#Stop Snoring Fast Devices

[topzsun]

THE ART OF INVASION

── ♡ BELPHEGOR, ASMODEOUS & SATAN

heavy inspiration from @ephie-om's post! i found this idea really cute and wanted to try my hand in writing this out.

“Get out,” You pair your curt words with a precise shove of the foot, nudging Belphegor’s side until the invasive demon lets out a low groan, face buried into your pillow. He waves you away the first time, but by the fourth forceful kick, he finally begins to stir.

“What’s your problem?” He whines, lifting his head from the pillow just enough so he can glare with narrowed eyes. In response, you fix him a bemused stare.

“My problem is that you’re on my bed and I want to go to sleep. You’ve got a perfectly fine bed back in your room. Move it.”

Your words might as well have gone from one ear out the other because the Avatar of Sloth does not twitch at your command. His face is settled back into the silk cover of your pillow, giving an exaggerated snore when you push him once more.

It’s not like you didn’t like Belphegor, far from it. However, like the youngest sibling he is, the concept of privacy and ownership exists in a different realm from him. This has also managed to extend to you, with him suddenly claiming your bed and space whenever he felt too lazy to take the extra few steps to his room.

With a huff, you stop your relentless shoving, but an idea pops into your head when you hear familiar, heavy footsteps passing by your door. You lean closer to Belphegor, your lips hovering over his ear as you whisper.

“Beel is in the kitchen right now. Perhaps this is the perfect time to tell him you ate his Spicy Newt Chips?”

Your threat finally gives you the reaction you wanted, with Belphegor’s shoulders stiffening before he flops onto his back, scowling despite there being no obvious ire in his voice.

“That’s evil. I’m almost proud,” He languidly lifts himself, snatching his jacket from where he lazily tossed it onto your bedpost. You sigh tiredly, giving an unenthusiastic “Goodbye Belphie” as he only replies with an equally unenergetic wave. You fall onto your dearly missed sheets, and you can already smell the tinge of lavender and powder from where Belphegor had last been. Despite your initial annoyance, you almost second-guessed your decision to kick the demon out. He always smelled good. However the countless nights when you let him crash on your bed, only to wake up shivering because he was a shameless blanket-hogger deterred that train of thought.

You close your eyes, welcoming the long-awaited rest you need, until there is a familiar vibration from your D.D.D. You opted to ignore it, rolling to your side as you toss your quilt over your head. Another vibration, insistent and grating. You hesitate. Perhaps, for once, it’s an emergency?

You reluctantly reach over to your side table, opening up to the missed notifications on your screen. Three messages from Mammon.

mammoney: yo you better not be asleep

mammoney: come to my room asap were watching the entire fast and furious series

mammoney: don even think about missing it

You shut down your phone and toss it at your side, snuggling deeper into your covers.

If you wanted constant critiques of your wardrobe, you would have called your mother. Yet, here is Asmodeous, ready to fill in her missing shoes as he riffles through articles of clothing with a dissatisfied frown.

“Ugh, why did you even buy this?” He turns his nose, picking up a rhinestoned t-shirt with two fingers as if he were handling something diseased. You don’t bother lifting your gaze from the device in your hand, the mindless doomscrolling through Devilgram being more interesting than Asmodeous’ rampage through your closet.

“Don’t be mean. Satan got it for me as a gift,” You retort and the demon sighs heavily, making no effort to conceal his visible disappointment.

“I swear I taught him better than this,” He pauses to reflect, “No. It must be like an innate thing to be this bad at coordination. Nothing I can do to fix it. Have you seen his everyday wear? I could cry.”

Despite the invasion in your closet, at least Asmodeous has the decency to pick up after himself, neatly hanging back every piece of clothing that had been tossed to the side. When you hear the shutting of the door, you finally look over and give pause.

“Asmo?” He looks over his shoulder at the call of his name. “Why do you have a pile of my clothes?”

“Sweetheart, these are just too ugly! You can’t even wear them anywhere. Isn’t it better to let them become scraps instead? I’ll replace all of them with way cuter stuff instead! My treat, of course,” He is quick to pick up on your growing displeasure, fixing a pout that you were shamefully weak to. You drop your head into your hands, knowing any attempts at argument would be fruitless. Admittedly, the idea of him replacing your old clothes with more fashionable wear is tempting. At the same time, you weren’t exactly excited by Asmodeous’s growing authority over your closet.

“Okay fine, but you’re going to put back the shirt Satan got me,” When he doesn’t move, you repeat his name sternly. “Asmodeous.”

“Fine,” He drawls out with a roll of his eyes, but dutifully drops the shirt onto your desk chair. “No need for sentimentality in fashion, dear.”

You bid him goodbye as he blows a parting kiss, and when the door shuts behind him you relax against the edge of your bed, tilting your head back as you eye your ceiling. Maybe it’s about time you considered some boundaries for how much digging the brothers can do in your room.

There is a knock at your door, but before you can answer, it opens to reveal Satan. A book tucked to his chest as a fond smile reaches his lips.

“Good, you’re here. The new addition to the Handmade Prophecy was just released. Do you want to…” He trails off as his eyes fall to the other corner of your room. You could have sworn there was a dash of pink on his cheeks. “Oh, it’s the shirt I got you. Are you planning on wearing it out?”

You’ll ask Solomon tomorrow about the process of getting a magical lock on your door.

[joi-me-hoi-me-noi]

Getting Kidnapped 2 - BNHA/MHA

A/n: Saw a lot of peeps like the first getting kidnapped thing I wrote so we’re doing another one with some of my favorite characters!!!

Features: Keigo Takami, Katsuki Bakugo, Nemuri Kayama & Rumi Usagiyama

TAKAMI Keigo (Hawks) -

"Jackpot!" You whisper-yell into the silent air after sucessfully finding the files the pro-hero had hidden.

As you're stuffing the bag, the door to the room you're in opens to reveal the pro in relaxing clothing. His eyes widen at the same time as yours and you both just look at each other.

"Well...this is awkward."

You look towards the window and then book it. A feather shoots past your cheek, slicing it in the process. You turn and look at him with utter astonishment.

"Wow. Hawks ruins the pretty villain's face." You wipe your cheek with the back of your hand, smiling at him.

"What's in the bag?" He points at it with one of his now sharp feathers in his grasp.

"Nothing that concerns you."

When it turns to come back towards you, you grab the end of the feather and direct it into the window, breaking it. You hop out the window with the duffel bag on. You knew he was going to chase you.

It’s all going according to plan.

You feel him grab the front of your shirt as he turns through the air. You open your eyes and look at him with a smirk.

“Where are we going?” You ask, turning your head to look back at his apartment building.

“You’re going to jail, thief.”

“Am I?”

You put your hand on his wings, controlling the feathers at your will. His eyes widen as you both start to fall. Using his feathers, you fly back to the apartment. Once you’re safe inside, you send them back to Hawks who was free falling in the night air.

You watch for a moment as the feathers immediately go to him. You turn and walk out of his apartment after you see him flying towards the window.

“Better luck next time, number two.”

——————————

BAKUGO Katsuki -

“Y/nnnn!”

You look over at your pink friend with a welcoming smile. She sits beside you on one of the common space couches.

“Minaaaa! What’s up?”

“Well…the guys and I made a bet…involving you…going into Bakugo’s room.”

You immediately turn your head away from your electronic device.

“What!?”

“All you need to do is take something from his room… like a pen or - or a pillow or something like that.”

“How much did you bet on me?”

Mina looks away before speaking.

“About 50-65 bucks…”

“Minaaa…”

“Please Y/n!”

You sigh and place your phone down on the table in front of you.

“Fine…”

Mina cheers, hugs you and then wishes you good luck. You just exhale and walk towards his dormitory door. You use your quirk to phase through his entrance and silently move across his floor.

You look over at his bed where Katsuki resided. He was fast asleep with drool and snores coming out of the side of his open mouth. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself, he looked so cute sleeping.

You dart your eyes across his dorm and they land on a small All Might doll. The only issue was how close it was to his bed. Bakugo has ears like a goddamn bat. You reach forward as slowly as possible for the doll.

You’re so close but so far. You hear the bed creak and you stop, eyes moving to his face. He’s still asleep, thank god! As soon as try to grab the doll, his hand shoots out from under his pillow. Red groggy eyes meet your shocked ones.

“What the fuck are you doing in here?”

You don’t say a word before you activate your quirk and slip from his grasp. You’re almost at the door until he grabs your ankle to make your fall. He looks down at you, grabbing your wrist again.

“Why do you need that?” He eyes the doll in your hand.

“They made a bet surrounding me Katsuki. I just need to bring something from your room.”

He pats his bed, takes the toy from your hand and walks out the room. As you’re sitting on the bed waiting for him, you can hear him yelling at Mina, Sero, Kiri and Denki about gambling with people. He enters the room and flops on the bed.

“Where’s your All Might doll?”

“I threw it at them.”

“That’s not nice…”

He turns to face you on his side.

“Gambling without someone knowing is mean…”

“…Katsuki!”

“I’m speaking my truth, woman!”

He rubs his eyes and then climbs back into bed. You go to leave but the loud and obnoxious ‘ahem’ makes your head swivel. He doesn’t look at you as he holds his comforter up, inviting you in.

“Since you woke me up…”

You climb into his bed with a smug smile.

“Awww Katsuki! Can I call you Suki?”

“Hell no! Now shut up and go to sleep!”

————————————

KAYAMA Nemuri (Midnight) -

CRACK!

You let out a small quiet scream as you’re lifted in the air by your leg. You snap your head to the darkened doorway to see a sleepy midnight with her whip in hand. She just looks at you, ties the end of her whip to something nearby and sturdy then speaks to you.

“I’m taking you to the police station in a couple hours. Take a nap.”

She holds her exposed arm out at you, releasing her sleepy gas. You activate your quirk and simply blink at her. Her eyes slightly widen at you and then she shakes her head.

“You’re one tough cookie. I’m still going to take you to the police station.”

You start to struggle against her tough whip but then think of an idea out of it.

“Midnight, how about a date?”

“No.”

“Come on… please.”

“No.”

“You wouldn’t have to pay for anything…”

“Do you want me to take you to the police station right now?”

“…please.”

After a couple minutes, the police take you out of Midnight’s house. You just keep your eyes on her and smile.

“I’ll see you soon Midnight! Sleep well, sexy!”

“Have fun behind bars, Y/n.”

You look at the police officers dragging you away.

“Oh my god! THE Midnight knows my name!”

They both roll their eyes and push you into the back of their police car.

————————————

USAGIYAMA Rumi (MIRKO) -

You could hear her laughing from inside her apartment. You guessed she was either talking with someone (hopefully on the phone) or watching a funny movie. Your boss told you all about her enhanced senses such as her hearing and agility in general. He also patted you on the back and reminded you not to die… how kind of him.

Taking a breath, you activate your quirk and slink into her apartment. Her bedroom door swings open to reveal the one and only Mirko. Her ears were twitching in every direction. You were so thankful that you had a chameleon quirk.

“Someone’s in my house.”

You hear her whisper into her phone before tossing it into her room and shutting the door. She moves around her kitchen and dining room cautiously. A creak where you were currently residing creaked loudly. Her head and ears twitched in your direction before walking over.

She's standing right in front of you in minutes. You slowly move your hand over your mouth and press yourself even closer into the wall. Mirko leans in and then sniffs the air. You watch as her eyes widen, and she quickly brings her leg up to attack. You roll to the side, obviously not camouflaged anymore.

"Damn, you got a good nose on you."

You take a glimpse at the wall where she kicked, and your face dropped. There was a very long hole in the wall. You might be meeting Jesus today if you're not careful. She rushes toward you, preparing to grab you with her legs. You change your body texture to become slimy and slip away from her grasp.

"What even are you, villain?"

"A chameleon..."

She charges towards you again with vigorous attacks. You start to counterattack with your tail before shooting your tongue out and restricting her movements.

"Damn, I'm only trying to grab one thing."

You watch as she struggles against your tongue and growls at you with an angry grimace on her face.

"This isn't a fair fight!"

"I wasn't even trying to fight you! You decided to come to me."

You rummaged through her house, trying to find her information or anything important. While your back was facing her, a sharp kick connects with your arm. You look at her and see that she was now closer to you. This bitch really found a way to scoot her ass over next to you.

"Mm... smart little bunny."

You watch her face at the nickname. She fucking hates it LOL.

"Alright, I got what I came here for. Bye bunny."

You stand up, slurped your tongue back into your mouth and then headed towards the door. She gets up again and comes after you. Her legs were obviously aiming for your head, so you simply dropped to the floor and grabbed her leg with your tail. You throw her down on the ground and then leave. You see her door open to reveal her once again.

"You just don't quit..."

You step into the elevator and the doors close. You could hear her screaming and banging on the elevator door as you descend. Something inside you feels terrible for her but you just continue to your getaway car.

—————————————

Check out the master list here —> link

[moontyun]

Pairing: prince!Jungwon x peasant!reader Genre: romance, lost friends, attempted humor, attempted angst?, childhood friends to lovers Synopsis: People out grow each other all of the time. That was the natural process of life, but not for him. Everywhere he turned you were there. You were always someone he could not leave behind again. He'd lost you once, he wasn't going to lose you again. Word count: 1.1k Warning(s): mentions of death

24 hours later...

Jungwon was still fast asleep across from you snoring his little nose off. A little bit of drool falling from his lips. He was completely out cold, you chuckled to yourself a little as you watched him. Nonetheless, you were grateful he was here with you. He did not have to be here with you. He could have completely left you to your own devices but didn’t. He was here with you. 

Your eyes widened as the city came into view. A smile working its way to your face, soon you would be face to face with Riki. You’d be able to see him with your own eyes and see for yourself that he was perfectly well and you had just been worried for nothing…Hopefully for nothing. Your heart started to race a bit as you got closer. You were excited to be home. You couldn’t wait to see him again. 

The carriage pulled up to Riki’s place, quickly he came out of the house with a confused look on his face. You sped off as you raced over to him, “Thank god, you’re safe!” you hugged him as tightly as you possibly could. 

He pulled away from the hug, “Why wouldn’t I be? Who’s carriage is this? Why is the prince with you? Are you in trouble? Blink twice if you are being held captive.” 

You clicked your tongue and shoved him playfully, “1. I had a dream you died in a fire, 2. It’s the prince’s, 3. Because I was worried about you, long story and  4. No, I’m not being held captive.” You replied as you motioned for Jungwon to get closer to the two of you. 

