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#everyone who can is vaccinated don’t worry
sweet-evie · 5 months
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Day in the Life of a Single Working Dad
A glimpse into the life of a single dad who's doing his best.
masterlist || pt 3
Content: Established Relationship, afab!oc, fem!oc, nameless!oc, she/her/hers pronouns for Satoru's S/O, singleparent!gojo, dad!gojo, Sentimental!Gojo, Mentions of Suguru and Satoru’s deceased lover, FushiGojo fam, Family, Fluff, Children…
A/N: Megumi is an angsty child… And Gojo’s antics don’t help. Also, I was 10 once and I had a potty mouth. Plus, I have loads of Gojo clan mentions sprinkled in this one, and they're connected to a post I made about my Gojo clan headcanons.
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Never Grow Up Pt 2
November 2012
06:17 AM; Ota City, Tokyo
“Whatever happened to checking the calendar for appointment dates scheduled in advance?” Shoko snickered on the other side of the line. “And why are you rushing? I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’re not going anywhere, but I am…” Satoru hissed, shooting a half-hearted glare at his phone propped up on a stand. Maybe answering Shoko’s FaceTime call was a bad idea.
“Why would you forget that Satsuki has her third vaccination scheduled today?”
“Trust me, you’d hate hearing the story.” He muttered through a mouthful of cereal.
“Sometimes I wonder what happened to the Gojo who would whine about his day not going okay. Where is he?”
“Buried under baby formula and diapers.” He grouched and shoveled the last of the sugary snacks into his mouth.
Catching movement at the corner of his eye, he turned to flash a bright smile and a wave at Tsumiki coming down the stairs dressed prim and proper in her school uniform.
“Come off it, Gojo, you have it easy. All you worry about is showing up on time to wherever you’re needed. And you never even do.”
“Okay, untrue.” Satoru knew Shoko was only joking. Did he have to mention the ad hoc lesson plans and the paperwork for the most recent missions he’d been sent on, plus the occasional parent-teacher meeting sprinkled in-between? “But I am self-aware enough to know that I have people helping me.”
“All that and you’re still a mess.” Megumi interjected, appearing behind Tsumiki with his school bag clutched between his hands. He barely evaded his sister’s elbow.
“Hey~” Satoru whined… Loudly. “I feed you!”
“The cook feeds me… He feeds you too.” Megumi shook his head, approaching the island counter to take the school lunches that had been prepped meticulously. He blurted out a quick ‘Hi’ to Shoko through the phone before busying himself with arranging his things. “Who packed this by the way? Kaihara comes in at lunch time today, doesn’t he?”
Sometimes Satoru marveled at how easily Megumi memorized everyone’s schedules in the house. Satoru knew who came in and out of the house too, of course, but he didn’t exactly bother remembering what time they were supposed to clock-in for their shifts. He was just used to seeing people outside of his family in the house, doing what they were hired to do.
“I would like to say that great teacher Gojo is good at packing lunches too, but I can’t take the credit. It was all ‘Miki.” Satoru grinned, reaching over to squeeze Tsumiki’s shoulder affectionately and pat the top of her head. 
“Don’t look too relieved now.” Shoko piped up.
Satoru had almost forgotten they were still on-call. “I’m not even going to bother asking what you mean by that because it’s nothing good. I’ll see you at the school, Shoko.”
“See you… Bring Satsuki’s important medical documents.”
“Gojo, if you’re really busy today, Megumi and I can always take the train.” Tsumiki offered, smiling at him sweetly as she finished zipping up her school bag.
“And be late to homeroom class? No way!” Satoru protested playfully, sticking out his tongue.
“Because you always show up on time, don’t you?” Megumi muttered sarcastically, only all too eager to push Satoru’s buttons this early in the day.
Grinning impishly, Satoru took threatening steps forward with his hands outstretched, ready to mess with the boy’s carefully styled hair. Megumi was about to swat his hand away — infinity be damned, when Ms. Yumiko — one of the hired nursemaids — wandered into the kitchen carrying a gurgling wriggly baby in her arms.
“Satsuki!” Tsumiki cheered, coming over to greet the happy girl.
“Full from breakfast and fresh from her bath.” Ms. Yumiko was grinning, bouncing her adorable charge in one arm as Tsumiki teased, tickled, and cooed at the baby. “Everything you’ve requested is on the table in the foyer, Sir.”
Satoru began ushering Megumi to move forward, snagging his blackout glasses left on the dining table as well. “Thanks, Yumiko. I know your shift’s barely begun, but you can clock-out early if you want. I’ve already told Kaoru and Shiori they can take the day off too, since Satsuki’s coming with me today. Isn’t that right, Princess?”
Satsuki turned her wandering attention from Tsumiki to her own father as Yumiko held her out to him, all the while babbling a continuous stream of, “Da-da” as she was transferred from one place of safety to the next.
Satoru knew she didn’t understand what that meant yet, but he’d take it. His baby was looking for him. “Right here, ‘Tsuki.”
Father and daughter giggled at each other as Satoru eagerly participated in baby talk, cooing and mouth popping at the little girl. She had on a cute blue dress dotted with white kittens, complete with matching shoes and headband. Satoru didn’t think he was being biased if he said Satsuki was the cutest baby in the world. It wasn’t an unfounded brag either… It was just facts.
His baby girl with snow white hair, the prettiest amber eyes, and the puffiest cheeks. Like a chipmunk…
She should be a Disney princess.
“Hey, Gojo!” Megumi grumbled, peeking around the hallway to scowl at him. “Satsuki will be late for her shots if you don’t hurry. Tsumiki’s already in the car.”
He didn’t mention that he and Tsumiki would be late for school too if Satoru kept dawdling.
Satoru gasped dramatically and grinned when it elicited another giggly reaction from the baby in his arms. “Oh right! We can’t be late, Princess. Shoko will kick my ass.”
“Language!” Megumi huffed from the foyer.
“She doesn’t even know what it means yet!” The man whined, launching into a tirade. “You cuss all the time, and yeah, I can hear you cussing through the walls. But do I call you out? No, I don’t, because it doesn’t matter!”
“Fuck off.”
Satoru cackled like a demon out of hell as Megumi’s footsteps faded away, followed by the door closing. The kid didn’t take shit and knew how to tell people off. He couldn’t wait to see how that would serve him in the years to come — especially as a sorcerer.
If Satoru bothered to look, he would have seen Yumiko standing politely to the side, shaking her head at the antics in this household. When she’d first taken on the job, she had been made to believe that this was a serious undertaking and she would have to maintain strict propriety and formality at all times — express reverence to the head of the Gojo clan and the wielder of the Six Eyes… Reality couldn’t be farther from the truth.
“Stay safe, Master Gojo. Thank you.” She bowed as he passed by.
“Thank you, Yumiko. The house is yours!” Satoru waved as he made his way to the foyer and the genkan to get his shoes, phone in one hand as Satsuki busied herself chewing and drooling on the collar of her father’s leather jacket. “Clock out anytime and lock up. See ya!”
=OoOoO=
08:13 AM
Satoru pushed his glasses farther up his nose as he watched Megumi sullenly trail after Tsumiki as they passed the school gates. The kids would leave primary school behind very soon, moving on to Junior year. He should probably have Ijichi start looking into junior high schools they could transfer to. Two more years of that, and Tsumiki would continue to senior high school, while Megumi would relocate to Jujutsu Tech — on-track to becoming a full-time sorcerer.
Tilting the rearview mirror ever so slightly, Satoru grinned at Satsuki nestled snuggly into the comfiest car seat his money could buy. She was busy touching and nibbling her Yukimi Botamon plushie. That one would get its turn in the washing machine soon — about to join the other Digimon plushies victimized by her curious hands. He’d heard of parents who got upset with kids who tore up their toys, but it didn’t really matter to him. He would just buy her more.
“Should we stop by Starbucks, Princess? Auntie Shoko demands payment in coffee.”
Her reply came in wet babbles and a single squeal that Satoru took as a ‘yes.’ Putting the sedan in reverse, Satoru carefully backed away from the parking spot he’d stolen from an angry mom when he’d arrived ten minutes ago. Megumi and Tsumiki looked at him like he was crazy, but really, the angry lady didn’t have to get so defensive.
He glanced at Satsuki again as he left the school and drove to the closest Starbucks he could find. She was still babbling to herself. He was late for his own first year class at Jujutsu Tech, but it didn’t really matter. The kids could train with their upperclassmen just fine. Besides, he knew the moment he set foot on campus with Satsuki in tow, all sins would be forgiven in favor of entertaining the cutest, most precious baby alive.
Even Yaga couldn’t reprimand him for tardiness if he was toting Satsuki around.
Shoko accused him of using his daughter as an excuse and a shield to get out of trouble, and they were right. But who cared? Satsuki certainly didn’t. She just wanted to eat her baby food and play with her toys.
Besides, if all else failed, he could always hit the higher ups, who had the audacity to complain, with excuses along the lines of, ‘My kids are waiting for me at home.’
Being responsible for three growing children was a tall task, but in this at least, Satoru Gojo could admit he’d had it easy.
Well, easier than most.
Most people had budgeting to think about. They had to juggle work, child care, home maintenance, and healthcare. Most people were not privileged enough to be born into a family that provided their every need. Most people couldn’t move from one upscale residence to the next in just five days. Most people didn’t have a wealth of connections they could call or the money needed to take care of this and that to expedite processes as much as possible.
(What do you mean there were technical legalities to having a baby outside of marriage? Something about Supreme Court rule enacted last month? What do you mean there are lengthy legal procedures needed to legitimize the birth of his daughter just because he and his Love weren’t married yet when they had her? Apparently, the surname ‘Gojo’ didn’t have much weight if she wasn’t considered legitimate under the eyes of the government’s law.)
Satoru Gojo had the backing of an influential clan who had footholds in and out of jujutsu society. The majority of them cared too much for the family’s reputation as a whole and had resolved to help “cover” the “shame” Satoru’s “careless dalliances” brought them. It was a ridiculous mindset to have, really, but as powerful as Satoru was, he couldn’t change the way people thought.
It didn’t matter to him as long as he got what he wanted and Satsuki could grow up without worrying about legal bullshit around her birth.
Part of him wanted to whine about it to someone — about how much his life resembled a neverending whirlwind now, but Satoru was self-aware enough to know that he had been granted enough privilege and enough resources to make his life manageable. His younger self certainly wouldn’t have thought about it like this. If he had thought his life was busy before having Satsuki, he wished his old self could see it now.
=OoOoO=
10:02 AM; Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School
The drive up to Jujutsu High had been mostly uneventful. The only real hiccup had been when Satsuki started crying and he had to pull up at a gas station with a convenience store, so he could run inside and hopefully find something she needed that he didn’t have. But really, everything should be in the baby bag that Yumiko packed before they left home this morning.
Turned out, the baby needed a diaper change, and Satoru didn’t know what was worse: the fact that Satsuki had to be uncomfortable now of all times or the fact that diaper-changing stations were only in the women’s bathroom. It wasn’t a problem because he could warp in, do his business, and warp out, but it was still quite baffling.
Why did people in-charge of making restrooms and toilets neglect to put diaper-changing stations in the men’s room?
With Satsuki now strapped to Satoru’s chest, her baby bag slung over one shoulder, and Shoko’s unhealthy umpteenth dose of caffeine in hand, Satoru kept using Blue to move quickly up the stairs to Jujutsu High up until he reached Shoko’s clinic in the school.
Satsuki was giggling again, humming, and babbling ‘Da-da’ over and over as her tiny fists gripped the front of his dark gray shirt. Her little head moved this way and that, taking in colors and shapes that didn’t have a name in her growing brain. Satoru didn’t miss the way his baby kept staring up at him though, and who was he to refuse his daughter’s whims when she babbled like that? And if he had to blow his own saliva bubbles and pop them loudly so she would give him that cute gummy smile, no one had to know.
“Well, if it isn’t the deadbeat father.” 
Shoko joked when Satoru stepped through the door of her clinic at Jujutsu High. She was taking the unlit cigarette out of her mouth to drop it in her stash.
“Nice joke, Shoko. You should try something funnier next time.”
Shoko snorted and helped him unload. The baby bag was deposited on the couch, and the Starbucks coffee left on her desk — plain old cold brew for her and a cola frappuccino for Satoru. Holding out her hands, Satoru gladly passed his baby over to Shoko while he rid himself of the carrier.
“This is her last round of vaccines right?” He asked, fishing out the documents Shoko asked him to bring earlier this morning.
“Da-daaaa~ Da-da Da-da.”
“Yep.” Shoko nodded once and turned to the gurgling baby in her arms, voice turning soft. “Is ‘Da-da’ the only word you know? Say Shoko… ‘Sho-ko.’”
Satsuki giggled, popping drool bubbles in her mouth. “Da-da! Da-da Da-da.”
It devolved into incoherent babbling after that as Satsuki moved around in Shoko’s arms and stared at everything and anything. Satoru snickered and reached over to wipe off the drool from the corner of his daughter’s mouth.
“You’re so gross, ‘Tsuki. This after you made a mess on the way here too?”
“Huh, I wonder where she gets it from.”
“I’m offended.”
“You should be.”
Leaving a pouting Satoru, Shoko went to get everything she needed for the vaccinations. Satoru took Satsuki back and made her sit on one of the patient beds. Shoko took her time preparing everything, but it was hard to ignore the conversation happening behind her — a nonsensical conversation, but it was one nonetheless. It was a mix of baby talk and so. Much. Giggling.
People could say what they would about Satoru Gojo at this point, but anyone who worked closely with him couldn’t deny that he loved his daughter dearly — so enamored by her too.
With Satsuki sitting on a patient bed, propped up by her father, Shoko began administering the shots methodically, and Satsuki’s giggles turned into loud wailing and a lot of fussing.
Satoru cooed, wiping fat tears that rolled down his baby’s cheeks, and when they were done, he took her in his arms, tucked her head into the crook of his neck and calmed her down in the softest, most saccharine voice Shoko ever heard him use — a voice he used just for his baby girl. In some small way, it felt wrong to be there. It almost felt like intruding on a very private family matter.
“Sshh~ why’s my baby cryin’? Did it hurt, Princess? It’s just a tiny boo-boo, don’t worry about it.” 
He patted her back, left kisses on the top of her head, swaying side to side a little until the tears stopped and the aftereffects of the vaccine took hold.
“You don’t mind if I stay here a bit, do you?” Satoru gestured towards the sleeping baby in his arms. “She’ll wake up hungry and I have to feed her afterwards.”
Despite herself, Shoko had to laugh a little and nodded her consent. She sat next to him on the couch with a medical report in her hands. The clinic was silent — almost as if no one was there. Shoko intently read the document she’d been studying before he got here, while Satoru contented himself with scrolling through his phone while a baby slept on his shoulder. 
Time passed slowly in silence, and after a while Shoko spoke up quietly.
“When are you moving back to your apartment in Roppongi?”
“I’d like to do it before ‘Tsuki’s first birthday. Everything should be settled by then. Also, we haven’t exactly been weaning her from breast milk, but she doesn’t like it much anymore. Is that normal?”
“She’ll be 7 months old soon.” Shoko fiddled with the corner of a page. “It should be fine. Some babies feed on breast milk until they’re 2 years old, some are weaned early by their parents, and some don’t have a preference for it at all. Humans are strange like that.”
“Oh…”
“Sometimes it feels like only yesterday that you moved into that house in Ota.”
“I know, right?”
“Does your mother know that you’re planning to move back to your apartment?”
“I’ll tell her soon, after I’ve finished arrangements to move all of the kids’ stuff to my apartment and after an interior design crew finishes remodeling the space to fit children. Less trouble that way.”
Shoko chuckled quietly. “Look at you being a responsible adult. Never thought I’d see the day.”
Satoru wanted to say that it only took losing Suguru and the Love of his life to childbirth, but he held his tongue. It would be a stupid joke to make, and it wasn’t even that funny. If he had done things differently after that failure of a mission to bring Amanai to Tengen, maybe Suguru would still be here… If he had been a tad more responsible, maybe his girlfriend didn’t have to lose her life.
This was the reality he lived in now, and he’d promised himself he would do anything in his power to give Fushiguro’s kids the life they deserve and love his daughter enough so she would not miss out on the affection her late mother would have lavished on her.
So even if the situation was far too complicated, he’d waded through the knots, got his hands dirty, and did his best to sort things out.
After Satsuki’s birth, his mother had been adamant about him spending more time in the Gojos’ expansive ancestral home — the family’s estate, located further in the outskirts of Tokyo. There, he would have had access to a small army of hired nursemaids that could cater to Satsuki’s every need. The women in his family and his own mother had more knowledge about childrearing and experience than he ever could, but there was the fact that if he let it happen, they would isolate him from his own baby — pushing him towards his duties instead. 
That was not something he wanted, and the Love of his life would hate him if that ever happened. He made a promise to her.
Satoru would have preferred to raise Satsuki in his spacious 4-bedroom apartment in Roppongi from the start, but his mother did have a point. For the first few months of Satsuki’s life at least, his schedule required convenience. Roppongi was in the heart of the metropolis. His apartment was the perfect bachelor pad and entirely ill-fitted to house a newborn and all of her needs.
He settled in Ota City, which was somewhat closer to Jujutsu Tech and his family’s ancestral seat; moved into one of the residential properties registered under his name as clan head. It was a private two-storey home maintained by a live-in caretaker after the clan purchased it two years ago. 
The propositioned army of nursemaids were reduced to three, scheduled to come in shifts throughout the day so Satoru would have assistance 24/7. His mother hired a cook for him, someone in-charge of nutritional meal prep for Satoru and the children under his care. The housekeeper and the gardener the family had hired when the house was purchased would retain their duties, reporting to work twice a week to make sure the property stayed neat and tidy.
So while he was indeed busier than ever before, his life wasn’t as messy as it was expected to be had he been forced into a situation where he had to deal with all of this by himself.
“Megumi gives me enough shit about it.” He joked, shaking his head at the memory of Toji’s son.
“You think you can manage without the nursemaids and the cook after you go back?”
“I could keep them around if I wanted too, but nah. The apartment is serviced, and honestly, Tsumiki knows how to work a kitchen anyways. I’m her sous chef you know.” He declared proudly, flashing Shoko a grin that reminded her of a much younger, more-carefree, and more insufferable Satoru.
“I pity whoever’s on housekeeping duty when they have to clean your apartment.”
“So mean.”
=OoOoO=
04:55 PM; Ota City, Tokyo
The rest of Satoru’s day fell into a routine. After Satsuki got the last round of her vaccines, she had woken up hungry, fed from a bottle, and then she was strapped to her carrier, before Satoru went off to check on his first years. 
He had four of them this year. They were nothing to write anyone home about though. Two of them were more suitable for support — perhaps as assistants, and the other two were guaranteed sorcerers. They could get to Grade 1, if they pushed themselves hard enough — which looked like it wasn’t the case, because all four always did prefer theoretical lessons over practical applications.
And all four shared the same sentiment towards him bringing a baby to campus.
They adored Satsuki… Of course they did.
Satoru was predisposed to believe that anyone who didn’t, didn’t have a heart.
One of the girls, Eri, jumped up from her perch under a tree and rushed to Gojo first, squealing Satsuki’s name all the while. The other three followed and Satoru let them fawn over the baby girl while he delivered a verbal lesson on cursed energy control right there on the field. The students fiddled with her headband, cooed over how cute her little dress was, and watched her fondly as she played with the Digimon plushie that Satoru brought over. Yes, he derailed from the lesson from time to time to accommodate his baby whenever she squealed, “Da-da,” but for the most part, Satoru Gojo stuck with his version of a ‘routine.’
Finish a lesson at Jujutsu High, check the list of missions that were filtering down to the students, skip the paperwork (he’d make Ijichi do it, easy), receive mission briefs from Yaga, pick up Megumi and Tsumiki from school, and finally head home.
He wasn’t really one for routines. Living the same way every day was just boring. Whatever routine he’d managed to put together for the last couple of months had been ragtag… Impromptu. In a sense, it wasn’t really a routine, was it? More like a list of daily plans that got moved around the board by order of changing priority.
Megumi was quick to point out that it was a disgraceful mess if Gojo ever called it a ‘routine’.
Satoru had to give him credit though. He and Tsumiki were better at holding down the fort while he was running around taking mission calls from the higher ups, being a teacher, and being around Satsuki enough to witness her milestones.
Just like now…
Phone tucked between chin and shoulder, the furrow between Satoru’s brows did not disappear the longer he listened to an urgent mission brief on the other side of the line. 
Megumi had closed the front door behind him and was heading to the living room to do his homework. Tsumiki cast one last concerned look at Gojo before turning away to follow her brother.
A shrill squeal stopped her in her tracks and she spun around to see Satsuki staring straight at her, one arm outstretched and pointing in Tsumiki’s general direction. She was babbling and blowing bubbles again and when Tsumiki outstretched both hands towards her, Satsuki squealed and gurgled some more.
“One second.” The clipped and curt tone instantly shifted into a cheery voice as Tsumiki approached. “Mind taking her for me, ‘Miki?”
“Nope. Come here, Satsuki.” Tsumiki smiled, carefully taking Satoru’s baby girl into both of her arms. “Can you help me do homework?”
Shifting the wriggling baby into one arm, Tsumiki brought over her school bag, plopping it next to Megumi’s as she claimed a spot on the carpeted floor. The television was on a nature documentary channel, and it held Satsuki’s attention while the siblings started to take care of homework. Megumi sighed, looked up from his notes, and paused immediately after.
