another person- Stitch had seen her at Jess's side, but had missed her name- is standing a safe distance away, head tilted back, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Stitch blinks. "What happened?"

Needle laughs, hoarse and hurting. "Nothing yet," he mutters. "I- can't. Apparently."

He shifts. "Sorry about your nose, Rittan."

The surgeon- Rittan- is olive-skinned and square-jawed and has a knot of scar tissue sealing shut the socket where her left eye should be. She wrinkles her nose assessingly, drops her hand, and waves Needle's apology off as she settles into her chair.

Stitch likes her immediately.

"Don't be," she says easily. "I've had worse. I once called a total evac when Bretta tossed me an apple and I saw a grenade. We've all got our own twitches."

It takes Stitch a moment to make the connection.

To realize why he's here.

And then he looks again at Needle's pale face and thinks-

Oh.

Needle glances up.

"I- can't," he bursts out. "I thought I could, but I- can't. I can't have- I can't-"

He stops. His shoulders sag.

"I can't," he repeats helplessly. "I can't. I want it out. I can't."

"But you know-"

"Yeah."

"And that it could-"

"I know."

"Or even-"

"Stitch."

Stitch's mouth snaps shut. Needle winces.

"I... know," he says slowly. "I do. I want it out. I want it out. I want it out."

He stops. Presses his hands hard against his eyes.

"I was this close to lying to both of you," he says eventually. "Tell her I'd get it done on the ship. Tell you I'd gotten it done here. And just-"

He shrugs. Helpless. Hurting.

"It could wipe you away," Stitch says desperately, and regrets it immediately when Needle's whole body jerks.

"So maybe I'll just sit here until the end of fucking time, then," Needle snaps, "because I can't let it stay in my brain but I can't let anyone else's fingers in there either! Not-"

He stops.

Stitch's whole chest hurts.

Not again.

"Sorry," Needle says hoarsely. "Sorry. I- hell. Rittan suggested calling someone, but- you can go. I'll figure it out. You can-"

Stitch has stopped listening.

A slow plan is bubbling to life in the back of his mind.

"Needle," he interrupts, "you trust me, right?"

"I- what? Of course-"

"And you want it out?"

Needle curls inwards, hugging himself.

"I don't want it to happen again, Stitch," he whispers, and Stitch nods.

Needle trusts him. Needle wants it out.

He can't let it be taken out.

But he wants it out.

Okay.

"I am going to get you something to drink," he says decisively. "Because hydration is important. While I think. You'll stay here?"

He's met with a wan smile. "Cross my heart."

Stitch hesitates.

(But Needle does this all the time. And it's- nice.)

After a beat, he cups Needle's face in his hands, leans down, and carefully presses a kiss to his forehead.

Needle's eyes are very wide, when he looks down.

"Did I do that right?" Stitch asks, suddenly feeling unaccountably nervous.

Needle's smile looks more like Needle, this time. "Perfect."

Oh.

That's-

That's good.

Right.

The plan.

He returns with a cup of grape juice.

(Needle trusts him.)

He hands it to Needle.

(Needle trusts him.)

Needle drinks, without a second's hesitation.

(Needle trusts him.)

Stitch catches both him and the cup.

"Pretty strong grape juice," Rittan observes.

She's- watching him.

Stitch meets her gaze. "Propofol," he says quietly. "Grape juice so he won't associate it with water later. I'll be your second."

Another item on the list of things you do for your brothers:

The things they can't.

Stitch is largely silent, as Rittan narrates every step.

Watching.

He can feel his heartbeat in his throat.

At one point:

"There's a lot of scarring," Rittan observes. "More than I'd have expected."

"Yes," Stitch says, and does not elaborate.

Needle is moved to recovery.

Stitch settles down next to him.

He doesn't know how much time passes before Needle's breathing shifts into something shallower. Faster.

Stitch knows panic when he sees it, and pokes him. "Needle."

"Mmph."

"Needle," Stitch repeats, and pokes him again.

"...'ch?"

"Yes. What's my favorite terrasaur?"

A moment of stillness. He sees Needle's eyes flicker beneath his eyelids, hears his breathing hitch-

"Needle. Needle. What's my favorite terrasaur?"

Needle's hands flex, curling into the sheet-

"'s a trick question," he manages. "Y'got two."

"What're the two, then?"

"...Blue. 'N tall."

"See?" Stitch whispers, smiling when Needle's eyes crack open and focus on him. "Still you. Still my Needle."

Needle's brow furrows, puzzled. "You..."

Stitch sits on his hands to stop himself from tapping.

"Stitch...?"

"Propofol in the grape juice," he whispers. "You couldn't. So I did."

A beat. A slow nod.

"Are you angry?"

A slow smile spreads across Needle's face.

"Good medic," he sighs, closing his eyes again, and Stitch carefully leans forward and rests his head on Needle's chest.

Feeling him breathe.

"I learned from the best," he whispers, and Needle's free hand reaches upwards and settles in his hair.

It'll be his turn in a bit, he knows. But Rittan will come and find him.

He's got time.

Needle's asleep by the time Stitch senses someone at the door.

He shifts as much as he can without disturbing Needle and looks up, expecting Rittan-

"Hey," Helix says quietly. He's leaning against the doorframe, eyes bright. "Everything go okay?"

Stitch nods.

There's a lump in his throat.

Helix pushes himself up and makes his way over, his gaze flickering towards the monitors. He stops at Needle's side, brushes his hair back-

Then he leans down and drops a kiss on his forehead.

Quick and swift as anything.

He keeps one hand there when he turns to Stitch.

"Rittan asked me to call you," he says quietly. "You want company?"

Stitch shakes his head. "You have to stay here. With Needle. Okay?"

A faintly puzzled smile flickers across Helix's face as he settles into the other chair. "Okay, Stitch. Second bed in here's free, too- I'll make sure it stays that way for you."

"Thanks, Helix," Stitch says. He gathers himself, stands, makes his way towards the door-

Then he pauses. "Did Needle get that from you?"

Helix glances up. "Get what?"

"The forehead kisses. He's good at those."

Helix snorts a laugh. "Doubt it. I think he was kind before he got here."

Stitch nods.

He thinks so, too.

[elwolfen]

Alfred Molinathon Day 8

The Forger (2011)

Everly Campbell

His Role: When I first watched this a while back, I thought Everly was going to be a more kinder man who takes Joshua under his wing... boy, was I wrong. He is so full of himself and thinks his the most hottest artist in that town, which I can't fully say, I don't fully comprehend the intricances of painted works. But I think it looks nice (when he's not copying others). He does take Joshua under his wing, but for more unsavory reasons. Watching him explain the process of art forgery and take such care with this delicate work was very enjoyable, I would like to see him paint his own work.

His lies of wanting to take in ths lost kid just for the purposes of profiting off his artistic gift? Sly and devious, then to over exert this poor, abandoned, literal child? Even more unethical than just forgery. While what he said about his mother wasn't too far off, it was still a hurtful thing to say towards a kid dealing with abandonment.

It's absolutely twisted for him to keep telling everyone (including Joshua) that it's for Joshua's own good, that this will better his life, and how Everly wishes that someone would've been so grateful as to give him that same chance at honing in on his talent and become successful. While Anne-Marie reasonably calls out his bullshit of not nurturing a child from a terrible situation and profiting off his hard work for his own gain.

For Joshua to go from a physically abusive mother to a mentally abusive, possible father figure is a horrible thing for any kid to go through and I'm happy that he's with someone who truly cares about his him.

I very much enjoyed Everly and Joshua's dynamic beginning to end. Especially how it changed when Joshua hid the artwork and Everly started to squirm at the thought of losing this big gig.

Little tidbit: If I were Joshua and suddenly a very imposing man just walks up behind me very fast and knowing he was pissed? I'd leap from fear so high I'd get stuck in a tree during their little walk and talk scene.

And how did our dear Everly fall from grace? Beautifully. Presenting the totally "untouched" work he "found" to be examined to be a true piece at his birthday party!? What could possibly go wrong? Everything. First, Anne-Marie comes up and tears it with a knife she threatens him with and her announcing his crimes that she had help with a long time ago. That's a bad look already, but oh no, the final nail on the coffin? Underneath the paint was a drawing of Dennis the Menace, a piece of masterful thinking from Joshua. He wasn't ever gonna get away with this, and Joshua has no interest of staying any longer.

~~~

The Rest of the Movie: I did think Amber and Joshua were kinda cute, but slow down was right, Amber! 30 minutes, and this is their second scene together and Joshua is already asking for a kiss? Then, forcibly kisses her anyway? Hormones be damned. It gets a lot less cute when his jealous ass can't behave during the party. Look, I get it, I wouldn't have assumed that was her cousin either by how close they were. I wasn't like that with my guy cousins but to still attack someone like that? Jeez. He didn't even hesitate. And him just lying to Anne-Marie about what happened? Goodness.

Ryan (Amber's brother) really was the true wingman in all of this. Even after all the fights.

~~~

The relationship between Joshua and Anne-Marie was sweet. It's understandable why she took him in so quickly, this kid needs proper care and comfort. Then, to find out an accidental fire caused her only surviving daughter to need life-saving surgery; which she funded from her forgeries. Only for her to die not too long after? I'm sure it was overly agonizing for Anne-Marie to go through, something that finally made her quit that art world. Her seeing more of Joshua's dark drawings of his mother's drug abuse was saddening to know that's all he saw of her. Her final reveal at Everly's birthday was a delight, she had zero fucks to give about this art world. But if I were Joshua? I'd be a little pissed that my thunder was stolen, but still, good for her. Good for them! He finally has a home.

~~~

Ms. Reese going out and searching for his mother like that, is an extra step I appreciate. Just for her to find an absolute mess of a person and to later learn she was abusing him was heartbreaking. All she wanted was to help and finds the worst in parenting.

