#just fetch the surgeon

[clonerightsagenda]

I think this is just a trend everywhere but I've been very frustrated this week by how much admin work is being outsourced to me as the patient/customer.

My orthodontist tells me I can make an appointment with the surgeon. I call the surgeon. They tell me I need a new referral. I call the orthodontist. They do a referral. I call the surgeon. Referral didn't come through. They tell me about their special unique system we have to use. I call the ortho again and walk them through the referral. I call the surgeon. They say the referral was missing some details so they have to do it again. I call the ortho.

The insurance company calls me about repair shops. I give them the name of the repair shop which I already gave them yesterday. They say they're not in their system but I can use them, but I have to call the repair shop to ask them to contact the insurance company. I call the repair shop and they say the insurance company is supposed to email them.

I feel like at a certain point these constant fetch quests become unreasonable?? Is it too much to expect these groups to communicate with each other instead of making me run back and forth between them???

[rainysurface]

Hitting again the video where they were saying Cris is second for Lio while he's in the top 3 and Lio is in the top 2 (the top 1 like going unsaid) is just a whole madness.

[muzansfangs]

A man.

Starring: Ryuken Ishida x f!reader; Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez x f!reader; Byakuya Kuchiki x f!reader; Shunsui Kyoraku x f!reader; brief and implied mention to Uryu Ishida, Kanae Katagiri, Ichigo Kurosaki, Kisuke Urahara;

Format: short-imagines;

Warnings: nsfw, fluff, vaginal sex, unprotected sex, creampie, age gaps (especially in Ryuken and Shunsui’s parts, but the reader is above the legal age of 21), manhandling, praise kink, degradation, spanking, rough sex, bondage, marking the partner, hair pulling, edging, dirty talk, choking, feeding alcohol through kisses, breeding kink;

Plot: Who was he? A man, your man, a gentleman, the incarnation of “touch her and you die”, of “she deserves the world”, of “I would tear myself apart to make her happy, to keep her safe”. However, if someone heard the profanities he hissed in your ear, when he was buried deep into you, or idly watched the way he massacred your body only to build you back up later and publicly, you were not sure they were going to agree he loved you that much. But he did.

Ryuken Ishida.

You had not anticipated a rainstorm in the middle of July. The movie had just ended and the audience was searching for shelter from the sudden downpour, crowding at the exit. A bold couple in a hurry dashed down the muddy road, heedless of the dirt caking on their shoes and the hems of their trousers. You, on the other hand, were scrutinizing the busy street in search for Ryuken. You were standing on the sidewalk, below the awning supposed to shield you and twenty other people from the deluge. You shuddered, when some droplets of cool water splattered over your naked forearms, reminding you of never trusting a sunny day ever again. Not to mention you had opted for a brand new pair of black Jimmy Choo, seven inches of class and a gift from Dr. Ishida himself. You could not contemplate the idea of ruining them.

Now, though, you were genuinely surprised when Ryuken settled his hand on the small of your back, grey eyes transfixed on the flooding water making you stall on the sidewalk, and leaned down to whisper a command to you “Stay right where you are”.

You opened your mouth to protest, the moment he departed to fetch the car, only to realise he was not going to desist. You figured he wanted to minimize damage. Parking the vehicle closer to the theatre was the only thing he could do to help you out of that situation. Even such a kind gesture, though, flattered you. Ryuken was not close to be the extrovert kind of man who publicly displayed his feelings for you. He was the kind of man that stood by your side, made it loud and clear that you were taken, but rarely indulged into affectionate gestures. You wondered how it felt for him to go that far for you. Everyone stared at him, the moment he jogged off in the rain for you.

Lost in your thoughts, you had not even realised his car was parked right in the middle of the road, until he got out of it and circled the vehicle to open the car door for you. You bit your lower lip, knowing damn well you had to cross the turbid stream generated by the deadly combination of the downpour and the uneven road surface. Taking a deep breath, you tried to take the first step out of the crowd. Only for Ryuken to stop you.

“Hold on” he said, looking at you squarely, before bending down to slide his arm down your thighs and sweep you off of your feet. The gasp leaving your mouth was imperceptible, but the way your hands clutched the fabric of his jacket to anchor yourself to him spoke volumes. This was new.

Where was the descreet man meticulously, obsessively hiding his feelings for you behind a mastered poker face? But you knew better than goading him into pouring his heart out for you, when he had dozens of eyes goggling at him and the way he marched to his car briskly, straight as a line, precise like the surgeon he was, holding his woman bridal-style in his arms. You nuzzled your face delicately in the crook of his neck, a small smile gracing your lips, a blush blooming on your face.

“I love you” you murmured and you could swear his grip on your body intensified.

He had been the perfect incarnation of the Prince Charming. A few hours later, however, he had turned in the main villain of your story. Metaphorically speaking, naturally. His calloused fingers threaded through your hair, yanking you up against his chest, whilst the other hand was buried between your quivering thighs. You were both knelt on the bed, his larger frame almost enveloping you. Your knuckles had turned white for your iron grip on the headboard. Teary eyes, heaving chest, your body jerked when he pinched your throbbing clitoris for the umpteenth time that night.

You had lost the count of how many times he had brought you to the edge, before pausing and reeling at the sight of your desperate face, stained in mascara lines drawing black lines on your cheeks.

“Ryuken, please, I can’t do this anymore” you breathed out, catching a glimpse of his stormy eyes in your peripheral. Your body was exhausted, but you ached for a mindblowing release. Specifically, a bonebreaking release that only Ryuken had ever made you experience.

He plunged his fingers into your weeping hole, collecting the arousal coating your slippery folds “I wonder why I deliberately push my limits for you, to see you happy, only to desire nothing more than wrecking you like a filthy harlot undeserving of love” he ranted, before pulling his digits out again and pushing your head onto the pillow, roughly, yet careful not to hurt you for real. Goosebumps raised on your skin, lips parting to let a pathetic whine erupt from your throat.

Ryuken pumped his shaft a few times, lolling his head back in bliss, before removing his glasses in frustration with his free hand and discarding them carelessly on the bed. You wished you could see his face all scrunched up, when he finally pushed the head of his cock past your folds and made sure to bury himself into you to the hilt. The air seemed to have been knocked out of your lungs, when your walls clamped down on his shaft, the perception of the veins dragging against your inner parts making your cry out in overstimulation.

“Ryuken—” you hiccuped, fists clenching on the pillow to support yourself, when he pulled out and slammed himself back into your sappy entrance.

He grunted, fingertips bruising your hipbones, his clutch possessive and unyielding. The perfect balance between pleasure and pain, the touch of a man, not an inexperienced boy. He had loved before and he surely knew how to love you now.

He groaned, a low sound rambling from somewhere deep in his chest, as he thrusted into you with renovated vigor, fueled by the primal need to keep you close to him, to leave his scent of you, to stain your insides with his semen.

“Do you love me?” he asked you, his voice raspy, as he enclosed the back of your neck with his hand, pinning you down, pressing your cheek further into the puffy pillow below your head. Your toes curled, a strangled moan leaving your lips, swollen by the previous kisses you shared on your way to the bedroom.

“I do! I do, Ryuken!”.

“You are doing amazing. — he praised you, his pelvis repeatedly smacking against the back of your thighs — Could I finish inside? Would you love for me to give you a child?”.

It came to you as an unexpected request, especially since Ryuken was already a father. However, how could you deny yourself the pleasure of connecting your bodies so intimately, of granting his wish to become a parent again with you?

“Fill me up” you agreed, wanton in your voice, as you pushed your ass back against him to meet his thrusts. In a matter of seconds, the doctor behind you lost the last shred of self-control left in him and you layed down, spent, with a pool of pearly cum oozing out of your abused core.

Byakuya Kuchiki.

Dating a Captain of the Gotei 13 was hard. If you were the older sister of the man who had saved the world, it was almost impossible not to do it without feeling the pressure of the entire Soul Society passing judgment on you. If the Captain you were sharing your heart with was a member of the Kuchiki clan it inevitably meant migraines and days spent in escaping the flashing lights of the paparazzi pestering you anywhere you went.

You had no idea for how long you had been trying to avoid them that day. All you knew was that you were supposed to meet up with Byakuya at the Seinkaimon, but for some reason you had not found him waiting for you there. Welcoming you to the Soul Society there were dozens of shinigami working for the Seireitei Bulletin, instead. Suppressing your reiatsu had been useless. The impudent questions thrown at your face, along with the sound of their cameras taking pictures of you, made your head spin and you flash-stepped away from them as soon as you could.

Running through the mazy, intricate streets of the Soul Society, hoping to reach the gates of the Sixth Division, was your only option. Too bad those journalists wannabe knew how to navigate those roads better than you did and you often ended up bumping into one of them. Reaching your destination was nearly impossible. You were not the type to scream for help, especially for such trivial reasons you could perfectly handle yourself. However, you had the impression something was off today and the anxiety was preventing you from thinking straight. Out of breath, you slumped down against the wall of a blind alley, breath uneven, slightly dishevelled and, definitely, lost.

“Miss, stop running! — someone piped out, their footsteps approaching you quickly, but you had no strength to look up at them — O my Gosh, look at you! You are so pale, weak, are maybe sick? Is this the reason why Captain Kuchiki left his manor early in the morning to visit the Captain Commander? To take some days off to look after you?”.

At this point, the young shinigami standing a few feet away from you, scribbling down only God knew what on his small notebook, was downright assuming things. You knew you should have denied everything, chased him away, fought back for some privacy. However, you were not in the right state of mind to argue and your body was in need of some rest. You just panted, screwed your eyes shut, hoping he was going to drop the topic and leave you alone. But he did not stop talking. At least, not until the air was knocked out of your lungs by a familiar reiatsu shielding you from that stranger.

You did not need to peer up to the massive man standing in front of you to check who it was. White cape, black silky hair swaying around a sharp visage, the Captain of the Sixth Division impassibly stared down at the now terrified shinigami tiring you out.

“I can assure you she is perfectly fine. — Byakuya said, piercing blue eyes pinning the lanky man on the spot — On the other hand, you will need someone to look after you, once I am done with you”.

He never lost his composure. Not even in moments like this, in which he seemed a minute away from tearing that prick apart limb from limb. Your shoulders slacked, as the young shinigami bowed down and flash-stepped out of your sight, leaving you two alone in the desolate street. A comforting silence blanketed the area, as Byakuya turned around and offered you his hand.

“I apologise for having troubled you. I thought I would have made it in time to pick you up at the Seinkaimon” he admitted, baritone voice coating you whole in a warm cocoon of your boyfriend’s love language: acts of service.

“I’m fine, really! Don’t blame yourself, Byakuya. You did not send them after me” you fretted, gladly grabbing his hand and pushing yourself back on your feet.

He studied your face, reverently caressing the back of your hand with his thumb “No, but I feel responsible for your safety. I should prevent inconveniences like that to occur. I won’t deny I am altogether considering sending someone after them”.

You gaped, shaking your head “Wait, no! That is not necessary! You have sufficiently flexed your shiny armor by protecting me. Trust me, your presence alone scares people off” you nervously chortled, before Byakuya tugged you closer to him, until your hips connected. You felt his muscles tense underneath his shihakusho. You suppressed a soft gasp, as his hands cupped your face and he impudently brushed his lips against yours, not capturing them in a kiss but aurely setting you ablaze.

Acts of service.

And was he not indulging you on his futon hours later, when he had you whining his name in a mating press? Your slick drenched the insides of your thighs, along with his pelvis. You almost felt ashamed of the mess you were making. A mere glance at the trail of dark, trimmed hair, glistening, trailing from his navel to his cock was enough to make you look away. But Byakuya had no intention to break the intense eye-contact he was stucking you in.

His hand reached down, roughly grabbing you by your chin and turning your head back to him “What do I have to do to make you understand how deeply devoted to you I am?”.

When he plunged his length back into you with a fluid motion, you moaned again. Your chest raised and fell rhythmically, your breasts jiggling with each thrust into you he made. You were a sight to behold.

“N-Nothing! You made it loud and clear, Bya— Ngh!”.

Oh, dear Lord, he loved the way your face scrunched up in bliss, when he hit certain sweet spot within you. Your toes curled, your walls tightened around him. Byakuya grunted “Maybe I know what to do” he inhaled sharply, stormy eyes clouded over in lust and mischief. He was plotting something. You knew him and that look on his face, the way a knot formed between his eyebrows and he harshly bit down on his lower lip until it cracked.

“I will give those bottom-dwellers something to talk about for months and, luckily, something that will keep them away from you for months. — Byakuya groaned, cock furiously bullying you, until he accidentally hit your cervix and you squealed out in a pained moan — I am going to stuff you full tonight. My semen will fertilize your womb, darling. Pictures of your creamy hole are going to be sent— Goddamn!”.

A throaty moan rang in your ears, your teary eyes driving him nuts. He had lost his restraints. Byakuya Kuchiki, a nobleman, the Captain who never cussed, was unable to be impertubable when it came down to you. Cupping your cheeks in his hands, Byakuya kissed you. Your tongues wrestled, as you reached your orgasms. When he pulled out of you, he was panting, the bulbous head of his cock teasing your sappy entrance, sharp eyes watching in glee his seed leaking out of you.

Yes, there he was. Byakuya Kuchiki, the proud Captain, your man.

Shunsui Kyoraku.

How did you find yourself all dolled up in a flowery kimono, hair meticulously plaited and gathered in a chignon adorned by a silver hairpin? Blame Shunsui Kyoraku for that. Running through the Dangai dressed up like that had been challenging, but there was nearly nothing you would have not done to please him. Now you were looking for him through the stalls, hoping to recognise his familiar face among the jubilant crowd of shinigamis.

As soon as your eyes landed on a wooden plate reciting ‘bar’ you knew exactly he was waiting for you there. What you did not expect, however, was for him to have company. A willowy shinigami, bleary-eyed from the shameful amount of alcohol she had clearly consumed, was leaning towards Shunsui with pursed lips and the intent of leaving the festival with him. He, on the other hand, was not really indulging her avances. Instead, he gifted her short and dry chuckles, respectful of her solely for her gender.

You were fuming, anyway. Debating on whether staying, or leaving, when he caught you gaping at the scene unfolding before your eyes and subtly gestured for you to approach him. Smug bastard, he always had had his way with words. Swallowing your pride, you slided next to him, silently assessing what the Hell was going on. He knew you were a second away from snapping that goose’s neck like a twig. And maybe this was the reason why he squeezed your thigh reassuringly, but hard enough to get your attention.

“Alright, dear. Since you do seem eager to win me over, why don’t you buy me a drink, huh?” Shunsui suggested, earning a murderous look from you and a chortle from the other woman.

He seemed to have everything under his control. Everything, including you, because as soon as he caught a glimpse of your hand gliding over the hilt of your zanpakuto, his hand was wrapped around your wrist in a iron grip.

“Let me go” you seethed.

“Have some patience, honey”.

You scoffed, barely registering the slice of lemon on a silver tray the barman had settled on the counter before you. Not even the drink Shunsui had in his hand, ready to chug it down out of habit.

“Bite on the lemon, suck up the juice for me, as if it was… Well, you know” he murmured lowly, falshing a lazy smile at the drunk woman at his other side, eating him alive with her doe green eyes. Witch.

Nevertheless, you did. You grabbed the slice of the fruit, teeth sinking onto it, until Shunsui grasped your jaw and captured your lips with his in mindblowing kiss. You gasped, lips parting as Shunsui allowed the alcohol to run down your throat, his groan displaying his enjoyment in watching you yielding at him. He was such in a natural in situations like this. And you, swallowing down the bitter liquor, complied to his antics. At times, he acted as if everything was nothing but a comedy and he was on the stage to entertain the spectators. You shuddered, cheeks flushing up when you felt the eyes of some people passing by labeling you two as ‘shameless swines without any sense of docorum’ on you.

But this was nothing but Shunsui’s way to send a message to the woman upsetting you, the same woman now gawking in bewilderment as your boyfriend lapped at your lips, slowly dragging his tongue over your lips, cracking a grey eye open to silently shoo her away.

What a man you had found yourself.

And you were so lucky to have an experienced, older man who could have perfectly blended in the human world as a porn actor, given the way he languidly fucked you dumb. You were on your side, one hand wrapped around you thigh to lift it for you, the other around your throat, applying a gentle pressure on your windpipe.

His cock was bullying your cunt, slick in your arousal. The stretch, as per usual, had extremely delicate. Now, however, you were so wet it kept on entering and exiting your hole smoothly, effortlessly.

“Have I ever told you how catastrophically exquisite you look like when you are mad at me? Sometimes, I want to have you all bossy and irritated just to show you how hard you get me” he cooed, a throaty moan resonating in the room as he glided his nose down your jawline.

Not the dirty talk. Not again. You had lost the count of how many times you had reached your climax that night. The first orgasm had hit you while he had decided that fingering you in the gardens of his quarters was a good idea.

The rest was a blurry line of scandalous moans and limbs tangled in the desperate fight of tearing your clothes apart.

“You are risking your own life… — you chided him, eyes rolling in the back of your skull — Fuck! Fuck, Shunsui, I’m cumming again!” you cried out, frissons running down your legs as you bit down on your bottom lip until it bled. The metallic taste driving you wild was what you needed to suck his cock in, coating it in your juices.

He bit your cheek, affectionately, before he frowned and gave you a few sloppy thrusts before he finally ended up spurting his own release into you, painting your walls white to make sure you knew he had decided to stay with you until the very end.

“The first and last woman I loved… My woman”.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez had always been unhinged, territorial, radiating testosterone like the alpha male in a pack establishing its leadership. Strangely enough, much to your surprise, he was adapting to living in Karakura pretty well. Through the passing of time, he had learned not to pick up fights over trivial matters and was attempting to abstain from vomiting insults and vulgar terms in front of complete strangers. Sometimes, Kisuke had to call you to ask you to come to the shop, where he was risiding, to calm him down, but it had been quite a while since he had been out of his bonkers. He was making progresses and it was all in the name of his love for you. Or so you liked to think.