“Tsumiki, she’s eating her fingers again.”
The brunette stared down at the baby lying on her lap and clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Oh dear. Satsuki, no… Your hands are not that clean.”
Tsumiki tried to take Satsuki’s hand out of her own mouth, but the baby began to whine in protest. She wasn’t crying yet, but soon she would be. The moment her wail gradually increased in volume, it was over. Tsumiki hadn’t even realized Megumi had left his spot. He startled her a little bit when he tapped her shoulder and held out the jar full of multi-colored pacifiers that he’d taken from the dining room.
“Da-daaaa! Da-daaa! Da-da Da-da~” Came the long, drawn out wail that Megumi had been afraid of — all before Tsumiki had the chance to stick one of the suckers into her mouth.
“Well, you know who to call if you don’t get your way, huh?” Tsumiki tutted, gently pressing the pacifier nipple to Satsuki’s lips.
She latched on to it, and Tsumiki wiped down the baby’s hands with gentle antibacterial wet wipes that she’d fished out of her bag.
“How is she spoiled already? It’s only been six months.” Megumi huffed, plopping back down on the carpet.
Tsumiki giggled. “I don’t think she knows she’s spoiled, to be honest.”
“You said yourself, she knows to call for Gojo if she wants something.”
“That’s just what it sounds like. But really, does she even know what ‘Da-da’ means?” Tsumiki mused curiously. To Satsuki, ‘Da-da’ was just a word that brought Satoru to her. So what was the comprehension level of a six-month-old?
“I don’t know.” Megumi shrugged.
“She knows all of us and everyone coming and going in this house, and she’s attached to Go—”
“Heyyy~”
Tsumiki and Megumi turned to the direction of the owner of the voice. As expected…
“I heard a Princess crying. Is she okay?” Satoru sauntered over to them with that ever present grin. The glasses had been tucked away in favor of a black blindfold. It hung around his neck.
“Mhm… Just fussy.” Tsumiki piped up, stroking Satsuki’s hair while the brunette rocked back and forth slowly. “She wanted to eat her own hands, so Megumi had to get the pacifiers.”
Satoru snickered and eyed the jar of flavorless suckers that the kids had abandoned on the couch. Satsuki was happily sucking on a Leafmon pacifier.
“Tried one of those once. Sucks that they’re so bland.”
Megumi wondered if Satoru realized how crazy his statement was. Even Tsumiki was giving him side-eye. God forbid Satsuki inherited her father’s sweet tooth. It would not end well if the food supply around the house slowly shifted to just sweets. Thank the gods for Kaihara who always brought fresh produce and vegetables that Megumi could actually eat — except red bell peppers. Fuck those!
“Seriously? How old are you?”
Megumi should have known better the moment he saw a shit-eating grin spread across Satoru’s face. “Old enough to have a baby and raise them apparently?”
“Gross.”
“Hey~ What’s wrong about having kids?”
Megumi glowered at him — an expression too eerily similar to a man Satoru knew not too long ago. “Shut up. You’re gross.”
Satoru laughed obnoxiously. “I don’t know what you mean, Megumi.” 
The dark-haired boy rolled his eyes. They all knew Gojo knew… It was just one of those silent cues that said, ‘Drop the subject.’ Heaving a dramatic sigh, the man hopped over the back of the couch, landing smoothly next to Tsumiki. The brunette propped Satsuki up, so she was sitting on her knees, and Satoru’s expression brightened even more as he kissed his daughter’s forehead.
“Mind her bedtime, yeah?” He patted Tsumiki on the head and reached over to tousle Megumi’s hair — the latter felt unfortunate enough to receive it because he was not quick enough to evade him. “And you—” He zeroed in on the baby and tickled her tummy so she giggled, pacifier nearly falling out of her mouth “—be good to ‘Miki and ‘Gumi.”
“Hm?” 
“A mission?”
Tsumiki hummed just as Megumi asked.
“Yup. In Aoyama and Suginami. Depending on how this mission goes, I may or may not be around tomorrow morning. Yumiko’s coming in early though, and Kaihara prepped meals that can be reheated in the oven for breakfast if you want them. Otherwise, there’s cereal and cookies!”
“Be safe, Gojo.” Tsumiki smiled at him with so much sincerity, lifting Satsuki’s little fist to mimic a wave. The tiny girl stared up at her dad with big amber eyes, still intently sucking on her pacifier. “Don’t worry about us.”
“I’ll try not to be.” He grinned and rose to his feet. “Oh and about the ride to school tomorrow. If I’m not here by morning, Ijichi will be around to pick you both up. Yumiko and Kaoru will take care of Satsuki. I’ll be off! Good night, kiddos!”
=OoOoO=
Contrary to what he’d said, Satoru did make it back home before the children were due to wake up. A single glance at the property assured him that everything was untouched — no sign of attempted entry on both the physical premises and the layers of protection barriers over the home. The talismans infused with his cursed energy remained undisturbed — probably more than enough to ward off any threat that wanted to come close.
Unprovoked physical and supernatural attacks were rare for him (actually close to nonexistent because what curse or curse user would be stupid enough to launch an assault on Satoru Gojo?), but you could never be too sure.
Someone left the light at the foyer open — probably Tsumiki. She was mindful like that. The rest of the house was neat and quiet like always. Even before he’d had Satsuki, Megumi and Tsumiki were always responsible kids that picked up after themselves, and Satoru appreciated it. It wouldn’t have been a problem if they were messy because the apartment in Roppongi was clean-serviced routinely, but the Fushiguros’ tidiness and sense of responsibility that matched an adult’s was a sad reminder of how they were abandoned too early and were forced to grow up.
The watch on his phone displayed 4:47AM in white bold letters.
He took the stairs two at a time and made a beeline for the room beside his — Satsuki’s nursery. It was a usual sight: Satsuki in dream land, her night light was on, the winter-themed animal mobile hanging above her bassinet was turning slowly in circles too, and the room smelled of baby powder mixed with something distinctly floral. What was not usual were the kids sleeping comfortably on the large bean bags on the floor, sandwiched between the Divine Dogs. They were supposed to be in their own rooms across his own, but nope… Tsumiki was clutching a Digimon plushie — completely unaware of the presence of a canine conjured from her brother’s shadows, and Megumi had an open book on his face, the fingers of one hand buried in the Black Divine Dog’s fur.
What a sight to come home to…
He didn’t really say it, but he truly did appreciate the way Megumi and Tsumiki cared for his daughter like she was their own sibling. He had the Fushiguros as his wards first — looked after them together with the Love of his life, and when Satsuki was born, the situation could have turned sour quickly because of the swift change in living arrangements and the introduction of a baby that would take the majority of his attention. They could have been resentful… They could have been jealous… They could have thrown tantrums.
Instead, he had Tsumiki being her kind and sweet self as always, while Megumi was… Megumi. The kid was a grouch from the moment they met, but Satoru knew that he cared — in his own quiet ways. He and Megumi were similar like that, but Megumi was reserved and preferred to keep to himself where Satoru often forgot what personal space was.
Snapping a picture of the domestic scene that stirred something in his chest, Satoru turned and left the children in their peaceful slumbers, making his way to his own bedroom to catch a nap.
If he could come home every day to a sight like that… he’d never complain about a single thing in his life ever again.
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saintship · 6 months
Note
Me back with another weird ass request/discussion thing :)
-EDA
I recently got my Nexplanon replaced (birth control implant in the arm) and have a giant ass bruise rn.
But that's pretty much unrelated. It just got me thinking about how funny it'd be for any of the cod boys to find out you had one and how they'd react.
Beacause everyone who touches it is immediately horrified and/or disgusted. It feels very odd and is obviously not flesh.
Nexplanon is so insane like how does arm implant prevent baby
Hope your arm isn’t too sore! My vaccine arm has been giving me shit for over a week
Ghost has either only seen the ads or has no idea what you’re on about; I can also see him being skeptical and that image is so funny to me
Soap pokes and prods and does not stop until he’s distracted by something else or you make him. Type of guy to be like “that’s so gross!” (Gross is cool to him) While poking something and just. Continuing to poke it. Would name the implant. Don’t worry about a kid because Barbara’s got you covered.
Gaz is baffled you were able to go through with it, he gives me the vibes of a guy who’s afraid of procedures/needles. Holds a hilarious amount of respect for just getting it in the first place. If he went with you to get it replaced he would be more nervous that you for sure
Price is hard to pin down, pamphlet princess, wants to know everything you know about care and replacement, probably hadn’t heard of Nexplanon before you showed him
Quick A/N feel free to click off if you don’t gaf:
I have a few drafts right now, but I’m taking courses and I’m in a play cast, along with stress and higher levels of anxiety recently I might be posting less frequently but I really appreciate being able to become a better writer on here :)
-S.S.
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sugarakis-p2 · 2 years
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Mommy needs me! Ch2
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700+ followers special! Thank you so much!
You came to your Aunts farm to get away from stress. But you don’t know how to with the giant Mothman-manchild, who is pissing and jizzing everywhere in your house. You really need answers. Is he an alien? Is he a man? Is he a moth? Too many questions have you turning to the one man you never wanted to see or hear from again. Kai Chisaki, a young yakuza leader that still gives you nightmares.
The vet is moving in. You are starting to consider the fact your Aunt might have kidnapped Shigaraki. When the vet offers to help you move her in asap. Shigaraki hates it. But, this does give him a lot of mommy time.
Warning: Mommy kink possessive Moth Shigaraki.
Ch1
Chapter 2:
"So," the vet started as she grew the Mothman's blood.
Shigaraki eyes silted open and then shut as he nuzzles at your lap. You put his head in your thighs and gently stroked his hair and antennae to keep him still. He rumbles, twitching his wings, as he smothers his face in the crotch of your pants. Loud hot breaths fill the room. The stringent scent of vodka and saki assaults your senses. You don't want to have a conversation.
His behavior is humiliating, and you don't want to look or talk to anyone while he's like this. You heat with shame, wondering how horrible the vet must think you are.
"Do you want testing to see if he has an std?" the vet asked.
"What? Why would you… I mean, I'm not the weird one. You! I was curious about…," You can't finish whatever obvious lie you were about to say. You felt yourself overheating, sweating in fear under the vet's gaze. Shigaraki did not like it. He lifts his head and hisses. He is so drunk he flops back down in the nest, pulling you to him. The vet has to scramble to get the needle still in his arm.
"So defensive. It was clear by the display downstairs that he views you as his property. This is his nest, and if he hasn't tried something, he will soon. I'm not judging you," Tanaka says, putting a bandaid on Shigaraki's arm. You sigh because it can't be avoided. You wriggle your way out of his arms and follow the vet downstairs. It's still daylight. He will be in a deep sleep for hours.
"Would you like coffee?" You offer. The vet nobs and has a seat. She takes a whiff of the air. You hope that she will compliment your barista skills.
"Marking? Oh boy. With how big an aggressive he is, I do not envy you," she says, sipping the coffee. Flustered, you quickly try to explain yourself.
"He's not an animal. He's a man," you start, and the vet shakes her head.
"He is Insectoid. Very rare, especially after the great purge," she said.
"Great purge?" You questioned.
"I'm sorry I interrupted. I am better with animals," She said. Sipping more coffee and waiting for you to continue. You rather hear about the great purge. It makes you self-conscious. Swallowing hard, you begin with your Aunt.
"My Aunt is a pretty famous humanitarian. She has had some tough times. But she was a good person. The more time I spend with Shigaraki, I am concerned he might be a child my Aunt….might have….stolen a child to replace the one she lost. I can not bring myself to go to the authorities. My Aunts name would be dragged through the mud, and I'm worried someone will use Shigaraki as an oddity to be examined," you say quickly.
"You are wondering what he is though, right?" She asked. You nod nervously.
"I don't buy into the unexplained. I highly doubt he's an alien or came from another dimension. He's not a chimera or some beast hybrid of myth. He likely has an insectoid quirk, and his parents avoided the great purge. You are too young to know about this, but human genes started mutating about a hundred years ago. There was a debate about whether it was evolution and how to adapt. But it was short-lived as some very intense fanatics started slaughtering anyone showing these mutation traits. That was a third of the world's population and growing. They solved that problem with vaccination. Everyone gets this shot or risks going against the law. I would have to confirm with the bloodwork, but I believe his heteromorph quirk survived the great purge by his family members hiding in the woods," she said excitedly.
Your lip quivers. You feel so stressed and lost. But also relieved. He is a man, not some monster. You do not like the excitement in the vet's voice. She needs to stay discreet.
"Dr. Tanaka, he needs to be protected. He is just so dangerous but also very vulnerable," you say.
"I fully agree. He is fascinating, but with aggressive primal tendencies, someone will take him from you. I want to help you. I wonder what you intend if it does turn out he's a missing child?" Dr. Tanaka asks.
"I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Each step at its intended time," You say. Tanaka nods.
"I've noticed he is displaying some negative behavior I have seen in abandoned shelter dogs. He is not a beast, he's a man, but I get the feeling most of his developmental years behaviors are based on what he has seen in nature. He is imitating what he sees. I can stay a few days and help with some things, including behavioral. Run the labs in the van," Dr. Tanaka says.
"I would love it. But I'm concerned. I learned the hard way that nothing in this world is free. What do you want as compensation?" You ask with suspicion. She smiles and nods.
"You are right, and I am not purely altruistic. I am familiar with your Aunts work, and I don't want to damage her reputation. But you are right. I want to study him. Before you say no, I want you to consider that I will keep it anonymous and noninvasive. Purely observational. Unlike anyone else, you might have to take him too if he does get sick, I will treat him quietly," She says.
"How would this work? Will you need to stay here? I have a spare bedroom, although it smells like piss," you offer and question.
"Yes, let's deal with the marking," She starts.
"I have been trying to get him to use the bathroom. He refuses it. I even give him big…..uh…treats for it," you blush.
"I think that has more to do with his insect side. I know an Entomologist. I will give him a call. In the meantime, we can try something straightforward. My specialties are livestock and equine. I should be able to earn a good living to pay rent. I will help out in any way I can," she says, staring off into space.
"That would be great. Shiggy is draining my funds. He ate my mommy bunny. She was so sweet. I loved her so much, and he ate her in front of me. It's just been…trying. What is your idea?" you ask, turning away so she can't see you tearing up. What will you do if he has some family looking for him? He's been difficult, but are you ready to let him go? You mentally ask yourself in a sudden burst of panicked stress.
"Have you seen my phone?" Tanaka asks. You ended up going into an insane cleaning spree. Dr. Tanaka just said "fascinating" and lifted her legs when you ran the vacuum while she talked on the landline.
Shigaraki stomped down and ripped the cord out of the vacuum. Permanently killing it before stomping back upstairs.
 You must have drunk a gallon of water and had dinner ready for the hungover Shigaraki. A whole undercooked chicken with mac and cheese. He flicked the broccoli off, shoving the chicken in his mouth, bones crunching.
You put the broccoli and spoon on his plate. He uses the spoon to flick off the broccoli and guide the mac and cheese down his gullet. He drops the plate smacking his lips. He looks over to you and trills with love in his eyes. Swiftly moving to hug you with his greasy bloody hands.
You squeal that cute way that gets him excited. He does as asked. If mommy wants him to clean up in the sink, he will. When he hears a voice and notices his scent has been dulled in his territory, he growls. He whiffs the air and follows the voice but stops dead in his tracks. The voice of that female doctor that poked him was coming from the far-end guest room. An intense smell of citronella and tea tree hit his nose and antennae simultaneously.
His stomach revolted, and he almost puked. He ran outside, chittering and hissing. This ruined his night. It's supposed to be him and mommy. They were going to watch more of that show teaching him how to seduce a bratty mommy. Mommy was going to praise him for being a good boy and give him big boy time. He was about ready to go back and give her a piece of his mind for moving in this third wheel while he was sleeping.
Only mommy ran outside like she was on fire. Dropping her pants and peeing in a bucket. He cocks his head and chirps in curiosity. What is she doing? Doesn't she pee in that porcelain water bucket inside? He comes over to examine what she is doing. He loves the scent of mommy. It lights up his instincts. The hormones will cleanse him from the horrid stringent odor.
His cock strains painfully against his pants when your hormones hit his antennae. Caging you in his arms. Running his feelers all over your body, sniffing loudly and making tiny trills as his nose trails down your back. You Shriek. Smacking at him about how that was a sensitive area. He had no idea what you were jabbering about, but he knows you liked that. He can smell your wetness between your legs.
You pull away from him, picking up the bucket. He is about to ask you what silly thing you think you are doing. He was only going to use the ten words he knew, but you always seemed to get the idea. When your splash your piss around. He gasps, then shrieks as he pulls his dick out and pisses over your scent. Are you nuts! Every horny monster within a hundred miles will smell a breedable female.
It was confusing when you praised him. Wrapping your arms around his waist from behind, pressing your chest to his back. Kissing between his wings and telling him he's a good boy. He is a good boy. He doesn't want to mate in front of the weird female. He doesn't trust that one. She somehow reminds him of someone he vaguely remembers but not liking them.
If you think he's a good boy, now. Wait until he shows you a thing or two. He swells in pride, flapping his wings. Calming them as he turns to face you. Snatching you up in his arms, kissing over your face. He spreads his wings and flies. You scream and clutch at him. Wind whipping your hair against your face and his chest. He chuckles. You are so easily scared. Don't worry. He will protect mommy, always.
He sets down in a moonlit clearing. Fireflies danced on the tall grass in the background. With clawed fingers he points, clearing away some dead leaves, pointing all around you. It takes a moment to realize you are in a fairy ring. With the fireflies, it looks like something out of a fairytale. You pull out your cell phone and take videos and dozens of pictures for your channel.
When you put your phone away to kiss him and tell him what a good boy he is, a sly smirk quirks at the corner of his mouth.
"Mommy," he chirps and points out to the fireflies. He makes a breathy alien sound, and the fireflies come closer. Taking a deep puff, he exhales a shape in front of you. The Fireflies form into the shape of a heart with mom spelled out in the middle.
Your heart fluttered. This was the most romantic thing anyone has tried to do for you. Your emotions are bubbling up and overwhelming you. You start sobbing. Shigaraki's eyes widen in shock. He shoos away the fireflies. How dare they distress his mommy. He holds you close and lets your tears soak up in his ruff. You are about to explain when he coos to you, running his claws up your back. Sending tingles down your spine. It tickles your middle.
You giggle, and that quickly turns into desire. Shigaraki can feel you tense against him. Your arousal building like a flaming need. He can't take it. His fire is always blazing for you. Chirping loudly, he slumps his shoulders. Pressing you down, laying you in the middle of the fairy ring. He remembers an old tale about mating in a fairy ring.
It guarantees his mommy will become a real mommy. A real mommy for his brood. He will always be grateful to your Aunt. But the greatest gift your Aunt gave him was you. He loves you so sincerely he can't express it except with his eternal love. With a legacy that is a direct expression of that love.
He gets harder with his depraved thoughts of you serving him. He will be your everything. You will have no choice but to love and protect the nest and the grubs. He will do his part, of course. He will provide and protect from outside the nest. You yip as you lightly bump the ground with your ass. Surprised by his sudden dominance.
Usually when he sees you cry, he whines and mewls. Licking and keening in attempts to comfort. Laying on the ground, you gasped when you realized you had met the perfect man. You didn't have to tell him that you wanted him. It's like he can read your mind. Then why does he do all the things you hate? Your mind screeched. He freezes at your sudden angry thought.
Humans confused him in this. He feels a few things a few times a day, mostly hatred towards everything but mommy. Females are chaos. But it keeps him on his toes, and it's you. So, he will learn. You were so hot for him a moment ago, then cold, now lukewarm with an apology. He can sense it all. Barreling through on lukewarm is his rule. He wants to breed you, and you wanted him, if only for a moment. A moment was enough to push him forward.
"Need mommy, he whispers with deep gravel. He slips two claws into the crotch of your wet panties. He felt you get wetter. The flush and heat from you made him so hard that he was premature knotting. Must knot in mommy, his mind repeated. Fuck, his instincts need to make you his forever. NEED TO KNOT, MOMMY!
You blush and spread yourself wider for him. You turn your head to the side, not looking at him. There are mixed signals, but looking back at him was the signal. You want him deep in you. Mommy wants to be bred. He undoes his zipper and shoves his aching leaking length all at once, your tight walls resisting him. You feel so good he can't help himself. Mommy screams but doesn't try to move from him even though it obviously hurts. He is buried hilt deep in his tight mommy's cunt.
"Sorry….sorry, m-m-mommy. Tight and wet, mommy," he manages to get out.
"It's ok. You are a good boy. You feel so good. It stings a little, but it's ok. Keep going, my big boy," you moan to him. That gets him excited all over again, lifting himself onto his elbows to keep from crushing you. You look down at his muscular front. His abs quiver and constrict as he works himself deeper in you. Your mouth water at the sight and feel of him. His wings quiver so rapidly that his cock is vibrating. You are captivated by the view of his wings flashing the white and black, spreading and closing, sending vibrations to your core. 
"Thank you, mommy," he hissed. His breath hitched in his throat as his wings beat harder. Tears stung your eyes. He felt big, stretching you and rough. You must wrap your arms around his neck to stay in place. He is so deep and big that it burns, stinging as he starts to rock his hips. Slow to savor the cute expressions and noises you make when he pumps into you.
