kodwrites

[kodwrites]

#which could mean absolutely nothing at all

+bonus

[kodwrites]

A lot of people make fun of how “get divorced/breakup” is the go-to response for most r/RelationshipAdvice and r/AmITheAsshole? posts but if your relationship gets to the point where you feel like you can’t talk to anyone IRL and have to ask for advice and opinions online, there is something severely wrong. Sometimes the subjects say it themselves, “I can’t ask my friends and family about this because they already hate my partner and I don’t want to give them ammunition.” abusive relationships isolate the person at the center, make them feel like they constantly have to be on the defensive for their shitty partner. Which is why these people will post about their partner putting them in the most diabolical situation imaginable and then spend their entire afternoon defending them with their whole chest and replying to every comment. All you can do is reiterate “This is not normal behavior. Your partner is not a good person with a couple of flaws, they’re making your life worse. Breakup.” even as a neutral third party who doesn’t know either of these people in real life.

[kodwrites]

@kingdonmicrofic day 5: Blackout

Words: 499 | Rated G (I guess?) | ao3 link

Tags: Alternate Universe, World War 2, mentions of death (there's nothing gory or graphic here at all)

The Lights of London:

London, England. April 30, 1945

Every night, the lights went out. Every streetlamp, every lightbulb, all extinguished, the entire city plunged into darkness. A full blackout. 

Dr. Melissa King was exhausted. She’d been awake now for 26 hours and counting. Still, it wasn’t as bad as it’d been at the beginning, during the Blitz. There were times when she’d gone an entire week before sleeping in her own bed, basically living out of the hospital. She wasn’t the only one.

She’d been paired with Dr. Langdon after arriving, her previous facility reduced to rubble. Before long, they quickly became one of the hospitals most efficient partnerships.

At first, it was only work. There was nothing but the task at hand, trying to keep up with the seemingly never-ending onslaught of destruction. But then, slowly, there was more.

She learned he had grieved. After the worst of the Blitz was over, she’d found him crying in a stairwell, looking at a picture of his family. Wordlessly, she held him as he cried. His children were evacuated to the country, but at least he knew they were safe. The same could not be said for his wife. That first bombing in September had taken the entire city by surprise. He had no other choice but to go on, he’d said. 

After that day, he slowly opened up to her, a little at a time. 

They started taking meals together, making sure the other had eaten. They took comfort in each other, falling asleep on the other’s shoulder during a rare moment of quiet. They started talking, learning about each other’s lives, their hopes, their dreams. Always aware of the other, always checking in.

She thought she felt something between them. There was a glint in his eye when he watched her work, an energy she felt when their hands brushed, passing supplies between them while working on a patient. She’d seen more death and destruction than she’d ever thought possible. There was no place for this in wartime. But she needed something to believe in, something to hope for, when this was all over, whenever that might be. 

Before too long, he started walking her home every night.

On New Year’s Eve 1941, he kissed her for the first time as the clock struck midnight. In May 1942, he took her to his bed, never wanting her to leave it. In June, she told him she loved him, and in July, he said it back. His children returned shortly thereafter.

Frank proposed on Boxing Day, with a tasteful diamond set in gold. They were married in June in a simple affair.

The war raged on.

Now, time stands still as Dr. Abbot turns up the radio. He’s dead. It’s over. 

They collapse into each other’s arms, crying with relief. They don’t let go for a long time.

That night, as they leave the hospital hand in hand, all the lights are on. For the first time in years, the future looks bright. 

[kodwrites]

Did the prompt for tomorrow's Kingdon microfic challenge suddenly break my entire brain open and result in an 8 page outline for a full length AU fic? Yes, yes it did.

[kodwrites]

mentors

[kodwrites]

Something I actually want to dig into more is Mel pushing past her limits because she thinks she has to in order to keep up with everyone else. She’s been doing it her entire life to average success and a few setbacks. Then here comes Langdon who notices it on Day One and forces her to take a step back, to take a break because Mel’s trying to force her way forward and grit her teeth but she doesn’t have to.