“My prince,” Riki bowed, “May I ask what you are doing here with my heathenous friend?” This was the most formal you had ever seen this guy be. You weren’t really sure how to deal with it. Yes,  Riki worked for the prince but this wasn’t how you expected him to speak to Jungwon. You had just been speaking to him like nothing but Riki clearly had a different approach. 

Jungwon gave a confused look, “You are not at work right now, no need to be so formal.” 

Riki blinked, a little dazed before opening his mouth again, “Cool, what are you doing here with [name]? What the hell did they do now?” 

Jungwon was a little shocked at the sudden switch, “Nothing, [name] was just worried about your safety. But seeing as you are safe, they had nothing to worry about.” 

Riki looked at you for a brief second before, smacking your head playfully. “Of course I’m okay. Someone would have told you otherwise, dummy.” You smiled sheepishly. 

“Seeing as everything is fine, how about some breakfast at the castle?” 

-

The ride had been long and silent…for a good half an hour. Throughout the whole thing, Jake could not keep his mouth shut for more than 30 seconds. If it wasn’t about whatever delusions he was having about Jungwon and you, it was reminiscing on how he grew up as a child. If not either of those, then it was about whatever con he ran recently and gotten away with. Heeseung was reaching his limit with Jake. Thank god, they arrived at the castle. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could take with him. 

“Well, here’s my stop…” Jake said with a smile like he was expecting a kiss at the end of a date. 

Heeseung gave a look that could be read as disgusted or annoyance depending on how you looked at it, “Good, get out. I have to go see [Name].” He practically shoved Jake out as the carriage was still moving. 

“He could have at least waited for it to stop…” he muttered to himself as he walked into the castle. Upon entering, he was greeted by Jungwon, you, and someone who he didn’t recognize at all. “You need to get a better handle on your hound. He kicked me out of a moving carriage.” He pointed to you like you were in trouble. 

You rolled your eyes, “Where is he?” 

“He went to look for you.”

You turned to the stranger, who had yet to introduce himself, “Let’s go. He’s going to worry.” The tall man nodded, you turned to Jungwon, kissing his cheek, “Thank you for everything. I’ll see you later.” 

Jungwon’s face went bright red as you walked away with your friend in tow. Jake’s eyes were blown wide. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. What exactly happened while he was away? 

-

The moon was high, stars hiding behind the clouds, not tempted to show him their dazzling beauty. He didn’t mind all that much, the fresh air was enough for him. The air was fresh with rain, he loved the earthy scent that came with it. He continued to walk the beaten down pathway until he met the tall yellow gazebo standing in the heart of the garden. His mother stood there, her long brown hair softly blowing in the breeze, her jewelry still gleaming in the moonlight, her long turquoise dress trailing behind her.She stood appearing to be lost in thought as she gazed around the garden. 

She had heard the creak of the steps as he approached, “You're here, good.” He let confusion show on his face for a brief second before quickly washing it away. She had been expecting him. She sat down on the bench, patting the seat next to herself. Sitting beside her, he continued to wait for a clue as to why she waited for him. “Your father wanted me to break the news,” A chill ran down his spine. Was a family member sick? Who had died? Was he going to be forced into an arranged marriage? “So here I am,  breaking it… That village, the one your little friend lived in, has fallen.” Panic started to rise in him. What of Jake’s family? How many lives were lost? “Don't worry, the servant is well and as is his family. Minor wounds that should heal soon.” 

His head was reeling. How could the village have fallen? “Who? How?” He asked, still trying to fully grasp the situation. Did Jake know about this? Where was the family now? 

His mother placed a gentle hand in his, trying her best to be comforting. She wasn't one to be the comforting type, nor very affectionate but she tried when she could. “It was burned to the ground. Many lives were lost.” She gave him a sympathetic look. “We don't know who yet. We're trying to figure it out.” 

The reality was slowly sinking in. This wasn't all she had wanted to say. There was definitely more. Something she wasn't willing to come out right and say. “Where is my friend?” The pieces clicked together. His mother said nothing, lowering her gaze. “Where is he?” Anger was rising in his voice. He angrily stood up, asking one more time where he was. 

“Jung-”

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[rukia-writes]

Hercules x (Fem) reader

Plot: No baby cribs in the Hercules household 🏡

“I thought we agreed, we wouldn’t have any baby cribs?”

The righteous god asked his wife who was currently placing their baby girl in the well made baby crib, that was currently asleep. Kindly feeling betrayed Hercules voiced his concerns about the baby device and how he didn’t like them.

For reasons.

After placing the sleeping baby in her baby crib the two left to talk in another room.

“Baby cribs are the safest place for a baby to sleep it promotes independent sleep, leaves us to sleep in our own bed and many other benefits.”

“Says who?”

“…the doctor. That is who.”

“He doesn’t know what he is talking about I fear. Besides we agreed on no baby cribs.”

“I never said that, Hercules. Okay I did, but it’s safer for her.”

“A cage? A cage is good for our daughter?!”

Hercules and his beloved wife went back and forth on what they believed to be the best course of action for their daughter. Neither were angry, just a mother and father discussing on what was best.

“And what if something happens to our little girl while she’s sleeping in this…crib?”

“She’s safe. We are in Valhalla after all. Nothing awful happens here.”

“…I’m just not convinced.”

Folding his arms to his chest Hercules wasn’t convinced but (Name) sweet talked him into trying it for one night. However, the sound of a baby cry was heard and Hercules gave a smug look on his face already knowing why his daughter was crying.

Sure enough, once the two had arrived back in the nursery room their baby girl stopped crying and instead instantly switch to being happy and clapping her small hands once her father picked her up.

Much to (Name)’s dismay.

“You’re spoiling her too much. She can’t learn independence if you’re hovering over her.”

“She’s a baby. Kind of independence does she need at a young age?”

Before (Name) could answer she noticed their baby girl was asleep again with a sleep bubble coming out of her nose, which made both parents smile at the sight.

Later that night, Hercules would check up on his baby girl as she slept soundly in her crib, a little toy lion was beside her as a music box played beside on the nearby dresser.

Perhaps, (Name) had a point.

“Now you’re eating by yourself?!”

Yes.

Now their precious baby was holding the baby bottle by herself, clapping her hands with joy (Name) was proud of her baby girl.

“An independent baby already.”

“…they grow up too fast.”

Hercules sighed but nevertheless he was happy his child was advancing everyday, and as the days went on it would be one surprise after another. From her strength to her intelligence, it seemed like their baby girl was growing fast.

“Let go! Let go! Let-“

Ares, simply wanting to play with the baby daughter of Hercules had his finger snatched and tightly held by the sweet baby girl. A grip so tight when she released her hold Ares stumbled back a few inches as Hermes, who was holding her at the time, smirked amused at the scene.

“Quite a hold she has.”

Hermes was followed by a few baby babbles as though to confirm she could be strong. The two brothers of Hercules were on baby sitting duty. Rather, Ares was as Hermes was simply passing thru and decided to stay.

“A strong hold-ow!”

“Well, it’s her nap time anyway. I’ll put her to sleep.”

Hermes cuddled the small baby and placed her in her baby crib. Then like clockwork, as Hermes played the piano both Ares and the baby were asleep. Sound asleep by Hermes beautiful music, and once he stopped playing he checked on Hercules’ daughter one last time before leaving.

After all, Hermes was a busy god and he couldn’t be in one place for very long.

Not to mention, it was Ares who volunteered to watch the sweet girl.

Hercules and (Name)’s home was quite and the only sounds were the snores from Ares who sleeping on the couch that was too small for the huge god of war. However, the god of war was abruptly awoken out of his sleep by the sound of glass breaking followed by the sound of a baby laughing.

Rushing over to the next room, Ares expected the worst only to see an astonishing sight of Hercules’ baby daughter grabbing two snakes, one in each hand, with a smile as she banged their heads together a few times and like something out of a myth she tied the two snakes together and simply tossed them out the window.

All with a smile on her face.

Ares on the other hand was in shock for a few minutes before he decided to play with the cheerful baby. Then, Ares had a thought, questioning where did the snakes came from. Later that evening, Ares told Hercules what happened and at first Hercules doubted Ares’ words but after seeing the shattered window he was convinced.

“Huh. Well, (Name) and I are just going to have a talk about this…Where did the snakes come from?”

“I don’t know, I was wondering that myself-“

Ares was interrupted by seeing Hercules daughter lift her baby crib with one hand as she simply wanted her toy back, Ares pointed his finger signaling for Hercules look and once he did he too was surprised.

“I believe you now.”

“Well, I don’t believe you. You’re telling me, our baby girl handled two snakes and can lift pianos and her baby crib?”

“Hercules genetics are strong.”

Ares answered back while Hercules nodded his agreeing with Ares, while behind (Name) her daughter was playing with her toys.

“Well, I’m not buying it. I know she’s growing by the day but that’s a little much-“

While (Name) talked her daughter crawled around looking for her toy lion, and going unnoticed (Name) didn’t see her daughter lift her husbands club then placing it back down on the ground.

However, Ares and Hercules saw.

Ares was amazed.

Hercules, however was amazed and proud.

“Sorry, looks like you’re stuck like that…”

In Helheim, Beelzebub was sitting at his computer drinking a hot drink while looking at the pet snakes that had managed to get loose a few weeks ago and were still tied together. Beelzebub had no idea how they ended up like that but he didn’t use too much effort to try and undo their situation.

“…Should have stayed in your cages.”

🎀Rukia-Writes🎀

[legacyofmanwich]

Legacy of Manwich {2.4} Learning and Growing

Welcome back to Legacy of Manwich, where my kids are super well-adjusted, thanks for asking. Last time, Goneril and Regan were punished by God for existing and Lillie gave birth to King Martin's third and final daughter, Cordelia.

King Martin: "Time to go to bed, little baby!"

Cordelia: "At long last."

Yeah, it took these bozos almost 48 entire hours before they thought to put her in her crib. The back of her head's probably flat.

Regan: "MOM DO YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE THEORY OF BELIEF THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS IN FACT A GREY ALIEN?"

Lillie: "No? What the hell are you talking about?"

Maybe you should get out of the house more, kiddo. Make some friends.

I was kinda hoping you'd make friends with, I dunno, human beings? Preferably normal ones?

Regan: "Hammurabi accepts me and my radical views."

Please, they're not radical. Everyone knows aliens are Biblical demons from another dimension.

Hammurabi: "ON FEBRUARY 12TH, 1988 I WAS TAKEN ABOARD AN OBLONG-SHAPED CRAFT IN GULF BREEZE, FLORIDA AND FIVE HUMANOIDS IMPLANTED A DEVICE IN MY SINUS CAVITY THAT EMITS ITS OWN RADIO FREQUENCY AND NOW THE GOVERNMENT CAN READ MY THOUGHTS."

Regan: "OH SHIT!"

Regan: "Dad, I found a dog, can I keep him? He's blackpilled."

King Martin: *SNORE*

Sorry, kid, but Hammurabi needs to leave. I don't think he took his medication this morning.

Here's toddler Cordelia! She's got a different personality than her sisters, not quite as active as them but just as nice, while also being shy, neat, and serious. I like the diversity!

Lillie: "Who wants to learn a nursery rhyme? :D"

Cordelia: "NO WAY LADY I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO YOU ARE!"

Thanks for inviting another shitty wolf into the house, Goneril.

Goneril: "Mom, I got an A+ at school! Aren't you proud of me?"

Lillie: "HAHAHA! HAHA! HAHAHAHA! Hoo, boy, that's a good one. Run along, now, your father and I were in the middle of fondling each other."

Goneril: :(

Goneril: "Whatever, I checked out emotionally a while ago."

A third grader should not have the bitter heart of a line cook; why don't you go play in the dirt or harass Minecraft YouTubers or whatever it is kids like to do these days? Bring some youthful whimsy into this household for God's sake.

Cordelia's a little prodigy with 7 points of logic skill already. I don't think I've ever had a kid skill this fast without cheating before.

I also didn't peg Goneril as being the artsy type, but she's slinging masterpieces left and right, it's kinda awesome. The girls are all really pretty self-sufficient and are in relatively high spirits most of the time, so long as there's leftovers in the fridge for them to pilfer.

Cordelia: "NOW I AM BECOME DRAGON, DESTROYER OF THATCHED-ROOF COTTAGES!"

I'm sorry, I'm really at my wit's end with costumes, you're gonna have to change.

Here's all three girls as kiddos. I gotta say, Goneril is the most beautiful of the three, but Cordelia's really stealing my heart with her disheveled little weirdo look.

Unsurprisingly, Lillie and Martin are fucking dorks and really only spend time with their daughters when the PS1 is involved. Thank you, Crash Bandicoot, for bringing this family together.

Regan: "SMELL YOU LATER, HAN SOLO."

Han Solo: "Hiya, girls! I'm bisexual!"

Huh? What?

Okay? Thanks for stopping by and telling us your sexual identity completely unprompted?

God damn it, Martin.

OH LOOK THE TWINS AGED UP! Goneril rolled Popularity/Family and Regan rolled Romance/Pleasure, which I'm not mad about. They're also both super gorgeous. There's not many pictures of them after this because I had them both hunker down and start working towards some scholarships.

Goneril: "HELLOOOO FAMILY I'M HOOOOME AND I BROUGHT A FRIEEEEND!"

What friend? The pissed-off girl in the background or the influenza that's gonna infect the entire house?

Tiara: "WHAT IS THIS STRANGE NEW TECHNOLOGY?!"

A 30 year old game console, any other questions, grandma?

Goneril: "YOU LITTLE SHIT IF YOU WEREN'T A MINOR I'D KICK YOUR ASS."

Cordelia: "MEET ME OUTSIDE BITCH AND WE'LL SEE WHO'S THE REAL MINOR HERE!"

It's just Crash Team Racing, chill the fuck out

Lillie banged out a bestselling novel this afternoon and Martin and Cordelia are still here playing fucking bing bing wahoo into the evening.

Aww, how darling! How quaint! It would be so much cuter if it weren't 9:30 in the morning and Cordelia's just now getting to bed!

Next time: College, probably!

[decks-writing-blog]

Whatever the Fuck Benrey Is: Chapter Two: But You Owe Me

Chapter One: Never Stayed Dead

~

“I knew you were a thief.”

Already lying down, his back probably purposefully to Benrey, Gordon didn’t respond.

“If you wanted the TV off, you could’ve just asked.” Benrey probably would’ve even obliged him because of the whole hand thing.

No response.

“You asleep?”

