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griffin-girl-r · 7 months

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Chapter 1

Age: 28

Word count: 2,256

Warnings: Secret Invasion spoilers

Chapter 2

—

When Maria Hill opened her eyes, she wasn't lying on the cold concrete of that street in Moscow, where she remembers being shot by Nick Fury and bleeding to her death, anymore.

No.

She was lying on a bed in a semi-illuminated room where everything was soft and warm around her.

She looked confused around her, trying to fully comprehend what exactly was happening to her as a steady beeping was echoing in her ears.

To her right, she found a heart rate monitor that was displaying her rhythmic heartbeat.

"I'm glad to see you're finally awake." A raspy voice announced, making Maria snap her head in the direction of the voice "You took quite a long nap, Agent."

When she looked in the direction from where the voice came, the brunette commander found there a girl that looked to be in her mid-20s, maybe, even a little bit older than that.

There was something strangely too familiar in the features of the girl in front of Maria, despite never seeing her until now in her entire life.

"Who are you?" Maria growled at the woman in front of her "Where am I? Who do you work for?"

Maria tried to sit up but was hit by a wave of pain in her stomach.

Looking down, she slightly lifted the white shirt, she was changed in by someone, with her shakey hand and found a bandage tapped there.

That must be the wound created by the bullet Nick fired.

"My name isn't important." The stranger started to walk over to Maria's bed "And I'm not working for anybody. I'm a friend. Trust me. I just want to help."

The younger woman reached out her hand and tried to check on Maria's wound but it was quickly blocked by the older agent that was having zero trust regarding the intention of the other woman.

"Stay down." Maria ordered in a harsh tone

"I'm trying to help." The younger girl reasoned "Let me check your wound and nothing more."

Maria was hesitant about giving her permission to the girl but then she realized that if the girl wanted to hurt her, she would have long done so, thanks to Maria's wound that was leaving the commander at a big physical disadvantage.

"Alright." Maria nodded with a sigh "Make it quick."

Maria's eyes never left the girl's face the entire time that the mysterious woman was making sure Maria's wound was healing properly.

"No infection." The girl announced "Everything seems to be healing nicely."

"For how long was I out?" Maria questioned "How did you bring me here? Why did you bring me here?"

"I've brought you here to save your life after your beloved father figure A.K.A. Nick Fury left you to die on that street. But I must remind you he wasn't the one to pull the trigger though." The girl stated unphased "I took advantage of the chaos around that was created by the explosion and after Nick was dragged away from your body, I quickly brought you here. You've been asleep for a little over two weeks. I put you into an induced coma to ensure your body regained its strength and energy faster, after I managed to bring you back from the dead."

"Why would you help me?" Maria raised her eyebrow in confusion

"Because I owe you a debt." The girl moved aside, sitting down in a chair beside Maria's bed "It's my own way of paying you back."

"I don't remember meeting you before." Maria stated confused "How could you owe me a debt?"

"You never met me before." The young woman said "But I met you. That's all you need to know."

The girl, whose name Maria had yet to find out, stood up on her feet and started to walk towards the door.

"Wait!" Maria shouted "Where are you going? You still haven't told me your name!"

"There's no need for that." The girl opened the door "I'll be back to check on you later."

And with that, the younger woman closed the door behind her, leaving Maria with a bunch of unanswered questions.

Who is this girl?

—

A few hours later, the strange girl that took care of Maria, kept her promise and came to check up on the commander, bringing some food on a tray along with her.

Maria was staring out the window, thinking about the events that happened during the attack.

Nick, the man she considered her father, her mentor, shot her and had the audacity to act like he wasn't the one to pull the trigger, because he wasn't, but that doesn't mean it hurt less.

She was completely oblivious to the presence of the other woman in the room.

"You need to eat." The younger woman placed the tray with food on the nightstand beside Maria's bed "It will help you recover faster."

"Thank you." Maria said unsure "But I'm not hungry."

"It wasn't a question. It's an order." The girl said sternly "You will eat."

"I don't think you understand." Maria shook her head annoyed "I said I don't want to eat and I won't eat. Understood?"

"I'm not your enemy. Just eat something." The girl calmly stated "I didn't save your life just to poison your food. I need you alive and healthy."

