#there's a chance we can get it done tomorrow if the doctor thinks it won't be super complicated

[inniave]

after surgery i'm buying myself pentiment goddamnit

[wosoluver]

Healers got to date protectors - Headcanons

Misa Rodriguez x Physio!reader

Misa Rodriguez Masterlist

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

How the two of you met

When Misa arrived one day at training, she couldn't help but notice the whispering going around the team.

They hardly ever got everyone together to talk about something, that wasn't football.

The friend groups were overall very divided.

But you know how it is. Gossip aways brings people together.

"What's going on?" Misa immediately asked Brunn.

"New member in the staff."

"And that's whats causing all of this?"

"It's a new physio. And she is gorgeous!" Sofie chimed in.

"I can't believe your guys are so worked up about that.

I thought something bad had happened."

"Oihane was the one who saw her when she stopped by to get tapping for her hamstring issue." Raso added.

"And now everyone is coming up with their own plans, to go into the office to meet her, without seeming so obsessed." Møller revealed.

"You guys want to fake needing physio sessions?" She was so confused. Why were they all acting like they hadn't seen a beautiful woman before?

"Not me!" "Nope" "I won't" the group of four said in unison, but they couldn't keep a straight face.

"You guys are unbelievable! I'm going out to the field."

By the end of the day she had landed badly on one of her jumps, and had a pain in her hand that wouldn't go away. But she refused going in, to check it out.

She didn't want to seem like she was partaking in the other girls' behavior.

So from training, she went straight home.

Next morning she didn't think she could skip checking in, just to make sure everything was alright and maybe get something to relieve that slight pain she felt.

She didn't want to tell anyone were she was going, so she decided on going to your office before training.

And once she saw you, she understood slightly, the commotion yesterday.

You were young, about the same age as her. That was very unusual when it came to the team's medical staff.

Your eyes were shiny and your smile caught her by surprise.

"Uhm, good morning." she choked out.

"Good morning!

Please don't tell me you feel a slight discomfort on your leg too." You joked in a light way.

"Oh- No. Its just, I landed badly on my hand yesterday. It tried sleeping it off but it didn't work."

"Come sit, I'll take a look."

You grabbed Misa's hand gently, to check what was going on.

"It doesn't seem to be anything to be worried about. It's barely a mild sprain. The discomfort should go away in two or three days max.

I'll tape you up to make sure you're safe for training. I don't want to risk worsening it."

As you grabbed your kit, you started to work on it.

"They're not really hurt." you let out a soft laugh at her words.

"I could tell. I think they forgot I'm a doctor." you joked.

"They're only doing this to have the chance to meet you."

"I suspected something was going on. That's why I didn't tell anyone about it. Imagine how alarmed they would be to find out half of the team had come in for a unscheduled physiotherapy session? In one day?" You both laughed about it.

"Well, you're all done here. Come back tomorrow so I can redo it. That's the best we can do, to heal it faster." Giving her a comforting smile.

"Thank you! I am Misa, by the way."

"Y/N. Nice to meet you." You said, as she left for training.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

"Where were you?" Asked Raso, knowing exactly where she was, from the tape on her wrist.

"I hurt my hand during training yesterday." There was no use trying to lie.

"Of course you did."

"I did! I swear!" letting out a laugh.

"Wow, Misa smiling in the morning? What have they done to you?" Asked Sofie coming in.

"Take a wild guess." Teased Hayley.

"No. I actually needed it."

"We believe you." at this point Misa was already rolling her eyes.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

This will be a series of headcanons! So far 3 parts planned. 🩷

[dragon-kazansky]

His Little Dragon

Doc Holliday x OC

Dedicated to @callsignscupcake

[Masterlist]

[Previous Chapter] - [Next Chapter]

Doctor John Holliday hasn't seen his darling Little Dragon for many years. Once as thick as thieves, they were quite the pair, but that long since ended when he left. Now, with opportunity blooming in Tombstone, it would seem they have a second chance at the love they lost. However, a threat looms over the town, and if he wants his Dragon back, he has to win the heart of little Baylie too. Nothing is ever easy.

Word count: 1.7k

Chapter Two - Working hard

♡♡♡

Rachael returns to the hotel room. Baylie was waiting on the bed, exactly where she had been when Rachael left. She chuckles when she sees her darling girl.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting, sweetie."

"No, mama. Did you get it?" Baylie asks, looking up at Rachael.

"I did. I'll start tomorrow. For now, we should go eat. You must be hungry after our long journey." Rachael holds out her hand. Baylie slides off the bed and takes it.

"Yes, mama."

The pair leave the hotel and into town. There was a decent place to eat not too far away, so Rachael took Baylie there. It was unlikely there would be any trouble there, so she could rest easy knowing Baylie could eat in peace.

Baylie chooses the table and Rachael orders them something. The pair sit down.

"Are we going to live here?" Baylie asks.

Rachael looks at the girl. "I'm not sure yet, honey. But I'm certain I can make enough money here for us to settle down wherever. I just have to work really hard for us."

Baylie smiles brightly at her mama.

"Okay, mama."

Food is put onto the table and the two of them dig in. Baylie remains her bright self as they eat their food. When they're done Rachael stacks the plates in the middle of the table and let's Baylie tell a tale of what she saw from the hotel window while she was gone. It sounds like Tombstone is quite a town.

Just as Rachael gets up for the to head back, a voice, different than before, calls out. It's another familiar voice, and it made sense to Rachael that if Wyatt was in town, so were his brothers.

"A sight for sore eyes!"

Rachael looks up and smiles at the sight of Vergil Earp. She chuckles softly as he comes over to greet her.

"Vergil. I suppose Morgan is in town too? Wyatt has already made his appearance."

Vergil chuckles. "That he is. What a strange coincidence for everyone to be here at the same time. You know, Doc's in town too."

"So I hear."

"Mama, who is he?" Baylie asks, looking up at the tall gentleman in front of her mama.

"Oh Baylie, this is Vergil Earp, and old friend of mine."

Vergil tips his hat to Baylie.

"Evening, little miss."

Baylie smiles up at him.

"Hello!" She greets.

"This is my daughter, Baylie," Rachael introduces.

"Daughter?" Vergil looks at Rachael with a questioning gaze.

"Yes," Rachael can tell instantly what he's thinking. "Not by blood, mind you. She needed help and I was there."

"I see." Vergil looks back at Baylie. "A pleasure, little miss."

Baylie giggles. She seems to like being called that. You chuckle at her bashful smile.

"It's good to see you Vergil, but we must be getting back to our room now."

"Allow me to escort you?" He offers.

"Won't your wife be missing you?" She smiles.

"She can miss me for a moment longer. I haven't seen you in years."

Rachael chuckles and accepts Vergil's offer. Baylie holds onto Rachael's hand as they walk with Vergil back to the hotel. All the while, the two adults catch up, Baylie listens in.

"How have you been, Rachael?" Vergil asks.

"Okay. I've been... roaming."

"All this time?"

"Mmhm. It hasn't been easy. Baylie has been with me nearly a year now. She's all I got. I need to settle down Vergil, it ain't no life constantly moving on the road, not with a young girl. I'm to here to make money for a home. Somewhere we can live peacefully and enjoy our life."

Vergil nods his head quietly.

"You boys been busy? What are you doing in Tombstone anyway?"

"Wyatt not tell ya?"

"He mentioned claiming a fortune. You fellas living here?" She asks him.

"We are. We have our own little homes too. Life is good here, you will like it too."

"I'm not sure we are settling here, just making my money here," Rachael explains.

"I understand."

Vergil stops with her outside of the hotel and they turn to face each other. He smiles at her fondly.

"You plannin' on seeing the Doc?" He asks.

"Not planning to. I do quite well blending into crowds, Vergil. He doesn't need to know I'm here."

"You don't even want to see him?"

Rachael sighs. "I'm not sure my heart could handle it. When you love someone with your entire being, and then discover they don't want what you want, it's hard. I would have stayed with him forever if I knew he loved me the same."

Vergil considers her quietly.

"Enough of that. Np more talk of Doc. Perhaps I'll see you around, Vergil."

"You know," he starts before you can leave his side, "even in a crowded room that man would find you. Tombstone isn't as big as it feels. I'm just saying."

"Your words are noted. Goodnight."

"Goodnight. Little miss," he bows head once at Baylie and then takes his leave. Rachael follows him with her eyes and then takes Baylie's hand again, heading inside.

Once in the room, Baylie climbs onto the bed and turns to her mama.

"Who is Doc?" She asks.

Rachael wipes her hands on her skirt as she looks up at Baylie. Her heart is racing in her chest, but Baylie doesn't realise that.

"He's... an old friend."

"Did he hurt you?" She asks.

"Kinda. You should rest, darlin'. Big day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Am I coming with you?" She asks.

"That's the idea, sweetpea. You have to stay close though," Rachael tells her.

"I know, mama."

Rachael leans down to give Baylie a kiss on the head before helping her remove her boots. She tucks Baylie into bed and kisses her head once more. Baylie gets comfy while her mama dresses down for bed. They had very few belongings with them, so they would to go shopping soon.

The pair look at each other with a smile.

"Goodnight, Baylie."

"Night, mama!"

Rachael turns the light out and they go to sleep.

Come morning, the pair are up bright and early. Rachael makes sure Baylie eats before they take the horse round to the saloon. The Oriental was high end, but clearly for the rowdy crowd. The kind who stay up till sunrise gambling their money away. Luckily for Rachael, it was quiet during the day.

Billy stands outside with a wagon.

"Decent horse," he comments.

"The best we got for now. The wagon won't be a problem."

Billy nods silently as he helps get the horse on the wagon. When it's all been done and checked, Rachael helps Baylie onto the wagon bench and then climbs on too. Billy hands over the job note and gives Rachael a vague direction of where to go. She nods and they head off.

As long as Rachael delivered and picked up before the day was out, she would be paid in full for the day. She was in no hurry to get the job immediately and rode on so Baylie may at least get a good look of the town.

Baylie was fascinated by Tombstone. There was life all around her. Riding past families makes Rachael smile. If families can settle here, maybe she could. All she wanted was the best for Baylie.

They reach the first stop and Rachael hops off, telling Baylie to sit and wait. The young girl does as she's told and Rachael walks around to the wagon to take it the first delivery.

While Rachael handles business, Baylie looks around her. There was so much to look at and admire, but her eyes are drawn to a couple of gentlemen talking in the road down the adjacent street.

They're both dressed finely, and Baylie can't help thinking one of them resembles Vergil who she met last night. The other is wearing a bit of colour in his outfit, that's what catches Baylie's eye.

Her attention is broken from the two men as Rachael reappears and climbs back onto the wagon. She forgets about the men as they ride on.

All the jobs are completed a little after noon and Rachael returns the wagon to The Oriental. She helps Baylie back onto the ground and heads inside to fetch her pay.

"I hear it's going to be a quite a game tonight," Cupcake says, following Billy around the bar.

"It always is when he's playin'."

Rachael catches Billy's eye and hands over her completed list. Billy thanks her and takes it, counting up her pay and handing it over.

"Your goods are in the wagon."

"Thank you. I'll have more errands in a couple of days."

"Very well, this will do us just nicely," Rachael tucks the money away safely.

"Rachael, won't you swing by tonight. A lot of interesting characters will be in tonight. You won't want to miss it," Cupcake states, leaning over toward her.

"No thank you, Cupcake."

"Oh please!"

"I shall be spending the evening with my daughter."

Cupcake takes not of the young girl beside her.

"Well, hello! You'll have to excuse me, I didn't see you there."

Baylie chuckles as she looks up at Cupcake. The lady was dressed in her best clothes, a hat was pinned into her hair and she held a closed fan in her hand.

"I'm Baylie!"

They all chuckle, even Billy who usually has a stick up his backside.

Rachael and Baylie bid them a good day and take their leave. Rachael helps Baylie onto the horse, named Whiskey by lively girl, and takes the lead back toward the hotel. Baylie laughs as they pass through town. She always did enjoy riding Whiskey like this.

Upon reaching the hotel Rachael ties the horse up and helps Baylie down.

"I must be dreaming."

Rachael freezes. That voice. She knows that voice. Baylie looks up at her mama wondering why she stopped. She takes her hand in her smaller one and tries to get her attention.

"I must be hallucinating," he says, staring at the sight before him.

Rachael turns slowly.

There is he. Baylie peeks around her mama and spots the man she had seen earlier that day. The finely dressed man with colourful tie.

"John..."

Suddenly Rachael feels like she had gone back 4 years as the man she once loved more than anything stands before her.

"My Little Dragon."

♡♡♡

@bayisdying - @callsignscupcake - @mrsjaderogers - @cycbaby - @mtnofgrace @kiichirose - @askmarinaandothers - @themusingofagothicsoul - @gizmodear - @beaner-life-23 -

[noblesixofhalo]

Fallout Bebop Chapter 3.

I really wished that I was able to get out the next chapter on AO3 but sadly it probably won't be until late Sunday or Monday since I'll be gone on Saturday and into Sunday morning. Who knows, maybe I'll pull a hail mary and get something out by tomorrow night. Any here's the next part.

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

*Goodsprings, Mojave Desert, late spring 2271*

After the short walk from the Bebop to the town of Goodsprings and after a hearing Faye and Spike argue over stupid petty shit, the three human being disasters arrived at the town to begin asking questions around about the whereabouts of Marcos the killer ghoul.

"Really Jet, a saloon?" "How fucking cliched can you get?"

"Shut up and start asking around."

Jet grumbled at Faye as they arrived a saloon known in the prewar era as the Prospector Saloon. Much to Spikes chagrin, a large dog began barking before he was quieted down by the owner.

"Cheyenne, that's enough. Sorry about that, she won't attack unless you give me a reason to."

A young woman chuckled as she ordered the large Australian Cattle Dog who had heterochromia, a condition in which an animal or a person has more than one eye color, away from the three would-be cowboys.

Spike muttered, "Great more animals".

"I'm sorry, I don't think we had a chance to meet, I'm Sunny. Sunny Smiles."

"Pleasure to meet you Sunny, I'm Jet Black and these two washed up degenerates are Spike Spiegel and Faye Valentine. We are here because we are pursuing a killer who has been responsible for multiple murders of settlers. His name is Marcos, a ghoul."

"I have heard of him but if you are bounty hunters working for the New California Republic, I'm sorry but I don't get involved in the politics of the NCR or any faction out here in the Mojave. The NCR only claims to care about law and order and making the roads safe but honestly that's only to protect NCR settlers, nothing against you guys."

"We don't work for the NCR, we are independent contractors you could say."

Jet said to the young woman as she glanced at the three further before continuing on.

"Well, you are more than free to look around and ask people about your killer, as for me I'm the town guard and the local trapper for this town. I mostly hunt geckos that are known to injure or kill any folks out here."

"Do you know if there are any folks out here that might know about Marcos?"