Deep steady breathing was the only answer Benrey got. He’d fallen asleep so fast he hadn’t even taken his glasses off. Tsking his disapproval over such forgetfulness, Benrey stood so he could lean over Gordon’s curled up form and do it for him. While hovering here, he could easily take the remote back too. Gordon held it to his chest, his gun hand acting as an additional shield but if he was so tired, he’d fallen asleep that fast, the disturbance of removing the remote from his grasp likely wouldn’t wake him. Benrey didn’t bother though and just stuck to the glasses instead. Careful not to touch their lenses, he folded them and placed them on the nightstand. Nothing worth watching had been on anyway.

Stepping back from the bed, he looked back towards the bathroom. Gordon had called him nasty and told him to take a shower because of it. Humans were particular about cleanliness, especially when it came to their and others’ physical bodies. Benrey never really got why it was such a big deal and he’d just got done reforming his body a couple hours ago so it was fairly clean even by human standards, even if his clothes weren’t. Hot water was always a delight though, one he hadn’t had a chance to enjoy for a little while now, so he obeyed anyway. It’s not like he had anything better to do. Out of politeness he even refrained from eating the rest of the soap once he was done washing himself because there was only one bar of it and he didn’t want be a hog.

Upon stepping out and drying off, he would’ve put his security uniform back on except Gordon had told him not to. Yes, it was quite dirty, maybe even ‘nasty’ as Gordon had put it, but still, not fair. Benrey liked that uniform, people were substantially more attentive to him when he wore it, they stopped to listen to him and did what he told them, sometimes without even questioning it. He didn’t want to give that up and wouldn’t have even considered it but… Gordon was permanently down a hand in part because of Benrey so maybe it was only fair he take something important away from Benrey in return. So with a sigh, Benrey retired from being a security officer and put on one of the hotel’s bathrobes instead.

Back in the room proper, Gordon was still asleep and now softly snoring. He’d said Benrey wasn’t allowed to kill him in his sleep until he’d slept for at least five hours. Benrey had no desire to do such a thing, if he did, he’d had plenty of opportunities during the trip through Black Mesa, so why Gordon had brought it up was a mystery. But whatever, it likely also meant Gordon didn’t want to be disturbed in general until he’d at least had five hours of sleep. Benrey could respect that. Five hours wasn’t that long.

He sat on the chair again. Pulling his legs up to sit as close to sitting crossed-legged as he could with the arms of the chair in the way, he stared up at the blank TV screen. Just like when he’d first been here – back when he’d been a youth still trying to escape Black Mesa before realizing out here was just as boring as in there, except he’d got given fun stuff in there if he cooperated – there was nothing interesting in the room other than the TV. Not a single console to plug into it, no handheld gaming device, computer, or anything else that might provide entertainment. And now, the TV was quickly proving to be even more boring off than it was on, quite the feat.

Benrey shifted in his chair, his eyes drooping. Sleep was boring at best, full on bad when he had nightmares. Luckily he didn’t feel the pull to sleep particularly often but… he certainly felt it now. He was always weaker when away from Black Mesa but after Xen, it was particularly jarring. Not to mention everything he’d done on Xen, leaving him not just feeling sleepy but exhausted. He’d been doing a good job hiding it but with Gordon asleep there was no need for him to do so any longer.

With a resigned sigh, he stood and returned to the bed. Gordon was lying smack-dab in the middle of it. When sharing a bed, Benrey would’ve thought one person would lie on one side of it, the other, the opposite side. What did he know though? He’d heard somewhere that some humans particularly liked being touched, maybe Gordon was one of them so he’d purposefully positioned himself in the middle to make it difficult to join him on the bed without being close enough to touch. Because Gordon had cheated via using Coomer’s Super Player Feature, Benrey was tempted to leave him hanging and sleep on the floor instead but well… turns out Benrey hadn’t been playing quite as fair as he’d thought he’d been so they were probably even. Holding a grudge over a defeat was for losers anyway.

Carefully, Benrey lifted the cover and crawled in under it. He pressed his back to Gordon’s as he tucked the blanket back in around himself. Gordon was warm, his heat had sunk into the bed and blanket, making it quite cozy. It was tempting to turn and press into him even more but Benrey refrained… for now. He’d never cuddled anyone before and he wasn’t about to start now with Gordon no matter how warm he was. Touching like this would just have to be enough for both of them.

***

The bed was warm and soft. Gordon could happily lie here for hours even though he probably shouldn’t. He’d been doing pretty okay at least trying to take better care of his mental health lately, a large part of which was making sure he slept just the right amount. Life was unfair like that; sleep too long and suffer or don’t sleep enough and also suffer. So he should really get up now before he fell back asleep. It’d be the smart thing to do.

He didn’t move though. Five more minutes couldn’t hurt, right? … Yes, actually it could because it was going to be a lot more than just five more minutes. His alarm should still be set though. Even on the days he didn’t have to go into work it was still set to go off, only a couple hours later than usual. So if it hadn’t gone off yet, he was fine to continue lying here until it did.

With a satisfied sigh, he rolled over and… didn’t go back to sleep. Someone was lying next to him on the bed, moving had made it impossible not feel them. It had been years since he’d last shared a bed with anyone so why was he now?

He blinked open his eyes, giving himself a mental shake to wake himself properly. Lying next to him, partially turned away from him was… a stranger. Or no, not a stranger. Without the guard helmet, allowing his messy mop of hair to be free, he looked quite different, especially since, sans his glasses, Gordon had to squint to see him, but it was still obviously Benrey.

Gordon flinched, jerking the rest of the way awake as everything came crashing back down. The resonance cascade, the following scramble to escape the aftermath of aliens attacking, some of them turning folk into zombies. And then the military had come, bringing more violence and death and then dismemberment. How Gordon had forgotten even for a few wonderfully sleepy moments was a mystery. He was safe now though, they’d gotten out and had even had a free trip to the nearest Chuck E. Cheese for a pizza party.

He pressed a hand to his chest to try to calm his racing heart. It didn’t help much though because it was his gun hand. It had become a bit of a relief for a while there; he could defend himself again and was finally no longer helpless. Now though, he didn’t want to kill anymore, never again in fact. … He might have to though, if the military came looking for them. Surely they wouldn’t, right?

Trying not to think about it, Gordon carefully extricated himself from the blanket as he carefully slid out of bed. After finding his glasses on the nightstand and pushing them onto his face he turned back and pulled the blanket back up to just under Benrey’s chin. The longer he stayed asleep, the better.

Come to think of it, not only was this the first time Gordon was seeing Benrey without the guard helmet, it was also the first time he was seeing Benrey asleep. His in-humanness was more obvious without the helmet’s brim to disguise the preternatural shade over his eyes. And his mouth hung open slightly, revealing what looked an awful lot like sharp teeth. Despite that, with his entire body and face lax with peaceful sleep, he looked less dangerous; too soft to be much of a threat. Gordon knew better though; grizzly bears were also quite cute and soft looking but he really, really wouldn’t want to be in the same room as one. And he’d been sleeping close enough to Benrey to almost cuddle him.

With a slight shudder, he retreated into the bathroom. Maybe he didn’t need another shower so soon but… he wanted one and surely he’d earned it, right? Besides, the tangled bird’s nest that his hair had become – made worse by the fact that he’d gone to bed with it wet last night – would be easier to sort out if he wet it first.

~

By the time Gordon was stepping back into the room once more, he felt more human than he had in a long time. No headache born of stress, dehydration or the like. No impeding sense of danger waiting just around the corner. The pervasive smell of rotting corpses was a memory as was the sound of gunfire, close or far. He couldn’t forget any of it but right now, with his only real pain being the soreness in his scalp brought on but forcibly untangling his hair, he could ignore it enough to allow him to continue to function… for now anyway.

Prepared for it this time, he wasn’t thrown off by the sight of Benrey sitting in the chair. Or, not as thrown off as he had been last night because Benrey wearing nothing but a hotel bathrobe just didn’t look right. At least he had the decency to tie it closed though so Gordon was spared the sight of him naked. Though given the fact that he wasn’t human, it did call into question just how much his physical anatomy differed. Did he have a belly button? Nipples? Both if which would give clues on if he was a mammal or not. And what about… Nope. Gordon was a physicist, not a biologist so he didn’t care.

He looked away, towards the window, its curtains currently shut, in an attempt to cover up his flinch at the thought he’d just almost had. “Before we figure anything else out, we need to get some real clothes. Going out dressed like this will be uh… less than ideal but hopefully it’ll be fine to do just once.” He’d seen people wondering around in bathrobes during his last visit to town a couple months ago and they’d been fine so in theory their group would be too. “Since you’re apparently set on sticking around, I guess we’ll get you some new clothes too. You wanna come to the store with us to pick something out yourself or would you rather I or… I don’t know Tommy do it?”

“Uh… I don’t need new clothes. I got plenty back home.”

“You mean in Black Mesa?”

“Yep.”

“Assuming wherever in it you used to live is still intact, it’s probably a horrid mess, like dead bodies everyone kind of mess, you know, the way the rest of the facility is currently. And even if your stuff is somehow clean, how do you plan on getting back there? You don’t have a car.” Though, Gordon wouldn’t put it past him to walk. Which he wouldn’t complain about if Benrey did decide to do, it’d get him out of Gordon’s hair finally.

Benrey shrugged. “They’ll come pick me up, probably soon too.”

Tired of the darkness, Gordon went over to the window and threw the curtains open, letting the midday sunlight steam in uninterrupted. It was beautiful. Leaning against the wall by the window, he turned his attention back onto Benrey though. “Who’s coming to pick you up?”

“The scientists, duh. And their security guard buddies. This ain’t my first rodeo. I’ve uh… I’ve left Black Mesa before. They always come get me and bring me back.” He didn’t sound upset by it. Seemingly he thought that the whole thing was perfectly normal and okay. That didn’t mean it was though. Lots of bad things could seem normal if that’s all one knew.

Gordon could ask for more details such as how much force was used to get him to go back and if he ever wanted to go with them but the answer to such questions were likely sensitive. He didn’t care about invading Benrey’s privacy but he didn’t want to know more lest he start feeling bad for him. The fucker got Gordon’s arm cut off by soldiers and then proceeded to tease him about it before it all culminated into whatever that ending fight had been. Even if he’d apparently thought it all a joke or fun game and that Gordon’s arm would grow back, he didn’t deserve Gordon’s sympathy. And so Gordon wasn’t going to feel bad for him. “I don’t think they’re gonna come get you this time.”

“Huh? Why not? They always have before.”

“Because, you saw how fucked up that place was. Chances are whoever was in charge of you, most of them are probably dead now. So you’re basically free and the world’s worse for that but it’s too late to do anything about it now.”

Benrey stared off into space, seemingly thinking about it, for several seconds before he stood, his face brightening. “Oh. I guess so, huh? Let’s go clothes shopping then.”

Great, Gordon had had a chance to let him just sit here but instead had convinced him to come shopping with him. He should really think more before he spoke. Whatever, Benrey coming along would make it easier to get something that would fit properly anyway. “Fine, let’s go see if we can’t meet up with the others.” And check in at the front desk to see if any more rooms were available so Gordon wouldn’t have to spend another night cuddling Benrey.

***

Counter to Benrey’s expectation, before heading off to the store, they gathered in the hotel’s kitchen area for food. They selection available for lunch was so bland and boring, Benrey decided to skip it despite feeling hungry. He didn’t need to eat often anyway so going without would only mean he felt hungry for longer. He settled down to sit with the rest of the Science Team as they ate though.

Like him and Gordon, the three of them now smelled clean and like they’d scrubbed themselves thoroughly with the hotel’s soap and shampoo. They also wore the hotel’s bathrobes, apparently agreeing with Gordon that their old clothes weren’t salvageable. Benrey wasn’t going to be allowed a guard uniform again for a while, was he? Lame.

Once establishing that they were all going to go clothes shopping together after they finished eating, Gordon changed the subject with, “Also, we really gotta do something about the sleeping situation. I had to share a bed with Benrey last night.”

“Well, you didn’t have to,” Bubby replied. “No one forced you to sleep with him.”

“Unless he did,” Coomer said. “He didn’t force you, did he Gordon?” There was an edge to his voice that Benrey couldn’t identify but it certainly wasn’t his usual chipper tone.

“What? No! He didn’t… do anything to me. Nothing even remotely like what you guys are thinking happened. And that’s clearly not what I meant. There’s only one bed in there so we had to sleep next to each other. That’s all. Jesus Christ guys, why would you even jump to that conclusion?”

“Well, Mr. Freeman, normally when people talk about sharing a bed, they mean, that they…”

“Yeah, thanks Tommy, I know. I shouldn’t have worded it like that, I guess. What I mean is I want my own room. I don’t wanna bunk with Benrey any longer than I absolutely have to. So if there’s anything that can be done to make that happen faster, I’d appreciate it.”

“Wait, what normally happens when people share a bed?” What were the three of them thinking Benrey might’ve done with Gordon last night? Or too Gordon last night.

Gordon turned his head to look at him, his face scrunching up. “You seriously don’t know or are you messing with us?”

“Why would I lie about not knowing something?” Especially when not knowing things was lame. Normally he wouldn’t have asked but it involved him so he wanted to know.

“We were talking about sex,” Bubby said. “We thought you and Gordon might’ve fucked last night and I wouldn’t have put it past you two. He certainly seems the type to be a monster fucker.”

It was far from the first time Benrey had heard such terms but it was the first time they’d been used when talking about him. He had only a vague idea what they meant. So that only kind of answered his question. He’d have to look it up later on Wikipedia… except they’d destroyed a good chunk of Wikipedia’s servers so probably that wasn’t an option.

Gordon stood up. “We didn’t though and we’re never going to and I’m done talking about the possibility. Instead let’s head out and get some real clothes so we don’t have to hang around in bathrobes any longer than we have to.”

And with that the conversation was over as the other three followed suit in standing up with him. Since when had Gordon been the leader of the group? … Since the start but then he’d stopped being the leader when he’d lost his hand. But apparently he was again. So that was probably a good thing, it meant he was back to feeling more himself. Maybe he was adjusting well to the gun hand after all even if he had wrapped it in a towel to hide it. Benrey should still offer to fix it though, huh? So he stood and followed.

~

Normally when Benrey made it all the way to Tuefort, the only store he bothered to go to before the scientists found him and brought him back was Gamestop. As he’d been planning to do before Gordon had distracted him, leading to their little adventure happening instead. He’d thought Target would be like Gamestop but bigger and with clothes – because that’s what they were coming here for – instead of games. Such quickly proved to not be the case.

Clothing wasn’t all that was being sold. There was food, beverages, décor, and signs all over that promised more variety in distant isles. Benrey followed the group at a distance as they started for the clothing section, staying just close enough to keep track of them while also allowing him room to explore on his own.