"So you do need me for something!" Maria said through grinning teeth

"Yes, I do." The nameless girl nodded "I need you to be okay. I need you to recover and keep living. I also advise you to retire from this whole agent life that you have been living until now. It isn't safe."

"You know nothing about me or my life." Maria chuckled sarcastically

"Is that so?" The girl said, crossing her arms over her chest "Maria Christina Hill, born April 4, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois, on an unforgivingly cold night when the temperature was hitting -44°F. You were a healthy baby but sadly your mother passed away only a few hours after giving birth to you because of an infection caused by some complications during childbirth. Your father, that now is named Ed Vernon after his third legal name change, was never able to look the same at you after your mother's death. He tirelessly blamed you for her death although it was never your fault. He refused to be man enough and a good father to you. At the age of 18, you finally had enough and joined the military, hoping to be able to get as far away as possible from the abusive life you had at home. You became a soldier being part of the US Marines. Not even three years later you met Nick Fury and he saw something special in you. At only 21 years old you have become his right hand, fighting in every battle by his side and being so loyal to him that you were ready to sacrifice your life for his. You quickly-"

"Alright, that's enough!" Maria shouted interrupting the girl "I see you've done your homework about me. I'm impressed, I won't lie, but this kind of information can be easily accessed if you have a high enough rank to be allowed to read my classified file. You still know nothing about me. I won't fall into your trap. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Skrull invasion to stop."

Maria pulled the blanket off of her but stood still when the younger woman in front of her started laughing.

"I thought you were smarter than that, Agent Hill." The girl laughed "We're not even on Earth anymore. The outside view you have seen through the window it's just a copy of the world you know. I brought you to a special place where time doesn't exist. A decade here is equivalent to a second on Earth. We're in no rush. Truly."

Maria didn't make the slightest attempt to hide her shock at this revelation.

"You're lying!" Maria shouted

"That hurt me, Maria." The girl chuckled "I would never be able to lie to you. You taught me better than to lie."

"I never met you before, for God's sake!" Maria kept shouting "How could I teach you something without even meeting you?!"

"All in good time, Hill." The girl smirked "Patience is a virtue. You should know that. After all, it was you who told me this."

Maria was quickly starting to get fed up with this girl's games.

She needed answers and she needed them quickly.

Maria opened her mouth, ready to have an argument with this mysterious girl, but the younger woman beat her at it.

"It's you. It's all you." The girl closed her eyes as she began to talk "You know, every day, when I close my eyes, I see her lying in that hospital, slowly dying. I thought, how the hell am I supposed to raise this stupid kid on my own? This hyperactive little bastard who keeps ruining my life. You killed your mother, you hear me? You killed her."

Maria's eyes suddenly filled with tears as the girl's voice slowly morphed into her father's voice and she was brought back to her childhood at the moment she heard those words, that marked her for the rest of her life, for the first time. Her father mercilessly telling his own daughter the words that will later transform Maria into a cold and calculated woman without any emotion.

"I know how you feel." The girl kept saying "I'm just like you. But now I guess we won't ever have to be alone again. We'll have each other. We can be best friends and try to get over everything that happened in our past. We can wipe the red in our ledger, Maria. Together."

And now, instead of her father's voice, Maria was hearing her voice.

Oh, how she misses her voice.

How could she live for so long without her voice?

It seemed like an eternity since Maria last heard that angelic voice.

"How?" One tear slipped down from Maria's eyes, her voice filled with emotions "How do you know this? Only me and she knew about this conversation we had. It was a very private conversation that happened more than 22 years ago."

"As I told you, I know so much more than you think I do, Maria." The girl said

"How can I trust you?" Maria asked "Why would I trust you?"

"Well, if you eat first, I'll take you with me and show you why you can trust me. No games played." The girl fixed her gaze on Maria's face "How does that sound?"

Maria was hesitant about agreeing to the proposal of this unknown girl who knew too much about Maria's life than the commander would like.

And still, this mysterious woman saved her life and tried to help her.

Maybe she can give this girl a chance, just because she saved Maria and because this girl looks so much like the girl who haunts Maria's dreams.