~~~

In that gif above? I swear I have that same exact flannel that Joshua is wearing under his sweatshirt!

~~~

The Poster Situation:

The first poster? Very obvious that whoever made this was trying to cash in the fact that Josh Hutcherson (Joshua) was in The Hunger Games and decided to use that font. Which is hilarious.

The second fits way more with the movie. I like the feeling it invokes.

And the third, I really like it. It slaps hard, but not for this movie.

[hestiasroom]

India: 80% Organ Donors Women; 80% Organ Recipients Men | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Transcript:

Now let's talk about something that's seldom discussed: organ donation in India. One person is added to the organ donation waitlist every 10 minutes - one person every 10 minutes. It tells you how grave the situation is.

Turns out it also has a gender problem and this is according to the latest data that has come out. Four out of five organ donors in India are women. What about those who receive organs? Four out of five recipients in India are men; in other words 80% of the donors are women but 80% of the recipients are men. So why are these numbers so skewed? Our next report tells you.

Last December Indian politician Lalu Prasad Yadav underwent a kidney transplant. Sounds like a normal procedure a simple transplant surgery but it made headlines everywhere. Why? Because the donor was his daughter Rohini Achara. It was shown as a story of sacrifice; a daughter doing what she could to save her father.

The optics were great but data suggests this is the reality of India's organ donation. It's all about sacrifice and usually it's about sacrifice by women. A recent study analyzed organ donations from 1995 to 2021. 36,640 transplantations were carried out in India; 29,000 of them were for men only. 6,945 were for women. If you put those numbers into perspective basically men were 80% of the total recipients for organ donations but when it comes to donations it's a completely opposite scenario.

Women make up for 80% of the organ donors and who are these women? They are usually wives or mothers when their son or husband needs an organ they are the first to volunteer which makes them living organ donors. You see, organ donation is easier between family members this means they are genetically easier this lessens the risks of rejections but what explains this disparity?

Well the answer is socioeconomic pressure in our society. Men are seen as Breadwinners; women on the other hand are seen as caregivers. More often than not they feel pressurized to donate their organs. On the other hand men think twice in a situation like this; they hesitate to go into surgery which means most men donors in India are cadaver donors. That means they donate their organs only when they're dead.

These are stories that make for great headlines: a mother giving a kidney to her son, a wife giving her liver to her husband. They are shown as the Messiah of sacrifice and it's society that is to blame for this. Organ donation shouldn't happen under any sort of pressure it should be a choice that one should take freely.

That said the whole picture isn't too great also India's organ donation rate is quite bleak. It stands at 0.52 per million people. Every 10 minutes one person is added to the waitlist. In 2022 over 2 lakh patients needed a kidney transplant. Guess how many got it? It was only 7,500 people. That's just 3.4% so you get the gist the numbers are bad which is why more people need to step up not just women but more people should be open to donating organs. It's an act that saves lives.

[mamamittens]

Had the horrifying realization why I've been moody lately, really twitchy, irritated, and had the desire to cry very easily on top of wanting to workshop the arguably saddest parts of Nikia's story lol

Soon my least favorite part of having the full, feminine package

Just trying to piece together their (Thatch and Nikia's) reunion.

Did she ever call or was she just so relieved and hopeful that Thatch was willing to take that step she never got the nerve to? She must have waited weeks with no signs until her father delivered the news by accident.

She stared at her snail for hours, trying not to vomit as she worked up the nerve to call and give her condolences.

She never does.

Thatch, in a brief moment of clarity after surgery before being put under to heal, tells the attending nurse to "tell his angel he'll make it up to her soon" and the nurse assumes Thatch is delirious or speaking of his guardian angel, how else could he have managed to just barely dodge the worst of the blow without realizing Teach's intent?

(Thatch had been working on his haki cause he always wanted to know where Nikia was when he visited, worried and secretly wishing to let her know he would always see her)

So no one ever tells Nikia Thatch is okay, the truth kept secret in case Teach had darker plans that required Thatch dead. Most don't even know Thatch calls her, he bribed one of his brothers who mans the snails to keep his silence. The brother doesn't know her number and assumes Thatch would find a way to call himself.

There was no snail capable of making the call where they put Thatch to rest, a total lockdown of information with the patient kept under anesthetic.

Nikia has to make a rigid schedule to remember to eat. Structuring her days because her minimal appetite is gone, desire to cook stabbed dead. She mourns and keeps to herself, with few the wiser. Reassuring herself that Ace, headstrong Ace, is already going after Teach, and as a relative stranger, she has no right place in that conflict.

No right when she could never find the courage to call herself or even confess while he was alive. So she wears his foulard as a comfort and a reminder of her shortcomings. Hesitation kills, she knows this... And she hesitated for nearly three years.

Thatch wakes sometime shortly before Ace is captured and assumes Nikia had been called, shocked and exhausted but determined to recover. Then he gets the news of Ace's execution and the stress nearly gets him out back under again. Barely managing to behave himself well enough to watch the broadcast.

She insists on joining her father's crew to answer the call, desperate to do what she can to make up for three years wasted with her hesitation. Takes flight while they form a line around Marineford so high up she's mistaken for a bird if she's spotted at all.

Thatch is setting off the heart monitor like crazy but the nurses are too preoccupied watching their little brother sacrifice himself for his own little brother to sedate Thatch. Only for a shot from nowhere to buy them all precious time.

Nikia watches with fury, crying into her helmet as Teach steps out onto the battlefield. She doesn't recognize the sound they echoes in her helmet as human, something between a snarl and a sob as Teach and Whitebeard face off.

Teach laughs and her world spins. Fury burning her lungs how dare he laugh after what he's done--

Thatch sucks in a sharp breath as Teach is killed instantly, a horrible weight lifted as his would-be-murderer is denied his quarry for a second time.

She's sent hurtling again, shocked and nearly dropping her gun as instinct kicks in and she rights herself. Her hands trembling as she looks back to see Whitebeard glaring at the sky, a body laid out at his feet without a face, just a smear of blood.

She didn't even realize she pulled the trigger. She sucks in a sharp breath, lungs shuddering as she steadies herself.

With Akainu handicapped and Teach adruptly dead, the evacuation goes swimmingly, Shanks even showing up to assist. He never looks back as Luffy is carried off by his father's old Captain's son.

Nikia flies back, still well out of sight, and collapses onto the deck sobbing in her father's arms.

She's passed out and tucked into his bed when they receive the message Whitebeard wants to meet "The Marineford Shooter".

Whitebeard is furious when he recognizes Nikia as his old friend's daughter, angry an ally interfered in his fight with a young woman who looks worn and frail. Red eyes and dark circles behind glasses.

A familiar fabric wrapped around her waist as she anxiously pulls it tighter.

Then Whitebeard realizes it's deeper than he expected and she may very well have more reasons to have been there than her father. But she doesn't tell him, eyes anywhere but on him until just before she leaves.

Wounded eyes locking with his.

"I... I-I'm sorry about your son."

Whitebeard makes another call, seeking to settle the debt he owed her for saving Ace's life and possibly his own.

He sees her face when Thatch appears on deck, embraced gently by his brothers who missed him dearly.

He sees when Thatch sees her and what she's still wearing as she slips away before she makes a scene. Grumpy but amused when her father threatens Thatch, who's still healing.

Nikia nearly collapses onto her bed, sobbing with relief and shame that she's still too afraid to talk to him.

Thatch hovering in the doorway as she falls apart. Spooking when he pulls her close and settles back onto the bed, just holding her. Retroactively terrified she was at Marineford while being so proud she went to war on his family's behalf wearing his colors.

"I thought you were dead."

"... I meant to call."

Thatch considers all the reasons he hesitated. All the reasons she probably did as well. Still does as she moves to kiss him and freezes, settling her lips between his eyes while still crying instead of where she clearly intended to originally.

"S-Sorry, you're still injured."

Thatch decided he's hesitated enough. That she's gone far enough for him and his.

"I'll never be too injured to kiss my angel."

He pulls her down and kisses her properly, gently holding her wet cheeks between his palms. Noting that she's lost weight. Her eyes look tired.

His 'death' weighed heavily on her.

But they can talk about it all later. Their fears and future aspirations. Take it slow or fast. Why they both hesitated so long.

Later.

For now, they just hold each other close and rest peacefully for the first time in a very long time. Both of them.

I'm going to go cry now and pass TF out for work lol

[snoffyy]

Not me crawling back into fandom with more grumpy surgeon Zhao trash -

“… surgical management of this aortic aneurysm with… any ideas?”

Blank faces stared back at him. Zhao sighed.

“ANH. Which stands for…?”

A spark of realisation flickered in the face of one of the students up front. They tentatively raised their hand, calling out, “Autologous normovolemic haemodilution?”

Finally.

“Yes,” Zhao said, trying to not let his impatience leak into his voice. This group of students were… quiet, to say the least. “However, the patient’s blood tests revealed that their haemoglobin was not at the desired levels. Why would that be, judging from the biometric data on screen?”

He pointed at the projector screen, a table of values neatly collated (and hastily thrown together one afternoon in-between dictating reports).

Another hand.

“The patient is underweight, so their total blood volume and red cell mass would be below normative range?”

“Very good,” Zhao nodded, tapping the spacebar on his laptop to get to the next slide. “Therefore, I prescribed erythropoietin and an intravenous infusion of iron to increase their haemoglobin levels. I am happy to note that they responded well to treatment and was able to enter surgery as scheduled. A fairly standard procedure. They received postoperative erythropoietin and iron and was discharged. Any questions?”

Several hands flew up.

“Seeing that the patient was underweight, did that influence your decision on the procedure you used for extracorporeal circulation?”

“Not necessarily. I settled on retrograde autologous priming, RAP, as you know it, because it has been proven to be a safer and less invasive procedure for both adult and paediatric patients,” Zhao answered. “Patient safety, of course, is paramount, and I don’t see the benefit in taking unnecessary risks.”

Another question was echoed back at him, and he answered dutifully, mind helplessly wandering back to so many years ago, when he was the student sitting at the front, confusion swirling in his head as he tried to make sense of the case study, the surgeon sitting on the panel seemingly untouchable and intimidating beyond their years.

And now he was the surgeon, taking the place of that almost enigmatic professional with the perfect poker face and unerring air.

Sometimes, he wondered how he ended up here.

.

Closing hours was Zhao’s favourite time at the café. Only a scant few weeks ago, he’d hesitated to stay that long, but Yue had managed to convince him that she didn’t mind and that she enjoyed having someone to chat to while she closed shop. Trust her to insist sending her staff home earlier while she took on the last few tasks herself.

“So, why medicine?”

He jolted out of his chamomile daze (Yue had cut him off after his second cup of coffee, the nerve of her) to raise his head in the direction of her voice.

“Pardon?”

