#greying temples

[hisguardianeyessoblue]

Some randomly beautiful Peterness.

[robobee]

got beseiged by demons and edited this mac conner illustration to be jordeclan

[crawley-fell]

When David Tennant finally lets his hair go grey I'm gonna go so insane you'll have to sedate me

[davidtennan-t]

Me:

[messedupfan]

Chapter 13

Summary: Rachel is being released from the hospital but with that comes the stress of the bills. What happens when Jean, Anna, Y/n can't stay home with her during her holiday break?

A/n: Hello!! Okay, so because this is the 13th chapter and I'm a Swiftie, Dr. Maccas has challenged me to make 13 references to my lord and savior T-Swizzle. So I have carefully made 13 intentional references to Taylor Swift. Let me know if you catch any of them! Like, comment, and most of all, enjoy!

Masterlist | All Stories Taglist | All Chapters

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

You yawn and stretch as you crack your back by bending your torso. You do not like sleeping on the cot that the hospital provided you when it was decided that you would be the parent responsible for Rachel during the night. 

“Good morning,” Rachel says sweetly as sets the remote to the TV on the table that stands beside her bed. 

“Good morning, sweetheart,” you say as you get close to her. “How are you feeling?” You ask as you gently smooth her hair back. 

“I feel okay,” she starts, “I’d feel better if you brushed your teeth.” Her little crack makes you snort and grin. 

“You are my kid,” you kiss the top of her head as you think about how she is the best thing that’s ever been yours and move to the restroom that is within the private hospital room. The nurse had already left two toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste for the two of you. When the news hit that Rachel was required to stay for observation for a couple of days, Derek insisted on getting her a private room. He told you and Jean that he would cover that bill because the two of you were adamant that he couldn't pay for all of Rachel's medical bills. According to your mom, he was too reckless with money so you have always made it a point to draw a line with the man. 

“Knock knock,” the nurse Ms. Temple, who has given permission to be addressed as Claire, says as she enters the room. “How's my favorite patient doing today?” She asks walking further into the room to start her routine check of vitals and function. 

You step out of the restroom to be present for the check. You wanted to hear and witness the good news every time. You hadn't been scared of losing Rachel since the night she was born. 

Jean had been stressed with working and studying for school plus taking extra care of herself and the fetus growing inside of her. You weren't there to witness it, but she ended up getting in a nasty fight with her parents. She was being berated because she had missed another day of school because she overslept. They weren't trying to upset her, they only wanted to make sure that she understood the severity of the responsibility that she was signing up for when she decided to keep the baby. They didn't want to see her fail. All they were trying to do was prepare her.

But they didn't know how to properly communicate that so it turned into a screaming match that went sideways. What you had been told of the story was that she was yelling at her parents until she clutched her stomach and later found blood on the way to the hospital. You were at work when you got the call and had to run out. The delivery was long and terrifying and you couldn't be in the room because you and Jean weren't married yet. Which influenced you to marry her the moment you got to. When she was born they immediately took her to the NICU and you couldn't see her for hours. Once you did you were startled by how tiny she looked. Before that day, you weren’t sure if you were ready to be a young parent. Laying your eyes on her with tubes connected to her in a plastic case, you swore to protect her forever. 

“Everything looks good,” Claire states with a comforting warmth in her tone. “Vitals are strong. Are you ready to start your walking lesson?” She asks Rachel with her hands in her pockets. 

Rachel laughs, “I know how to walk!” 

“I know you do. But we need to practice with the crutch, so you don’t hurt yourself more,” Claire explains. 

“Yeah, hon, it’s going to be tricky walking around with that cast and only one crutch,” I say as I move closer to help her out of the bed. She broke her right leg and her right wrist. Because of the way she fell on her wrist, it caused her shoulder to dislocate. Meaning half her body was heavily injured. You had no idea that she was so fragile and you asked the doctor if there was any health related reason to it, they promised to test her. But after an insurance investigation at the school to find out if they were liable, they found out that the stage is a foot higher than what is standard and the front of the stage is supposed to be carpet but instead is real hardwood for plays that require the band and/or orchestra. Because it’s a school, they want all of the students participating to be shown for the families in the audience. Typically there is supposed to be space under the stage for instruments so that they are heard and not seen. Bottom line, Rachel’s bones are stronger than previously thought since she is lucky to have survived that dangerous drop. 

Unfortunately for you, Jean, and Anna, you can’t sue the school for damages because of the airtight contract that the school has had many lawyers draw up to prevent a lawsuit if anything like this happened. Therefore, all medical bills are yours, Jean’s, and Anna’s responsibility to cover. 

“Why can’t I have the scooter? Teddy from down the hall has the scooter,” Rachel pouts as she struggles to stand with her crutch. Claire looks at you to see if you're able to come up with an answer and when she recognizes the helpless look on your face she answers. 

“Because your leg is not as hurt as his is. You have only one break in your leg and he has three breaks in his.” She explains and you mouth your gratitude, she nods and smiles. 

A couple of hours later, you and Rachel are watching a movie when her moms walk through the door with big smiles. The two women embrace their daughter where she sits on the hospital bed. You greet them each with a standing hug of your own when they finally do let your daughter breathe. 

“I can't stay long, I have to get to the store soon. But have you heard anything about when she can leave this place yet?” Jean asks you as she looks at Rachel from over her shoulder. 

You shake your head, “The doctor hasn't been by yet. Just Claire so far. To get Rachel's walk in.” 