There were still so many things you had yet to do with Grimmjow and he was eager to explore the human world. Therefore, when one of your closest friends called you up to enjoy a night out at the local discotheque, you gladly accepted her invitation and persuaded Grimmjow to come with you. At first, he was baffled by the idea humans had of entertainment. He just stood in a corner, arms folded against his chest, as he inspected the strobs suspiciously, almost expecting them to explode in a million of lethal splinters. He claimed he did not mind you drifting away in the crowd of sweaty, dancing people occupying what you told him was a ‘dance floor’. Then his piercing blue eyes grew comically round. And he sensed something unpleasant was about to happen.

You were giggling, swaying your hips, clueless about the thug at your back disgustingly checking you out, as if you were a slice of cake to guzzle down. But Grimmjow had already elbowed his way up to you, hastily sliding behind your back and encircling your waist with his muscular arms. For once, it was not straight up territorial. It was a protective gesture. You could feel his chest heaving behind you, his abs pressed agaisnt your spine, his grip firm but not possessive.

“Grimm, what’s wrong?” you chimed, only for him to clench his jaw and stare daggers at someone behind you. You tried to twirl around to face him, to have a look at what was actually going on, but he prevented you from seeing the homicidal glare he was directing to that guy.

“Keep dancing, nothing’s worth of your attention”.

“You are clearly upset—”.

“Doll, drop it. Go dance with your friend, see you later”.

And just like that, he let you go, making sure you were skidding off in your friends arms. You blinked skeptically, when Grimmjow dashed out of the pub, fist tugging at the collar of a guy’s shirt, literally dragging him out of the dance floor and to the exit, you knew exactly what had happened.

Later, he made sure you felt each and every vein of his cock, engraving its shape into your tight, warm channel. He was frustrated, but not with you. His knuckles were bruised, sweat dribbled down his nose. You were perched on his lap, wrists tied with a rope behind your back, as Grimmjow slammed you down his shaft repeatedly. Your neck was ruined by feral marks he had left on your skin, teeth carving your flesh in hunger.

“Fuck— It’s hella hard taking ya out, okay? Ya just stroll around happily, ignoring the dogs drooling after ya with the only intent to screw you” he ranted, grinning as you pathetically whined on top of him. Your mind was gradually going blank.

Fragments of what had happened earlier outside the bar flashing before your eyes. You had felt ashamed, when you had grown wet at the sight of Grimmjow punching that man on his face. Blood had splattered on his knuckles and face, indecorous epithets shouted at his victim as he spat on the ground to emphasise his disgust towards him. Then he had said certain words and the world had stopped revolving for you.

“Leer at my fuckin’ girl like that again and I’ll make ya swallow your teeth”.

You were toasted. Just like now, with your pussy clenching shamelessly around his cock, teary eyes soaking in the sight of Grimmjow biting in the side of your throat again, his dick throbbing into you.

“Grimm—”.

“Pretty girl, my absurdly stunning chick making heads turn. Gotta breed ya, tonight. Don’t wanna waste time anymore” he reasoned, planting a sloppy kiss on your swollen lips as he secured one arm around your waist and enclasped his hand behind your nape. You felt his cock dive deeper into you, a strained moan falling from your lips as he thrusted up into you.

Your forehead was pressed against his shoulders, your eyes closed as you cried out pathetically near his ear “Close! I’m— I’m really close, babe! Ngh— I’m cumming!” you wept, thighs quivering the moment he began to thrust up into you as if the world was going to wnd that night, if he did not get you pregnant.

And the moment he stilled, your own fluids gushing out of you and soaking his thighs, Grimmjow shot his load right into you, clutching you close like you were his possession. You nuzzled your face into the crook of his neck, his cock twitching one last time until it eventually softened. You hummed, kissing the side of his jaw, whilst Grimmjow kneaded your ass out of habit, before delivering a firm spank on your left rear.

“Wanna go to the club again tomorrow? I’m yearning for more action” he jested, as you chuckled softly against his skin.

Well, despite what most of your friends still said about him, Grimmjow had proved himself to be a man that night, not a ruthless fuckboy not looking for a real relationship. You were his mate. He was not going to leave you, unless someone killed him. And, let’s be real, this was going to he a very hard task.

Author note.

Took me long enough to upload this, but I made it! I’m sorry for the slow updates, but I confess I’ve barely got time to take care of myself as of late. I’ve a lot of ideas and little time to write, sigh. But I promise, this is going to be a good summer! Let me know what you think about this! Likes, comments and re-posts are greatly appreciated!

Love,

Luce.

Credits for the theme divider: @cafekitsune

Tags: @villainsrtasty @whatshernameis @anxiadix @jesurum-says-hi @sovl-society @koalaoffandoms @my-my-my

[inevitably-johnlocked]

It bothers me that John is often just portrayed as Sherlock's sidekick, following him around, praising him and fetching his tea. At least in my head, John Watson is a very intelligent man, a surgeon and a distinguished military man. Do you have any fic recs that actually highlight John's intelligence and his contribution to The Work?

Anonymous asked: Hey, Can you share few fics where John is smart or more smart than Sherlock. BBC version does not give John credit. Can you share BAMF/ Smart Johnlock fics?

Hey Nonnies!

Oh gosh me too! John is SO important to their dynamic!! Not sure if you're the same Nonny, but you both have a similar request so I'm adding it to this ask!

I have a few I can suggest that come to mind from a past ask and a remembering of stuff! Please add some if you guys have any, I would LOVE to have more.

CLEVER JOHN / JOHN DEDUCES ON A CASE

No Charge by notjustmom (G, 1,742 w., 4 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting AU || Street Artist John, Sherlock Being Sherlock, Art/Drawing) – What if John is a street artist who offers to draw Sherlock...

Q 1 HR by stillwaters01 (G, 1,795 w., 1 Ch. || New Year's Eve, Hurt/Comfort, BAMF John, Friendship, Doctor John) – On New Year’s Eve, Sherlock discovers that sometimes it’s the seemingly innocuous, rather than life-threatening, conditions that can keep John from The Work. And John is reminded just how deeply their friendship runs.

White Blank Page by SarahCat1717 (M, 11,936 w. || Post-TRF, Clever John, Reunion Fic, Pining Sherlock, Letters, Fantasies) – Post-fall, Sherlock is off eliminating Moriarty's crime web. He finds he misses John. He can't divulge that he still lives, but he placates his need to communicate with John and still feel a connection with him by sending him blank letters. But over time, this writing exercise lends itself to Sherlock exploring his feelings for his friend. What will happen when Sherlock returns to London and the man he has been "writing" to regularly for the past two years? NOT S3 compliant. Mary who? 

Equilibrium by augustbird (M, 12,351 w., 1 Ch. || Flowers for Algernon Fusion || Jealous then Worried Sherlock, Sick John) – At Baskerville, John is infected by a virus that turns him into a genius. But when the infection progresses into neurodegeneration, it's a race against time to save himself.

In Arduis Fidelis by Raliena (T, 18,628 w., 10 Ch. || GI Joe Crossover || Captivity, Surgery, BAMF John, John “Three Continents” Watson, POV John Watson, Prisoner of War, Cobra - Freeform, soldier John, John-centric, Doctor John Watson, John is a Very Good Doctor, Violence) – Once upon a time John was a Soldier and a Doctor. And he was known John or Doc or Doctor. But things change. And he *earned* his right to the name “Three Continents Watson”. Part 1 of the Three Continents Watson series

And A Doctor by stillwaters01 (T, 24,962 w., 6 Ch. || Five and One, BAMF John, Hurt/Comfort, Doctor John, Friendship, Character Study) – It was only when people actually saw John working as a physician that they began to understand: that it wasn’t just about bullets and IEDs and trauma care under fire. That “doctor” actually covered a pretty wide field. And that John was bloody good at covering ground. 5 times Dr. Watson treated others and 1 time he treated himself.

A Study In Auto-Signatures, Sniper Dolphins, and Sex Holidays by cwb (E, 32,689 w., 8 Ch. || Case Fic, Post S3, Evil Mary, Developing Relationship, Beach Holidays, Confused Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Honeymoon, Epistolary, Bottomlock, First Kiss / Time, Fluff, Secret Agents, BAMF!John) – John and Mary go on their sex holiday, and Sherlock is grumpy and pining about it. Part 1 of HOT DOLPHIN SEX 

MARKED FOR LATER

4 - Food For Thought by distantstarlight (E, 1,782 w, 1 Ch. || Fluff and Smut, Clever John) – Sherlock Holmes is well known for his personal restraint when it comes to food but perhaps someone has figured a way around that issue. Part 4 of 31_Days_of_Porn_Challenge_2017

The Well by Mamaorion (T, 6,731 w., 1 Ch. || TFP Fix-It, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Marriage Proposal, Hypothermia, Caretaker Sherlock, Clever John, Cuddling/Snuggling) – John wakes in freezing water, alone, chained to the bottom of a well. Only one person can possibly save him. This is the s4 well rescue in its entirety, which proves to be the life-threatening moment to finally exhume Sherlock and John's feelings for one another.

[my-writings-and-musings]

Continuing to break through my slump with more indulgent fics! Here's some Starscream x Reader in response to some earlier polls, where our beloved Seeker has just become a sire to three precious bitlets. As reader gets some much needed sleep, Starscream admires the triplets.

He'd been terrified of the diagnosis at first, for both your sakes, but had recovered quickly and even made a point to brag when telling others the news. There were few who could recall the last time a Cybertronian managed to kindle with an organic, but none would forget his success after spending a mere minute in his company. It was about what one might expect from Starscream, especially with how he went on and on about how your progeny would be the start of a glorious Cybertronian legacy without equal. You'd actually found his enthusiasm both sweet and comforting.

Then came the scan that revealed you were expecting triplets.

He'd fainted upon the medic's pronouncement, though claimed upon waking he'd merely lost his balance. Seeing three separate sparks nourished by your own heartbeat had been quite shocking for you as well, and you'd needed his support once he came to. Thankfully, it had been provided then and every moment after, which had made those long months that followed a great deal easier to endure. Cravings were much easier to handle when you had someone capable of traversing the continent in mere hours to fetch them.

Now that the longest day of your lives so far was done, all the work had been rewarded with three perfect little bundles, and the Seeker had yet to take his optics off you or them. Such constant supervision had allowed you to drift off into a much needed slumber in the company of your equally sleepy bitlets.

Watching your sleeping form like a father hawk, Starscream slowly moved his gaze over the sparklings snoozing between the two of you, his much larger frame across from yours and leaning forward like a protective wall. He didn't dare sleep while you finally rested, despite being thoroughly exhausted himself. It had taken hours for the triplets to arrive, and while they'd come as smoothly as one could hope, the toll on your body had been considerable. Primus only knew how you hadn't fallen asleep as soon as the bundled newborns were lain in your arms.

One of the seekerlets trilled softly, and he reflexively dipped his helm to check on them, unable to help being paranoid. The newborn only made another quiet coo before nuzzling their rounded helm back into the nest, fluttering the stubs of their wings as they drifted back to sleep. His spark warmed at the sight as he welcomed a fresh burst of pride. All three were incredibly tiny for now, but with time and care, they would grow to be his equal in size and strength. Your genetic influence would also show itself in equal time, influencing their abilities in ways Ratchet had explained could not be predicted. Primus, he just couldn't wait to see...

Another tiny sound startled him back into active alert, and he leaned down once more to check on the group, optics scanning for any sign of distress. The bitlet that had made the noise only cracked open a sleepy optic and yawned, stubby servos smushing against their ample cheeks as they adjusted themselves in the nest with a tired squirm. As he watched them settle back to sleep, Starscream had to bite his lip to avoid making a sound at the painfully adorable antics. He'd known that they would be cute, but Primus, these little ones were precious beyond reason.

Spotting a microscopic flaw in the blankets, he adjusted it with the precision of a surgeon, wanting to be absolutely sure that you and the sparklings were covered. Once you all were secure and cozy, he allowed himself a moment to drink it all in: you, your sparklings; a little unexpected family he'd made by accident. It was more than he deserved, but he'd never let anyone lay a hand on you or your precious bundles. Every ounce of his strength would forevermore be dedicated to your safety.

Laying himself on his side, he stretched out an arm to encircle the lot of you with his bulk, the gentle sound of your breathing tempting him to sleep. He resisted, and used the closeness to tenderly brush his digits over a sleeping sparklings chubby cheeks. The warm softness of their mesh was enough to crack his spark, but the little one's reflexive cuddle into his touch absolutely shattered it. A single, joyful tear fell to the berth as his sparkling snuggled into his palm and pulled him closer.

When you woke, you wouldn't have to ask for anything ever again. It was the least he could do for three of the most precious gifts he'd ever known.

[vesearlee]

inclusive of Sylus, Zayne, Rafayel, Caleb, Xavier and multiple pairings with single ship, poly, and quad.

──── 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑺

──── 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧

➺ Zayne x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐅 The atmosphere was light, tinged with the beauty of waking well rested from an afternoon nap — until someone disturbed the peace.

──── 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐤

➺ Zayne x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐅 To treat an ailment, you first had to identify a cause and enact treatment to better the patient’s physical or mental state. After years and years of knowing him, it was lucky you were the best doc-tor around to care for him.

──── 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐲𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚

➺ Zayne x Scrub Nurse!F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐅 + 𝐒 To see the well-versed, experienced cardiac surgeon in such a state of distress was a sight you were not keen to experience again, and even at the cost of your shared secret, you would do anything to soothe him and bring him down from the adrenaline high.

──── 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭

➺ Zayne x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐅 It was the duty of an assistant to assist in all matters their employer may need — paperwork, errands, fetching things from near and far, but this mischievous feline took the role and ran with it, and you had no choice but to rewrite the definition of demanding when she had her way with the busy doctor. 

──── 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞

➺  Dawnbreaker!Zayne x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐅

There were only whispered words of his presence as Zayne slept — you never knew more than he would share. An enigmatic presence that loomed in the hours of the dark that haunted Zayne’s thoughts through the day; the very reason he worked himself to the bone to mend the hearts of the people that were dealt a bad hand. 

But even Gods weren’t immune to the darker side of their minds. And it just so happened that you could confront this perceived nightmare on your own.

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑩𝑩𝑳𝑬𝑺

──── 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

➺ Zayne x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐅 Time was something precious. It could never be stopped in the cycle it remained loyal to, just as your devotion to him could be questioned — only evident by the small bloom that caught the sun’s rays, steadfast and unmelting in the warmth of it. 

──── 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐞

➺ Cat Butler!Zayne x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐈 + 𝐅

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑪𝑶𝑳𝑳𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺

──── 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒂

➺ Tattoo Artist!Rafayel x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐅 Like a siren’s song, the ocean’s rhythmic dance beckoned treasures to its shores — from endless delicate seashells painted in nature’s finest hues, lustrous pearls birthed from ancient depths, and the whispered secrets of souls carried on salt-kissed winds. 

Within the sanctuary of Rafayel’s arms, where time always ebbed and flowed like the tides themselves, resistance was futile against the tranquil spell that bound you both. The sea, ever watchful and eternal in her majesty, held not only the whispers of your heart but cradled his deepest mysteries in her embrace.

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑺

──── 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐨

➺ Rafayel x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐅 Each stroke of his brush painted the ocean with such precision it took your breath away, only the tides had more than one surprise in store for you.

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑩𝑩𝑳𝑬𝑺

──── 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫

➺ Cat Butler!Rafayel x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐈 + 𝐅

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑺

── 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑺

──── 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

➺ Caleb x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐅 Normally, when Caleb had to make it up to you, he had methods he had perfected; made tried and true over the span of time that stretched from childhood to adulthood. Only, this time, an accomplice was thrown into the mix to sweeten the deal, and it swayed you in his favour faster than you could comprehend the sudden, unique side kick.

──── 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲

➺ Caleb x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐅 While Caleb had fought and won countless battles, the one he wanted to fight the hardest against wasn’t his own — it was yours, and all he could do was stand by your side.

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑺

──── 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

➺ Cat Butler!Sylus x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐈 + 𝐅

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑺

── 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧!𝐒𝐲𝐥𝐮𝐬

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑩𝑩𝑳𝑬𝑺

──── 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐲

➺ Cat Butler!Xavier x F!Reader⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐈 + 𝐅

COMING SOON

──── 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭

➺ Cat Butler!Rafayel x F!Reader ➺ Cat Butler!Zayne x F!Reader ➺ Cat Butler!Sylus x F!Reader ➺ Cat Butler!Xavier x F!Reader ⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄ 𝐀 + 𝐈 + 𝐅 After a night that took an eternity to pass, you woke up feeling worse the wear and wishing for sleep to take you under once more. Only, these few felines had other ideas; the love and care they provided was always second to none.

[lilacella]

Would you do a moodboard of the chaos amnesia au? 👀☺️ I'm waiting for the next part

Hello hello, we are finally at a point in the plot where making a moodboard makes sense! So here you go!

Also. Have

Part 8 of the Chaos Amnesia AU:

(Part 1) (Link to last part)

"Who are you?"

That's a tough question to answer.

The men that you lied to for the past 10 months? Your best friend and your loving boyfriend, that were horrified when they found out about what you have done in the past but still love you very much?

"Who am I ?"

An even harder question to answer. Because do James and Remus even know who Sirius is? Who he really is? And most importantly: Do they want him to know?

"You're Sirius," is what they settle on.

Sirius frowns. Weird name.

"What am I doing in your car?" He touches the bandages on his head. "What happened to me?"

"We were on a hike," Remus says quietly. "You fell. Knocked your head. Don't you remember?"

Sirius frowns deeper and he drops back into his seat.

"No."

James shoots Remus a look.

You lied.

So what?