Gordon had told him to stay close, within eyesight, but Benrey was already following his order to be inconspicuous. He wasn’t phasing through anything even when he wanted to and he’d given up the one gun he’d managed to acquire after reforming his body before they’d left the hotel, making him unarmed. Asking any more of him was selfish when blindly following people was so boring. Especially when a chance look up at one of the distant signs revealed that this store apparently had a video game section.

Making his way there without beelining and phasing through anything in his way was a struggle but he didn’t have any money of his own right now so if he wanted anything he had to depend on the rest of the Science Team to buy it for him. And that meant he had to play by their rules. Which sucked even more than having to ask around for free Play Station Plus vouchers, super not cool. But if Gordon was right and he really wasn’t ever going to be brought back to Black Mesa then… maybe he didn’t want to go back at all. Even to get his stuff lest that remind anyone still around who could make him do things of his existence and thus he’d be brought back after all. It may be boring out here but Gordon was fun to mess with and since he was out here Benrey wanted to be as well. Meaning he had to rebuild his gamer pad from the ground up.

Upon reaching the gaming section, he felt immediately more at home. It was like Gamestop but with wider isles, a taller ceiling, and better lighting. Alas, it lacked that distinct Gamestop scent, smelling like the rest of the Target instead, but he could live with that. It also took up much less space in total than Gamestop, indicating a smaller available selection. A bit worrying but better than nothing.

It took only a handful of minutes to peruse the entirety of the section. They were lacking a lot but they did have PS3’s and Heavenly Sword in stock. An argument could be made that Gordon owed him the latter since it was because of him, Benrey hadn’t been able to get it when he’d meant to. And needing the former to play it, Gordon surely owed him the PS3 too. Depending on others’ charity sucked but what other choice did Benrey have right now? Also, they were all pals, in this together, right? Gordon was already buying clothes for everyone, including Benrey, so this could certainly be justified too. If not him, then surely Tommy would pay for it instead. He’d owe whoever bought and would of course let them play it first.

He had to phase through a locked plexiglass door to get the PS3 but he waited until he was sure no one, including the camera sweeping the area, was looking before doing so. He then grabbed a copy of Heavenly Sword, placing it on top before doing one last sweep of the area to see if the Play Station Plus cards. A free voucher would’ve been better but those were hard to come by. Unfortunately no such cards were available. Lame, he wanted to play online but whatever, the single player mode was probably fun too.

Meeting back up with the Science Team quickly proved to be easier said than done. The Target wasn’t huge or anything but it certainly wasn’t small and all the aisles he had to walk around instead of through made it a massive pain to navigate. He knew what they were primarily here to shop for though so once he remembered he could use the signs, he quickly caught back up with them.

They were in clothing section obviously, standing around with their cart, talking to each other about something. Probably boring ol’ clothes but Benrey didn’t care and they cut off anyway as he walked up and...

“Are you gonna pay for that?” Gordon asked as he side stepped to block Benrey from the cart. Even though Tommy was the one in charge of pushing it around so he had no right to say what went into the cart or not. He side stepped again when Benrey tried to walk around him. “Like with your own money.”

“’Cause of you I don’t got any of my own money currently. But you owe me ‘cause…”

“Then we’re not buying it. Go put it back.”

“I don’t… I wouldn’t mind paying for it,” Tommy said. Good ol’ Tommy, always a good friend. “I mean we… all our stuff is or… or was back at Black Mesa. We can’t really easily go get it if it’s even still there and not destroyed or so covered in goo to basically be destroyed so… maybe we could buy some fun stuff too while we’re here.”

Despite how much sense Tommy just made Gordon’s scowl deepened as he moved again to block Benrey’s attempt to get around him. “I’m not against that idea but a whole brand new Play Station? Those are expensive and we shouldn’t just buy Benrey whatever he wants. That’ll encourage him to keep coming back to us for more. It’s like… like feeding wild animals. You don’t do it because it encourages them to go up to humans more and more for food and then they inevitably end up attacking people who don’t feed them because they want food from them and then they have to get put down and then no one’s happy.”

“So you’re saying if we buy Benrey a Play Station we’ll eventually have to kill him again?” Bubby asked as he walked up to put what looked like it might’ve been a blue floral dress in the cart because apparently he was allowed to put whatever he wanted in there. “I’m down, as long as I’m not the one paying for it anyway. It was pretty fun the first time.”

“We could try to do it faster this time,” Coomer added. “And if we get a high enough score we might win a prize.”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. Or… I don’t know maybe that would happen. God knows his reason for trying to kill us the first time didn’t make any god damn sense. So maybe if we spoiled him and then stopped when we couldn’t afford it anymore he would try again. But let’s not test it by not giving into him in the first place. It’s like an entirely different game we need to play and not let him win. Stand your ground and don’t buy him anything he doesn’t strictly need.”

Benrey tried one last time to step around Gordon but with him not being allowed to phase through him, it was futile. Benrey had lost again. “Ah, c’mon man, that’s not fair. You owe me. It’s cause of you I’m not back home playing Heavenly Sword right now. I was gonna…”

“No, no, not my fault.” Gordon pointed his still towel wrapped gun hand at Benrey. An empty threat because he wouldn’t dare shoot it here, otherwise he wouldn’t have been so meticulous about hiding it. “Everything that happened was because of the resonance cascade which wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t anybody’s fault, I think, or at least no one who’s still alive anyway.”

“You’re the one who didn’t have your passport so I had follow you in there and then...”

“So the resonance cascade is your fault?” Gordon interrupted again, pushing his wrapped gun hand right up into Benrey’s face, rude. “Whatever the fuck you are interfered with the test and made all that happen?”

“No. That would’ve happened anyway, duh. Sticking giant alien crystals into beams is obviously a dumb idea.” The fact that Black Mesa had gotten away with it for as long as they had was a borderline miracle. “But I was with you when it happened instead of heading to Gamestop with my pal. Who died by the way.”

Gordon’s face, as always, was very expressive, displaying every emotion he felt in real time. Someone good at reading facial expressions could probably use that to basically read his mind. Alas that wasn’t Benrey but that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the display of emotions across Gordon’s face just for the sake of it. It’s what made frustrating him so fun. Even when actively annoyed with him, Benrey still liked his face and the fact that he was the one causing the strong emotions it portrayed. Which made Gordon turning his back on him with a huff a bit disappointing.

I’m not letting you rile me up anymore.” The strain in his voice said he was still riled up and doing a poor job at hiding it. “We’re not buying you a Play Station, end of discussion.”

With Gordon’s back now turned, stepping around him to put the Play Station and game into the cart was easy.

“We’re not paying for it,” Gordon repeated, still not looking at Benrey. “Please, back me up on this guys.”

Tommy shuffled wringing his hands on the cart’s handle. “I guess he did um… get violent with us, huh? So… sorry, Benrey. I don’t wanna… we shouldn’t feed the wild animals.”

“Damn bro, what the hell?” Was he really gonna betray Benrey like that?

“Well I’m certainly not buying him jack shit,” Bubby said. “I don’t got that kind of money.”

“Don’t worry, Gordon! I’ll stand by your side through hell and back!” As if Coomer hadn’t tried to kill Gordon once upon a time too. … Or maybe that had been his clones. Benrey hadn’t been there at the time and had gotten the tale from Tommy who wasn’t always the best at accurately relaying events.

“Whatever. It’s already in the cart so…”

Before he could even finish, Tommy, cementing his betrayal, let go of the cart’s handle to retrieve the Play Station. “I’ll uh… I’ll go put these back where they belong.”

“Thanks, Tommy,” Gordon said as he took over cart duty. He had only one real hand, making him the least suited for the position because he couldn’t control it properly. And he probably didn’t have the documentation to prove he was capable of driving a cart around in the first place. A crash was almost inevitable with him steering.

Benrey took a breath to bring that up because it would certainly get him looking at Benrey again but… he didn’t have the security officer uniform anymore. He was wearing just a dumb, cheap bathrobe. His authority had been stripped from him. Lame. No wonder they’d all sided with Gordon.

“Now, Benrey,” Gordon said, finally looking at him again. He’d finally succeeded in reigning his frustration in though. He wasn’t even gloating about the victory he’d just won, almost like he didn’t care. “Before you wonder off again, let’s find you something that’ll fit you. Once we’re all no longer wondering around a Target dressed in nothing but bathrobes at three in the afternoon Dr. Coomer and Bubby are gonna pay for groceries and some other necessities.”

And broke, unemployed Benrey just had to follow along with whatever they wanted in addition to relying on them for stuff. “Fine,” he said as he stepped up to follow Gordon since he was apparently the boss now and Benrey was a nobody.

“Oh, uh… I didn’t think you’d agree so easily. But sure, I’m not gonna question it. First, we need to get you a hat. That… shadow or whatever it is over your eyes is kinda weird without one.”

[lootsofathousandsworld]

Life of a Pirate Chpt 6

Shit its been like....eternity since I posted a new Chpt :')

Anyway here's the new chpt! :D

Hope you all enjoy and sorry for any grammer errors.

 Ash's POV

“Alright men supper’s over. Get back up the deck!” I overheard Billy shout. I turned my head and saw he was standing by the door, with a cigar in his claws. 

Many crews left the table without hesitation, and some did not even finish their supper. Wanting to be the last person to leave, I waited for all men to leave first. After they're gone, I get up from my table and begin to head my way toward the exit.  

But when I was about to pass Billy. He stops me.

"Not you, cabin girl,"  

"What?" I blinked. He points back and I glance over and see many dirty dishes stacking and a few left on the table with leftover supper that few men didn't finish.   

Seeing where this is leading, I bit my lips to hold my tired groaning. 

"But this will take me all night,"  

Billy only rolls his eyes at my complaint. "And I suggest you get your pretty little ass workin'", 

"Can I at least start doing them tomorrow?" I asked. "I'm still sore from mopping all day,"   

He only looks at me deadpan after he lit his cigar with a match." If you're this tired, I can let you go and sleep below deck with men. And I'm sure they'll be impatient to see ya get undressed."    

I was shocked to hear those words coming out of his mouth. Changing my mind fast, I spoke. "On second thought, I’ll get the dishes going."  

"Good choice," Billy nodded and inhaled his cigar, and blew smoke out from his mouth. I used my hand to get some smoke out of my face.  

"I expect most of them done by tomorrow, before breakfast. No slacking," When Billy left me alone with a mess of dishes I let out a huff.  

"Well it's better than being around with perverts all night," I walked back over to the sink and started taking the dishes out. Almost gagged with the stench invading my nostril again. I force myself to swallow my disgust. 

"Yep, not regretting it," 

-------------------------------------------------

Thirds person POV

Early the next morning, the robot grumbled when his soft alarm went off on his compass waking him up. It was soft enough that it didn't wake up his captain. B.E.N gets up tiredly, turns, it off, and hears his captain snoring loudly in his bed.

It was the usual night B.E.N didn’t get much sleep, due to how loud Flint snored. He tried one time to turn off his hearing device to get some better sleep but got into trouble sleeping late. And he never forgets the punishment he received from his captain. 

So from that day forward, he never turned off his hearing after that incident. Instead, he sucks it up and goes on his morning routine. He tiredly gets up from the floor and yawns, stretching his robotic arms out. 

He drags himself over to the door and quietly opens it. After shutting the door behind him he was welcomed with a light breeze and glazes up at the light blue sky. Despite feeling sleepy, he loved to feel welcomed on a quiet peaceful morning with the sun shining on his metal head. B.E.N smiled and inhaled some fresh air. 

"Ahh, what a fantastic way to start this day!" Then his thought came on a woman, wondering if she'd had a good sleep. He suddenly began to worry about where she'd slept. There's no possible way she slept down below with men.  

He knows she is safe from the pirate code, but he knows some of these men can not resist going hungry over vulnerable women. He gulped and made his way down the gallery to prepare his captain's breakfast.  

But when he entered there he gasped to find a woman sleeping on a table with her arms as her pillow and holding on a kitchen brush.

B.E.N. looked and saw some dishes were cleaned but there were a few more that needed to be washed. As he observes her exhausted appearance, he feels sorry for the fact that Bones has to make her work so much.

He tiptoes over to her and gently uses his hand to shake her shoulder.

"Hey, Ash? Ashy?" He whispered. "Wake up," The woman groans and snuggles her head in her arm to get better sleep. Again the robot shook her shoulder.  

"It's time to get up, Ash wake up!" The woman shot her head up in startle after he almost raised his voice a bit,

"Wha?!" The woman gasped. "I didn't do it!" She blinked and looked and saw it was only B.E.N. looking at her in surprise. 

"Oh it's you," She sighed in relief and rubbed her eyes. 

"Good morning?" B.E.N almost smiles in greet. Ash only yawned in return.

"What time is it?"    

"It's close to six a.m.," He answered. 

"Fuck seriously?" She grumbled.   

The robot tsks at my cussing. "Yep! Most crew wake up this time, it's why they tend to sleep around eight pm. It's pretty much one of the pirate codes,"

Ash groans crankily and lays her head on her arms again," Thanks I'll keep that in mind. Let me sleep ten more minutes." Right when she was about to catch her Z's B.E.N grabbed her shoulders again.

Aw come on Ashy it's the time to get up to start a new day," He made her get her head up and gently pat her cheeks. "One crew member is going to come in here soon to make breakfast. He even added with excitement.  

"And I know just the thing to help boost your energy," Ash tiredly watched B.E.N zoom over to the counter and grab some kind of coffee pot.

"Tada! The wonderful Coffee!" He announces proudly. The woman couldn't help to chuckle tiredly at his enthusiastic personality.  

"Like it have your coffee double shot?" He winked. 

She nodded sleepy. "That would be great. Thank you B.E.N." 

------------------------------------------------------------------

Ash POV

After I had my coffee and breakfast which was the same soup from last night. Billy was disappointed…. no. Irritated with me for not getting many dishes done. So he assigns me to scrub the deck with a brush.  

 After a couple of hours of scrubbing, I was already sweating through my shirt. Never knew this morning was going to be this hot and humid. Especially when we're sailing across the galaxy.   Guess the enteriumn weather works like any other planet.  I thought. I stood up sitting to wipe my forehead with my arm to get some sweat off.  

But all of a sudden, my stomach begins to feel uneasy. Not understand how I'm starting to feel sick even though I didn't eat anything that upset my tummy. Then I thought maybe it was not agreeing with the food I had eaten. Or else maybe a coffee I might’ve not enjoyed?

Whatever it is I hope it wasn't too serious, like it could be a bug or a fluke that'll pass on. But my stomach was getting much worse the more I tried to work. I think drinking water might help ease this stomach ache.