Jean smirks, “Nurse Temple is Claire now?” 

You shake your head again. Jean didn't tell you or necessarily show it but you could tell that she was pretty happy about your breakup with Daisy. She never said it to you but she has made it clear to you that she didn’t like the two of you as a couple but she kept her opinions to herself like a good friend, co-parent, and ex-wife. “Yes, she has all of her longer term patients call her by her first name. You can ask your daughter. She talks with the other kids on this floor,” you gesture to Rachel and she can’t help but focus on your words and ignore the mom trying to have a conversation with her. 

“I’m just saying, you could do worse than a nurse. Especially one that is as pretty as she is,” Jean says encouragingly. “And you have,” she mutters and you open your mouth to defend Daisy when Rachel cuts into the conversation. 

“Baba doesn’t like-like Ms. Claire!” She bursts out. You are quick to quiet her down. You sigh as you share a look of concern with Jean. After the outrage she displayed when she found out about you and Daisy, you and Jean did some research on why she reacted the way she did. The two of you came to the conclusion that she didn’t want you to split your attention between her and a romantic partner. Rachel had gotten used to you being single and she didn’t know how to adjust to the change so she acted out. Or at least that’s what you thought was going on. But you thought when she started to warm up to Daisy. 

“Honey, mom is just teasing. She knows that,” you tell her softly. 

Rachel has a pout on her face and her arms crossed. “Well that’s bullying and you guys say it’s not nice to bully.” 

You shake your head and move some of her hair behind her ear, “Honey, I wasn’t being bullied.”

Jean takes the cue to join in when you tip your head in Rachel’s direction. “Yeah, I wasn’t bullying, Baba. I was being playful. You know how we are with each other.” She pets Rachel's hair bringing her hand down from the top as Anna moves out of the way to let Jean through. It was moments like these where she felt left out of the parenting loop. It reminds her that even though she has legally adopted Rachel and she is very involved and loves her, she still wasn’t her child. Rachel belongs to you and to her wife. She mentally curses herself for making the moment about herself in her own mind. Anna knows that she wasn’t part of the moment because she wasn’t the one being offensive or defended. 

“Well I didn’t like it!” Rachel repeats herself, breaking Anna out of her thoughts. 

Anna looks at her watch, “Oh shoot, babe. We have to get going if I’m going to drop you off at work.” 

This catches your attention and you crease your eyebrows. “Wait, you carpooled?”Jean sighs through her nose as she gives you a look that tells you that will be for a later discussion. You nod once to let her know that you understand. 

“I’m sorry that you didn’t like my joke sweetheart. I’ll come by with dinner,” she kisses her daughter on the forehead and kisses her good hand. You hug her goodbye as Anna says bye to Rachel, when Anna is done you hug her as well. 

Then it’s back to being only you and Rachel. You worry that she prefers it that way a bit too much. Around lunch time, she starts to get restless and Claire returns for another check in and a walk. Rachel isn’t as talkative since her mom put the image in her head that Claire and her Baba might like each other. It made her not like Claire. Her quietness concerned the nurse and she asked that you leave to grab a fresh meal for you and Rachel. She tended to separate a patient from their parent or parents whenever that child started to exhibit weird behavior. Just as a safety precaution. She had seen the video of Rachel’s fall so there is proof that these injuries weren’t a flag for physical abuse but she liked to be certain that her mental state was in good health and it’s difficult to get to the bottom of the truth if the parent is present. 

Besides, she liked you as a person and hoped that she wouldn’t have to be reporting you to child services. She is filled with relief when she finds out that Rachel’s behavior had nothing to do with abuse. Claire even has to hide her amusement when the little girl tells her that she doesn’t want Claire to be with her Baba. “Awe sweetheart. You don’t have to worry about that. Do you want to know why?” The woman asks in a soft tone that makes Rachel feel comforted. The little girl nods and Claire leans in. “I already have someone that I like-like,” she sweetly reveals. 

“Really?” Rachel lights up as Claire nods. The two turn around to start walking back to Rachel’s room.

“Sweetie, can I ask? Why were you so upset about someone like-liking your Baba?” Claire asks as she continues to walk beside the patient. It wasn’t unusual for kids to have certain attachments to single parents. Sometimes it was the hope that they might get back together with their other parent, but she’s seen the way she lights up around her moms. She doesn’t think that’s the case here. Sometimes kids pick up on the bad behavior from their single parent when they’ve had romantic partners and might think they are better off alone. 

Rachel looks around to make sure no one that will tell you this overhears. Especially cautious of spotting you nearby. “Can I trust you with a secret? You can’t tell no one. Especially not my Baba.” Rachel makes Claire swear and she does. “Okay. I don’t want just anyone to be with my Baba. I want Ms. Wanda to be with my Baba,” she reveals. 

“Oh,” Claire draws the word out, again in relief. “I see. And who is this Ms. Wanda? Is she a character in your favorite show or?”

Rachel giggles, “No silly, Ms. Wanda is my Baba’s friend. My Baba fixed her wall.” 

Claire nods with a smile, “So why do you want Ms. Wanda to be with your Baba and no one else.” 