They drive the rest of the way in silence. Except that one time Sirius asks if they shouldn't drive to a hospital.

"Lily will take care of that," James says. "It's easier, you won't have to wait in line."

[Little Jily background excursion at this point becaue this isn't a fic and basically just an elaborate plotline so I can do whatever the fuck I want 🥳:

James is, as stated before, a police detective inspector and Lily is a trauma surgeon at the local hospital. Since James is such a daring officer of course he gets injured a lot and Lily has to patch him up. James keeps flirting with her but she barely responds though you can tell she likes him ☺️

Patient doctor relationships are greatly discouraged and so she has to wait for James to get just a little bit more careful until she can herself show up at the police station and ask him out for lunch. James is of course overjoyed. The rest is history 🥰]

They arrive and lead Sirius' into the Potter's house. It is late at night, Harry is long asleep, Remus is hiding a gun in the inside pocket of his jacket and sweating profusely.

Lily is less than happy when her husband wakes her up, shirt torn and eyes wide, with the words: "I need you to check a headwound for me."

Her mood lightens a bit when it becomes apparent that the headwound is not on James but drops straight back down when he informs her in a worried whisper that it has been caused by a gun. And that Sirius doesn't remember anything. And that him and Remus want to keep it that way.

Lily isn't entirely onboard with that plan but her focus is on her patient right now. She sends James to fetch her bag and takes a look at the wound. After a short inspection she instructs Sirius to lie down, adminsters some local anesthesia and tells him to close his eyes.

Why that? Well, so he won't see the fucking bullet that has somehow managed to wedge itself into the cavity of his temple but by pure luck did not manage to break anything vital.

[Disclaimer: this is highly unrealistic and even a seasoned and talented trauma surgeon would not pull a fucking bullet out of your skull on their couch. There is so much that could go wrong. Bullets in the head are definitely a hospital thing!

But we are here for the chaos not for a sensible medical education so I will proceed]

Lily drops the bullet discreetly into Remus' palm (that poor guy really has to hold on to all the terrible stuff 😭 ) and he drops it into his pocket with trembling fingers. It clinks quietly against the two keychains that are resting in there.

"Is it bad?" Sirius asks.

"No."

He opens his eyes. "Really? Are you sure I shouldn't go to a hospital? I feel like we should go to a hospital..."

Lily presses a bandage on his head and shakes her head with a firm smile. "No need, I've got this. So... James said you were having some... memory issues?"

"Who's James?"

The three look at eachother.

Sirius sits up slowly and brushes his fingers over the gauze on his temple and eyes them with worry. "I really should go home. My father's going to kill me when he finds out that I have been hiking around with - " He frowns again - "Sorry I'm still not quite clear on who you are. Do you know my parents?"

tbc...

☺️ Look this is called chaos amnesia for a reason! So be prepared for chaos and amnesia!

[the-fiction-witch]

The Maid's Day off

Media - The Artful Dodger Character - Jack Dawkins Couple - Jack X Reader Reader - Y/n (Maid) Rating - 12 Word Count - 2524

Jack woke feeling groggy. he sat up and stretched Egar to enjoy his first day off as the new head surgeon, on his cosy new house. Everything felt so perfect, he had a good job, with job security, good pay, his own house, and a big warm bed. Life was good for the first time in Jack's whole life.

suddenly he heard a tap on his bedroom door, "Doctor Dawkins? Are you awake sir?" Y/n asked.

Y/n was a sweet girl, that Jack didn't really know much about let alone what to do with. She was the last homeowners maid and when Jack got the house she kinda just... Came with the house. And he didn't want to get rid of her and it was nice not having to worry about chores but… she tended to be a little… Over attentive.

Jack turned his head towards the door and groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Y-Yes, I'm awake.." he said with a groggy tired voice,

The door opened and Y/n strolled in wearing her usual uniform of a long white blouse, tall black boots and a deep blue pinafore with a apron around her. She carried a tray with some breakfast in hand. Toast, eggs, an orange, coffee and water. "Good morning sir" she smiled,

Jack blinked tiredly and sat up to lean against the headboard. "Good morning.." Jack said, "Did you make that for me?"

"of course sir." Y/n smiled sitting the tray on the table on his bedroom unpacking each item onto the wooden table setting it all out for him,

Jack’s stomach growled lightly. "How long have you been awake for?" he asked as he stretched and yawned again.

"Half past six as usual sir." Y/n explained, "Would you like me to run your bath?”

Jack nodded slowly, "Yes, yes, that would be lovely. Thank you…" he muttered tiredly,

"of course sir." Y/n nodded before she hurried off to the bathroom to prepare his bath,

Jack yawned, he slowly sat up more. he stretched again and rubbed his eyes trying to wake up.

Y/n soon returned drying her hands on her apron. She noticed his tried state so fetched the coffee from the table and brought it over to him,

he could hear her and opened his eyes. he looked over to see her holding a coffee, he blinked tiredly and smiled a little. "Ah, thank you.." he muttered and went to put his hand out for the coffee from her,

"You’re welcome sir." Y/n smiled handing it over, "is there anything else? I could set your clothes out? Or help you in your bath? I could wash your sheets?" Y/n asked,

Jack shook his head and sighed. When Y/n started to offer to do everything for him for the hundredth time he sighed.

She'd been like this since Jack moved in. Constantly asking for jobs because she was so used to being ordered around. And when Jack didn't order her around like a literal slave she got confused and just sort of sat around waiting for commands like a puppy.

"No Y/n, thank you. I'm fine, I'm more than capable of doing things myself," Jack sighed.

"oh... Alright sir." Y/n nodded rather puzzled,

Jack drank some of his coffee and watched her as he spoke "Y/n." he said in a softer voice, "you don't need to ask if I need help or you need to do anything. You're not my slave.."

"But I'm a maid. And Mr Clarke always made me do everything for him." She explained,

Jack looked at her with a serious tone, but a very soft voice "Well, I'm not Mr Clarke. I'm not going to order you around." Jack said, trying his hardest to make Y/n understand,

"...then, what am I to do all day?"

"Take time to yourself. Do what you enjoy, go for a walk. You don't need to constantly ask to do things. Or be at my every beck and call."

Y/n nodded still a little confused but she didn't argue with him

Jack nodded and drank more if his coffee. feeling more awake and alert. he was about to say something else but he heard the water shut off in the bathroom. he nodded

"My baths ready, right?"

"all ready sir." Y/n nodded

Jack nodded and carefully got up out of bed, stretching. a cold shiver running down his back as he stepped out of his warm blankets "Alright, perfect" he said, "Thank you again Y/n" Jack said as he went into the bathroom

as soon as he got out of bed she smiled and began stripping his bed of it's old sheets to take them down to the laundry putting on some fresh ones,

Jack just ignored her heading to the bathroom, he stripped down and carefully stepped inside a warm steamy bath. He sighed lowly and relaxed. It was hot, but not hot enough to burn. just right. he carefully sits inside and leaned back in the bath. Jack relaxed more and leaned his head back against the tub and closed his eyes. he was happy, comfortable, warm, relaxing. he sighed content and relaxed his tensed and sore muscles. Jack relaxed in the bath for a long while to the point he was fully relaxed. he would've probably nodded off If it wasn't for the water starting to get too cold for him. after around a hour and 30 minutes in the bath. Jack carefully got out of the bath and got himself dry and dresses in his clothes, before walking back into his bedroom,

Y/n smiled as he arrived back to the bedroom, as she sat scrubbing the floor "did you enjoy your bath sir?"

Jack walked back into his room and was a little surprised that Y/n was scrubbing the floor. He chuckled lightly and nod, his hair was still damp, and yet to put his shoes on, "Yes, yes I did. Thank you. You didn't need to scrub the floor"

"oh... I uhh... I couldn't think of anything else to do." Y/n answered, "I already cleaned the windows. Next is fireplaces."

Jack sighed and shook his head. "You didn't need to do that. You could have relaxed, you could have gone for a walk. You're not a slave here!" Jack stood up and stood next to Y/n as she scrubbed the floor. "I appreciate you wanting to do things. But you don't need to ask to do things or clean constantly. It's okay to relax and enjoy your day. "

"I like cleaning." Y/n answered scrubbing around where he stood,

he crouched next to her and sighed, "Still. You don't need to ask, or do things to this extent. You're not forced to clean constantly."

"I know. But I like cleaning. And Mr Clarke always had so many demands I never got any good deep cleans in." Y/n explained,

Jack stood again and leant against his dresser, "That's not surprising. But this isn't Mr Clark's house anymore. No more cleaning for his filthy messy habits." Jack mumbled the last line, but still Y/n scrubbed away. "So you like cleaning huh?"

"mhm" Y/n nodded working the brush into the floor,

Jack hummed and crossed his arms, watching Y/n work "That's an interesting thing to like doing. But it's different, I won't judge" he said calmly, he could agree, the floor was looking very clean at the moment, "I admire your dedication. That's for sure" Jack says and he did wonder how long she would clean for if he didn't say something.

"Once the house is clean. Parts of it will be dirty again. So it's just circles and circles" Y/n explained "and if I do ever have time then it's time to cook"

Jack nodded and listened to her explanation. a small chuckle escaping him as she continued to scrub the floor. "so, you enjoy cooking too?" Jack asked her as he watched her carefully clean

"not particularly. I find cooking a dirty task."

Jack chuckled and crossed his arms again. finding the whole situation slightly amusing, "So, you enjoy cleaning but not cooking?" He asked her,

"mhm." She nodded "but I'm happy to cook for you of course sir."

Jack sighed and rubbed his temple, getting slightly frustrated with her "Yes yes, you're my maid. But that's not an excuse to work yourself to the bone. You can relax more" Jack stood up straight again. "Do you have any hobbies? Things you enjoy doing. Out of work?"

"... Mr Clarke liked when I baked cookies"

"Did you bake them because you liked baking? Or because that's what Mr Clarke wanted from you?" Jack asked her,

"... Frankly I don't know"

Jack nodded and sighed. he could see she was very very obedient, obedient to a fault. "Well..if you're baking, do it because you want to. Don't do it just because it's what someone wants you to do" Jack says to her, "But back to the conversation. What do you like doing in your free time?"

"I never had free time when Mr Clarke owned the house"

"Yes yes I'm aware of that" Jack said, a little frustrated. "but now he doesn't own this house. You can use your free time on whatever you want."

Y/n shrugged,

"I'm not going to be the same as him Y/n" Jack said, his tone starting to sound a little more pissed at Y/n lack of understanding, Jack walked up in front of her and crouched to be on the same level as her again. "You don't have to ask permission for things you enjoy. you don't have to constantly be cleaning or cooking for me. You can use your free time on whatever you like. you're allowed to use your free time for things you enjoy" Jack said and stared at her, watching her reaction

Y/n stopped scrubbing a moment and began to pick at her nails "I... Don't know what I enjoy." She admitted,

"You don't..." Jack blinked,"what kind of things have you tried..ever?"

"cooking. Baking. Cleaning. Reading. That is all.”

Jack nodded slowly. his tone sounded less angry and more curious "How about things you haven't tried? Have you ever tried a craft? Or playing an instrument? Going out and walking?"

Y/n shook her head

Jack nodded, his tone becoming a little softer as he watched her pick at her nails, "So, you'd be willing to try some new things?" He asked. he hoped he could convince her to try new things. Jack was determined to change her mindset so she was able to do things for herself and not to just do things because she was ordered to

"... I suppose so." Y/n nodded sheepishly

Jack nodded, "What would you like to try first then?" He asked her.

Y/n sat completely puzzled unsure what to say "... Sometimes when I go pick up the groceries from town. I go past this pretty little dress shop. I do know how to sew atleast to repair hems and replace buttons. I suppose I'd like to learn to make a pretty dress"

Jack nodded and hummed. he could see a sparkle in her eyes when she spoke about the dress shop. he smiled a little at that "You've got a start. You know you can sew and that you want to sew a pretty dress" Jack paused and hummed "Would you like to try learning how to make one?"

"no." Y/n answered "seems silly. Why would I ever need a pretty dress?"

Jack frowned at her answer, why did he expect anything else? "Because wearing something pretty gives you confidence? It makes you feel good? " He suggested to her

"but it'll get dirty while I'm working"

"Then make it for days your not working" he suggested. the situation was proving to be a lot more difficult than he thought it was going to be.

".... I work everyday.".

Jack froze. she worked everyday, she didn't have a day off. he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "You...don't have a day off? At all?"

"no. I'm your maid, whether or not you are at work the house still needs cleaning, you still need your breakfast and dinner."

Jack frowned more and rubbed his temples again. he had to think of how to approach this carefully. he didn't want to come off as angry "Yes yes, I know that" he said, his tone softer and kinder now "but...you need a day off, everyone does. "

"but then who will be here to look after you."

Jack sighed and shook his head "I can do things perfectly well on my own. I'm not going to die if you take a day off" he sighed again. he was being softer on her to make sure he was getting the point across clearly

"but - what if you need something."

Jack sighed and looked at her "I'll be fine, I promise you," he said, "How about this. I'll give you tomorrow off, I'll handle breakfast and dinner. and you get the day to yourself. How does that sound?"

Y/n sat rather confused and puzzled the very idea of having a day to herself made her anxious

"please? You'll be okay I promise" he said, his tone softer.

"alright sir." She agreed

"Good" he said and nodded. Jack went silent for a while, thinking of a way to help her relax for the day off. he paused before looking at her. "Do you have any friends or anything?"

Y/n shook her head

"you don't have any friends?" He asked, he was quite shocked. he felt bad for her a little. he was now determined to make sure she had friends. he leaned off the wall and crouched in front of her. Jack frowned and shook his head. he felt bad for her. no friends, no days off. he sighed and tried to think "Tomorrow when you're off, I'm going to find a way to find you new friends. Okay?" He said

she agreed even if she was just feeling more and more uncomfortable at the idea

Jack nodded. he smiled softly and patted her arm, trying to reassure her. "You'll be okay, I promise" he said in a softer tone. he tried to keep eye contact too. so she knew he was being sincere. "But for now, if you like, do you have anything you usually do when you're not working?" he asked her, his curiosity getting the best of him at the moment

"... Sit and wait for something to Do," Y/n admitted

Jack nodded slowly his heart sank at the answer. he patted her arm gently, trying to reassure her again "That will change. For tomorrow do you promise you'll try and enjoy your day?"

Y/n nodded even if she already picked at her nails and struggled with nothing to do

Jack nodded again and noticed she had started picking her nails, he gently held her hand in his to stop her "Y/n. Promise" he said in a soft tone, wanting a verbal promise

"I promise." She lied

"Do you promise truthfully?" he asked, his tone still soft as he watched her closely.

she nodded

Jack sighed and nodded. he released her hand and stood up carefully "okay..." He said, he didn't believe the promise but he just nodded "Tomorrow. Enjoy yourself okay? Do something you enjoy."

Y/n nodded and went back to work.

Jack watched as she went back to work. his mind was all over the place. he could tell she was lying to him. but he didn't know if he could convince her to enjoy the day even if she said she would try.

[wrongcaitlyn]

wrongcaitlyn 2024 fic recs masterlist

SO. i always like to keep track of how many fics i read throughout the year, and in 2024 i read about 28.3 million words of fanfic. i know. i don't have a life. most fics read were in july (4.4m words) and least fics read were in september (797k words). BUT throughout those 28.3m words i do think i found some incredible fics throughout the year, which i bookmark as recs to reread :) because of this, i thought i'd do a little ao3 wrapped sort of thing and share all of my bookmarked fics this year as recs!! i read pretty much all kinds of fics so please check tags/warnings/ratings if you choose to read them

and, as it's a new year, i'm also always constantly bookmarking more recs. if you wanna check those out they're on my ao3! i highly recommend reading every single fic there bc they're all incredible <33

this is going to be long, so i decided to split it up by fandom - and all of these lists are ordered by the date i read them, not any specific ranking or anything. gonna include the date bookmarked, ship (if there is one), ch count and word count bc,,, yeah these are going to be very varied!!

fandoms included:

percy jackson - 21 fics (jan 6 - nov 5) tsoa/the iliad - 7 fics (jan 26 - oct 18) miraculous ladybug - 2 fics (feb 19 - feb 23) harry potter - 6 fics (june 30 - july 8) the secret history - 1 fic (oct 4) arcane - 18 fics (nov 13 - dec 31) + 2 honorable mentions

PERCY JACKSON - aka, the main hyperfixation

The Request Revolution by tiredpjofan - 1/6/2024, gen, 3 ch, 4.8k

Percy sees that some of the newer campers don't feel 100% comfortable with requesting stuff from their godly parents, so he decides to rectify that the only way he knows how -- dramatically. i know this one is insanely popular but i only got around to reading it this year, and!! genuinely just a funny, fluffy piece that makes me happy :))

whoopsie daisy! by buoyantsaturn - 1/21/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 3.2k

Will almost missed the way Tartarus had dulled his senses, distracting him from his own pain and preventing him from knowing the full extent of Nico’s.  angst. i love angst. i vividly remember reading this at like 2 am and then bookmarking it and then reading it again in the morning and having to re-experience the pain

long story short by takeimi - 2/25/2024, percabeth, one-shot, 4.5k

percy starts a youtube vlog channel and raises one too many questions. i mean it's a socmed fame au need i say anything more

i'm put in awe (of something so flawed and free) by CordeliaRose - 3/2/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 15.9k

Right. Well. Nico squares his shoulders, reminds himself that nobody’s perfect and this guy has to be ugly, and knocks on the door. He is met with a Greek God, and forgets how to function. AKA: the archaeologist!Nico & trauma surgeon!Will AU. i already included this (and probably a few other fics i'm gonna mention) in my solangelo fic recs list, so i'm not gonna say that much but just know i prob reread this like 4 times already it's so <33 AND IT HAS A SEQUEL NOW

paper/plastic by Rosyredlipstick - 3/10/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 14.2k