Mel who insists she’s fine to go out to the noisy bar a few blocks over after shift because she hates turning down invites because she’s afraid she’ll disappoint or risk friendships, because she wants to be just as up for anything as the other residents. Then within five minutes the loud conversations, the obnoxious music she can’t stand, the people crowed too close for comfort, and the smell of strong liquor is assaulting all her senses to the point her eyes aren’t even focused in the little corner their group has settled in. The sip of her soda is sour in her mouth. She’s physically startled by the buzzing of her phone against her thigh. It’s second nature to check because what if it’s Becca? Except it’s Langdon checking in on her and she takes the bait and the excuse to duck out of happy hour to find him waiting around the corner, bag of take out on the backseat. She slips into the passenger seat, car quiet and she takes his hand in a comforting death grip against her heart as it steadily returns to normal rhythm.

Sometimes he just knows her better than she does herself. Maybe she should listen just a little more.

[kodwrites]

being #uncouth

[kodwrites]

@kingdonmicrofic Day 4: garden

Word count: 500 | Rated G | ao3 link | Modeled after the actual Weddings Under Glass blog!

Tags: established relationship, pittfest shooting, fluff, wedding, real pittsburgh location, post-divorce Frank Langdon

Weddings Under Glass is a monthly blog series where we highlight the stories of couples who chose to begin their happily ever after in the lush backdrop of Phipps, named one of the best outdoor garden wedding venues by Elle and Harper’s Bazaar.

Nothing brings people together quite like a chaotic job, and such is the case for Frank and Melissa. Having spent many years working towards careers in medicine, fate brought them together on Melissa’s first day of work in the Emergency Department at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. At the time, she was a second-year resident, having spent a year at a Veteran’s Affairs hospital. He was a fourth-year resident, taking on new leadership responsibilities. Nothing could have prepared them for that first shift together, which took place the day of the tragic PittFest shooting. 

Throughout the day, prior to the incident, they kept ending up on the same cases, working together to help people and save lives. Melissa noted that she felt an immediate pull towards him, “I felt like we just clicked, which hadn’t happened for me before. I was so nervous, you’re under a lot of pressure to make good first impressions.” Frank agreed, “There was just something about her I was intrigued by. She was already an excellent doctor, and she ended up teaching me new things that day, which was unexpected, since I was supposed to be teaching her!”

Melissa credits Frank with giving her the confidence she needed to lead the “yellow zone” during the PittFest response, treating patients with mid-level injuries. Frank worked in the “red zone”, working with the most critical patients. Together with their colleagues, they helped save 112 people. 

After that day, Frank and Melissa’s relationship continued to grow, going from colleagues, to friends, to best friends. They officially started dating during her final year of residency, almost two years after they first met. The rest is history. 

Frank said, “I went through some really tough times, and Mel was such a support to me. She never judged me, she always saw the best in me even when I couldn’t. I wouldn’t be here today without her love and support.” Melissa echoed similar sentiments, “He showed me that I didn’t have to do everything alone. He’s an incredible partner.”

They knew they had to have their wedding in Phipps, having taken many visits there as a family, which includes Frank’s two children from his previous marriage and Melissa’s sister, Rebecca, for whom she is a caretaker. They chose the Broderie Room for their intimate ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, including their PTMC colleagues.

Outside the hospital, the couple enjoys doing fun activities and going on adventures together! Melissa recently completed her first year as an attending physician. She and Frank still take cases together in between teaching new medical students and residents.

Please join us in saluting these amazing local heroes as they begin their married life together! Us here at Phipps Conservatory wish you all the best!

[kodwrites]

obsessed with the idea of frank and mel having a full blown affair and then once he’s officially divorced and they’re dating for real, he insists on taking it slow. like he wants to wait for the third date to have sex and mel doesn’t get it because he literally ate her out on his marital bed six months ago?

[kodwrites]

@kingdonmicrofic challenge day 3: road trip

Word count: 500 | Rating: T ao3 link here

Tags: established relationship Kingdon, discussions of pregnancy, TTC, fluff, mentions of sex

In the logical part of her mind, Mel knows they’re doing everything right. She’d been using a cycle tracker for years, now switched to “trying to conceive” mode. She was using ovulation test strips. Her labs were normal, checked during her last physical. Even on stressful days, she loved her job at PTMC, having just completed her first year as an attending physician. She was 32, perfectly healthy, all systems go.

Yet here they were, six months into trying, with nothing to show for it. 

They’d talked about having more kids before they gotten married. Frank wanted it, but Mel was hesitant. He reassured her that he was happy with their life together, with Tanner and Millie, plus Becca, that he’d be okay with whatever decision she made.