"Like I said before Mr. Black I'm only concerned for the wellbeing of Goodsprings, if you want to talk to the other residents here, by all means do whatever, I need to keep tabs on the town and one of those things is hunting wildlife that could pose a threat to the townsfolk here. If you need any supplies flag down Chet, otherwise Doc Mitchell, the local town doctor could possibly help. Good hunting."

Sunny bid the three farewell and took her dog outside closing the door behind them leaving the three now figuring out another plan in pursue of the killer ghoul. Faye huffed in slight annoyance that no leads could be made.

"Well that was a complete waste of time."

"As if you would have done any better Romani."

"Fuck off Spike, I would have so done better, ugh this sucks."

"Both of you quit whining and keep asking around, clearly Sunny doesn't know anything about our lead, but she mentioned Chet and Doc Mitchell might be able to help us so quit your arguing and keep asking around."

"Fine, Spike you go look for Chet I'll look for this Doc Mitchell guy."

"Why am I looking for him shouldn't we just stick together and work together you know, something that you suck at all the time?"

"Ugh men...."

"Women."

"I heard that!"

"Good for you!"

Spike hollered out at Faye as they continued their search for their head guy. Despite that little argument, they ended up sticking together asking one of the vendors at Goodsprings."

"If you city slickers are looking for supplies, I'm here for that."

"We're not city slickers, we're here because we were given some lead on a killer that must be brought to justice."

"Well if you're with the NCR, I'm not interested in helping ya out. We have enough problems as it is, last thing we need is some NCR hired bounty hunters causing trouble. That along with raider gangs and further out in the wastes, Caesar's Legion."

"Don't you mean "Seezures" Legion"?

"They pronounce it as "Kaizar's" Legion, I didn't invent the group so don't ask me."

"You must be Chet." Jet replied finishing up the conversation about the various factions vying for control of the Mojave Wasteland.

"Correct."

"Well Chet, my name is Jet Black, these two are Spike and Faye and I'll rest assure you and everyone here at Goodsprings that we are not part of the NCR or any of those groups in the Mojave wastes, we a private contractor and we have been tasked with hunting down a ghoul by the name of Marcos, have you heard of him?"

"Funny you ask, he was just here a few days ago, he was with a bunch of armed ghouls, no Khans or anything like that."

"Who are the Khans?" Faye asked Chet.

"Khans are tough mean sons of bitches, they mostly leave outsiders alone unless you got some chems they want. They aren't like most raiders who kill for the thrill of it, still I wouldn't fuck around with them."

"Do you know who Marcos was traveling with?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the name of the group Jet, that he was traveling with, he mostly passed by talking about 'getting vengeance against the smoothskins that did him rotten' and just carried on."

"Ugh enough talking around, where did he go?!"

"Jesus Faye, keep your shirt on, though that would be pretty hot if you...."

Whack! Faye angrily smacked Spike with the tall lanky cowboy taken a bit back from what just happened. Did she seriously smacked him in front of everyone in this strange town?

"Men are such idiots".

"He was moving north I think away from New Vegas and out away from the NCR border. I think he's going to that Ghoul sanctuary called Gecko? That's way far from here though, otherwise just keep going north. Do you have a photo of him?"

"Yeah right here, right from my terminal."

"Yeah that's the guy you would be looking for."

"Thank you Chet." Jet said politely to the merchant. Chet responded in kind.

"If you need any supplies feel free to take a look."

"Will do thank you."

"Alright let's regroup back at the Bebop and start searching northward from here. The fact that he was in Goodsprings just recently means he couldn't have gotten too far from here."

They bid farewell to the merchant and the folks of Goodsprings and began their quick trip back to the Bebop. Along the way, they encountered giant mutated praying mantises which both were quickly dispatched with Faye of course expressing her disgust for the giant bugs. Jet rolled his eyes telling her that this is what they will encounter on Earth compared to life elsewhere in the Solar System.

See you space cowboy.

[hoshi-kawaii]

For my dad's birthday, my sister and brother went in together on a gift for my dad. My brother invited him over. His wife remade one of our late mom's pie recipes that she always made for my dad on special occasions. My brother and his wife have a 7 month old baby girl who my dad has only seen twice. The assumption was that my father would come over for pie and his gift and would see his grand daughter for a little while. The least the guy can do. My brother has been gone for months learning to be a pilot so you think he might be interested in how his son is.

But my father calls up and says he has some back pain and it hurts too much so he asked if he can just drive up and they can bring out the pie and the gift and he can take them back with him. All benefits with none of the work.

My brother is rightfully upset because his dad doesn't even want to see his own son or his grand daughter. My sister gets involved and says, "No, they won't do that. Just go in for 5 minutes it's no different than sitting in the car. BTW did you see a doctor for this pain?" No.

My father says, "no no I'm in too much pain now and I can't even drive so I'm not coming."

My sister tells my brother to forget the gift. Return it. Enjoy the pie yourselves. But my brother's wife is like I made the guy a fucking pie. Let's just bring it to him and bring the baby and he will see how cute she is.

So they call my dad up and tell him that they will come to him. But he says:

"Can we just meet halfway, I was going to drive to my friend's house (about halfway between them) and watch the Phillies (baseball)."

Like I shit you not, baseball is and always has been more important to the man than anyone in his family and whenever anyone gives him a chance to be involved in their lives the man does this. Meanwhile he goes around garnering sympathy from people because "his wife is dead and his 8 kids don't want to talk to him."

So fuck it. They ate the pie. The man went to his friend's house and stayed for three days complaining he was in too much pain to leave but constantly refusing to go to the doctor.

When my sister asked why he won't go, he claimed it would take too long to get in. She called and he got in at 9 am the next morning. They said he pulled a muscle and gave him some opiates and sent him on his way. Old white man privilege.

Meanwhile I suffer in pain every day of my life. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Now the guy is in Cali visiting his old friends thanks to a plane ticket my sister bought him. He's gonna go to my cousin's funeral tomorrow and use the situation to get as much sympathy from a group of mourners as he can get. My cousin was my mom's nephew and they both died from horrible battles with cancer.

There just isn't a single thing about the man that doesn't piss me off. The stories are endless.

He treats my poor sister like a wife or a mother. It helps that she lives 10 hours away, but it doesn't stop the man from relying on her for something he could easily do himself.

She feels bad because our mom told her to take care of him (to an extent). But I think after this most recent issue, she is very much done with him.

The man had eight kids and he's been burning his bridges with all of them. He's probably about to be evicted so you would think he might want to spend time with his son who owns a house and has a spare room.

[fraink5-writes]

In the Names of Freedom - Chapter 17

Hey, everyone, this chapter is a bit early because, unfortunately, I won't be able to post tomorrow or next Sunday (sorry in advance!).

Thanks to @leio13 who dedicatedly edited this chapter through her incomprehensible screaming.

Summary: After confirming the death of his latest target, Xiao’s secret mission is interrupted by an eccentric stranger in green, who claims to be Xiao’s protector! But the reality is much more convoluted… What destiny could possibly link Xiao with Venti—an assassin of hitmen?

This chapter can also be found on Ao3 here. Without further ado, please enjoy!

Venti left the scene with great haste. To think he would run into the famed lead detective of the Adepti Agency, Morax, a second time… He hadn't changed at all since their last meeting. Venti could still remember that day at the hospital in Wolvendom twelve years ago as clear as day…

He had been beaten within an inch of his life, but somehow he had won. At least, he thought he did. But he had collapsed shortly after, and then, to his surprise, he woke up in a hospital bed a few days later. He was only a teen then. A teen with absolutely nothing. And yet many people had come to ask him questions—"What happened at Decarabian's Tower?" "Who killed Decarabian?" He had ignored them all. 

Until an unusual man paid the room a visit. Although his posture and step carried an undeniable authority, when he spoke, his face and voice were surprisingly disarming. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. I am Morax."

The boy's plan was, of course, to ignore the stranger just as he had done with the rest. "..."

"What is your name?"

"..." A foolish question. Even if he played along and made one up, it would mean nothing. 

"I'm sure you've met many people over the past few days trying to ask you about Decarabian's Lair, but I'm not interested in that. I want to talk about you for a bit."

Yeah right. Morax may have worn a dignified facade, but he was no different from the other detectives. Besides, there was nothing to be said about the boy anyway.

"See?" The nurse chimed in. "He refuses to say anything to anyone—not even the doctors who saved his ungrateful life! All he will say is 'Where's Venti?' We've looked, but there is no 'Venti.' He's useless. I'm sure you won't find what you're looking for with him."

Morax exhaled. "Would you mind letting the two of us talk alone?"

"Suit yourself." The nurse walked out of the room. 

So Morax was one of the persistent types. What would it be? Yelling? Threatening? Grabbing? Hitting? It didn't matter.

"That was an inexcusable thing to say about a patient—especially in front of him."

He didn't care. They were probably right that he was useless, anyway.

"Well, since we're alone, I will get serious. What I want to speak with you about today is…" 

Here it comes, the inevitable interrogation about Decarabian…

Morax reached into his pocket and pulled out a square photograph. "Do you know this boy?" The boy in the photo had black hair in two short pigtails and eyes as blue as an autumn day.

The hospitalized boy's breath got stuck in his throat, and his eyes went wide.

"Is this 'Venti?'" Morax asked.

"What happened to him?!"

"I was hoping you would tell me."

He wanted to pounce and scream "TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED!!" but his body crumpled in agony when he so much as sat up.

"Try to remain calm; you'll only end up hurting yourself otherwise," Moraxed coaxed him. "I'll tell you what I know after you tell me what you know about him."

The boy growled, but he relented. Morax was the only person who took his search for Venti seriously, and he needed whatever information he could get. "We… Me, him, and an unfamiliar boy… we were running away…"

"Running away?"

"Yeah… from Decarabian's Lair. Everyone was panicking and fighting all around the city, so we decided to use the chance to run away."

"Where were you running to?"

"I don't know. Neither of us had left before—we weren't allowed."

Morax jotted something down on his notepad. "Okay, so then what happened after you ran away?"

"The other boy… He was injured and delirious. But Venti was insistent that we bring him with us. So I stayed behind to buy them some time…"

"I understand. So you don't know what happened after that?"

"No… Tell me already—what happened?!"

"I'm very sorry to inform you that Venti is dead. By the time I found his body, he had already passed. He had been stabbed twice and fatally shot in the chest."

Dead? Venti was… dead? The giant beautiful world that Venti had sung songs about just a week ago suddenly collapsed. The song that was supposed to illuminate the blue sky and nurture the living creatures of the planet fell from the heavens. "Arghhhhhhh!" The boy's whole body screamed and writhed. 

Morax watched silently. There was no consolation he could give. When a nurse knocked on the door, he sent them away.

A tear broke through the boy's eyelids and tumbled listlessly down his face. Then others followed in a silent funeral procession towards the bleak, white sheets. "So what happens now?" The question was just as much about himself as it was about Venti.

"The boy's body is being sent back to Decarabian's Lair where it will be buried in an unmarked grave alongside the other victims of the tragedy."

So that was it? Venti's body was going to be thrown into an unmarked ditch and forgotten like he never existed? "Why…? He had a name… He almost made it out too…!" It was too unfair.

"I'm sorry. It seems like Mondstadt's government wants to quickly put this incident behind them. The sudden, implosive collapse of one of their biggest cities—even if it was an overgrown drug den—can't be a good look for them."

He wanted to scream. The outside world was no different than Decarabian's City. Venti's dream had always been an impossible fantasy. He had died for nothing. 

"But there still is some hope." Morax suddenly smiled. "You're still alive."

What did it matter? He was nobody. For Venti, he had wanted to be someone, but he had failed.

"If Venti is important to you, you must remember him; you're the only one who can." That was the last piece of advice Morax gave before irreversibly exiting the nameless boy's hospital room forever.

It was only many years later, when his own journey led him to Stone Gate, that he would learn that the other boy had also survived, that Morax had found him too, and that he now went by the name Xiao.

Venti was an entirely different person since he had last met Morax, and while he wished that was enough to prevent Morax from recognizing him, he knew better than to get his hopes up. If anything, he was grateful that the detective went along with his lies.

But he had no idea what Morax would reveal in private. Venti himself had no idea what he wanted Xiao to know, and the thought of Morax taking that choice from him petrified him. Of course, it was all unfair. Xiao had the right to know. Which is why during lunch he had nearly worked up the courage to tell him about the other case—about the other Venti. But after Xiao had told him no and especially after Morax appeared, Venti's resolve was crumbling. After all, what good would this information do Xiao? What could it do besides saddle on another painful memory? Venti wanted to save Xiao; he wanted him to be happy. And for that, perhaps it was better if he never remembered.

All these reminders of the past made Venti crave a drink. Xiao had been very stern with his directions before Venti had left, but Venti was an adult who could make his own decisions. Financially, Xiao still had the upper hand; he had left Venti with no money, but this was Stone Gate—with a little stealth, Venti was sure he could get his hands on something.

Before he knew it, Venti had arrived in the neighborhood of the hotel. It would actually be more convenient to find a supply near the hotel, so he quickly took a seat on the low roof of a nearby building. From here he could watch the entrance of the hotel (lest Xiao arrive unnoticed) and the surrounding areas. And strangely enough, someone caught his eye almost immediately; a familiar woman had exited the hotel. With straight, dark hair in a ponytail, she was wearing purple Liyue garb and round, golden spectacles—oh, Venti had seen her at the restaurant. She had her phone against her ear and a scowl on her lips.

"I could easily find the lyre on my own…"

…

"I just don't understand why we had to come all this way…"

…

"With the right budget, I could have resolved this search without having to leave Liyue Harbor!"

Having leapt from his perch, Venti tapped the woman's shoulder. "Excuse me."

"Uh, hold on," she muttered into the phone before turning to Venti. "Um, hi?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but are you looking for a lyre?"

"Something came up. I'll talk to you later. Bye" She hung up the phone with great eagerness before beaming at Venti. "Yes, I am! Do you know something?"

"Unfortunately not, but I'm also looking for a lyre myself!"

"Oh, really? Then, why don't we look together?"

"That would be wonderful!" Venti readily agreed. "I have no clues as to where my lyre might be, so you lead the way."

"O-oh, okay." The woman started walking south east.

"You know, since we're so close to Mondstadt," Venti began. "You could probably buy another one here in Stone Gate?"

"You're probably right, but the one I lost is important to me. I actually bought it on a recent trip to Mondstadt, so I'd really like to find it again."

"Oh, I completely understand! A musical instrument carries the heart and memories of its owner."

"Exactly. That's why I'm here again in Stone Gate to see if I can find it… What about you? Are you here to look for your lyre?"

"I wish. I'm not even sure it's in Stone Gate. It's an old model, so I'm terrified just thinking of what might be happening while I'm not there." Venti shuddered. "I'm actually here because my partner dragged me along."

"...Partner?"

"Yeah, he said, 'I'd love to go to Stone Gate since we both have so much history there', and now here we are on this impromptu getaway."