"Faster, be a good boy. A little faster," you whimper. He can't say no to his precious mommy. You are tightening, sucking his cock back in. Fuck, your body needs to be knotted and claimed by him. Unable to control himself, he fucks you hard. Hips snapping to a blur as you scream and writhe. His instincts light up like fire.
Your lithe little body implores him to fill you. Wings are shaking, cock throbbing in you, his eyes hooded with lust, his pale skin flushed. He smiles greedily, giving you two sharp chirps before stroking deeper and faster. Rubbing your g-spot inside, his antennae caressing your cheeks and tickling.
His body pressed hard against yours, making your pants come out ragged, his hot breath fanning over your hair. You are distracted by the stones digging in your ass and back. Bucking at an even rough tempo, sending waves of pleasure over you. You can still feel the buzz of his wings on your clit, and he is quickly making your climax build at the top of a cresting wave of ecstasy.
"Good boy. So, good," you encourage him. He quickly bites off two of his middle claws and reaches down between the two of you. He stole the doctor's phone. He watched enough tv to know that cell phones hold everything. Some of the videos on it showed him how to play with that bundle of nerves.
"What the…Oh….ah..ah..ah…yesss," you moan, wrapping your legs around him. You feel his calloused fingertips rubbing your bud, and you almost come undone. You take such good care of him that he must show you how much he loves you. Your pussy squeezing, begging him to knot you. He feels feral as his hips start to stutter as he bucks his hips in a blur.
"Mine…. mine…mine….my mommy," he snarled, the damn of desire in him broke, making mommy one with him in his sweet release. A rush of blood to his knot makes him light-headed you feel so good. His seed is implanting deep in your pulsing channel, milking as he felt each passing spurt be pulled from him. He wanted to pump into you more. You babble in pain, writhing, toes curling and digging into his boney ass. You know he knots but was hoping to squirm away from him. You grit your teeth because you feel impossibly full. You scream and smack him while he grinds his knot in you. He hasn't stopped yet.
"No! Bad boy! Stop," You shout. He gently rubs your clit with intensity and yanks at his knot with a harsh grind. Growling as he feels you getting wetter and constricting on him. To him, it felt amazing, as you trembled under him and cried. He feels your crest on his length, cumming hard, bliss crashing over you, arching up to him.
"Oh FUCK! I-I-I just came so hard my whole body aches. You bad fucking boy," you whimper with no bite in your words. He pulls his hand away, covered in your juices. He licks you clean off his hand. He lifted enough to look at where you are connected. He can see a light twitching as his cock spurt more cum in you. His heart swells like the soft bulge he created. You look beautiful with him buried in you.
"Love, mommy," he purrs. He lays on top of you and bites your neck gently to keep you in place with his sharp teeth. Humming around your flesh for reassurance until his knot softens. You kiss him and play with his soft hair. He pulls from you with a wet lewd suction. It's not until later You are walking back to the house over a short flight you think you love him.
He wanted to star gaze with you before entering the invaded house. Wrapping his wings and arms around you, careful with his hands. It dawns on you that he could have easily killed you when fingering you. It makes you anxious. If you do find his family, will they protect him?
A small part of Shigaraki hopes there is a sesame street on how to be a good daddy. His father was not a good example. When they entered the house, Dr. Tanaka smelled annoyed.
"Yes. I understand. No, sir. I can't say. I don't know yet. Yep. I will inform her," she said, hanging up her cell phone and rubbing her temples. Taking a step towards them and then stumbling back, "I have some bad news. Holy fuck. You two reek of sex. It smells like an iguana tank."
Whatever the flat-chested female said upset his mommy. He flared at her, wings wide and threatening. Mommy yelled no, but she needed to be protected. In this, he knows better than her. The vet held up a can. He wanted to laugh at the foolishness. She sprayed him in the face. The response was immediate. He fell to the ground and rolled around, screeching.
"No. Bad Shigaraki," the vet said calmly.
"What did you do?" you asked. Shigaraki clung to your legs and rubbed his eyes against your dress.
"I used a bug repellant. Don't worry. I made sure it won't kill him. We need something to train him. I found my cell phone in his nest. Anyways, we are in a bit of trouble. Kai wants to see you right away. He found out I was shutting down my practice for a few years. He is way too curious about Shigaraki. I thought we could say it's a Liger or some shit. But you will have to see him. I'm sorry," Dr. Tanaka said.
When the burning stopped, he hissed at her, and she raised the can again and gave him a firm no. He hid behind mommy. You coddled him because he was being so sweet for a change. It hit him like lightning, he knows who the female reminds him of. He pointed a claw at her.
"Father," he rasped.
"I'll take it if that means he will stop trying to kill me," Dr. Tanaka said. You are biting your lip and trembling.
"What if I don't go?" you ask quietly. Tanaka shook her head with a grim expression.
"He will come here to kill all of us. You do not stand up, Kai. It will be ok. Kai is a germaphobe. Pretending to have a cold will delay him, but you pay the piper at some point. I promise you. Visit him, and we will never have to deal with him again. I will watch Shigaraki while you're gone," Tanaka says, watching Shigaraki cautiously sniff at her.
This one can teach him to be a father. He bumped his head against her arm quickly before running upstairs to hide from new father until mommy came to bed. He pulls out the cell phone and chirps.
It was easy taking it from his new father.
Chapter 3
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kickthecan-revolution · 6 months
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My vet came yesterday armed with a ton of information about Peach. She has a fungal infection and an upper respiratory called Feline Calicovirus that is highly infectious - even objects, including my clothes and hands - can transmit it and the symptoms are rough for many cats. He was kind of amazed she tested positive for it, as it’s not super common. He said “what is it with you and these animals with bizarre hardly heard of infections? He spoke with an internist at length and we have a game plan. Peach is a little congested but doesn’t have any of the really tough symptoms which is a relief. And she’s been out and about a bit and I’ve certainly pet my cats after handling her, so them not showing signs of it is a good thing. He gave the cats distemper vaccines which will help lessen symptoms if she can’t get rid of it and does pass it to them, but we are hopeful that she can get rid of it. I’m balancing letting her be out and about so her smell can get into the house versus letting her get too close to the cats. Minnie wants absolutely nothing to do with her but Bud is curious and I can tell, if this works out, they’ll be good friends ,
Her herpes (also positive for that) viral load is low and almost all cats have that so he’s not worried. He’s also not worried that the stress of introducing a kitten will trigger Bud’s leukemia. So I’m more positive about keeping her but we will need to see what her labs come back with, I’ll do the right thing for her if it’s safer for everyone for her to be in a single cat household.
This entire process has been healing in a way that’s difficult to describe. I’ve dealt with some deep stuff that I couldn’t touch in 12 years of therapy. My intuitive coach is an energy worker and healer and at first I thought it was totally crazy, but I believe it now.
My vet and his assistant hung out for a while, I made them some cocktails, and we just chatted. He mentioned he was taking his staff to a Pink concert tonight right down the street and I told him they should stop by either before or after, I really want to meet his partner so he’s up for it! I feel like he could be a friend. If not, what an incredible blessing to have a Vet who will research and research and call and get second and third opinions. It’s such a blessing.
I’m hiding from the world. From the War. From the massacres. It’s clearly a privilege to do that. Shirley told me that the energy right now is something that the world has never experienced, and everyone, including animals, are all reacting to it. It’s a chance to elevate to our higher selves, it’s inviting us to do that, and the chaos is forcing us all to look at ourselves more deeply. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve had an odd foreboding about the future, like I couldn’t quite place it – I don’t think that means our future is over but I think things are changing in ways that none of us have ever experienced before.
I love all of you so much, you’re such an important part of my life and I’m so grateful you’re here to process my small but very valuable world with me. I take all of your comments to heart. Thank you for reading, thank you for your tolerance of me and giving me the grace to be raw and show the darker parts of myself as they come to the light.
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polarisbibliotheque · 2 years
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Dante & Vergil with their s/o on rainy days
Pairing: Dante x Reader; Vergil x Reader
Summary: The Sparda household needs to re-learn what cozy rainy days feels like. Luckily, they have you around to remind them - and some hot chocolate.
Author’s notes: This theme was suggested by @randomshit618 a long time ago and I finally go to writing it! I've been meaning to post for a while now, but I took my most recent vaccine shot and I can barely get up from bed (writing it from my comfy confinements right now ^^). But I wanted to let you guys know I haven't forgotten you!  Also, I'll be working on the other suggestions from the asks soon!
And, if you're in Brazil, I know we're having a displaced Carnaval and everyone's up to have fun, but do stay safe, ok? It's been a while and people are completely careless, accidents are bound to happen. So take care of yourselves ^^
Restrictions: Dante's is kinda of a follow up from a Sky-Blue Kind of Rain - so he's kinda in a depressive mood. Vergil starts his after waking up from night terrors, so I thought I should warn you.
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Dante
A Sky-Blue Kind of Rain
“Say… You never spent cozy rainy days at home?” Your question made Dante smile a little while both of you walked back home. He had his hands tucked in his pockets and you carried your huge sword as if it was nothing.
Sometimes, you wished you had his power of just summoning his sword out of his very being – but you had to settle with your humanity.
“Well… Never really had much of a cozy home.” He shrugged back; a little humorless giggle hidden at the end of his phrase. “I remember mom used to read us stories… Ya know, I was kinda scared of big thunderstorms when I was a kid.”
“I’m still scared of big thunderstorms.” You made sure to note that as soon as you noticed he was a little uneasy to admit that. Dante’s smile grew on his lips, and you marked that as a win. “They always made the lights go out back in the home I grew up. But I do like rain.”
“Yeah… It’s kinda… Soothing.” Dante’s voice got a little lost in the water by the end, while his eyes took in the skies.
He deserved all the peace he could get. Sometimes, you wanted to scream for it to register on his brain – but some other times, you just wanted to cuddle that huge, buffed demon hunter who carried such a wounded heart.
“It is. And you’ll get to know what a cozy rainy day at home looks like, even if it is the last thing I do.” And your voice was so sure of yourself, Dante couldn’t hold back the genuine laugh that played on his lips.
You almost tackled Dante so he would take a warm shower – a cozy one, to wash that cold rainwater that soaked both of you to your bones. He asked you to come along, but knowing your red devil, you’d spend the whole rest of the day under the water just because.
And, as much as you’d like to do that, the water bill wouldn’t pay itself by the end of the month. It was fine for him to take a longer sort of shower – but the two of you in it would make the water bill stratospherically absurd.
So, you decided to avoid that.
Instead, you took your time by yourself to settle in the kitchen.
“Gotta say, it’s been a long time I don’t smell something like this…”
As you turned around, you met Dante leaning by the door frame, his arms crossed in front of his chest, but carrying a faint smile on his lips. You could see his sky-blue eyes under his pearly white hair – so amusing how it reminded you of when he was younger in his old red vest and black turtleneck, what he used to wear when you first met.
“Chocolate…?” It was a guess; and stripped off the certainty Dante always carried in his voice.
His spirit was tired. You could see it in his eyes.
“Yeah. I took a look at the recipe notebook Kyrie gave me and found a really good and quick brownie recipe.” You winked at him, leaning on the counter while holding the wooden spoon, filled with the chocolaty batter, on one of your hands. “And don’t worry, big guy. I’m working on some strawberry jam so you can use it as a syrup and appease your thirst for berries.”
“Huh, you didn’t have to worry about that, babe… Mom did make some choco cakes for us sometimes.” Dante’s smile was a little absent minded, leaving the door frame to lazily approach you. “Though Verge was more of the chocolate freak. Me, I’ve always been more into strawberries.”
“Bet Eva made strawberry choco cakes and that solved all her problems.” You smiled back at him as Dante stopped in front of you, playing with your hands for a while.
“Well, you are as brilliant as her, babe.” Dante confirmed with a small smile and a wink, making you giggle in response. “Need some help tidying things up?”
“Of course. I was waiting for you to start that part of my mission… My favorite, if you wanna know.” You winked back at your red devil and, letting go of his hands only to offer him the bowl and the wooden spoon you used to prepare the batter. You did scrape the bowl the best way you could, but, as usual, some of the batter always remained.
And that was the best part.
“Ok. Want me to wash the baking pan too, later…?” Dante wasn’t even going to argue nor was he in a mood to banter. You were already taking care of him, the least he could do was clean the dishes.
Or so he thought.
“Who said anything about washing, cowboy…?” You raised one eyebrow, protectively taking the bowl and spoon away from him. Dante tilted his head, trying to understand what you meant. “Ok. There was a thing my mom always did at my home. And my aunt. And my grandma. And I’m pretty sure it’s a family thing, so pay close attention, red devil…”
Dante seemed to take your words seriously, leaning in to listen to you better, showing how much he cared. Both of you never had much structure, and you were struggling to create your own. Step by step, putting pieces together like a mosaic, you and Dante were building a life the way you liked it – and sometimes, you had memories from your childhood that you wanted to bring back. Little things that meant something, for you and for him, that you wanted to share in that new life you were piecing together.
It wasn’t much – but, for Dante, those things meant the world.
“After they baked a tasty cake, they always gave me the spoon and the bowl…” You were almost solemn, making Dante expect an old, respectful family tradition. “So I’d scrape the hell out of it and eat the batter, making the washing process a whole lot easier.”
“Ha, your mom let you eat unbaked batter…?” And that made a soothing smile appear on his lips. Dante’s eyes still carried some of that sadness that appeared in the pouring rain as you worked that day, but there was also a vulnerability – something he would only allow himself to show by your side. “That’s one hell of a family tradition.”
“And my grandma too, big guy.” You winked back at him, placing the kitchen utensils on the counter right by your side, making Dante lean on it next to you as soon as you did the same. “Put those hands to work, babe.”
With those words, you slid your index finger inside the bowl, taking some of the batter and offering to him. Dante didn’t argue: carefully, he held your hand to lick the chocolate you offered.
“Ya know… This is better than I expected.” His eyes were still sad, but with a glint of fun as he leaned more of his weight on his elbows, lazily placed by yours on the kitchen counter.
“I know. It isn’t exactly healthy, but we can allow some luxuries during rainy days.” You smiled back, cleaning a little bit of chocolate from his lower lip. “Wanna help me clean this up?”
“Gotta keep up with your family traditions.” It was Dante’s turn to smile to you, watching as you seemed to glow with a peaceful happiness while getting ready to eat all the batter that remained on the spoon. “It’s a nice thing to do on rainy days.”
“Indeed.” You mumbled, making him chuckle as the corners of your mouth got stained with chocolate. Dante took the chance to start his ‘cleaning’ process with the bowl. He would risk saying that was weirdly warming him from inside out. “Someday I’ll make you something called ‘little rain cakes’. My mom and grandma used to make them during cold, gray days.”
“Hmmm. They sound delicious already.” And now, his lips were smeared with chocolate as well. That image made you want to hold him in your arms and never let go. “Mom… Well, she used to make these simple cakes, you know…? It’d be cold and she’d call me and Verge to drink some hot chocolate and a slice of warm cake.” Dante stared at some point without really seeing it, having stopped eating for a while. You just listened quietly: he didn’t recall much of his childhood out loud, so, every time he did, you paid attention. It was his way of trusting you. “Dumb Vergil would always want to be all proper, but when he smelled chocolate, it was a fight to see who’d get to the kitchen first, you know?” Dante chuckled at the memory, making you smile in return. It was nice seeing him remembering something good for a change. “We’d take our cardboard swords and fight all the way to the kitchen. I could always hear mom laughing while we tried our best to be the first to arrive. That dumbass would always try to pretend he was a prince if he arrived first, though.”
“I can almost see him with his nose up in the air, behaving like royalty to impress Eva.” You snorted, making Dante turn his eyes back to you and laugh the way he always did. It was good to see his heart was gradually coming back.
“Royalty with his hair all ruffled and his knees scraped from fightin’ me! It was ridiculous!” He leaned closer to you as you laughed together, almost touching your forehead with his. “But mom was always nice. To me and to him. It didn’t matter who got there first, we’d always get a kiss on the top of our heads and a warm cup of hot chocolate, while she took the cake or cookies out of the oven.” Dante allowed a sad smile to rest on his lips, taking some more of the chocolate batter on his fingers. “It was nice.”
“We can make some hot choco too, if you want…” You left the suggestion in the air, noticing how he eyed you.
It had been years Dante didn’t drink hot chocolate – he’d risk saying it was since he was on his own after surviving the disaster at his old home. You had brought back into his life so much – foods, songs, laughs… Memories. And he had nothing but gratitude in his heart.
Sometimes, Dante wondered if he could ever love you too much.
“Ya know… I think the weather is pretty good for that.” He had a faint smile, his eyes seeming like they were about to rain once more. “But I’ve no idea where to start, babe.”
“We can figure it out together, love.” As you said that, you placed one of your hands on his face, pulling him for a gentle, soothing kiss.
And, as you parted, you started caressing his cheek.
“You smeared me with chocolate, right…?” Dante didn’t have his eyes opened yet, but he was doing his best not to laugh too much.
“It’s collateral damage from being in the kitchen with me.” You giggled back, still trying to wipe the chocolate from his face.
“I can take that kind of collateral damage, babe. No worries.” And, with that phrase, Dante did you the favor of smearing some chocolate on the tip of your nose, making you laugh immediately after being caught by surprise.
He never thought spending time on the kitchen with you, remembering the recipes from his childhood, could be so soothing. As you and Dante worked on the brownies and the hot chocolate, time seemed to flow as naturally as rain – along with your laughs and words.
He could talk to you forever. He could spend an eternity by your side – and something inside his heart made it seem that wouldn’t be enough.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with you both sitting on the big couch at the Devil May Cry, with you comfortably cradled by Dante’s arms, while eating the decadent brownies with strawberry jam and sipping some hot chocolate, as the rain melted on the windows and played its crystalline melody on the sidewalk outside.
The skies weren’t the only thing that melted that day – as you laid in his arms and talked about all random topics Dante seemed to be interested about, he noticed the magic of that sweet afternoon wasn’t in the food.
It was you. You had the power to warm up not only his heart, but his soul – his human soul.
From that day on, rainy days were more than welcome at the Devil May Cry.
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Vergil
Vergil had a rough night.
It was something he hated to admit, but sincerity was one of his virtues – even more so towards himself.
It shouldn’t had been such a loathsome night; for all nights spent in your arms were a blessing higher than Vergil ever thought he deserved. But those dreams assaulted him again. Those terrible memories – of being controlled, of losing his own free will, of losing himself.
Vergil wasn’t afraid of too many things… But he was terrified of living it all once more.
It wasn’t a shock to find him in the middle of the night, with the moon high in the sky, looking horribly sleep deprived with the gentle rain seeming to want to soothe him with its sparkling on the glass of the windows.
Vergil sat by his usual study desk – arms crossed, eyes closed, seemingly meditating while his pale demeanor held deep purple hues that denounced how much he needed to sleep.
“Vergil…?” You carefully called him, knowing it wasn’t a good idea to touch him while having one of his night terrors. Previously, that same night, he woke up in horror and you were the only one that seemed to soothe him – apparently, those nightmares came back, and he opted to deprive himself of sleeping. “Love…? Are you ok…?”
“Hmmm.” He slightly opened his eyes, keeping them locked on your feet instead of fully opening them. “Yes.”
“So honest to yourself, yet so tough to open up… Even to me.” You chuckled lightly, making him fully open his tired eyes and set them in your form. Everything about you was always welcome in his life – soothing, like the rain outside. “Can I touch you…?”
Vergil just agreed with his head, nodding with almost no movement. You took one of your hands to lightly touch his face – first with your fingers, making him close his eyes once more, cherishing the feeling of you. It was grounding. It always managed to bring Vergil back and calm that storm that raged inside his chest and threatened to burst through his eyes. You ran your fingers through his silvery hair, provoking a sigh on the Dark Slayer’s lips.
“Those nightmares can’t let you go tonight…?” Your voice was tired, yes, but for him you’d stay awake as much as he needed you to.
“On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before…”* He sighed once more, barely raising his voice as your hands kept caressing his hair. It wasn’t a usual thing to behold, but Vergil was slowly learning to be vulnerable next to you.
“And then the bird said ‘nevermore’…?” You completed his quote, making Vergil open his eyes again, seemingly proud – you’d never know it, but deep in his heart, he was grateful to have found someone who understood his way of being and speaking.
After all, for many years, the only company Vergil had was books. They had shaped him more than he liked to admit out loud.
“One of the most dreadful things of being human…” He murmured, looking as tired as you’d expect from someone awake during a rainy night at almost 5 a.m. “Is being a slave to your own memories, that keep appearing uninvited while you sleep.”
“Indeed…” You agreed with your head, having a slight smile hidden in the corner of your lips right after. “But those aren’t the only memories that rise during dreams, right…? I dare to say the good ones are worth the risk of the dreadful ones.”
Vergil slowly nodded, thinking about what you had just said. His fingers found yours, taking your hand from his hair and caressing your silky skin while his mind flew away, deep in thought.
You gave him the time he needed. The rain outside created a beautiful symphony on the glass and the pavement, sometimes accompanied by deep thunder – too far away to sound threatening. You just waited until Vergil seemed to emerge from his thoughts: if he managed to fall asleep like that, it wouldn’t be the first time and you’d never complain about it.
“Dante told me a secret about you one of these days, love.” That phrase from your mouth, though, made Vergil immediately look at you with sharp eyes: it didn’t look like he would fall asleep soon, so you could help him as much as your powers allowed. “Why don’t we go to the kitchen first?”