When Nico di Angelo's favorite, most dependable gas station for midnight snacks etcetera is shut down due to some incredibly far-fetched and completely unnecessary health code violations, he's forced to start going to the sister franchise down the street, where a certain blond clerk seems to always be working (like, almost in an unhealthy way). Also, on a definitely unrelated note, Nico now volunteers to do any & all gas station convenience store runs. Leo — stop laughing. i'm also 99% sure i read this before 2024 and then lost it and found it again, BUT I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH IT'S SO SWEET AND AGHSDF love background lost trio, their dynamics are so perfect

a letter to the moon (it is not brighter than you) by theroyalsavage - 3/12/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 7.1k

When his kingdom is plagued by a series of unsolvable murders, Prince Will Solace must confront several things: tragedy, helplessness, and the dizzy-sweet inevitability of falling in love. just solangelo medieval au that's absolutely perfect

I Need a Hero by theroyalsavage - 3/12/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 3.8k

The "Nico is a superhero, Will is a med student" AU nobody asked for or wanted. SUPERHERO AU HELL YES!!! no srsly the way this author writes their dynamic i'm in love <33 (also yes both this and the previous one were written ages ago, okay i was catching up on solangelo fics i missed from being late to the fandomJSDF

Solar Powered by Caora - 3/19/2024, apollo/naomi but also gen, one-shot, 14.8k

Apollo, god of music, was how he had introduced himself. Naomi had assumed he was joking, and he didn't correct her. She had dated musicians and poets before. They all had an ego, and those same words would not have felt out of place from either of her exes. She merely downgraded Apollo from potential boyfriend to potential fling, and didn't think twice about it. Now though…. Now her son could heal wounds with a single touch, and her world was tipping on its axis. this is actually canon to me now. i love naomi solace so much. THIS IS CANON TO ME. also just so beautifully written <33

la vita è fatta così by HowlingAlchemist - 3/19/2024, solangelo, 25 ch, 109.4k

When Bianca somehow comes back from the dead, she, Nico and Will are sent on a quest that will hopefully answer some lingering questions. But Nico and Bianca are not the kids that they once were, and things get very difficult as a result. i love fics that straight up feel like they could be their own books and this is one of them. so well-written and the angst!!!! i died but i was happy about it

hold me, thrill me, kiss me by restinreeses - 3/29/2024, valgrace, one-shot, 3.5k

“You love me,” Leo declares, his smirk widening with every passing second. “You, the great Jason Grace, love me.” He fumbles for his words, but they melt in his mouth as Leo's hands snaked up the small of his back – those delicate fingers tracing patterns into his skin that burnt worse than his SPQR tattoo. “I wouldn’t call myself great,” he mutters at last. Leo leans in, raising one thick eyebrow. “I dunno,” he says, “I’d say you’re pretty great.” His lips brush over Jason's, once, twice. “You know. For loving me.” me being briefly obsessed with valgrace and this was definitely part of the reason this fic was so <33 i love them so much and this fic was incredibly written

but we were in screaming color by tunacucumber - 4/2/2024, valgrace, one-shot, 3.2k

It feels inevitable, somehow, when he grabs Jason by the collar of his shirt and tugs him forward. it starts with a ridiculous heatwave. starting off with an incredible title, but AHHSHDFHSD THE VALGRACE DYNAMIC IS JUST PERFECT

Champion by TsarinaTorment - 4/5/2024, gen, one-shot, 1.3k

She always said she was going to make it to the Olympics, and aged eighteen, it finally happened. yall already know how much i love their fics and the kayla centric of it all!!!! THIS IS CANON TO ME ITS LITERALLY PERFECT.

Blood-Soaked Flowers by TsarinaTorment - 4/8/2024, gen, one-shot, 4.8k

Will knows what’s wrong with him. He just doesn’t know why. another one of TsarinaTorment's ToApril fics and god. this one made me so. i can't even. like i still remember reading this for the first time the twist made my heart WRENCH platonic angst will be the death of me

apple cider and freezer burn by yrbeecharmer - 4/10/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 2.4k

“Somebody pissed off McCaffrey,” Cecil says miserably from the Iris message flickering in midair, in the middle of Nico’s cabin, at two in the morning on a godsdamn Thursday. “So she sent, like, a dozen karpoi to surprise attack us in the middle of the night. We’ve been trying to get rid of them, but they just keep respawning. Can you come poke them with your magic sword?” Nico stares at him. “No.” “Oh, come on! Why not?” “It’s two in the morning! I was sleeping!” i just love general camp shenanigans and this one was SO PERFECT

And I Miss My Lover, Man by MaryaDmitrievnaLikesSundays - 4/17/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 3.6k

In a single well-aimed strike, Nico knocked Riptide out of Percy’s hand and sent it skittering into the forest. Before Percy could react, Nico shoved him down, and stood over him, about to claim victory. And that was when the world shattered. His entire chest suddenly felt like it was being fractured, torn apart bit by bit. He felt a soul leave a body, alone and in pain and miles from home. He saw, in a hazy mental image, someone else’s last view of the sky overhead, and then silence. pure angst. proceed with caution and read warnings. this broke me at like 2 am in the morning

i do adore by rabbit_soup - 5/1/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 1.8k

“I appreciate it,” he said. “I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t…okay for a while. I’m definitely still not.” “Look who you’re talkin’ to,” Will said with a smile. Nico snorted, “Yeah, that’s true. You are feeling better, yeah?” Will detangled himself from Nico, rolling up his sleeves. The Empousa injuries had since faded in the past month. Now, they were nothing more than thick white scratches, and even those were fading by the day. this entire series is just so wonderful and so sweet and i love these boys so much omfgjsdfj they deserve everything :(((

my home wears your face by solisaureus - 5/29/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 9.8k

Three years after being dumped by Will Solace, Nico pushes himself too far with shadow travel again. Unfortunately, the only person on Earth who knows how to treat advanced shadow sickness happens to be his ex-boyfriend. THE EMOTIONS I FELT READING THIS AT LIKE 9 IN THE MORNING RIGHT WHEN I WOKE UP I LITERALLY DIED. like seriously this fic is so insanely good. omfg. please. please go read rn. i can't even it was so sweet but also heartbreaking but hopeful and the solangelo dynamic was just absolutely perfect

the first lovers in the world by rottenpomegranate - 9/15/2024, solangelo, one-shot, 6k

Their relationship changes, from the way it was when they were fourteen, clammy hands and shy smiles, to how it is when they're nearing the edge of adulthood, working together to figure out what to do with all this love they hold. just the most gorgeous and perfectly written solangelo coming of age fic, i love them

Son of Sea Foam by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle - 10/20/2024, castor/percy, 12 ch, 196.4k

AU where Percy has to hide the fact he's a Big Three kid otherwise he'll be killed on the spot. Unfortunately for him, unclaimed kids tend to raise the most suspicion... but he might have found a loophole in the form of Aphrodite. okay yea this one just left me reeling for days. weeks even. this is a total rewrite of what pjo could have been and though i may have questioned it going into it, i should have never doubted any bit of this- this is just a masterpiece of writing, like, seriously. the way that all of the character arcs were written, the deaths meaningful, the plot insanely well-thought out?? i am in awe. i read this and the sequel within a 6 hour car drive bc i was just so insanely hooked on every detail of this universe- seriously, the worldbuilding was insane, the oc's so perfectly intertwined, and the lore perfectly incorporated. SERIOUSLY if you want a pjo fic to completely alter your brain chemistry, this is the one.

Set in Stone by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle - 10/24/2024, gen, 7 ch, 38.2k

Medusa’s sculptures are mysteriously coming back to life. Percy doesn’t think murder is an unreasonable action given the circumstances. THIS WAS SO PERFECT. it was so hilarious while at the same time keeping a serious tone, but the banter and the dialogue and everything just made it such an enjoyable read (oh, and the ending. the ending is perfect.)

say you want a hero (you don't) by pjowithbluecookies - 11/5/2024, percabeth/gen, HP CROSSOVER, 12 ch, 4k

Narcissa Malfoy will do whatever it takes to save her son, and if that meant blackmailing demigods into saving the world again, then so be it. wasn't sure whether to include this in pjo or hp but so far the characters have been mainly pjo centric so i'd say that. and like. i know this was last updated in sep 2023 but god is the premise so insanely good. im so invested in the plot even tho it was only 12k words and unfinished. went through a brief phase of looking for good quality pjo/hp crossovers and this one just holds so much promise

THE SONG OF ACHILLES/THE ILIAD - aka, the one that pops up every few months

Sunset in Your Veins by Baejax - 1/26/2024, patrochilles, 24 ch, 100.4k

Achilles recognizes Tartarus when he sees it, dark, and gray, and ugly and freezing. Pat cannot explain why he brought home the lunatic who stole a dog and burst into the veterinarian office where he works. The man can't even speak English. This is a disaster. im almost 100% sure that i read this in 2023 and then i lost it and then i found it again, reread it, and bookmarked it, and then reread it again some other time this year, which just goes to show how much i love this fic. like. damn just thinking abt it i should read it again. absolutely incredible

Our numbered days by Baejax - 4/15/2024, patrochilles, 2 ch, 10.1k

It's their senior year of college, Patroclus has his first serious girlfriend, and Achilles is happy for him. Really. something about this made me want to cry so bad like the angst was just. god. but it was also so absolutely wonderful at the end and made me want to scream with joy. idk dude the emotions this made me feel in just 10k words was insane

Death and Fate by Baejax - 8/10/2024, patrochilles, series of 21 works, 444.5k

[Series summary] In every universe... I will have them divorce and then get back together. so i think the proper name for this fandom's section is actually just me being obsessed with everything Baejax writes. bc like. seriously go read every fic here. absolutely insane quality. this is basically just a collection of patrochilles au's and they're all incredible !!!!

The Spindle by AMBlue - 9/24/2024, patrochilles, 5 ch, 26.9k

After Patroclus’ death, Achilles begs for the chance to change the past. His wish is granted, but he finds himself trapped repeating the same day over and over as he tries and fails to save his beloved. Character death but I swear this is a fix-it fic with a happy ending. HELL YEAH THE ILIAD FIX IT FIC

Sweet Victory by Baejax - 9/29/2024, patrochilles, 9 ch, 21k

Achilles and Patroclus are just friends, friends who are now roommates since they've started university and who just happen to make out with each other on the regular, but that's just their own weird friend thing that no one else needs to know about. It's not a big deal. Right? this was absolutely hilarious. they own the idiots to lovers tag

you're a walking disaster, and yet- by Johaerys - 10/6/2024, patrochilles, 23 ch, 148.2k

"You'll meet my son, Achilles, soon," Mr Pelides told Patroclus on their drive there. "You two will get along just fine. He's as wild as they come, though." The indulgent pride with which he said the words made them sound almost like a compliment. "Don’t let him talk you into anything." Patroclus blushed as he swore, with strong conviction, that he would absolutely not do that. No sir. He knows better than that. modern patrochilles friends to lovers done perfectly, this was just an insanely good read

Twin Flames by Johaerys - 10/18/2024, patrochilles, 12 ch, 70.1k

Achilles is the young Prince of Phthia, Patroclus is his squire, in a story where they come together, come apart, then find each other all over again. THIS FIC. THIS FIC. OMFGJSDFJSDF THE MEDIEVAL AU I NEEDED THIS WAS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. their pining throughout all of this made my heart ache but it was all so worth it this is perfect

MIRACULOUS LADYBUG - aka, the hyperfixation from four years ago that randomly showed up for a few weeks

The Great Banana Search by walkingonthestars - 2/19/2024, gen, 3 ch, 10.6k

A small, careless move by Hawk Moth exposes his identity to a citizen of Paris. But this citizen has a secret identity of their own, and that makes finding them and taking care of the situation a rather slippery pursuit. Basically, Mr. Banana sees Hawk Moth detransform, and Gabriel and Nathalie work to find out who's behind the banana suit so they can shut him up before he talks. As Gabriel fears that the person in the peel was none other than Cat Noir himself, he also notices that Adrien seems to upset and hiding something. i have no idea what possessed me to read mlb fanfic in the year 2025. i haven't watched the show since quarantine. but god is this probably the funniest fucking fic i've read all year. i was in tears laughing at 3 am. PLEASE READ.

Imbalance by thelibraryloser - 2/23/2024, marichat, 16 ch, 42.4k

Chat Noir is fighting evil all on his own, not aware he’s supposed to be half of a whole. Hawkmoth is desperate to get his hands on the Black Cat and Ladybug Miraculous, knowing that if he causes enough destruction the world will demand balance and the Ladybug will have to appear. And when she does, she's not what anyone expected. Chat thought having a partner would feel different- maybe like how he feels talking to the girl on the balcony. again, i really don't know why i was in a brief mlb phase, but i was- and this was just so well-written and beautiful <33 i was scouring ao3 for interesting au's and im a sucker for marichat so this was perfect

HARRY POTTER aka, the hyperfixation that came out of nowhere during the summer and proceeded to flip my world upside down with the fics i read during this phase

Dog's Best Friend by Ray_Writes - 6/30/2024, gen, 6 ch, 16.3k

When Rubeus Hagrid is placed in the cell next to notorious murderer Sirius Black, truths are revealed and events are changed. man i just love a good fix-it. this felt so realistic and just made me so happy. i don't know why i was reading harry potter that wasn't marauders this year but for some reason i was and this was wonderful

Disrespect Authority by Ray_Writes - 7/1/2024, hinny, 17 ch, 122.9k

Harry chooses to confide in Ginny about his miserable Occlumency lessons, not realizing the youngest Weasley might just have a thing or two to say about someone poking around his head when he doesn’t want it. Together, they hatch a plan to get him out of the lessons that has a variety of unintended consequences: an opening for Dolores Umbridge to tighten her hold over the castle, a clue to set the last true Marauders on the trail of Voldemort’s secrets, and a beginning of something more between Harry and Ginny themselves. some wrongcaitlyn lore for y'all, my very first fic that i read was hinny. my very first several fics. i know im such a bore for having the main canon ship be what introduced me to fandom but it turns out i still have such a soft spot for them and this fic is way better than canon was so i'm just going to pretend that it is canon bc any way to ignore what j*r wrote is great. anyway this is ootp canon for me now

This Is Just What Human Means (For Me) by WoodenSuitcase - 7/1/2024, gen, one-shot, 6.8k

Out of the family, only Bill knew Charlie was aroace. It wasn't that Charlie didn't want to tell the others – he just never seemed to find the right moment for it! When the perfect opportunity arose in the form of a Christmas visit to the Burrow, Charlie made it his mission to finally come out. As it turns out, things never go as smoothly as one intends, even with his older brother by his side. aroace charlie my beloved <33 went through a brief obsession with him and honestly all of the weasleys throughout this time period (and like seriously. i just went from one weasley family member to the next idk why) but this was so sweet

Ben Folds's Series by orphan_account - 7/5/2024, perciver, series of three fics, 37.8k

[summary from the first fic of the series] Wherein book 7 is completely ignored because wars don't tend to happen so quickly; Percy Weasley runs a safehouse [because that's as close to administrative work as you can get in a war], and everyone gets a chance to play minor character bingo. Get your cards and markers ready! the way this author wrote perciver... god this was just perfect like seriously. if you want to start reading this ship PLEASE read this one

James Potter, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, (pause for breath) and the Prisoner of Azkaban by gonzoclock - 7/6/2024, wolfstar/gen, 17 ch, 32.7k

At the end of first year, Harry pocketed the Philosopher's Stone- in a secret pocket that everyone else missed. Now, two years later, Harry is in his third year, his friends are having the time of their lives in Hogsmeade, there's an escaped mass murderer running around, and Harry is going stir-crazy. Fortunately, the twins have a solution! Although- they're going to need something in return, and it needs to be good. Good thing Harry kept that Stone, huh? And then things go completely bat-shit crazy. (featuring the Marauders vs 1993, an exhausted Professor Lupin, a bewildered Harry Potter, and an opportunistic Hermione Granger) pure crack. i love it.

The Second String by Eider_Down - 7/8/2024, harry/gideon, 45 ch, 409.8k

Everyone knows Dementors can take souls, but nothing says that they have to keep them. After the Dementor attack in Little Whinging ends disastrously, Harry must find a place for himself in a new world, fighting a different sort of war against the nascent Voldemort. *deep breath in* okay. okay hear me out. okay listen please. like seriously. this may just be the best fic i read all year. AND I PUT SERIOUS WEIGHT IN THAT. AND I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE IM SAYING IT ABOUT AN HP FIC. BUT LIKE. IM BEING SO FR RIGHT NOW. the way that this fic literally altered my brain chemistry and left me in shambles. the amount of detail that went into the plot and the lore. i could read another 400k words of this universe and it still wouldn't be enough. the author is literally so crazily talented they made me ship harry potter x gideon prewett (no weird age gap going on trust me, there's a lot of time travel stuff going on- they are around the same age biologically and mentally). like seriously if i had to recommend one fic from this year it would be this. which is insane to say. but i cannot understate how incredible this work of fanfiction is like genuinely, i hope that this author is out there writing incredible original works because they integrated oc's into the plot so seamlessly, made these incredible relationships and orchestrated the plot so perfectly that i was just completely immersed. i could go on for way longer but like. all i could think when finishing this was woah. holy fucking shit. idk if i'll ever read a fic as insane as that again.

THE SECRET HISTORY aka, i read the book and needed more

No Room For the Present by lessnearthesun - 10/4/2024, francis/richard, 3 ch, 65.9k

Post-canon, Richard and Francis, and all that comes after. A drama in three parts. no seriously this reads perfectly as a continuation of the book. like it's genuinely- every word, the writing style, the characterization, it's all so perfect. breaks my heart at times but it wouldn't be the secret history if it didn't, if you read the book please please go read this!!!