“They’re enchanted to be together,” Rachel whispers, making Claire want to protect this little girl's innocence and purity. Then Rachel shrugs, “Plus I’ve always wanted big brothers and she’s got two of them! Only by a couple of months but that’s even better because we all go to the same school! Tommy is so cool, he protects me from bullies and he is so funny too. And Billy always helps me when I don’t understand something in class and we like a lot of the same stuff.” Rachel continues to go on and on about her fantasy family and Claire hangs onto every word with a smile. Happy to see how happy this little girl is to bring a family together. She knows that’s not how it works. But she doesn’t spoil that joy for the ten-year-old. The world is cruel enough. People tend to throw rocks at things that shine and she wasn’t going to be one of them. Claire is certain the girl will let go of the idea in a couple of years when hormones hit and she realizes that she wants a boyfriend more than she wants a brother. Or if she has a falling out with one or both of the boys. Even if none of those things occur, Claire isn’t going to be the reason Rachel has her dream killed. She’s going to leave that up to you.

After lunch, well into the mid afternoon, Wanda brings the boys to come and visit with Rachel and so that she can see how you’re holding up. You feel a little embarrassed to be around her because of what happened once everything seemed to have calmed down. She had driven you back to the school to pick up your truck. She parked in the space right next to your truck so that you didn’t have to walk far but you couldn’t get out. Wanda didn’t say a word as she shut her car off. Since you were finally away from your family, everyone that you had to put a brave face on for, every emotion from the night hit you all at once. You broke down in tears. Sobs burned your throat and attacked your body. She held you as you let it all out and she sat with you in silence when you stopped but were still too frozen to do anything. Since then, you’ve kept your distance. 

Wanda, however, hasn’t. She has been very aware that you tend to take care of everyone over yourself and no one really stops to check on you. So she has taken it upon herself to be that person for you. It’s only been a few days and she has been by every single one of them. Each time, finding a way to get the two of you to be alone for a few minutes. She doesn't pry, she's just there and it almost makes you break down every time. But you don't let it. Because you are fine. You're not the one in a cast. 

“Have you been able to discuss Rachel's release with the doctor yet?” Wanda asks as she sits close to you. 

“Um, no. We've only seen the nurse so far today. How was the Christmas celebration last night? Was it as bad as you were anticipating it to be?” You ask as you nudge her shoulder with your elbow. 

Even though Vision was out of town, his parents and brother still extended an invitation to Wanda and her boys to join them in their festivities. Wanda held no animosity against the Starks. They saw her as family regardless of the divorce. Maria and Howard made it very clear to Wanda last night that she will always be their daughter in their eyes and want to maintain a relationship with her and the twins. She has started to wonder how someone as cold as Vision could come from such warm and caring people. Until she remembers that they adopted him when he was ten years old. He hardly ever spoke about his childhood past the Starks adopting him but as far as Wanda knew, his birth parents should have never been allowed to have children. 

“It was actually a very healing experience and I had a lot of fun. My former brother-in-law, the playboy I told you about,” Wanda recalls one of the people that she has mentioned to you before. You nod in recognition so that she can continue. “He is actually engaged.” 

“Really?” You act surprised because of the way she has talked about him in the past. He didn’t sound like the settle down type. 

“Yeah, I got to meet his fiancee. Her name is also Virginia which was kind of triggering at first but she goes by Pepper. She is really nice, I think she is going to be what balances him out.” Wanda then goes on to tell you all about the night she had with her former in-laws. Midway through the stories she shakes her head at the term. “After last night it kind of feels rude to call them that.” She sighs as she looks up at the ceiling, then to the bathroom door across from her, then to the white board that states which nurse and doctor is assigned to Rachel. Wanda doesn’t really pay attention to the colorful names that are scribbled on the white background. Then she shrugs and looks back at you to continue the story. “What my family and I did next was,” and she felt more comfortable calling them that. They are her family and she is happy to have them back in her life. “How was your celebration?”

You take a deep breath as you mentally unpack the previous night. It had an awkward start since it had to be held in this small hospital room. But it got better as it went on. You grin at Wanda. “I think we had one of those ‘true meanings’ of Christmas experiences. You know, because it wasn’t about all of the presents. Those are still waiting at home. Well, except for the gifts I got for the family that doesn’t live around here and have already left. It wasn’t about the food, we just ordered chinese food because that’s what Rachel was craving. It was all about each other’s company. I got to see all of my parents be civil and even make one another laugh. That was a real miracle in itself.” You have a dazed expression as you remember the gift you were given to spend a night with your family that didn’t end in an argument. It’s not ideal to spend a holiday in the hospital, especially when it’s your child that is the one admitted, but there was something special about last night. “Kate couldn’t be here because until further notice, she isn’t allowed in this hospital unless she has a medical emergency. But my mom had her on a video call so that she could still spend the time with us. Jean and Anna stayed home with Anna’s parents and had their own thing.” 

Wanda puts a friendly hand on your thigh and smiles at you, “I’m glad that we both had great holidays.” 

“Thank you,” your gaze locks in with hers and you feel a warmth spread through your chest as you’re hypnotized by her freckles and bright eyes. The tingling from her touch makes you very aware of her presence, but you don’t feel the need to pull away. Neither of you says a word and neither of you notice that your children have stopped chatting. All three pairs of eyes were watching the two of you in anticipation. Hoping that the universe will finally pull the two of you together. 

“Knock, knock,” Claire taps her knuckle on the door, breaking the moment between you and Wanda. “Has the doctor been by yet?” You shake your head as you clear your throat to give her a verbal response. Clair checks her watch with a frown. “That’s weird. I was told he was supposed to drop by soon to discuss discharging you. I wonder what is holding him up today.” She checks Rachel’s vitals while she is here. “Everything is excellent,” she smiles at you. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I’ve met you yet,” she walks around the bed with her hand out. 