“Why medicine?” she repeated. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked you.”

Where to even begin? His reasons for entering study into medicine was a convoluted process, and a cause of strife for much of his life. At times it felt like he was putting up a front, unwilling to admit that medicine wasn’t his first love; an almost unspoken blasphemy he shouldn’t be divulging.

But something urged him to tell Yue. Something innate knew she wasn’t the type to judge or hold implicit bias against him. She was simply someone who, over the months he’d spent getting to know through simple interactions of buying coffee, had integrated herself into his routine without him noticing or minding.

“My parents wanted me to do medicine,” Zhao confessed. “They were the type who would drag me to tutoring sessions every day after school, made me study ahead of the school curriculum, and told everyone that I was going to study medicine in the future. They never did that for any of my siblings. I was the eldest, so I suppose they placed all their expectations on me. But for whatever reason, I did well enough academically and passed all the applications and interviews to land myself a spot in med school.”

Yue paused in the middle of cleaning to stare at him, surprised.

“But it wasn’t all on them. I met my roommate and eventually best friend in undergrad,” Zhao said, a fond smile beginning to involuntarily form. ��His name was Lu Ten. Now he was the type of person you knew was going to get into med school when he told you he wanted to. He was… brilliant. We suffered through pre-med together, got through the applications together, and got our acceptance letters at the same time. He was an inspiration, and he inspired me to keep going. I wanted to make a difference in the world, not necessarily through healthcare, but in any way I could. It was his drive that drew me in, made me feel that I could be my own person. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him. But…” his smile dropped. “I found out soon enough.”

Yue planted a hand over his, squeezing briefly before she lifted away again, empathetic knowing shining in her eyes.

“What happened?” she still asked quietly.

“Freak accident,” Zhao whispered. “Walking home late at night, got caught between a gang war, and…” he mimed cocking a gun. “Only casualty. Innocent bystander with a brilliant future ahead of him, and he was gone. Just like that. I was at a practical that day and I’d lost my stethoscope, so he lent me his. I still have it.”

He always carried it around in his bag. Still shiny and clean, as new as it was the day Lu Ten had given it to him with a laugh and a tease that he’d better not lose this one or it was going to be counted towards his student debt.

He barely used the stethoscope. It had become something close to a good luck charm. And something told him he wouldn’t throw it away even if it fell into tatters.

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Yue said, eyes brimming with empathy.

Zhao let out a slow breath. “Med school was… a chore. I went through the modules wondering if I should even be there. My parents paid my school fees. They were, uh, well-off, and I suppose it became a matter of pride that I didn’t just up and quit.”

“Something must’ve changed your mind,” Yue surveyed him sharply. “You wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

Zhao ducked his head to conceal a small grin. “I was actually looking up different degrees and jobs. I was tempted to join the navy when I was scheduled to visit a rural hospital in the middle of nowhere for an observation. And that visit changed everything. It’s funny, because I was supposed to be there for mainly ophthalmology, but then one of the cardiac surgeons offered for me to sit in on one of their appointments, and I thought, ‘What the hell? Sure.’”

“Your eureka moment,” Yue laughed. “I can relate. First time I steamed milk correctly, I knew I found my role.”

“Exactly like that,” Zhao curled his hands tighter around the mug. “The cardiovascular system made sense to me. It was the integration point for me to understand all the other systems. I loved it. And seeing it in practice, everything seemed to unravel and connect all at once.”

Yue leaned against the counter. “I’m glad you found your calling.”

“But at the same time, I hated that I loved it,” he admitted. “Something my parents had been pushing me towards my whole life, and the moment I observed my first cardiology appointment, I wanted it as badly as they did. I was at the point of wanting to drop out and go no contact, but then… something just clicked, as cliché as it is to say it. I eventually went no contact with my family anyway, but I walked away with something that I had come to love.”

“My dad didn’t like the idea of me starting my own business,” Yue glanced at one of the paintings hanging on the walls. “He came around eventually. I can’t imagine how hard it was for you to walk away from your family, no matter how much you disagreed with them.”

“It was hard,” Zhao traced the patterns whorled around the mug’s rim. “And harder yet to admit that I came to enjoy the one thing they kept pushing me to do. But I loved medicine in my own way. Just like how you’ve crafted your café in your own way.”

She smiled, and it was in that moment, it felt like a barrier had broken down between them and Zhao was being seen in a way he hadn’t in a long, long time.

“I’m not a very good teacher,” he blurted out, not knowing why. “I go to the panels at local medical schools anyway, but I’m not Lu Ten. He’d have loved it. He wanted to go into paediatrics. I could never.”

“But you’re here now,” Yue said gently. “And you’re making a difference. You like it, don’t you?”

He thought for a long moment, Yue’s smile overlapping with his memories of Lu Ten’s. Any one of the patients he’d had could have been a Lu Ten to someone. Any one of them could have been a Yue. There were people out there worth saving, and then there were people that made saving worth it. Sometimes, there were those that were both.

He wondered how he’d almost forgotten that.

“Yes…” he said softly, watching Yue begin puttering around again with her spray bottle and rag. “I suppose I do.”

[ceknight]

Finally finished the last-minute gift shopping for my nieces (it's Chinese New Year tomorrow so early "Happy New Year!" to you~), now I have time to write down some of my thoughts for the last episode.

First I have to say it again that badass Lucy is the BEST! She totally got me there! Up until the "thus endeth the Lucy Lesson" line I honestly thought she did lose the earring and I was thinking: It's not the relationship that's distracting you honey it’s the constant need to make a cover-up story! Though we enjoy the secret-relationship era but maybe it's time you guys come clean? And then BANG surprise surprise, well-played girl, well-played.

This episode just confirmed again why chenford is perfect together, we all know that Lucy solve her problems by talking them out loud and analyze them, and then Tim is the one to listen (with fake eye rolls), either offer his own opinions or prevent Lucy from over-analyzing things, and also just try to calm her down. Tim is the opposite, he try to bury the problems deep inside and hope it will go away , sometimes( like he was hurt because Ashley broke up with him AFTER HE JUST WENT THROUGH A MAJOR SURGERY) it will go away quite quick, sometimes it will just came blast in his face(like with Isobel before he found her pass-out and realize she's not having an affair) , Lucy is the one to push him to face the problems, make efforts to solve them proactively instead of hiding behind a "everything's all right or sort of" façade. They know each other so well that Lucy never take offence in his fake eye roll attitude and in this episode, we see Tim is not the least bit annoyed with Lucy even though he's spent a whole day worrying himself sick, and it turns out to be a test, because he understand why she's doing it. This kind of trust and understanding is a beautiful thing to see.

I saw a comment on twitter that accusing Lucy of once again "putting her job in the background" and acting immature and I'll say this is absolute bullshit. One thing I'm always admiring for both Lucy and Tim is that they take their jobs as cops seriously, that's why they want to "do things right". What if Lucy's taser is on the wrong side? Its just a small matter; what if Lucy indeed lost the earing and Tim didn't report her? Lucy as hell didn't steal it so it’s a small matter. But with this job, you don't know what will come next, they still worked together perfectly in the hostage situation but what if one of them hesitated a second because they got distracted worrying about the other? We'll never know. By "experimenting" in a controlled environment (thus the Lucy Lesson) they both acknowledge that they can't keep working that way because it will endanger the job, a job that will affect the lives of themselves and other people's. It's not "putting her job in the background", only by acknowledging a potential risk can the risk be avoided, the Lucy Lesson is the exact opposite of "immature".

Since we are talking about how serious they take their job, I would like to address the "Chris" problem. To be fair, since Chris is not a major character and hasn't appear that much, we can only have a vague idea of his character through the bits and pieces. Put my chenford-shipping mind aside, on the appearance, Chris and Lucy seem compatible, they are both young, good-looking people just entering a new occupation and want to make a name of their own, and presumably they are from the similar cultural background (we know Lucy speaks Cantonese and based on the actor, Chris is likely from a family with Asian roots). HOWEVER, the first entering of Chris we saw him quickly put felon tag on a minor, it's not "wrong", but this indicate his heart might not be in the same place as Lucy's . Lucy found her calling in this job because it allows her to help other people, in the "checklist" episode we saw that she won't try to forward her career citing the poor woman for the false plates, even though she's doing this under the rules of the law, and for Tim it’s the same (remember his approving smile?) Can you imagine Chris making the same decision in that scenario? 'cause I can't. Tim and Lucy both care about the people they serve and protect. I'm not saying Chris is not a good guy ,but he seems more like Del Monte (who used to overcharge) in that regard, he might care, but based on the bits and pieces, he might just doesn't care as much. As Aaron said, he's nowhere near Lucy's level (So not a cinnamon roll, WESLEY is a cinnamon roll). AND, I'll bet good money that Lucy's mother will approve Chris over Tim, so obviously Chris can't be the one.

But that doesn't mean chenford is in no fault dealing with their previous relationships. Tim was left of the hook easily, Ashely broke up with him so there's no consequence from Ashely. Chris is a different story, and since Tim is now a COURT liason(I know the team is trying to help him get a new position but I doubt it will happen that quick), he is likely to encounter with Chris, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

[futuregleaming]

Stepping Through

Bleary-eyed, Leiko gently came to, lazily fluttering her eyelids as she struggled to adjust to the light. Where was she again? Right, that crazy mechanic chick’s place. Why did she feel so groggy then? Every part of her was so stiff. If only she could be back home in her nice, comfortable bed. Even her hand felt totally numb.

Wait, something about that thought was triggering a memory in her hazy brain. Leiko slowly sat up, glancing down at the sheets that covered her. Huh, cleaner than expected. She took note of the thin tube snaking out from under the sheet, leading to some sort of fluid drip as well. That piece of the puzzle fit with the rest at least. It wasn’t until she actually moved the sheet that her memory was fully refreshed.

“Gah! Shit!” The reaction was completely unintentional and unfiltered, though perhaps it wasn’t unwarranted considering her entire left hand was replaced with glossy silver metal. Leiko raised her hand in front of her face, turning it around and inspecting it carefully. Well, no wonder it felt numb.

Her inspection was cut short by the sound of scuffling accompanied by a small crash before her surgeon popped into the room.

“Oh good, you’re awake!” Sprocket bounced up to her patient, spinning a chair to face her and taking a seat. “So, how do you feel? Any pain, stiffness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, headache?”

“All those questions might make me dizzy,” she said, still somehow managing to find the coherency to make a snappy quip. “Confusion and stiffness yeah, not so much on the rest.”

“Oh that’s great! Your body’s taking to it well then. Try to give it some movement, flex the fingers, get used to the chrome.”