By the time their first anniversary rolled around, she’d made up her mind. At the restaurant, she folded her hands on the table. “Frank, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“Is that so?” He smiled at her, intrigued, hopeful. “Well, I’m all ears, sweetheart. What is it?”

She took a calming breath, “I’ve been thinking about it, and...I’m ready. To start trying.” A beat, and then, “Right now.”

He sat for a moment, absorbing her words, then practically threw his credit card at the waiter, getting her home and taking her right there against the front door.

Being doctors, they knew they had time before really needing to be concerned. Mel started getting all the stereotypical advice: 

“Just relax!”

“All you need to do is get drunk!”

“You should go on vacation!”

After six months of hearing it, she decided to make use of it.

After some research, Mel proposed her idea: a road trip to the Finger Lakes. They could do a wine tour, go hiking, and, of course, have lots of sex. It was only 5 hours to Ithaca, easy enough to get back quickly if needed. 

After consulting the cycle tracker, they submitted their PTO requests and booked a cabin on the lake.

The morning they were leaving, Mel felt…off. Getting to the car felt like climbing a mountain, she was so tired. She climbed into the passenger seat, still in her pajamas, and promptly fell asleep, thankful that Frank always preferred driving.

Almost two hours later, she woke up in a panic. “Frank, pull over.”

“Mel, baby, what’s wrong? What do you need?”

“I need a rest stop or something, I think I’m gonna…” Mel didn’t finish her sentence before she started dry-heaving. Frank immediately pulled off the highway. He’d barely put the car in park before Mel jumped out, sprinting for the rest stop bathroom. When her stomach was empty, she took a moment and composed herself, realizing she felt…perfectly fine. Huh, interesting. She was splashing her face with water when it hit her. 

Oh.

Oh. 

She decided to wait until they got there to take the test she’d packed, just in case. But she was pretty confident she knew what the result would be. 

[kodwrites]

currently outlining a new story while actively working on two other stories and ignoring a third story that is 80% done. the adhd creative pipeline is like a revolving door with spikes

[kodwrites]

More Kingdon text posts.

If anyone ever goes through my laptop... they will have questions.

[kodwrites]

sorry for how I acted when there were multiple noises happening at the same time

[kodwrites]

its crazy when i like a female character and i think well she’s clearly flawed but at least she’s interesting :) and then i make the fatal mistake of witnessing other people’s opinions on the subject and find out that the consensus amongst fans is that she’s an irredeemable demon bitch from hell

[kodwrites]

trinity santos and her FRIENDS!!!!

[kodwrites]

Missing you in Appalachia!

mel/frank for @kingdonmicrofic day 01 (pool) | 489 words

additional tags: appalachian frank langdon; unplanned pregnancy; canon divergence; implied infidelity; post-season 01; angst

Frank Langdon learned to swim by survival.

Tossed into the cool New River waters at five years old by his beer-drunk Uncle Francis (his namesake; both Gemini men born under a strawberry moon. He died when Frank was seven. At the funeral, he hid behind his mama’s skirts, disturbed by the waxy visage of Uncle Francis’ skin, like the porcelain dolls his grandma displayed around the crown molding shelves of her parlor room). He struggled against the placid current, lucky for the still waters that he wasn’t completely swept away. Instead, his skinny arms found purchase around a gnarled tree branch rooted deep in the river soil. Stayed put until his mama waded out in her bikini top and cut-off jean shorts; wrapped him up in a frayed beach towel he wore like his own personal coat of many colors until they made it back home.

He has two boys of his own now. Tanner and Noah, with the former just having wrapped up guppy swim lessons at the Y of Greater Pittsburgh the night Frank’s life fell apart. He already missed the way chlorine twined with his rapidly fading baby smell he wished every day he could preserve forever. Thought about even getting a family membership for the fall just so he could live in the summer-lit memory of pool floatees, tiny lifevests, and how his chubby cheeks ballooned as he showed Frank how to hold your breath underwater.

Maybe that’s why when Frank spots Mel all alone—walking out of PTMC after PittFest over to overflow staff parking—he morphs into every sleazy guy you’re warned about in D.A.R.E presentations. The dealer who rolled down windows to offer rides or candy or drugs disguised as candy.

“You want to get out of here?”

Frank hated himself when Mel’s face lit up at the offer and the hatred transformed to greed when he drove her out to the abandoned Rolling Hills community pool lot across the street from the hospital. Spread a blanket out in the cab of his truck like he was in high school again, pulling off a gravely backroad into the woods all to stick his hands down someone’s pants. But Mel isn’t just someone. No, she’s his mentee and so smart and when she softly murmured out how she wanted to forget, get lost for a little while, how could he ever not give in?