“I’m Wanda,” the woman next to you greets the nurse with the hand that’s not on your lap. 

Claire has a smirk as she looks between the two of you. “Ah you must be the Wanda I’ve heard so much about.” At this, Wanda removes her hand from you and gives you a funny look before asking Claire what she’s been told. “Nothing bad, I promise. Miss Rachel here thinks the world of you and your boys. I’m happy I got a chance to meet you.” 

“Same here,” Wanda says politely. 

“This will be the last time I get to check on you.” Claire moves about the room. “I better never see you in here again and I mean that in the best way possible.” She smiles with both hands in her pockets. Rachel waves goodbye to her favorite nurse before returning her attention to the twins' portable gaming console. You stand up and properly thank Clarie for taking care of your daughter before she goes. 

Wanda and the twins stay for dinner. You warn Jean and Anna that you have already ordered and paid for Chinese food and ask them to pick it up on the way. Which they do. The seven of you enjoy the meal together. Although something seems off with Jean and Anna , they don’t let it show too much. It’s not until Wanda is getting the boys ready to leave that the doctor comes in with the discharging papers. Wanda says that she will be in the waiting room and you hug her before she goes. The doctor goes over the care plan for Rachel and because of her limited mobility, he thinks it’s best that she stays with one parent that can take the time off to take care of her until school starts back up. The three of you thanked him and Jean took the papers to start signing them as you started to pack up everything that belongs to you and Rachel. 

As Jean signs the papers she stops when she sees the medical bill and she almost breaks down into tears. “Shit,” she curses in a whisper. You walk over to see what’s wrong and your eyes widen. It was not a good number. 

“That’s after insurance?” You ask and she nods. “Okay, let’s not panic. We’ve had to deal with something like this before,” you remind her. “It’s not nearly as bad as last time.” 

“Yeah, but last time we had our parents pay it and we paid them back over time. Right now,” Jean shakes her head. “My car broke down,” she admits as she stares at the bill. “I can’t afford to take it in to figure out what the problem is. I definitely can’t afford to fix it right now. Bills have been piling up since the wedding. I just,” she closes her eyes. “I can’t hear you say I told you so right now either so please save it.” 

You shake your head and crouch in front of Jean with a frown. “When have I ever said that to you?” She wanted to have a bigger wedding with Anna because she didn’t get to have it the first time. But this time, her parents couldn’t contribute and Anna’s parents could only contribute so much as they weren’t very smart when it came to their finances. You advised against a big party that neither of them could afford but when it came down to Jean’s happiness, you did what you could to contribute. “Look at me,” you say softly and repeat yourself until she finally does. “We can do this. Okay? There are three of us with three incomes. We can set up a payment plan with them and take care of it little by little. Besides, one of the bills we’re sending off to Derek. We’ll do the math after that and hopefully it will look a lot less scary.” 

Jean nods and closes her eyes again. Anna keeps Rachel distracted. Her and Jean had recently spent any alone time with each other arguing about their financial troubles. Anna might have developed some bad habits from her parents and Jean wasn’t like her. She didn’t see life as always somehow finding what you needed exactly when you needed it. She was a planner. If she needs something in a moment of crisis she should already have it. This month alone, they’ve had to cut off streaming subscriptions and watch the same collection of movies they did own, over and over again. The house was almost always dark to save on electricity, especially with the anticipation of the holiday with all of the lights for decorations and the responsibility of hosting. They never ate out. They were happy when Jean’s parents sent gifts for Rachel and Anna’s parents arrived with more because they were scared they would have to tell Rachel that she wasn’t getting gifts at all. At least, not from them. The way Anna sees it, things have been working out for them in the end. The way Jean sees it, she has been an irresponsible mother who should have planned better for something like this. It’s made her see her partner in a new light that she isn’t sure she can accept. 

You look at the numbers again, “What are we going to do about her care during the day? It looks like neither of us can afford vacation days right now. That’s only half a paycheck.” 

Jean shakes her head and reopens her eyes, “I don’t know. Do you think Kate could-” 

“She went with our parents to their home in New York to take her friend. Apparently, Yelena has never been so she wanted to show her around.” You reply as you mentally cycle through the people you know that might be able to help. 

“Are you guys ready?” Rachel smiles at you and Jean. 

“We have until the end of the night to figure it out, but I’d feel more comfortable if she’d stay with me until school starts,” you state as you stand up. “I can feel tension between you and Anna and it doesn’t feel good. You two should take the time to be together.” Jean bites her cheek as she tries to think of a reason to fight you but she can’t. Instead, she thanks you. 

You spot Wanda on the first level of the hospital in the waiting area. It’s a busier day so she has the boys sharing a chair while she stands in front of them. It makes you smile, knowing that she stayed when she didn’t have to.  Jean tells you that she and Anna will help Rachel get into your truck as she takes your keys from your hand. “Yeah, okay,” you say as you struggle to snap out of your daze. 

“Stop gawking and go talk to her,” Jean nudges you and that’s when you’re brought back to reality. You scowl at Jean. 

“I wasn’t gawking. I have a lot on my mind,” you retort. 