Raising one of his eyebrows, Vergil finally stood up and silently followed you as you kept holding his hand and guided him to where you wanted.
You were the only being in all worlds who could make the Dark Slayer follow your footsteps without questioning.
Vergil carefully watched as you moved around the kitchen, sitting by the table you ordered him to stay while you did all the work. It didn’t down on him what you were doing, until he was suddenly taken by a cloud of the sweet smell of chocolate while you poured it on the milk warming up on the stove.
He didn’t know how to react. That smell immediately took him back to the halls of his home, while he fought Dante to see who would get to the kitchen first while Eva prepared some warm, hot chocolate to keep them cozy during cold rainy days. She stirred the chocolate just like you did, standing peacefully by the oven with a calm smile on her lips while he and Dante crossed chaos to be there first.
It seemed foolish how he would always try to behave like a prince as soon as he set foot in the kitchen, but Vergil always wanted to look his best to his parents. He wanted to impress them – he wanted them to be sure he was worthy to carry his father’s name and his mother’s love. Vergil adored how Eva smiled at him whenever he thanked her so politely for the chocolate, winning a kiss on the top of his head.
And even if Dante didn’t act the same, he’d win a smile and a kiss as well. Vergil and Dante would always exchange looks as she was done serving them, smiling at each other excitedly – even if they had fought all the way to the kitchen, they were still brothers and still loved one another.
Vergil wished he was assaulted every night with those memories instead.
“Hot chocolate…?” He murmured, trying to keep his voice from trembling. It had been such a long time he didn’t allow himself that little piece of happiness, it seemed like it was a memory from another life. One he didn’t spend alone, doing his best to gain power and survive, having to fend for himself and falling deeper and deeper into mayhem.
It seemed like a memory from Heaven.
“Dante told me you have a soft spot for chocolate.” You looked back at him; that same smile his mother kept on her lips calmly reflecting on yours. You appeared to ignore how glossy his silvery eyes looked – and Vergil was thankful for that. “Who would’ve known the Dark Slayer has such a sweet taste…?”
As you winked, Vergil allowed himself to slightly smile back while you turned your attention back to the hot drink. It would be done soon, and you didn’t want to burn it.
“Indeed my tastes are sweet, for loving you as much as I do.”
That quiet phrase, murmured on a velvety, silent tone by Vergil’s lips, took you quite by surprise. He wasn’t one to wear his heart on his sleeve – and declarations of love like that weren’t usual. Even if Vergil was able to say the most beautiful things the ears of men had listened, he usually kept to his heart and would only allow you to know it by writing the words on paper – avoiding saying them.
Almost like a spell that would wrap around both of you, binding you forever when said out loud.
Vergil would always be thankful by the way you reacted to his words, though – keeping with what you were doing, as if he said nothing much. But he could see, in the way your eyes glistened, and your lips carried a proud smile, how much it affected you.
Your emotions weren’t loud and overwhelming for him to handle – they were as gentle as the rain that melted outside.
“I wonder what my tastes are then, for loving you like I do.” You finally quipped back, taking the pan out of the stove, and offering Vergil one of your beloved, blue flower themed mugs – as well as taking one for yourself. “Probably strong albeit sweet, like dark chocolate.”
It was his turn not to answer you but allow a knowing smile to color his lips. Vergil never knew well how to react when you complimented or offered gentle feelings for him instead of hatred – he wasn’t used too kindness and softness. He had longed for it, yes, even quietly suffered for some gentleness. But, around you, it was the first time in long, long years he was finally experiencing it.
You sat across the table, taking your mug between your hands, using it to warm you up on that chilly night. Vergil took his blue flower mug with some uncertainty, wondering how that chocolate would taste like after so many years.
The sweet and warm taste took his mouth, but the wave that formed inside of him came from his heart – a wave of feelings Vergil thought were long gone; memories from the days he would play with Dante in the garden of their home, from Eva reading him his favorite poetry books to help him fall asleep, from Sparda spinning him in the air as he was caught during his training, from all of them spending a cozy, rainy night by the fireplace enjoying hot chocolate.
Vergil thought it was all dead – that he had killed it to survive. Those memories hurt; made his heart bleed during harsh endless nights while he wondered alone as a child trying to find a safer place to sleep at least a little bit and warm up his bones. He thought he had murdered those memories in cold blood, as he did with many things, so he could survive.
But there they were – and, across the table, right in front of him, there you were; with a knowing smile on your lips while his eyes rained as much as the skies outside.
You didn’t say a word about his overflow of feelings – and he would always be thankful for that. Holding your hand across the table, Vergil caressed and played with your fingers, while you both silently enjoyed the hot chocolate during that rainy night.
As Aurora with its rosy fingers colored the sky and the sun started to rise in its golden chariot, you and Vergil were back on the bed – peacefully listening to the raindrops outside, while he slept safe and sound in your arms, with your hands caressing his silver hair.
You were the only one able to soothe the storm that raged inside his soul – and Vergil would be thankful for that, forevermore.
*The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe
475 notes · View notes
changingplumbob · 18 days
Text
Nishidake Household: Chapter 5, Part 1
In this part the Nishidake household hit a few roadbumps with the inclusion of the health mods.
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Back to Mt Komorebi where the Nishidake household sleeps. Last rotation they got the news that Kaori’s grandparents had left a large inheritance for her and her wife. The Nishidake family are the guardians of the mountain, a mantle which requires loyalty to the region. Specifically you can go somewhere on holiday, but if you take steps to move away you will die. At least according to a bunch of dead ancestors who tried, including Kaori’s parents.
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Charlie: We better get up
Kaori: Clover’s belly is not the boss of us
Clover: *barks hungrily*
Kaori: Who am I kidding? Her belly is totally the boss of us
Charlie: *laughs* I can go feed her if you want first shower
Kaori: Please. I had a not great fall yesterday and my muscles are still aching
Charlie: You should have said, I could have given you a massage
Kaori: I’ve maxed my snowboarding skill, I’m not meant to have falls
Charlie: Everyone has falls *to Clover* Come on my honey pie, who wants biscuits?
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Charlie: Did you get back in your pyjamas? *kisses cheek*
Kaori: Yeah, they’re comfy
Charlie: Remember we need to go to the doctors first thing
Kaori: Why? Since when
Charlie: Mum text about a new mod. Apparently we need vaccines and to go see a gynaecologist
Kaori: Char only one of us got a bio degree
Charlie: Oh, they just look at our pixel parts and tell us if we’re healthy
Kaori: What? I don’t want some stranger looking at my pixel parts
Charlie: We don’t have a choice
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Kaori: Sure we do! We just don’t go. It’s not like we’re going to get pregnant or one of us is sleeping with someone who has a pixel parts infection
Charlie: We don’t need to be trying to get pregnant for our reproductive organs to stuff up and explode
Kaori: *suspiciously* You’re just being gloomy right? Our organs won’t actually explode…
Charlie: Guess the only way for you to find out is to come with me
Kaori: *rolls eyes* Fine. How much will it set us back
Charlie: Don’t worry. All players on the team get health insurance, we’ll be fine, it won’t cost as much
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Kaori: Brilliant! We could use the savings on a new couch
Charlie: Umm, I don’t think that’s how savings work. And we hardly ever sit on the couches anyway
Kaori: Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have nice ones. And I’m not suggesting we use the inheritance on ourselves, but you and I do get income we can spend. You knew you were marrying a shop-a-holic Char, I like nice things
Charlie: Am I included in these nice things
Kaori: Only if you take a shower
Charlie: Oh, she burns!
Kaori: Shut up, you know I still have a fear of fire. I’ll get the dishes, you shower so we can get these medical visits over with
Clover: *barks* Hope I don’t have any medical visits
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Kaori: We survived!
Charlie: Heck yeah. Now, about what the doctor said…
Kaori: Char she said I’m neurodivergent, it’s not like we need to be worried or sad or whatever
Charlie: I’m gloomy, I can’t help it. Do you want me to go to the psychiatrist with you
Kaori: Nah, I’ll be sweet. Can you get started on the chores for me though?
Charlie: Does gardening count
Kaori: So long as you don’t let Clover track the dirt through the house
Charlie: I won’t. But I know you enjoy vacuuming so… I’ll leave that for you?
Kaori: *laughs* Guilty! Okay, I’ll vacuum when I’m back
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Charlie gets started on her indoor garden. She learned how to garden during her biology degree with Rahul, not that she’d tell her dad that she’d ignored his many attempts to teach her about soil types and fertiliser strengths. She’s calling out to Clover every so often when she realises Clover is barking differently than normal.
Charlie: You better not be inviting around the hound dogs
Clover: *barks to the hound dogs*
Charlie: We’re getting you spayed so don’t even think about it
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Kaori: What’s all the noise in here
Charlie: You back? How’d it go
Kaori: Did you say we’re getting this precious angel spayed
Charlie: I did indeed yell that
Clover: *barks in love*
Kaori: But... Charlie... puppies could be so cute!
Charlie: No
Kaori: Why not? You got her and Allie as puppies
Charlie: Over population K. There’s enough strays out there without adding to the surplus
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Kaori and Clover go to the garden room where Charlie is fighting a temporary bug invasion.
Kaori: But what if... we kept the puppies
Charlie: *sighs* K, pregnancy is hard and labour is rough. Yes you may end up with cute puppies but think about what Clover would have to go through. It’s not right for us to put her through that when we can get her fixed
Kaori: *pouts* Suppose
Charlie: I don’t want to be pregnant. You don’t want to be pregnant. Why would we make her do something we’re not willing to go through ourselves huh?
Kaori: You’re right, I know you’re right. She just really seems to want to make puppies
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Clover: *barks in love*
Charlie: It’s hormones. Should calm down when she’s fixed. Now what did the psychiatrist say
Kaori: That I have… wait he did write it down somewhere for me…
Clover: *barks in love*
Charlie: Honey pie mummies are talking right now
Kaori: Oh, I kept it on my phone. I have this thing called… Dysgraphia? I think that’s how it’s pronounced
Charlie: I haven’t heard of it before
Kaori: Yeah me neither
Charlie: Do they think we need to be worried at all
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Kaori: No. It’s just why I have trouble writing neatly and getting stuff from my head onto paper
Charlie: Did they want you to start anything like meds or tutoring or something
Kaori: Depends on how much I’m bothered. Like I have the film and literature hobby but I enjoy experiencing stories more than creating them you know. I’ll see how I go
With the garden tidied Charlie gets into her uniform and heads off to work.
Kaori: Good luck playing Char! We'll be listening and watching
Charlie: Thanks. Hey Clover, I’ll see you when you have less organs
Clover: *whines*
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Kaori: Here we are, standard vets. I’ll go sign you in for a spay, come on Clover
Clover: *whines in love*
Kaori: Let’s see… do we have an account here? We should do, we took Allie here after all
Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *meows* Lady you’re in my puddle
Kaori: Spay… spay… spay! Here we go, all signed up
 Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *meows* The service here is terrible
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Kaori: I’m lucky this screen lights up. Why is it so dark in here?
Clover: *barks* Puddle! I must jump in as tribute to Peanut
Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *meows* Make your own puddle to play in
Clover: *barks* But this one is right here and I need to roll
Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *runs from the scene of the crime*
Justin: Hey lady, your dog is making a mess! All over the floor
Kaori: Maybe you should wait for the vet outside Clover
Bartholemew A. Bittlebun, Snr.: *smirks in victorious cat*
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Cora: Clover? Clover?
Clover: *barks* That’s my name, don’t wear it out
Cora: You’re a nice doggy, right
Clover: *barks* Why do you look scared
Sick Non Fox: *barks* Get out of my way!
Clover: *growls* You get out of my way fire feet
Sick Non Fox: Why hasn’t the vet taken you in yet? Do you have rabies
Clover: *growls* I do not have rabies
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Kaori: So do you have a cat or-
Brant: Three dogs, the youngest one seems to have something wrong with his feet. Luckily we live nearby
Kaori: Oh man I live all the way in Mt Komorebi, but this is pretty much the only vet clinic in the world
Brant: Tell me about it
Cora: Nice doggy? Want to play
Clover: *barks* at least that rhymes with spay
Sick Non Fox: You’re getting your organs taken out? Loser. I can breed free
Clover: *growls* I pity any offspring of your ridiculous looking self
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Cora: Here we are. If you could just get her to sit on the treadmill
Kaori: Clover, sit. What was the delay?
Cora: Oh, you know, just wanted to check some things
Clover disappears into the machine…
Kaori: What do you mean? What things
Cora: Not to worry. This is my first time doing a spay but I did learn how to tell the difference between the uterus and the bladder
Clover: *whines*
Kaori: Is she okay in there
Cora: She’ll be fine. Now the procedure does fit her with a cone. We recommend *thinks hard* that it stay on for the rest of the day
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Kaori takes Clover home feeling less than confident in the nurses abilities but Clover seems fine apart from the cone. Charlie will be working until 9 but the fridge is almost empty so Kaori starts on dinner.
Kaori: I’m sorry we won’t have puppies Clover, they would have been cute. Maybe in a few years mummy will let us get another puppy huh?
Clover: *barks dejectedly*
Kaori: Of course, we could always just go adopt a puppy as a surprise
Clover: *barks questioningly*
Kaori: I know babykins, you’re right. Rescue pets do not make good surprise gifts
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Kaori turns on the radio while she eats so she can tune in to Charlie’s game. She’ll watch it properly when she’s eaten but she likes to catch the start. It’s a rough game for Charlie’s team, they don’t win, and Charlie gets subbed out ten minutes before then end. She returns home gloomier than usual.
Kaori: Do you want a massage
Charlie: You watched the game huh
Kaori: I did
Charlie: I hate when coach subs me out at the end. I’m the best on the team for the penalty shootouts
Kaori: I suppose you can’t win them all
Charlie: This stupid reporter-
Kaori: Hey, have some food while we talk. You look pretty wiped out
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Charlie: You left me the last of the Pho?
Kaori: I had to cook so I figured I’d let you have it
Charlie: Aww thanks K. You’re sweet
Kaori: Now you mentioned reporter
Charlie: *sighs* So it’s post match press and this guy calls the loss one of the worst ever to happen in soccer. Which I get, it was a rough end. But he was asking me who was responsible? Did the dude not see I wasn’t even on the pitch for the end?
Kaori: Did you tell him off
Charlie: I thought about it, but I didn’t want to throw coach under the bus. Then she’d have even more reason to bench me. So I spouted some nonsense about teamwork. I swear they target me with the tricky questions because they know I’m gloomy and they’re searching for a soundbite
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Kaori: Come here, I love you and your gloominess. It keeps me and my cheerfulness grounded
Charlie: *sighs* I suppose so. I guess I should do the dishes
Kaori: No, I got them. I think somebody wants their cone off
Charlie: Oh Clover, Honey pie? Who wants to be free again?
Clover: *barks* Have mercy on me
Charlie: Does my brave girl need a hug, huh? Do you need a hug?
The tired trio head to the bedroom together and fall asleep.
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Previous (Foster) ... Next
17 notes · View notes
xturtlesxl · 1 year
Text
Sick - Hearslabyul
TW: Sickness, and Probably some more?
Parings: None
[Intro] [Savanaclaw] [Octavinelle] [Scarabia] [Pomefiore] [Ignihyde] [Diasomnia]
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“...Heartslabyul” murrmered Grim
“Alright...let's get you there, also could you keep this low? You can tell close friends about the problem but it is best that the entire school doesn’t know” Trein stated
Grim nodded
They both walk to the magic portal room and head towards Heartslabyul, Trein had already alerted Riddle that Grim will be staying over
Once they made it to the gate at Heartslabyul, Riddle was in his striped PJs waiting for them
“Hello Mr. Trein and Grim, I just caught Ace trying to get a midnight snack, he will be facing punishment in the morning but I also explained to him that the Ramshackled students will be staying over...where is the prefect?” Riddle asked
Grim stayed quiet and Trein sighed, “The perfect is over at the Ramshackled Dorm, only Grim will be at Heartslabyul for the moment until the situation is cleared...I’m sure Crowley will explain the situation to you and the other dorm leaders tomorrow...that or Grim explains to you and some of their close Heartslabyul friends about what is happening” Trein stated
“Alright then” Riddle agreed
Grim quietly walks in without turning back, Riddle is a bit worried about how quiet he is and wonders how [MC] is
Riddle showed Grim to Ace’s room, when he opened the door Ace was carrying some blankets and pillows
“Heya Grim!...Where’s [MC]?” Ace asked, Grim, did not say anything and just walked in and curled up in Ace's bed
Ace was going to shout something but Riddle put his hand on Ace’s shoulder, he looked back to his house warden who has just slightly shaking his head
His face showed worry, [MC] not being with Grim happens from time to time, but Grim would always knows where [MC] is (sometimes)
Riddle thinks back to what Trein stated, his stomach was twisting...did something happen to [MC]?
“You both don’t cause too much trouble and go to sleep, we will talk in the morning” Riddle quietly said to Ace
Time Skip to the Morning
Riddle was storming through the crowd of people with Cater and Trey following behind him, he had just finished the emergency meeting Crowley held...
He soon barged into Ace’s room, both Ace and Deuce were surrounding Grim who was still lying on Ace’d bed, he was awake but...wasn’t himself
“Riddle! You got to tell us what is going on!” Pleaded Trey, he spotted Riddle walking fast with his worried expression and knew something was wrong
“...[MC] has caught the Phoenix Disease...” muttered Grim but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear
Everyone’s heart dropped hearing those words, “No. But how!?” Questioned Ace
“[MC] is from another universe...they probably do not have the same protection we have from diseases and other illnesses” Explained Riddle
“But we have the medicine now, they will be fine...right?” asked Deuce, his face was showed worry
“They will make a full recovery, but from what Crowley said...it will take a week until they are fully healed-”
“A WEEK!?!” Ace and Deuce shouted, cutting off Riddle
“Apparently they also need some other vaccines and they also have side effects, so it will take a week” Grim quietly answers, he sounds tired
“So...who is taking care of [MC], I heard from history class that the person's body heat can affect those around them, are the government health care coming or...”
“No, the ramshackled ghost are taking care of [MC]...and we need to take care of Grim until then” Riddle looks back at Grim who has already asleep, light bags under his eyes show that he probably didn’t get much sleep despite being a heavy sleeper
“Since the ghost are taking care of [MC], we’ll take care of Grim,” Stated Riddle as they all look at the sleeping cat
How Did their Week Go?
Riddle Rosehearts
As housewarden, he still has jobs to do. He knows you will live in the end, so you will be fine...right? He researched the Phoenix Disease; his heart tightened the more he read. He doesn’t want you to face so much pain. He tries to move on by burying himself in work. Also, he made treats with Trey for Grim, especially his favourites to try and make him feel better. He might not be the best at comfort, but he tries.
Trey Clover
He trusts the ghost of the ramshackled dorm will help you out. Helps out with Riddle; he starts to overthink, Ace and Deuce don’t feel the same without you, so he also has to help them get their spirits up. After the entire day, when he is in his room, he prays and wishes for your best recovery.
Cater Diamond
Cater was able to keep himself composed and in control, better than how the rest of the crew was doing. He would also cheer up Deuce and Ace, making them not stress out too much. And, of course, he had a great time with Grim. But his self-worry for your health always lingered, he wanted the days to be over with so your recovery could come quickly.
Ace Trappola
It was going up and down for Ace, he would begin arguing (or hanging out) with Grim and Deuce at one point, and then he would be worrying about you, but he would not even show it. Because he doesn’t want to show that he cares THAT much about you....even though he does and he has trouble sleeping since Grim is always squirming in his sleep and he can’t help but think if you really are in that much pain
Deuce Spade
This boy is slightly the same as Ace, but he is showing his worry for you. He is thinking of every single medical food that his mother and grandmother made for him. He wanted to tell the ghost of the Ramshackled dorm this but he was always reminded that you need time alone. 