  I slowly got up while doing my best not to throw up. But not knowing where I was going my head bonk on someone's elbow.

"Hey watch where you get up!" I blinked and found three pirates standing resting on the side of the ship. 

 One of them is some grey furry monkey alien-like with a pink face and was wearing a silky royal blue vest that only shows his chest. His pants were black and puffy with gold ankle bracelets on his bare feet.   

The middle one was some kind of weasel strout alien mixed, having one eye patch and his fur was black grey color. Only wears a dirty tan shirt with no sleeves with brown pants. 

But the last one got me to swallow nervously. I wasn't sure what he was but I could tell by his nose, he might be some mole alien-like. But his facial is sort of human-like. With his eyes covered with dirty green cloth. And his waist covered in a grey dirty shirt was so skinny it was like if he tried twisting it he'd break apart. 

What makes me nervous about his appearance is he looks like a person that you can easily feel sympathy for the way his appearance looks pathetic. But it's also the way it could shield him from showing his true colors. 

Infamous and revolting.  

I swallowed and spoke lowly, "Sorry," When I tried passing them a blind mole stopped me and glanced at me curious. 

"Say, are you be the new crew I am hearing about?" 

I answered briefly. "Y-yes now I need to be somewhere." I want to hurry to get a drink or else now a bucket. My stomach was getting to the point where I needed it right now. But this alien mole still won't let go of my arm he asks this question again. 

"Whatcha hurry lass? We like to ask a few questions, right boys?" I saw two of them make a slight nod but I could tell by their body language they didn't want to do anything with me. Again I shook my head and tried to get his hand off.   

"I told you I'm not interested.." All of sudden I hear a weasel tsk. 

"Oh give it a break Pew, she's too chicken to talk to us,

"Excuse me?" I turn sharply at him. "I'm not a chick.."I stop myself when I feel my puke coming to my throat as the ship makes a quick turn. 

"A what? A chick?" The monkey smirked. "Is that what you gonna say?" 

Without any warning, I hurl all my breakfast and coffee out, right on his silky pants.  

My eyes widened and saw the monkey alien looking horrific at his clothing being thrown up while others had disgusted expressions on their face. The monkey then glanced sharply at me in furious. 

I swallowed hard.  shit, I'm dead.

----------------------------------

You..YOU LITTLE BITCH!" He shrieked. I tried to make a run. But the ape alien was too quick he snatched my hair and made me look down at his pants. 

"Look what you did! My pants are ruined!"  

"Didn't mean to!" I try to apologize but he yanks my head up to face him again and I can hear other men gather around and chant the word fight.   He looks at me deadly and pulls his small dagger out. 

"How about I cut ya throat and spill your blood on your shirt?" He had a blade on my throat and I froze in fear to feel a cold steel on my skin. The chant was getting louder as he was about to slice. 

But then a hand appeared out of nowhere that didnt belong to any of my captives which caused men to groan in disappointment. The hand belongs to Nicolas. The peacock man I met yesterday at dinner. He pulls the monkey's hand away from my throat and sighs in annoyance.  

"Kenji," He begins sternly. "You know if you spill blood, the infection will spread around."   

The monkey named Kenji gives him a snort. "I ain't afraid of your germ warning Nic, blood would not affect me."  

"Ah, you sure?" I watch him pull something out from his pocket while gripping his hand and adding. "Just to make sure. Let's give you a quick shot for a vaccine." Kenji's face paled to see a needle and did not hesitate to let me go and make Nic release his hand. 

"Get that thing away from me!" He and a few others backed away as if that needle was some kind of grenade. I almost snickled at these fearsome pirates who were all afraid of one needle. But my amusement was cut short when Billy walked in

"What is going on here?" The crew was all silent while he scanned around. Soon Billy understood what happened he tsks. "You all know the code. I'm disappointed all of you forgot it." He then sees the mole alien try to sneak away and points. 

"Pew!" He barked. The mole named Pew freezes and turns to Billy looking innocent. The turtle alien huffed and muttered. 

"I should've known,"

Then Kenji pipes in. "But it's the woman's fault! She.."He shows him a puke stain on his pants. "Look what she had done! My pants are ruined. After looking at his pants he turns to me and I look down in embarrassment.  

He hums and looks at Nicolas. "Have her be checked in your surgeon's room. And you three," He glanced at Kenji, weasel alien, and Pew sternly." Come with me. Captain will likely hear your little brawl.  

He then finishes looking at the rest of the men, "And the rest of ya shows over! Back to work!" All men scatter away leaving Billy, four men and I standing.  

I felt a hand touch my shoulder and I looked to see Nicolas begin escorting me away from Billy and the rest. 

"Alright come on, let's give you a check-up," As I was walking, I turned my head a little and watched three men and Billy walk in another direction. After much trauma, I came to realize the name of the mole alien is Pew, like Blind Pew!   

One of the characters from Treasure Island I remember that didnt get mention in this film. And now I see he's part of Flint's crew and I learn he's the most dangerous out of them from all adaptations.  

I bite my lips in worry and wonder if I'm able to survive by staying on this ship. 

[ctfamilydentalpractice]

Restful Nights Begin with Expert Care: CT Family Dental Practice Leads the Way in Sleep Apnea Treatment in Turlock, CA

In today’s fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep has become more crucial than ever. Yet, for millions of Americans, restful sleep is disrupted by a silent intruder — sleep apnea. This sleep disorder doesn’t just cause daytime fatigue and snoring; it can significantly impact overall health, leading to serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Fortunately, residents of Turlock, CA, have access to effective and compassionate care through CT Family Dental Practice, a leading provider of Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment Turlock CA.

Understanding Sleep Apnea: A Common Yet Dangerous Condition

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night.

While the loud snoring often associated with sleep apnea might be seen as a nuisance by partners, the real danger lies in what’s happening inside the body. When breathing stops, oxygen levels in the blood drop, and the brain is briefly awakened to resume airflow. This constant cycle disrupts the sleep process and prevents the person from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep.

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to a host of health problems including:

High blood pressure

Stroke

Heart disease

Type 2 diabetes

Depression and anxiety

Daytime fatigue and increased risk of accidents

Signs You Might Need Sleep Apnea Treatment

Many people suffering from sleep apnea are unaware they have the condition. Common symptoms include:

Loud or chronic snoring

Gasping or choking sounds during sleep

Morning headaches

Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Difficulty concentrating

Mood changes

Excessive daytime sleepiness

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, it’s time to seek professional help. And that’s where CT Family Dental Practice in Turlock, CA steps in.

CT Family Dental Practice: A Trusted Name in Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment

For years, CT Family Dental Practice has been a trusted provider of comprehensive dental care in Turlock. What sets them apart is their advanced expertise in Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment Turlock CA, offering patients non-invasive and effective solutions that go beyond traditional dental services.

Unlike CPAP machines, which are commonly prescribed for sleep apnea but often difficult for patients to tolerate, dental sleep appliances offer a comfortable and user-friendly alternative. These oral devices are custom-made and worn during sleep to help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue. For many patients, this approach results in better compliance, improved sleep quality, and a noticeable reduction in symptoms.

The Process: What to Expect at CT Family Dental Practice

At CT Family Dental Practice, patient comfort and care are top priorities. Their streamlined process ensures that every individual receives personalized attention and treatment tailored to their specific needs.

1. Initial Consultation and Sleep Evaluation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, the team will assess your medical and sleep history, discuss your symptoms, and evaluate your risk for sleep apnea. If needed, they may refer you for a sleep study or coordinate with your physician for a definitive diagnosis.

2. Custom Oral Appliance Fitting

Once diagnosed, the team at CT Family Dental Practice will take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit oral appliance. This device is designed to gently move your jaw forward, ensuring that your airway remains open during sleep.

3. Monitoring and Follow-Up Care

Treatment doesn’t stop at fitting the device. The practice places a strong emphasis on follow-up care. They’ll monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the appliance continues to provide optimal results. Their commitment to long-term success makes CT Family Dental Practice a leader in Sleep Apnea Treatment in Turlock CA.

Why Choose Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Many patients wonder how a dental professional can help treat a sleep disorder. The truth is, dentists with specialized training in dental sleep medicine are uniquely qualified to address obstructive sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy. These devices offer several key benefits:

Comfort: Oral appliances are far more comfortable than CPAP machines and are custom designed to fit your mouth perfectly.

Portability: Small and lightweight, they’re easy to take along when traveling.

Non-Invasive: No surgery, no masks, and no machines — just a simple solution for better sleep.

Improved Quality of Life: Patients often report better sleep, increased energy, and a reduction in snoring.

Success Stories: Changing Lives One Night at a Time

At CT Family Dental Practice, success is measured not only in dental health but also in the smiles and improved lives of their patients. Many individuals who once struggled with poor sleep and constant fatigue now enjoy restful nights and rejuvenated days, thanks to the practice’s commitment to providing top-notch Sleep Apnea Treatment in Turlock CA.

Patients frequently commend the team for their compassionate care, professionalism, and the life-changing benefits of the dental sleep devices. Their satisfaction is a testament to the practice’s dedication and expertise.

Education and Awareness: Spreading the Word

One of the cornerstones of CT Family Dental Practice’s mission is to raise awareness about the importance of treating sleep apnea. Many people continue to suffer in silence, unaware that their poor sleep is the result of a treatable condition.

Through community outreach, patient education, and partnerships with sleep specialists, CT Family Dental Practice strives to empower residents of Turlock to take control of their health by addressing the root cause of their sleep issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment

Q: Is dental sleep apnea treatment covered by insurance? A: In many cases, yes. Oral appliances for sleep apnea are often covered by medical insurance (not dental insurance). The team at CT Family Dental Practice will help guide you through the process and maximize your benefits.

Q: How do I know if an oral appliance is right for me? A: Oral appliances are an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who can’t tolerate CPAP machines. A consultation at CT Family Dental Practice will help determine the best treatment for your needs.

Q: Is the treatment permanent? A: Dental sleep appliances manage sleep apnea, but they are not a cure. Continued use is necessary for ongoing relief. Regular checkups ensure your device remains effective over time.

A Commitment to Excellence in Turlock, CA

Located in the heart of Turlock, CT Family Dental Practice combines advanced technology with genuine compassion to provide effective and lasting Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment. Their team of skilled professionals is not only dedicated to dental health but also to improving your overall well-being by ensuring you get the quality sleep you deserve.

By choosing CT Family Dental Practice for your Sleep Apnea Treatment in Turlock CA, you’re taking a proactive step toward better sleep, better health, and a better quality of life.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Steal Your Rest

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring — it's a serious health issue that deserves proper care. If you or someone you love is struggling with sleep disturbances, don’t wait. The road to restful sleep and renewed energy begins with a simple consultation at CT Family Dental Practice, Turlock’s trusted provider of Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment.

Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a healthier, happier you. Schedule your appointment with CT Family Dental Practice today — because a better night’s sleep can truly change your life.

[jodilin65]

I'm going to start drafting this entry as I lie here feeling exhausted, depressed, anxious, and totally hopeless. Damn, do I miss my healthier days! I miss so many aspects of the old me, but I fear more and more that these things are permanently in the past. The harder I try to take control of my health, the further it seems to slip away. I just can’t get a handle on it.

Yesterday was absolutely horrible. Every time I drifted off to sleep, I kept waking up feeling like I was suffocating. I was utterly exhausted. I’ve only been getting a few minutes to a couple of hours of sleep here and there.

I finally decided to set up a virtual Urgent Care appointment, hoping for advice. The doctor I spoke to was a Jamaican woman with a strong accent that, combined with the garbled audio, made her hard to understand. She seemed robotic and detached and I didn’t really like her much. She thinks sleep apnea might be the root of many of my issues. Thinking back, I wonder if the shortness of breath I experienced a couple of months ago was really related to sleep apnea rather than the nasal spray. Maybe both the fatigue and breathing struggles have been tied to the apnea all along. Her advice was to go to the ER to get oxygen or contact my primary care doctor to arrange for it until my sleep apnea could be addressed.

I definitely regret giving up on the CPAP! Now, I’m desperate enough to try anything. I used to insist one’s throat structure didn’t change but according to some digging I did, aging does affect muscles and other things.

Tom was skeptical of her advice, thinking she was just covering herself, so we decided to go to Urgent Care for a second opinion. It was my first time at Urgent Care since the ‘90s although it wasn’t much different than the Minute Clinic. It was surprisingly dead too.

They agreed the ER wasn’t necessary and said nothing would resolve the sleep apnea without some kind of device. I’d prefer a mouthguard, but dentists who make them are hard to find.

I hadn’t thought to wear long sleeves with the temperatures in the 70s, so both the medical assistant and the doctor noticed the big ugly bruise on my forearm. I told them a heavy box fell on me while I was reaching for it on a closet shelf. I don’t know if they believed me and I don’t care, but I definitely need to stop doing shit like that. If I need to let out frustration, punching a mattress or pillow is a far better option than beating on myself or breaking things. It’s not my fault I have all these health issues. Either it’s no one’s fault because it’s random, or there’s a god up there allowing me to suffer and therefore it’s his fault.

Anyway, to help with sleep and anxiety, the doctor prescribed hydroxyzine—the same stuff Galileo gave me before. It does help me sleep, but it leaves me feeling hungover and groggy. Still, it’s better than nothing. Last night, I slept a bit more, even though there was still some snoring and breathing difficulty.

I asked if my breathing issues were anxiety or sleep apnea-related, and she said both. I even feel short of breath when I’m up and moving sometimes, though it’s much worse when lying down or trying to sleep. My nasal issues certainly don’t help. I can’t get in to see Rhonda fast enough!

On top of all this, my schedule is completely messed up. Tom told me not to worry and to sleep when I could, but it still weighs on my mind. I worry about how much time and money it’s going to take to deal with all of this and how much more suffering is in store for me along the way. Even if everything were resolved with the snap of a finger, I know there will just be something else. I know how it works for me.

I’m still feeling mild pain in my lower left abdomen and it worries me. If it’s anything serious (although I doubt it), we can’t afford for me to go under the knife every year. I might need surgery as it is to fix my nose just to breathe properly again. I’d love to believe my nasal issues and sleep apnea will be resolved in the next few months and that the lower pain is nothing but I can’t know that.

[colinwilson11]

Anti-Snoring Devices: Sleep Apnea Relief  Uncovering The Potential For Significant Growth

Loud and disruptive snoring can negatively impact both the snorer and their sleeping partners. Repeated interrupted sleep cycles lead to fatigue, irritability and health issues over time. Snoring is often caused by sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly. Left untreated, sleep apnea raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Continuous snoring vibrations can also damage the throat tissues. Finding relief from snoring through popular snoring devices is a growing trend.