“Yeah, okay,” she deepens the tone of her voice in a mocking manner as she scoffs and walks away. You roll your eyes. It reminds you of being a kid growing up with her. Sometimes it’s like she never grew up, but you tend to respond the same way so you weren’t any better. 

You walk over to Wanda and touch her elbow as you come into her view. You hug her and thank her for being here for your family and she tries to play it off as nothing. But you have friends that you’ve known longer that never dropped by. They sent messages which you appreciated but they weren’t there like Wanda was. “So she’s okay to go home now?”  You nod and try to hide the stress of the situation but she can see right through you. Wanda narrows her eyes as she tries to read your expression. “What’s wrong?”

You sigh and look at the boys who are fighting sleep behind her. “You should get them home,” you deflect. Wanda looks back and agrees, they need to be tucked into bed. 

“Help me get them to the car?” Wanda asks, assuming that Rachel was already on her way home with her moms. You don’t tell her that everyone is waiting for you as you agree to walk her to her and the twins to her car. She manages to wake up Tommy but Billy is out cold so you pick him up and carry him to the car. When both boys are in the backseat of the vehicle Wanda stops you from walking away by catching your forearm. “What is happening with Rachel?” She demands with worry evident in her tone. 

Your eyes widen when you realize that your weird behavior might have made it look like the situation was worse than it is. “She’s going to be fine. That’s not… she isn’t…” you huff and clench your jaw, annoyed that you can’t get a straight thought out. “The problem is we don’t have someone who can stay with Rachel during the day while she’s on break. None of us can afford to take off work because that bill is,” you make noises close to laughing but not quite to express the exorbitant amount without stating the number. 

“Stay with me,” Wanda doesn’t miss a beat. You’re about to reject the offer when she pleads her case. “I’m off until a few days after the new year begins. You can go to work knowing she’s being taken care of. The boys would love to have her over. Come on,” she says but you still try to say no. “You don’t need another restless night. I bet you’re tired from this long hard week. And you’ve said it yourself, my guest bed is better than your mattress at home.” She makes a good point, you haven’t been sleeping much because the cot was brutal on your back. It would also help lower your bills a bit next month since you won’t be using anything at your apartment.

“Where is Rachel going to sleep if I’m taking the guest bed?” You ask. “It wouldn’t be fair to ask either of them to give up their beds.” You point to the boys that are asleep with their heads back and mouths open. 

Wanda bites her lip as she thinks, “They’ll probably fight over who gets to volunteer and not in the way you’re imagining. They love Rachel. But we do have a no ‘sleepover with girls’ rule that I think I should stick to. Besides, they’re sleeping now but the three of them might hype each other up enough that they don’t get the rest they need.” You nod as you agree. Rachel especially needs her rest. “You can have my bed and I can take the couch,” Wanda suggests. 

You shake your head, “Wanda that’s crazy. I’m not kicking you out of your bed, I can take the couch.” 

“No, it’s a horrible couch. I’ve been meaning to replace it actually,” Wanda shakes her head. 

“Then why would I let you take the couch?” You tilt your head to the side and Wanda sighs. She has never had to work so hard to convince someone to let her help them. You feel bad for resisting her generosity and you bite the inside of your cheek. “Why don’t we share the bed? Put up a pillow wall. I know you have more than enough,” you chuckle as you recall teasing her for her decorative pillows on her bed once. You said she had more pillows than she had space on the mattress. 

“Okay, that can work,” Wanda nods, wanting to ignore the excitement she has at the idea of sharing a bed with you for a few nights. But all she can feel in her stomach is butterflies, the beautiful kind. “I’ll meet you at the house in an hour or so then?” She plays it cool and you nod. As you try to tell yourself over and over that it’s nothing more than two mature adults sharing a bed to sleep. 

You hug her and confirm that you’ll see her after you’ve packed a bag for yourself and Rachel. Jean and Anna have to bite their tongues when you inform them that Wanda agreed to help with Rachel and invited the two of you to stay with her. But you can see a playful glint dance across their eyes as they smirk at each other. You choose to ignore them out of exhaustion and bid them a goodnight just before you climb into your truck. As you start the vehicle, a song comes on the radio and it puts Rachel in a good mood as she sings along. 

“Our song is a slamming screen door, sneaking late tappin’ on your window,” Rachel sings happily and you love seeing her smile and sing. You’re glad to know that nothing has broken her spirit just yet. 

You leave her in the truck with it still running so that she still has her music and the heat because it would be too much of a hassle to bring her into the apartment just to take her back to the truck shortly after. You are quick to add more clothes to the ones you already had in the bags from the hospital stay. You rush back to the truck once you have your work gear packed, figuring that you could come back here tomorrow after work to grab more things if you need more. 

Wanda is waiting in the driveway to help with your bags as you carry your sleeping daughter into the house. She helps you make the bed cozy for Rachel and the two of you tuck the girl in together. Your heart jumped at putting your daughter to bed with someone once again. It never got to this point with Daisy. You clench your jaw at the thought of her. You can’t help but think that maybe the two of you got lost in translation. Maybe you asked for too much. But you think about how much you tried to push back and then stop yourself from the spiral. You didn’t need to go there. 

Together, you and Wanda set up her bed to make the pair of you comfortable with sharing it. When the wall is set up, you get changed in the bathroom in the hall and knock on her bedroom door before entering. Wanda is already laying on her side of the bed when you enter and you make sure to shut the door and turn the light off before joining her. You try to calm down once you’ve laid down but you are being enveloped by her scent and it causes your heart to race. 