"Wow, sounds very romantic…"

"Oh, you wouldn't think that if you'd met him."

"Why not? What kind of person is he?"

"He's very scary. He's a man of few words, and he's so tough! Oh, but he's actually a sweetheart! You know, I'm just a little bard, but I know I can count on him to save me in a pinch!"

"O-oh…"

"You know, Stone Gate has something of a bad reputation, but I'm sure my partner could beat up any lame criminal this town throws at me! He's my hero!"

"Oh, w-wow…" The woman was staring with her eyes wide and jaw slightly agape.

"Ah! Sorry for saying such things! I'm just not used to traveling by my lonesome, so I'm a little worried…"

"I-it's okay. I understand! So, um… where is this partner of yours if not with you?"

"Oh, well… He ran into an unexpected family problem, so he'll be busy with that for a while… So don't worry! There's no chance of him interrupting our search! He doesn't even know I'm out!"

In that matter, Venti and the lady from the restaurant continued chatting (mainly about music) as they wandered south, casually searching for a lyre. As far as music went, Venti noted she was an amateur at best, but as an expert, he could not turn away the opportunity to teach her a lesson. When they reached the waterfront, the conservation came to a stop.

"Oh wow, we made it all the way to the port, didn't we?" Venti remarked.

"It looks like it. And we still haven't found the lyre…"

"What a shame…"

"Oh, but we might be able to learn something helpful here!"

"Really?"

"Some of my friends keep a boat here; perhaps they found some leads."

"Then let's go talk to them! I'd love to meet them!"

Venti let the brunette lead the way as he trailed slightly behind her. Meeting her friends would probably take a long time. Venti would have to apologize to Xiao when they met again. As they slowed, he reached into his back pocket and unlocked his phone. He had laid out every phone he had ever owned in the exact same way just for moments like this one. Without looking, he guided his fingers to his messages (luckily there was only one) and quickly sent off his coordinates to his only contact: Xiao. Then he shut his phone off and turned all his attention back to the ship they had stopped in front. It was a small vessel, but anyone in Liyue would know to fear its carmine sails. Venti's legs nearly failed. He knew he and Xiao were being followed, but he never thought their pursuant would be the most feared pirate group in Teyvat and Ningguang’s shadow—the Crux Fleet.

Two strong hands grabbed Venti's arms and twisted them. When Venti's knees buckled, the mysterious person put him in cuffs. "That was surprisingly easy," said a male voice from behind him. "Are you sure this is our guy?"

The restaurant lady nodded. "Sorry, my bard friend. Looks like we were both here in Stone Gate for other reasons."

[shinra-makonoid]

Hello. I know that you are a bit cautious regarding surgeries (hysterectomy, mastectomy etc.). But the recent rise in anti-trans movements that advocate for a change of laws is terrifying. I already had the mastectomy (last October) and I recovered very well. I'm also on the waiting list for Hysterectomy and Metaidoioplasty (already got it insurance covered as well).

I am a bit scared of the surgery, because of possible complications but I do know that someday I definitely want to take that risk. But if I get the call tomorrow for an appointment I would only take it because I'm scared there won't be a chance to get it otherwise (for example if the laws change (I live in Germany)).

What do you think about that? Do you think it's a rational fear to have? Because if that really would happen, like in some parts of the US, that would mean a forced detransition.

Did you ever think about that? To "get it done" just so the progress (HRT) so far cannot be taken away?

To be fair I'm cautious of any surgery. I think in general doctors kind of downplay it a bit, but maybe it's also because I've had a very bad experience.

I think it's rational to fear your rights disappearing because there is a trend. At the same time, for example for hysterectomy, while I fully understand and support the idea of having metodioplasty (which I think is the best bottom surgery atm available to us), I also wonder what would happen if, say, testosterone was no available anymore. There is a shortage of T these days here and so it's already pretty stressful, I wouldn't want to know how stressful it would be if the alternative was no hormone at all.

I plan to eventually get those surgeries too though, but I decided to lose weight beforehand so that I would reduce the stress from it on my body and eventual risks.

However I'm not sure progress regarding HRT can really be reversed. We already know that hair and voice would probably still be similar, the rest could change a bit but most detrans women still struggle to pass as women while trying. So... I'm not really worried about forced detransition.

I would caution you not to rush it even if you are scared.

[apinchofm]

Warnings

AU: Bertrand is alive, well and the best uncle.

Miriam greeted "Hello Marcus,"

"Hello, Miriam. You are babysitting me for the next few months." Marcus said, as his bags were carried into her home. Out came Bertrand, a massive smile on his face.

"This is Bertrand, my husband." Miriam introduced. The two hadn't had a chance to meet when Matthew presented him.

"I have spoken with Aisha. She will try not to bite any more barons, but I have promised to hunt with her tomorrow," Bertrand said.

"You are too soft of them," Miriam chastised him.

"Our daughters are as tough as my wife. I need not be harsher than they are," Bertrand replied and Miriam fought back a smile, "Now, let's not fight in front of my nephew. Or would you be my godson? Matthew is like my brother, but he is my best friend." He mused and Marcus smiled, confused.

" A pleasure to meet you," Bertrand held out his hand and Marcus shook it, "Good grip there. Heard you are in a spot of trouble,"

"That's mild." Miriam murmured, "Don't worry, he is off to university in a few months. Try to stay calm."

"Of course," Bertrand said. Matthew, had, of course, told him in intense detail the New Orleans incident. Marcus being in England would be good for a while.

"I have been friends with your father since he was a mere fifty years old!" Bertrand said, leading the young man inside.

"But, you seem very different to one another," Marcus observed, "Near opposite." He understood how Matthew and Miriam were friends.

"I have stories about your father that would shock you," Bertrand said, "Why don't you get settled in your room, and we can talk?" There was an unusual warmth to Bertrand, despite the intimidating presence he and his wife gave off. Marcus had decided long ago Miriam was not one to cross but felt as if he shouldn't cross him either.

....

Jason was excited to see Marcus in his father's study, despite what he had heard about New Orleans.

"Is father boring you with his war stories?" Jason teased, hugging his friend, "Has he reached the Crusades yet or he is still at Troy?"

"Marcus is enjoying my stories!" Bertrand defended.

"I am. But I am also concerned about how medicine used be," Marcus said, after hearing a story about War of the Roses.

"Papa, mother won't let me- oh, hello." A young woman stormed in, demanding Bertrand's attention, but he wasn't annoyed.

"Marcus, this is one of our daughters, Layla." He introduced the young woman.

She smiled at Marcus, "Hello. I want to go out."

"If your mother said, no. No." Bertrand finished, then looked to Jason, "Jason, go speak to your mother. Layla is going out if you go with her." Jason shook his head and dragged his sister with him, as she stared at Marcus.

"...You want to sleep with her, don't you?" Bertrand asked, looking at the way Marcus stared after his youngest.

"No, I would never-" Marcus began but Bertrand just smirked.

"I know your reputation well. And not her, she's my blood. A tender child. Now, the other three, Miriam's blood go ahead. But be wary of the consequences." Bertrand smirked and Marcus laughed.

...

"Are you smoking?" Bertrand asked.

Marcus was sitting in the garden one night. Bertrand went to check on him. Usually, he would be out with Jason.

"..Yes?"

"Fantastic. May I have one? Miriam detests the smell of tobacco, so I never have cigarettes," Marcus gave him one and lit it for him. He leaned back and evaluated the younger vampire.

"Why are you out here by yourself? Thinking?"

Marcus nodded and handed him the letter he was holding in his hand, "Yes, about this." Bertrand read it over. It was an acceptance letter to Oxford for Medicine. It would be his second doctorate.

"Very well done, Marcus!" Bertrand exclaimed, clapping his back, "Proud of you."

"You're proud of me?"

Bertrand gave him a strange smile, "Of course I am. You are a bright young man. You've worked very hard. Your father will be thrilled, especially since we were at Oxford. Now I have some stories there."

Marcus shook his head, "Matthew has his duties. I don't want to disturb him."

"He's your father. Sharing good news won't disturb him. In fact, it may lift his spirits. Seeing his boy take on his lessons.

Marcus snorted, taking a puff. Bertrand looked at him strangely.

"Gallowglass taught me to control my strength. To shake people's hands, so I wouldn't break them." Marcus said, "I know there is the rule that we don't tell tales, and don't tell my aunt Fanny, but..."

Bertrand's face fell. He hadn't realized, "I'm sorry. I didn't know. The 1700s were a busy time for me. If I had been in America with him, I would have ensured he raised you."

"Why didn't you come?" Bertrand had fought at Matthew's side for centuries.

"And watch them commit genocide? My wife and I wouldn't have it." Bertrand replied.

"Matthew has always loved in his own way. Actions speak louder than words. He does love you, which is why you are still alive. He chose you." Bertrand urged.

"My father - my human father - was also an action speak louder than words man," Marcus replied, "I traded one harsh patriarch for another."

...

"Matt, it's my fault," Bertrand tried, "I told him he could go. And they are adults. "

Matthew had arrived to check on his son. He was unhappy that Marcus had gone to a party with Jason as opposed to meeting him.

"Marcus is an adult, as he likes to insist and should not be-"

"Oh, do give it a rest." Marcus sighed, speeding out as he always did.

"Matthew," Bertrand, "That was unkind."

Matthew looked at his friend, "He needs discipline."

"Considering you didn't raise him, how on earth do you suppose to do that?" Bertrand pointed out, but his tone wasn't unkind, more disappointed, "You make a son and send him away? And now you are surprised that he doesn't listen to you or has Godfrey's entitlement."

"Godfrey was not entitled," Matthew defended, "At least not to the extent of Baldwin or Verin,"

"No, Marcus reminds me more of Hugh. Which is why you should be careful, dear friend." Bertrand said and Matthew glared at his friend bringing up his dead brother.

"If I treated Jason the way you treat Marcus, he would have killed me in my sleep. In fact, the poor boy told me of his human father and you are very lucky your son is a doctor first, soldier second." Bertrand warned,

"Are you telling me how to raise my son?"

"I am telling you to raise your son," Bertrand replied, "He isn't you or Benjamin."

"Do not mention him."

"I am making a point." Bertrand said, "Otherwise, you may lose him and forever is a long time."

"I know what I am doing Bertrand. He cannot afford to make mistakes," Matthew said sharply, "He cannot."

"Then try setting a better example, Matt." Bertrand's voice dropped to a whisper, "New Orleans happened because you didn't warn him. That was the least

"He doesn't need to know. He does not need to be burdened with it like myself and mother are." Matthew whispered back. He loved Marcus far too much to tell him of his blood rage, to make him believe he was a monster.

Bertrand sighed and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, "Parenting was always going to be the biggest challenge and you create a son who is an educated American revolutionary. Sure you don't want me to adopt him?" He may have raised more women than sons, but his son was nothing but exemplary.

Matthew chuckled, "No. The world wouldn't handle the two of you. And he's my boy. My son. I appreciate you, always. But I can take care of him."

Bertrand nodded and hoped that Matthew would take his advice.

[mattsvn]

CHANCE BALL LOVE!

Pairing: Ushijima Wakatoshi x gn!reader

Genre: Meet ugly! strangers to lovers! Getting hit in the head with a volleyball!

Warnings: Blood, head injury, concussion, did I mention getting hit in the head with a volleyball? Food hehe, that's all.

WC: 2.4K

Summary: After being hit with a volleyball by the ace and U19 athlete, Ushijima Wakatoshi, you find yourself laying in the nurse's office, with a bag of ice on your head and a boy apologizing every two minutes for that terrible accident. As the times goes by, you realize that not only you were hit by a ball, but by destiny, and more important, love.

A/N: I'm so excited for this piece! This is a collab for HQHQ (now Anilysium!) The masterlist is here! I hope you like this piece! Reblogs are appreciated!

Life is made up of 90% causality and 10% coincidence.

That was what your mother used to say, with her hands covered with flour up to her elbows, while she prepared one of those delicious desserts. Possibly as a result of all her years perfecting her technique as a pastry chef, but, as in that, she considered that everything had to be planned, measured, and calculated.

On the other hand, your father was always talking about how fate made everything line up perfectly for things in his life to come in abundance, he would happily tell about the coincidences in his life, although the answer was always the same, a debate between the two of them as to what was the truth.

A skeptical pastry chef and a dreamy lawyer, a match made in heaven.

Whatever it had been, causality or causality, you never thought a hit of luck would be so...literal.

It was unusual for you to be in Shiratorizawa's volleyball gymnasium, if you had managed to get into such a prestigious high school it was because of the impeccable grades you always had, sports were not a priority.

You weren't afraid of balls, but, the way everyone was spiking the ball was about to cause you a headache, especially Ushijima Wakatoshi, the school's ace, one of the best athletes in the country.

"Why are we here, again?" you asked, your gaze wandering between the various players and the sound of balls hitting everywhere making the conversation feel distorted.

"Because they" one pointed out, to the rest of the girls looking around the court excitedly "want to see Semi Eita, the pretty boy with the grey hair" she gestured to the boy in the corner, slamming the ball to the ground unaware that they were watching.

"Ah" you replied, somewhat bored, grabbing your backpack and standing up. "Good luck with that, I have to get home early" you said, waving goodbye to everyone.

To leave, or at least, to do it in a faster way, the door that led out of the building, and through which you had to go through the court, was the best option, as it took longer to take the way inside the corridors. The only option as you made your way down the bleachers.

The only thing you heard, with your eyes glued to the ground, trying to go completely unnoticed was a "WATCH OUT!" that made you look up before you saw nothing but darkness.

"I don't know, Wakatoshi-kun, looks like you did kill her" a voice was heard in the distance, the light irritating your eyes if you tried to open them. Still, only because of your stubbornness, you tried to get up without anyone else's help.

"I don't think it's best if you stand up now" you heard a deeper voice, but you didn't know exactly where it was coming from.

"I'm fine" you whispered, placing a hand on where you assumed you had been hit with the volleyball, feeling a warm liquid staining it. It wasn't possible that a spike had cracked your forehead open, right?

Right?

"I'm fine, I have to go" as you stood up, opening your eyes, everything was spinning. An arm went around your shoulders, stopping you from falling back to the ground, firm, but at the same time gentle.

"You need to go to the infirmary, you're bleeding" the voice now seemed to be closer, a little more stable, but, no way did you feel you could even move without throwing up or passing out again, what the fuck had that hit been? Could someone hit someone that hard just with a serve?

The answer was yes, and the name, Ushijima Wakatoshi.

You barely felt it when, just like that, he lifted you off the ground, although it seemed that your body felt it. A piece of something, probably cloth or gauze stopped the bleeding. You kept repeating that at least they let you walk, that you were okay, even though, clearly, you had the symptoms of a concussion.

"Are you all right, can you tell me where you are?" questioned Ushijima, entering a room. You had finally managed to open your eyes and recover from the dizziness.

"I'm fine, we're at the high school" you whispered, looking at Ushijima for the first time.