"Alright, kid." Maria sighed defeat "You got yourself a deal."

"Great!" The younger girl smiled victoriously

And without any other option left, Maria took the tray from the nightstand and started eating.

—

"What's in there?" Maria pointed to a door, as she walked down the house's hallway

"That's the kitchen." The girl without a name replied as she supported Maria's weight, helping the commander walk "If you ever want a snack or something just feel yourself at home and go grab one from there."

Maria kept asking questions about each room until one door specifically caught her attention and she couldn't contain her curiosity about what could be behind that door.

"What's in that room?" Maria pointed to the door that got her attention

The girl's shoulders tensed as she proceeded to help Maria walk faster, trying to avoid giving away too much information about it.

"That room is off limits, Agent." The girl's raspy voice said in a threatening tone "You aren't allowed to go in there under any circumstances."

"Okay, mysterious girl." Maria widened her eyes and shook her head "Keep up the mystery."

"Thanks." The girl stated unimpressed "I will."

Both Maria and the girl made their way to a room not too far from the room where Maria had been staying in.

"Here it is." The girl stepped aside and allowed Maria to open the door "My part of the deal."

Maria's heart started picking up its pace as she started fearing what could be behind that door.

A wave of infinite questions hit Maria full force as she tried to keep her calm composure.

It wasn't easy for Maria to live. Not after she died and Maria never got to see her again. She was so hopeful that she would meet her again now that she had been given the chance to be at peace and she wanted to take it.

But instead of waking up by her side, Maria woke up in a room she didn't know and she had to learn how to trust a girl that didn't even want to tell the brunette her name.

The universe has other plans for Maria.

She took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the door.

Her heart leaped in her throat as she took in the sight she'd been greeted with.

"It can't be..." Maria whispered in disbelief

"Trust me now?" The girl asked Maria

But Maria couldn't stop muttering only one sentence in her shocked state.

"It can't be..."

#mama nat #natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x daughter!reader #natasha x daughter!reader #natasha's child #natasha's kid #natasha romanoff x teen!reader #natasha x teen reader #natasha x baby!reader #blackhill #maria hill #maria hill x daughter!reader

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parkerbombshell · 1 year

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rosa-qing · 2 years

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Themis-Scenarios

Artem Wing

Day 28 : What They've Losts

🥀.warnings: mentioned of blood, miscarriage, pregnancy, angsts

🥀.words: 1,116

Artm426 Masterlists || Masterlists

“Are you sure about this” Artem asks her again, She was about to talk an important witness the case. Knowing the danger of it he can’t seems to stop worrying especially that she’s 4 months pregnant.

She can’t pass this burden to him since he’s been working on a more bigger case. This is one of the things to alleviate a bit his burden since she can’t work overtime with her being pregnant and all.

“Yes, its a busy park. If someone attempted to do anything they’ll be caught in act. Don’t worry I’ll call once I’m done” She walks over to him.

Artem grab her hands, his thumb gently caresses it. Looking at her he forced a smile but his heart is a bit restless. A feeling that something will go wrong.

“You don’t have to do this, others can help they’ll understand. Just focus on sorting the evidence at hand” He tried to convince her but with her stubbornness she insists in the end Artem could only sigh and agree with her.

“Call me if something doesn’t feel right, okay?”

She nod, quickly getting out of his office to prepare the things she needs.

The park is filled with people, this where she’s supposed to meet the witness but sitting on the bench for the past 15 minutes and still even the silhouette of the person can’t be seen. Did the person change mind?, she shake her head and pushed this thoughts away it wasn’t good for her to think too much. Waiting for a few more minutes won’t do any harm.

She run his hands on her stomach, a sudden movement cause her to look down a faint smile spread on her lips.

“Guess the person isn’t coming huh, let’s go back but I’ll call papa firsts” as if agreeing a faint kick land on top of her hands.

She retrieve her phone on the bag and dial Artem’s number.

“Is everything alright?” Artem quickly asks upon answering

“The person didn’t showed up, I’m going back to the office”

“be careful on the way back, I’ll be waiting” She then ended the call,

She exited the park, walking a few miles when suddenly she felt something isn’t quite right. Looking back to see if someone is following her but there’s none. She walks a bit faster seeing the crowd going to cross the road she tried to blend in among them.