How Anti-Snoring Devices Work

Most anti-snoring aids work by opening the airways and gently advancing the jaw and tongue, enabling smoother breathing during sleep. Some popular options include mouthpieces, chin straps, nasal dilators and pillows. Mouthpieces are fitted by a dentist to hold the mouth closed and tongue forward for an unobstructed airway. Chin straps use adjustable straps to prevent the chin from dropping and tongue falling back during sleep. Nasal dilators use adhesive strips to widen the nasal passages for clearer breathing. Special pillows help position the head, neck and spine to encourage unblocked breathing throughout the night.

  Rise Of At-Home Treatment Devices

With growing awareness of sleep health, consumer demand has risen for easy-to-use at-home Anti-Snoring Devices. This has fueled robust growth globally. Rather than opting for painful surgeries or complex medical devices, many now prefer inexpensive self-treatment options. Oral appliance therapy using custom-fitted mouthpieces is very effective and dentists report rising appointments for them. Prenatal testing also shows how even mild to moderate snoring during pregnancy disturbs the mother's sleep, driving demand. No-drill options with fast, drug-free relief have wide appeal over prescribed options.

Innovations Driving New Customers

Manufacturers respond to demand through new technologies and materials making devices discreet, comfortable and highly effective. Smartphone apps now track snoring and suggest personalized adjustments. 3D printing allows customized mouthpieces to be produced in-house within hours. Silicone and thermoplastic materials make appliances lightweight and breathable. Device subscriptions cater to individuals testing multiple options over time. New products target side sleepers and combinations handle both snoring and sleep apnea. As innovations raise success rates and new customers seek relief every year, this continues expanding globally.

Online Channels Transform Access

Powered by e-commerce, the consumer journey has shifted online from browsing to buying anti-snoring devices. Product reviews, comparison features and virtual consultations help consumers shortlist suitable options quickly. Free trials and money-back guarantees minimize risks. Subscription services provide ongoing solutions tailored to users’ changing needs. Companies now build virtual evaluation tools allowing customers to “try before buy” through digital mouth scans. With COVID boosting online trends hereon, remote access through telehealth will increasingly drive this beyond brick-and-mortar reach. Online retail, together with widening insurance coverage, will further spearhead future growth potentials.

Continued Momentum Ahead

As sleep needs more attention and shifts to home-selfcare, snoring devices will maintain strong, continued demand globally given aging populations and obesity increases. Emerging economies like India and China contribute added potential as awareness spreads.  experts foresee sustained 10% yearly gains across oral appliances and other anti-snoring aids worldwide.

Technology partnerships will combine cardiopulmonary diagnostics with treatment to expand into sleep apnea territory as well. With changing lifestyles negatively impacting sleep worldwide, preventive solutions like anti-snoring aids are sure to hold ongoing relevance and business value for stakeholders in the future.

Get more insights on this topic: https://www.trendingwebwire.com/anti-snoring-devices-exploring-effective-solution-aids-to-alleviate-snoring-disturbances/

Author Bio:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )

*Note: 1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research 2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

[aspenmissing]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 (𝙿𝚝 𝟹)

The night seems to fly by as the sunrise begins creeping up, the sounds of bird chirping waking Y/N up. She snores herself up into a sitting position, rubbing her eyes before she shakes her head, fixing her hair. She looks to the sunrise, smiling.

"New Day, new me." She mutters. She begins sniffing the air, drool coming down her mouth. "I smell meat..." She sticks her head over the side of the roof, staring down to see Hawk. She frowns, "Damn it, not food I guess."

"This morning air feels refreshing against my meaty backside, welp after that battle the other day, I better start training to get in shape." Hawk begins running off. Y/N eventually jumps down from the roof and gives herself a big stretch before she catches the smell of Meliodas, and she follows it through the forest.

Somewhere in the forest, in an opening, Ban dodges hundreds of daggers, thrown by King, who is floating in the air above him.

"You think I can't handle it, King? Now take this seriously! Like you're trying to kill me." Ban says, hands on hips as he looks up to the fairy king.

"Why exactly should I be trying to do that?" King questions, putting his hands behind his head.

"I wanna get better fast, gotta crush the holy knights and take back the kingdom quick as we can!" Ban suddenly appears behind King, grabbing him by the head and throwing him to the floor, to which King was quick to stop himself from landing.

"You wanna take back the kingdom huh, never thought I hear you say something like that. I always figured you didn't care about anybody but yourself."

"And weren't you kinda the same way to." Ban spits onto the floor, as King rests on his pillow.

"I suppose so, but in my case I happen to have a special objective which is to help Y/N out." He says, smiling with a small blush on his face.

"I have one of those to." Ban says, peeking King's interest. "Save the kingdom, then I can take that trumpet of Cernunnos. Seems like a pretty good reward to me."

"You want the Trumpet of Cernunnos? That's a ritual device used to commune with the goddesses, I don't get it, why would you-" King's eyes widen at the realisation. "Wait..."

"Yeah, I'll call on 'em, and have them bring back Elaine!" Ban says, looking up at King.

"Ban."

"So keep it coming! Bring it!"

"Darn, I guess I have to accept him now." King mutters to himself. "It's time, right Elaine." King sees Ban's hesitant look. "You're worried about the Captain, aren't you? I thought so. Deep down, I feel the same way. I saw how the Captain looked...He was like-"

"Go ahead! Say it!" King's cut off by Ban grabbing his collar, clenching his jaw.  "Just one more word and I'll knock your teeth out!"

"But, you saw it too! Didn't you?! A-And you told me Y/N seen it to! How she was scared of the Captain! Why would she be scared, unless she knows somethi-" Ban tightens his hold on King.

"But, you seen the both of them!"

"There's no way! The captain isn't anything a damn thing like that monster! Something like that, just can't be true! And the Lieutenant! She wouldn't keep something like this from us! She just...wouldn't." Ban let's go of King's shirt. "I still remember when the Captain and Lieutenant said I could follow them. Ever since the day I was born, people everywhere stay cleared of me, it felt like my life had no meaning, but they didn't care about my past! The only three people like that in this whole world, are them and Elaine."

Y/N breaks the clearing of the forest, spotting Meliodas sat on the mountain. She walks up to him and sits besides him.

"You doing okay, Shorty?" She questions, tilting her head at him.

"Yeah, it's just hard to believe that the Holy Knights have gotten that powerful." He says. Y/N shrugs at him.

"It just means we can't hold our punches from here on in." Meliodas grabs onto a petal from a plant and places it into his mouth. "Gross man." He just shrugs and spits it out. She watches as he snaps of a branch from a small tree, and begins standing up.

"I guess we'll have to give up on that." Y/N stands in suit, nodding her head.

"Indeed we will have to, if we want to win." He holds the twig out in front of him before bringing it down, cutting the mountain in half. Y/N following him into the Crater and down the crack, to which as the end are the other Sins, Elizabeth and Hawk.

"When shooting stars fill the night sky in the form of crosses, Britannia will face her most desperate hour." Y/N says, her voice echoing down the crack, as she walks behind Meliodas.

"This is a trial, pre-ordained since ancient times, and it will herald the beginning of a Holy War between guiding hand of the light and the bloodline of the darkness." Meliodas continues, as they get closer to the other side.

"Captain? Lieutenant?" King says.

"Sir Meliodas. Lady Y/N."

"We promise you, for the sake of the person who always fought at out side. This war's been raging on for 3000 years, but we'll end it, once and for all."

[yankpop]

WARNINGS: Implied Kidnapping. 

--

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

--

The whole apartment is dark and silent. You stay glued by the non-existing door for a few more seconds, waiting for a confirmation.

After a few moments, you finally hear Mark snoring again. It's faint but it's there. It's relatively easy to hear it  since he removed the door to the room that is now yours.

You step out of the room, walking slowly towards his room.

Pushing the door lightly, it creaks and for a moment, your heart stops. Peeking inside the room, Mark is lying on his back in bed, his hair completely messed up. But he's still sleeping so you sigh in relief.

As you enter the room, you immediately start looking around for something that could help you. You don’t exactly have a plan, thinking maybe you could snatch the keys although that was a complicated solution to your problem. Mark’s sleep is dense, but not enough for you to take a bunch of rattling keys and unlock the door and its padlocks one by one. 

The room is fairly dark, the only light coming from the moon. You can’t spot the keys, maybe they’re in one of the bedside table’s drawers. While considering if you should keep searching for the keys, a small vibration grabs your attention. It’s his phone!

It carelessly left on the bed and half swollen by the bed sheets, close to Mark. You bite your lips, a turmoil of conflicting emotions inside you. For one side, you want to take the risk but one the other, you don’t.

If you get caught, will Mark get angry? Yes, definitely. What will he do? You’re not sure and it scares you. 

The device vibrates again and in the spur of the moment, you jump towards it and quickly snatch it from the bed. Mark stirs up a bit, groaning in his sleep and you hesitate for a moment. The desire to run back to your room at full speed is big, but you force yourself to take small silent steps back to it.

Too bad you don’t have a door to close, but you move closer to the window. It has bars, so it doesn’t allow you to escape, it seems like Mark had already planned ahead. 

Adrenaline runs through your veins as you try to unlock the phone, the light flooding the dark space. You’re almost certain it’s going to open right away, only it doesn’t. It needs a fingerprint to open, clearly Mark’s one. 

For a moment, it’s disheartening to see the blocked screen but then it vibrates again, this time continuously. You almost drop the phone when you notice it’s an incoming call.

Vaguely noticing Haechan’s name on the ID caller, you quickly answer it, bringing it closer to your ear.  

“Haechan! Please, you need help! Mark’s keeping me in his place and won’t let me leave. You need to call the police and-” you whisper the words as fast as you can, feeling a small wave of hope. Maybe Haechan can truly help you.

However, your hope doesn’t survive long as a hysterical chuckle can be heard from the other side of the call alongside with the sound of the other boys cheering Mark for finally taking you . 

“I already know that, dummy. Now, pass the phone to Mark, would you?” Haechan dismisses you. 

No, this can’t be happening.

“Haechan, I’m serious. You need to help me! It’s-” the phone is abruptly snatched from you and you turn around, seeing Mark standing there. 

“Haechan, I’ll call you back later.” he says, ending the call and looking at you, a clear disappointed expression on his face. 

“Had a nice chat?” 

--

Part 6

[haddonfieldwhore]

a knock on the door pt.2 - leon kennedy

leon kennedy x reader

warnings: one use of y/n, slight angst?, mentions of blood/violence, very cringe i hate this tbh

when you woke up later that morning, you felt as though you hadn’t slept at all. checking the time on your phone, 11:30am stared back at you, the brightness of the device hurting your eyes. you sighed, rubbing your eyes as you sat up and prepared yourself to face the reality of who was in your apartment; leon kennedy.

you were absolutely not ready to talk about what happened earlier, how could you be? the man that you had always hated, that had always annoyed you and royally screwed up your missions constantly, had kissed you. you thought the hatred between you two was mutual, and maybe it had been to start with, but did he feel something else for you now? and why all of the sudden; just because you had stitched him up when he showed up bloody and half dead on your doorstep? you shook your head, standing up and throwing on a sweater to keep you warm as you walked into the main area of your apartment.

leon was still asleep on the couch, the dark circles under his eyes showing how exhausted he was. his temple was bruised and there was dried blood in his hair, probably from the large cut he had gotten on his forehead that you had taped closed. you stopped in your tracks and watched him for a moment, his chest rising and falling slowly as he breathed in and out, occasionally letting out very soft snores. his hand was draped over his stomach, holding his injured side. he looked… peaceful; and you cursed yourself when you realized you were smiling at him. shaking off the strange fuzzy feeling looking at the sleepy blond had given you, you walked through the living room quietly to the kitchen. you dumped out the old pot of coffee and started a fresh one, grabbing two new mugs from the cupboard.

apparently having made too much noise, you heard leon begin to stir on the couch. soft grumbles fell from his lips before he groaned in pain, and you assumed he was trying to sit up.

“y/n?” he called out softly, and you peeked your head around the corner to look at him.

“in here,” you replied, your tone neutral in contrast to how fast your heart was beating. why the hell did he make you so nervous all of the sudden? you and leon had been running into eachother for years now, and you had never felt this way around him until now. you carried two mugs of coffee into the living room and handed one to leon, sitting in the chair across from the couch and pulling your legs up underneath you.

“thank you,”

“we’re still on the “thank you”s huh?” you replied.

“fine; this is the last time. but i’m serious, i know i had no right to show up here, especially not bleeding out in the middle of the night. you didn’t need to help me, but you did. and i appreciate it.”

you stared back at him for a moment, taking a sip of your coffee before speaking.

“you’re welcome. and for the record i haven’t decided if i regret it yet or not.”

leon smiled slightly, before his eyebrows knitted together and he looked down at his lap.

“are we gonna talk about-“

“what do you want me to say?” you interrupted him. “i …” you sighed. “leon, we’re not even friends. we’re not even on the same side.”

“you’re right. i- im sorry. maybe we could start over?” he didn’t meet your eyes as he spoke, instead staring the the coffee cup he held in his hands. you looked at his knuckles, bruised and bloody from whatever mission he had been on when he got hurt you assumed.

“it’s not that simple. i can’t change who i am and neither can you. we’re different sides of a coin, leon. i don’t know how we could be anything except what we are,” you argued. he sighed, finally looking up at you. “we’re supposed to hate eachother.”

“you’re right. i don’t know why i -“ he stopped. “i shouldn’t have kissed you like that.”

“i forgive you. all in all, it wasn’t the worst experience of my life,” you joked, and you were happy to see leon smile back at you.

“well, that’s good to know. careful, you might inflate my ego if you keep talking like that.” he teased, and you found yourself smiling again. you never thought you would find yourself smiling so much in his presence. “i don’t hate you, just for the record,” he continued, and your smile faltered a little.

“shouldn’t you? you know what i’ve done, the amount of lives i’ve risked to save my own skin,” you said. “you’re the good guy remember? that’s not me, and it never will be.”

“i… i know. i’m not perfect either though. but i know what you’re saying. i don’t know.. maybe i think you aren’t as selfish as you want people to believe.”

“right,” you said, rolling your eyes.

“you helped me, didn’t you?” he raised an eyebrow. you set your mug down on the table, crossing your arms over your chest.

“that’s different. i didn’t really have a choice.”

“but you did.”

“i thought we were done talking about this. i’m not a good person, leon. you can’t change that.”

“are you trying to convince me, or yourself?” he asked, and you opened your mouth to reply but closed it again.