Even if you had gone to games before, you had never seen that look on Wakatoshi's face, a mixture of fear and worry, accompanied by his pale face and a barely noticeable bloodstain on his shirt.

"You can wait outside, dear boy," said the nurse, slightly terrified by what had happened.

A couple of hours passed before they managed to let you go, after calling your parents and making sure you didn't leave the building unless you were accompanied. You didn't need stitches, and that was a huge plus, but still, you left the infirmary with a gauze pad on your forehead, some candy, and a chance to take the rest of the week off to rest, which wasn't such a bad outcome.

You closed the door behind you, looking sideways at Wakatoshi on the floor, who got up almost immediately, still looking scared, even his gaze lingered for a few seconds on the patch on your forehead, which reminded him of the fact that he had accidentally hit you with a volleyball while practicing his serves.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, looking disheveled, and as if he had done nothing more than wait in the hallway until everything was in order.

"Oh, don't worry, Ushijima-san, I'm fine" you assured, but it didn't seem to be enough for him.

"I'm so sorry, let me take you home to be sure you arrive safely" he asked, with his hands behind his back and his head slightly bent down, like a child discovered stealing the candy from the counter.

"My parents are here to take me home, don't worry" you assured, glancing sideways at the door, somewhat far away. "You can walk me to the car, if you like."

"Of course" he nodded, walking beside you. Up close he looked even taller than he was, his expression calm and his gaze fixed straight ahead, though, he seemed to have a doubt that would leave his lips at any moment "Would you allow me to walk you to school tomorrow?"

You looked at him with raised eyebrows, somehow, the sound of just both of your footsteps in the hallway was comforting, soothing. It wasn't awkward, or uncomfortable. Ushijma didn't believe in awkward silences, because to him actions said more than words, and, that a question shouldn't be answered right away. So, the way to the entrance was nothing more than waiting for an honest, and safe, answer.

"I got permission to miss classes for the rest of the week, in case the concussion gets complicated, because I have to rest" you began, letting again the calm silence take center stage for a couple of seconds. "Then I won't be back until Monday, but maybe you can come for dinner tomorrow?"

"If you accept that as my apology for hurting you, then by all means" he took the door, allowing you to leave before him, there was still a bit of a walk to the main entrance. "Although, I would like to cook"

"Oh, I didn't know you cooked," you smiled, looking up at him. Ushijima looked down, and, you could swear he was smiling too. "If that's what you prefer, I'd love to."

The rest of the walk was quiet, and calm. Ushijima said goodbye to you after introducing himself to your parents, and apologizing again. In the rearview mirror you saw him standing there, waiting until he didn't see the car to go home.

He was really worried, and it would probably take him a few days to stop being scared about what had just happened. He was even willing to be scolded by the coach for missing two days of practice, just to make sure everything was in order.

Likewise, even if it would be a whole day before you saw Ushijima, he decided to call you just before he went to bed. And at lunchtime, because doing it earlier would surely have woken you up. He didn't talk too much, he let you talk about how annoying the doctors at the hospital had been when you went to check that everything was okay, and all the boring time you spent there.

He called back as soon as he got out of school, to make sure the details of the dinner were ready, he would bring the food, and some dessert, and, you would bring the drinks. You had to convince him though, otherwise he would have bought everything, he would have even brought plates and silverware from his own house.

Wakatoshi took the job of bringing the food seriously, as much as he could buy anything on the way home, he decided to make something himself. The menu was simple, yakisoba, yukari rice balls with an egg on top of each dish. As for dessert, he decided not to risk it, and preferred to buy those box cakes that had been quite popular lately, and, some condensed milk truffles that Tendou gave him as a gift as, he assured, you would love them.

Your parents could be quite reluctant to invite a boy to the house, but, after proposing the idea that you could clean up the picnic table you had in the backyard, where there was a space convenient enough for them to peek in just a little to feel safe, they agreed almost immediately.

During the afternoon, the question you wanted to ignore came out of nowhere, could that be considered a date, and should you dress for the occasion? It didn't seem like anything would match a forehead injury, or that anything would hide it. The result ended up being something you would wear if you were going out with friends, simple, and appropriate for the sunny day out.

Ushijima arrived exactly at the appointed time, and, reluctantly from your parents, you opened the door without them intruding. Looking at him, you failed to understand the nervous feeling that traveled from your heart to the tips of your fingers, making them tremble. Standing with a bag in his left hand, his hair slightly tousled and a bouquet of flowers in the other. Yet another gesture of apology, right?

"Hi, I brought some flowers" he pointed out, extending them. Your hand gently brushing his as you took them, white roses with green accents that made the bouquet look incredibly elegant.

"I already told you that you didn't have to keep apologizing, Ushijima" you mentioned, taking the flowers. "We'll eat outside then you don't need to take off your shoes, but let me go get a vase."

"You look good today" he spoke out of nowhere, making you look at him even though you were already halfway down the aisle. "You look good in those clothes" he seemed to be trying to smile, but you weren't sure. You smiled anyway, grateful for the compliment.

You returned with the bouquet, which would now serve as a decoration for the picnic. You could feel the intense gaze of your parents even if they tried to hide when they peeked, or, according to them, "watched" that everything was in order.

"Are you feeling better then?" he asked, looking at how simply decorated the picnic table was but somehow looked incredibly cozy, with perfect tree shade.

As was now usual, Wakatoshi didn't talk more than usual, at least not at first, he wanted to hear about how you were feeling, and how many days you would be out of school, although you assured him that you would be back to your activities by next Monday, and that, your friends would take care of sending you the homework you needed. Then the questions about him began.

You learned a lot, how he learned to play volleyball at a young age, his interest in cooking but his almost zero ability to make desserts. My mother could make some, you laughed, drinking some cranberry juice in a wine glass, your father's idea. He told you about his new interest in plants, and his father's work out of the country. Even some good anecdotes about the volleyball team.

Dessert was something completely different, by that time, she started to excitedly explain his last game, and what it was like to be in the Olympics. Although it wasn't as noticeable, you could tell in the way his lips curved into a slight smile as he tried to find the right words to define how he felt.

Reluctantly, and after offering to do the dishes, you said no, keeping the bento boxes with the promise that you would bring lunch on Monday for both of you, and now a wide smile on his face, even when he had to go home.

The following Monday came terribly slow, with the only thing that made it better being that Ushijima had not stopped her constant calls, the day possibly delayed by dark clouds heralding torrential rain.

"You don't have to keep apologizing anymore, look, even the wound has healed" you said, to Ushijima who was standing at the entrance, now with a box of the truffles you had liked so much, and which he had now made.

"I know. But I'd really like to walk with you at school" he smiled. "If you'll let me.

"I'd love to."

Life is made up of 80% causality and 20% chance, and, although you wouldn't want to repeat the literal hit of luck you received, you hadn't wanted it any other way.

Going to the gym because your friends wanted to see a cute boy on the volleyball team, having to leave early because you had things to do at home, leaving through the door you had to walk through on the court, getting hit in the head with a volleyball, only to end up walking to school with him, fingers barely brushing, a tender kiss on the cheek before he left.

Eating now inside the house, holding hands, a kiss on the corner of the lips. Waiting in the bleachers for practice to end, a number one jacket covering you from the rain.

The worst way to get to know each other, and, somehow, it seemed you were made for one another.

[bunchofstraydogs]

Dazai Osamu character breakdown as I understand him

Meaning that this might be inaccurate and your opinion and visage of him might differ from mine, which is just fine. We perceive the world and the people around us through our experiences and expectations. I'm curious to know how you guys see a complex character like Dazai, just please respect everyone's opinions.

Warning: Manga plot mentions, s2 spoilers, BEAST light novel spoilers, Dazai Osamu

Dazai Osamu was introduced into the scene of Bungou Stray Dogs at 14 when Mori found him.

Even at that young age, Dazai had suicidal tendencies and had been wrapped in bandages similarly as he is in the present. Already dealing with too much trauma for a child his age, the fire is fuelled as he was forced to bear witness to the death of the Port Mafia boss at the hands of Mori, the person that took him under his wing. To use him; which was becoming very apparent to Osamu if he hadn't been aware since the start. Now, I'm not saying that death of the previous boss left a particular scar on Samu, he even agrees with it and is something he himself would have done. But that that is the scene that bore fruit of the following quotes:

"Or could it be that you're afraid, Mori-san? That one day i will slit your throat and take over as the boss?"

followed by

"Everyone seems suspicious to those who have an axe to grind."

This tells us right away that he can tell what type of person you are just from the way you perceive your surroundings, which is logical, but not something many think too deep into.

Even less who have their evaluations of others on point like he does. And he has to, since Dazai's plan is always to understand his allies, his enemies, possible allies and possible enemies. He also takes into account important neutral parties that can still, in one way or another, affect the outcome of his plans or decide to align with one side out of common interest. After comes realising the main goals, along with side achievements (just in case some of those maim his allies or ruin the future plans he made) of every party. Taking in their morals and motivation, and being familiar with the ground the confrontation will happen on, he now has the view of the whole chess board and it's pieces in his head. He moves his allies in the right places, knowing how they'll react in the situation to come, and awaits the enemies with open fire arms. He was tought to think like that. At all times. Mori made sure of it. You know how specialists never really stop thinking in their areas of expertise, like doctors, for example, will naturally notice people's posture and look for scoliosis or whatever? How your foot hits the floor, if you're walking straight, your knees and shoulders, etc. Same for Dazai. His brain maps out person's expressions, reactions, choices, personality, etc. in great detail. I'm pretty sure he has eidetic memory, if his conversations in manga with Fyodor are anything to go by.

Another thing his brain does is think of worst possible outcomes.

Not in a fear of what if things go wrong, but as a possible route. He uses it to determine how big of a threat the opposing force is and what steps they'll have to take to achieve that. Knowing that, he'll know how to intercept them. Also, like everything else, it's not something he can control since we're talking about thought process here and that's just how his brain works. Can't magically turn that off. It's especially annoying to him when he's genuinely enjoying himself with, let's say, ADA members and then his brain goes brrr.

•"A lot happened recently and we're a torn in many people's eyes." *Tanizaki and Atsushi drinking punch* "There's a possibility, while a small one, about 8% at this very moment, but as time goes on will increase, that an organisation outside of Yokohama decided we're an unavoidable threat and poisoned the drinks. Don't drink that. Nothing will happen, they'll wake up tomorrow in pristine condition don't drink th-"

Yeah, i feel bad for him too.

He has PTSD and insomnia, besides the hectic brain,

so he's not getting proper amount of rest. Actually, he drinks almost every night by himself at home. Pretty sure it's canon as well, because if you search for a picture of him in his room, you'll see him surrounded by multiple bottles. Two of the PTSD symptoms are hallucinations and night terrors (no, that is not the same as a nightmare). What people usually do is use opium to cause hallucinations in a safe environment so that there's little chance of them happening uncontrolled. He's probably using alcohol to numb himself while he's reminiscing, since if he does still have hallucinations after years having passed by (which isn't impossible), they're probably few and far between. Not saying there's no chance he isn't using opium. He would know where to get what he needs, after all.

Osamu's haunted by his own actions as well, not just by trauma caused to him.

At an uncountable amount of occasions, he found himself looking into a mirror and not really comprehending his image. It was like dissociation. Looking through a fog at what's supposed to be your carbon copy, but not knowing all of your features perfectly, so whatever you're seeing could only be an impostor, yet you're not sure because that would take comprehending physical proof of your life to the fullest and how it works and he just... can't. He can but he doesn't want to. He already knows he's despicable and broken, doesn't really feel the need to see just how much. He can't, for all his perfect memory, remember the faces of the people he has killed. He hadn't even seen all of them, but he was responsible for their demise. Causing havoc and misfortune in general through other crimes besides murder as well. We've seen his expression when he listened in on Atsushi talking to Kyouka over the earpiece how the 35 deaths don't matter anymore. He knows they do and he knows that the change of heart won't justify what he's they've done. Ango thought him to value each life. But he also knows that even murderers can change and become good. Oda did that. It's also what's keeping him in the agency.

When Oda died, his last words mentioned that Dazai doesn't care about good or bad and that was correct for Dazai Osamu back then. I genuinely think that his present self does mind the difference.

He believes in necessary evil and will do dark shit to get the good outcome he's envisioned.

He doesn't separate outlaws and lawful people, however.

He knows that generally speaking, the line is thin and easy to cross and that many were born or forced into the situations they are. Those that fight the life thrown at them are an exception, not a rule. That's also why he likes Atsushi, probably the main reason. The boy has every right to hate the world and yet. Dazai is envious, he doesn't really have the same capacity.

I want now to talk about why does Dazai Osamu do what Dazai Osamu does.

The reason he attempts suicide, joined the mafia, made friends at all, is because for all his intelligence and observations, ability to understand others, he doesn't really understand himself.

He doesn't understand his worth. He doesn't understand his purpose. In all of that confusion, he finds no reason to live. He laughs but can't get the high, he bruises but can't fully heal. In all of the things people find happiness in he can't feel joy from. He is emotionally stunted. He thinks too logically. He doesn't understand actions out of emotions because to him, it doesn't make sense. Emotions cloud your mind and when you're not thinking straight, you make mistakes. Plain and simple. He just accepts it, that most people simply cannot control themselves and prefer lashing out instead of methodical approach. All the better for him, he has leverage. Even when he does act on impulse, which is incredibly rare and not as explosive and dramatic, his brain rationalises it as to why his actions were a good way to go. And if his reaction was one that bore fruit, than it was a tactical one.

"If you place yourself somewhere close to raw emotions, where you're exposed to raw violence and death, instinct and desire, you can brush against man's true nature. I though that way i could find a reason to live somehow."

From this, i can tell that he was hoping that, in a situation where he's pushed far enough, he'd realise what's important to him, what he wants to protect or destroy, what's one thing he wouldn't want to leave unsettled before dying. What is that one thing he'd regret dying before achieving? What should he fight death for. What is worth living on for? To him, it doesn't matter if that something is good or evil as long as he gets to keep it in his life.

It seems he hadn't found it exactly, but is satisfied with what he has for now, in the agency, to just keep going. But he still tries to commit suicide, hoping that one day, when the clear picture of the world around him is fading away, when he's becoming light headed from the lack of oxygen, when he's loosing control over his body and thoughts don't seem to flow well, there will be one thing, anyone, screaming at him to fight it. New day new chances. It didn't happen today, better luck tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomo-.

Now, like Mori, Dazai feels the need to, at all times, be in control of the situation. Including people.

That means no one, but perhaps Ranpo due to his own abnormal intellect, is aware of their own role. They know their mission, but they're not expecting to be given that particular one because they'll come across an obstacle they would react to in a way that would satisfy Osamu's plans.

Dazai Osamu is more of a chemist, than a chess player, if you ask me.