The light is still green, 30 seconds more until they can cross but it feels so long. She gently holds her stomach. Trying to calm herself while telling her baby everything is going to bee alright they’ll reach Artem in no time.

5..4..3..2..1..

The lights turn green she was about to take a step when she felt someone stabbed her over back and the word “die” echoes in her ears.

She fall back to the ground. A stranger screamed upon seeing her

“Someone got stabbed call an ambulance”

Lying on the ground her hand is place on her stomach protectively. She could blood around her.

No… No this ain’t happening.. My baby please someone save us…Artem..Artem help us

Those words run through her mind before loosing her consciousness.

The sound of the beeping monitor, wakes her up. Her body feels so heavy like she’s been hit by something. Her hands instinctively run over her stomach, chills run down her spine upon feeling her once bumpy stomach is now flat.

“My baby” tears trickle down her cheeks.

the sound of the door opening shifts her attention, a cloudy pair of azure eyes collided with her hers. Artem tried his bests to fake a smile but it collapses upon seeing her. He walks over to her hugging her tightly. He don’t have to explain anything to her with their tacit understanding she already knew what happened.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry” his voice was trembling as he buried his face on the crook of her neck.

She could feel the wetness on the crook of her neck, running her hands through his hair.

“It wasn’t your fault, you stopped me if only I listened to you our baby would still be here, I’m sorry. Sorry for destroying our chance to have a family. I’m sorry” Her tears falls endlessly n her cheeks.

Artem look up at her, he pressed his forehead against hers and cupped her face his thumb gently bushing away her tears. He hates seeing her this way, even before she wakes up Artem knew she’ll blame herself.

“Don’t blame yourself, dear please. You didn’t destroy anything. You are already my family so how could you destroy it.”

Hearing his words she bursts into tears, but still she keeps mumbling her sorry for him and their lost child. All Artem could do is console her while holding her in his arms.

Years after the events

they’re sitting on the waiting room patiently waiting for their turn. a year ago, after walking on an endless darkness and struggling days in which they support each other hand in hand. They finally decided it was time to try again.

It wasn’t futile after a month she got pregnant. Today is her first check up, Artem holds her hands as nervousness filled her heart.

“Everything will be alright, I’m here” He reassure her.

She looks at him and smile

“Mrs.Wing” The nurse called.

Artem stood up and held her hand as they walk together towards the ultrasound room.

She lay down as the doctor prepared the materials. Artem never let go of her hands. The procedure begins it wasn’t their first time but doing this still makes them feel nervous

“Congratulations Mrs.Wing is carrying twins” The doctors announced as she pin point to them the two embryo.

Hearing it tears trickle down her cheeks. Artem squeeze her hand and lower his head to whisper

“What we’ve lost along the way, finally returns to our side” He pressed a kiss on her cheeks, she could felt the wetness of his as yes trickle down his cheeks.

That night she kept looking at the ultrasound of the two baby, That in her dreams she saw a little baby being fearful to be alone so the baby look for another baby that will accompany it. The baby stretches out a hand to other baby.

“Let’s go mama and papa is for us” They walk together hand in hand going into the light.

Artem notice the tears in her eyes baffled that it was nightmare he gently strokes her hair. But a smile showed up on her lips. Guess she’s having a good dream. Pulling her closer to him he plant a kiss on her hair before joining her in dreamland..

@rosa-qing published : 4-24-22

#🥀:themisscenarios #🥀:artm426 #tears of themis x reader #tears of themis #artem wing x reader #tot artem #tot x reader #artemrosa #tears of themis artem #artem wing

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thebiasrekkers · 4 years

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Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Plot: “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

Rating: NC-17 // NSFW

Genre: Series | Mafia!AU | Crime!AU | Angst | Romance/Fluff

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Slow Burn, Smut

Previous Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || Admin E’s WP || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 2,631

Chapter 29: I Need U

“All of the things you said are like a mask. It hides the truth and rips me apart.”