The Day You Recover
Riddle is the first person to get the news since Grim is with him, Ace and Deuce come along since they are always by your side, Trey and Cater also come along since Trey and Cater made some food for you
An after-effect that the people who survive the Phoenix Disease go through is hunger, Trey and Cater made some just before they arrived
When they all first came through the door, a wave of the smell of herbs hit them, both Deuce and Ace were to first to enter the house and they quite literally got knocked down from the intensity of the smell
They all expected you to be in bed, but instead, they found you on the couch, bathing in the sunlight
Riddle started to blabber about how you should still be in bed, but the sunlight was quite soothing
You all started chatting, mostly them asking if you were alright, when will you be back, and making sure you were okay
Riddle started to shout at Ace, Deuce, and Grim for eating the majority of the tarts that he had made for you
Cater took many photos; of the food, you, and the rest of the group
And Trey brought all of your favourite treats (You gave him the biggest hug, gotta love the food man)
In all honesty, there were happy to see you laughing without any pain
Needless to say, when you are 100% okay and are able to start school again, even Riddle is happy that things are back to their way again (except the part where Ace, Deuce, and Grim start trouble)
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doobnnoob-tf2 · 2 years
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What do u think would happen if like.. Someone put a box full of puppies at the entrance of the base and left, would they take them in?? - ☕( Sorry if this is too Hard to understand english isnt my first language)
puppies?  left outside?  well they’re gonna be making some noise.  Sniper will most likely be the one to discover them.  he wouldn’t know what the hell to do at first, really.  eventually, he relents.  he’s weak, one of the puppies barks up at him and his heart melts.  he picks the box up and takes them inside so they’re safe from the elements and everyone can figure out what to do with them
upon bringing them in and setting the box down to show everyone, Scout and Pyro immediately pick out a dog each and start gushing.  Scout’s always wanted a puppy and immediately sets to begging everyone to let him keep just one please oh please oh please!  he swears up and down he’ll do everything for it and no one will even know it’s there!  Pyro is thrilled with the idea and starts to help with begging
Heavy and Demoman also each grab a puppy.  Demoman is quickly starting to be persuaded by Scout’s idea of keeping one.  he’s already coming up with the idea of turning one of his old grenade launchers into a tennis ball launcher.  the one Heavy is holding yawns and falls asleep in his arm and he moves away from the others so it may have more quiet to take its nap.  he pets it ever so gently, not even needing to be persuaded anymore
Soldier picks up the final puppy and already names it.  Sargent Barks.  he and Lieutenant Bites will be best friends, he just knows it!  he’s already setting up the first play date for them to meet, rambling on about all the battle plans he’ll have to change with this newest addition to the team
Spy is the one who suggests the idea they should maybe instead take them to a vet.  they’re mercenaries, not a kennel.  a vet can find them homes, that’s for the best.  why is no one listening to him?  they don’t have anywhere to keep a puppy!  no one points out that he’s yet to stop petting the one Scout is holding but everyone notices
Medic cringes, not because he’s opposed to puppies.. but because who knows if they’ve been vaccinated or have worms or are diseased.  he rounds them all back into the box and takes them down to the Medbay to run tests and give them what they need.  someone goes to accuse him of taking them for their organs and he scoffs at the idea.  they’re puppies, HE only deals with black market organs.  the audacity!
at the end of the day, Engineer collects the puppies and drives them to town so they can go to a vet and find homes.  he agrees, it’s for the best.  everyone is sad as he puts the box into his truck and drives away.  and yet no one stops to tell him that a disguise mask with a puppy drawn on it flutters out the window.  everyone looks around and Scout is nowhere to be seen.  Spy lights a cigarette and wonders aloud - in a very sarcastic tone - how that must have happened
don’t worry, you did great!  and I’m naming you Tea!  C:
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annonniiiiieeeee · 1 year
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My question is what is grandfathers reaction to their grand babies? Like Splinter, Draxum, and Katsuichi, I feel like they would spoil them rotten.
Splinter
The man is thrilled!!!
He had been hoping for grandchildren but he tried really hard not to pressure any of his kids.
When they first had Jotaro he would volunteer to watch him whenever they needed. Both parents were still active in keeping New York safe. There was going to be situations that would require both of them and Splinter is more then happy to dote on his grandson during those times.
He tries really hard to not be over barring as he knows the new parents need time alone with their kid but he is also the only grandparent with actual baby raising knowledge.
As the boy gets older Splinter and Leo, of course, show the kid Lou Jitsu movies and Jotaro loves them! But instead of Splinter watching them wishing to be back in the glory days, he instead see how the movies influenced his sons fighting abilities and how they could help Jotaro. The grandkids all know he’s Lou Jitsu, and when their older he will use the movies to teach them some of his signature moves.
When the twins came into the picture he was so excited. He had stayed at the Tenshu and was there with Leo when he was hearing all of the debate surrounding what to do with the babies. He knew he had new granddaughters when he first saw Leo holding them. He looked at them with such warmth on his face that Splinter knew they would be family.
He spoils the three bunnies rotten. Often telling them embarrassing stories from their dad’s childhood. This turns out to be a mistake when Kaida’s born. All of the stories of silly things that Leo did, like climbing up the fridge when no one was looking, have put one to many ideas in the kids heads. Between her size and knowing that their dad was an menace growing up all three bunnies are worried that their sister will get herself into trouble.
She does. She is her fathers daughter and she a baby. She does climb thing that no one would guess she could and stresses everyone out. The only people who can prevent these occurrences are Leo, he was the sneaky child he knows the look on her face when she’s got a bad idea, and Splinter, he’s lived through this before.
Over all he loves his grand babies so much.
Draxum
This is not a man that specializes in babies. He can make them but he’s never raised them.
Never the less he adores them.
After Jotaro was born he loved that kid to death. One he’s proud of his handy work and two the kid’s adorable.
He is learning how to take care of a baby. He doesn’t know what to do, or how to hold them, but he’s slowly learning. It took a long time before he could be handed Jotaro without the boy instantly crying. At first he thought he was doing something wrong and would hand the child back quickly but it was just the baby being fussy and wanting his parents.
He didn’t go with the family to visit the Tenshu when they adopted the twins. The adoption was a surprise to everyone. When the family returned with out Leo, Usagi and Jotaro he first thought that maybe they were spending more time with Katsuichi till he was told about the new babies. Then he was so excited to meet them. He knew it would be about three months before their return as both he and Leo had had many discussions of when it was safe for a baby to go through a portal. So imagine his surprise when they come back in two months.
It was not a good surprise. The girls were premature and had gotten very sick. A mixture of not being ready to leave the womb and also a lack of vaccination. Babies normally don’t get vaccinated until 6 months as they have mom’s antibodies running through them up until that time. But Usagi’s world doesn’t have vaccines or modern medicine. His world also has a high infant mortality rate. So when the girls started to get really sick they rushed back to Leo’s world.
Draxum, Leo and Casey were the ones carrying for the girls. Usagi helped as much as he could but the medical information would go over his head at times. After the two got better Draxum was still fiercely protective of them. This extended to Jotaro to. He was constantly worried about one of the kids getting sick. It starts to ease as the kids get older but any time one of them is sick. Draxum is there to dote on them.
When he creates Kaida he makes sure she has all of her vaccines and is fully developed before letting her out. He’s more anxious about it then either Leo or Usagi are.
Do not leave this man alone with these four children. They will gain up on him and get what ever they want, but in the most evil scientist way ever. You want ice cream from the human parlor but the lines long? Scopes all humans up with vines, look no line. You want a puppy, of course but let’s get one of those yokai puppies that looks adorable but can transform into a battle mount.
The man has no chill and will get his grandchildren the world
The children know this and abuse it.
Katsuichi
He sees the kids the least so he spoils them the most. He has money saved up from all his years of service so anything the kids want they get.
When it was determined that Jotaro wouldn’t be portal hopping until he was at least three months old, Gen and Kitsune went to their world to get Kashichi. The man wanted to meet his grandson and if the grandson couldn’t come to him he would go to them.
He adores Jotaro. He met Usagi when the boy was young but not this young. This is a baby. He’s so small and yet he can already see so much of Usagi and Leo in him.
When Jotaro can finally comes to visit Katsuichi is the proudest grandfather showing the boy off to anyone nearby. So proud.
When they adopt the girls he is excited for a lot of reasons. One, more grand babies!!! Two they are staying with him for three months!!!
Leo and Usagi try to visit regularly but it’s just not the same as having his family around him. But now with the girls they won’t be traveling for three months at least. He’s so excited to help them out and spoil his family. Even Leo and Usagi as he loves all of them so much.
But it becomes a nightmare when a disease sweeps through the Tenshu. The girls get sick. They were already under size and struggling with being premature. Things that worried both the parents and Katsuichi constantly, but now the girls were sick. He is terrified that he’s going to watch his granddaughters die. That he’s going to watch Leo and Usagi lose two of their kids. It’s common in their world but still so heart breaking. When Leo makes the call to go to his world Katsuichi goes with them. He doesn’t want them to be without support. He knows they have Leo’s family but he wants to be there no matter which way this goes.
Thankfully both girls make a full recovery. But just like the rest of the family he grows over protective of the two. He adores his all of his grandchildren but he worries more then he used to.
When he meets Kaida he worries for her instantly, her small size making him afraid. What if she grows ill? Is she strong enough to fight it? Yes, Draxum made double sure of that.
As she get older and starts causing chaos he worries less about her size and more about the chaos she is causing. Though it is entertaining for him to watch Leo and Usagi deal with their four chaotic kids.
He also cannot be left alone with the children. He is easily talked into going along with their bad plans.
He once saw the yokai dogs that look cute but transform into vicious protectors when he was visiting Leo’s world. The kids come to him one day to ask for a Tokage. (They think he’s the weak link that will buy them a pet, they are right) and he’s going to do it, but then he thinks and he looks at them and goes ‘you know who you should talk to?’ He makes and supports their plan to have Draxum by them a puppy.
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mistydeyes · 9 months
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hi, can i have a pairing for mw2? :-)
-> I’m a bi woman btw!
APPEARANCE:
Short, brown hair with some blue peakaboo. Think of Graves’ hair. Brown eyes. Round face, SOME freckles. 5’0”. def chubby, but a lot of it is turning to muscle.
PERSONALITY:
I would like to say I’m laid back and chill, I am anxious sometimes but most of the time I’m quiet and I go with the flow. I’m loud when I’m talking about what I believe in. There’s a lot of tragic mistakes I’ve made in my life and I’m trying to better myself, so there’s a lot of self reflection moments where I prefer to be alone during. I’ll make it known if you say something I don’t like/messed up. I work well under pressure. My number one thing in life is that I want to help people, I want my career to revolve around that. When I get aggressive, I don’t back down unless I know I’m wrong. Even when I do, it takes me a moment to realize I am wrong.
PLANS:
I plan on going to College for an associates in mathematics and science, majoring in biology. After I get my degree, I plan on enlisting into the Navy or Marines as a Corpsman. Despite this, I’m very anti-war. If I make it past boot camp and I become a corpsman, and later in life I decide to leave the military, I plan on transferring my skills to paramedic work.
Simon "Ghost" Riley
How you met: Military When you said you were in the Navy, everyone assumed you were some Top Gun pilot or submariner. However, you corrected them in saying you were a Corpsman. You focused on just about everything related to the medical field. Every day was different, consisting of vaccine administration, performing emergency dental procedures, and helping out with surgeries. As you entered the on-ship medical clinic, your commanding officer informed you that you would be assisting with an emergency medical treatment. This case was a bit different as instead of operating on Navy SEALs or Marines, it was a British Army Lieutenant who had a joint-op with your branch. You nodded in response and went to greet the patient with the attending physician. The quarters that housed the patients preparing for surgery were cramped and you went to greet the patient, a Simon Riley. You pulled back the curtain and examined the man lying on the bed. He was still in his fatigues but you were drawn to his skeleton mask that covered his head and face. "Lieutenant," you greeted, "I'll be the Corpsman in the operating room today. Don't worry you're in good hands with the Navy," you spoke and he simply nodded in response. "I'll see you on the otherwise," you said and left. As you stood outside of the curtain you couldn't help but think how he was such a man of few words.
A peek into your relationship: The Naval Ball was an event that had the ensigns and admirals in one fancy hall with one another. It was something everyone looked forward to. You were no exception as you slipped into a silk blue dress. As you smoothed your brown hair, your boyfriend sat looking at you on the bed. "You nervous?" you asked as you turned to him. "I've been to worse," he spoke and adjusted his tie. You had been dating Simon for quite sometime now but this was the first time he would be interacting with your colleagues. As you walked to the ballroom, he held your hand tightly and loomed over your small figure. You ordered you both some drinks and stood at a table to mingle with some familiar faces. The physician who had operated on Simon made his way over to you. "I'd recognize those eyes anywhere, Simon," he said to your boyfriend as he peered at his face, half covered with a surgical mask. "How are my stitches holding up?" he asked him as you sipped on your glass of wine. "Doing good doc," he replied curtly. The physician's eyes were directed to you, "Don't tell me he's your date, corpsman?" he asked skeptically. "He is," you smiled proudly, "guess I made a good impression." The group laughed and Simon replied, "Like she always says, I'm in good hands with the Navy."
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mollybecameanengineer · 9 months
Text
Milestones
Summary: Imprisoned by the Cigarette Smoking Man, Mulder and Scully must work to save their son… and themselves.
word count: 8,418 | Mature | MSR | @today-in-fic
Read on AO3 or check out the first chapter below the break
This is part of an episodic series called A Second Chance. All the episodes are collected, in order, using AO3’s series feature. The concept of the series is to rewrite seasons 8 and 9. It deals with Mulder’s return from the dead, the birth of William, and Mulder and Scully trying to juggle family life with impending doom.
If you don’t want to read the whole thing, but want to read this story, here is what you need to know…
Previously on A Second Chance: After Mulder returned from the dead, he moved in with Scully. (Reentry). Scully, while pregnant, was infected with the black oil and somehow neutralized it (Immunidad). The Cigarette Smoking Man (and a new syndicate) learned of this, and became interested in Scully’s baby. After William was born, Mulder and Scully were determined to keep him safe (Sinister). However, after they learned that not only can William neutralize the black oil if infected, but he was also immune to the Super Soldier virus, Mulder planned to go on the run with William, leaving Scully behind due to the chip in her neck (and therefore her ability to be tracked). However, the Smoking Man got to them first. Mulder and Scully agreed to go with the Cigarette Smoking Man because he promised that he would keep them together and protect them from the alien colonists (who want to kill Mulder, Scully, and William) in exchange for letting him make a vaccine from William’s blood. (In the Space of a Day) When Maggie discovers that her daughter and family are missing, Skinner and the rest of the crew start a search, only to find evidence that Mulder and Scully ran, but died in a car accident. This evidence was planted by the Smoking Man and his associates, but no one knows that, and Mulder and Scully don’t know that everyone thinks they’re dead. Meanwhile, Mulder, Scully, and William leave with the Smoking Man, (Loss) who takes them to a remote military installation in Oregon. There, they are given base housing, and William is examined by the medical team. After exploring the facilities, Mulder and Scully decide that Scully will work with the team to develop the vaccine, while secretly trying to find a way to make William no longer immune, and thus no longer special. (The Gilded Cage)
Chapter 1: One Month 
June, 2001
“Hey Scully, say cheese!” Mulder said, pointing a camera at her. 
“Where did you get that?” she asked. She was lying with William on the couch, trapped under the napping baby. He was going through a phase where he didn’t want to sleep unless attached to one of them. 
It was annoying. 
Mulder was still standing there, camera in hand. “I asked for it,” he replied to her question. “Now, smile!”
She tried her best to smile, despite not feeling like it. Mulder clicked the picture. 
“I thought it would be good if we had a camera. I think we’ll want baby pictures, even if they are in this place.”
This place. Their prison.
They’d been here for five weeks now. What Scully found the most distressing was, after a while, being here kind of seemed normal. They ate, slept, and tried to keep William alive. She honestly didn’t know that her life would be that different if they were home, other than her only worries would be normal new parent things, rather than being held prisoner and worrying about your child being turned into a science experiment.
But tomorrow things would change. She would start going into the lab to help develop the vaccine. She had wanted to go even earlier, but between her physical recovery and hating to be separated from William, she waited. Six weeks was the recovery period for a vaginal birth, she knew, so she decided she would wait that long.
William was now seven weeks old. It was time for her to work towards getting them out of this place. She would develop this vaccine or figure out how to make William no longer immune to the soldier virus. She would save them the only way she knew how. 
Mulder brought over the camera, turning it so she could look at the back. “It’s one of those new digital cameras.” On the back there was an LCD screen, where the photo of her and William was displayed. It was a bad photo. Even with the low resolution, she could see the bags under her eyes and the extra weight in her face that still hadn’t dissipated. 
“God, I look exhausted,” she said. 
Mulder pulled back the camera to have a look for himself. He shrugged. “Well, it’s been an exhausting seven weeks.” 
Scully studied Mulder. He now sported a beard, having given up on daily shaving in favor of weekly trimming. It tickled when he kissed her, but it was also bushy and soft, in some ways better than day old stubble. His black eye had finally healed a couple weeks ago, but there were dark bags under his eyes. 
They were getting more sleep than in the beginning, but William was still waking up two or three times in the night. And then there were Mulder’s nightmares and her inability to stay asleep. She longed for the lazy Sunday mornings they’d had a year ago, when she’d sleep a full nine hours, and Mulder would bring her coffee in bed. These days she was lucky to get four hours and all Mulder ever brought her was a screaming baby. 
In short: they were a mess. And she didn’t think her going into the lab daily was going to make things easier. 
***
A few years ago, if one had asked Mulder if he wanted to settle down with Scully, have a kid, and be a stay at home dad, he would have laughed at you. The having sex with Scully part would have sounded good, but the rest of it was outside his comprehension. He was still searching for his sister, trying to get to the bottom of a vast government conspiracy. There was still so much he didn’t know, like why they took Scully, and what the chip in her neck did. Mulder was the lord of questions, and his fiefdom didn’t hold many answers. 
But now? He’d found his sister. He’d been abducted by the same men (and/or aliens) that took Scully. All his searching, all his and Scully’s sacrifices – they’d brought them no closer to the truth. All it had done was hurt him and everyone he loved. He’d told Scully last year that this had to stop, that there had to be an end to all of this. 
He just didn’t imagine the end would be them locked away on a military base living a pretend suburban dream. 
Scully was feeding William while Mulder prepared breakfast as well as Scully’s lunch. He’d requested a lunch box for her, and just for kicks he’d asked for one with the Brady Bunch on it, mostly to see what would happen. He was surprised when three days later, a metal lunch box circa 1975 emblazoned with the Brady Bunch appeared. It was great – she would hate it. He’d hid it away as a surprise.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” he heard her saying to William in the other room. Mulder knew he was going to miss Scully. They hadn’t been apart for more than an hour since William was born. He was going to have to take care of their child, alone. He knew he could do it, but he wasn’t looking forward to not having any backup.
Not to mention he felt useless, since he wasn’t contributing to getting them out of this situation. He wished he was the one heading out, on a mission to save them all, rather than staying home with the feedings and diapers. 
Scully appeared in the doorway of the kitchen, William in her arms, just as Mulder was plating the eggs. She sat at the table, and Mulder soon joined her with the food. 
“What are you going to do today?” she asked between bites. 
Mulder shrugged. Survive? “I haven’t thought much about it,” he replied. “Probably just watch TV between diaper changes.” He honestly didn’t know what else was on the table with an infant. He’d spent most of the last seven weeks talking with Scully when he was bored. He didn’t know how to fill that void.
*** 
Scully was exhausted.
When she was pregnant, she’d often wondered what exactly it would look like to return to work after having the baby. She’d always known she didn’t want to stay at home full time, and then when she’d become a single mother, that wasn’t even an option.
She’d thought that after dropping her child off at daycare, she’d have a normal day at work just like she used to. That bit of her life wouldn’t change, it would just be truncated to being between 8:00AM and 5:00PM. 
Scully could not have been more wrong. As she’d been shown around the lab, she’d been distracted thinking of William, wondering if he was ok. She was almost glad she didn’t have a cell phone, because she was sure she’d have called Mulder every thirty minutes to check in.
And then there was the pumping. She’d been given a lab bench, but it was in no way private. She’d had to ask her bench mate, Judy, about where she could pump, which set off a chain reaction of supervisors trying to figure that out.
Her first pumping session had been in the handicap bathroom stall, as they were still discussing and she couldn’t wait any longer. 
By the time she needed to pump again, they’d found a closet with a lock on it and had put a chair in there. It had a naked bulb and reminded Scully of all the times she’d been abducted and stuffed in a confined space. 
She chose to pump in the handicap stall again. 
Now she was walking back home, carrying her pump, milk, and ridiculous Brady Bunch lunch box. Thankfully no one had commented on it, but she didn’t enjoy the prospect of carrying this thing everyday. She knew Mulder thought it was funny – and it was – but she needed these people to take her seriously. Or at the very least she needed to blend in. Tonight she would ask him to get her a plain bag, while trying to not hurt his feelings. 
Scully found her way to her house, and opened the door. Mulder was in the kitchen, wearing William, and trying to keep something on the stove from burning while bouncing and singing, “Oh you can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need.” Based on William’s cries, he wasn’t in the mood to listen to talk of not getting what he wanted. 
Mulder turned at the sound of her closing the front door. “Oh, thank God you’re back.” He quickly divested himself of the baby. Scully barely had time to put the milk in the refrigerator before Mulder thrust the infant at her. “He’s hungry but I knew you’d be back soon…” 
Scully nodded, and took the baby to the kitchen table. Once he was latched, she looked up at Mulder. “Rough day?” she asked.
Mulder let out a humorless laugh. “Let’s just say I understand the song Mother’s Little Helper a bit better.” Before Scully could comment on that, he said, “How was your day?”
“Weird.”
“How so?”
Scully didn’t want to tell Mulder how much she’d missed being at home with them. He was evidently already not enjoying this arrangement, and she didn’t want to add any fuel to the fire. “The lab feels like any university I’ve ever been at. No one was really watching me. The only restriction I had was I couldn’t be there alone, and my computer isn’t hooked up to the internet.”
Mulder perked up at the word internet. “The computers have internet?” 
She nodded. “But to log into the other computers, you have to have this thing that looks like a calculator.”
“Two factor authentication.”
“I think so. Judy—” 
Mulder interrupted. “Who’s Judy?”
“My bench mate. I think she’s been told to keep an eye on me.” Judy seemed nice enough, but Scully had no inclination towards trusting her. “Anyway, Judy would type in a password, then a code into the device, and then put that code into the computer.” Scully paused, remembering that people were likely listening. “But tell me about your day,” she said, pointedly. 