After: when he pulled into a truckstop just beyond the West Virginia stateline, he spun the counter stand filled with state-centric postcards. Missing you in Appalachia! one read. He threw it toward the cashier alongside a pack of Marlboros.

(It took him over three months to send Mel the postcard. It’s another seven until he laid eyes on her. It’s also Mel’s first day back, Robby says. Maternity leave with a little girl. Cute kid.)

Frank learned to swim by survival. He knows he can do it again.

[kodwrites]

I originally wrote this for the @kingdonmicrofic challenge, but it got too long to meet the word count and I couldn't bear to edit it down. In the interest of me trying to put myself out there more, I figured I'd post it anyway and try again with tomorrow's prompt!

This is my first ever completed fanfiction! I have other WIPs in progress for this duo, and hopefully this inspires me to actually get moving on those!

ao3 link here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/68529351#main

Let Your Mind Wander

Word count: 673 | rated M |

Every day in rehab follows a similar pattern: wake up, wallow in self-pity, try to stomach breakfast, mostly succeed. Group therapy, followed by free time. Lunch. Individual therapy, which started off as a silent standoff but was actually becoming productive. Exercise (in his case, stretches that wouldn’t aggravate his back). Visiting hour, dinner, drug test. Evening reflection. Self-loathing. Shower, bed.

Frank Langdon has repeated this pattern in some fashion for 27 days. The first few were the worst, sweating through his clothes, vomiting, crying. A consistent, dull ache as the worst of it subsided. Missing his children. Missing the hospital, his colleagues, feeling useless and untethered without the chaos of the ED. And also, missing her.

Every night when he tries to sleep, his mind wanders. Shockingly often, it wanders to her- Melissa King. Mel. Barreling into his life on its worst day to date. Taking up residence in his heart too quickly for someone he’d known for only 15 hours. Her little “you’re here!” ringing in his ears, her face lighting up upon seeing his after only an hour or so apart.

He should feel guilty, he wants to feel guilty. At how often she’s started appearing in his dreams. About thinking of her at all, then a little more, and then more often than his wife. To his credit, he and Abby had been struggling for a while before everything came out, further punctuated by the fact that she hadn’t come to see him. 

Turning over in bed, he tries to push the thoughts away, and promptly fails. He feels a buzz beneath his skin, a quiet thrum of desire. It’s been so long, and to feel it now? In rehab? When he should be focused on fixing himself, reuniting with his children, getting back to work? But any thoughts of work inevitably lead to thoughts of Mel. 

He figures he can allow this just this once. Just this once before he locks it away. Until he can deal with it, until he’s functional, maybe until forever. He hasn’t decided yet. For now, he lets it happen, his resolve disintegrating.

Flipping onto his back, he pulls his cock free, stroking himself as he allows this one indulgence. Imagining her on the breakroom floor, 1,000 pieces of gravel, looking up at him with doe eyes wide and mouth slightly open. Picturing her on her knees instead, putting that pretty mouth to good use wrapped around his cock. Her in the pool on a hot day, legs wrapped around his waist, rubbing against him. Pulling at her bikini top, sucking and biting her perfect nipples.

His hand speeds up, using the precum at his tip along his shaft, quietly whimpering as his need overtakes him. Fuck, he wants her. He wants her. He needs to see her spread out before him, make her body sing as he opens her up with his fingers. To taste her, make her fall apart on his tongue over and over. Wants to hear her cry out his name as he fucks her, begging him to let her come, asking permission. “Please, Frank…please, can I come baby? I need it, I need you…”. 

Biting back a moan, he comes, spurting up his chest, panting in the dark. 

Trying to slow his breathing, he doesn’t feel guilt, but something worse- shame. 

Remembering how she’d looked at him that day, full of admiration, of knowing, had stopped him dead in his tracks. Made him slow down and really see her. She was so special, so intelligent, sweet and quirky, totally endearing. She should never be tainted by the likes of him.

He wipes himself clean with his shirt before tossing it in the corner. Frank knew, deep down, that he was well and truly fucked. He came here to detox, but there was no detoxing from Melissa King. As he drifted off to sleep, he pushed the shame away and started a new train of thought: How to be good enough. For her. Someday.