“Thank you for this,” you whisper into the dark, unsure if she is even awake. The wall is pretty high. 

“Of course,” she half whispers, “you’re my friend and I know you would do the same for me and my boys if you could.” You smile to yourself because even with only being friends for a few months, both of you are already ready and willing to take care of each other. The pair of you go silent again but you can tell by the pattern of her breathing that she isn't asleep yet. 

“I called Daisy about Rachel being fine today when I had a moment to myself,” you admit with a bit of sadness to your tone. 

“Oh yeah?” Wanda says softly. “How did that go?” 

You frown with one hand resting on your stomach and the other set between your head and your pillow as you look up at the ceiling. “Not great,” you state. “Something seemed off but she wouldn't tell me,” you sigh. 

“I know you said that you weren't going to before but, do you think that you'll try to win her back?” Wanda is laying on her side, staring at the pillow wall. Imagining you on the other side. She wishes she could be closer to you. But she respects your space as you've taken the initiative to respect hers. 

“No,” you reply confidently, “we are never getting back together.” 

Wanda hums as she closes her eyes. She feels you shift on the bed and she hopes that you're facing the pillow wall the way she is. She wonders if you're thinking about her the way she is thinking about you. Wanda hasn't admitted before, not even to herself, but she was developing feelings that were more than friendly towards you. Her phone began to buzz and she felt embarrassed. Nights were usually when she would sext with potential hookups because she wasn't able to sleep. 

“Geez who's blowing up your phone this late?” You mumble the question and the way your voice carries, she can tell that the two of you are facing each other. She almost tears the wall apart just to look at your face. Then her phone buzzes again and it breaks the urge. 

“I don't know, could be any of the guys I've been talking to,” she admits and she can't believe how that sounds. She saw herself as a progressive woman. Her friends encouraged her to not see herself as a slut or any of the derogatory terms that were generally used to describe a woman exploring her sexuality. But right now, admitting her activities to you, she felt ashamed. 

“Oh,” you're unable to hide your shock and she takes that as judgment. Wanda gears herself up to defend herself. But she doesn't have to. “You can answer them if you need to. They seem very persistent for an answer,” you say as you move to face away from the wall. She can feel the movement and hear the way your voice travels. It breaks her heart to know that it's caused you to turn your back on her. Even though she can't see you. Knowing still hurts. 

Wanda doesn't say anything as she turns towards her nightstand to open her phone. This guy was one of the more annoying ones and she didn't want to give him the time of day anymore. She quickly typed out a polite rejection and blocked him as soon as she was met with a tantrum. Calling her a tease with comments about single mothers being the worst whores out there. He even claimed that she wasn't even hot, that he was only taking pity on her because she is a single mother. She rolled her eyes once he was blocked and deleted as she turned her phone on silent just in case and set it back on the nightstand. She kept her back to you as she closed her eyes and hoped that tomorrow would erase the tension that was created tonight. 

You are the first one to wake up in the morning. The pillow wall is scattered about. Pillows fell on top of you or to the ground and were mirrored on Wanda's side as well. One arm extends past the wall and her fingers rest against your shoulder. Each of you have a leg touching, hers resting on top of yours. She looks so peaceful in her slumber. Even with her hair covering most of her features, you can tell how relaxed she is. 

You don't get to enjoy the moment for long since you have to be at work in thirty minutes. You yawn and stretch, careful to not wake her as you do. The house is completely quiet as you leave for work and for a moment, you wish this wasn't just a temporary living situation.

As the morning sun peaks through the curtains, Wanda’s fingers stretch out seeking your warmth but she is only met with the cool bamboo sheets. She opens her eyes to find the bed empty. She doesn't expect the disappointment she feels at not being able to wake up next to you. She knew you had to be up earlier than her. The boys distract her from her conflicting emotions as they bang on the door and demand breakfast on behalf of their friend. 

Tommy was the one to wake up to Rachel calling out for help to the restroom and he woke up his brother. Both were surprised to find her in the guest room but they didn't get distracted with the emotion for long. The pair quickly helped Rachel out of the bed and into the restroom. They stood outside of the door and waited for her to come out. When she did, they were both prepared to walk her back to the bed but she refused and asked for her crutch instead. 

When she got herself situated on the bed, the boys joined her and the three of them chatted until Rachel's stomach growled. Tommy and Billy raced and pushed against one another to their mothers room to get her to help them make a special breakfast in bed for their friend. 

Wanda can't believe that such sweet boys came from her and Vision. She wonders what she did right when it came to them as the three of them head downstairs to make breakfast together. Once everything was ready, Billy made sure that the plates were perfect to present to Rachel on the tray before he and Tommy carefully walked it up to the girl. Wanda shakes her head as she sips her tea. Watching them walk up the stairs from the kitchen. She offered to help them carry the plates but they insisted. 

With whatever is left over, she serves herself and joins the three kids in the guest room to share the meal with them. As she watches them interact she starts to think that maybe things aren't meant to work out between you and her. Maybe the universe brought the two of you together for Rachel and Tommy. She has never seen him be so kind and attentive. When he says something out of line to Billy, Wanda doesn't even have to step in because Rachel is quick to put him in his place and make him apologize. 

As a mother, she always puts her children first. And if this was a sacrifice she was meant to make for Tommy's happiness. She was more than willing. Despite your wishes for your daughter to be repulsed by male attention. 