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

The doctor didn’t have to tell her that it was going to hurt. Eden knew full well what this shit was going to feel like. But that wasn’t to say she was any more prepared for it. Raelyn offered to give her something to bite on, or to inject her with some pain killers to help with the process. Eden wanted none of it. The last thing she wanted to be was numb for this. Every sting of discomfort would serve as an imprint across her entire body.

“Are you ready?” asked the doctor as he braced his palm on her shoulder, the other gripping firmly to her wrist.

Eden glared at the wall, a bead of sweat sliding from her temple to her chin. “…do it, Doc.”

She saw Raelyn out of the corner of her eye, standing just to the right of her bed. The doctor looked at the other nurses, receiving swift nods, before he yanked her arm straight up. There was a distinct crack as joints popped and he pushed hard onto her shoulder, another snap issuing soon after.

Her scream ripped through the entire hospital; positive that she just woke the dead.

Tears leaked out of her eyes, streaming down her cheeks. The tips of her fingers buzzed and itched with life, the circulation correcting itself in her arm. Nerves and muscles pulsed and cried; her arm feeling like gelatin. Her other hand went to clasp at her shoulder as the doctor urged her to cradle the limb in her lap. Nurses were already prepped to place her arm into a sling once she was wrapped and a splint was put into place.

She would have been more outraged had it been her right arm.

After making sure that she was okay, the doctor left a nurse with her, as well as Raelyn. Eden felt a cloth touching her brow – presumably the nurse since her friend was glowering down at her. She had to resist the urge to spit onto the ground, reminding herself that she was, in fact, in a hospital. The nurse murmured a few things to Raelyn before handing her the cloth.

Raelyn was less affectionate with tending to her needs.

Eden’s head made a full tilt as Raelyn pressed the cloth to her temple. Her lip curled upward in a half snarl, giving her a side-eye. “Your bedside manner fucking blows,” she said through clenched teeth, feeling her friend half cuff her with the cloth.

“You’re not the first person to say it and you won’t be the last.”

“I’ll be the last if you don’t stop poking my damn head!” Eden snatched the cloth from her with her good arm. “Gimme that!” She wiped the sweat off herself.

Raelyn folded her arms across her chest, scrutinizing her. “How in the hell did you get mixed up with those assholes?”

“Don’t ask me!” she snapped, glaring up at her, “They just fuckin’ followed me, alright? Not like I was startin’ shit!”

As she continued to dab at her nose and forehead, Eden saw her friend mulling over something in her own head. This was the second time they’d both encountered a member of the Jade Fangs while they were together. It was no surprise that they would be curious about Raelyn. She was Hoseok’s ex-girlfriend; the former Hyungsoo-nim. Word would have gotten out that she was seeing Taehyung now, a little lower on the totem pole, but still a prominent member of the Golden Jackals. Or rather, former Golden Jackals.

But it was clear they had their sights on Eden, not her friend. As far as she was concerned, she wasn’t a blip on their radar. It wasn’t like the Jade Fangs weren’t as prominent as the Golden Jackals. Anyone who traveled through Myeongdong or the Mapo District knew whose territory that belonged to. They’d set their sights on Gangnam until it was wrested from their grasp by the Jackals. People who brushed with the underground were aware of all of this.

So why me? Eden couldn’t help thinking, her eyes narrowing, why now?

Her phone buzzed on the table beside her bed and she saw it was a message from Jungkook, saying he was on his way. Eden sighed, casting a sidelong glance to Raelyn as she took a seat beside her. “Did you have to tell Jungkook what happened?”

“Yeah, I did,” she said, her tone matter of fact, “better it be your ass and not mine.”

“Wow,” came Eden’s bland response as she rolled her eyes, “you’re the best friend a girl could ever ask for.”

Raelyn flashed her a shit-eating grin and Eden had to resist the urge to pinch and pull the woman’s cheek. “I know, aren’t I the greatest?”

“I hate you.”

“I love you too,” she said, looking at the EKG monitor with a slightly critical eye, “forreal though? Your blood pressure is elevated. Take a few deep breaths for me?”

Obliging without a fuss, Eden took a deep breath and then exhaled. She did it three more times before her friend was satisfied. Suddenly, Raelyn’s phone rang with life and she answered.

“Oh, Taehyung-ah,” she said, rising from her seat, “…yeah, I’m still at the hospital. But how did you know I’m with Eden? …you’re lying.”