Throwing different people into the mix, under different conditions at different times and is noting down their reactions in safe surrounding if possible, so that when the time calls for it, he'll be able to make a perfect concoction for the predicament. A chemist and his substances; A chess player and his pawns; A puppeteer and his puppets. Now, Dazai is meticulous and never rash, but like everyone else (except effin Lovecraft what is he even) he's only human and he bleeds when he falls down and humans aren't perfect. He isn't always right. That means he makes mistakes. The issue with big shot players that control the board is that, when they fall down, everyone on their side crashes and burns as well. So the day Dazai fucks up everyone else will follow because of lack of insight on their part that's completely out of their control. All it takes is for him to underestimate or overestimate one person and chaos ensues. There is no such thing as happy little accidents small mistakes for someone like him. I have crippling anxiety and a sole thought that one hiccup could blow up in everyone's face... damn. I would try committing suicide myself. But it's his fault, he brought upon himself an obligation and pressure like that. To be fair, it was Mori that drilled that type of thinking where no one should know what you plan because they can't ruin what they don't know If they turn against you, they can't stop you.

For his own sake, and everyone else's, Dazai needs to learn how to show his cards and share the burden.

Again, going back to the emotionally stunted guy that has commitment issues (where he either can't commit or can't let go) trope.

He never outright does something good for someone where people would acknowledge it, he uses his underhanded tactics here as well.

He casually makes himself look like a bad guy, an asshole, to conveniently move attention from the inner turmoil a person is struggling with to a present problem at hand that they can fix and let their frustrations out on. But he hopes that, one day, someone just might notice his intentions for what they are and do the unspeakable- see through him.

"I'm a very private person. You don't ask, i don't tell."

Yes, and your whole existence is just a huge cry for help. He wants to be asked. He's begging for attention. A specific type of attention. One that will see him without making him feel imposed on. One that will understand his sins without making a big deal out of it. Accept him as a person he is, makes him feel like one as well. Makes him feel alive. Makes him feel... period.

The day he finds that thing is the day he completely turns his life around and fully dedicates to it. It's where the part of not being able to let go commitment issue ensues.

Since Oda's death he's been secretly keeping an eye out on possible ways to bring him back. If you've read Beast AU you know that when Dazai gets his hands on the book, he'll create a universe where Oda doesn't die. Should he find an ability user that can bring back the dead, just tell him what it will take, he's ready to destroy his own soul for it and if that isn't enough, well, he'll have no hesitation ruining theirs. After all, BEAST!Dazai Osamu never actually met Odasaku, he just had the memories he'd gotten from his canon self and that was enough for him to do everything he did.

He's incredibly selfish and has a weird come in but the door is a wall dynamic he rolls with in his self imposed solitude.

It's like the walls of the space in my brain are ugly and terrifying, so i closed off the entrance to keep myself in. I'm doing you a favour but please break the wall down and tell me it's okay to come out i don't want to be here-

Happy little thoughts woah woah yeah~

That's what i got from what I've seen of him. I may have missed some things, some things might prove to be wrong as the series progress further, but yeah.

There is, however, one more thing i want to put out here. Since Dazai was already like this before Mori found him, that begs to question as to why? What happened to him?

Now, since the characters are based on real people, is it crazy to say that Dazai Osamu has had a horrible childhood because of his father? Real life Dazai was terrified of his dad and was very intimidated by him. He always tried to stay in his good graces out of fear of punishment. Neither of his parents felt like a parent to him, actually. His father didn't care and his mother was often ill, but did care for him when she could. Both of them died eventually.

This could be the plot Kafka based Dazai's background on, but we'll have to wait and see.

[sicjimin]

A.N : just 11,000+ words of Yoongi being sick (i'm sorry baby). gonna make this a series if anyone is interested 🤪 and i'm sorry for everyone that not into mpreg ....... i just. had this in my mind and i need to let it out.

TW : emeto, graphic description of vomiting, mpreg

Yoongi truly was trying his best to hold it. To hold back from his food coming right up and ignore how bad his stomach-churning. He bites his inner cheeks. It feels like someone had put his gastric on a rollercoaster. Turning and swirling mercilessly.

"Hyung?", Jungkook voices snapped him out of his misery.

" Huh?"

"Are you okay? You look pale. and you're sweating bunch" Yoongi blinks.

Yoongi gulps down the faint taste of his lunch that want to make a reappearance. He could feel his stomach drop. His heartbeat was faster than usual in fear that if he ate, he's surely going to vomit. He can almost smell the bile burning at the back of his throat, begging for entrance. But he didn't want to throw up, because if he did, it will his second time today. The first one was right after he woke up, scrambling through the tangled blanket and throwing everything he ate for dinner up. Getting a furrowed brows from Seokjin the moment he opened the bathroom door with bloodshot eyes and sniffles, "You're sick, Yoongichi?".

It took him a lot to convince Seokjin to let him go with him to work like always. Promising that it won't get worse and that maybe he just ate something bad. But it seems like his promise bites him in the ass.

The other boy is staring at him, concern clear in the crease between his brows. "Hyung"

Yoongi blinks again. "Yea yea. I'm fine".

Jungkook doesn't seem convinced. "Are... are you sure?", The younger asks again.

Yoongi nods slowly, taking deep breaths to calm himself. "Yeah", he exhales, " Do you know where Seokjin-hyung is?", he suddenly says, desperate to distract himself from the feeling churning inside him.

"He was with hobi-hyung earlier", Jungkook says, " i think they will come back here soon"

Yoongi nods again. He really hopes so. He needs his boyfriend's presence. He's not sure if he could stay here anymore longer. Yoongi lay his head back against the cool meeting table, "wake me up if Jin-hyung comes", he mumbles to Jungkook.

" You sure you're okay hyung?" Jungkook asked.

Yoongi smiles, trying so hard to reassure the other boy. "I'm fine Kookie", he assured him once more.

" Okay," Jungkook replied, " If you say so." The younger smiled sweetly before going off to talk about something again with Tae and Jimin.

Yoongi didn't know how long he has dozed off. He's slipping in and out of consciousness as he just feels way worse than earlier. Nausea has become so overwhelming, it makes him dizzy. He's not sure if he could go to the bathroom without fainting. So instead, he keeps his eyes shut, waiting to fall asleep again.

"Yoongichi, hey", A familiar voice, followed by a cool touch tucking his hair back snapped Yoongi back to reality.

He opens his eyes blearily to see a blurry figure standing over him.

"Hyung", Yoongi says through his gritted teeth. He couldn't open his mouth wide, or else it's not words that gonna come out. He can already feel tears welling up behind his eyes.

Seokjin crouches beside him, and reaches out his hand towards Yoongi's forehead.

"What happened?", Seokjin asks, concern clearly written all over his face.

But Yoongi could barely focus. He's just too damn nauseous.

"I dont feel well," Yoongi started before stopping, taking a deep breath to try and regain some control over his own breathing, "Feel like i'm going to pu—"

A sudden rush of nausea hit him like a truck.

"Fuck", he cursed under his breath, pressing his fist on his lips. The sour taste on his tongue made his head spin.

" Are you going to be sick?", Seokjin said worriedly. His hand rests on Yoongi's shoulder. Trying to help ground him.

Yoongi don't want to nods, afraid that the slightest movement will make him puke all over this place. "I need a bathroom", he breathes out.

Suddenly, Seokjin was right in front of him, blocking Yoongi's sight.

"Okay, Okay", he says softly, " I'll take you there", he then took Yoongi's arm in his hand.

The younger felt the blood rushing to his head as his body shuddered violently the moment he stand up. He can't help but gag over his palm. The acid taste of his own stomach revolted into his mouth. The thought of throwing up brought chills to the older boy's spine. "Come on, only a few steps, okay?", Seokjin spoke.

Yoongi nodded weakly. He didn't want to throw up in the hall or meeting room. Not with all the eyes that ready to look at him.

Walks to the bathroom feel like walking through a few kilometers trip. But somehow they make it.

Once the door closes, Yoongi immediately rushes to the toilet. Seokjin trailed behind him, circling his arms against Yoongi's midsection to prevent him dived down to the bowl as his body lurch.

Yoongi squeezes his eyes shut when he feels liquid climbing up to his throat, resulting in a gurgling sound that is followed by a rush of brown liquid. It splashing against the clear water.

The sound echoes inside the bathroom walls. Yoongi gasps, coughing lightly as a result of the unpleasant texture that was making its way down to his throat. Yoongi couldn't wait any further.

He vomits. Harder than he expected. Seokjin winces when he could feel Yoongi's stomach jerked against his forearm.

" Yoongichi, you're doing great. Just let it out", he says softly, rubbing his chest gently with one hand.

Yoongi tries to swallow, but it didn't work.

The blonde-haired boy could feel his throat getting tighter with every retch. It seems like his body was so eager to let out everything as a liquid after liquid keep pouring out of his lips. He could see the toilet already half-filled with his stomach.

He feels lightheaded. His vision starts to blur and he can feel sweat dripping all over his body. He pants for air when his stomach gave him a break. His hand shakily flushes the toilet.

"Are you done baby?", Seokjin whispered to him, brushing his hair away from his sweat-damp forehead.

Yoongi shakes his head no, weakly, still panting from the aftermath of vomiting. " Still queasy", he croaked out.

Seokjin looks into Yoongi's eyes with worry, his gaze softening as Yoongi's breathing evened itself out a bit. "Do you want to go to the doctor?", The older asks.

Again Yoongi shakes his head no before he groans and turning himself back facing the toilet. Opening his mouth as a gag immediately erupted as he heaved the last few mouthfuls of what he had in.

Seokjin quickly grabbed hold of Yoongi, rubbing circles on his back comfortingly.

Eventually, the fit passed.

It felt awful.

" Hyung .. let's go home", Yoongi pants, "i really don't feel well"

Yoongi stood unsteadily. His legs felt unstable underneath him. He wanted nothing more than to fall down to his knees and cry because he feels so sick. His mouth taste bland and bitter, his stomach feels like it's on knot and he feels incredibly weak and exhausted and-

"Okay baby, let's go home", Seokjin says, sliding his arms on the younger waist because he's sure that the latter will fall off if he didn't do that. and Yoongi just did the same, grabs onto the elder's arms tightly. Holding onto them as if he would slip through if his grasp was loosened.

Yoongi ended up throwing up again in the car, even though that would look more like puking up bile and water since he barely eats anything.

" I think we really need to go to the doctor, Yoongichi", Seokjin states as he massages Yoongi's nape that drenched in cold sweats as he busy heaving his guts out into the bag. Only managed to let out a trickle of yellow liquid.

"No .. i just want to sleep hyung", Yoongi replies in between his shaky breaths.

Seokjin sighs softly, "But you're so sick baby, you've been throwing up all day", he tells the younger firmly. He knew Yoongi wouldn't have agreed to go to the doctor anyway.

"Please..." the younger begged quietly, "I am tired".

The elder looks into Yoongi's eyes, seeing the tiredness and fatigue, and decides to finally give Yoongi the chance to rest for a bit. " Okay", Seokjin sighs, pulling the younger closer to his chest, "Let's rest up for the day. If you didn't get any better tomorrow then we will go to the hospital, okay?"

"Thank you", Yoongi mutters, letting himself relax. It felt good to be cuddled close to Seokjin. It calmed him down a little.

After they parked in the driveway, Seokjin carried Yoongi to their shared bedroom. Carefully laying down Yoongi on the bed, Seokjin pulls the duvet up over Yoongi before sitting next to him.

" You up for some soup?", he asks.

Yoongi shakes his head no, closing his eyes again while snuggling himself closer to Seokjin.

Seokjin sighed. Of course Yoongi wasn't up for it. "Porridge?", he tried.

Yoongi shook his head again, burrowing himself deeper under the blanket.

"Crackers?"

Still no response.

Seokjin sighed. Looks down at Yoongi curled on his side. "Sleep then, we'll talk about it after your stomach settles," he told him before leaning down and pecking the younger boy on the forehead, "Love you, hyung"

--

"That's it Yoongi, we're going to the hospital and i don't want to argue", Seokjin said sternly.

Yoongi just closed his eyes, humming in response as he trying to catch his breath. He could feel Seokjin's wiping his wet lips from saliva and cleaning his palm from vomit he couldn't hold back earlier. Its still 5 AM, and just like yesterday, Yoongi woke up like he was on the boat that was currently in the middle of a storm, his stomach going up and down, tossing and turning until his sleepy daze decided he need to run to the bathroom or he will make Seokjin clear their sheets, of course, he opted for the first option. But apparently, his stomach couldn't hold hack for long—that it had to make him puked before he managed to reach the toilet, spilling the porridge he managed to get down last night down to his palm and a trickle of it on the floor.

So now, Yoongi is being forced to sit on the passenger seat of Seokjin's car, trying to fight the nausea and the dizziness that kept attacking him from within, trying not to let it overwhelm him. He is already pale, his skin has become quite pallid.

Seokjin's crooked fingers brushing through his clenched fist, rubbing it softly to offers some comfort.

"Few minutes again, are you doing fine?", Seokjin asks, glancing his way for a good second. Yoongi shifts on his seat, "Do you think i will die hyung?"

Seokjin almost slammed the break. "What the fuck Yoongi, you can't just say that"

Yoongi let out an airy laugh, grin plastered on his face, "Ohhh you love me so bad"

"I just don't want to search for another boyfriend. It's tiring", Seokjin shrugs, his fingers tapping on the steering wheels, " Or maybe, i could ask Namjoon to had me back. I heard he hasn't put eyes on anyone after being with me", Seokjin adds nonchalantly, gaining a slap from Yoongi, complete with a pinch on his arms that makes him yelps.

"Fuck off you're not going anywhere", Yoongi mumbles, leaning his head back on the window as his lips are still in a form of pout.

"Stop pouting or i will have to kiss you"

"Kiss your steering wheel"

---

"Hey, we have your prescription here", the nurse smiled. Her short blond hair swaying from side to side when she walks.

Seokjin nods his head in approval.

The nurse gives Yoongi his prescription bag. Yoongi takes it reluctantly. Still stunned with the convo they just had with the doctor.

" I think you went to the wrong doctor, Yoongi-ssi and Seokjin-ssi", the doctor states, gaining a confused frown from them both. The mid-age man chuckles, "I would recommend you to the ob-gyn. That's where are you supposed to get checked on, even though i could give you a brief explanation and some temporary medication for your symptoms now"

"Uhm, i'm sorry sir, i think i'm not following you?", Seokjin opened his mouth, voicing for Yoongi's confusion too.

The doctor chuckles again, " Yoongi-ssi, there's no disease nor sickness in your body. If it's any 'something', that's your baby", the doctor explains slowly, the smile hasn't left his face.

Yoongi blinks multiple times in realization, " Oh."

The two boys stare at each other blankly.

A pregnant pause followed.

" What?" Yoongi says.

" What?", Seokjin replied. "You mean-"

"Yes, Yoongi-ssi here is 5 weeks along. Congratulations for both of you"

[itspdameronthings]

Going Home Chapter 5

Summary: After a pregnancy scare.Apple tries to Santi about it,but he put his foot in his mouth. this chapter is a long one!! hope yall enjoy it.