“Um, alright.” That was a good point. She hadn’t actually tried to move it yet. Cautiously, she tried to move her hand, following the same muscle memory she had from before. The fingers slowly curved and closed, then slowly reopened. Not as fast of a response as she would’ve liked, but at least it was responding.

“I don’t get it, isn’t this supposed to be faster and stronger than my normal body? Why does it feel like my hand is in slow motion?”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be faster eventually. What’s going on now is that your brain is used to moving your hand a certain way, but that’s not the way to move your hand anymore. Your brain has to totally relearn how to move your hand to account for the hardware. With a little practice, you’ll be even better with your fingers than before.”

“W-, Was that a-,” but before she could finish her question, Sprocket continued her explanation.

“As for strong though, see for yourself.” She reached out and placed a chunk of steel piping in Leiko’s hand. “Give it a squeeze.”

Leiko was hesitant at first. For some reason she got the impression that this was some kind of joke at her expense in this strange post-anesthetic daze. Still, she squeezed regardless. Her fingers still moved slow, but after wrapping around the pipe, they continued to tighten, pressing dents into the side of the metal. Despite the numbness, she could feel the power in the grip all up her arm. It was indescribable.

“Holy shit...” she said softly, stunned at the display. It was only a small piece of her, but she’d finally reached her point of epiphany. Chiyo was right. In this moment, she held more power in her non-dominant hand than she’d ever had in her entire body. Technology was the next step in human evolution. Every doubt she’d ever had about their plan melted out of her mind in an instant. For perhaps the first time, she truly believed in their cause.

“S-So,” she spoke up, trying to keep her voice from cracking. “When’s the next one?”

“Alright, alright, slow your roll there girlie. You just got done with a pretty major surgery, and you’re probably a little dehydrated. Just focus on recovering and training that new hand of yours. The more familiar you get with using it, the easier the rest of the installations will be. I’ll grab ya’ some water, then we can get to work on those exercises.”

“Ah... r-right.” Maybe she was jumping the gun a little bit. Maybe she just didn’t understand the process as well as she thought she did. Still, most of, if not all of her body was bound to be like this in time. Hopefully as short an amount of time as possible. Somehow, she was filled with a renewed sense of purpose from this seemingly innocuous action. After all, like Chiyo always liked to remind her, the success of this plan rested squarely on her shoulders.

It would do no one any good to falter before reaching the starting line.

[dog-braces]

Understanding the Mechanics of Dog Hip Braces

Imagine this: your dog, Bailey, once the star of agility courses and long hikes, is now hesitating to jump on the couch or take long walks. You notice her hip seems stiff, and she’s moving with discomfort. After a vet visit, you learn that she’s dealing with hip dysplasia, a common issue in older or larger breeds. As you search for solutions, the vet suggests something you might not have considered—a Dog Hip Brace. But how exactly does a hip brace help, and why might it be the key to getting your pup back to feeling their best?

In this article, we’ll explore the mechanics of Dog Hip Braces, how they work, and why they could be a crucial tool in supporting your dog through hip issues.

What is a Dog Hip Brace?

A Dog Hip Brace is designed to provide support, stability, and pain relief for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery. Much like in humans, a dog’s hip joint can wear down or become displaced, leading to pain and limited mobility. A well-designed hip brace helps by alleviating pressure on the joint, reducing the risk of further injury, and promoting healing.

How Do Dog Hip Braces Work?

While many websites touch on the basic benefits of hip braces, let's dive deeper into the actual mechanics and lesser-known benefits of Dog Hip Braces. Here’s what makes these braces effective for dogs with hip issues:

Compression for Pain Relief: The brace wraps around the dog’s hips and lower back, applying gentle compression. This helps reduce inflammation, which can be a major source of pain in conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis. Compression also improves circulation, speeding up the body’s natural healing processes.

Joint Support: Hip braces are designed to limit excessive movement of the hip joint. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, causing pain with each step. The brace helps by stabilizing the joint, preventing it from moving out of alignment, which reduces discomfort.

Weight Distribution: One of the most overlooked aspects of hip braces is how they redistribute weight. By supporting the hip, the brace shifts some of the load to healthier areas of the dog’s body. This reduces the strain on the affected hip, giving it time to heal and preventing further damage.

Post-Surgical Healing: For dogs recovering from surgery—such as total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy—hip braces can offer much-needed support during the early stages of healing. By minimizing movement, the brace helps ensure the surgery’s success while also reducing pain and swelling.

Stats on Hip Dysplasia and Joint Issues in Dogs

It’s estimated that 15-20% of dogs will experience hip dysplasia at some point in their life, with larger breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes being especially prone to the condition. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), 80% of dogs over the age of eight show signs of arthritis, a common complication from hip dysplasia and joint wear and tear.

Given the prevalence of these issues, finding effective solutions, like a Dog Hip Brace, can be life-changing for your pet.

What to Look for in a Dog Hip Brace

When selecting a Hip Brace for Dogs, there are a few key factors to consider that can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort and healing process:

Custom Fit: Every dog is unique, and a one-size-fits-all brace might not provide the best results. Look for a brace with adjustable straps or, better yet, consider getting a custom-fitted option. The better the fit, the more effective the brace will be.

Lightweight and Breathable Materials: Since your dog will be wearing the brace for extended periods, you want a brace made from lightweight, breathable materials that won’t cause discomfort or overheating.

Durability: Dogs are active creatures, even when they’re recovering from an injury. A brace needs to be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear, especially for more energetic dogs.

Vet-Approved Design: Not all braces are created equal. Look for braces designed by veterinarians or orthopedic specialists who understand canine anatomy and the specific needs of dogs with hip problems.

Real-Life Stories: The Impact of Hip Braces on Dogs

Dog owners who have used hip braces often report significant improvements in their pets' mobility and comfort. For instance, a case study published by the Journal of Veterinary Orthopedics followed a Labrador retriever with severe hip dysplasia. After three months of wearing a Dog Hip Brace in conjunction with physical therapy, the dog’s mobility improved by 65%, and her pain levels decreased dramatically.

Another success story involves a Golden Retriever recovering from hip surgery. With the use of a custom hip brace, his owner reported that the dog returned to normal walking within six weeks—half the expected recovery time.

Conclusion

A Dog Hip Brace isn’t just another tool—it’s a lifeline for dogs dealing with debilitating hip issues. By providing stability, pain relief, and promoting healing, a hip brace can significantly enhance your dog’s quality of life. If your dog is struggling with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or recovering from surgery, a well-fitted brace can make all the difference. Always consult with your vet to ensure the best fit and treatment plan for your furry friend.

With the right support, your dog can get back to enjoying the little things in life—like curling up on the couch or playing a slow, comfortable game of fetch.

Sources:

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

Journal of Veterinary Orthopedics

[boldlyvoid]

Freezer Burns | Chapter Two

Chapter Two | Masterlist

Summary: Eddie has a sweet tooth

Warnings: mutual pining, Eddie's past, parental death, mentioned transphobia and bullying, his mom had cancer, Grandma Beth and Eddie are besties, steves sexuality crisis, background Gareth x Jeff,

Word Count: 4.1k

He spends the whole walk from his work to scoops fixing his hair and hyping himself up. He straightened out his boring grey Guitar World shirt under his jean vest leather jacket combo, he pulled his pants up and adjusted his belt, the closer he got the scarier this all seemed.

He almost turns around and then he’s spotted. 

“Ahoy Edward,” Robin calls to him, forcing him to come all the way in and walk right up to her counter.  

He feels so awkward and weird coming to Steve's work for the chance to see him that he starts to turn pink with embarrassment, “hi… um, is Steve in today?” 

She nods, “yeah, dingus khan is in the back working on the new order we got… did you want me to go get him for you?” 

“No, no it’s fine I just thought I’d ask 'cause I didn’t see him out here with you,” he shakes his head. “Um, can I get a cone of tiger tail while I’m here?” 

She nods and grabs her scooper, “waffle cone or regular?” 

“I only have enough for a regular,” 

“Waffle it is,” she decides, grabbing the cone from on top of the display and sliding the glass door open to access the ice cream buckets. “It’s on me.”

“You’re too good to me, Buckley,” he smiles, calming down a lot. He had only 7 minutes left of his break to enjoy this cone, he wanted to enjoy it with Steve’s company but his best friend's cousin was a good second option. 

“Anytime, Munson,” she packs on another scoop of ice cream so the cone is full and beautiful. “Look at her, she’s stunning!” Robin teases as she hands him the cone over the counter. “A dollar 60 is your total.” 

He hands her two 1 dollar bills and puts the returned change in the tip jar for her and Steve to divi up at the end of the shift. “Thank you for this, um… what time do you get off tonight?” 

“You know better than to ask me out,” she can’t help but tease him. “But 9 o’clock. Steve’s driving me home, why?” 

“Oh, I’m coming over too so I thought I’d offer you a ride if he wasn’t,” he lies, he just wanted to know if Steve would be over without asking if Steve was coming over. “Grandma Beth said that she’s making her shepherds pie for dinner and you know I live for it.” 

“That I do,” she can’t help but laugh, Eddie often went home with the leftovers whenever she made it. “Well, I’ll tell Steve you stopped by, and we’ll see you later?” 

“Yeah, you will,” he gives her a wink and a wave and then he’s off.

He takes a deep breath as soon as he’s free, and his eyes go wide as he shakes his head, he couldn’t believe he built up the courage to go all the way over there to see Steve and he wasn’t even there. 

This stupid crush on Steve Harrington has been plaguing his mind since middle school and was way too powerful now that he’s gotten to know him sightly. Before he’d just stare from afar, admiring the hair and his body and how his eyes lit up when he laughed… and he was laughing often when he was with his friends before he lost them all and ate in his car alone until he graduated. 

Eddie’s always had an eye on him, he went to morning pep rallies to see him when he was the captain of the basketball team and went to Steve’s parties just as an excuse to look at him. His hair is luscious, his face is sweet, and his muscles are nice… he wasn’t even going to bother thinking about Steve’s thighs right now or else he’d pop a boner at work and he didn’t need that right now. 

It took everything in him not to talk to Steve earlier, he knew he was hurting and he wasn’t having a fun time with his family or his friends or his exes… he felt bad seeing him always alone, and then Robin brought him home like a lost dog. He instantly wanted Steve to be in their friend group, but the other boys were still hesitant. 

Before Gareth had his surgery they called him man boobs, the testosterone worked enough to make his face manly, almost too well when all the guys at school genuinely believed he was assigned male at birth so much so they bullied him for having breasts as a boy.

Gare still saw it as a half-win, cause they’ve never not thought of him as a dude. The bullying just wasn’t needed. 

Jeff has been bullied and attacked and harassed simply for being black, no one even cared that he was very visibly, madly in love with Gareth, it was the racism of it all that got him bullied. No matter how much they tried to downplay their relationship around the town and even in front of Gareth’s grandma, they were all over each other when Eddie was around. 