ARCANE aka, the return of the lesbians; aka, home sweet home; aka, my life's entire purpose starting in november; aka, the literal love of my life arcane writers please take my soul and turn it into more caitvi fanfics

no seriously. why are there no other recs past nov 6 in the other fandoms? bc it was literally all this. 20 arcane recs in a matter of less than two months. 7m+ words read from just arcane fics in nov-dec.

now on to the recs!!

Promise on both sides by paxbanana - 11/13/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 10.4k

Caitlyn seeks to right the wrongs she dealt Zaun. She doesn't expect to get the opportunity to do the same with Vi. For her part, Vi's not one for last words or martyr shit, and she's not about to let Caitlyn get away with it either. now canon divergent bc it was written right after act 1 came out, but god was this so heartbreaking to see. such a good take on what could have happened in place of act 2/3, and the characterizations were just perfect

knit them tight by qwahaXahn - 11/22/2024, caitlyn & jinx, 3 ch, 3.4k

The hunt for Warwick goes horribly wrong, and Jinx can only think of one person to help her save Vi. Unfortunately, Caitlyn Kiramman wants her dead. A character study of two women in the process of changing, and how they finally, finally start healing. CAITLYN AND JINX ARE MY EVERYTHING (IN A SISTER IN LAW KIND OF WAY) AND THIS WAS SOMETHING SO GUTWRENCHINGLY PERFECT FOR THEIR INTERACTIONS BOTH OF THEM ARE JUST WRITTEN SO WELL AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS

Too Close / Too Late by AiLaikJedi - 11/24/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 7.7k

As Caitlyn recovers from the Battle at Piltover, Vi learns that caring for her means facing the grief she’s tried to bury. filled the void i had searching for post-canon fics, this was just so perfect. no words it was beautifully written

The Willingness to Walk Away, The Courage to Try Again by Barakis - 11/24/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 7.1k

You let go for them, to save them from themselves. Otherwise, they’ll never find the strength to do it on their own, Vi realizes, and that realization only adds to her pain and heaving sobs. Jinx understood what Vi didn’t. She saw what her big sister couldn’t until it was too late. That in order to break the cycle of pain and violence, one of them needed to have the strength to walk away. And that person was never going to be Vi. another post-canon fic, honestly a blend of all of these are canon to me because they're all just so well written and perfect for the characters <3

i love you, i'm waiting for you by thehaakun - 11/24/2024, caitvi, 2 ch, 11.8k

Growth sometimes only came from discomfort, from a healthy fear of the unknown, from an innate desire to move out of old habits, dead pasts. She can’t accept what you and I both know. Caitlyn and Vi recover from the aftermath of the war. There's a long path ahead for them both, and their cities. can you tell the finale broke me??? because it did. but ao3 is curing all my wounds. this was so beautiful, a perfect glimpse into post-canon

will you fix me up (will you show me hope) by CharKoal - 11/29/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 2.8k

The last piece of Vi’s heart lays here, broken and bleeding, and somehow finds the nerve to smile. In the aftermath of the battle, Vi finds Caitlyn. another incredible post-canon fic, the glimpse into vi's mental state after the explosion was just so perfect

Shotgun by Cenodoxus - 12/6/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 8k

"Vi, you can either stay here with your severely injured girlfriend, or you can go desecrate a corpse. You can't do both." "What the fuck kind of bullshit ultimatum is that?" Vi finds Caitlyn after the climactic battle. i'm repeating myself a lot on these because YES technically they're all covering the same topic, but seriously, all of them add little details that just help complete my picture of everything that comes post-canon and compiles into my vision of what happens, and i need all of them to breathe, and this one was absolutely lovely

crash into me (i'm drowning here alone) by CharKoal - 12/8/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 7.3k

The color marks Vi like a scar. Blue hair, blue smoke, a glowing blue sphere and a bright blue explosion. Three bright blue explosions. It follows her, threatens to drown her in its depths. Blue haunts her dreams. She learns, later, that red tarnishes Caitlyn's. In the days following the battle, Vi grapples with the burden of her grief and finds that guilt has already crushed Caitlyn beneath its weight. okay yeah just from the summary you can tell that this is one of the most gut-wrenching fics i have here. seriously the writing quality of this???? absolutely astronomical. literally insane. PLEASE go read this and have your heart torn out

Restitution by dilapidatedcorvid - 12/8/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 2.3k

By all definition, they marvel, she is a medical miracle; her soul sewn back into this mortal vessel by the heroic efforts of the finest Piltover had to offer and cradled in a web of tubing and lines dripping saline and blood and therapies into her veins until they were reasonably sure she was ready to move from the antiseptic sterility of the hospital to the comfort of her own room to recuperate. Caitlyn doesn’t feel like a miracle. Or, Caitlyn is concussed and on bedrest, so she does the only thing she can: think. i love a good character study and this one just dove into caitlyn perfectly. y'all already know she's my fav character, so it makes me extremely happy when her character arc is done justice like in this fic- this is canon, to me

the love we let ourselves deserve by taq - 12/9/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 7.2k

Caitlyn watches the Noxian ships leave the harbor, stands there at the edge, the wind whipping her hair about, the chill sharp in the early morning sun. She watches words she wishes she could have said fizzle into the salty air, watches the tiniest specks of red disappear into the horizon, flecks of blood trapped beneath her nails that she’ll never wash out. There’s a tug to her hand. She turns, and there Vi is. There Vi is, warm and open and loving like she doesn’t care, like it’s alright, like there’s nothing wrong. It’s too much. another post-canon healing story, this one diving more into caitlyn's mental state after the war and it just. god. the guilt the pain the angst it's so perfect.

il y a toujours quelque chose d'absent qui me tourmente by lazy_universes - 12/9/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 11.1k

If pressed, Vi would probably say she couldn't really see the point of yet another monument. Graves, at least, were private enough, but a statue of Jinx in the middle of Zaun was hardly the place where she could mourn for her sister in solitude. If Pilties wanted to assuage their guilt or if Zaunites wanted to send a message, she honestly couldn’t care less. If she had her way, she’d have nothing to do with it. At that point in life, Vi should already be aware she hardly, if ever, had things go her way. this is actually 100% canon to me, seriously just thinking about vi and the alternate universe and her place in the world in the main universe now just makes me want to cry, but this fic just explored it so well and has one of the best vi characterizations ever.

Heart Made of Glass, My Mind of Stone by Phoenix314 - 12/25/2024, caitvi, 18 ch, 104k

In order to avoid time in Stillwater Prison, Vi must complete community service after getting caught stealing from Jayce Talis, the protégé of the wealthy and intelligent Councilor Cassandra Kiramman. Instead of spending her nights working at The Last Drop and her days looking after her siblings in Zaun, she now has to be the errand girl to one of the most powerful people in Piltover. However, Vi soon realizes that something isn’t right. What secret project is Jayce working on? Why does the councilor keep sending Vi on strange assignments? And why won’t Caitlyn Kiramman leave Vi alone about what life is like in Zaun? Something is festering in the underbelly of both cities and Vi is beginning to suspect that the Kirammans know more than anyone realizes. okay thIS. THIS FIC IS INSANE. first of all i just wanna say holy shit author for writing 104k words in less than a month and it still being ongoing. mad respect. made even more insane by how high quality every bit of this fic is, i LOVE a good young caitvi au and this just flew to the top of my ranking of them since i started reading- excitedly awaiting every update on this because i just love how in-depth the worldbuilding and characters are. oh, and cassandra?? MOST ICONIC CHARACTER EVER. LOVE HER. this one just dove so deeply into the kiramman family and that makes me SO happy, and i can't wait to see where it ends up going <3

Coming home to you by mkhhhx - 12/27/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 20.2k

“You are not taking good enough care of yourself,” Caitlyn starts, looking towards the fountain. She’s lost weight and her cheeks are hollowed, the knuckles of her hand too pronounced into Vi’s grasp. “I need you now, more than ever, Violet.” “You have me,” Vi says, as a matter of fact. As if she has anyone else to live for, to give her loyalty to. “In any way you’d want me.” another post-canon fic that's just so beautifully written. like srsly what are they feeding caitvi authors. this was insanely good, and just makes my caitvi heart so happy. HEALING TAG I LOVE YOU!!!

one single thread of gold tied me to you by piltovervscogirl - 12/28/2024, caitvi, one-shot, 10.8k

five lifetimes where caitlyn and vi found each other & one where they didn’t THE AMOUNT OF THOUGHTS I HAVE ABOUT EACH OF THESE UNIVERSES LIKE HOLY SHIT!!!! they are THE invisible string couple

A Family Affair by orayofsunshine - 12/28/2024, caitvi, 6 ch, 30.8k

Vi doesn’t introduce girls to her family. First, she’s not one to date or see a girl for more than a date or two, so there’s never anyone to introduce to them anyways. She’s too busy and too broke to keep a steady girlfriend. Second, her family is nuts, and no one should be subjected to their unique brand of torture. Or, How Caitlyn Ends Up Meeting Vi’s Whole Family On Accident this just made my heart so happy while also making me cackle. like woah an arcane fic that doesn't make me want to rip my heart out (in a good way). this was so so cute and perfect and A FULL FAMILY FOR VI!!!! HELL FUCKING YEAH

Hotshot by SarcastCity - 12/28/2024, caitvi, 50 ch, 242.6k

Caitlyn's route to work as a detective at the 51st Precinct takes her right by Fire Station #516, and Vi's been pining after the gorgeous Mystery Woman for six months...what will happen when she finds out that Caitlyn's a cop (AKA: The Enemy)? okay so. WOAH. OMFGJSDFJSD. i was a *tiny* bit late to the train on this one but boy am i glad that i read it when it was all complete bc i literally read this in the span of one day. yes. i was hooked to my phone on yet another 6 hour drive, absolutely consumed by this masterpiece of a fic. and then went on to go read everything else by this author bc the fucking TALENT this is just. insanely good!!!!

Ginkgo by Mango_Magpie - 12/30/2024, caitvi, 5 ch, 22k

Vi never thought she'd get a second chance at life. Now, thrust back into a world she no longer recognizes, she sets out to reconnect with lost loved ones, bonding with a new one along the way. missing scenes from s1!!! holy shit this just made me so nostalgic for 2021 again what the fuck!!!! this is canon to me. like, entirely. the fic before this in the series is also a depiction of vi's time in prison and is also canon to me. this author just writes so beautifully, and everything feels so in character, like i could genuinely imagine these scenes playing out in front of me as part of the show. absolutely incredible, will most definitely be re-reading

taking a leap forward (means leaving a few things behind) by thefifthchris - 12/31/2024, gen, 9 ch, 37.5k

Time slows. Four seconds. Ekko shouts. Something is wrong. There’s no time to think. Heimerdinger jumps out of the singularity, and, in his place– Powder takes the leap. In another timeline, Piltover tries to rebuild. No Hexgate, no fancy Hextech, nothing. Vi is familiar with this: raw labor, strength as its own language, sweat dripping between her shoulder blades. No, she thinks. There is no time to mourn. A tale of two sisters. Even worlds apart, they'll still always find each other. got to read this one as it updated and this was just a beautiful exploration of what could've happened if powder tried to recreate the anomaly (a question that im pretty sure everyone asked after the end of ep 7) - it was a wonderful fix-it while also staying true to all of the characters and exploring their relationships post-canon <3

and that is the end <3 shout-out to two honorable mentions:

hold me (like I never did anything to hurt you) by WishingonAStar, which just barely didn't make the cut off bc i read it past midnight on new years day.

and Run at the Cup. by TheHomelyBadger which i can firmly say is one of my top 3 best reads of the year (the others being The Second String and Son of Sea Foam), but wasn't included in this list because i first bookmarked it on may 27, 2022 back when it was originally updating. bc i sort of fell out of the fandom i didn't end up keeping up with the updates and so i got to re-read it in its entirety in december and was just completely blown away by how incredible it was, i could easily read 300k more words about this universe, it's an absolute masterpiece - i mean, it made me care about sports, which let me tell you is the most impossible job there is.

[rageprufrock]

Superposition | The Devil Judge WIP

Just a sneak peek into the inevitable outcome of me finding out that I can write a story about a 17 year age gap.

After the fire, Yohan wakes up every morning knowing that Isaac is dead. 

Elijah wakes up every morning convinced her father is alive. 

It's the crush damage of new grief each day, too big for her tiny body and too heavy for her to carry. It's worse than all of Yohan's years under his father's belt; it's not until he loses Isaac and Heejin, until Elijah cries herself unconscious in his arms, that Yohan realizes that his father had been a clumsy jailer, that for all his cruelty he'd been a blunt instrument compared to all the ways suffering can visit itself upon a person. 

It's a miracle Elijah is alive, surviving multiple complex fractures and then delayed treatment. They save the flesh and bone of her legs, piece her back together with literal pins and needles. Her x-rays are difficult to look at; the scarring across her ghost-pale skin is worse. She hurts, in a relentless way that is at first impossible to explain to a child, and then is so ordinary she goes quiet with it, turns it inward. She stops crying. She's too weak and immobile for her once-infamous tantrums. She goes quiet instead. She throws books, toys, anything that Yohan brings into her beautifully appointed private room to try to distract her. 

"It will be hard, and it will take time," her doctors say, with an infuriating paternalism, as if their performed empathy could dampen constant burn of searing fire across Yohan's shoulders, cut into the shell of him. "But she's young and she's resilient—she'll surprise you." 

For the first six months, Yohan spends his limited waking, functional hours desperately trying to hold back the flood with his bare hands. He wakes and he's in too much pain to function. He sleeps and his doctors adjust his pain management regimen. He wakes and he tries to comfort Elijah. He sleeps and he dreams about the skin grafts he's been informed are needed. He wakes and he calls Lawyer Ko. He sleeps when he knows Isaac's Social Responsibility Fund donation is canceled. He loses hours and entire days in the labyrinth of the hospital, winding between the VIP ward and the children's wing, meeting with Elijah's orthopedic surgeon, her occupational therapists, the revolving cast of nurses that transport her from procedure to scan to bedside. He arranges Isaac and Heejin's funeral, and ends up back as a patient when Elijah's meltdown at the gravesite has him tearing one of his barely healed graft sites trying to contain her flailing arms, to swallow all of her screaming pain into the bottomless well in the base of his spine. 

It's eight months and six days after the fire that Yohan hears Elijah laugh again. 

***

Later, he'll get a comprehensive readout from the hospital grapevine, but the day he meets Gaon for the first time, all he knows is that he's been summoned by the terrifying peds nurses because Elijah and her new friend have committed some kind of juvenile crime.

Yohan's not ignorant to the fact that Elijah is a nightmare child, but he's still a little confused about how a five year old who is—frankly—abysmal with her new wheelchair is any kind of threat to society. He fetches up at to the pediatric OT clinic fully prepared to act like a complete entitled asshole about this, because while Elijah is a monster, she's his monster and therefore completely innocent of all sin, original or otherwise. 

Except halfway down the hallway there, he hears the sharp cackle of Elijah's laughter, a goblin shriek of pure wicked joy. It lands like a punch, like a blessing, it leaves him lightheaded. 

When he rushes the door, it's to find Elijah in full glory, giggling so hard she can't speak. Her hair is tied up in a series of tiny ponytails that frame her face like a lion's mane, her face is covered in marker, and she's clutching a filthy orange cat to her chest. 

"Kang Yohan-sshi," says one of the nurses, who is trying and failing to look severe, from the way her mouth keeps wobbling and her voice is trembling. "As you can see, we have a situation."

"I—where did she get the cat?" Yohan asks, faint.

Another nurse, who is making no effort to hide her grin, says, "Apparently, they found him behind a trash can in the garden and snuck him into the hospital." 

Yohan slants his eyes toward her. "They?" 

"I'm really not sure how you missed her very obvious partner in crime," the nurse tells him, actively laughing now, and when Yohan turns to look again—turns to see anything other than the miracle of Elijah's smiling face—he sort of understands her point.

Because sitting next to Elijah is a skinny teenaged boy wearing Elijah's headband, all of his short hair pushed back and sticking out like a massive frill around his thin face, his nose colored black and whiskers drawn across his cheeks. He looks less embarrassed than he probably should be, and more incriminating, he's holding some contraption made out of stolen hospital supplies that looks like one those little fishing toys for cats—a single inflated glove hanging from the end—that the fat orange on Elijah's lap keeps reaching for with outstretched paws. 

Standing in the doorway, surrounded by staff and other parents who are barely containing their hysterics, the whole thing is even more batshit. Nurse Woo Yeji, the iron fist of the pediatrics ward, is looming over Elijah and the kid on the ground, hands on her hips as she booms out:

"Kang Elijah-sshi, give me that creature immediately." 

Elijah narrows her bright little eyes. "Oh no," Yohan mutters.

"My cat," she declares, her chin stuck out in defiance.

"He was so sick and skinny, we had to rescue him," the boy chimes in, with the admirable application of a pair of doleful, sweet eyes. It might be more effective if his face wasn't covered in washable marker and he didn't have a purple heart drawn over his left eyebrow. 

"That cat is at least 4 kilograms overweight," Nurse Yeji tells them both, unmoved. "And let me say: Kim Gaon, I thought you had better judgment than this."

The boy, Gaon, takes the comment with the ease of long familiarity with disappointment, but Yohan still sees his eyes go briefly flinty, briefly cold, before he pastes on a smile and says, "I rode my motorcycle into a wall. If you thought I had good judgement, that's your own fault." 

"Yah! Kim Gaon!" the nurse yells, which just sets Elijah off again into pealing laughter. 

And from the back of the room, Yohan watches the way this mouthy kid, this little punk, glances over to his niece, watches how the fake grin on his face dissolves for something softer—something run through with tenderness too old for his years. 