Mulder nodded, understanding the change of subject. “Oh, you know, daytime TV and diaper blowouts. The fun never stops. Though I would have won the Showcase on the Price is Right today. Scully, we could have had a boat.”
She laughed. That was all they needed right now: a boat. 
Continue reading on AO3
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charmedhypno · 10 months
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What's that you say?
You'd like to volunteer for Charmed!2024?
Today is your lucky day!
The application to volunteer is live and you can find it
HERE!
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Never volunteered before/unsure what volunteering would entail? Behold! Job descriptions!
Door Dragon (Badge Check/Security) - in person
This position involves sitting at entrances to convention areas and making sure everyone entering these areas has their badges visible and is wearing a mask on their face. In order to ensure safety, no one without a badge (including those who you know to be registered attendees,) or mask may enter convention spaces!
Set up/take down, clean up, heavier lifting - in person
This position will be needed to both help assist with setting up the con as well as help taking it down, but could also be needed throughout as the need presents itself. Please keep in mind that this is a physically demanding position and we will need people who are able to lift and move items of varying weight.
Class Runner - in person
This position involves checking on the classes on your assigned floor (upper/lower) to see if the presenters or class monitors need anything before their class starts. During classes, an estimated headcount (some people move between classes, so as close as possible) will need to be noted. Since you will be around the hall of your floor, if there are other needs such as a water station needing to be filled and so on, please note them along with the head counts. You will then report these findings to Ops. Lastly, check in with presenters about 10 minutes before their class ends to make sure they know their time slot is nearing the end. 
Dungeon Monitor (Will be contacted by Dungeon Coordinator) - in person
This position will recommend up to date First Aid/CPR information to be provided, since you will be there to ensure the well-being of people who are playing in the dungeon. You will also ensure cleanliness practices, rules, and consent boundaries are followed and that those who need assistance from the consent team are put in touch with them. 
Registration (Will be contacted by registration lead) - in person
This position involves sitting at registration during needed hours to help people process through getting their forms filled, vaccination checked, ID checked, and negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the con, and badge received so that they can enjoy the con!
Consent Team (Will be contacted by Consent Team Lead) - in person
This position will require you to be versed in consent policies, able to take a consent report, and support people through consent needs. (All necessary training will be provided, no prior Consent Team experience required, do not worry if you’ve not done this before!)
Tech help/online monitor - online and in person
This position is kind of a catch-all for online needs. As this will be a hybrid con, we will most likely need people online and available to assist with making sure the zoom rooms are functioning, additional online room monitoring, and general online support issues as needed. It may be that we don’t need many people for this, but it will depend on COVID and other factors. 
On-Call (Will be contacted by Volunteer Coordinator) - online and in person This position requires volunteers to fill in the gaps where issues have occurred and we need someone to fill in a spot! This position will be reviewed, as we need a limited number of highly reliable individuals for this position. You MUST pick at least one other position type in order to be eligible for this position, and be prepared to fill in any other position where needed.
Perks for volunteering include: getting to know people! Feeling useful! Kicking imposter syndrome in the ass! And also discounted/free registration, potentially help with food (limited slots available), and free room-space (for people volunteering a certain number of hours.)
Many MANY people over the years have attended their first in-person con as a volunteer and cite volunteering as the reason they had such a successful con experience - let's add your name to that list!
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naturalrights-retard · 7 months
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On September 11, 2023, in an unexpected and far-reaching decision, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unveiled a recommendation that has become the epicenter of heated debate. The ACIP’s proposal of untested COVID boosters for everyone aged six months and upwards is not only audacious but also riddled with complexities, unanswered questions, and a growing chasm of public mistrust.
The Current State of Jab Administration
Harvey Risch, M.D., Ph.D., professor emeritus and senior research scientist in epidemiology (chronic diseases) at the Yale School of Public Health critiqued the continual push for updated COVID-19 shots, underscoring the growing skepticism in the scientific community. He categorically labeled the notion of these new jabs as “a useless idea.” Most of the population, having either contracted the virus at least once or having received a shot, has some degree of exposure. So why the push for another shot, especially when it’s untested? The skepticism is deepened by CNBC’s revealing statistic: a mere 17% uptake for Pfizer’s and Moderna’s earlier jabs launched in September 2022. Such low numbers in the past beg the question: What can we expect from another round?
Nursing homes, which house some of the most vulnerable members of our society, have shown surprisingly low uptake of these jabs. Medicare’s data shows that only about 62% of residents are “up to date” with their shots.
Even the most vulnerable don’t trust these pseudoscientific experiments. 
Pushing an untested booster into this scenario seems not just premature but potentially perilous. With previous shot updates not being wholly embraced, is it responsible to introduce another layer, especially one that’s uncharted?
Growing Public Sentiment & Distrust
The population’s wariness towards these jabs has roots in a range of concerns. A revealing survey from Vaccine shed light on this hesitancy: many abstain from jabs due to existing immunity from prior infections, while others are wary of side effects and doubts about the protective benefits. But these aren’t the only worries. Reports of post-jab health anomalies, such as a surge in healthy individuals developing serious health conditions and unexplained sudden deaths, cannot be overlooked. When these real-world experiences are combined with Freedom of Information Act-obtained documents indicating a majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations are among those who received the shots, trust in the system plummets.
Dr. Robert Malone, pioneer and expert in mRNA and DNA vaccines and therapies holds a perspective on the current scenario that provides a sobering lens. Drawing a comparison between weekly COVID fatalities and the alarming daily death rate from opioids, particularly among the young, shifts the focus. 
While there are “271 deaths per week … with COVID … we lose 200-300 mostly young people per day to Fentanyl and other opiates,” Malone wrote.
Are we, as a society, directing our energies and resources effectively? By spotlighting COVID-19, are we sidelining equally pressing health crises?
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maybeimamuppet · 1 year
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i fell and you helped me to stand
hello everyone!! i hope you’re having a great day!! welcome to this lil sickfic :) 
i also wanted to say a quick thank you for all the love on my last fic!! it was truly so so so much more than i was expecting and i so appreciate all the engagement. much love to you all <3
tw for
illness
vomit
mentioned/implied previous abuse 
and if i’ve missed anything please let me know so i can put it in!!
enjoy!
—————
Agatha Trunchbull was correct about very few things when it came to children. The children of the former Crunchem Hall gradually learned that they were not maggots, not squirmy little vermin who deserved to be trampled and locked away until they reached adulthood. 
But she was correct about one singular point. 
Children are germy. Snotty, sickly, little bags of germs. Not exclusively, of course. But germy nonetheless. 
Matilda knew she didn’t have the strongest immune system. She hadn’t seen a doctor until she was five, since her parents had simply forgotten she’d be in need of healthcare. She hadn’t had any vaccines, and she’d had no other children to play with and build up any sort of immunity that way. 
It was really only a matter of time before she got sick. But this? This is worse than anyone could’ve imagined. 
—-
It starts innocently enough. Matilda wakes on a Tuesday morning with a tickle in her throat and an ache in her head. 
Miss Honey says tea can fix anything, so Matilda requests a cup alongside her orange juice with breakfast. She read enough cartons of orange juice as a toddler to know all the vitamins on the ingredients label by heart. They should help get this bug away nice and quick. 
“Goodness,” Miss Honey says when Matilda gives a violent sneeze as soon as her eggs are rested in front of her. “Bless you.”
“Excuse me,” Matilda says sheepishly. 
“Of course, love. Are you feeling alright?” 
“Oh, yes, I’m fine, thank you Miss Honey,” Matilda says rapidly. She stuffs a bite of breakfast into her mouth to avoid having to answer any further questions. 
Her stomach begins to ache as soon as she gets it all down. She’s hoping she just ate too quickly. Miss Honey looks at her oddly as she pops up like a little gopher and rushes to start doing the dishes. 
“Matilda, dear, the dishes don’t need to be done so quickly,” she says in concern. “I haven’t even finished yet!” 
“They need doing,” Matilda shrugs. “I might as well get them done quickly.” 
“Doing them is not your job, Matilda.” 
“It isn’t yours either,” Matilda mumbles as she rests the plate in the drying rack. “Aren’t children meant to have chores?”
“Well, yes,” Miss Honey admits. “But… you should have chores so that we can have a tidy home. As long as they get done before we leave the house, where is the harm?” 
Matilda sniffles and surreptitiously wipes her nose off on the dish cloth. “I’m sorry.” 
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Matilda,” Miss Honey says comfortingly, crouching down to her height and tipping her chin up. “I appreciate you wanting to help. But you mustn’t strain yourself.” 
“Yes, Miss Honey,” Matilda says softly. Miss Honey frowns the slightest bit. 
“Are you sure you’re feeling alright, darling? Your nose is a bit red.” 
“I’m sure. Time for school?” 
“Yes, I suppose it is,” Miss Honey says. Matilda rushes to grab her book bag and tie on her shoes. She gets a coughing fit she tries to silence and fumbles with her shoelaces. She shoots Miss Honey a bright smile she can’t quite force to meet her eyes and stands upright again so quickly she gets dizzy. 
She loses her breath much more quickly than she normally does on their walk to school. She tries to keep her panting as quiet as she can so Miss Honey doesn’t worry. They always get to school in plenty of time, so she has time to take it a bit slower than normal. 
“Are you going to wait out here for Lavender?” Miss Honey asks when they make it to the large playground in front of the school. 
“Yes, I think so,” Matilda responds. Miss Honey nods, pulling out the large key to unlock the gates in front of the school and open them wide. 
“I really don’t want to leave you out here all alone,” Miss Honey says in concern when she comes back to Matilda on the bench. 
“I’ll be alright. It’s a nice morning,” Matilda says. “I’ll come find you should anything happen.” 
“Are you sure?” 
“Yes, I’ll be fine,” Matilda confirms. She hopes Miss Honey doesn’t press any further. Talking so much is starting to hurt her throat. 
“Alright, darling. Take my jumper, and come inside if you get cold. Don’t want you catching a chill,” Miss Honey says. Matilda wraps her comfy pink cardigan over her shoulders and curls into a small ball. Miss Honey gives her a goodbye hug before she clicks off into the building. Matilda takes this time for a quick nap in the cool air.
—-
Somehow, Matilda makes it through the day. She almost fell asleep in her history class and was sent to the hall to handle a coughing fit during algebra, but beyond that, she made it through nearly unscathed. 
She’s hoping to start feeling better the next morning, but if anything, she only feels worse. The tickle in her throat has escalated to a burning that scratches painfully every time she speaks, swallows, or coughs. Her sinuses are congested everywhere they can be, and it’s making her head pound in addition to the sniffles she’s come down with now. 
The next day gets even worse. She’s so dizzy she can hardly stand, but she claws her way through another day of school. They’ve started Pride and Prejudice in her English class, and she just can’t bear to miss a day. Or so she tells herself. 
Friday, somehow, is even worse. She feels almost like she’s watching someone else puppet her body around as she gets ready for school. She’s freezing, shivering and hands shaking as she tries to tie the ribbon on the back of her uniform. It’s sloppier than she normally does, but she’s not sure she’d be able to do it again at all if she tried to make it neater. 
She barely picks at her toast at breakfast. Her stomach is starting to ache on top of everything, and she can hardly stomach even the simple bread and butter. So tired. 
She can tell Miss Honey is concerned, so she forces herself up and over to the sink to scrub the dishes clean and try to maintain some normalcy. It does seem to assuage Miss Honey’s suspicions well enough.
The walk to school is a mere trudge that morning. Matilda focuses on keeping steady, one foot in front of the other, and holding to Miss Honey’s warm hand. 
She tries so hard, but all she can think about during her lessons is the ache in her head and how difficult it is to breathe and how sore her throat is and how much she, for once, can’t wait for the school day to end so she can go home and rest. 
She gives Lavender, Nigel, and Bruce most of her lunch. She eats enough to keep her going without upsetting her stomach any more and gives them the rest. She deflates a bit when she remembers that the end of lunchtime means recess.
Miss Honey has one rule for Matilda at school that none of the other children have. She must play at recess. Miss Honey changed the schedule around so that the oldest and youngest kids have recess at the same time, so that Matilda could be in classes challenging enough for her gifted mind while also getting time to interact and play with children her age. 
Matilda takes to the swings for a while, mostly just to have somewhere to sit down. Actually swinging proves to be too much for her head, so she hops down to give someone else a turn and makes her way to the slides. 
Her hands and knees start shaking again as she climbs up the ladder to the top. She feels as if she’s just climbed Mount Everest, which she does actually want to do someday. Just most definitely not today. 
It’s almost the opposite of what she used to feel doing her telekinesis. Instead of a burning or a fizzing in her mind; it feels cold, like all her neurons have frozen over. A strange blackness starts creeping into the edges of her vision as she pushes herself to go down. 
She doesn’t remember hitting the bottom. 
—————
“Miss Honey, come quick!” 
“Amanda? What’s the matter?” Jenny asks in shock as the pigtailed girl throws the door to her office open. 
“It’s Matilda, Miss! She went down the slide and now she won’t wake up!” Amanda says frantically. 
Jenny practically leaps out of her chair and runs through the winding hallways of the school after the young girl towards the playground. Amanda leads her over to the slides, and sure enough, Matilda is lying sprawled at the bottom surrounded by a few other young ones. 
“Don’t touch her, please! Let her be, children,” she yells as she goes running over. “Amanda, Nigel, would you please go fetch the school nurse? Take my badge, if anyone tries to stop you tell them I sent you and it’s an emergency.”
“Yes, Miss,” the children say, taking it and running off back towards the building. 
“Did any of you see what happened?” Jenny asks the other children as she gently strokes Matilda’s hair away from her face. “How long has she been unconscious?”
“Unconkjus?” Eric questions. 
“Asleep, how long has she been asleep?”
“Not long, Miss,” Bruce responds. “She was shaking when she climbed up, I tried to stop her, Miss, honest I did! And then she fell asleep going down and won’t wake up.”
“Is she dead?!” Lavender asks frantically. 
“No, darling, she just fainted,” Miss Honey says soothingly. “She’ll be alright. Did she hit her head or neck on anything?”
“No, Miss Honey,” Alice says. “I saw the whole thing, she just… fell asleep.” 
“Alright, not a concussion, then,” Jenny tuts to herself. “Oh, darling.” 
Matilda’s eyes flutter open and she gives a pained little groan. 
“Matilda? Can you hear me, love?” Jenny asks softly. She faintly hears Lavender burst into relieved tears behind her, but is too focused on Matilda to be able to comfort her. Bruce wraps the girl in a nice big hug, so Jenny feels alright focusing on Matilda for a moment. 
Matilda whimpers softly, but her eyes do focus on Jenny. She licks her chapped lips before she just barely whispers a, “Yes.”
“Good, good,” Jenny says comfortingly. It seems to have the opposite effect as Matilda bursts into tears. “Oh, darling, what’s the matter?”
“I’m sorry,” Matilda chokes. “I’m sorry, I-”
“Shh, my little firefly, it’s alright,” Jenny hushes. “Come here.”
Gently, slowly, she pulls Matilda into her lap and brushes the dirt off her back. Matilda rests  limply against her shoulder and cries miserably. 
“It’s alright, you’re alright, shh,” Jenny continues. “Let’s get you inside, come along. Thank you for your help, children, you all behaved very maturely today.”
“Feel better, Matilda!” Lavender calls as Jenny hoists Matilda into her arms and starts walking back towards the school building. Matilda continues weeping into her shoulder as she’s carried through the hallways to Jenny’s office. 
“Oh, Miss Honey!” Nigel says as he almost crashes into her. Amanda comes around the corner with the school nurse. “We were just coming back!” 
“Let’s go to my office,” Jenny says to the nurse. Amanda hands back Jenny’s badge. “Thank you, Nigel, Amanda, you can go back to your recess now.”
“Alright, Miss!” Nigel says as he and Amanda go running back to the playground. Jenny continues walking the way she was headed, and the nurse follows after her. 
“What happened?” she asks as the heavy oak door closes behind them. 
“She’s seemed unwell all week and she just fainted on the playground, I’m not sure,” Jenny says. She sits in her desk chair and keeps Matilda in her lap to be examined. “She hasn’t complained of anything.” 
Matilda seems too exhausted to resist the treatment she gets. She obediently lets the nurse stick a thermometer under her tongue and check her pulse and blood pressure. 
“She’s got a very high temperature,” the nurse says in concern. She shows Jenny the thermometer, and Jenny gawks at the number on the end. “Her vitals are a bit weak, but fine. Recess with the fever was likely just too strenuous. She’ll need plenty of rest and fluids, but she should be alright.” 
“Should I take her to a doctor’s?” Jenny asks. 
“I would, simply due to the… fainting spell,” the nurse surmises. “I doubt it’s anything serious, but someone should double check.” 
“Alright. Thank you very much,” Jenny says. The nurse nods and packs up her equipment to head back to her office. 
“I’m sorry,” Matilda chokes again. 
“What are you apologizing for, darling? It’s not your fault,” Jenny hushes. “We’ll go to the doctor’s and see what’s the matter and then go home, alright?” 
Matilda doesn’t respond, she just nuzzles her snotty nose closer into Jenny’s shoulder and cries. Jenny tries to hide her concern. Why wouldn’t Matilda tell her she was unwell? Why won’t she speak now? 
“Come along,” Jenny says softly. She picks Matilda up again and heads to the closest classroom. “Mr. Lazella? I’m going to be out for the rest of the day, could you please let any students looking for me know? I’ll handle any concerns next week.”
“Sure thing, Miss Honey,” the man replies. “Everything alright?”
“Oh, yes, she’s just feeling a bit under the weather,” Jenny replies. “We’re off to see the doctor. Thank you again.”
“Not a problem. Have a nice weekend, you two.”
“You as well,” Jenny replies. He leaves him back to his class and carries Matilda out of the building towards the gate. It’s quite a long walk to the nearest doctor. Jenny sighs and musters up all her strength to be able to carry Matilda the whole way. 
They aren’t more than twenty feet down the road when a beep suddenly sounds from behind them. Jenny startles and leaps to the side of the road, but it’s only Mrs. Phelps. She squeals to a stop and pokes her head out the window. 
“Afternoon, Miss Honey!” 
“Oh, Mrs. Phelps!” Jenny replies. “Hello!”
“Oh, Matilda,” Mrs. Phelps says when she notices the state the young girl is in. She’s stopped crying, luckily, but she’s very clearly ill and upset as she lazes against Jenny’s shoulder. “What’s the matter?”
“We aren’t sure, yet. She’s had quite a day,” Jenny replies. “We’re on our way to the doctor.” 
“You’ll never make it on foot! Get in, get in,” Mrs. Phelps says.
“Oh, no, I couldn’t-”
“Listen, Honey, I care about this child more than myself, get in the damn bus,” Mrs. Phelps insists. Jenny nods curtly and climbs aboard the mobile library. There’s not a spectacular amount of room to sit, but there is a folding chair that Jenny settles in and holds Matilda on her lap. 
Mrs. Phelps putters the bus to life again, and soon they’re hurtling towards the town at a speed Jenny isn’t entirely comfortable with. 
Before she knows it, they’re pulling up alongside the road outside the doctor’s. “I’ll wait here and give you lot a ride home. Go get her checked out.” 
“Will do. Thank you very much, Mrs. Phelps,” Jenny says as she climbs back off. 
“Don’t mention it.” 
For the first time in nearly an hour, Jenny puts Matilda down in one of the scratchy seats in the waiting room and heads to get her checked in. She takes the paperwork she needs to fill out and settles into the chair beside Matilda. 
The situation is rather dire, but Jenny smiles as Matilda leans into her shoulder with a sniffle. Her smile grows as she writes Matilda Honey into the patient name box. She fills out all her own information for the parent box, and then it gets to the reason for visit section. 
Jenny writes what she knows. Fever, fainting… what else? 
“What other symptoms have you had recently, darling?” she asks. Matilda’s lip starts to tremble again at the question, so Jenny desperately slides off her chair and kneels in front of her. “Oh, firefly, it’s alright. I promise you it’ll be alright. You don’t have to say anything. I’ll just ask if you’ve felt something and you give me a nod or a head shake, alright?”
Matilda sniffs again and nods. Jenny squeezes her hand and keeps it in hers as she sits back in her seat and picks up the pen. 
“Stuffy nose? I can’t tell if that’s from you being so poorly or from all your crying, poor dear,” Jenny begins. Matilda nods, so Jenny marks it down. “Headaches?” Another nod. “Sore throat?” Another nod. “Stomachaches?” Yet another nod. “Chills?” Yet again, a nod. “Aches?” Matilda nods again. “Oh, sweetheart. You must be absolutely miserable.” 
Matilda nods and fiddles with the hem of her dress. Jenny squeezes her hand and squishes her cheek against the top of the little girl’s head. 
“Well, with any luck, the doctor will be able to tell us what to do to get you feeling better,” Jenny says. 
A nurse comes by and very kindly takes the paperwork back to the desk for her so Jenny doesn’t have to leave Matilda’s side. They have a short wait for the doctor, during which Jenny points out all the fun decorations on the walls around them. Matilda doesn’t so much as smile. 
Eventually, another nurse calls for Matilda, so they follow her back towards an examination room. Matilda hops up onto the table and wiggles in discomfort at the crinkle of the paper beneath her. Jenny sits in the chair against the wall while Matilda gets her basic vitals checked yet again. 