It’s why he had to leave the garage and ran into Steve in the kitchen that first night. His best friends couldn’t keep their hands off each other, they kept stealing kisses and holding hands and being cute and he couldn’t take feeling alone anymore so he got up and left. God knows what they got up to completely alone after that. 

Since the first night, they’ve had a few more kitchen run-ins, sharing plates of reheated dinner and sweet chats and subtle touches. They got closer each night, he was so sure there was something fruity about Steve Harrington but he’d be the last person on earth to ever overstep and ask him or make a move or even hint that he wants Steve back... assuming that Steve wants him at all.

“Munson,” his manager calls to him the second he’s back in the store, “line one on the phone is for you.”

“Oh?” He is so confused, no one’s ever called him at work before. 

He makes sure to take the last few bites of his ice cream and clear his mouth before picking up the phone. He takes a deep breath and hits the button for line 1, “hello?” 

“Hey,” Steve’s sweet voice was so noticeable to him. “Robin said you stopped by, you okay?” He only asks because they’ve made it a habit of checking up on each other. 

Most nights start with the same question, “how was work?” And slowly it becomes them sharing small grievances with the day, things that they loved and things that they wished would happen the next day. Talking to Steve in the refrigerator light was better than writing in any journal, he kept every single thought to himself and made Eddie feel so secure in their blooming friendship. 

“Yeah,” he can’t help but smile. “I’m fine I wanted to know if you were coming over to Gareth’s tonight… and Robin said you are.”

“I am, I wouldn’t miss shepherd's pie for the world,” Steve agrees. “You guys got anything planned tonight?” 

“Not that I know of, why?”

“I could pick up some movies and all of us could watch them together?” He suggests. “I’d really like to get to know your friends too.” 

That makes his heart swell impossibly big, “yeah… I mean, even if the guys don’t want to, I’d still love to watch a movie with you and Robin, or just you? I’m sure grandma Beth won’t mind us using the tv as long as we’re quiet.”

“Yeah,” he can practically hear the blush on his cheeks. “Anything you like?” 

You. 

“Uh, nothing particular, I’m good for anything,” he covers up his feelings. “But I’ve got to get back to work before my boss yells at me for hogging the ph—

“Yeah no, don’t let me hold you up, I’ll see you later?” Steve cuts him off, worrying immensely. 

“That you will, pretty boy. Have a good rest of your shift, I gotta go, ” he drops the nickname and then hangs up the phone so he can’t experience the repercussions of his actions. 

Feeling like he just ran a marathon, he has to hold his chest to catch his breath. He feels like a complete fool being down so bad for the ex-king of Hawkins but who could blame him?

“You okay?” His boss notices, “someone die?”

“That would be the worst way to ask if someone did,” Eddie jokes, “but I’m fine… I think I’ve got a date later?”

“Cool,” the older man nodded with approval, lips pressed together in an awkward smile that was hidden mostly by his moustache. “Can you go in the back and tell me exactly how many boxes of bass stings we’ve got left? I sold the last ones on the shelf.”

“Totally, you want me to rest all the shelves and put more on the order sheet?” Eddie asks, knowing the store like the back of his hand. 

“You know it, kid,” he points a finger gun and him and heads back towards the cash register, leaving Eddie with his thoughts for the rest of his shift. 

—

Eddie gets off work at 6, leaving the closing shift to his boss and rushes back to his trailer to change. He puts on more deodorant and cologne and a nice burgundy shirt, debating on his regular jacket or not, he decided fuck it and wears a black jean jacket instead to match his jeans. 

The boys all ask why he’s so dressed up lately and he pretends to not know what they’re talking about. Even Grandma Beth compliments him on looking nice, thinking he had a date later or something…. How the heck did she know everything?

He helps her clean up after dinner, placing the leftovers into different Tupperware containers so he can take them for lunch at work tomorrow and the next day. He’s quiet, normally he talks her ear off while she does the dishes and he dries them for her. She doesn’t ask why, much like Robin in the way she waits for people to come to her when they need something. Be it advice, a hug, or anything. 

“Would you be okay with me staying over tonight?”

“What do you think?” She bugs him for asking. “Why don’t you want to go home?”

“If I tell you a secret you’ve gotta promise not to tell anyone? Not even in passing or as a hint or a joke, nothing…” Eddie whispers to her, even though the boys weren't off making out somewhere and not able to hear. 

She nods softly and gives him all her attention, “always, sweetie.” 

“I really like Steve.” 

Her eyes widen but she stays quiet, wanting him to explain more but she also gets it. He’s pretty, of course, Eddie noticed. 

“And he wants to watch a movie tonight so I said we could do it here 'cause if I bring him home and Wayne sees him then I’m dead,” he rambled until it all falls out. 

“I thought Wayne was okay with you liking boys?” 

“He is,” Eddie sighs. “Just as long as the boy isn’t a Harrington.”

“Why?” She can’t imagine why he’d have a problem. 

“Something happened between his dad and Wayne at the plant and I don’t know what exactly, and honestly, at this point, I’m afraid to ask,” Eddie explains. “He would murder Dick Harrington with his bare hands if given the chance.” 

“Damn,” she looks disappointed, wanting all the hot gossip Eddie normally had for her but getting nothing. “I’m sure it’s not that bad, just work problems and differences in opinion, maybe? Or he didn’t give Wayne a promotion? Or said something about your mom’s cancer?”

Eddie shrugs, “he’s hated Steve’s dad since we moved here, something happened in ‘71 and he’s hated him since.”

He can see the gears turning in her head, trying to think about what happened that year in their little town, “that was the year Dustin, Lucas and Mike were born,” she recalls Eddie’s newest little friends who were already trying to audition for hellfire next year when they started grade 9. 

“Yeah,” he agrees, having no clue how she knew that but then again, she asked so many questions when new kids entered her home. She had to make sure they were okay. “But anyway, is it okay if we watch a movie here?” Eddie asks, “we’ll be really quiet, I promise, I just want to spend time with him.” 

“Does Robin know?” She asks carefully, “won’t she think it’s weird if she comes down and see you two on the couch?” 

He shakes his head. “I don’t think he’s told her anything, right now we just meet in the kitchen at midnight and talk for a bit until I head home. He slips out of her room when she falls asleep and she has no idea he’s even gone.” 

“Interesting,” she purses her lips. “Just promise me you won’t be having sex on my couch?” 

He laughs, shocked and startled a bit, “no, oh my god, beth?” 

“What I know Gareth and Jeff are,” she reveals. “It’s why you’re always in here with me, isn’t it?” 

He turns pink, unable to lie so he just nods slightly, “but I never said it.” 

“As much as I like collecting you kids, I don’t need a great-grandchild,” she reminds him. “They just better be safe.” 

“If it makes you feel better they haven’t had sex yet,” he shares honestly, “they just make out like they’re addicted to each other and it’s annoying.” 

“You’ll find that,” she can’t help but smile at him, it makes his cheeks heat up bright pink. 

They’re talking so long that Steve walks in the door with robin, giggling away with each other as they kick off their shoes and rush up the stairs to her room and the bathroom to change out of their uniforms. They don’t even check the kitchen to see Eddie there, he just watches them move up the stairs and panics. 

“I’m going to go to the garage now… thank you for letting me talk,” he places his hand gently on Grandma Beth’s shoulder and she pulls him in for a hug. 

Damp hands from the dishes rest on his shoulders as she holds him close. “There’s popcorn in the pantry, have a good time tonight?” She whispers so no one would hear if they entered the kitchen. 

“Thank you,” he squeezes her one last time and then let's go, giving her a sweet smile before backing away and heading for the garage. 

He tries not to run but he rushes down the hallways because he can hear Steve laughing with Robin up in the hallway as they change. When he reaches the garage door he knocks and opens it barely an inch with his eyes closed, “I’m coming in you better be dressed!” 

They both laugh, “you’re fine,” Gareth calls back. 

When Eddie walks in, he finds Gareth sitting in Jeff’s lap, lips swollen and pupils blown out in euphoria from each other's touch. “What took you so long?” Jeff asks. 

“There were a lot of dishes tonight,” he explains as he takes a seat on the dusty old green couch in the corner. “And I like talking to your grandma, sue me.” 

“Nah,” Gareth waves him off and snuggles against Jeff. “I’m glad you’re friends, really. It’s cute.” 

“Thanks,” he grumbles, hating that he has to witness the scene unfolding in front of him for a few hours until he’s free to go find Steve in the kitchen. “You two are disgusting, you know that right?” 

“Yep,” Jeff doesn’t even give a shit as he kisses Gareth one more time. “This is the only place we can do this.” 

“I know,” he whines. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” 

“Go get laid then,” Gareth suggests. “Seriously, you’ve been insufferably touch-starved for months, it’s getting annoying for us too.” 

“Gee, thanks,” he kicks his legs up onto the seat and stares up at the ceiling. This was going to be a long night until he saw Steve.

—

He thinks he’s taking his time and looking unsuspicious, getting ready for bed ever so slowly as Robin lays in her bed on the bottom bunk, watching him act weird. He’s all but pacing back and forth from the dresser to his bag as he keeps looking at himself in her mirror over her wardrobe. 

“Why are you always in a rush to head downstairs?” Robin can practically feel the anxiety radiating off him 

“Huh?” He plays dumb but his tomato skin gives it away. 

“You sneak out of my room every night and then you come back at 1 or 2 and you are so grumpy when we have to wake up at 10. It’s weird Steve… where are you going in my house?” She asks, revealing just how much she pays attention to him and what he’s getting into. 

It’s not something he’s used to. 

His parents barely remembered he was living with them, so it was easy to sneak around when they were home. That wouldn’t work with Robin. 

“I like to sit in the kitchen completely alone and decompress before bed,” he explains, it’s almost true… if he just said Eddie was there with him then it would be the truth. 

“You’re okay though, right?” She worries. 

He nods softly, “I just like to be alone for a bit before I go to sleep. I’m really used to being alone.” 

“Okay,” she lets out a sigh of relief. “Well, you don’t have to wait for me to go to sleep, you can go downstairs whenever you please… do you ever run into Eddie down there?” 

He nods, “he’s always eating.” 

She laughs but then gets frustrated, “I know! I go down for a snack sometimes and he’s eaten everything already! He better not eat my rainbow brownies in the cupboard, can you make sure he doesn’t?” 

He just nods, not sharing that it's exactly why he brought home Ice cream for Eddie and extremely glad that she didn’t suspect that they hung out together every night that he slept over… and even a few nights where he didn’t and Eddie walked him to his car and followed him down the street in his van until they turned opposite ways and went to their respective homes. It was nice, he felt like Eddie really liked him and wanted to make sure he was safe and cared for. 

“I’m gonna go…”

“Okay, just be quiet when you come back in,” she’s fine with it, pulling her blankets up and grabbing a book, it was barely midnight. 

“Okay,” he agrees, but he says it more because he wants to feel okay himself. He takes another look in the mirror and then he heads out of her room, closing the door quietly behind himself. 

He rushes down the stairs and turns into the kitchen to see absolutely no one in there. “Oh…” he feels his heart drop, wondering if Eddie forgot or if he’s not coming at all now that they’ve actually planned it all out. 

Now that it felt real.

—

Eddie accidentally falls asleep on the couch waiting for midnight to roll around. It takes a shove from Jeff for him to wake up. He stares at him like he’s terrified, eyes wide and hands gripped into fists, ready to swing. 

“You were snoring,” Jeff explains. “Go home or go sleep in the living room.” 

“Ugh,” he groans as he sits up and rubs his eyes. “What time is it?” 