***

Kim Gaon is 17, orphaned, and a frequent flight risk from the group home he's been remanded to with both his parents dead. In the 13 months since his father had died by suicide, and the 10 months since his mother had followed, he's been picked up by the local cops at least a half-dozen times: for smoking, for drinking, for fighting. Yohan looks up photos of Gaon's once-happy family, reads SNS posts mourning the closure of their family restaurant, the police reports about the suicides, the note in Gaon's hospital file that notes that he's going into arrears for his parents' funeral costs. Kim Gaon's social worker talks about him with a sort of resigned apology, approaches Yohan's interest like another black mark in the boy's service jacket. She looks at Yohan's suit and briefcase, takes his business card and calls him Lawyer Kang, spills the whole of Gaon's history, reassures Yohan that however self-destructive, however volatile, Kim Gaon's never displayed any violent tendencies toward children, that Lawyer Kang should feel free to reach out immediately if he feels concern that Gaon has become Elijah's friend.

"If you'd like me to speak to him, to tell him you're not comfortable with him spending time with you niece, I completely understand," his social worker says. 

Kim Gaon has been treated for two different STIs and tried to kill himself with a motorcycle three months ago. The only people he has left in the world are a childhood friend from down the street and Judge Min Jeongho, who used to eat lunch at the Kim's restaurant every day. 

Kim Gaon is 17 and entirely alone.

Yohan smiles at her. "No need," he reassures her. "I'll handle this on my own." 

***

Too much of Kim Gaon's character reference is ultimately hearsay. Yohan doesn't trust himself, exactly, but he trusts his judgement, so he watches quietly from the sidelines, collecting data. Yohan hears all the nurses talk about how Gaon is achingly polite, how they can't understand how such a nice boy could be such an evident wild child he would ride motorcycles with reckless lack of self preservation. He watches Gaon do other peoples' homework, quizzing them on Joseon history and showing a middle schooler who's learning how to write with his left hand trigonometry. Kim Gaon plays Smash Brothers with a flock of elementary school kids and ruthlessly kicks their asses every single time.

The Kim Gaon that's considered a neighborhood menace, the one sends his teachers into a blind fury, that's the protective armor. Yohan knows from defensive adaptations. 

But being a nice kid isn't the same as belonging in Elijah's life in any meaningful way, Yohan acknowledges, and spends a pointless day drafting soul-killing discovery motions and wondering why he's devoting so much time to this distraction. Maybe it's how Elijah's sleeping through the nights better, communicating her pain and what she needs better. Maybe it's how she tells stories about her friend Gaon, and it briefly feels as if they've traveled backward through time, that Yohan's watching her for the night, hearing and becoming deeply invested in all of her day care drama. 

"Elijah-ah, why do you like Gaon so much?" Yohan asks her one night, midway through the intricate ritual of her bedtime routine.

From her bed, Elijah says, "Gaon is funny and cats like him and also his parents are dead, so someone has to take care of him," and without missing a beat, points her sparkling princess wand toward the closet, commanding, "Check there, too." 

Yohan climbs off of the floor where he'd been checking under the bed and goes.

"Would you want to see Gaon even outside of the hospital?" he asks her, doing a careful four-point inspection of the closet: more clothes than one child could ever wear, 200 pairs of shoes, a stuffed sheep the size of a horse—no monsters. "Closet's clear."

Elijah makes a considering noise. "Gaon-oppa said he was a really good cook, so I want to eat his food," she decides, and shy now, she waves Yohan toward her, tiny hands flapping. "Samchon, come here. I want to tell you a secret."

Yohan cherishes every secret he has with Elijah. Since she was born, he's kept so many for her: that she stole a cookie, that she's really really not scared of thunder, that she loves her uncle best, that church is boring. 

"I'm ready," Yohan promises, and sits at the edge of her bed with his most serious expression. 

Elijah looks left and right, as if there are spies around every corner, before she cups her hands around her mouth and Yohan curls over her so that she can whisper:

"Sometimes I forget I'm sad about Mom and Dad, but Gaon-oppa says that's okay because I never forget that I love them." 

It lands somewhere in Yohan's soft underbelly, in the forever ache of his scare tissue. He looks down into Elijah's solemn little face, her riverstone eyes, and he wonders what kind of benevolent God allows this—forces children to patch one another's broken hearts. He used to wish that he would have died instead, that he could trade himself for Isaac, for Heejin, but he's comforted Elijah through too many nightmares of his own death to entertain it any longer. Love's always been a chain, whether wrapped around his wrist with a cross or trapping him in his father's house. 

"You will, you always will," he whispers back. 

"And they love me, too, of course, in heaven," she tells him, with the haughty confidence of a spoilt only child, who'd grown up with three adults circling around her in constant adulation. 

"And I love you here, on Earth," he says, and does not add, your grandfather loves you, too, from where he's burning in hell.

Elijah goes suddenly quiet, thoughtful and a little distant, and Yohan waits patiently until she says at last, "Gaon doesn't think his parents love him in heaven." 

Yohan stills. "Did he say that?" 

"He told his friend, the unni that visits sometimes," Elijah reports, and staring dead into Yohan's eyes, she adds, "I was hiding behind a curtain listening. He also said he can't be her boyfriend." 

"Okay, well, time for little goblins to go to sleep," Yohan says, because he absolutely cannot start laughing about this because somewhere out there, in the beautiful hereafter that Isaac so fervently believed in, he would be furious if Yohan encouraged this kind of behavior.

***

For all Yohan's been investigating the mystery of Kim Gaon, he's wholly unprepared to be confronted by the reality of the boy while sitting in the hospital cafe at half past five, working his way through a stack of files for court the next day.

"Kang Yohan-sshi?" comes a voice, and when Yohan looks up, it's into the shaggy bangs and thin face of the boy who makes Elijah laugh, standing awkwardly at the edge of his table.

"Ah," he says, flipping his pen across his knuckles. "You're Kim Gaon."

Gaon's eyes round. "You recognize me?" 

"The nurses tell me you're friends with Elijah," Yohan says, and waves at one of the empty chairs at the table, shuffles a few folders around to make room. "Please."

It takes more than a little maneuvering for Gaon to take the offered seat, between his backpack and his crutches, his leg still in its cast, and Yohan offers him a steadying arm, takes his bag, helps shift the table this way and that way. Gaon looks mortified the whole time by these small courtesies, stumbling over thank yous and apologies. It tells on him in ways Gaon can't possibly know, but that Yohan can't possibly ignore.

"What brings you to my temporary office?" Yohan asks, when he's sure the kid isn't going to tip over and break anything else, and is only in immediate danger of blushing to death.

Gaon squares his shoulders, and taking a deep breath, says, "I wanted to talk to you about a cat."

This is how Yohan learns that the orange furball that he's first seen that day in the OT room all those many weeks ago is a stray that's been named Gam, and that Elijah's youthful enthusiasm for petty hospital-based crime has undergone a metamorphosis toward more elaborate heists.

"Not that I don't admire her ambition, but I'm pretty sure you'd notice the yowling lump in her sweater when you pick her up from OT," Gaon says, still nervous and too polite, darting wary little glances upward at Yohan. "I tried to talk her out of it, but she started arguing about how cold it was going to get and I had to admit defeat."

Yohan feels the corners of his mouth curl up, reflexive. "There's wisdom in recognizing when you're beaten," he says. "And I appreciate your letting me know."

"Sure," Gaon says before going quiet for a long measure, some unfinished sentence still hidden behind his lashes. Yohan's patient, waits him out, and is rewarded when a half-minute passes and Gaon says, with a brittle courage and poorly concealed vulnerability, "I—I'd take him with me if I could. I like Gam. But the house where I have to stay won't allow pets."

Yohan can hear a universe in between the confession here: that Gaon must have been worried about the cold weather long before Elijah even noticed, that he'd tried to find an answer all on his own. Yohan feels, tugging in the hollow underneath his breastbone, a hurtful recognition of a younger version of himself, all those raw edges fraying, and maybe—sitting here—he can understand a little of Isaac's quiet sadness, the way Yohan had carried all his suffering alone, as a matter of course, without ever trying to ask for help. 

He looks at the slope of Gaon's shoulders, the wrinkled collar of his school uniform shirt, his terrible haircut, the little divot of a piercing in his ear. Yohan thinks about the sunburst of Elijah's laughter and all the terrible things he's willing to do to sustain it; it's strange to realize he hadn't anticipated something so easy, something that wouldn't hurt at all. 

"Do me a favor," Yohan sighs.

Gaon's head darts up. "Um—if I can?" he says.

"Back me up when I tell her that I thought long and hard about this, and that I'm going to be a strict taskmaster about this cat," Yohan says, with a rueful certainty that there's no way in hell that Elijah is going to buy this narrative, because it looks like the sun is rising in the brightness of Gaon's eyes, the pink happiness of his too-thin cheeks. This kid couldn't lie effectively if his life depended on it. In this light, Gaon looks a little like Isaac, if Isaac was too thin and too hopeful, all gamine pleasure; it makes Yohan feel his bones creak just to look at him. 

"I will, I absolutely will," Gaon promises, smiling now and still shy, but so achingly sweet that it makes Yohan want to buy him hot chocolate, to tell him he's done a good job, to ask if he's eaten dinner. 

He forebears, and starts packing up his work documents instead. 

"Come on," he tells Gaon. "If I'm going to make a fool of myself trying to trap a feral hospital cat, you're coming with me."

Yohan ends up scratched to hell and back, his hand-tailored wool trousers covered in mud, while  Gaon laughs at him with a wide-open happiness that makes something in Yohan's chest feel too big for his rib cage. He decides not to think about it in favor of fetching Elijah from her PT and ferrying her down to his car, where Gaon is waiting for them both, a sulking Gam zipped into the front of his hoodie like an uncooperative child. His smile could light every building in Gangnam. Elijah's shriek of pure joy when she spots him leaves Yohan half-deaf for the drive home, and so the warm patter of Elijah and Gaon talking in the backseat rolls over him in indistinct syllable noises until he drops Gaon off at his group home and helps him to the door. 

"Thank you, for today," Gaon tells him, starry and still rosy, covered in cat hair. 

"Elijah's already drawing up plans for shared custody, so don't be a stranger," Yohan warns. 

He'd been ordered by Elijah to participate in an exchange of contact information with Gaon because everybody in the car had a unique and unaddressed relationship with the trauma of abandonment, and so of course Gam could not be suddenly bereft of one of his humans.

"I won't, I promise," Gaon swears, and nods back toward the car, where Elijah is holding Gam up against the window and waving his paw at them. "You should get her home."

Elijah talks nonstop during the drive out of the urban density of Seoul into the forested beyond where their family home is perched on a melodramatic cliff above a lake. Yohan hears about her nurses, her rivalry with another little boy in OT who sounds like he has a world-ending crush on her Gaon-oppa, and listens to the way Elijah sometimes stops mid-sentence when Gam meows at her and then replies, as if she can understand cat. 

Whatever is bubbling in his veins, its too violent to be the warm kindness of joy. This ferocity feels like some holy gratitude, feels like the way Isaac used to talk about God. Yohan has never any good at faith, but he thinks—to himself, so loudly he hears it over the roar of blood in his ears and the chattering happiness of Elijah, vividly alive—he thinks, thank you, thank you, to whoever is listening: to God, to fate, to fortune, to the fucking cat—to Gaon, waving at Elijah with both hands, a smile on his face and Gam curled close against his chest. 

[oriley42]

Do you have any House headcanons? I love your writing so much

Thank you! 🥰 And hmmm....my brain always throws sheets over everything when I'm asked for headcanons, so I end up wandering around like "hey I had a million of those lying around a moment ago..."

The only thing that comes to mind is deeply silly: do y'all remember that throwaway moment in s2 or 3 where House grabs one of those trashy conspiracy magazines off the stand and is like "they published my letter 😊" all proud and happy and they never do anything else with that set up?!! Because House + conspiracies can go so many fun ways. Like...

1) he perpetuates bigger and bigger hoaxes. He starts with a badly edited picture of fairies inside the MRI machine ("how do you think these things work?? Invisible rays you can't see hitting your bones??? No!!! The loud banging noises are from the tiny fists of the imprisoned workers inside, begging for freedom #crackthemopen) and ends with thousands of followers chanting outside the Surgeon General's offices, demanding they release the magical creatures trapped by indentured servitude to power imagining machines across the United States #freethefairies #wedontneedpixiepictures

2) he rages at any opportunity against gullibility and foolishness. He is constantly sending in elaborate explanations for supposedly paranormal events with quotes from Carl Sagan's Candle on the Dark and adding phases like "you fucking idiots" to the prose. He is thrilled when people listen, but more often than not, he really only gets to enjoy the fight for fighting's sake because flat earthers are impervious to his Logic and Facts. I think this probably precedes the events noted above in #1, then he snaps and seeks revenge via manipulation.

3) House is just secretly a conspiracy fan. Not the shitty anti-Semitic kind (mainly, he just doesn't care enough about politics or economics to care about theories regarding who is or isn't secretly running The Government) but particularly the cryptid creature ones, because he's seen some WEIRD shit in his life and travels and it's not really so far fetched, Wilson, to imagine that some sea creature suffered a bizarre mutation activating ancient DNA that increased its size to mega fauna levels and was spotted by--

Wilson: of course I believe in the Loch Ness Monster you don't have to convince me.*

*Lying his ass off to shut House up. Gets caught in the deception. Ends up forced to accompany House on a bigfoot hunt. Has an amazing time and starts low key believing in UFO abductions. Wilson and House get married with the Jersey Devil officiating.

[whumpbythefireside]

Old-fashioned whump prompts for dialogue.

“Come now, cheer up. We’ll fetch a physician, then you’ll be all-right.”

“Are you sure it’s wise to move him?”

“I’m killed, I’m sure…” “Killed? Rubbish. A little laudanum shall sort you out.”

“Just a little further- stay awake now, my dear fellow.”

“We have to get him to a surgeon, fast.”

“Now, what are you doing up? Back to bed, before you faint again.”

“Do try to take a little brandy, it’ll help.”

“Get him in front of the hearth to warm him.”

[an1muuarts]

rambles/concepts of a j&h au that will be in an animatic/game/fic on ao3 idfk im tired maybe it wont happen due to how busy i am but maybe i'll come back to it in the future

long thread under the cut:

*the transformation: im trying to be more accurate to the book (bro was just straight up melting), but with my own take on it.

*remember my post about the transformation in the novel may be referencing the stages of decay? well here's the process of my version of the transformation:

stage 1: skin turns grey/pale green in some spots; bones start to soften to allocate for the transformation. the best position to transform is by lying on a flat surface, preferably a soft bed to minimize the possible pain and damage

stage 2: skin becomes grey; the transformation of the bones start in the neck, thus creating internal bleeding

stage 3: skin becomes thin and black; bones melt and reaarrange into the skeletal structure of a 4 legged mammal

stage 4: skin starts to slough; bones continue to grind and rearrange

stage 5: since the victim is not actually decaying, the skin falls apart, blood spills out. but the muscles and tendons (if not torn or dislocated during the bone breaking thing) remain on the body, but shifts around to allocate to the new formation of the skeletal system

stage 6: the newly formed body starts to heal. the congealed blood helps in healing.

*hyde's body heals fast, and his psyche has a very strong pain-killing properties from the adrenaline and endorphines

*after the first transformation, jekyll is bedridden and it took around 4 months to recover. he had poole and the other servants to fetch ingredients for supplements

*the reason why hyde has the skeletal structure of a 4 legged mammal, (he can still stand upright, but hes more comfortable crouched/hunched over), is because in the novel, people had described hyde to have some sort of deformity, but they cant pinpoint what. and i thought, "then the deformity is internal then." and yeah, that led to me thinking of cronchy bones

*also i plan to integrate the concept of regression (not the coping mechanism kind) to the overall transformation situation

*i kinda liked that in the 1931 movie hyde looks like an early primate because jekyll is evolving, but backwards

*in addition to that, i associate jekyll with green and hyde with red. i'll probably make a post abt this

*i'll probably make a post detailing hyde's physical form

*jekyll's reasons for making the formula: as a doctor, he had met so many unfortunate and pitiful people; he has seen hell up close

*unfortunately for the others jekyll resolved to make a quick cure-all rather than tackling the cultural, social, and systemic issue of the corruption in their city

*he had tested the formula on rabbits, mice, cats , and dogs. and it worked on them, he just needed it to test on a human. but unfortunately, human experiments are very rarely get approved, and the experimental nature of jekyll's studies doesnt help at all.

*aside from all of this, jekyll is considered as the "good doctor" where he patches people up wherever he goes, always carrying his medicine bag

*after his recovery of the first transformation, jekyll continued on with his experiments

*due to the expenses of buying ingredients, supplements, finances for whatever hyde did when he went out, even for a rich man like jekyll this was beyond him. more on so that he doesnt want people to find out that he had been conducting illegal experiments and the crimes hyde did (and also trying to hide any connection that him and hyde are one person)

*since jekyll goes to events where rich people get together, he realized that he has a list of people to harvest from and sell on the black market

*after a while, the killings are becoming more frequent. and jekyll wasnt acting like he had to do this because he needs to, but more on because of the greed

*since hyde exacerbates jekylls urges, his frequent exposure to murder had corrupted jekylls passion as a surgeon

well thats it for now im eepy bye

[mulders-too-large-shirt]

s5 episode 14 "the red and the black" thoughts

we left off on some pretty high stakes last episode: bridges burning, eyeballs oozing, etc. now we must jump back in!

this episode is called “the red and the black”, huh… (les mis starts playing in the distance)

post episode thoughts: damn. this episode was full of twists and turns. the CSM lore goes CRAZY. krycek is your problematic bisexual representation. i do not believe that genes determine someone's capacity for evil, but i am going to have to ask this spender fellow to please back tf away from our agents. marita, you must defeat the ratboy in combat. please increase your studies of the blade. and perhaps most importantly, i love when mulder is written first and foremost as scully's loverboy and partner. yeah.

we begin with a recap of last episode, and ewww, those poor boy's eyes are soooo drippy and gross.