“this is stupid,” you shook your head, getting up to walk away but stopping when his hand wrapped around your wrist gently.

“wait-“

“leon…” you sighed, looking down at him. the blond stared back up at you, and you wanted to kick yourself for letting your eyes wander down to his lips, and then his exposed torso under the open zip sweater you had given him. “you can’t change who i am.”

“i know. i know i can’t,” he stared back at you, still holding your wrist softly in his large hand. “i’ve known you long enough to figure that out.”

“so you know we can’t do this. it won’t work.”

“did it feel wrong?” he asked.

“what?” you stuttered, confused.

“when i kissed you. did it feel wrong?”

“leon, i don’t -“ you didn’t know what to say. the truth was no, it didn’t feel wrong. kissing leon felt amazing. sure, there was the slight feeling of it being forbidden that made it that much more exciting, but it had happened so fast you didn’t know how you felt. “one kiss doesn’t mean anything.”

“so kiss me,” he muttered softly, so quiet you almost didn’t hear him. honestly, you thought you had heard him incorrectly.

“what?” you asked him to clarify.

“kiss me,” he repeated. “then you can see how you feel. no expectations, no strings attached.” he explained. you stared at him like he had three heads, before you really thought about what he had said. what was the worst that could happen; you kiss him and it’s terrible? no, that wouldn’t happen. you realized the worst thing that could happen is you could kiss him and you could enjoy it.

regardless of how terrible of an idea you thought it was, you found yourself sitting down on the couch next to him anyway, allowing leon to pull you closer. he let you move first, waiting for you to lean forward and press your lips to his. when you finally did, your eyelids fluttered closed as his lips moved so softly against yours. he was so gentle, allowing you to set the pace as your hand reached up to cradle his jaw lightly, as not to hurt his bruised face.

you pulled away to breathe, and he searched your eyes for any type of reaction, trying to judge how you were feeling. instead, you kissed him again, with a little more force this time. leon’s eyes widened in surprise before they closed, and his hand traveled up to rest on the back of your neck, deepening the kiss. his tongue moved across your bottom lip and you allowed him to slide it into your mouth. careful not to hurt him, you straddled his thigh slightly and his other hand found the small of your waist, sliding under your sweater, and you welcomed the warmth of his hands on your skin.

“leon…” you moaned softly into the kiss, and he tugged on your bottom lip gently. he pulled back to look at you again, no almost in his lap while carefully avoiding his injured abdomen. he didn’t let go of you, and you let your fingers brush his blond hair away from his forehead, avoiding the cut above his eyebrow.

“what are you thinking?” he asked, finding himself leaning into your touch.

“i’m not sure… a lot of things all at once. everything is so complicated.”

“it doesn’t have to be. we can figure this out. if we can fight zombies and jump out of helicopters i think we can make this work- if you want to.” he laughed, and waited for you to answer. his thumb drew small circles against the small of your back, and you decided you liked the way his hands felt ok your skin.

“okay…” you whispered. leon smiled, and muttered a ‘come here’ under his breath before connecting your lips once more, kissing you slow and hard. you weren’t stupid; you knew this was probably doomed to fail, you both did- but for the moment, you were happy in leon’s arms, and he didn’t plan on letting you go.

[hanniiesuckle17]

Ateez Reaction: Their Kid Gets Sick in the Middle of The Night

A/n: I love parent!ateez. Anything domestic im just like *heart eyes* also dont mind my weird petnames for kids. i just....i love kids......*sigh* anywayyyyyy hope you guys enjoy! im going to be writing for ateez and the other groups on my m.list alot more 

S/n: Son’s name      D/n: Daughter’s name

Pairing: Reader x OT8 

Genre: fluff, slight angst, parent!au

Warnings: cussing?, descriptions of sick children (colds and flus, etc), fem reader

WC: 5k (overall)  about 640-ish on average

Tag List: @woodiegochile @mini-meanhoe @leggomylino @hanstagrams @desertofdessert @hoes4hoseok @jeonqqin @geminirules @mrsunshine999 @jisungsjheekies @hannie-squirrel00 @cotccotc @kodzu-ken @konenichi @yangs-jeongin @binniebutter @orangegyu @little-precious-baby @yourdaddychan​  

Hongjoong:

You were in the perfect spot. A dreamless sleep had taken over your mind a few hours ago and you were perfect content pressed up against Hongjoong’s chest, his arms wrapped around your middle. His leg was tossed over yours and you were swaddled in a perfect cocoon of his warmth.

The blissful sleep of you and your husband was soon interrupted by a weak poke to your cheek. A second light jab forced your eyes open. In the dark room you could barely make out the shape of your three-year-old son. Lifting your head up, you checked the time- 1:04- and then over to your husband who was still fast asleep. 

Pulling away from your husband’s hold, you turned on the bedside light only to be met with the tearstained face of S/n. “Oh- Goose! What’s wrong?” Your son only cried more and reached out for you. Completely sitting up in bed, you pulled him into your arms- gently stroking his hair. You noticed the back of his neck was cold with sweat. 

“Baby? Everything okay?” Hongjoong mumbled, pushing himself off the mattress slightly. 

“Daddy.....don’t feel good,” Your toddler said between cries. You continued to tenderly rub his back in hopes of calming your son. “Head....” S/n mumbled, tiny hands pawing at his crown. 

Hongjoong now joined you fully sitting up. His dark eyes blinked rapidly trying to push away the edges of sleep still clouding his brain. Your husband motioned for you to pass over his son and you obliged. S/n cuddled up in his father’s lap - clawing at his shirt. “Baby, could you get the thermometer from the bathroom?” He asked, hand on his son’s little forehead. 

Your mind was still foggy, but nonetheless, you got up and half jogged to the bathroom. Still tired, you fumbled through the cabinets looking for the thermometer. After a few minutes you returned, the instrument in hand. Hongjoong took it, thanking you softly. The two of you waited while the thermometer read your child’s temperature. S/n’s head was resting deliriously on your husband’s shoulder.

When Hongjoong took out the thermometer, your S/n groaned, nuzzling further into his dad’s chest. “Tummy hurts, daddy...” You almost felt hurt yourself, not being able to help your son’s pain. Reaching out you rubbed his back and looked to your lover for what to do. 

A tired look rested on his face. The singer sighed looking down at the tiny instrument. “103.1,” Running a hand through your hair, you got up from the bed and grabbed a jacket for yourself and your son. “Hey, buddy. We’re going to take a little trip okay?” Hongjoong whispered to his son who was still crying from his head and stomachache. 

“The doctor is going to make you feel all better, Goose.” You sleepily sang, more comforting yourself than S/n.  The handsome man got up from your shared bed, still carrying your sick toddler, and headed into the living room with you quickly following. 

“Let’s go to the hospital. Y/n where are my keys?” Hongjoong, laced his fingers with yours after you grabbed his keys and the three of you ventured down to the car. “ The one on Ddobong St is closest right?” 

Seonghwa:

The cries of your baby girl woke you from a night of sweet sleep. Untangling yourself from your husband’s slumbering arms you rolled out of bed. With a sluggish gait, you walked into the nursery and hummed to your screaming daughter.

“Shhhh, baby- Daddy is sleeping,” You whispered, picking her up from the crib.

Any sleep your partner got was worth more than anything else you could give him. The sooner you could calm your daughter the more likely he stayed asleep. the one-year-old girl in your arms continued to cry, almost screaming in your ear. 

You stroked her hair in hopes of calming the distressed child. The skin of her forehead felt hot against your palm and you pressed it fully against her forehead. “Oh- I’m sorry, love!” Scolding your tired mind for not realizing sooner, you carried your crying daughter into the bathroom to grab a thermometer. 

Laying D/n back down in the crib, you lifted her nightgown and tucked the instrument under her arm, and waited for it to beep. The baby girl’s cries had quieted a little but remained constant and unrelenting. Finding she had a temperature you rushed to the medicine cabinet. All the bottles and labels blurred together in your sleepy vision. 

Finding one that fit D/n’s symptoms you grabbed a spoon and the bottle. You poured the dark purple colored liquid onto the spoon and tried to coax your daughter into opening her mouth to take the medicine. Instead, the baby girl cried louder, the smell of the medicine floating down into her tiny nostrils. “D/n, baby....please take the medicine! Don’t wake up daddy.” You pleaded in a hushed tone. 

“Don’t worry about waking me up.” A smooth, but sleepy voice said from the hallway. 

Seonghwa shuffled into the room, eyes tired but soft and hair fluffy and sticking up in random places. A tiny smile lighted onto his lips. “Hwa, I’m sorry- I was trying to handle it but she won’t take the medicine.” Your husband shrugged and waddled over to the crib. 

You let him take the spoon from your hand and carefully place it on the nearby table. He sleepily kissed your forehead before turning to his crying daughter. “Can you take her?” He asked gently picking her up and passing the child to you. 

Your husband turned back to the crib, grabbing something, leaving you with a screaming baby. The handsome man returned with his daughter’s favorite plushie in hand. His longer fingers pushed the arms to look like the toy was waving. “D/n, open your mouth please!” He chirped in a goofy voice. 

The little girl refused, shaking her head. She continued to cry in your arms, pushing away the stuffed animal. Your husband was not discouraged and instead gently picked up the medicine filled spoon with nimble fingers. 

“Hi, princess!” Seonghwa sang in a cute and happy voice. His free hand moved up to make bunny ears on top of his head. “Will you take the magic potion for daddy?” D/n’s cries trickled to stop and she sniffed, watching her father do all sorts of sleepy but sincere aegyo. 

“D/n, do you want the magic potion?” You whispered in her ear with a smile. 

The little girl nodded, rubbing her eyes. Seonghwa smiled and moved the spoon like an airplane before letting his daughter take the medicine. She gagged at the taste, crying a little at the bitterness. Her tears quickly stopped when she was wrapped up in her father’s arms. 

Her little fingers held on tightly to his shirt as his hand protectively held her to his chest. “Let’s go back to bed,” He whispered, letting his other hand envelope yours. “D/n, let's go sleep in mommy and daddy’s room, huh?”

Nestling your face in Seonghwa’s shoulder, you let him lead you all the way back to your bedroom. With your daughter placed between you and the medicine finally taking its effect, she was soon fast asleep, little snores floating from her tiny body. Pressing a kiss to your knuckles, Seonghwa watched you drift back to sleep before doing so himself.

Yunho:

Both you and your husband had been woken up an hour ago by your screaming toddler. Normally you could get him right back to sleep, but this time something was actually wrong. It was two o’clock in the morning and you had no idea what to do. S/n was crying and throwing up and had a fever that wouldn’t break. 

You were frantically searching symptoms on your phone, pacing in the living room. After reading mommy blog after mommy blog you felt like you were getting nowhere. “Find anything?” Yunho called from the bathroom. 

You almost shook your head, forgetting your husband was in a completely different room with your son. Ending your pacing, you ventured towards your bathroom. Opening the door you were met with a sight that made your heart skip a beat. The small room was filled completely with steam from the running shower. Your two year old son was stripped of his clothes, which he complained earlier of suffocating him. He clung to his father’s bare chest. Yunho had his arms wrapped around S/n, holding him up, resting him on his hip. Your husband's peach-dyed hair was clinging to his sweaty forehead. 

For a moment you just watched the tall handsome man pat his son’s back gently and hum a soothing melody. He really did look like a worried Papa Bear. After a minute he noticed the lack of steam in the room and motioned for you to come in and close the door. “Mommy blogs are useless. They all say to just give him fluids and put him back to bed.”

Yunho sighed, shoulders heaving. Your son stirred and his eyes opened just barely to look into yours. You waved before reaching over and kissing his sweaty little forehead. Your hand trailed from your son to the warm skin of your husband. “Call your mom,” Yunho suddenly declared. 

“No.”

“Call her.”

“Fine.”

At this point, you were too worried about your son to think about the wrath you were incurring by waking your mother at this hour. Leaning against the bathroom counter, you pressed the device up to your ear. Your son whined and reached for your hand. “Don’t tell her we haven’t moved out of the apartment.” He whispered hearing the dial tone from your cell. Yunho was also comically afraid of your mother. 

You rolled your eyes. “Umm...Hi- Mom....” Yunho winced hearing your mother’s shrill and tired voice from the other side of the line. “Yeah. I’m really sorry. Look- mom, S/n is sick. We’ve got him in a steamed room. He’s been throwing up like crazy-”

Yunho’s long fingers softly raked through your son’s hair as he tried to listen to the conversation with his mother in law. “No.....No...Mom- Yunho didn’t give him ice cream. No......”

“It’s always my fault isn’t it,” Yunho groaned in a soft tone not wanting to upset his sickly son in his arms. “Tell her that I’m just as worried about my son as-”

“Bear.....this is not the time.” You scolded him, hand over the speaker. “Mom just....” You sighed- pinching the bridge of your nose. S/n cried at the loss of your hand in his. Your husband shushed him, wetting a washcloth and dabbing at his forehead and neck tenderly. “What’s his temperature?” Turning to your husband, you looked for the answer. “Babe, what’s his temp?”

“Last I checked it was 100.8,”

“100.8″ You gave a sigh of relief hearing your mother’s answer. “He’s going to be okay as long as it doesn’t get higher. She says keep him in here until his temp goes down and to try giving him something to eat to see if he can keep it down,” Relaying the instructions, Yunho nodded and did exactly what your mother told him. 

Yeosang:

You had no idea what to do with a sick kid. Yeosang had no idea what to do with a sick kid. You both were kind of in the same boat. You loved your daughter wholeheartedly, but the both of you were still new parents even two years in and were flying by the seat of your pants. 

So, when D/n had a 103 fever, the two of you started to panic. It was the middle of the night. Yeosang was cradling his crying toddler and you were desperately trying to reach your mother-in-law. “Is she really not picking up?” Never before in the entire time you knew Yeosang, had you seen him this worried. 

“Sang- it’s like two am. She’s probably asleep.” 

Yeosang watched you nervously burn a track in the floor. “Will you stop pacing?”

“Well, then what should we do?”

Your daughter nuzzled her sweating forehead into her father’s neck, little hands pulling at his sweatshirt. He rocked her back in forth in his arms, gears turning in his brain. “Hospital?” Your fiancee suggested- a hesitant but still desperate look in his eyes. 

“Yeah. Emergency room. I’ll call Hongjoong on the way.”

Yeosang sighed, standing up and watching you gather a bag of things you would need. “Don’t do that. He’s just gonna wake the boys and then Wooyoung is going to go all Crazy God Father on us.” You chuckled slinging the packed bag over your shoulder. 