“Quarter after midnight,” Gareth explains from the other side of the room, cleaning off his bed so that he and Jeff can head to sleep soon. 

“Fuck,” he stands quickly and grabs his things, “shit…” 

“What’s so important that you’re missing?” Jeff teases, “your hand expect you home at a certain time?”

“Fuck off,” Eddie doesn’t have time for it. “I have a date with Beth's leftovers and then my bed, if you must know.” 

“Sure,” Gareth teases.

With all his things in his hands, he rushes to the door, “bye! I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“See ya!” They call back. 

Eddie rushes to the kitchen, it’s empty, and his heart drops.

He missed it, Steve was tired of waiting, he fucked everything up like he always does. Smacking himself in the forehead, he’s pissed at himself. “You fucking idiot.” 

“Eddie?” He hears Steve from the other room so he follows his voice, meeting him halfway. “Hi…” 

“I didn’t forget,” he rushes out his thoughts as he lunges for Steve, holding his arms in his hands. “I fell asleep on the couch in the garage, I’m so sorry.” 

“It’s okay,” Steve manages to laugh but then stops still, reaching out to pick the sand out of eddies eyelashes. He closes his eyes so he doesn’t get poked, “you’ve got sleep in your eyes…”

“Thanks,” Eddie smiles at him every so softly. “Can we still watch something?” 

He nods, “if you want? Or we can just sit and talk? Or if you’re tired you can go home?” 

“No, no, I want to stay here with you,” he assures Steve. “Come sit,” he drags him back over to the couch and sits, Steve beside him, thighs touching… he almost sat down on him and then he moves away. 

Steve sits with his back against the armrest and one leg tucked under himself so that he can face Eddie. With his arm resting on the back of the seat, he looks so hot just sitting there with the moonlight shining through the window behind the couch. It makes one side of him blue, but the lamp light in the room turns the rest of him orange, he looks godly. 

“How was work today?” Eddie finally asks. 

“Good,” he smiles. “I did the order, but you know that… and I brought home some tiger tale for you so you won’t eat all of Robin's brownies in the pantry.” 

“You’re too kind, Harrington,” Eddie smiles back. “Did you get any for yourself?” 

He shakes his head, “I’ve lost my love for ice cream, unfortunately.” 

“What?” Eddie can’t believe it. “Come on, there’s no way you’re sick of it already, it’s only been a few weeks?” 

“When you’re around something all the time, you grow tired of it,” he explains. “Like a bad marriage.” 

“You tryin’ to tell me something?” Eddie teases, glaring at him playfully. “I don’t wanna be a home wrecker.” 

“I’m not married,” he laughs, reaching forward and smacking Eddie’s arm. 

Eddie grabs his hand and pulls him in close. Steve, in a moment of confidence, sits in Eddie’s lap, facing him, knees on either side of his hips resting on the couch cushion while he stares Eddie down, hoping this is okay and only asking with his eyes. 

“Well, then I guess I shouldn’t feel bad for liking you this much,” Eddie whispers, tucking a strand of Steve’s hair behind his ear and resting his hand on her cheek. “Who knows… maybe we could find a better treat together.” 

“One without the freezer burns,” he smiles. “Something warm and cozy and nice… like you.” 

“You think I’m nice?” Eddie cups both his cheeks this time, smiling impossibly wide. 

Steve giggles, “yeah? You are… I wish I was always nice to you too. I wish I was friends with you instead of Tommy. I wish everything was different.” 

“Hey,” he caresses Steve's cheek with his thumb, “you’ve got me now.” 

“do I?” Steve looks terrified. “How? How does this work? What do I call it? Why does it feel so fucking scary?” 

Eddie shrugs, “I don't have the answers. And you don't need to have them either. We can just be… it’s really easy to pretend things are fine.” 

“I don’t know who I am anymore,” he whispers, breaking down. “I was so sure of so many things and then a few years ago it all came tumbling down and I can’t rebuild any of it. I’m surrounded in rubble, eds.” 

“Come here,” he pulls Steve into his chest, rubbing his back with strong hands as he cuddles into his neck and settles against him. “You can tell me about it, about what happened?” 

“I don’t know how,” he whispers, sniffling slightly. “I—I just… I know I like you, I know it’s not like how I thought I was crushing on Robin when I really just wanted to be her friend or how actually being friends with Tommy meant sleepovers and drunk kisses and weird possessiveness… I like you, okay? But— but—

“You don’t know how,” Eddie gets it. “Thats normal. Valid even.” 

Steve holds him a bit tighter, “don’t take it the wrong way. Please? Don’t get weird about it, either.” 

“I won’t,” he smiles softly, turning his head to the side to rest his cheek on Steve’s head. “You can come to me for advice, for silence, for company, solace… cuddles, kisses, friendship, more… I’m here.” 

“And when you’re not I know where to find you.”

General Taglist 

@ncsls0515 @stevesmunsons @reidsbookclub @wroteclassicaly @sweetyyhippyy @manuosorioh @mrs-dr-reid @k-k0129 

Steddie

@nosaladallowed-ao3 @maya-custodios-dionach @wifeyreid 

[my-shields-are-down]

What's ur thoughts on the break up? Should Tim have broken it off?

Personally if Tim did break up with Ashley then he'd have to face his feelings for Lucy and I dont think he's ready to just yet.

Thanks for the question! People might be surprised by my answer - especially since I have been anti-Ashley (I call her Voldie in most other places, but not today) for awhile now.

I have mixed feelings about “the break up”. Turns out I have quite a lot of thoughts on this (and some tangents), so this might be long.

First, on the surface the manner in which Ashley broke up with Tim was harsh - a total dick move. She couldn’t wait until he was coherent, she had to dump & dash the instant he was opened his eyes? She couldn’t wait until he was clear of anesthesia? Completely heartless. Rude.

And yet, on another hand, she had an epiphany at some point that a life with Tim where he stays in his job and doesn’t retire is not a life she can lead - so she swiftly takes action and goes. I am all about action, deciding or recognizing what works or doesn’t, what you want and going after that?! Fuck yeah, I support that big time. That said, I would have waited - because that was the more compassionate, empathetic way to do it. The way Ashley has been written, neither of those two things would be considered her top qualities. Lucy? Yes, definitely. Ashley? Not so much.

I think there were clues from the beginning of the episode that this could happen.

1) Tim mentions being on Whole 30 - it was Ashley’s idea in reaction to her dad having some health issues. Ashley and her Dad are wickedly close - I bet she is freaking out that his health could be at risk- so she’s desperately trying to control her life. Tim is part of that world - so he gets controlled to.

2) Ashley got WAY too excited about the possibility of Tim retiring. I felt like she was on a game show and the host had just said, “if he retires, tell her what she’s won Bob!” For a first time conversation on the topic she just barreled through all the possibilities and benefits like it was a done deal. Which made me think that she’s had this conversation with her Dad on more than one occasion and Dad regrets not taking advantage sooner - or he says he does.

She then brushes off Tim’s idea of traveling to see a MLB game in every stadium - which first, I raised my hand and volunteered to go with him, and second I think she does that all the time with Tim. The few scenes we saw her in were about Tim changing to meet her wants and needs instead of them growing together in a new direction.

3) Neither Tim nor Ashley asked any questions about the surgery. Granted because of their jobs as first responders, they’ve have some trauma training and advanced first aid classes. But this is major surgery, major not because of method - the fact they can do a minimally invasive procedure is fantastic, but major because the spine is involved. Like the brain, there’s so much unknown about the spine and the nervous system and LUCY is the only one who asks about the dangers involved the surgery. No one asks about side effects, or lasting damage, recovery times, PT, pain management, etc etc. I get being shocked, but this is why you take someone with you to ask questions while you sit there and freak out about knives being near your spine.

4) Ashley just stood there. She wasn’t holding his hand, or sitting next to Tim in the bed providing comfort and care before during or after the doctor’s visit. She was facing him like an adversary as opposed to sitting next to him as a partner or team member. Without knowing how she and Tim interact when alone, I read this as she was starting to distance herself from him. With him, but not.

She’s not overtly affectionate, she’s very reserved, hesitant almost and I think insecure. She rarely looks Tim in the eye for any extended period of time, and she’s not aware or open to Tim. I don’t think she loves Tim as he is. I think she loves the version of Tim that she’s created in her head, if he changes x, y, z then he’ll be perfect. A confident person loves and accepts themselves, I don’t think Ashley does. She kept looking to Tim for validation, that’s not confidence.

I said it in another post, but I think Ashley’s relationship with her Dad really shapes her relationship with Tim. She’s the apple of Jerry’s eye. I am sure Jerry doted on her and always let her have her way. So she manhandles her relationship with Tim to recreate that type of relationship where she’s the focus, and she controls everything.

Because things with her most important male (Jerry) are taking some hits because of his health, Ashley’s relationship with a Tim is receiving the backlash of that. She’s going to want Tim to provide her with a life that gives HER happiness - a lifeguard in Bali, living with Tim off his free money. When she realized that wasn’t going to happen, she bailed and ran.

I don’t think Lucy ever really entered into Ashley’s mind about the break up other than as a passing thought that Tim has a large cop family to support him.

===

I think if we had waited for Tim to break up with Ashley, we would have been waiting a long time. Tim liked Ashley. He cared about her. I think he was stung when she left him - more proof he’s unlovable, that people who love him, leave him. She was safe. Tim knew what to expect in his relationship with Ashley.

Being in a relationship with Lucy is wholly overwhelming for Tim. Like space, it’s undiscovered territory. He’s been in love - but Isobel didn’t know him as well as Lucy does. He has female friends - but he does not long for Angela like he longs for Lucy. I believe Tim doesn’t think Lucy likes him likes him or more importantly doesn’t think she loves him loves him. Yes, she’s attracted to him and yes, she willingly invited Tim into her home for a night of sexual pleasure. But she said it was biology. He doesn’t yet know it wasn’t just that for her.

IMO Tim never would have broken up with Ashley unless Lucy broke up with Chris and she told Tim that it wasn’t pretend for her. That she loves him and wants to be with him. Lucy, however, is waiting for Tim to do the same thing. She’s waiting for Tim to say he wants her, that he desires her, that he loves her. They are both waiting for the other to make the first move.

Right now, Tim’s overwhelmed with feelings. Feelings about Ashley and their break up. Feelings about Lucy. Feelings about her spending the night in the hospital with him. Feelings about surgery, retirement, marriage, babies, his sister, selling his childhood home, his dad dying, etc. He’s got more feelings on top of feelings, intertwined with other feelings that he doesn’t know which way is up. Before he can do anything, he has to untangle them all, acknowledge and name them and accept and process them. I bet he deals with Lucy first because SHE is the most important thing to him.

Thankfully, Tim is much more adept at dealing with them now. He’s strengthened his emotional intelligence muscle (thank you Lucy), but he’s not a talker - unless he talks to Lucy. He’s an avoider - and he’s going to avoid Lucy because it hurts him not being able to fully connect like he wants to. As he realizes how in deep the connection is with her, I don’t think he’ll be able to do it half way. Unless, there’s an imminent threat to losing her, I don’t think he’s going to be able to let her back in not all the way- his struggle with wanting to be near Lucy vs letting her in all the way, will play out on Tim’s super expressive face.