WHO IS THIS WRITING TO THEIR SON??? and who is this little boy in the winter snow, forced to be the mailman?

this mystery man is typing up a letter mentioning war gods, while this young child is out in the woods. someone go fetch this small child. he is wandering about. knocking on someone’s door and receiving a letter and dollar bill 

the mystery man is sending this red enveloped letter to the FBI???

wait hold on… it's a man living deep in the woods… writing a letter to his son in the FBI… is this CSM playing on the bastard mulder allegations…? because the typewriter… it’s CSM coded…

a bold swing and likely an equally bold miss, but we shall see

(i was so close and yet so far from the truth)

YOOO THE INTRO WAS SHORT *AND* WE GOT DIFFERENT WORDS THIS TIME!!! it says “resist or serve”! it has been a while since those have gotten changed up. hmm. "resist or serve" i do not care for that!!

back to the bridge slash dam area where we last saw many people gathering, including cassandra and scully. the burning has taken place!!! it was in pennsylvania?! that’s a bit of a drive from DC!!!

the medical personnel are arriving, and so is mulder!!! he’s running on his absurdly long legs while his coat billows behind him!!! does he know scully was here????

look at these bodies, they’re burned beyond any recognition!! it's horrible.

is that scully he finds??? no, and thank god for that.

skinner is here!!! mulder is yelling at him, asking if she was here, and he says she is!! and she is alive!!!

she was huddled in the woods… with a bunch of other survivors… and she had burns, but strangely all her fluids and electrolytes were gone!! the nurse tells these two men to gtfo because she is in vasogenic shock, which is not a term i know the meaning of 

look at mulder touching her hair while she is unresponsive...

(god, getting in those medical devices for a scene must be the worst)

they’re taking her away and he’s trying to follow!!! but they’re taking her in the helicopter. i thought for a second he would try and hop on and cause a scene, but he actually didn't do this.

(gruff skinner voice) “what happened here, mulder?” “the answer just got loaded onto that chopper!”

omg… are krycek’s people going to be after her, too?!? like they were after that poor boy dmitri??

agent spender is here, too. he wants to know if his mother has been found. :(

jump to a wildly different scene. is the well-groomed man a surgeon?? we see that marita is intubated!!! she was found on the roadside after her cryptic call with mulder, and it doesn’t look good for her survival. nooo, she has to live so she can backstab krycek. please hear me, queen.

OHHH he opens her eyeball and sees it covered in that nasty black oil stuff… and the syndicate is watching from above?!?! what will they do!! can they run some trials??

MULDER BRUSHING SCULLY’S HAIR TO WAKE HER UP IN THE HOSPITAL BED AND THEN SMILING GENTLY AT HER…. OH MY GOD I NEED TO LAY DOWN

if you could HEAR the noise that just came out of my throat….

LOOK AT HIM LOOKING AT HER, OH MY GOOOOOD

she asks what time is it and he LAUGHS!! oh my god, she nearly died and she just wants to know the hour... scully, you are so precious

he laughs at this question and she asks “why are you laughing?” <-OH SHE’S SELF-CONSCIOUS. STOP. I’LL CRY!!!

“i’m not laughing at you. i’m just very happy to be standing here talking to you, that’s all” <- OH MY GOD HE LOVES HER SO BAAAAAAAD he was so gentle in that explanation

(god. rereading these notes is killing me all over again. he loves her, he loves her, he loves her, a million times over. the way he explained to her that he's not making fun of her, he's just relived she's okay... oh mulder. you sweet man. absolute pathetic wet cat of a guy. you are so dear to me)

((SEE, WRITERS? see what mulder can be?! this is the man i recognize! jot that down! he's a lover!))

she asks him what she is doing here, suddenly panicked. and he gently explains, raising her bed so she can sit up while taking a seat next to her. oh my god. the tenderness. it will kill me a thousand times.

(there is something addictive stored in hospital scenes. the relief of realizing that someone is still with you, the terrible possessiveness it provokes after you almost lost them, realizing how lucky you are to have them in your life, loving someone at their most vulnerable, and the person in the hospital bed allowing themselves to be loved and cared for......... bottle it up. let it sit in the cellar and i'll pour it out only on the most special of occasions)

she can’t remember what happened. oh my god, she’s so scared :( the report on the incident is playing in her room.

she has no memories of what went on at the dam, but at this time a nurse comes in and lays her back down, saying she needs her blood pressure to come back up, and shooing mulder out. oh, i paused to write this down and she looks like a deer in the headlights. so trapped.

he says he’ll come back, but she has something to say!!! he’s out the door with a thumb’s up, though, trying to reassure her it'll be okay as she has no idea wtf is going on 

i’ve said it once i’ll say it again: poor scully :(

agent spender is here!! they didn’t find his mother, and he wants to know what mulder was “doing with her”. she hasn’t driven in a long time, and he knows scully was meeting with her!!! he wants them to leave her alone :( but now scully is wrapped up in this, too. so his mother might be the key to getting answers. agent spender, you may not get your wish.

oh, back to the russian ship in the new york harbor. krycek is chained up!!! well-groomed man is here… is some torture about to go down??

he says that the ship is heading back to russia tomorrow, and he is (sarcastically) sure that krycek's gulag pals will be happy to see him after his whole cutting and running deal. well-groomed man is dripping water into his mouth, and it’s making me thirsty.

OHHH get him for me: “your alliance with her was as misguided as ours, but it appears she was unaware of the consequences of her deception” marita... you are so mysterious...

omg, so krycek infected the boy so that anyone who betrayed him would also get infected!!!!

damn. did not wanna see krycek taking the W here. marita, you NEED to get better NOW and get some revenge.

but dmitri is dead!!! he died in the pennsylvania incident. 

krycek says that well-groomed man has to make a deal with him… but well-groomed man is no fool!

NOOOO I GOOGLED THE WELL-GROOMED MAN TO MAKE SURE I WAS USING THE RIGHT NAME (and i WASN’T, it’s “WELL-MANICURED MAN” and i got a SPOILER💔)

this is why i should not do these things. if i call someone by the wrong name, y’all are just gonna have to let me know in the replies and cringe through my mistaken posts.

damn. 

well. it’s been 2 seasons. i might as well keep calling him the wrong name.

okay, so he put together that if krycek was willing to infect the boy, he also must have had a cure for him, developed by the russians. krycek is silent at this. 

AND THIS WOULD MEAN RESISTANCE TO THE COLONISTS IS NOW POSSIBLE ‼️‼️

OHHH well-groomed man is YELLING AT HIM!!!! “DO YOU HAVE THE VACCINE?” damn, it's very echo-y place to yell, in the bottom of a soviet ship. 

hmm… well-groomed man leaves. i hope he finds the vaccine and it is not copyrighted by anyone and the whole world can become immune to oil aliens. this is the good ending.

okay, what the hell is going on now! a plane just exploded? where did this take place?? someone is dragging a body away. and a ton of military personnel are moving in. 

OMG THE BODY DRAGGER IS THE NO FACE GUY FROM BEFORE!!! who was lighting the people on fire in the last episode!! is he an alien?? was that his spaceship??

back to more important matters at hand: scully. she’s looking through the photos of the incident at the dam that she was in attendance of, but cannot recall anything. and she is sitting up now, so that means improvement!

she cannot tell you where this place even is- but none of the other survivors have been able to give an account, either. very interesting that they felt called there but cannot recount it.

mulder found more implants in the bodies, which would explain how she and the others got there. must be her new implant that cured the cancer also inspires the feelings of restlessness that brought the others abductees to the dam. but it doesn’t explain why they wanted those people dead, or why she lived.

“all comes down to a question, scully, one that hasn’t been answered or… i don’t even think honestly addressed: who made that chip in your neck?” <- OH SHOOT... HE’S (finally) GOING THERE!!!

it was found in a military research facility… he’s convinced it was the government that did all this, to do biological experiments and warfare

“the truth i’ve been searching for? the truth is in you” <- oh my god… the truth being her… hold on, i need a moment for that one.

the truth being something that is physically within someone, and as a result, being able to hold The Truth; the truth being the forceful result of autonomy being stripped away; the truth being an act of violence; the truth being the north star that guides you; all of these things being in contradiction and embodied in dana scully. i am getting ideas for poetry out of this line. everybody say thank you mulder for making me want to pick up a pencil.

oh shoot. i sense some stuff is about to go down.

“mulder, when i met you five years ago, you told me that your sister had been abducted… by aliens” (he smiles, as if thinking his past self is foolish, or recalling that first night together, or both of these things)

“that that event had marked you so deeply that nothing else mattered. i didn’t believe you, but i followed you, on nothing more than your faith that the truth was out there, based not on facts, not on science, but on your memories that your sister had been taken from you. your memories were all that you had”

(faith being a motif in scully's life... faith not in what he thinks, but in him as a person... belief being a motif in both of their lives in opposite directions... her faith placed in him and in science, and his in her and in the unknown... man, hold on...)

“i don’t trust those memories now”, he points out.

“well, whether you trust them or not, they’ve led you here. and me. but i have no memories to either trust nor distrust, and if you ask me now to follow you again, to stand behind you in what you now believe, without knowing what happened to me out there, without those memories, i can’t. i won’t”

oh my god. ohhhh my god. is this the end? do they travel no further upon this twisted road together? and if it is the end, can we even blame her?

he gets up and looks out the window, probably to conceal the inner turmoil

he wants to give her those memories, to prove that what he believed for so long was wrong… but she asks if that is really what he wants

:( :(

this has the sort of emotional weight that makes me think i'll be unpacking it for decades. i will give it room to nestle into my soul, break my heart, and then dissect it in detail at a later time.

back to the syndicate. according to their reports, the guy with no face seems to have lost his facial features in self-mutilation done as protection (??). no facial features is protection against infection by the black oil!!! omg!!!

he’s an alien rebel!!!! omg!! that is what the boy saw last episode! so this alien rebel was the one that did the torching!! he’s fighting against the alien colonists!!!

a war has begun!!! 

OH SHIT!!! well-groomed man HAS the vaccine!! it was what was in that bottle that krycek stole last episode! do you think he’s telling the truth, or just bluffing to try and inspire resistance against the colonists?! well, we can find it out if we inject marita...

well-groomed man wants to side with the rebel, but the other dude says that the alien colonists will squash them! a terrible dilemma. reminds me of the civil war plotline in skyrim. you must take a stand against the aliens!!!!

so they inject marita….

but before we can learn if that mystery liquid krycek snatched from the gulag has any effects on marita, we cut to dr. werber’s office!!! he asks if scully is okay with this, and she quietly says she is. mulder is playing with his tie on the other end of the couch.

oh my god, so even though he didn't trust his own memories, he's going to bring her to his doctor to undergo the same process? he must really want to prove she experienced what she did.

the doctor is laying her down, and she’s watching mulder before she closes her eyes and tries to relax everything…. is it going to work??

OH!! she’s screaming!!! and mulder is freaked tf out as she does so!!!

she’s recalling the ship flying over…

and she’s groaning, tapping the couch next to mulder, wordlessly asking for him to hold her hand as she relives the awful moments (oh my GOD???)

she’s remembering the people with no faces lighting the others on fire. and there’s another ship!! and the rebels are burned up by the ship!! 

and then the second ship TAKES cassandra!! from right next to her!! they all lift their hands in supplication and she rises up out of her wheelchair!!! the aliens beam her up!!

she’s still yelling when the doctor tries to get her to come back, and it takes three tries to do so. she finally does, and she’s still panting when she turns to look at mulder and asks him if he was there the whole time. and he nods.

so that means that her body knew she needed to hold his hand despite her not being mentally present at all... the way they need each other...

holy fuck, we have never seen scully screaming in that level of distress before. and we have seen some CRAZY scully distress!! like when she lost her father, or when she confronted her sister’s killer. but this was SO out of body, the whole thing, like watching her worst nightmare.

and what is mulder thinking right now?? is he back in his alien era?? how does it feel to watch your best friend scream and scream in terror, knowing you can do nothing to stop it because the terrible things already happened??

please just cuddle for a bit, you two. take a breather.

SKINNER LISTENED TO THE TAPE OF HER BEING HYPNOTIZED!!! oh my god. imagine your boss listening to your worst memories…

despite sitting through scully having her own experience, mulder still refers to the memory of his sister’s abduction as false. so does he think this didn’t really happen to scully, either? i mean, they found her body there, and like 50 dead people! if i’m mulder i’d be thinking gee, maybe i was wrong about the memories of my youth being false!! this seems a little suspicious!! what is this man thinking...?

skinner clarifies that he needs to make a REPORT and this is nothing to go on. well. this is not unusual. 

mulder says the whole thing was staged by the government, and cassandra was taken by a military aircraft. but i ask: how would the government manage to kill 50 people and embed false memories in the others??

i mean, false memories through repeated hypnotherapy sessions for just mulder seems possible. it would take a while, but maybe they could convince him of the nature of his sister's disappearance being supernatural. but how could they do that so suddenly, and to so many people at once? i'm not buying it.

this explanation does not seem to please the pensive skinner

“over the past five years, i’ve doubted you, only to be persuaded by the power of your belief in extraterrestrial phenomena. and i’m doubting you now not because of that belief, but… because extraterrestrial phenomena is, frankly, the more plausible explanation” <- ohhh, we are allowed some insight into the enigma that is skinner’s mind…

(it is actually really interesting to see how skinner views mulder and the nature of his work and beliefs. i've wondered where he falls on the spectrum of believer to non-believer for a while; i guess i thought he was somewhere in the middle, not committed to anything beyond catching the bad guy of the day. if using secret psychic thwarting tricks helps get a killer off of the streets, by all means, he'll let mulder give it a go. but i think his skepticism on the authenticity of his claims makes sense. sure buddy, you can go buy a ghost detecting machine if it makes the public safer. just... get things done)

“then i suggest you put that in your report”, snaps mulder, who gets up to leave. BRO IS ALWAYS SO SNIPPY WITH SKINNER. HE IS ON YOUR SIDE. BE NICE TO HIM. meanwhile scully is sitting here in immense pain trying to figure out wtf is going on….

back to marita. the other syndicate guy is proclaiming that the vaccine does not work. he wants to turn the alien rebel over!!

but well-groomed man says they have to hold onto him- if they turn him in, they lose all chance of resistance!! i’m lowkey with him here. like, through the power of friendship everything is possible. consider that.

NOOO, this other guy says he already turned the alien rebel back over, and well-groomed man is left in shock! how wild our narrative is that i had come to root for him for a brief moment, and now feel sad that his ideas have been shot down!!

why is agent spender down in the basement office... did he let himself into the office of our agents? i do not like this one bit. he is not visually intimidating, but his aura is unsettling.

what is this dude doing…? he says he’s here about his mother. but he’s asking scully weird questions…

he wants to know what scully and his mother talked about. then he starts playing a video of baby him!!! and it seems he is doing regression hypnosis, and he’s recalling cassandra going up into the sky. but he says none of it happened!!! he said his mom told him to say those things!!!

he claims she told the story over and over again to make up for the fact that his dad left them and it drove his mother insane. which. doesn't really explain everything, but i guess it's a start.

he thinks dr. werber indulged in his mother’s fantasies and that his methods are dangerous and unsound, and she ought to question anything she experienced in his office

“well i appreciate your opinion, agent spender,  but i don’t have a mother feeding me abduction stories” <- GET HIM ‼️

“you’ve got agent mulder, don’t you?” <- OHHH, DON’T GO THERE YOU BRAT. and besides, he doesn’t even BELIEVE IN THAT STUFF ANYMORE. get lost.

(editing these notes and this pissed me tf off again. because how dare he imply that mulder is manipulating her psychologically instead of being her partner and seeing her as an equal? god forbid the two of them respect each other. no, clearly it MUST be that the man is taking advantage of the woman, tricking her into thinking alien thoughts in the same way spender's mother did to him. right?!? (heavy on the /s, btw) don't piss me off, buddy. implying their relationship is not built on mutual respect is going to piss me off EVERY time, no matter who is comes from!!!)

he tells her not to let herself be used, and there are tears in her eyes :( well right now, mr. spender, you seem like the one doing the using

when mulder gets home, he finds a note on the floor: “things are looking up” OH SHIT, SOMEONE IS ATTACKING HIM

“you must be losing it, mulder. i can beat you with one hand” GTFO KRYCEK I’M SERIOUS!!! I’LL CALL PEST CONTROL

“isn’t that how you like to beat yourself?” <- LMAOOOOO mulder may be on the ground with a gun in his face, but that man ALWAYS has a one liner 

“hear this, agent mulder, because what i’m telling you is deadly serious: there is a war raging, and unless you pull out of the sand, you and i and about five billion other people are going to go the way of the dinosaur” <- oh shit… he has to pick a side… between the colonists and the resistance!!

is the whole fate of the world really in his hands? can he not share that responsibility with his friends?

mulder is laughing at his claims of alien colonization. 

“one rule: resist or serve” <- KRYCEK SAID THE WORDS ON THE SCREEN

he calls krycek a murder and a liar and a coward, and asks how is he supposed to trust him!!! points were made!!

the mass incinerations were to disrupt the colonization… and one man is being held captive. if he dies, so does the resistance. hmm. how do you know all this, krycek? source: trust me bro

DID HE JUST KISS MULDER???

krycek is your problematic bisexual representation… wow. who would have guessed?

(been 3 days now since i watched this episode and i am STILL shocked. yeah yeah i KNOW he's russian, and european people smooch sometimes when they say hello, but that is NOT what happened here. at all. he was pinning mulder to the ground, filled with fury, and then lust overtook, as it so often does)

he gives his gun to mulder…. and says good luck in russian, leaving a very angry and sad agent on the floor. damn. i also need a moment to process that. 

let us take some time together to ponder.

okay.