Warning: fighting and pregnancy scare

Weekend is finally here. Time for resting up from the hectic work week. Not the case for Santi and Apple. She has to work at the ER tonight,and won't be home till the early morning. Santi is babysitting his goddaughter, Mia . For a five month old she is full of energy. He is nervous to no end. Afraid he might hurt her or even give her the wrong food. Frankie gave him a list of things she likes,and what time to feed her. Not to mention her baby food. Also her blanket she sleeps with,and the baby monitor. Santi keeps telling himself” I can do this . no problem. Only two days of this. Apple would be there to help me. “ Speaking of his darling . Who has been working hard. She volunteered to work in the ER since there was a nurse due to the stomach flu. She told him that she would text him from time to time. Before the baby gets here. Went to find his guitar . Just in case he has to sing her to sleep. Or to entertain her while she is in the playpen.

Franke yells for Santi to help him with all of the baby stuff. He needs this time away. Even if it was to teach young army recruits to learn the fine art of flying. Good opportunity for his wife to have a break. Randi comes in with the little baby. Still in her carriage. Sits it on the couch. Looks so cute when she is asleep. Frankie tells Santi,” She will be fine. She just had her bottle. If she cries. Just sing something sweet can't have her grow up listening to metallica.” Santi moans,” aww come on man!! She wants to have a hip uncle.” Frankie just rolled his eyes. Before leaving. Frankie leans down to place a kiss on his daughter’s head,and tells Santi,” Thank you for doing this man. Means a lot. Tell apple jacks hope she does not work too hard.” Santi nods and closes the door very softly so it won't wake her up. He goes over to sit next to the baby. Watching her sleeping so peacefully. Thinking how lucky Frankie is. To have a child. A family. Maybe one day him and Apple can have that as well.

Apple hated lying to her love. How can she tell him that she thought she was pregnant. Took a test that did not seem right. As a nurse. She knows something is not right. Before going to work. She went to her doctor to find out what was going on.According to her doctor’s findings that Apple had a false positive. That made her feel really sad. Thought it would be a nice surprise to tell Santi that he was gonna be a daddy. Since Santi has been spending time with his goddaughter, it's natural for him to have those kinds of thoughts. As soon as she got home. She is gonna tell Santi her sad news. In hopes he does not get mad at her.

On the homefront. Santi is having baby problems. Mia was due for her evening feeding. After giving her a bottle. Santi was burping her,and she spit up on his shirt. Which took him by surprise,” Okay little one. You just made a mess on your uncle. Hope you know that I will be smelling like your dinner. Muchas gracias, little one.” After discarding his messy tee,tries to change her diaper. Thinking he got it round her small body. Picks her up,and the diaper falls down. Mia starts to pee! Poor uncle Santiago, not having a good day. Apple watched that ordeal. Puts a strain on her heart. Seeing him with her broke her heart into millions of pieces. Quietly went upstairs to their room and cried.

After giving the little one a bath.Santi looked out the window to see Apple’s jeep under the carport. That puzzled him.She always calls out to him when she comes home. Something is not right. Soon he puts Mia in her bed,and turns on the monitor, goes into their room to see his darling. Curled up into a ball.Sobbing into her pillow. He lays down behind her,” Hay mi amor, what is the matter? Hard day? Want me to get you something to eat.” She wipes her eyes,” No Santi, Not hungry”Santi brushes a few strands of hair from her face,” Don't shut me out honey. Whatever it is. We can work it out.” She sat up so she could lay her head on his chest. Take a breath,” Before work, I felt like I was gonna puke. Thinking I was pregnant . Took a test. The results were not right. Sooo.. I went to the doctor,and found out it was a false positive!! “ Santi didn't know what to feel right now. Sad that he is not gonna be a dad or she didn't let him go to the appointment with her, Lets out a sigh,” baby, why didnt you fucking tell me about this earlier! Though we were done keeping secrets! “ Apple sits up, starts to pace the floor,” You think it was hard not telling you! I was scared Shooter!! Seeing you with Mia made me think about our future. Feel that we might not have that kind of a miracle!” Santi walks over to her, pulls her into his arms.Let her cry.All he could do is hold her tight. He led her back to bed so he could comfort her. Softly sings to her so she could calm down. While rubbing her shoulder,and placing kisses there,” Apple, thought it was a sign that it is not the time for us to be parents. So don't worry about it so much. We have a little one in the other room we can practice on till then. Won't hurt to keep trying to make a baby.” Apple tried not to get mad,” Santi! You sound like it is your mission to make a baby!! Maybe I don't want to try to get pregnant right after the most sad event of our lives!!” He really put his foot in his mouth again.Caused Apple to get up and go outside so she could be by herself.

After the loud outbursts from the adults. Mia started to cry. Like a flash . Santi rushes over to her, picks her up. Rocking her as he walked around the room looking out the window sees his other baby. Sitting under the huge oak tree. How could he say that to her? All he wanted to do is to make her laugh.Not to make her mad. That thought was dashed when Mia started to cry again,” Guess I just screwed up yet again little one. I love your aunt so much. She is the one for me. Always have been. Not ready to be alone again. Afraid she might leave me. “ She reached to touch his rough cheek. That made him tear up. Soon as he puts the little one back to bed. He calls the one person he could trust.

Apple was not doing better either. So many emotions to deal with.Sad about the test results, mad about Santi’s bad choice of words about making babies. Maybe she is not ready for that. Hoping he would understand if they took a break from having sex. Too many things to think about. So she takes out her phone,and calls Lizzy. After a couple of rings,” Omg! What did Doc Bailey say? Are you or are you not pregnant? “ Apple sobs,” It's a false positive! Told Santi about it. He was so hurt about the news ,and pissed that I didn't let him go to the appointment. Then he had the audacity to say that he wants to keep trying to have a baby! After what I went through. Maybe I don't want to rush that just yet.Lizzy sighs,” Honey, have you two ever talked about having a baby? If not? No time like the present to do this. He loves you so much girl! “ Apple took her friend’s advice to heart. Looked up to see Santi watching her from the upstairs window.

Santi was on the phone with Frankie. Pacing around like a caged animal. He is beyond scared. Frankie said,” Dude! Number one you really put your size 10 foot in your mouth. Sometimes you need to see this situation through her perspective. Apple jacks is scared. Just love her Santi, just love her. Show her that there is more to your relationship that just sex. I know that is not the case.I forgot. We are coming home early. Weather is going to be bad tomorrow. “ Santi sighs,” Are y'all in town?” Frankie says,” we are at the diner. Why don't you bring Mia with you. So we can have a family dinner. Might do you some good.” Soon as he got off the phone with Frankie. Packed up a sleeping Mia,and put her in her carrier. Little does that he know. Apple is gonna join them too. Randi just got off the phone with Apple. Both of them are about to walk into an ambush.

Soon as he got Mia all situated in his truck. Noticed Apple’s jeep is gone. Pays no mind to it. Thinking she might have gone out to get something. While driving. He was thinking about the time they spent together. Got him to tear up again,” Come on Santi! Focus! Do what Fish said “think about her feelings . then sees Apple’s jeep! Thinking she is there to get some take out. No! Sees her with both Randi and Frankie! Broke his heart to see her leaning on Frankie’s shoulder . Crying. Santi takes a breath, goes inside, takes a seat behind them. Frankie nudges his wife for her to look behind her,'' See you made it safely. Give me my baby! OH have I missed you! Wearing a small Metallica tee? Santi really.” Apple looked up from Frankie’s shoulder. Caused her to bail. Santi punched his friend’s shoulder,” This was a setup!! What is the deal! “ Randi speaks up,” Call what you want. You two have an issue that needs to be dealt with! So go!” Santi went outside to catch up with Apple. As soon she gets inside of her jeep. Santi knocks on the window,” sweetheart, I want to tell you that I'm a dick about your feelings. Never wanted to hurt you. Talking to our friends made me realize that. Yes, being with Mia made me think about us having a family. Something we never had the chance to discuss. So let's do that okay? Come out so we can figure out what to do.``Apple got out of the jeep,and Santi pulls her close.Rocking her back and forth. After a few moments, she finally calms down. He kissed her tears that fell onto her cheeks. Apple whispers” Glad that you finally see what my mind was going through. Yes, we have never discussed the family thing,I want the same thing,but lets not try to make it the reason for us to have sex Santi. Give me time to process this. Then we could start again. Can you do that for me Santi? Can you wait?” Santi placed both of his hands on her cheeks,” Of course mi amor anything you want. Was afraid that you would leave me! Could bare the thought of that tore me up. “ she kissed his lips, tasted the salty tear,” Why would I do that? We had another fight. So what! Couples fight. So let me get through your thick head Mr. Garcia. I'm not going nowhere!” He pulls her towards the diner and sees Frankie giving him a thumbs up sign.

[agentnolastname]

Half a Heart

An OH alternate universe where Casey Valentine got into Mass Kenmore Hospital's resident program instead, but she ends up meeting Ethan Ramsey anyway.

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey X Casey Valentine (MC)

Chapter 1

Summary: Casey runs into a car crash on her way to her apartment less than a day before her first shift as Mass Kenmore resident.

"A resident. At Mass Kenmore. I actually start my shift in a few hours." She says still not sure of how to continue speaking without stuttering.

"Oh, that's nice, I guess." Ethan says and hangs the chart at the end of the bed. "I'm gonna check on other patients. You can stay here as long as you want."

Casey nods at this and smiles. "Thanks, Dr. Ramsey."

"You're welcome." Ethan stops by the door and faced her again. "You did well. Be confident next time, Rookie."

Word Count: ~1.6K

Trigger Warning: Car Crash, Accident

Note: May contain inaccuracies

***

"Carl, we seriously have to go now, I'm running late!" Casey stumbles upon their porch as she hastily puts her boots on.

Tomorrow is her first day as a resident, and there's only one flight scheduled for Boston today. Missing it, means not being able to attend her first day. That's why she really don't want to be late. Somehow, her brother does not feel her urgency though.

"You still have a couple of hours away from your flight." He says with a straught face as he walks past her, entering the car and opening the engine. Casey enters the car immediately, closing the door off with a bang. Carl laughs at this. "You need to stop being so nervous. You'll make it, and you'll enter Mass Kenmore head up high tomorrow. You'll do great."

Casey just snorts, rolling her eyes, "Well, thanks for the vouch of confidence but the plane won't wait."

They both shared a laugh as the car starts zooming through the highway.

***

It was a seven-hour flight, but it went by fast. She didn't even know they were landing, only realizing it once they actually did. As soon as she got off the plane, she yawns and stretches. Looking around, the thought finally sinks in.

She is indeed in Boston. Alone and about to spend residency in one of the city's most promising hospital. She wasn't sure if she is ready for this, but standing there right now at the Boston Logan International made her realize one thing. It's now or never and the only thing she wouldn't be able to accept is failure. She smiles to herself capturing a picture to send to her family before getting an uber.

It wasn't long before a black sedan stops in front of her. She immediately puts her bags inside and steps inside the car, giving her apartment address to the driver before she eases back into her seat.

Boston, I hope you're ready for me.

***

The drive was supposed to be a short one, considering that her apartment was just minutes away from both the airport and Mass Kenmore. However, her car stops in the highway, just a short distance away from what seemed to be a crash. She immediately got out of her car and walks towards the scene being cleared by paramedics. She stares out in shock.

Sure, they were warned about things like this before, but even during her internship, she never experienced something like this. She scanned the area assessing how bad the situation is. Two long school busses are completely toppled over, and with only a couple of paramedics out, she's sure they aren't gonna be finished anytime soon.

She sighs, running to the triage tent where she saw a paramedic furiously going through materials.

"Are there any doctors present yet?" She asked, the man just looked at her for a brief moment, continuing what he had been doing as he answered her question.

"None. They're on their way though."

She nods as she moves out of the tent again, scanning the area. She saw a little boy not too far away, desperately trying to move his fingers. She immediately runs to where he is.

The kid is stuck in a limbo, two pieces of metal are piercing him, one on the chest and on the abdomen.

"Code red! Someone get in here!" She shouted waiting for a paramedic. One of the EMTs run to her direction pulling a gurney along with him. Another paramedic helps to remove the metal from the boy, slowly lifting it up. The EMT carried the boy carefully into the gurney. Casey follows suit, since the boy had his hand wrapped on her finger, looking at her with tears in his eyes. "You're gonna be fine."

They rode the ambulance and starts making their way to the hospital. The EMT had attached an EKG on the child.

She leans back on the seat, sending a quick text to her uber asking him to drop her things at her apartment. Then she watched the kid closely and noticed how his breathing became rapid, his jugular vein distended.

"How many minutes before the nearest hospital?"

"Edenbrook is atleat 10 minutes away."

"He's tamponading, i'm afraid we can't wait that much." She bites her lip, unsure of what to do. She's an internal medicine resident, performing anything on the boy might cause her license. However, if she does nothing, he'll have no chance at all. "I need a needle and a catheter, I'm gonna do a pericardiocentesis."

"Are you allowed to do this?"

"Do you want this kid saved?"

The EMT did not speak again, instead he handed her the needle. Which she immediately took.

"We don't have an ultrasound, you're gonna have to go in blind." Casey nods at this, shifting her gaze into the young boy's chest.

"Tell me if there's even the slightest ST elevation."

Here's to praying it'll all goes well.

***

It felt like the longest ride. The pericardiocentesis went smoothly, the kid's breathing seemed to normalize after she did it. Pericardial fluid is still draining when they arrived at the hospital. The kid had held her hand again after she finished doing it.

I have to stop being attached to people this fast.

She shakes her head as the doors opened, they were immediately greeted by a couple of hospital interns.

"Carter Thompson, a nine-year-old male, with multiple metal puncture wounds obtained from the bus crash." The EMT nods at Casey hoping she'd explain the situation further.

"His BP is 100 over 80, he went under a cardiac tamponade on the way so I had to perform an emergency pericardiocentesis. One of his arms looks obviously fractured."

"Who are you?" One of the residents looked at her, confused.

Right. Who am I. A kid is dying, Karen.

"I'm Casey Valentine. I was on my way when I saw the crash." She said. The interns just nod despite the still confused faces. She watched as they pull the gurney away, walking towards the hospital.

"I think you've made quite the call." The EMT says suddenly.

"I hope so." She smiled at him. "By the way, I'm Casey. I guess you've already heard earlier. I believe I haven't gotten your name, though."

"I'm Rafael."

"Nice name." She says as he went inside the ambulance to fix the equipments inside, letting another EMT replace the equipments taken earlier. "I think I'm gonna head inside to check on him."

"I think you should." Rafael nods and offers his hands. Casey takes and shakes it. "It was nice meeting you."

"You, too. Looking forward to see you again, soon." With that she enters the hospital.

***

She was waiting for an update for a couple of hours. She sat on the lobby checking in on her work groupchat every once in a while. She's tired from the flight, and the fiasco earlier, yet she can't find herself leaving. She would just like to make sure the boy is okay.