Tim is in feelings overload- so I expect Tim to revert back to TO Tim or try to at least. I loved that version of him. I’ve loved Tim since day one. He was in self-preservation mode. A hard shell and big time walls preventing people from seeing the anguish and heartbreak over losing his wife. Imagine it - you are married and one day your spouse disappears. Gone. How would YOU handle that? What would YOU be like in the world? Would you put up walls so you could cope? Or would all your emotions be on display 24x7? Or somewhere in between? Tim likely will distance himself emotionally with extreme professionalism as a way to keep his feelings hidden and in check. Without Ashley he now has no protection from Lucy, his feelings are going to be more obviously on display. He will probably make some bad decisions along the way. Until he opens back up and let’s Lucy back in.

Anyway… my 25 cents on the topic.

[feralaot]

AOT characters + an FTM!reader s/o

I had a few requests asking for different characters with an FTM reader so this is just a compilation combining all of those!

warnings: brief mention of dysphoria, brief mention of transphobia

modern setting

Armin

oh lord he’s so sweet. he almost cries when you come out to him because he’s just so honored and happy that you trusted him enough to tell him something like that

after coming out he immediately drops your dead name and uses your preferred pronouns on the spot. he cares a lot and wants you to know that he supports you endlessly

if somebody says something rude to you armin will try to passive aggressively educate them because that’s his boyfriend they’re disrespecting 🤬

if you’re post op and are comfortable with being shirtless around him, armin might offer to paint on your chest and scars. it’s a huge part of his love language and he wants to show you that your body is beautiful no matter what it’s been through. flowers, landscapes, constellations... anything that he thinks is beautiful

with that being said his favorite flowers are cornflowers so expect a lot of those being painted on your skin

Jean

don’t even worry about anyone purposely misgendering you or saying something disrespectful, jean will literally beat them up no hesitation

he’s not very good at comforting someone but he sure does try. awkward pats on the backs calling you handsome and reaffirming your gender identity will probably be the method

he’s definitely a himbo and doesn’t understand it completely so you can expect to get a lot of questions from him about your identity but he won’t push any boundaries or ask uncomfortable things

he does however try his best to research on his own and educate himself to learn what to do to best suit your needs and be as respectful as possible :)

really doesn’t care how masculine you look or how well you pass, no matter what he’s gonna claim that he’s “the worse looking one” in the relationship and he’s totally okay with that

Levi

seems like the kind of person to not give a shit what your gender is. if he likes you and you like him, why should it matter? he doesn’t mind at all is what I’m basically saying

however don’t let that fool you. he’s very gentle and never pushes your boundaries. he’s also going to throw major hands with anyone who’s being transphobic 🙄

while he does seem to give off the attitude that he doesn’t care about anything he does care immensely about you and your mental health. he’s open 24/7 if you ever want to vent to him, he’ll listen with no complaints and be very thoughtful.

he’s surprisingly accommodating for you. obviously being levi’s anything is a difficult task since he’s so closed off to people in general but if he really trusts you then you’ve definitely earned it and you two are inseparable

his love language is using lots of positive affirmations and validating words like “handsome”

Hange

we already know that hange is going to be over enthusiastic about you and your transition, especially if you decide to medically transition. they’re gonna want to know everything about it and always tag along to your bloodwork tests

they’re also hands down the best shopping buddy, they’ll always offer to take you to whatever store you want and buy you whatever clothes you want

if somebody were to say something rude about you or them hange wouldn’t even bother trying to explain they’d just go straight to yelling profanities because “you can’t help stupid” 🙄

if / when you get top surgery they’ll be babying you through the entire recovery process; making sure you took your meds, making sure you have enough blankets, making sure you’re never hungry or thirsty. it’s adorable but can get just a little obnoxious after a bit LMAO

if you aren’t publicly out and don’t want other people to know quite yet, rest assured that it’s completely safe with hange. they may be a loudmouth but they know that this is a level of trust that can never be betrayed. they refer to it as “confidential”

Reiner

we have another himbo here that doesn’t know much about it but he sure does try his best to learn everything he should know so that he doesn’t accidentally say something insensitive

eventually he becomes well versed in vocabulary and quickly realizes that, yes, he is in fact gay for being attracted to you

he asks a lot of questions but stammers and stutters and apologizes as he expresses them. a lot of his questions are asking for clarification on things or specifics for how he can best accommodate your preferences. what’s okay to say in public? how do you prefer to be addressed? he sweats bullets honestly

he’s the most willing to go to pride events because we already know he’s a flaming homosexual and is willing to be loud about it, you’re his boyfriend and he’s gonna be proud of it

he’s gonna validate you with small mocking compliments like “ugh, stop being so damn handsome, I can’t even look at you!”

Bertholdt

when you came out to him he could tell that you were visibly nervous, so he immediately pointed out that it’s absurd to think he would be uncomfortable with it. he’s supportive all the way with whatever you decide to do and will be there for guidance if you ever need it.

he always offers you his clothes because naturally they’re probably very baggy compared to your normal size so a lot of your closet is just sweaters that you’re borrowing from him but he doesn’t mind because he thinks you look adorable in them 💗

I think he’s sort of touchy but it’s not something you see from him much in public, only in private. every day he would ask what you’re okay with, especially if you’re particularly dysphoric. he also checks in through the day to see if anything has changed

if you’re post op and comfortable with being shirtless he would like to gently trace your scars and tell you affirming things about how your body is beautiful, your scars don’t define you if you don’t want them to, etc

he’s very gentle and considerate and will never press you for details that you aren’t comfortable sharing or push any boundaries whatsoever

Annie

she acts like she doesn’t care very much but in fact she’s very grateful that you had enough trust in her for you to feel safe coming out to her. she doesn’t think a lot of people trust her but once you told her this fact she felt.... appreciated

she already knows a bit about gender stuff (porco is a trans guy too, so she had to deal with him when he was going through his transition as well) so you can take it easy and not have to worry about explaining things to her very often

she always reminds you to take your hormones or any medication you need, she’s very thoughtful and probably remembers your schedule better than you do LMAO you better take care of yourself or she’s coming for you

she says a lot of things like “handsome” and “my boyfriend” completely on purpose because that little flush on your face you get when she does is always worth seeing

if you’re okay with it, she’s very physically affectionate and will gently touch your chest or kiss your scars, just making sure that you know you’re appreciated in her eyes no matter what anyone else thinks about you.

[youbloodymadgenius]

Home (Modern!Ivar x reader)

A/N: This is my entry for @maggiescarborough​‘s 400 Followers Challenge. Congrats again, love 🌺

This is another silly, fluffy thing. It’s probably boring, sorry 😔

Since Ivar is undoubtedly a Scorpio, this story takes place in November 😉

The prompt: surprising the character on their birthday.

@geekandbooknerd​, thanks for beta reading this for me ♥️ And @inforapound​, thanks for helping me out ♥️

Thanks to google translate too 😉 jeg er allerede begyndt at lære dansk: I've already started to learn Danish.

Let me know if you want to be tagged 😊

Divider by @firefly-graphics​

Summary: On his birthday, Ivar is in a very bad mood. The only present he wants is you, but there is an ocean between you two.

Warnings: Ivar’s bad temper (is that ever a warning??); soft, soft Ivar; fluff+++.

Words: 3209

When his phone rings, Ivar's first thought is to throw it across the room. Looking down, he then sees the name on the screen and closes his eyes. Snippets of his days run through his mind: how he had snapped at Ubbe – I don't give a shit about what you're saying, brother; how his outburst had brought to tears his new personal assistant – if you don't even know how to make a fucking coffee, I should probably fire you; how Harald, his longtime business partner, had hung up on him, angering him even more – you may be smart, Ivar, but when you're such in a bad mood, you're worthless. I'll call you tomorrow.

 Ivar knows he needs to calm down. He's so pissed off – at everything – that his right quadriceps is constantly spasming, his thigh as hard as rock. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, he sighs loudly, pinches the bridge of his nose and eventually grabs his phone.

 "Mor?" He's sure his mother won't fail to notice the hint of sharpness in his voice. She won't acknowledge it, though, used to his temper.

 "Hello Darling." There's a tremendous amount of love packed in those two little words, yet it doesn't bring a smile on his stern face. "I just wanted to let you know that Sven is on his way. He left Kattegat forty minutes ago. He is going to take you home."

 Clenching his jaw, Ivar stops himself from telling his mother that Kattegat, for him, is no longer home. Not anymore. The truth is, he doesn't know where home is. Home isn't his luxurious loft in in the very center of Copenhagen either. Home should be where you are. But you're so far away…

Ivar clears his throat. "I still don't get it, Mor. Why should I go with your chauffeur? You do know I can drive, don't you?"

 "Oh, honey, of course I do. But we've been over this, remember? You had to work the whole day, on your birthday, and I just want you to relax. Traffic can be brutal this time of day. Just let Sven bring you home. Maybe take a nap in the backseat, or just allow your thoughts to wander. I want you to be rested tonight, sweetheart." His mother pauses for a few seconds, and when she speaks again, her words are careful, her tone almost hesitant – so unlike her, his heart softens a little. "You did pack a bag, didn't you?"

 Ivar can't help but roll his eyes and then settles his gaze on a brown leather duffel bag right next to his mahogany desk. He knows that whatever his mother might expect, he won't stay the night. And if she doesn't allow Sven

to drive him back to Copenhagen, he will just call a cab. He won't argue about it right now, though – everything in its own time.

 Letting out a small sigh, Ivar nods uselessly, a hand running through his hair. "Yes Mor, I did."

  Sven knows better than to talk to him and, in the backseat, as the car speeds down the highway, Ivar closes his eyes and tries to relax. Anger still coursing through his veins, it turns out it's a nearly impossible task. It seems as if everything has gone wrong since he woke up and he's therefore mad at the whole world. He's mad at all those stupid, infuriating people he had to interact with. He's mad at Sven for taking him to Kattegat. He's mad at his mother for inviting him for his birthday. He's mad at himself for accepting. He's even mad at you, for not being here; for not making the impossible possible. For leaving him alone. And no matter if deep down he knows how unfair it is to you; because of course, you'd be here if you could. But he can't help it. He's mad at you because he misses you, every day a little more, to the point where the ache in his heart is far worse than the pain in his legs.

 And today, he misses you like crazy. To the point where sadness floods his mind. To the point where anger takes control. Because today may be his birthday, but it's also the anniversary of your first kiss, first and foremost. And he wants you here, right next to him, for now and forever.

  Fourteen months ago, after yet another surgery, and because even if he knew all too well that he couldn't stay by himself while recovering, the mere thought of his mother's overprotective presence made him nauseous, he had flown – fled – to Canada, to Floki's. The old fool had welcomed him with open arms, turning one of the many guest rooms of his house into a high-tech physiotherapy space. That's where he met you. At first, you had been just his physical therapist, then his date, his girlfriend, and now you are his lover. And if he's back in Denmark for nine months now, you're still in Canada. He had thought he could handle a long-distance relationship. He couldn't have been more wrong. Your absence just kills him.