You don't come back until a little past dinner time. Pietro approved you for overtime so you took advantage of that and kept working a few hours longer. You made sure to stop by your apartment to pick up the things you didn’t have time to last night and you took a shower so that you didn’t show up reeking of sweat. When you walk in, Wanda and the kids are piled together on the couch watching a movie. You greet them all with a grin. You ruffle Rachel's hair as you pass her on the way to the stairs. “I'm going to put this stuff in the guest room for you, Rach,” you announce on your way up. Wanda follows you.

“I have a plate for you in the microwave,” she says, leaning on the door frame. 

“I appreciate that,” you thank her softly, “I don’t expect you to take care of me too. I can make myself something if I come back late like this again.” You know that you’re going to be working late nights until either Pietro cuts off your overtime or the bills get paid in full, whatever comes first. 

Wanda snorts, “And have you burn down my house? I think not.” She steps inside of the room and helps you re-fold Rachel’s clothes neatly and place them in the empty dresser. You were beginning to feel like a useless slob compared to her. “Besides, it’s not a big deal. The boys and I cook together every night and we typically make more than the three of us can eat anyway. I think this week will be the first week that we don’t have a leftovers night before they leave on Sunday.” 

You nod, “Fair enough,” comfortable silence falls between the two of you once again as you set up the room for Rachel so that she is comfortable during her stay in the next few days. Aware of the late hour, the two of you get the kids to their beds before you warm up your food.

Rachel is the first to be tucked in because Tommy and Billy wanted to properly wish her a goodnight. Then help the twins get settled in their beds. Wanda tucks in Tommy and you tuck in Billy. “I forgot to ask before, did you like my performance?” He asks with a hint of insecurity in his voice. 

“Are you kidding? I loved it!” You grin as you start to rave about his part in the holiday showcase. He grins as he thanks you and bids you a goodnight. You smile and start to walk away when Tommy tries to grab your attention. 

“What did you think about me? Was I a good tree?” Tommy worked hard in many other aspects to get the kind of praises that you just gave his twin. Especially from their father but he was slowly starting to realize that his dad was a tough man to please. 

“Tommy, you were the best tree I've ever seen in my life,” you state. “In all of my years of watching school plays, I have never seen a tree have as much personality as you had. The both of you might have potential for great acting careers,” you state encouragingly. Wanda smiles as you compliment her boys more than she's ever witnessed Vision do. They were always being admonished by him. They were always wrong in his eyes. But not in yours. 

Wanda tells you that she will meet you downstairs so she can finish saying goodnight to her kids on her own. You walk down and warm up the food she had waiting for you in the microwave. You find it incredibly considerate that she thought of you. That instead of packing away the food, or leaving it out for you to serve yourself, she had a plate made for you. Ready to be reheated. She joins you at the table with a glass of water and the two of you chat as you eat. She talks about the day she had with the kids and you talk about work. Part of you could envision a life like this. With her. But you don't want to dwell on the idea for too long. Her friendship is more than enough for you. 

When you're done, you insist on doing the dishes that are sitting in the sink. You could have easily rinsed them off and put them in the dishwasher but it seems as though Wanda wants to be in your company, so you wash and she dries. As she stands next to you she listens to you rattling on and on about an idea you have for a business, she can’t get over how caught up she is in you. But you’re untouchable, burning brighter than the sun. When the sink is empty, and she hands you a dish towel, you can't help but look at her as you lean against the counter. 

Wanda takes the towel from you and folds it as she is aware of the strange look on your face. She is curious of what you're thinking, of what you might do, of what you might say. She can see it. There's something on the top of your tongue. “I think,” you start, then sigh as you almost say something that you think you shouldn't. “You're my best friend,” you state instead. 

She smiles in response as she sets the folded towel onto the counter. “Let's get to bed,” she says softly. You nod and follow her up to the room. Her room. 

The two of you climb in bed, this time the pillow wall is two layers instead of four. You make a joke and she laughs. She falls asleep first with her head on top of the wall. She has a hand on your arm to keep you close without breaking the rules of the wall. You lay your head close to hers and her steady breathing helps you follow shortly after. “Come here,” she whispered in your ear in your dream as you passed out.

Chapter 14

Taglist: @princessprudy @sayah13 @agaymilflover @awkwardmandalorian @bentleywolf29 @thatshyboy1998 @artisannat @thisischaismagic @wqndanat @madamevirgo @likefirenrain @tearsofglitter @feltlikethat @the-writer-arcane @natashasilverfox @karsonromanoff @aloneodi @lovelyy-moonlight @red1culous @jovialsublimecomputer @natasha-maximoff @iliketozoneout @doudouneverte @druggedduck @notbornbutforged @when-wolves-howl @lifespectator @justyourwritter69 @wandaromamoff69 @awesomelygayasf @nekoannie-chan @diaryoflife @wuwu96 @wandanats-goodgirl @sincerely-indi @blueredg52 @sisiofthemultifandom @fuzzyuniversityeclipsefriend @arcturusseer @scarlettwidow34 @chasethemoon @raven-ss @canyonyodeler @sokovianbaby @alexawynters @bittysworld @hopeless-romantic17177 @spongebobtentacles

[hauntedpearl]

I'm such a big fan of immortal cas endgame but he's not an angel, not fully, not the way he was when he came to earth, the righteous man his charge, when the apocalypse was still the most terrifying thing in the world and there was hope of keeping it at bay. but he's not human either, because he can never be, because the body that is his — his — is still not really his. the soul he's grown can't fit in it quite right, not the way a human's is supposed to, anyway.

where does this leave him? somewhere between heaven and earth. with his clipped wings, and his crooked, cracked halo. he'll never quite be human, but he's human enough for his little family of misfits. and he's never going to be an all-powerful angel again, but he's angel enough to teach his son the things he needs to learn, to heal the hurt when he is able, to cross the boundary into heaven when he's called. it's an odd, uncomfortable, terrifying, wonderful place to be. and maybe it's not exactly what he wants, and maybe he longs for his wings and his grace and the power of heaven at the tips of his fingers sometimes, but it's enough, he thinks, considering. he's happy. isn't that kind of the whole point?