“Very high temperature, poor little dear,” the nurse tuts again. She gently guides Matilda to stand to check her height and weight. Jenny’s glad to see she’s grown a few inches and put on a few pounds since coming to live with her. Getting Matilda to eat properly has been one of the biggest struggles of their entire ordeal. “Everything else seems alright. The doctor will see you shortly.”
“Thank you,” Jenny says genuinely. The nurse nods and shuts the door. Matilda is fidgeting with her fingers, wringing them tightly in her palms before loosening her grip and then repeating the motion with the other hand. Jenny stands, heads over to her, and gently runs a finger from her wrist down to her first fingernail. “Almost done, darling. The doctor just needs to examine you and then we can head home.” 
Matilda nods, and watches as Jenny traces all the bones in her little hand. She croaks, “What will the doctor do?” 
Jenny suddenly remembers that Matilda has only been here once so far for a well check, not when she’s been ill. No wonder she’s so anxious, she has no idea what to expect. 
“She’s going to read everything the nurse took down and that we put on your paperwork so she knows what she’s working with, and then she’s going to come in here. She’s probably going to ask us some questions about what’s happened and a bit more about what you’re feeling. Then she’ll check your eyes, ears, and throat to see if she can tell visibly what the matter is,” Jenny begins. “And she’ll check your heart and breathing. She might touch your neck to see if you have any swelling, and she might check your reflexes. If you’d like, we could ask her to explain why she’s doing things before she does them.”
Matilda nods. “Yes, please.” 
“Alright. I’ll let her know when she comes in,” Jenny promises. She stays standing against the wall so she can hold Matilda’s hand and provide some comfort.
The doctor comes in and washes her hands as she gives them a greeting. As promised, Jenny asks if she wouldn’t mind telling Matilda what she’s going to do and why during the examination. The doctor knows a bit of their history; that Matilda has a history of abuse and a brilliant mind, and agrees readily. 
As Jenny expected, it begins with a conversation as she shines a light into Matilda’s eyes (to check for infection, and see how quick her brain tells her pupils to contract in response to the light) and ears (much the same reason). 
Matilda tells the doctor that she’s been feeling unwell since Tuesday morning when she woke up, and that she’s felt worse every day since. Jenny curses herself for not noticing or making the child stay home and rest. How could she not have noticed? 
“Doesn’t look to be strep throat,” the doctor says as she peeks down Matilda’s throat. “Say aah, please. That will lift your tonsils and lower your tongue so I have a better view. Mm… not tonsillitis either, though there is a fair bit of inflammation.” 
Jenny squeezes Matilda’s hand as the doctor massages around her throat to check for swelling. 
“Well, by the looks of things and your symptoms I think this is just a particularly nasty flu,” the doctor says as she concludes the examination by listening to Matilda’s heart and breathing. “Her heart sounds fine, and she doesn’t have the sounds of pneumonia. I think the fainting was just working too hard with such a high fever.” 
“The flu,” Jenny breathes, relieved it isn’t something more serious. The doctor nods. 
“You can give her your standard over-the-counter flu medication according to the directions to help ease her symptoms. And beyond that, all she needs is hydration, food, and rest,” she explains. 
“Alright. Thank you, Doctor,” Jenny says. 
“Anytime. And come see us a bit earlier next year for your inoculation,” the doctor says with a wink. “Feel better, Matilda.” 
She leaves then, so Jenny helps Matilda down from the table and leads her out of the building. Matilda manages to climb into the mobile library herself this time, and Jenny follows right behind her. 
“What’s the problem, then?” Mrs. Phelps asks. 
“Nasty flu, poor thing,” Jenny says. “It is the season for it, I suppose.” 
“That it is,” Mrs. Phelps nods. “You need anything else or is it straight home?” 
“I should pick up a few things from the shops,” Jenny tuts to herself. “Would you mind a quick stop?”
“Not at all,” Mrs. Phelps replies. Jenny once again wonders how this woman ever got a driver’s license as they’re off to the nearest store to pick up some sick day supplies. 
“Matilda, do you just want to stay with Mrs. Phelps? I won’t be long,” Jenny asks. Matilda nods and curls in on herself in her chair. “Alright. I’ll be right back.” 
Jenny rushes into the shop and straight to the medication aisle. Matilda loves strawberries, so she grabs that flavor of children’s flu medicine and a bag of cough drops. 
She adds some crackers, ginger ale, and some extra tea to her basket as well. Her shop is completed with some ingredients for a nice soup, and she’s back on the bus in under five minutes.
“Wow, that really was quick,” Mrs. Phelps says in slight shock. 
“Yes, well,” Jenny replies airily, smoothing down her hair and dress. She can tell by the look Mrs. Phelps gives her that she understands. Her daughter is ill, and she’s worried. 
“Let’s get you two home,” Mrs. Phelps says. Jenny goes to the back of the bus and takes her spot next to Matilda again. 
“Almost home. Then you can rest,” she whispers. Matilda nods without looking at her. Jenny frowns in concern and squeezes her hand. Matilda gives a weak squeeze back and continues staring at her shoes. 
Mrs. Phelps has them home in no time. Jenny climbs off first and helps Matilda down the steps. Matilda starts a slow trudge off towards the house after weakly thanking the librarian for all her help. Jenny’s about to follow her when Mrs. Phelps suddenly calls a, “Miss Honey!” 
“Yes?” Jenny replies, taking a few steps back towards the library. A large stack of books is suddenly thrust at her. “Oh, my goodness.”
“You’ll need supplies,” Mrs. Phelps says. “Her favorites, and a few new ones.” 
“Thank you,” Jenny says genuinely. “And thank you for driving us about. If I can ever return the favor somehow, do please let me know.”
“Just get that girl feeling better,” Mrs. Phelps says with a wink. 
“Will do,” Jenny says. She waves as Mrs. Phelps goes peeling and puttering out of sight before she meets Matilda at the front door. “Alright, got loads of books for us to read while you’re down for the count. Look at these!” Matilda gives a weak smile as Jenny finds the right key and unlocks the door. “You alright, love? You’re looking a bit green.”
Jenny finds out why quite quickly. Matilda’s barely in the house before she’s bending over and her lunch is making a reappearance. Jenny almost drops the books in her panic, but manages to catch them again at the last second, rest them on the table inside the door and go rub Matilda’s back. 
“Oh, firefly,” she murmurs as Matilda retches again. “Get it up, darling, poor thing.” 
“I’m sorry,” Matilda sobs as soon as she’s finished. “I-I’ll clean it up, I promise! I’m sorry!” 
“You will not clean it up,” Jenny promises. “It’s alright, love, you didn’t mean it. You’re unwell. You’re going to go rest.” 
“But-”
“Matilda, I’ve been a primary school teacher for ten years. I’ve seen plenty of vomit,” Jenny says. “Come on.” 
Jenny reaches a hand for her. Matilda hesitates, like she doesn’t believe she quite deserves to take it, before she steps her way around the puddle and follows Jenny up the stairs to her room. 
Jenny roots through her dresser to find Matilda’s coziest pajamas and rests them on her bed. Matilda watches, crying pitifully, and she startles a bit when Jenny goes to crouch in front of her. 
“Can I help you get changed or would you like privacy?” Jenny asks. One step at a time. 
“Help?” Matilda asks. “But I-”
“You were sick. That’s not your fault, darling,” Jenny comforts. “I’m not upset with you.” 
“But-” Matilda says again. 
“Matilda,” Jenny insists. “You had no control over that. It happens sometimes. Would you be mad at me for getting ill?” Matilda shakes her head. “So is it fair for me to be upset with you for getting ill?” Matilda thinks for a moment before she shakes her head again with a little sniffle. “Exactly. We’re going to get you all taken care of, and you’re going to rest. That’s all you’re responsible for right now.” 
“Yes, Miss Honey,” Matilda mumbles. “I think I need help.” 
“Alright, darling. Turn around for me,” Jenny says. Matilda does, so Jenny slides her jacket off her shoulders and undoes the bow at the back of her uniform dress. Matilda does her best to undo the buttons at the collar and lifts her arms so Jenny can lift it over her head. 
Jenny places it in the hamper to be washed since it didn’t quite survive Matilda getting sick unscathed. But it can wait a little while. She grabs the pajamas (patterned with cats, as they learned they both love) and helps Matilda step into the legs and get her arms through the sleeves before she buttons her into it. 
“There we are,” she says as she does the last one. “Now, would you like to get into bed or go rest on the sofa?” 
“Bed, please,” Matilda says softly. Jenny nods and pulls back the duvet. Matilda crawls in and grabs her stuffed worm that Lavender had gotten her for her birthday. Jenny tucks her in tight and kisses her feverish forehead. “Are you… coming back?” 
Jenny turns from grabbing Matilda’s clothes out of the laundry hamper and looks at her. “Of course, love. I just need to go tidy up a bit and fetch your things and then I’ll be right back. Promise.” 
Matilda nods and nestles further into her blankets. Jenny smiles fondly and leaves the door cracked open behind her. 
Matilda’s uniform goes right into the wash with their favorite soft, floral smelling detergent. Jenny grabs some cleaning supplies from the closet and braces herself. She has seen a lot of vomit in her time as an educator, but she still doesn’t care to keep its company. 
She manages to clean the whole thing with only one gag of her own, which is a record for her. Jenny puts the supplies back and adds the food she’d purchased earlier to the fridge before carrying the rest (with the addition of a large bowl, just in case) back up to Matilda. 
Matilda is staring patiently at the door. She smiles faintly when she sees Jenny really did come back. Jenny’s heart breaks the slightest bit as she heads over and sits down on the edge of the bed. 
“Alright, we’ve got this in case you need to be sick again. But I think that was just Mrs. Phelps’ driving,” Jenny jokes. Matilda giggles quietly. “And your medicines, and some crackers and soda to help settle your stomach and get that nasty taste out of your mouth. And I bought everything to make you some soup for dinner tonight, alright? Oh, and your books Mrs. Phelps gave us.” 
“Thank you,” Matilda says softly. 
“You don’t have to thank me, darling,” Jenny says, stroking her cheek. “But I do have a question for you.” Matilda looks at her like a kicked puppy. “Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling so horrible, love? You didn’t have to come to school this week.”
“I thought I’d get better,” Matilda says sheepishly, twisting the ends of her worm together and undoing it again over and over. “If you knew I was ill you’d either have had to stay home with me or spend the entire day worrying for me. You love your job.”
“Oh, Matilda,” Jenny chides lovingly. “I do love my job, but I love you more. You didn’t get better like you were expecting to because you didn’t let yourself rest. You pushed yourself too hard. It’s not your job to take care of me. If you feel ill or like you need to miss a day or two of school you need to let me know, darling.” 
“But we take care of each other,” Matilda protests. 
“We do,” Jenny agrees. “But only when we’re feeling well enough to do so. You’ve done amazingly well, for being so sick. But it’s time to rest and recover for a while. You’re taking care of me as best you can, but your best is weaker for a little while. I get to take care of you just a little extra until you’re back on your feet.” 
Matilda thinks this over for a moment before she nods. “I just didn’t want you to worry.” 
“I only worry because I love you, darling,” Jenny comforts. “You’re… you’re my daughter.” That gets a smile. “I always worry about you. But I’m a grownup. I have people and strategies to help me through my worried feelings. It’s not your job to try to prevent them.” 
Matilda nods again. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“It’s alright, firefly. I understand why you didn’t,” Jenny says quietly. “But you’ve got to tell me next time. Anytime you’re feeling some way you don’t think you should, you’ve got to let me know.”
“Okay,” Matilda croaks in agreement. Jenny smiles and kisses her feverish forehead. 
“Good girl. Now, let’s get some medicine in that poor little body,” she says. She reads the dosage directions on the side of the bottle before pouring the proper amount of the unnaturally red liquid into the cap. 
Matilda eyes it suspiciously when she hands it to her. “This is going to make me better?” 
“It won’t taste like it, but yes, it will,” Jenny chuckles. “It’ll lower your fever and hopefully help that cough, and that’ll help with your chills and aches too.” 
“Can I read the bottle?” Matilda asks as she brings it to her lips. Jenny furrows her brow in confusion, but she nods and hands it to Matilda as she swallows the strawberry syrup. “Blech, this tastes like strawberry shoe polish!” 
“I did tell you it wasn’t going to be nice,” Jenny giggles. She cracks open a can of the soda and hands it to her. “Here, have some of this. Get the taste out of your mouth.” 
Matilda eagerly takes the can and swallows a few good gulps of it. She stretches to try to rest it on her nightstand, but can’t quite reach, so Jenny gently takes it and rests it on the white wooden table. Matilda continues reading the label of the medicine interestedly, trying to piece together how strawberry shoe polish could possibly be such a miracle worker. 
Once she’s satisfied with the information she’s gotten she hands the bottle back to Jenny. 
Jenny stands and prepares to head down to start preparing dinner. She pauses just before her hand touches the doorknob and turns around when she hears a little, “Don’t go.” 
Matilda looks so pitiful, so… young, curled up in her large bed all alone. Her cheeks are flushed pink with her fever, and her eyes are a bit glassy. She reaches out a little hand for Jenny. 
“Please?” she begs softly. Jenny can’t find it in her heart to deny the little girl. She rests the things she was going to take downstairs on Matilda’s desk and heads back to the bed. 
“Budge up,” she says gently. Matilda beams and scoots over to make room and latches to Jenny’s side like a little magnet when she’s in place.
“Thank you,” she whispers. Jenny holds her close and kisses her hair. 
“Of course, my little firefly,” she whispers back. 
“Will you read to me please?” Matilda asks softly. Jenny is briefly surprised. They read together a lot, but Matilda usually reads to her while Jenny does housework or paperwork. It’s quite a rare occasion for things to go the other way. Jenny nods with a smile. Matilda crawls over her to grab a well-loved copy of Paddington off the top of the stack and hands it to her. It’s not quite on par with the advanced literary classics Matilda is partial to, but it’s still one of Jenny’s favorites, and one Matilda certainly deserves to hear read to her. 
Matilda hesitates for a moment before she lies down again directly on top of Jenny, her head on Jenny’s chest and the rest of her torso pressed against her stomach. Jenny blinks back loving tears and smooths down Matilda’s hair with a smile. 
She rests the book on Matilda’s back and pulls it open with a fond grin. She feels a matching one against her chest as she begins to read. 
Jenny strokes through Matilda’s hair with her free hand, pausing only to turn the pages when she needs to. Matilda listens to her voice and feels the rising and falling of her chest as she breathes beneath her head. 
Eventually, Matilda’s breathing begins to slow and even out. Jenny carefully marks their page and rests the book to the side as Matilda begins to drift off to sleep. 
“I love you, Mummy,” Matilda yawns, rubbing her eyes and shifting a bit before she’s out for the count. Jenny beams and holds her daughter tightly against her. 
“I love you so much, my little miracle.”
—————
thank you for reading!! have a lovely day!!
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Text
Reflection
Chapter 6: The Storm
Summary:  The paladins take a small vaccination, guess who's forced to tag along?
AO3!
Previous Chapter
Word Count: 4,615
Welcome back!
Adam’s POV 
The party was a month ago. He hadn’t spoken to Shiro in over a month. He had seen him and had been forced to sit in meetings with him but he hadn’t spoken to him. 
Every time Shiro tried to stop him or corner him Adam would slip away. Like water between his fingers. He didn’t even understand why Shiro was still trying to talk to him. He told him he didn’t love him. He used him. Toyed with him and yet everywhere he looked. Everywhere he turned, he was there. Waiting. 
It was kind of annoying. 
“Take them on a vacation?” Adam stared at the folder in his hands. 
Iverson grunted, leaning back in his chair. “Yup. Earth’s reconstruction is underway, the universe is getting fixed. They deserve a break.” 
“I agree but…why do I have to take them?” 
“Don’t flatter yourself, I’m going with you.” 
Adam stared at his superior, “...right. That makes this so much better.” He opened the folder, quickly scanning the words. “Why here?” 
Iverson shrugged, “it’s what they requested.” 
“Lance is the only one from Cuba.” 
“Well, it’s what they wanted. Inform them of this trip and be packed to go by 06:00 tomorrow.” 
Adam chewed on his inner cheek. “Yes sir.” 
---
He raised his fist, quickly lowering it before pacing the hallway for the tenth time. Just knock on the fucking door why are you like this?! He scolded himself before stepping back toward the door. 
He raised his hand again, just knock. He allowed his wrist to fall forward right as the door slid open. Allura sent him a confused look. “Adam?” 
“Princess?!” He cleared his throat, forcing his hand to his side. “I uh…where is everyone?” 
“Around, I was heading to the cafeteria. Care to join?” She flashed him a tense smile. 
Adam shook his head, suddenly feeling like a scolded child. “Can you inform everyone of this?” He handed her the folder. “We leave tomorrow at 06:00, all the details are inside.” 
She glanced at the contents before putting the folder under her arm. “I’ll make sure we’re ready.” 
“Thank you…see you later,” he pivoted on one foot and bolted down the hall. This was going to be a long week. 
---
“So where are we going, boss man?” Lance flopped down in his seat, Keith grumbling next to him. He was never a morning person, despite appearing to be one. 
Adam glanced up from his tablet. “You weren’t told?” 
Nope,” Lance popped the ‘p’ in the word as he rested his head on Keith’s shoulder. 
Adam looked back down at his tablet, vaguely aware of the others entering the place. “Varadero.” He spoke the word as he glanced up at Shiro. Who moved to the back of the plane without a second glance. 
“Really?! You’re pulling my leg right now.” Lance began to ramble, loudly sharing stories of his youth. 
Adam turned him out, his attention on Shiro. He sat down and immediately pulled out a book, sending Allura a smile as she sat down next to him. He took a deep breath, Just move on Adam. 
Lips. Soft, gentle, familiar lips. A breath mingled between them. Unsure of whose breath it was. 
“I love you,” Shiro whispered in the dark room. 
Adam froze, his mind going blank at the words. “What?” He was even surprised he could say anything. 
Shiro pressed his lips against his cheek, mumbling the words once more. “I love you.” He kissed down his jaw, continuing downward. His hands danced under Adam’s shirt. 
A breathy chuckle was released from Adam’s chest. Freezing Shiro immediately. “Are you okay?” He asked in a worried whisper. 
Adam nodded, taking a moment to properly verbalize words. “I love you too.” 
Shiro pressed his lips against his again, a smile on both of their lips. 
Adam jolted awake, Iverson’s hand on his shoulder. “We’re here.” 
He blinked the sleep from his eyes, trying to stretch his muscles without moving his body. “I fell asleep?” 
Iverson blinked down at him, “...yes.” 
“Oh,” he took a deep breath, looking around the empty cabin. “Then, let’s get this vacation going!” It didn’t take them long to reach the house the Garrison had rented out. They basically landed the plane in the backyard. 
Adam and Iverson watched the paladin's claims room, quickly realizing they could have rented a smaller house due to Allura and Romelle sharing a room and Keith and Lance sharing as well. “Did you want to pick yours first?” Iverson glanced at him. 
“Nah, go ahead and pick.” He looked down the hall, at the room Shiro picked. Just needed a room far away from him. 
---
“Dinner!” Hunk called through the house. Adam waited a couple of minutes before heading out. Letting the others get their food and claim their seat before him. That was mistake number one. By the time he had entered the dining room, the only chair available was next to Shiro. Can you please give me a break? He begged the universe silently. 
He took his seat, focusing on his breathing as he dished up. Shiro slid the salt toward him, sending him a small smile. 
Tears welled up in his eyes and he quickly stood from the table. Making his way out into the salty air. He wasn’t sure how long he wondered. Long enough that the sunset and his teeth chattered together as the wind blew through him. 
He had stopped walking at some point, taking a seat on the sand. His knees tucked up into his chest, his arms wrapped around them. Trying to keep as much heat as he could in. He stared at the waves in a trance. His eyes were unblinking as the water rolled back and forth. The roar was calming. For once he felt calm. Despite the situation at hand. 
Footsteps appeared behind him and he held his breath. Waiting for them to reveal themself. 
“The waves are pretty.” Keith’s voice was soft but cold. A tone Adam could never master. 
“They are,” he released a wavering breath, as Keith moved to sit down by him. Keeping a couple of feet between them. He rubbed his thumb and pointer finger together. Focusing on the pressure. “What do you want?” 
“Am I not allowed to be concerned about you?”
Adam didn’t respond. 
Keith continued, almost mumbling his words. “We did know each other before all of this.” 
Adam scoffed. “Hardly.” 
Keith sighed. “Just because I was closer to Shiro…we still knew each other. You still treated me like I was someone. That I was worth more than the ‘trouble’ label everyone slapped on me.” 
“Because you are more than ‘trouble,’ people just needed to give you a chance. See the real you under the surface.” 
“Look at you, starting to sound like Shiro.” 
Adam tensed his body, unknowingly. Would he ever be a regular topic for him? Or will he spend the rest of his days walking on a tightrope whenever he is mentioned? Adam begged himself to just be indifferent to him. What happened to him is the pass, he ended it. And yet, he can’t even face him.
Keith mumbled a small apology and they both fell into silence. Letting the waves soothe them. “Lance likes waves,” Keith said after a couple of moments. 
Adam hummed. “Yeah.” 
“I can’t believe I never knew you were his advisor. Could have helped a guy out,” Keith tried to make a light-hearted joke. 
Adam smiled to himself, he could still remember the constant rambling from Keith about a classmate of his. Sure it was hidden by empty “complaints” but Adam knew. He knew these rambles were unacknowledged feelings. “I’m not supposed to talk about the cadets I advise.” He joked back, feeling Keith’s eye roll next to him. 