 As a boat whistle can be heard, Ivar slowly opens his eye and then looks around. Frowning, he scratches his head, confused and annoyed. Since the Lothbrok mansion is located on a hill overlooking Kattegat, there's never any reason to go by the seaside to get there. Never ever. "We're on the wrong road, Sven. Why are you going to the shore?" Ivar speaks in a demanding tone of voice that doesn't impress Sven one bit.

 The obedient chauffeur barely shrugs. "I'm just following orders, Sir. Your mother's orders."

 Now riled up, irked, Ivar snorts, his nostrils flaring. "My mother asked you to drive me here?" Without waiting for an answer, he takes his phone out of his back pocket, gasping as Sven comes to a halt in front of The Nimb Hotel, the hotel palace of Kattegat.

 When his mother doesn't pick up the phone, a sinking feeling growing in the pit of his stomach, he tries to get ahold of Hvitserk, Ubbe, and even Sigurd, but to no avail. Fuming, his hands curling into fists, Ivar clenches his teeth. Did his mother organize a fucking birthday party even though she knows he hates that? She wouldn't dare. No, she wouldn't.

 Oh, fuck. Sure, she would. She totally would. And it'd explain why she had been so adamant about having Sven drive him. She wanted him here, in this fucking hotel, and not at the mansion. It explains why his brothers don’t answer the phone. Because they know that if they did, he would yell at them to fuck off. He can’t believe it!! What’s got into his mother?? What the fucking hell??!!!!

 For a split second, he hovers a trembling pointer finger over the screen of his phone. Calling an Uber and going back to Copenhagen would be so easy. But as tempting as it may be to just run away, he knows he won't do it. He can't. Because it'd hurt his beloved mother, and the thought is unbearable, even though he's angry with her right now. That's why, whatever she may have planned, he'll deal with it, putting on a brave face for her sake.

 And that's why he doesn't object when Sven opens his door, "This way, Sir," his hand gesturing toward the hotel entrance, flanked by two ostentatious marble columns. Ivar uses his hands to place his right leg out of the car and he then slowly stands up, one hand on his crutch and the other on the car door, before following the gray-haired chauffeur, a permanent scowl on his face.

As they walk through the lobby, he is surprised when Sven leads him onto an elevator, pressing the twelfth-floor button. He would have thought that his mother would have privatized the hotel restaurant. But the restaurant is on the main floor. What's on the upper floors other than rooms? A roof terrace, probably. His mother would never throw an outdoor party in the middle of November though. Nothing makes sense.

 Confused, Ivar tilts his head while the lift is going up. "Where are we going?" Sven doesn't react to his harsh tone, just repeating his reply from earlier. "I'm following orders, Sir. I am walking you to where your mother ordered me to walk you." He doesn't utter another word, getting out of the elevator as soon as the door opens.

 Ivar tightens his grip on his crutch and follows him to what seems to be a hotel room. Or more specifically, and as it's written on the door, the executive suite. More and more bewildered, he watches Sven swiftly knocking on the door before using a card key to unlock it. Holding it open, the chauffeur steps aside, "I've been asked to tell you that the sunroom is over there," waving his hand slightly to the left, Sven then gives a slight nod to an astounded Ivar, "I now take my leave, Sir. I wish you a delightful evening."

  As Ivar slowly crosses the living room, the slight thud of his crutch on the hardwood floor alerts you of his presence. Shivering with excitement and your heart pounding in your chest, you struggle but don't move, don't say a word; not yet.

 Taking a tentative step into the sunroom, which, he's sure of it, offers during daytime a breathtaking view on the bay of Kattegat, a dumbfounded Ivar notices the candles first – there are candles everywhere, their soft glow creating an intimate ambience – and then the table for two elegantly set in the middle of the room.

 "What the fuck is going on?" Ivar grumbles, irritation obvious in his voice, and you know it's time for you to show up, or he may leave. Stepping toward him and into the light, you absently rub your sweaty palms up and down your black dress, your heart now beating so hard and so fast you wonder if he can hear it. This is it. The moment you were waiting for, for weeks now. You couldn't be happier, and yet you can't help but be nervous. Could he reject you? You don't think so but with Ivar, you never know… Swallowing the lump in your throat, and even if you can barely breathe, you manage to crack a smile at the exact moment he sets his eyes on you. "Happy birthday, my love, and happy anniversary too."

 Ivar's jaw drops, his eyes widen, and a soft gasp escapes his plump lips. He wobbles for an instant and you quickly close the gap between you and him, steadying him by placing both your hands on his hips. Your touch shaking him out of his stupor, he blinks a few times, his piercing blue eyes never leaving your face. "Y/N, is it… is it really you?" With a trembling voice and tears in his eyes, he stutters, dazed and surprised. "By the gods, what… what are you doing here?" His arm finding your waist, Ivar pulls you closer. There's a whirlwind of emotions on his face, but there's mostly love. You're sure he won't reject you.

 "Did you really think I was going to miss your birthday?" Standing on tiptoes, you give him a long kiss before whispering in his ear, "And I missed you so much, my love."

 Rough fingers caress your face as Ivar looks down at you incredulously. "But… I… I don't understand… I… I thought you were busy with work. But you're here… How?"

 "By plane, obviously," you quip playfully, and your lover rolls his eyes and shakes his head, before suddenly frowning. "That's really a wonderful surprise, Y/N, and I'd love to stay here with you but we… we should go… My mother… I think she's waiting for me, for us… You know, since it's my birthday, she wanted to throw…" Ivar stops talking when it dawns on him that he has been – to his delight – tricked, and you just smile. "Mother never planned a party, did she?"

 It's your turn to shake your head. "No, she never did, you're right. She knew I was coming and since I needed a little help, she agreed to play along. Tonight, it's just you and me, my love." Ivar's eyes sparkling with joy, your smile grows wider. "She's expecting us for lunch tomorrow, though."

 Nodding, Ivar flashes you a beaming smile that falters almost immediately as he shifts his weight from one foot to the other. As he stifles a hiss of pain, you wrap his right arm around your shoulder and your left around his waist. Without a word, you lead him to a corner of the sunroom, help him to sit down on a huge nest chair and finally breathe a sigh of satisfaction as you snuggle into his side.

 His hand running up your arm, Ivar cups your face and looks at you fondly. "You being here with me is the best birthday gift ever." He then kisses you passionately, his hands roaming your back and your fingers threading through his long hair. When he breaks the kiss, he still holds you close and you lean into his warmth, your head resting on his chest.

 "When are you flying back?" Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, Ivar clenches his jaw as you pull away just enough to look at him. You know he hates the idea of you leaving him once again. You don't have time to answer him as he keeps going. "Guess you'll stay through the weekend, but when is your flight? On Monday morning?"

 A mischievous smile playing on your lips, you wrap your fingers around his hand. "There's no flight, Ivar, not anymore. I'm not going anywhere. I'm afraid you're stuck with me, my love."

 Swallowing, Ivar just stares at you for long seconds, a frown on his confused face. "What… What are you talking about? If this is a joke, it's a very bad one." He eventually manages to say, his bottom lip trembling.

 "I swear it's not a joke." You reassure him as you readjust your position, straddling him carefully. Your thumb stroking his cheek, you give him a quick peck before explaining yourself. " I hate our current situation, and I know you do too. I don't want to live like this anymore, between two flights, between two countries. I don't want to miss you anymore. My life is with you, my love. And since you can't exactly relocate the Lothbrok Company, it's up to me to move, which I'm happy to do."  

 Dumbstruck, Ivar remains speechless for a long time, but you can tell by the smile on his lips that he's thrilled by the news. Tilting his head, he finds his voice again. "You are serious? Wow! You do realize you'll have to find a new job, learn another language? That's not nothing."

 "Actually," you place your hands flat on his chest, "I've already found a job. Floki still has strong connections here, did you know that? On the same day I made up my mind, he was already making calls. He has been amazing, truly! I start working in a rehab clinic within a fortnight. As for the language…", you stop and inhale deeply before saying hesitantly, "jeg er allerede begyndt at lære dansk." Ivar's wry smile tells you that your pronunciation could have been better, but you don't mind. It's a first step. "Anyway," you exclaim, beaming, "You know me, I love a challenge!"

 "I just can't fucking believe it!" Ivar shines with happiness and it melts your heart. His next question, though, makes you wince internally. Because on that particular point, you're suddenly afraid you've put the cart before the horse.

 "Where are you going to live?"

 Lowering your gaze, you begin to fidget nervously. "I…", you clear your throat, closing your eyes, "I was thinking… well… Maybe I could… I don't know if…" As soon as you realize you're getting nowhere, you stop; you know you have to muster up the courage to be straightforward. Releasing a short sigh, you tilt your head up. "I was hoping we could live together. I mean if you want to. It's fine if you don't, I'll rent an apartment."

 Literally thunderstruck, his eyes fixed on you, Ivar swallows loudly. "You… You…" He stammers, an incredulous expression on his face. "You want to live with… with me?"

 As you nod while muttering under your breath "Only if you want to," a broad smile spreads over his lips and he blinks a few times. "Of course, I do. But you do know that", his sheepish look is unmistakable, "I'm not exactly easy to live with, right?"

 Relief floods through you and you burst out laughing as you remember what he put you through when you were his physical therapist. "I do know you, my stubborn, grumpy, short-tempered and moody lover! And guess what, my love? I wouldn't want you any other way. Plus, as I said, I love a good challenge!"

 Without even trying to hide his elation, Ivar throws his arms around your waist, giggling, "It's a deal, then," before peppering light kisses all over your face. His mouth barely an inch from yours, he's about to kiss you as your stomach rumbles. Embarrassed, you want to hide your face but Ivar, all smiles and laughing eyes, grasps your hands, squeezing them. "Guess we should feed you."

 Checking your watch, you stand up reluctantly. "Actually," you point at the table behind you, "we should be served a meal in less than five minutes." Reaching out, you grab Ivar's left hand as he hauls himself to his feet, handing him his crutch once you're sure he found his balance.

 Now towering over you, Ivar gives you a thank-you smile. "So, tell me Y/N, what's the plan for tonight? Besides dinner, I mean." The naughty grin adorning his features tells you the answer he's hoping for.

 "Well," you can't resist teasing him, "I was thinking maybe we could take an after-dinner walk on the shore afterwards, and later, there's this wonderful documentary about penguins I wouldn't want to miss, so yeah, that's the plan."

 "Ooooh, look at you!" You can't help but laugh your head off as Ivar's smile falters, a crease forming between his eyebrows and pouty lips shouting his displeasure. "I'm just kidding, my love," you soothe him, your thumb grazing his mouth, "there's this whirlpool-bath I'm dying to try in the bathroom if you're up for it. And after that, I'm going to make love to you, my birthday boy." Ivar's breath hitches as your hands squeeze his butt cheeks playfully. "And then we'll sleep. And tomorrow we'll go and have lunch with your mother. And when we're done there, you'll…" Overwhelmed with emotion, you stop, your eyes filling with tears.

 "I'll…?" Ivar asks as a crooked smile tugs at his lips.

 You swallow away the lump in your throat, intertwining your fingers with his. "You'll take me home, won't you?"

 There are tears in his eyes as well, but when Ivar nods, the smile that flashes over his face is a wide, shining one. "Yes, my love, I'll take you home."

 🛡⚔️🛡

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