“You’re the one who made him D/n’s god father. My vote was for Hongjoong.”

He groaned, not waiting for you to follow him out of the apartment. Having no time to strap her into her car seat, the singer climbed into the back and held his little girl as your family raced to the nearest emergency room. You burst through the doors, Yeosang carrying your crying toddler with her arms wrapped around his neck, much like in one of the medical dramas you had been watching lately. 

Thankfully you were rushed into a room and your daughter was tested and examined by a doctor quickly. You sat by her side the whole time, holding her hand while Yeosang watched the doctors carefully. Occasionally he would ask questions or accidentally chide them if his daughter yelped from pain or looked uncomfortable. He would quickly go back to silently watching knowing he had overstepped. 

As the doctor finished his examination, he asked you to wait for the test results to come back just to be sure it wasn’t anything serious. The boys burst almost waking D/n, Wooyoung racing towards the bedside of his goddaughter, a huge teddy bear in hand. Just like Yeosang they were all dressed in sweats or pajamas.

After about an hour of her uncles ‘quietly’ attending to their niece’s every need, the doctor returned- test results in hand. “Mr. Kang?” The physician’s eyes searched the boys' handsome faces until Yeosang raised his hand and made his way forward. 

“That’s me,”

“I’m the godfather, Jung Wooyoung, what should I be doing?” Wooyoung said peeping over your fiancee’s shoulder. 

The doctor blinked a few times before looking over to you as if to ask for a clue as to why this over-energetic boy was here. There was nothing you could do but shrug. “Well...um....you could start by sitting over there......quietly....”

Wooyoung gave the doctor a glaring look before reluctantly taking a seat in one of the uncomfortable hospital chairs in the room. “It’s nothing serious is it?” Yeosang asked, his hands subconsciously rubbing the back of his neck. “D/n isn’t dying right?” 

The doctor smiled, placing a hand on the worried singer’s shoulder. “Right now she’s just fine. You were right to bring her in though! We are going to keep her for observation for the next twenty-four hours just to be absolutely sure it is nothing to worry about.” 

Yeosang relayed the news before shoving the boys out of the pediatric hospital room so his little girl could sleep. He called his manager to cancel his schedules for the next day and he stayed by D/n’s side until the doctor told him that she was going to be perfectly fine.

San:

Two hours. You had been up for two hours. There was nothing more on this Earth that you loved more than your little girl, D/n. But when she woke you up at one o’clock in the morning, sick or not, it was not a happy occasion. It didn’t look like anything too serious was wrong with her. You didn’t even have to call your fiancee. Granted he should have been home from practice twenty minutes ago but that was another problem that you didn’t have the patience for right now.

Your toddler whined and rolled around on her bed as you got up to go to the medicine cabinet. D/n’s cries could be heard from all the way down the hall, hurrying your tired movements. “I’m coming, bean,” Instead of wasting time standing there, you grab the first five bottles you see and rush back to your daughter’s room. 

Placing a cool washcloth on her forehead, her cries soften a little allowing you time to read the backs of the bottles. The next thirty minutes were spent trying to get your little girl to take the medicine. The sound of keys tinkling against the dish by the door makes your ears perk up. 

“Babe? Everything okay?” San was home. 

A bouncing head of dyed hair bounded down the hall to stop in the doorway. “She said she’s feeling sick,” San immediately rushes over, hand on the small of your back as he kneels by his daughter’s side. 

“Hey, princess,” He whispers, stroking the hair away from her face. The man pouts seeing her clutch onto her stomach. “Does your tummy hurt?” D/n nods, rolling over onto her side and crying more. 

San turns to you with a half accusing look on his face. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m the one who's been here taking care of her.” You smacked him lightly upside the head, not letting him forget he was the one who came home late. With a sigh, you dropped your sleep-filled head onto the singer’s shoulder. “She won’t take the cold medicine.”

Your fiancee scoffed, turning to look at you before filling a spoon with the oozy purple liquid. “I’ve got this. Watch the master.” San smiled, getting the attention of his little girl. “Princess, this tastes good don’t you want some! It will make you feel better!”

“Does it really taste good?” She askes shyly, looking at her father with stars in her eyes. 

He nods enthusiastically, side-eyeing the spoon. Your daughter looks expectantly from the spoon to her father. After a moment it sort of dawns on him what she wants. Hesitantly, he opens his mouth and swallows the medicine. While he tries to smile, San’s face immediately turns sour and he dramatically gags on the after taste. “UGHHH!” He groans making a gross face.

“No! I don’t want it! It will taste bad!” D/n cries. 

“Great job, Super-Dad.” You say sarcastically. San ignores you, still trying to wipe the taste from his mouth. “Baby, I promise you it doesn’t taste bad. Daddy is just a wimp.”

When you turn around to seek the singer’s help you find him on the phone and whispering to someone. “Hyung, what do I do? D/n won’t take the medicine. Apparently, Y/n’s been trying for hours and-” He freezes seeing you staring at him-brow raised in judgment. 

“Tell me you aren’t on the phone with Seonghwa.”

“I’m not on the phone with Seonghwa......” A moment of silence passes only filled by your child’s whines and cries. “Okay, fine. I’m on the phone with Seonghwa!”

“SAN!” 

“WHAT?! IT’S A REASONABLE THING TO DO!”

Mingi:

Mingi was panicking. You left seven hours ago. It took seven hours for everything to fall apart for the idol. While Mingi loved his job, it took away from him spending time with his two year old son. When your parents called, Mingi jumped at the chance to send you away for a weekend. He would get S/n time and you would get extra help planning for your wedding. 

This was not going at all how Mingi wanted. It was almost 1 AM and his son was crying loudly with a scalding fever. He rushed around the apartment trying to find the list of emergency numbers you had left him. His son was in resting on his hip secured by the rapper’s arm. “S/n...it’s okay. Shhhh.” He could do this. By calling you he would just be proving that he couldn’t take care of his son by himself and he was totally not going to let that happen. 

“Fuck, you’ve got a pair of lungs,” he cursed under his breath when the toddler screamed right in his ear. 

Mingi could not stop himself from physically cheering after finding the slip of paper. The smile all but comically fell when he saw that spaghetti sauce from the dinner he had made S/n was staining every inch of the sheet. 

Crushing the note in his fist he tossed it into the sink and just hoped it didn’t get stuck down the drain. “Okay, buddy. Time to go on an adventure.” Sitting his still crying child on the couch he grabbed a jacket from the closet and slipped his little arms through it. The toddler sniffled and looked at his father who tilted his head before returning to the closet. Mingi came back with two more coats and started stuffing his son into the puffy jackets. 

“That should be enough,” he stated, pulling the hoods over his son’s head and picking him up. The little boy sniffled and cried in his father’s arms all the way to the nearest convenience store. Mingi’s legs were sore from running and he was sure that S/n wasn’t comfortable either. 

White fluorescent lights shined all the way through the store’s windows and out onto the street. A happy chime alerted the half-asleep pharmacist behind the counter of the boys’ arrival. “Welcome, how can I help?” the woman greeted.

“I- uh.....my son....uh...” S/n turned around in Mingi’s arms rubbing his tired and tear-filled eyes. It was then he knew.....Mingi could not do this alone. “One second, sorry!” His long fingers pull his phone from his pocket and quickly dial your number. 

Your sleepy voice floats through the speaker automatically relieving the tension in his whole body. “Hi, baby, what’s up?”

“Y/n, I’m so sorry- S/n has a fever and I tried everything and there was spaghetti sauce and jackets and- and.......baby...please help.”

You giggled over the phone and asked your boyfriend to take a deep breath. Once he was calm and speaking in full sentences you asked, “Do you want me to come home?” 

“NO!” The pharmacist jumped at his volume and S/n almost started crying again. “Baby, just please tell me what to do!” 

After agreeing to stay you listed off several medications and tried not to laugh hearing the idol attempt to repeat them to the woman behind the counter. Mingi insisted you stay on the phone with him the whole way back to the apartment. 

S/n stopped sniffling and groaning when Mingi took off the boy’s three layers of coats and gave him the medicine. Both boys eventually fell asleep on the couch to you talking to them on speakerphone. 

Wooyoung:

Your bodies lay draped over each other on the couch. Wooyoung lay under you, fingers threading through your hair as he watched the random drama that played on the tv. The volume was low so as not to wake your sleeping toddler in the other room, but instead of the show, you listened to your boyfriend’s steady heartbeat. 

It was late. Maybe one in the morning? Wooyoung had rehearsals tomorrow, but no way was he going to pass up time alone with you. After you put S/n to bed he immediately dragged you to the couch. “I need my Y/n recharge!” He whined, making you giggle. Now you were so happy listening to his heartbeat, threatening to fall asleep to the calming sound. 

“Are you still awake?” He whispered, brushing his cheek over the top of your head. The singer chuckled as the tiniest nod rubbed against his chest. His hands dropped down to your waist hugging you tightly. With his fingers removed from your scalp, you started to come back from the tempting fog of sleep. 

Your mother ears picked up on the sound of a door opening and you sat up like a meerkat making the man below you smile. Your superpower was correct and soon tiny feet padded into the living room dragging a teddy bear behind him. Both you and the singer sat up seeing tears on your son’s cheeks. 

“Daddy, my tummy hurts,” the two-year-old cried. 

Immediately Wooyoung reached up and pulled his shaggy hair away from his face, wrapping it with a tie on his wrist. You smiled watching him switch into full-on dad mode. Picking his son up under the arms, your boyfriend stood up and let S/n’s little limbs wrap around his body. Full dad mode Wooyoung was honestly the hottest thing you had ever seen and it shocked you every time. 

“It’s probably just an upset stomach but let’s take his temperature just to be sure.” Wooyoung nodded at your words and comforted your child as you searched for the thermometer. 

Coming back with the instrument in hand you grinned at the sight before you. You could only compare the feeling to watching those videos of otters holding hands. The thermometer passed hands and you watched him struggle to get your son to open his mouth.

When he finally succeeded a soft grin floated over his lips as he watched his son. Hearing the click of your phone camera brought him out of his happy trance. “You did not just take a photo of me,” Wooyoung whined, smile betraying the tone of his voice. 

“The boys have to know what a soft dad you are!” You joked, wiggling your phone at him.

Wooyoung laughed and maneuvered his son onto his hip. “If I was not holding our son- I would fucking tackle you.”

“WOO- LANGUAGE!”

“Oh my god, he’s two what’s he gonna do?”

Rolling your eyes, you watch your boyfriend tease you and pull the thermometer from S/n’s mouth. Wooyoung tossed the instrument to you before walking over to the kitchen. Thankfully your little boy didn’t have a fever. 

The singer set s/n down on the counter and walked over to the fridge. He pulled out a bottle of ginger ale only to be stopped by your hand. “What?” You shook your head and put the soda back in the fridge. “I drank ginger ale all the time for this when I was his age,” Wooyoung stated like he was the smartest man in the world. 

“Yeah well, doctor’s everywhere say ‘no’.” It was his turn to roll his eyes as you gave your son a natural fruit pop and water instead. “Show me your MD, babe.” You joked, wrapping your arms around his waist. 

“Whatever,” Wooyoung said with a smile, kissing the top of your head before returning his focus to your son. 

Jongho:

Jongho was already nasty being away from his daughter for too long. This was the first weekend-long shoot Ateez was doing since D/n was born. You wouldn’t classify Jongho as a ....’clingy’ dad....just one that needed a picture and video check-in of his little girl every two hours or he would have a mini-meltdown. 

His shoot was supposed to be two nights and three days. It was only ten o’clock on the second night when your daughter suddenly got a high fever. The little girl wouldn’t stop crying and in the few words she knew, she complained of bad stomach pain and a headache. Your boyfriend would obliterate you if you didn’t update him. Therefore promptly on the hour, you called Jongho despite the crying infant in the next room. 

“Hi, Y/n-,” His expert ears immediately picked up on the crying over the phone. “What’s wrong is she okay? Are you okay? Is everyone okay? Why is my baby crying?”

“D/n is sick-”

“Do I need to come home? I’m coming home. I can totally come home.” You heard Yeosang shout a ‘No, he can’t’ from somewhere over the phone. 

You sighed-rubbing your temples as a particularly shrill shriek pierced through the thin walls of your apartment. “She has a fever, and a pretty bad stomach ache. I think it’s possibly the flu. It might just be a stomach bug.”

Jongho was getting more worried by the second. He hated hearing his baby girl cry and not be able to do anything about it. They were at least three hours away and that was if he forced a taxi driver to run all the stoplights. “That’s it. Baby, I’m coming home.”

“No, Jongho, honey-” It was too late. He had already hung up. 

Jongho walked right off set (thankfully cameras hadn’t been rolling). The singer marched right up to the director with determination in his eyes. Yeosang, having heard the youngest’s conversation immediately told Hongjoong who gathered the Maknae Damage Control Crew. I.e: Yunho and Wooyoung. “I need to leave.” he stated. The director didn’t even look up from his binder, simply waving his hand. 

“Yeah- go to the trailer. We aren’t rolling for another ten minutes.”

“No. I need to go. As in I’m done. No more shooting of Choi Jongho.”

This got the older man’s attention. His brows raised at the idol’s sudden defiance. “Sorry, kid. Your contract says I own you for another twenty-eight hours. You aren’t going anywhere.”

He took a shaky breath, obviously suppressing his anger. Yunho uncertainly placed his hand on the younger’s shoulder only for it to be brushed off. “You don’t understand. My daughter is sick. I’m leaving.”

“No.”

“NO?” Jongho was furious. Things escalated from zero to sixty very quickly. Wooyoung and Yunho were now holding back Jongho in hopes of keeping him from throttling the show director. The singer had an almost crazed look in his eye and was shouting about getting home to his D/n and something about breaking his head like an apple. 

Finally, Hongjoong stepped in. “Look just let him go home. We can finish the show with seven members. What’s the harm?” Thanks to the leader’s negotiating skills Jongho was soon racing back at light speed. At almost three am he burst through the door of your shared apartment only to be met with silence. 

He was very confused. His first thought was: “Oh no. D/n had a deadly contagious virus and both of them died almost instantaneously.” Frantically he pulled his mask back over his face and ran to the nursery. Surprisingly, he found his little girl fast asleep. Her face was calm and her forehead was no warmer to the touch than normal. 

Jongho next ventured into the bedroom, finding you passed out face first on his side of the bed. Smiling, he kicked off his shoes and took off his mask. “You had me worried for nothing.” He mumbled, collapsing onto the bed and pulling you into his arms. Not even the movement woke you up from your deep sleep. “Good job, mommy.” 

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