"Is there anyone here who knows Carter Thompson?" She sat still, waiting for someone to speak. A few seconds after, no one did. So she stands instead and approaches the nurse.

"I was the one who took him in earlier." She says. The nurse nods leading her into a room where a doctor stands, busy writing on a chart while Carter lies on the bed, still unconscious.

"Dr. Ramsey, his guardians aren't here." The nurse said the moment they got inside the room.

"We're gonna have to wait for them then."

"There's someone who is waiting for an update on him though."

Casey shifts uncomfortably as the attending looks up from his charts, his eyes landing on her.

"Who are you?" He asked, voice stern. Casey couldn't help but stare.

How is this hospital filled with good-looking people?

She clears her throat when she noticed that the man still looks at her with a straight face.

"I brought him in earlier."

"Oh, you performed the pericardiocentesis." He says and puts the chart down, turning to face her. "A good call, I must say. He is doing fine now."

Casey looks at him expectantly.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you anything more."

Right. Confidentiality protocols.

Nodding, she speaks. "I just want to make sure he's alright. I'm not sure if I've done the procedure right earlier."

"You're a rookie?" Ethan is not one for small talks yet he found himself wanting to have a small conversation with the woman that is standing before him.

"A resident. At Mass Kenmore. I actually start my shift in a few hours." She says still not sure of how to continue speaking without stuttering.

Casey what did your brother tell you about simping?

"Oh, that's nice, I guess." Ethan says and hangs the chart at the end of the bed. "I'm gonna check on other patients. You can stay here as long as you want."

Casey nods at this and smiles. "Thanks, Dr. Ramsey."

"You're welcome." Ethan stops by the door and faced her again. "You did well. Be confident next time, Rookie." He says as he turns to leave. And then he walked away, leaving Casey with a big smile on her face.

***

Note: Hello! This is my first attempt on writing a chaptered fic, this is also my first time to write something OH-related. I hope this is atleast okay to read;-; that's the end of chapter 1! I'll update as soon as I finish the next part!

Taglist: @mvalentine @anotherbeingsworld @starberrybliss @nikki-2406 @clowneryme @drariellevalentine @lillylavander20

[nmjd1234isazombie]

The Reunion Tour

This story is for @starr-fall-knight-rise and his Humans are space orcs stories.

Adam Vir, Jim Vir, Sunny, Ramirez, and Maverick all belong to him.

———————–[STORY]———————

Vir raced through the dense underbrush twisting this way and that in an attempt to avoid the sharp thorn-like branches of the alien trees, “Maverick, I swear to God, you better be waiting for me with the shuttle,” he muttered aloud.

The sound of heavy footfall raced closer behind him, “I hate this planet, I hate this planet, I hate this planet,” he repeated, breaking into a clearing he saw his ship, “everyone load up,” he shouted to the few outside as he ran.

“What's wrong?” Sunny asked from the open ramp, she didn't need a response as a monstrous beast erupted from the foliage behind the Commander.

“What the fuck is that!?” Ramirez shouted as he turned and bolted up the ramp and into the cockpit, “Maverick, get us in the air ASAP,” he told her.

The bellow of the creature reverberated through the shuttle, “holy shit!” she retorted, firing up the engines.

Back outside Vir reached the open ramp in time as the shuttle lifted off, “okay, we can tell the GA this planet is a no go, it’s got way too dangerous of wildlife,” he said, panting from his run.

Sunny pulled him in the rest of the way as Remirez closed the bay door, “that thing looked like a pink t-rex or was it just me?” he said.

“No, you're right. It looked like a pink T-rex,” Vir confirmed.

The crew that had been outside burst out laughing, well Sunny looked to the Commander, “what's a T-rex?” she asked.

“It’s a big lizard that used to live on earth, I’ll show you later.”

Once back on the Harbinger, Vir sent word about the creature they encountered, the Councilwoman had not been happy to hear about the animal but was grateful to the Commander for discovering it before the colony ship had been sent. The human ambassador had to leave the room when Vir had described the creature’s appearance, much to the council's confusion.

Once finished with his report, Vir turned to his bridge crew, “alright, people, we are heading back to earth for some maintenance, plot course for docking bay one.”

Two days passed before the ship arrived home, “turn on com’s if you will,” Vir said to his communications officer.

“All set, Sir,” they said.

“Good afternoon everyone,” he started, “as you know we are home for some scheduled maintenance, we will be here for two weeks so for those of you that requested shore leave, the shuttle will be leaving from docking bay one to moon base then to earth two hours after we dock. I know we usually head straight there, but it’s time for the yearly physical, so get that out of the way before heading to have some fun,” he said, almost hearing the crew groan.

“For the skeleton crew staying, we will be having a tour of engineering college kids coming through, so be on your best behavior,” Vir continued.

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

The following morning, Sunny and Vir walked near-empty halls, “it’s weird how quiet it is when everyone is gone,” Sunny said.

“It’s been what four years since you joined the ship, and you say the same thing every time we go in for work,” Vir said from her back, “besides we have a group of students inbound it won't be quiet for long.”

“Ture.”

Lunch came and went before the shuttle arrived from the earth with the students, “sorry we’re late, the professor said upon exiting, “a storm front rolled in, throwing everything off,” they added.

Vir nodded, “it’s understandable. I made some arrangements for you and the students to spend the night if need be,” he added.

“Thank you, but I think we’ll get on down to engineering and poke around then get out of your hair,” they said, ushering more than thirty students from the shuttle, one lingered behind staring at the Commander.  

“Can I help you with something?” Vir asked, eyeing the girl, she seemed familiar, but he’s not quite sure why.

“Wow a year and a half, and he forgets you,” she said, “I do have hair again so I can understand. Adam, it’s me, Nataly,” she said, Vir’s eyes grew wide as the connection snapped into place.

“Oh my God!” he exclaimed, bringing the girl into a hug.

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

Once Vir left, Mr. Ross re-entered the hospital room to find his wife holding their child as she cried, an hour passed the small family holding each over before a nurse came in with a big smile on her face.

Mr. Ross couldn’t understand as she beckoned him from the room, “what's going on,” he asked upon seeing his daughter's doctor along with half a dozen other physicians.

“We just received word that your daughter has been accepted into the Manticore program,” the tallest of the group said.

“I have no idea what that is.”

“It's a program to integrate organic and inorganic material,” the doctor said again, “you know how prosthetics are being made that can feel and move naturally?”

“Ya, have an ex-army buddy who has fake arms, he said it’s like he never lost them,” Mr. Ross said the connections started to make sense.

“The Manticore program is responsible for that, and now they have a new idea for those with cancer such as leukemia. We don't have full detail, but the head of the program would like to meet with you and Mrs. Ross tomorrow to discuss it, before talking with Nataly.”

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

The following day they met with a tall, slender woman, “good morning Hex,” Mr. Ross greeted, “what are you doing here?” he asked, taking a seat at the table where the woman had stacks of papers laid out.

“I’m filling in for the head of the Manticore program, she became indisposed with an experiment last night, and it went into this morning, sorry about that, “she said, “but I am here to talk to you about what your daughter has been accepted into.”

“Really!? We can wait for the department head if that would be better?” Mrs. Ross said, “I’m sure you have better things to do, working with Make-A-Wish and all.”

“That’s my main focus now. I used to do research, and am technically still second in command of the Manticore program. This particular project is my wife Marcel's brainchild after she lost her brother to cancer, she’s been looking for a way to fight it beyond chemotherapy and the such. For your daughter, we would use Nanites to replace the blood-making bone marrow giving her what amounts to artificial blood.”  

“That can’t be safe,” Mrs. Ross said, clutching her husband's hand.

“It’s experimental, yes, but we’ve already done this procedure on another with great promise of success, and…”

“Only one!?” Mr. Ross interrupted.

“Yes, with three others waiting, your daughter would be number five, this could save her life, but there is only an eight percent chance of the body accepting the Nanites.”

“But there is a hundred percent chance of her dying,” Mr. Ross said, “How do we get started.”

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

“A few months later, I had the procedure done, and bam here I am,” Nataly finished.

The duo sat in the observation deck, taking in the view of earth and the stars they could see beyond the metal docking bay.

“My God, that’s amazing,” Vir said, shocked.

“I only started school last month, have a lot to catch up on, but when my uncle said he was taking his class up to the Harbaginer, I knew I had to tag along to say hi,” Nataly said.

Vir drew her close, “well, half-pint, when you finish, I’ll keep my word and have a spot here on board when you're ready. If that's still what you want,” he said.

“I’d love that, thank you!” Nataly said.

The remaindered of the afternoon was spent exploring the ship and meeting new friends.

————————-[~FIN~]———————

Note: Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed.

Story one: https://nmjd1234isazombie.tumblr.com/post/612075760575971328/wish-upon-a-star

[ma-gic-gay]

A few hours, two kisses, and one nap later, he begins plotting his escape. It mainly consists of signing a discharge form and then hunting down Cyrus. Then, he'll kill him. Fairly simple, and does provide a good distraction from the chaos his personal life has become. His business/mob life has been fairly normal, no new competitors yet.

"What are you planning?" Carly asks, looking up from the iPad she's probably planning Morgan's return from the dead party on.

"How long until I can get out of here?" Hospital rooms inspire him to run very far away from them. They keep him cooped up, they're boring as all hell, and there's really no choice as to who can walk in at any given time.

"Probably tomorrow," she answers and he groans. "It's not the end of the world, Jason. It's one more night in a hospital bed." Debatable. It's a whole twelve hours, minimum.

"Or I could just sign my discharge form now and break out of here."

"No, you need to stay at least for tonight. Break out tomorrow."

"I don't want to."

"Just let them monitor you. Sleep. You won't be able to do much out there anyways. I'm pretty sure the doctors are going to tell you to relax and take it easy, which means taking a short leave of absence. Brando can handle it for a few more days."

"There could be a takeover-"

"Not without any talk. Come on, if I thought there was any threat, I'd be breaking you out of here myself," she reminds him. "Take a nap."

"I'm not sure that's the best decision." Actually, it's more time that he'd be a suspect in Cyrus's murder (that, rest assured, he will commit) and more time Cyrus gets to breathe the same air as him. "Stop the thoughts about it being unsafe because you're not going to be able to do anything. You're recovering from surgeries and a gunshot wound."

"I'm perfectly capable of doing everything," he responds, fidgeting again with the stupid IV. He'll break that thing out of him if that's what it takes.

"I'm sure you are, but stop pouting. Sleep. Take a nap. Enjoy your break from reality for a day or two and just relax," Carly reasons. You know it's bad when Carly's being the reasonable one.

"This isn't pouting, it's captivity."

"No one's holding you captive."

"I'm being forced to be in a room against my will. This could be a hostage situation," he says dramatically.

"Well, as cute as your pouting is, you're spending the night. Take a nap. Enjoy it," she smiles. "Oh, and by the way, you're not killing Cyrus."

There's a lot to take in there but we'll start with the obvious: "I didn't even say I was planning on it."

She rolls her eyes, "You didn't have to, I can see the plan formulating in your mind. No murder. Cyrus will live for the rest of his miserable life in prison without you sending someone to rough him up or kill him."

Sometimes it's a shame how well she knows him. It genuinely sucks sometimes because she can read him like a book. No matter how successful he is at hiding everything from, well, pretty much everyone else, she just rolls her eyes and lets him know exactly what he's doing. Half the time, she knows before he does. The other half, she's informing him it's normal to express your emotions.

"I don't think he should even be able to walk around," he admits, struggling somewhat to voice the hatred he feels for the other mobster. "I've wanted to kill the guy for years, ever since I laid eyes on him. Going after you, kidnapping and raping you as some sort of sick revenge against me was the last straw."

"It was stupid to go after me and he'll pay. For the rest of his life, he'll be in prison. Solitary, you said. He can't run his business in solitary. Cyrus will never be able to hurt me or anyone else again," Carly says, grasping his hand and squeezing it. "He's a piece of shit. I look forward to the day he's in jail, serving his sentence. But it's probably going to be a few weeks."

"Which provides plenty of opportunity-"

"He lives. You're not going to jail because of him, Jason. Cyrus isn't worth it, alright? I don't care if he dies tomorrow. If you go to jail, I'll have to break you out of there myself and that probably won't go too well," she laughs at that. "So, save us all the paperwork and don't kill him. Besides, I confronted him."

She- confronted- "You did what? Carly, that is a man who could kill you and threatened to! He's very much capable of keeping that threat! Did you want to die?"

What inspired her to go confront her kidnapper/rapist? What made her think that was the sane thing to do while he was unconscious in a hospital bed?! She could've died and he can't have that happening because it'd be his fault. It's also such an ugly thought he can't stand to think of it. Carly cannot die.

"I brought guards, I threatened him, I yelled and screamed, I also cried for a while," she summarizes. "And to answer your question, I don't have a death wish. There's children I have to take care of and I'm not done complicating your life yet. I've got at least ten more years left in me."

"You confronted a man who could kill you."

"With guards, Jason."

"That doesn't make it okay! Carly, you can't act like there wasn't a good chance you could've died! You can't reason with people like Cyrus, you can't go in on your own."

"I. Brought. Guards."

"And they could've died too. He took out a whole group of them once, an entire warehouse of the Novak crew."

"You're acting like I didn't know what I was doing! I knew exactly what I was doing and it was either that or wonder if you'd live to tell me I'm being stupid again, Jason. Which choice would you have made?" Carly asks, tears building up in her eyes. No, he's mad, don't start crying. That'll make him sad. No crying, Carly, please don't. "I'm not so unknowledgeable when it comes to the business, you know."

"No, but you don't know how the business works. Things like that, impulsive things, they get people killed! They're the things that cause people to die and not the type you can come back from. You can't be doing things like that and pulling stunts like threatening Cyrus. He has nothing left to lose, which means he has everything to gain. If he can kill you, which is what he wants to do, that'll be a win for him and a final way to get back at me. That's what he wants and you're playing right into it." Jason exclaims. Emotional outbursts are rare for him, which probably made the point more clear. He hopes so. Losing her-

That's a thought almost too painful to bear thinking of.

"I was worried you would die! Jason, I couldn't spend another hour in this room or getting harassed by Sam. I needed to do something, make some statement," Carly argues and he shakes his head. Does she not get it? She could've died.

"And you couldn't go to work at the Metro Court? You had to go and confront a man who wants you dead almost as much as he wants me dead, Carly! It was stupid. You could've died."

"I was safe-"

"You don't get it! Doing that, no matter how many guards are there, isn't safe. I don't care if you had the place full with guards, he wants you six feet under and he wants me even further. What if he shot you? What if he hurt you? What if he killed you?" Emotions just seem to flow out of him like water does down a river at this point, anger and hurt and worry and sadness all combined into one.

"He didn't-"

"Not this time. Next time, he could. You could've gotten hurt or killed or shot at and I'm not going to be the reason for that."