[sunglassesmish]

happy late fimmf from misha in roadfood episode 2

[marimayscarlett]

Richard being interviewed at the Resurrection Fest, shortly before the gig // 7th July 2017 // [source]

1. A very interesting interview with a talkative Richard 😌

2. Grey temples 🤍

[sophieinwonderland]

Oh wow, I didn't know that SystemsCringe was run by Satanists, that's really scary! That's probably why they're so against RAMCOA! Do you think they're trying to convert people to their religion?

I didn't say they're Satanists. Only that they're using a source that is.

My issue with the Grey Faction as a source isn't that they're a Satanist organization. I would frankly have similar issues with any religious group (even a nontheistic one as the Satanic Temple is) being used as a source in a scientific discussion.

They're not an unbiased party. Their main goal is trying to disprove the Satanic Panic and dispel accusations against Satanists. And they don't mind throwing trauma victims under the bus to accomplish that end.

Thus, they've thrown all their support behind the sociocognitive/iatrogenic models for DID.

And the r/systemscringe mods are backing the Grey Faction, as well as the False Memory Foundation that was founded by people accused of abusing their children, as you can see in this exchange with one concerned r/systemscringe user and a mod:

What's wild about this is we've reached a point where r/systemscringe is saying "you should check with this faction of a religious group to determine if a psychiatrist is trustworthy."

[arsenicflame]

izzy's little grey hairs at his temples......

[mollymarymarie]

Added a helpful clause to the summary of TRNT because how many times am I going to get a comment that says "The only thing I didn't like about this fic..."

[thistableforone]

i need this man to wear more leather

[fizzytoo]

Francisco "Cisco" Torres for @hauntedtrait's bachelor challenge <3 — info n such under the cut :D 👍🏽

// everyday, formal, sleepwear, party, hot weather

36, he/him, gay

5'11

spring baby (april taurus)

traits: maker, rancher, & jealous

Cisco owns and operates Little Apple Orchard alongside his aunt, Arabella. With apple season in Chestnut Ridge just around the corner, Cisco finds himself busier than usual. His aunt being older in her years, it's really just him on the farm. He's found it hard to meet people and date seriously as more of the responsibility of the orchard has shifted onto him.

This reality show has become huge gossip around Chestnut Ridge, especially in his aunt's social circle. With someone like Dakota, it's hard to expect otherwise. He's caught himself between wanting to participate for his own desires and avoiding becoming a spectacle for his aunt and her friends.

Francisco's the "strong and silent" type with a soft spot for animals, especially the small ones. He was especially fond of his late childhood dog, Princess, a miniature pinscher with a big personality. He keeps her dog tag tucked away in his wallet.

Besides producing apples and general apple flavored confectionery, the orchard also sells simple wood carvings that Francisco makes himself. Normally, they're small animals or nameplates but he's gotten quite confident recently and has started trying his hand at taking commissions.

As a lover, he's the generous and jealous type. He's starved for touch. He wants to hold and be held; he wants to leave his mark where it can be seen.

// other miscellaneous facts:

frequently "loses" his glasses (they're in his hair or he forgot he clipped them on his shirt pocket)

he's a morning person (not by choice but by habit)

He broke his nose and tore open his cheek (resulting in a pretty cool scar) after falling off a ladder and crashing into the unpaved road

His lower back is particularly sensitive to touch. Sometimes he'll catch himself tensing up without even meaning to when people walk behind him. (when the beefcake is ticklish 😔)

Despite how insufferable she might be, Francisco's closest relative is his aunt Arabella. She's the only one who looked after him after he came out.

mwah mwah tyyyy for the consideration <333 also if anyone can guess the video game character his looks are loosely based off of will get a kiss (the glasses and mustache might give it away).

[axolotldice]

Shar's Temple - 2D20 Pair

Blessed Nightsinger, witness our adoration. See how we serve you, only you. We have emptied our hearts of falsehoods. We have vanquished your foes. In darkness, we see your truth. Embrace us, your loyal warriors. Cloak us in your shadow. Guide us to your victory. Shar's will shall be done. As sure as night will fall.

[courtforshort15]

Rewatching Grey's Anatomy and this scene just hit me in the Matt Murdock feels

---

[so-very-small]

In the distance, you see me. I’m wearing a hoodie that conceals most of my face, but you can see wisps of smoke leaving my lips, my headphones blocking out the world. As I drift through the woods, you fall in love with my mysterious energy, wondering what I’m thinking about as I vanish beyond the treeline and out of sight.

I take another drag from my cigarette, and smile. Giant DILFs, I think. I go to kick a rock, and I miss, falling down the forest floor and into a ditch. I don’t get up. I continue to think about giant DILFs.