They let the sound of waves fill in the space between them. Adam smiled to himself before speaking again. “He did talk about you a lot.” 
Keith chuckled, “I knew it.” 
More silence. 
Adam always hated the silence and now it seemed like it was constantly surrounding him. 
“How did you move on? After you ended things with Shiro?”
Adam hugged his knees tighter to his chest. “You know what they say. Time heals all wounds.” 
“A week though? You didn’t even cancel a class. You looked…you acted the same,” he paused. An unspoken question waiting in the air. 
Adam filled his lungs, releasing the air in a quick puff. “You’re wondering if Shiro ever mattered to me? If our relationship ever mattered?” 
Keith mumbled out a small yes. 
“Shiro…” he shifted his eyes to his fingers, tapping his fingers lightly against his knees. “He was my whole world. I saw galaxies when I was with him…I had never been in love until I met him.” He paused, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “I saw my entire life with him. It switched to the rest of his life after his diagnosis but I wanted to be there till his last breath. I needed to be there. Losing him stung. I can’t even begin to describe the pain I felt sliding off that ring.” 
“But you still were fine,” Keith said. A mix of confusion and aggression mixed in. Adam let the tone roll off him, he knew how important the person at hand was to him. 
“Have you ever dealt with an issue that you didn’t want anyone else to know about? That no matter how much it bothered you, or hurt, no one else needed to know?” 
Keith didn’t reply, but Adam knew he had before. 
“The version of me you saw in public, attending meetings, doing my job…that wasn’t the version of me behind closed doors. Downing liquor every night to try and numb the pain. Ripping up everything to do with Kerberos. Crying myself to sleep every night, not even being able to sleep the full night because my person wasn’t there next to me. And then,” his voice cracked as tears threatened to spill, “he fucking…that goddamn salt shaker.” 
“What about it?” 
Adam lifted his head to the sky, the stars shining down on them. A hot tear slid down his face. “Even after all these years. The fights, the arguments, the time…he still remembers that I always put salt on my food.” He wiped his eyes, “a fucking salt shaker.” 
“He loved you, Adam. Anyone could see that.” 
“Then why didn’t he stay with me?” 
Keith tensed up beside him, releasing a slow breath. “He was doing what he needed to survive. What was right for him. Sometimes,” he paused. Hesitant. “Sometimes we need to be by ourselves to do that.” 
The seconds turned into minutes. Adam was unsure what to do. What he needed to do. “What would you have done? If you were in my shoes.” 
Um,” Keith adjusted himself so his legs were tucked up under him. “I’m not sure.” 
“Do you think I made the wrong choice?” He closed his eyes, feeling like a scared child at Keith’s answer. 
“...I’m not sure.” 
---
Shiro’s POV
“OH, IT’S ON MULLET!” Lance began to climb up Hunk’s shoulders, while Pidge climbed on Keith’s shoulders. 
“Now what on Earth are they doing?” Coran twisted his mustache around as he watched Lance and Pidge behind to try and shove each other off their partner’s shoulders. 
“It’s called ‘Chicken.’ It’s a swimming game.” Shiro closed his eyes, enjoying the heat from the sun. 
“Oh on Altea we had something similar!” Coran began to ramble about his youth. Shiro did his best to pay attention but he was a couple of drinks in. He tilted his head to the side, watching Allura and Romelle build an impressive sand castle. 
They were cute together. Happy. A ping of jealousy hit his gut and he twisted his head back to the former paladins. Lance stood up while shaking his head as Pidge and Keith screamed with victory. 
At least they were still happy. 
“Water?” 
He moved his head to look at Adam, who was holding out a water bottle. The sides are covered in condensation. “What?” 
Adam lifted his eyebrow slightly, “do you want water? You’ve been drinking a lot.” 
“Uh sure,” he grabbed the water bottle, ignoring how their fingers brushed against each other slightly. “Thanks.” 
“No problem.” Adam didn’t move, his fingers closing and opening a couple of times. “Can I sit?” 
“Sure.” 
Adam sat down, an arm’s length distance between them. “Enjoying the weather?” 
Shiro hummed. “It’s nice. Feels good to just relax.” 
“Yeah…I could imagine being up in space during all of that.” Adam cleared his throat. “Was it scary?” 
“Terrifying.” 
“Shiro! Come swim with us!” Allura waved at him from the water. Having moved from the sand into the water.
Shiro stood, brushing the sand that wasn’t present off his legs, “the princess calls.” 
Adam nodded, looking away as Shiro slid his shirt off. “Have fun.” 
“Thank you,” and he headed down into the water. 
---
A couple of days have passed since that day and the distance somehow became colder. Unbearable. It affected everyone, more than usual. Both were aware of it but neither knew what to do with it. 
Until the universe forced them to deal with it, in a way neither of them wanted. 
“Alright, all of us are going to the beach.” Iverson declared, his arms crossed in front of him. “All of us but you two.” He pointed at Adam and Shiro. 
Neither man looked at the other. Adam cleared his throat, “why?” 
“Why? Because you two need to work through whatever is causing this tension worse than normal.” Iverson raised his eyebrow at them, indicating he wasn’t budging on the conversation. Or his decision. 
Shiro looked at his team, trying to catch their eye. Silently ask them to support him. Keep him away from just being alone with Adam. But everyone was conveniently looking away from them. Iverson orders. 
Iverson gave them one more look before turning, letting everyone else exit the house before him. The door clicked close on a brewing storm. 
They spent the first hour in different rooms. Neither of them made any noise. The second hour was spent the same, the third hour they ran into each other in the kitchen. After the fourth, it was clear everyone else wasn’t returning back anytime soon. Shiro rubbed his eyes, fighting the urge to cover himself in blankets and just sleep until his team returned. But, this needed to be addressed. It was affecting others more. They just needed to get it out of their system. 
He opened his bedroom door, peeking into the still living room. It was quiet. Maybe Adam was asleep? Or he snuck out the back. He chewed on his inner cheek and stepped into the hallway, slowly inching toward the living space. The sun was beginning to set. It was around dinner time. 
“Why are you sneaking around?” Adam dried his hand on a towel that was draped on his shoulder. Sending Shiro a questioning look. 
“I wasn’t.” 
Adam gave him a ‘whatever’ nod and turned back to the stove, staring at an empty pan. 
Shiro stepped closer to the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the bar. “You need something in the pan in order to cook.” 
Adam glanced at him, “I’m debating what to cook.” 
“...Need help deciding?” 
The other man released a breathy laugh. “Just like the old days, huh?” 
Shiro smiled to himself. Adam always cooked. It was an unspoken rule to never let Shiro near a stove. And Shiro always decided what Adam would cook. It was his favorite time of the day, helping Adam pick what he would make for dinner. “What do we have?” 
After an hour they were both sitting across from each other at the table. A bowl of curry and rice in front of them. Both of them eat without talking. Shiro fought the urge to fidget in his seat. He was getting tired of this. Wasn’t Adam just as tired? He put his spoon down, clearing his throat to ask just as Adam spoke. 
“Those scars…on your chest. Those were from the Galra?” 
“...Yeah…when I was their ‘Champion,’ I had to fight in the ring.” 
Adam mumbled something under his breath, wiping his eyes quickly. “I can’t believe while I was on Earth, thinking you were dead you were fighting for your life.” 
“How were you supposed to know I was alive?” 
Adam shrugged, twisting his spoon around his plate. “I knew it wasn’t because of pilot error. You’re a hell of a pilot.” 
“You flatter me.” 
“I am sorry…that all of that happened to you.” Adam sounded sincere, his voice thick with emotion.  
“I’m happier it happened to me than to someone else.” 
“You shouldn’t think like that.” 
“Easier to cope like that.” 
Adam frowned. Questions weighing on his mind. 
“Just say it, Adam.” 
“Say what?” 
“Whatever you’re thinking.” 
He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times. “Why didn’t you ever tag my dog tag off?” 
“I…oh.” Shiro looked down at his mostly eaten plate. “It brought me comfort. That I would see you again.” 
Adam squinted his eyes in thought as he stared at the wooden table. “We weren’t together.” He looked up, meeting Shiro’s eyes. “We weren’t together.” He repeated it as if he was trying to convince himself of the fact. 
“I know, but,” Shiro stopped himself, feeling embarrassed about his reason. 
“But what?” 
He took a deep breath. “I wanted to believe that we could work it out. That once I got back we could fall back together.” 
Adam chuckled under his breath, standing while he collected the plates. “You expected me to wait for you?” 
Shiro followed him with his eyes, waiting for Adam to reenter the room; his hands-free. “It was a year-long mission.” 
“Supposed to be a year-long mission. Or did you not forget how long you were actually gone? Take away your day field trip when you found the Blue Lion.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the archway connecting the dining room and kitchen. “And besides. Was I supposed to simply sit around and do nothing for a year? Not even try to move on?” 
“Did you? Move on I mean.” 
“I went on a date. A fellow from engineering.” 
“Why didn’t it work out?” 
Adam sighed, “he was married. News to me until he invited me over and his wedding ring was sitting next to a picture of his wife.” 
“Yikes.” 
“Yeah, tell me about it. I…I took a break from dating after that.” 
“...I didn’t move on,” Shiro whispered the words. 
“You were in space, I don’t think your dating pool was that big or your main focus.” 
“True…but I mean right now. I still…haven’t moved on.” 
“You should.” 
“Have you?” He raised his voice slightly. “Or did you just ask me to kiss you because you just wanted a kiss?” 
“I wanted to see if I still loved you, which I don’t.” 
Shiro fought back a sniffle, his emotions quickly heightening. The storm was finally hitting a point where it couldn’t be contained. “Then why were you jealous of Curtis?!” 
Adam scoffed. “Oh please, I wasn’t jealous.” 
“Oh bullshit,” Shiro stood from the table, anger licking at his core. Begging to be released. The rope nearing a snap. “I was with you for years. I know how you look when you’re jealous.” 
“I was drunk!” He pushed himself away from the wall, dropping his hands by his sides. His hands closed into a fist. 
“You still act the same sober. I know you, Adam.” 
“You don’t! Stop saying you do!” 
“Why? Because it’s true? I know you go to bed at 23:00 no matter what, you always put salt on your food, you sleep on your left side, you hate shaving your face, you sing in the shower, you hate Garrison lunches, and your least favorite part of cooking is prepping. I know you.” 
Adam burst into tears, his breath catching in his chest. “You left me.” 
Shiro flinched. The words cut into him like a knife. “You ended it.” 
“Because you were leaving!” He took a long breath, his eyes looking toward the floor. Glistened with unfallen tears. “No matter what I did. How hard I begged, you were leaving…I didn’t know what to do.” 
“I was coming back. Coming back to you.” Shiro lowered his voice, trying to convey his point of view. He didn’t want to leave Adam. He didn’t want to lose him. He was coming back, the Galra got in the way. “I never wanted to leave you.” 
Adam cleared his throat, his eyes staring at the table where they were sitting. His fingers gripping his arms tightly. “But you did. You got so wrapped up in Kerberos I was just an annoying fly buzzing around you. No matter what I said, you didn’t listen.” 
Shiro swallowed, he knew he was guilty. He played his own role in the downfall of each other. But, he couldn’t take the entirety of the blame. Adam never tried to see his side of the story. His perspective. He was the one whose life was sand in an hourglass. He was dying. “I was dying.” 
Adam sucked in a breath. A consistent reaction whenever he was reminded of Shiro declining health. Well, former decline. “I know. And I would have been there till the end. Holding your hand, wiping your face, helping you shower, anything you needed.” 
“And I am so lucky that you were willing to love me till the end. But Adam,” Shiro took a step to the side, moving around the table. Keeping a few feet between them. His hands balled into fits by his side. “I wasn’t at that point yet. I still had some years of full movement and being able to take care of myself. My independence. I didn’t need to be babied just yet.” 
“Why couldn’t you just let me help you?” Tears fell down Adam’s face unnoticed. “Why did you have to keep pushing yourself?” 
“Because I still could!” Shiro yelled, his voice raising without his intention. “Because I could still be Takashi Shirogane! I could be a teacher, a mentor, a pilot, I could still do things. And I wanted you by my side but once I was diagnosed it was like-like-” He stopped himself. 
“Like what?” Adam’s voice was small. 
“Like everyone treated me like I was fragile. One wrong move and I would crumble to dust. Do you know how degrading that is? I’m a grown man and within a day everyone just started treating me like I was incompetent.” He sighed, the air jerking as his throat squeezed. “One diagnosis and I suddenly was a charity case.” 
“You were never a charity case.” 
Shiro released a laugh of disbelief. “Maybe from your perspective. But this,” he gestured to his robotic arm, “this didn’t happen to you. You weren’t living through this. Surviving. Wondering if every day you woke up would be your last. If you were going to be able to keep your dinner down. If you were going to wake up choking on your own blood.” 
Adam didn’t respond. His jaw was tight, but his eyes were full of remorse with a hint of anger. Shiro just didn’t know what he was angry about specifically. 
“You always made a comment about how you always caught me staring. And you never knew why I was but I was memorizing you. Trying to make sure I had every aspect of you saved to memory.” He took a step forward, this distance sharp between them. “I didn’t want to die. I still don’t. But I was content going with you in my life.” 
Adam shook his head, his hands covering his ears. “No, no, no, no, just stop.” His body slumped against the wall, his knees locking in place. “I can’t hear this. Just…I can’t hear this.” 
“We can’t keep running from this conversation Adam. I don’t care what we are afterward but we need to say what is sitting on our chest.” He fought the desire to reach out and pull him in for a hug. That wasn’t his place anymore but he hated seeing him suffer like this. 
Adam mumbled incoherent words under his breath, his head slowly moving back into stillness. 
Shiro tightened his hands into fists, “Adam…please talk to me.” 
After a minute, he eventually stopped mumbling, his fingers loosening up on his ears. “I never wanted you to go. I don’t know why I sent you away.” His voice broke on the words. An obvious attempt to stop himself from breaking down even more. 
“You were hurt. And I wouldn’t see how badly I was hurting you. I had blinders on. And I’m sorry.” 
He shook his head again, his hands falling to his sides. “No, you’re right. I was being selfish. You were dying and I shouldn’t have tried to control any part of how you wanted to spend your time.” 
“I didn’t have to hurt you in the process.” 
“Well,” Adam sniffled, his eyes tinted red. “Relationships come with hurt sometimes. That’s just life.” 
Shiro nodded, swallowing down his own tears. “Yeah…you’re right.” 
Silence covered them like a blanket, but it was calmer. Not filled with sharpness. Instead, it was filled with a slight calmness. The weight and misunderstanding were finally gone. 
“God I feel so stupid,” Adam ran his hands through his hair. 
Shiro raised his eyebrow, “why? You couldn’t read my mind. And we honestly were not in a stable enough place to see each other's perspective back then.” 
“I’m just a fool I guess.” He slumped further down the wall, wrapping his arms around his knees. His chin rested on his knees, his eyes glazed over.
“You’re not a fool,” Shiro kneels down, close enough to touch. All he had to do was reach out, and he wanted it so badly that it ached. “Why would you say that?” 
“Because I don’t understand why I still feel like this.” 
Shiro frowned, “feel like what?” 
Adam made his signature ‘you’re really going to make me say it?’ face before opening his mouth. The words tumbled out in a rushed whisper. “Istillloveyou.” 
Shiro blinked, “what?” 
The other man groaned. “This is why I’m confused.” 
“You told me you didn’t love me.” 
Adam pressed his forehead into his knees, hiding his face from sight. “I know. And I wanted to believe that I didn't. That I moved on but how could I?” He lifted his head. His eyes were redder. “You’re still just as hot as before. The scars didn’t take any beauty away from you. You’re still kind and patient and understanding, You gave those kids a person they could trust…rely on. Everything about you is amazing. Of course, I still love you. You were mine. I had you and I threw it away.” 
“You didn’t…I…I don’t know what to say.” 
“You don’t have to say anything. Or reciprocate anything. You wanted us to talk.” He kept his face tilted down. His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously. 
“Adam,” Shiro lifted his hand, gently touching the other man's cheek with his human hand. He moved slowly, ignoring how his heart dropped at how he flinched slightly. He gently cupped Adam’s face, tilting his head upward. “Can you look at me?” 
Adam slowly opened his eyes, scanning Shiro’s face over and over again. 
Shiro took a soft breath, “I love you. I love you so much.” He leaned forward, pressing their lips together. He pulled back after a moment, “I never stopped loving you.” 
-----
<33333
Thank you for reading <33333
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schmergo · 2 years
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I am just wondering about the sustainability of... doing basically anything around here. Companies are requiring employees to return to work (in many cases, eliminating telework options that existed PRE-pandemic), mask and vaccine mandates are being rolled back, and everything’s open again despite high COVID numbers. 
But at the same time, recent studies show that up to 1 in 5 adult COVID survivors develops symptoms of Long Covid. That’s possibly millions of people developing chronic illness symptoms. That sounds difficult for both the healthcare system to manage AND to have any kind of steady, reliable, functional workplace if your coworkers keep being absent due to sickness and then developing long-lasting symptoms after they return (or quitting due to them).
Even for younger people, for whom it’s often not as bad, I’m seeing so many people get hit with post-viral fatigue and other symptoms lingering for a month or more that remind me a lot of mono. Imagine that like half of your friend group had mono... but unlike mono, kept getting infected again and again (I know many fully vaxxed and boosted people who’ve had COVID multiple times due to different variants). People who have always been super healthy and fit getting exhausted easily or developing new daily headaches who never had them before, struggling with ‘brain fog’ making it difficult to work. These are the young, fit ones. 
If there are NO mitigation measures in place and we’re just expected to accept that we’re “all going to get COVID sooner or later,” that ignores the fact that people can get it again and again as each new variant arises and immunity wanes. Because everyone seems to agree that COVID isn’t going away but will just continue to mutate and change into new variants, this seems pretty risky, constantly rolling the dice on getting a virus that may cause LASTING health problems in 20% of people. Especially since so many jobs provide little to no health benefits and super low salaries, basically keeping people from effectively managing chronic illnesses that require frequent absences and medical appointments. I guess they think workers are replaceable, but how long before they burn through the supply?
But on the other hand, it’s also not sustainable to just stay in your room with no human contact for the entire rest of your life. I was super cautious for the first 2 years of the pandemic and now I’m finally doing indoor socialization with vaccinated friends and family again (though still not going into indoor public places like restaurants or movie theatres and still order things online rather than going into stores) because if things are never going to get any better, I don’t know how much longer I can wait. I guess I would rather develop lifelong chronic illness from making lifelong memories celebrating Christmas with my family than running errands at Home Depot. 
I genuinely don’t know how long all of this is going to last before the widespread infections and chronic symptoms really start messing with... any industry you can possibly imagine. It seems like everyone is experiencing labor shortages already, and that’s only going to grow from here. Yet it’s hard to find anyone caring even a LITTLE about this. I can’t even talk to friends and loved ones about this because they just start trying to comfort me with the bright side of the COVID situation (”Omicron is less deadly! More people are vaccinated now! The chances of young people dying are vanishingly small!”), when those aren’t the things I’m worried about at all.
When I was 23, something weird happened to my body and I can’t quite say exactly what caused it, because it was a perfect storm. I worked a busy, stressful, physically demanding job at a preschool, and I was working about 10-12 hours a day because I was covering a boss on paternity leave. It was a cold, dark, snowy winter and due to the long work hours, I virtually never saw the sun, so it’s possible a Vitamin D deficiency played a role here, or psychosomatic symptoms caused by stress and anxiety, or just plain old repetitive strain on my body from the long hours. I was also diagnosed with a mild underlying condition during all this-- what is now known as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder. I’ve always had loose, overly flexible joints, but it never caused me serious problems, just made it a little easier for me to get injured than other people and meant I got worn out a little more easily. Things were never bad enough for me to seek treatment until what happened to me that winter, and have never been as bad since.
But it all started with a cold. A weird bad cold that started like any other cold (and lord knows I was always getting colds working at the preschool) but quickly involved joint pain and weakness and tingly numbness in my hands and wrists, then spreading to the rest of my body over the course of a few weeks. I was so fatigued that all I could do after work was lie in bed. I could hardly make it through the work day. My whole body ached and I could barely do anything without exacerbating my constant pain.
 I thought I must have mono. I tested negative for that and 11 other things. The only thing I was diagnosed with during my Extensive, Expensive Journey was hypermobility. My doctor said, “It’s probably just a virus,” which could mean anything. But I felt like a ghost of my former self for about 4 months and still had lingering symptoms for almost a year. Things went downhill so fast that I remember looking at a photo of myself doing a cartwheel two months before and crying because I couldn’t imagine ever doing a cartwheel again (which fortunately wasn’t true-- I have no problem doing cartwheels now at age 30). I eventually quit that job and got a less physically demanding office job. The symptoms never came back to the same degree, and I’ll never know what really caused it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some kind of post-viral malaise played a role there. Even little colds can set off all kinds of storms, let alone a new virus.
When I hear about people with Long COVID, I imagine a workforce full of people who feel the way I felt when I was 23. Can you? I’m not proposing any kind of solution here or saying, “Here’s what I think people should do about it,” so I’m sorry for the gloomy post, but when people ask me why I’m still worried about COVID-19 after all of this time and my multiple vaccinations... this is why.
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