"Well there won't be a next time."

"How can you be so sure about that, Carly? You don't control him. He's his own person; he does what he wants, exactly when he wants, exactly how he wants. And he could've hurt you."

"Every single time you agrees to one of those meetings with him or left to go, seemingly, anywhere, I thought the same thing. He's tried to get to you a million times. But you didn't die."

"I didn't die because I'm aware of the intricacies of the business! You're not and, as much as I'm grateful you're not, I can't have you running around picking fights with people who want you dead, who want me dead."

"Do you want a fake apology?" Carly snaps. "Do you want me to pretend like I didn't know that? I'm all too aware of the fact that everytime I leave the house, I could get shot at and die or that everytime I see you it might be the last time because of your line of work. I am intimately familiar with the anxieties of waiting in a hospital room to see if you're going to wake up or not from yet another injury. You're acting like it's my first day as someone who cares about people in your line of work and you're wrong. It's not. I knew damn well what I was doing and I know you would've done the same if they'd shot me."

Well. He didn't think of that. Anger sort of half drowns inside of him, flopping but still very much there at her beyond dumb move. "You're right. I would've killed him if he'd shot you or hurt you. But that doesn't make that you get to go out and pick fights with him because you're worried. It means you've got to be careful, stay in groups. It means-"

"Don't tell me what I should've done."

"What would you like me to do, congratulate you? Congratulations, Carly, you could've died! You could've died and if I woke up to that knowledge I don't know what I'd do."

"You'd keep surviving. Probably throw yourself into the business even more, to a point I don't think it'd be healthy." Carly shakily says, clearly having thought about it. "You'd tell Donna all about me when she started to forget I existed."

"You've thought of this?" Jason asks, incredulous. "You've thought about what I'd do if you died?"

"When we thought you were gone, I thought about what you would've done if roles were reversed."

There's a solid 20% chance she's pulling at his heartstrings right now to get sympathy and it's working. 100%. She could be completely playing him and he'd believe it at this point.

He hugs her as best as he can in the hospital bed. "I wasn't dead. You're not dead, thankfully. But you can't take risks with your life, not like that. Your kids need their mom. People need you. I'd miss you."

"How nice, I sobbed myself to sleep for weeks because you were gone and you'd miss me." Tugging at the heart, yet again.

"Oh come on, Carly. You know what I mean."

"Yeah, yeah I do."

It's a strange bond they've got (and a strange life he's got), but at least they can count on one thing: their friendship. Hence why kissing and stuff can't mean anything or complicate things. They've been in each other's lives so long, if they dated or something and it went south, he doesn't know if they could bounce back. And that's a terrifying thought, that they could be,,, not friends.

To be continued after I change my tampon and sleep because I'm fucking tired :)

@ryleighjosephine

[thegreatfatnerd]

Hi, Hope you enjoy this, if you want to get in touch don't hesitate to message me I will always reply as soon as I can, also if you could leave a little review, it really helps, it helps keep me inspired and motivated x 

8th Doctor finding his new companion x

Finally, it had taken a while, it was tedious yet enjoyable in a way, strange really, going through all the stuff that a previous incarnation held as important, dear and interesting. In a way, they still were because I suppose I am that person but at the same time I'm a different person. Train magazines, hundreds of clocks it would seem, but some things will never change, such as wanting a cup of tea. The Tardis knows me so well, probably better than I know myself.

 Word count : 2832. 

And So The Adventure Begins.

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

Sat down in my favorite chair, with a perfect cup of sweet tea, what could be better. Well, staring at an empty chair, what's the point in saving worlds on a semi-regular basis and sitting to relax when you are by yourself. Well usually the Tardis steps in here, she does always seem to know best, she seems to always land in a place so I find someone or so fate gets involved. Maybe this time I should change that, maybe I could find my own companion. I must admit I'm feeling a little lonely, but not for much longer me thinks. Well, maybe I should let fate have its turn, maybe I should let the Tardis decide where we land, then again, who knows where I could end up, who knows what species I could end up with. Maybe for once, I should have full choice, this won't happen often so let's take a chance ...

Earth 2019

"Alright, I heard you I will put the rubbish out, I will eat, but no nothing unhealthy, yes I know I'm on a diet, yes I will sort out everything before I leave... I'm losing you, bye bye." I promptly hang up, "Ugh, I hate people sometimes."

I look in the mirror, this is as good as it will get, I'm 'really dolled up', by that I mean I have literally just cleaned my glasses, bright red lipstick, that if I'm totally honest was totally wrong for me, and that is it. I'm wearing my favorite dress, I think anything with a petticoat, can hide a multitude of sins.

Looking at the clock I realize as usual I'm ready with some time to spare so I make sure I've done everything I need to do. I can hardly believe it sitting here. I'm about to go on my first date, leaving it to the week before your 22nd birthday means I am more nervous than should be necessary.

One last look in the mirror, great, it doesn't really matter what clothes you wear, I will always look fat. Let's get going shall we don't want to miss the bus, that would be a great start either late or on time but out of breath and all sweaty, yuck.

As always the bus is late and it's raining so all that effort on doing my hair is undone, at least that's what I'll say to him, I don't ever really do much to it anyway, it's always big but not quite curly clip the bits off my face and we're good to go.

xxx

I'm standing in the doorway of a restaurant I've never even heard of, some Italian place, great time to get a text the exact time you're meant to meet, he isn't coming, he never had any intention to. Well, I'm here, I don't care if I'm on a diet or not. I want something greasy and unhealthy, tomorrow I'll be going back to my place to live by myself, have no human interaction for at least a week so who's gonna notice.

That's a good plan Chinese, and a walk through the beautiful green gardens, I'm sure that will make me feel better. Bench by the lake, lovely, food, check, no person in sight, even better and to top it all off the rain has stopped.

Of course, there had to be someone where I couldn't see, but hey, as long as this bloke doesn't talk to me or sit by me there's nothing to worry about. Just keep eating, the diet can start again in the morning.

"Excuse me?" First time I look up at this bloke, what the hell is he wearing, velvet jacket, don't see that everyday does you, best be polite.

"Yes."

"Could you help me, I'm terribly confused, I was wondering what year it is?" Great, he's crazy, I'm all alone and there is a crazy bloke with me, could this night get any worse. First proper look at him, and it confirms my suspicions all the good looking guys are mad.

"Umm, 2019, why?"

"Well I thought it was, but then I saw you in that dress, which looks lovely by the way, but then I thought it could be the 1950's but then I looked and saw your food and that confused me again. May I sit down?" Every other bench is empty and he wants to sit with me, this bloke who actually noticed my dress, I really want to say no. But hey I'm curious and if I'm totally honest I don't think it would be possible to say no to those eyes.

"Um, sure." I say moving my things across, I look down and realize how greedy I must look. I have enough food for at least two if not more, "Want some?" I say holding some chips up.

He smiles, I have to admit it was quite a smile, held it up, stared at it for a moment before eating it. I offered him some more of all the food, he did the same with everything.

"What's your name?" He suddenly comes out with, should have really seen that one coming.

After swallowing, "Y/N", I hold out my hand ready to shake, he does take my hand and then replies.

" Hello Y/N, lovely name, I'm the doctor."

"The doctor? Really is that what people call you, what, doctor what?"

"Just the doctor", after that we sat in silence for a little while, I had so many questions I wanted to ask, but I just couldn't bring myself to break this comfortable silence, besides who am I to judge. It wouldn't be fair anyway, everyone around here thinks I'm a bit strange and that never stopped me, maybe it's the same for that guy.

My eyes are starting to itch, oh how could I forget about my hayfever, I'm sitting in a giant flower garden, this really isn't my night is it.

I pick up my bag and start rooting through it. I'm sure I had some tablets or a tissue or something in my bag, why can I never find anything when I need it.

"What are you looking for? Could I help?"

"Just looking for my hayfever tablets or a tissue or something, nothing important."

"But if you're suffering with an ailment then it must be important."

"No, it's just my eyes." I take my glasses off and wipe my eyes with the sleeve of my cardigan. "Fine, see?"

"No, no, this will never do." He rooted through his pockets, as if they were huge, then pulled out a handkerchief, "Here, use this." He offered me the handkerchief, I wasn't going to take it, but pushed it closer, I really didn't have a choice.

"Thank you" What else can I say?

"Your welcome." He stopped and sat for a moment then said: "Are you quite warm enough, it does seem to be going cold and getting dark."

I hadn't really noticed the temperature, but he was right it was getting cold, but of course, I'm not going to let him know, I'll be fine soon, I'll be walking home. "I'm fine, thank you."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure thank you." He didn't seem to believe me but didn't say anything. I put my glasses on.

"We should really leave the gardens if there is something affecting your health." He seemed to clarify, "Keep the handkerchief, I've got plenty and you might need it again."

"Oh, well, thank you." I stand up and gather my things, I don't really want to go home yet but suppose I'm going to have to.

"Which way is town again, I can never remember."

I can't help but laugh, "Well, that depends on where you need to go, most of the town is that way" Pointing which way, " train station that way, bus station that way."

"Well, which way are you going." I don't think he realizes how weird and creepy he sounds.

"Um, Oh I'm going in a totally different way."

"But you came from that way, " He said pointing down the now dark, creepy lane next to the church and graveyard.

"Yeah, that's the direction of the place where I got stood up, to go home I need to go that way."

"You said the bus station was that way."

"I'm not getting the bus." Okay, why am I saying all this to a creepy stranger, whose name I don't know.

"How are you getting home, then?"

"Walking, it won’t take too long." Although that's not entirely true it can sometimes take an hour to walk home, but I always enjoyed walking and right now a walk by myself is probably just the thing I need.

"Walk, by yourself, in the dark, I think not."

"It's alright I walk it all the time, and anyway, once you're over the river, there are street lights."

"Let me give you a lift or something"

"Oh, no, I don't want to make you go out of your way."

"It wouldn't let me walk you home," I was about to interrupt when he said, " At least let me walk you to the street lights over the bridge."

"Okay, I suppose."

He offered me his arm, he really was the nicest gentleman I've ever met. I took his arm, and we started walking.

"So you got stood up, then."

"Yeah, a bit of a disaster, eh."

"Well, I think he must be an imbecile, to stand you up."

"No he's just a man, well, here we are at the bridge. It was nice to meet you, doctor."

"The pleasure was entirely mine."

A week later

Finally everything is sorted, ready to move, just typically your flatmate tells you their moving out the day before rent is due and she's leaving today, so no way I will be able to stay.

All morning was spent on the phone to the landlord trying to explain what's happened, he seemed just as annoyed as me, he's coming to collect the keys in 2 hours.

After that all my time was taken by packing all my stuff, so now that's everything into boxes, I don't quite know what I'm doing now, I mean tonight shouldn't be a problem. I will just have to go and stay at my parents house, luckily they are on holiday for a few days and I have the spare key, after that isn't so certain though.

More immediate problem then is how am I moving my stuff, can't drive the car, it's at the garage getting repaired, so no car, not going to be able to get all this on a bus, could get a taxi I suppose.

"Good", he opens the door for me " Which way, back that way", I say pointing from the direction I just walked.

"Bye" Jess pops her head out and round the door, with a box in her arms, her boyfriend having taken everything else. "Oh give these to Mr Baker for me" throwing her keys at me and leaving.

"Why did I ever move in with her, I do not know." I don't know why but speaking to yourself does sometimes help.

I put both our keys on the kitchen table , all my boxes are outside, I've made sure everything is clean. I don't really want to see Mr Baker, he seemed quite angry on the phone, not that I blame him. I know I wouldn't be able to afford it on my own and even if I could I wouldn't want to live alone, even if I do hate people sometimes, maybe one day I'll be a crazy animal lady.

Oh great no credit on my phone, so can't ring a taxi, my parents house is about a 30 minute walk and I wouldn't be able to take all the boxes at once. So I suppose I will have to hide all the other boxes, carry one down to the house to walk back and get the next one. It's going to be a long day.

Well might as well get going, these boxes aren't going to move themselves, besides the weather says it's going to rain again later, at least at the moment it's dry. Boxes hidden behind the shed, hope Mr Baker doesn't get rid of it, that's all my sci fi stuff and other dresses. Oh great I'm going to bump into Mr Baker I know it. Headphones in, musical playlist, I think, to calm me down, let's start walking.

I can't be more than 10 minutes away from where I left, when this bright yellow car pulls up beside me, with none other than the man from last week. What a coincidence that he is up here, almost too good to be true.

"Why, hello there Y/N, what have you got there." Why do I feel the need to tell him everything.

"Oh, hello Doctor, well done for remembering my name, most people don't." That's it keep stalling that will make everything better (!) "Oh, it's just some stuff I'm taking down to a friends." Well it's kinda true.

"Would you like a hand or a lift or something."

"No need, I'm sure I'll be fine"

"It's going to rain soon might as well."

"Oh, all right."

"Alright then"

"This is a lovely car," small talk has never been my forte, besides can't really talk about the weather.

"Oh, yes, I've had her for a long time, her name is Bessie"

"She's lovely, pull in down there on the next left, that's it straight in front."

"Do you believe me?" He says from behind me.

"Are you sure this is where you were headed , you were going in the other direction. "

"Well, as you're here, I thought I'd make the most of it, and get all the stuff."

I hop out the car and head to where I know all the heavy boxes are, what I hadn't expected was for him to be right behind me.

"Funny place to keep clothes, and, are those X-men comics?"

He obviously got distracted, typical man. " Uh, yeah"

"And Wonder Woman, and Superman and Batman ... "

"Yeah there are a few there, I'm not the most sociable person, one can never be lonely with a good book or comic."

He looked up smiling, then his smile fell as he stood up. " Are you alright, you're not getting rid of them are you, you seem to love them?"

"Well, not today, but probably soon" I don't know why I told him everything but I did.

After that he helped me get everything into the car, he got the door for me , he then headed back to the house, went in the general direction of the front door then after a minute if that came back and we headed off the road again.

"I might have a solution to your problem."

"I'm listening" Please don't be creepy, please don't be creepy.

"You could come live with me" Okay it's creepy. "Hear me out, I'm an alien, I have two hearts, I would say see for yourself but I am driving. I live in a spaceship called the Tardis, I can travel anywhere in time and space. How does that sound."

"Like you have read far too many comics."

"Let me show you." He turns down a country lane , and we keep going for some time before we stop at a weird blue, police box. "This is it," He practically jumps out the car and helps me out. "This is the Tardis" It doesn't look like a spaceship, who knows what will happen if I go in there. He opens the door and I can see some lavish furniture, and curiosity always gets the best of me, so I have a look.

Best to be honest "Yes", I could hardly breathe let alone talk.

"No, way, it looks huge in there," I literally walk around this box twice before I step inside, "It's bigger on the inside."

"Do you believe me?" He asks from behindn me.

"Great let's get you moved in, before we have an adventure".

So thank you for reading, honestly I know it's not great please don't be mean and any help to improve would be greatly appreciated X