HEY! i know this guy from the air force base! he’s the alien bounty hunter!! and he’s breaking in!!!

mulder is sitting on his couch in despair when in comes scully.

“what are you doing sitting here in the dark?” “thinking” “about what?” “oh the usual- destiny, fate, how to throw a curveball… the inextricable relationships in our lives that are neither accidental nor somehow entirely in our control, either” <- poetic!!

the intimacy of knocking on your bestie's door and he is just sitting there pondering with all of the lights off... wow.

she comes to tell him she’s reconsidered her experiences with dr. werber!! nooo, do not let spender get to you!! and mulder has also done some reconsidering of his own… 

has his alien era returned??

krycek’s note left the name of an air base on the back!! they must go to find answers!!

no mention of the kiss to scully, which is fine i guess. but i would have been curious to see her reaction. she's pretty unflappable, although maybe she'd say he's unfolding like a flower again. and he’s out the door. 

they’re being let into the base at night. poor scully looks very sleepy. 

OHHH THE GUY DOESN’T WANT TO LET THEM IN…. and he says his name wrong (lmao), so mulder says there is a leak and that someone inside requires immediate medical aid.

HE CALLS THE GUY “SON”? “why don’t you go check on that, son. i’d hate for somebody to die because you were uninformed” <- woah. that was very weird. him calling someone that feels off and strange.

mulder wants to gun it to get into the facility while the gate guy is investigating his claims, but scully is surprised to know that she recognizes the driver of the truck across from them!!!

while the guard is being told he needs to place our agents under military arrest, mulder has hatched onto the back of the other truck!! scully is just sitting there like wtf, and is now being arrested. he loves to jump on a moving vehicle. 

so he’s inside this tented area on the back of the truck and finds a locked box with the faceless alien rebel inside!!!! but the truck is stopping; have they been caught??

OH!! the guy driving IS THE SHAPESHIFTER!!! and he’s coming to go get the faceless rebel. what is mulder to do???

alien bounty hunter is coming to get the rebel; he pops out the needle…. but something is afoot! everything is bathed in light and shaking!!! 

the faceless man is being lifted up… but mulder screams “noooooooo” and fires his gun??? THAT WAS VERY BLURRY AND CONFUSING!! what just happened!!!!

are we back to marita now?? yes, we are!!! she seems to be free of oil in her eyes!!!

meanwhile, mulder is being arrested, but the rebel alien isn’t there!!! WHERE DID HE GOOOO?!

the agents are going on a date to jail. he’s covered in sweat and he doesn’t know what happened while he was out there….. she grabs his hand…. so romantic

spender is arriving into skinner’s office. what is going on here? he shared there is no news about his mother. oh, mulder has opened a xx file on the case…

skinner clarifies that this has no effect on spender's position in the FBI. and mentions that he has a patron who thinks highly of him??? WHO??? no one knows??? someone with a high level of influence??? oh, that is concerning. 

IS IT HIS DAD???

when he walks out her gets a letter from quebec… and it’s in a red envelope!! the same as that kid was holding at the very start of the episode!!!!

up in quebec, that kid is delivering another letter to the mysterious cabin…. and the letter was returned.

IT’S CSM??????? 

I KNEW HE WASN’T DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CSM has a son and a family he left…. omfg…. and he’s hiding out in CANADA???? 

THIS ANSWERED NO QUESTIONS. AND EVEN RAISED NEW ONES.

okay, after seeing the whole episode, here are my thoughts:

still losing it at krycek kissing mulder’s cheek. i just KNOW the slash girlies were losing their MINDS. as they had every right to do! i felt your joy across time and space.

so, the vaccine against the alien oil works! if we can simply inject every single person in the world, we should be able to put up a resistance fight!! and also we will need to get a lot of those green needles that kill the shapeshifting aliens. which probably also come from outer space. so we'll need a mass scale smuggling. no biggie. /s

what happened to the resistance fighter??? did he get out?? was he taken away by the evil colonist aliens?? 

and who bailed these two out!!!

is mulder back in his believer era?? he has to be!!! 

marita is alive… you have to stop the ratboy, queen. you need to lock in. idgaf if he’s the one who knows about the aliens. wait until the alien stuff is sorted out and then stab him. for me. train hard to complete the task you have been assigned.

CSM HAD A FAMILY!!! HOLY HELL, LET’S CIRCLE BACK TO THAT SHALL WE?? and he left them!!! but he kept writing letters!! that is CRAZY!!!

rip my boy dmitri :(

i watched this episode 3 days ago and there is still SO much to process. it might take a long time. typical jam-packed sort of episode. is this what we refer to as the "myth arc"? because it establishes the mythology and main plot? am i using this term correctly? please do share. and also please tell me if the following things gagged you:

CSM alive reveal, CSM family reveal, alien rebel reveal, marita knowing krycek reveal, krycek smooching mulder reveal, scully screaming under hypnosis, mulder gently brushing her hair out of her face, etc etc. thank you very much.

[glorestarz]

enter— toxic (yandere?) surgeon alhaitham !!

status: unedited/not beta read

synopsis: you’re an annoying ass intern at alhaitham’s hospital and he basically hates you lol /hj

cw: degrading of your character, and unbalanced power dynamics

note: is this good? nah. but alhaitham has been rotting in my mind for like days, doesn't help that i main him either— but still. honestly, you could imagine this as vertias (HSR) as well because they are so-so similar imo but vertias is more of a bitch 😭

you were a discord in the esteemed surgeons' carefully choreographed day-to-day. a heterogenous little thing, opposed to him in temperament, in capacity, in propensities. a useless thing, or more accurately a useless intern—incapable of serving his interest or adding anything of worth to him other than a pretty face adoring his side. if that.

it was only a moderately pretty face, but loneliness and underfeeding had given it a wistful expression that had charm. unfortunately, it was not the sort of charm which made a great appeal to alhaitham. he values practicality. aesthetics aren't generally something he puts into consideration. which might as well explain his animosity of you.

there was a curious strain of weakness running crosswise through your makeup.

you weren’t adept with the scalpel, scholarly, or quick on your feet. you were nothing. you could do nothing for him. fetching him, at best, lukewarm coffee in the morning certainly wouldn't qualify you as useful. i mean— an ill-fated cancer ward patient writhing in the throes of death would certainly be more useful than you. at least it gave him something to do. providing a semblance of entertainment.

so his mind spun perpetually as to why were you there. to bother him? to toss a pebble square into his well-oiled machine? what mad impulse had seized you to think you could try your hand at surgery?

you knew you were a hindrance. you must have known. you have to know. alhaitham was not one to hide his disdain and icy glares. his voice, usually calm and measured had a steely quality, as though his lancet or scalpel had become endowed with a voice, and spoken. and similarly, it takes on a sharp edge with seemingly only with you, his utterances dripping with condescension, dissecting your tactless actions. and the blunt truth was that you possessed neither courage, self-perseverance, nor self-respect, so of course, you said nothing in rebuttal to the comments. he just couldn't help himself.

dipping your head to convey your utmost apologies when you slip up, avoiding his glances when asking a question. this was a teaching hospital so why can’t you just learn? he’s giving you all the materials and opportunities to learn. an ample amount even. if you won’t, leave him alone. go simmer in all your utter helpness elsewhere. he has no use for you.

he’d thought that would be enough to rid himself of you. wouldn’t it be great to live in a world without annoyances?

yet, despite, his biting words and audacious gazes, you stayed. there had been disappointments and humiliations, and although you hated to admit it even to yourself, you were in desperate straits, alhaitham’s words were inevitably eroding your sense of self, as small as it was. nevertheless, you were still fighting, trying to bob your head out of the water.

stupid. you were frustrating to no end. he thought it was mere childish affection that made you cling to him until it was too late did he clearly understand what you were to him. for by merely seeming fond of him, and showing in your weak, futile way that you “cared” for him—he’d never would have thought from the moment you stepped into his orbit, his focus would narrow, his attention, better used elsewhere, would fixate on you with an intensity that bordered on unbridled obsession.

odd.

you wanted to scrub in on another specialty? what are you talking about? are you stupid? interns are not just a mentee, but a possession to be owned and controlled. you were his despite his resentments.

interns were always referred to as puppies, it was a well-known fact among his colleagues; incredibly bright-eyed and eager, they’d follow their mentors closely, eager to soak up knowledge like sponges and as a resident you’d have to be careful to correct their wrongdoings without breaking their spirit.

he’d always thought the analogy was absurd.

but you were his puppy, incredibly loyal, and “forgiving” despite his harsh words; harsh and strange words, indeed, were those which now fell on your ears, many of them far outside the bounds of your limited vocabulary; yet, stranger still, you soon began to grasp their meaning intuitively. it was hard not to.

he was content with this—just because you wanted to stray from his sight doesn't mean he’ll just— let you. puppies have leashes for a reason. no?

he ended that fictitious fantasy punctually, deflecting the other attending’s stabs of stealing you away for their own surgeries. if able, he’d like to avoid this scenario from coming into fruition. he’ll reject any ask you send his way, of course, the communication required to do so is a huge waste of his valuable time. time he’d rather not waste dwelling on you. but he does nonetheless. you should be grateful. you should be grateful he's doing at least this for you. listening to your burdensome requests, though your pleas might as well been ignored. he won’t be doing any of that, of course. laughable.

he trusts in his own judgment implicitly.

any glimmer of your independence was swiftly extinguished under the weight of his authority. unlike those with sly, silver tongues, allaitham’s approach is more clinical, that transcends mere ego stroking. he doesn't need to charm or flatter; he’s well aware of his strengths. so instead, he appeals to their intellect (if any), exploiting vulnerabilities within their surgical precision, employing subtle nuances and half-truths. besides, it was much easier this way. it's easy for people to succumb to the vicissitudes of life and find themselves being led astray, and some people just need a little push to be off on their way. insecurity is a weakness to be exploited, not a trait to be embraced.

once he diverts their attention and energy into other matters, they should leave you him alone rather quickly. great, that’s good. good for you. good for him. though, its effects are no less devastating for the hereafter.

and just like that, his problem is resolved, enabling him to rest easy again. manipulation is a tool; an art form, similar to the scalpel, one that he wields with chilling efficiency and little effort, a finesse that is as mesmerizing as it is terrifying.

it was inconvincible, but alas, over time he found a sort of convoluted satisfaction in orchestrating your actions and decisions to align with his desires, savoring the sense of dominance it carries. and his penchant for control permeates even the most remote of your interactions. this is by design.

why? hah. he couldn’t tell, but the thing interested him. his curiosity was at first entirely defeated upon the point; there was mystery about it. it seemed in itself so insignificant.

the thing puzzled him, and he was led to make a further remark, which puzzled him still more: as a surgeon, they were taught to learn from and rely on books, on definitions, but in life strict definitions rarely apply as they would now. plus, what good would it be to know? it is merely a passing interest, a fleeting distraction from the rigors of his daily routine.

but at the present, all he understood, or cared to understand was that his grip on your autonomy was somehow, something comfortable and natural. now he can go back to normal. good. the cogs are turning again. his conscience is clear.

just don't throw anymore extra trouble his way, and you’ll be fine. probably.

[the-fiction-witch]

Corset

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader

Rating Smutty

I sat on the theatre steps to have a breather from the day of various work, Jack sat a few steps above me, he'd fetched us both a beer from the hospital kitchens so he sat down and popped the bottle caps off with his fingers. He offered me the bottle so I took it in my hand and took a sip.

"How'd you do that?" I asked,

"Humm?" He asked as he glanced over to me as he sipped his own beer,

"How'd you do that? Take the caps off." 

He shrugged, "It's not hard," 

"Explain it then?"

"If you push on it at the place it just pops off." He explained as he tossed the bottle cap from her beer between his fingers as he often does with his lucky penny,

I rolled my eyes, "another of the skills with your quick nibble surgeon fingers,"

"Kinda," He smirked, "One of my many skills,"

"What are your other skills?" I asked,

"Well..." He smirked, "I am a genius surgeon,"

"Debatable,"

"I am an expert poker player," 

"doubtful,"

"A fantastic pickpocket,"

"That's not something to be proud of Jack," 

"I can open bottles with my fingers," 

"Useless if one owns a bottle opener," I laughed, "Anything else?"

"...I can whistle?"

"So can like eighty percent of the population, Jack,"

"I can... peal an orange one-handed?"

"...Can you?"

"I can,"

"...w-wh- Why? When? How did you find out you could do that?"

"I get an orange for breakfast most days, and I can't be asked to take both hands out my covers." 

"Not really a very useful skill is it?"

"say what you will I get to keep one hand still in my covers on a cold morning and I think that's pretty great,"

"Umm it's what you're doing with that hand that worried me," I rolled my eyes,

"Oooh that's another thing I can do-"

"I don't wanna know!"

"Don't you?"

"NO!"

"Ohh... you sure you don't wanna know?"

"Fine..." I sighed, 

"six minutes."

"That... that is not something to be proud of Jack," 

"I think it is," He shrugged, "Six minutes and I can use the rest of my time to nap. It's fucking great."

"Alright, alright. I'm not going to go there," I chuckled, "That the end of your list of skills then Doctor Dawkins?"

"I can remove a corset one-handed,"

"...No you can't,"

"Yes, I can,"

"No. you can't."

"Yes. I can."

"That's impossible,"

"I can do it, one-handed. under a minute." 

"Jack. I have been wearing a corset every day since I was ten, you can not remove a corset with one hand." 

"Try me," 

"You know what," I glared finishing my drink and getting up starting to undo my dress, as I walked down to the main theatre floor and I slipped off my dress leaving me in my boots, stockings, underdress and of course my corset. "Fine."

"... I'm kinda tired..."

"No. no. no, You said you could do it." 

He came down beer in hand and paced around me, "No, wrong type of corset."

"No, you said you could do it."

"...What in it for me if I can?" He crossed his arms, 

"I'll buy you beer,"

"I have Beer,"

"... I'll put Sneed on all the early shifts for the next week,"

"Ooohh..." He smirked, "That's enticing,"

"We have a deal?"

"...Maybe," he smirked, "You put Sneed on all the early shifts for a month,"

"Week."

"Two weeks."

"Fine,"

"And!"

"And?"

"And... once your corsets off," he smirked as he moved, closer so his hot breath with the scent of his beer close to my face, "You let me fondle those," He smirked as he glanced down at my breasts,

"Jack!" I protested as I put a hand over my cleavage, 

"That's my terms,"

"Alright, IF and only If you can remove my corset, one-handed, in under a minute, I'll put Sneed   on the early shifts for two weeks and you can put one hand on them,"

"Both."

"One."

"both and a squeeze?"

"One and a fondle,"

"Both and a fondle?"

"...Fine," I sighed,

"Yes," He smirked, 

"But. if you can't do it... I get to put you on all the early shifts for a month."

"Deal," He smirked as he offered his hand, 

I shook his hand and turned away from him, He smirked and paced around me he set his beer on the table, intertwined his fingers and stretched his arms before then giving his fingers a roll. 

"Hey. one-handed," I warned, 

He rolled his eyes and sighed, "Fine."

"I don't trust you." 

"I'll even hold my beer. So you know I'm only using one hand." 

"Alright, you have one minute-"

"I won't need it,"

"And... start," I told him,

He just smirked sipped his drink and rested his hand on the centre of my corset his fingers gripped the left side and his palm held the right side he gripped it and shifted it letting the front clips all move and shift so the second he removed his hand the corset clips snapped open and the corset fell to the floor. I was shocked my jaw fell to the floor as I stared at him. He smirked with that cocky smile and took another sip of his drink. "Told Ya." 

"wh- wh- How- A- Ho- W- Wha- How'd you-" I stuttered, "What the hell Jack!"

"I told you I could do it," he smirked, 

"What kinda business! Are you getting up to that you can do that!" 

"I'm a doctor." He glared, 

"That is not an excuse."

"Yes, it is, what if you were having a heart attack or breathing problems and I needed to get your corset off? Don't you want your doctor to be able to do it quickly and one-handed so I can use the other hand to help you faster?" 

"Still!" I protested, "How often are you doing this! How much practice at removing ladies' corsets are you getting to do it that fast!"

"Never you mind," he smirked, "Now... my prize please,"

"Fine, I'll make sure Sneed's on all the early shifts on the next rotas,"

"Thank you,"

I rolled my eyes and went to grab my dress but he grabbed my hand, "Ah. ah. ha. And my other prize?"

"I do not recall any other prize," I lied,

"Liar. Come on your corset's already off just let me have my prize," he smirked as he wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled into my neck,

"Fine," I sighed, "Over my underdress!" 

"Ohh under your dress?" he smirked,

"No!" I protested, "I said Over. My. Underdress."

"Awww fine," He whined, 

His hands quickly slipped up my cotton underdress and he took a firm grip on my breasts, I sighed and did my best not to enjoy it as he fondled and gently squeezed them.

"Okay, that's enough." I told him as I pushed his hands off,

"Fine," He sighed, 

"That the end of your list of skills then?"

"Well, I have one more,"

"Oh?"

"I am a phenomenal lover," He whispered in my ear,

"Umm I'll take your word for it." I rolled my eyes, 

"Aw you don't wanna test me on that one?" he smirked nuzzling his nose into my cheek, 

"No, I'll believe you." 

"What if I want you to test me?" 

"... Fine, but I only have to put Sneed on the early rota for one week," 

"Deal," he smirked, "You are so cute when you're mad at me,"

"I'm always mad at you," 

"I know, means you're always cute," he smiled as he kissed my cheek, "Now... Lets head upstairs so I can prove it," he smirked as he picked me up and threw me on his shoulder,

"Jack!" I protested,

"Oohh get use to screaming that darling," he smirked as he grabbed his beer and carried me up to his room.