Eden quirked a brow as Raelyn turned to look at her.

“You’re all coming here right now?” She watched her face screw up into a look that she couldn’t quite place. “Look, I know you’re all worried but there’s no need for…wait, what?!”

This time it was Eden’s turn to frown.

“What the hell is going on?”

Raelyn held a finger up at her, signaling to give her a minute, before she turned and dashed out of the room suddenly. Eden stared at the door before scoffing, rolling her head and eyes in sync as she reached for her phone angrily.

“That woman, swear to fuckin’ God,” she muttered, swiping her thumb over her pin number to unlock her phone.

The distinct click of her phone unlocking brought up the apps on her phone. It echoed in time with the door unlatching, but she didn’t bother looking up – thinking it was Raelyn returning from her phone call.

“So, who’s coming to bother me and about what?” she asked, pulling up her work emails.

“You just can’t keep yourself out of trouble, can you?”

Her whole body froze, eyes still locked onto the phone screen. Eden tried to pretend that hearing his voice wouldn’t shake her to the core. Not anymore. But as she lifted her face to look at the door, she mentally cursed the EKG monitor taking note of her heartbeat increasing its tempo.

Yoongi stood in front of the door, dressed in a casual suit with his dark hair slicked back off his forehead. His face betrayed nothing. It never did. But it was his eyes that always gave him away. Eden saw the anger there, but she also knew that it wasn’t directed at her. Not this time. Her lips parted to say something but she found her mouth closing, not sure what she wanted to say.

Eden cleared her throat loudly, shrugging one shoulder before looking back down at her phone. “I can’t help that trouble likes to find me,” she said, her tone light, “it just can’t leave me alone. Like some clingy fuckin’ ex…”

A shadow loomed over her, but before she could shift away or even figure out what was happening, she felt Yoongi’s hand encircling her wrist as she gripped even tighter to her phone. His other hand rested at her hip on the bed while he pulled her hand up and out of her lap – forcing her to lift her head to face him; to lock eyes with him. She struggled against his hold, their faces just inches apart, and she could tell he was holding himself back while she also held back from headbutting him straight on.

“Goddammit, Eden,” he snapped, pulling her arm closer to him, “this isn’t a game!”

She grinned at him, feeling an angry vein pulsing around her neck. “I didn’t realize we were playing a game, Yoongi-ah.” Her tone was sickeningly sweet, her bicep growing taut as she tried to pull from his grasp. “Am I winning yet?”

“You talk about truth and lies,” Yoongi began, his voice shaking slightly as he tried to keep her arm in place, “and what good has the truth been for you, huh? Fucking look at you, Eden!”

“What about it?”

“I may have lied, but I don’t remember you ever getting hurt because of it!”

Eden felt her eyes narrow sharply. “…what’d you say?”

“I kept you away from this shit for a reason and now you see why.”

“You guys are supposed to be legit now,” she said while rolling her eyes, “so I don’t see what the problem is.”

He scoffed. “Don’t play stupid, Eden. We’re barely able to walk after having crawled on the ground. It wasn’t going to be that easy. It isn’t going to be that easy. You know how this shit works better than most people.”

Yoongi released her hand and she yanked it upward, causing her phone to fly from her grasp. It landed on the ground with a loud clatter but neither of them moved to retrieve it. All they could do was stare at each other, the anger dancing around their eyes and sparking between them. Her heart monitor was beeping like a time bomb, but she didn’t care. She wanted to take the chords pressed to her chest and wring his damn neck with them.

Because he was right, and she fucking hated him for it.

The door flew open just as Yoongi got off the bed, making his way to where her phone had been discarded. Raelyn’s eyes were wide as she saw Yoongi. Looking between him and Eden, she frowned and snapped her fingers at him.

“You must have been a goddamn ninja in your past life, Min Yoongi,” she said as he dropped the phone into Eden’s lap, “or I’m going even more fuckin’ blind these days.”

“It might be a little of both, Raelyn,” Yoongi replied casually, brushing past her and heading for the door. He paused, glancing over his shoulder to look at Eden, the sound of hurried footsteps echoing from the hall. “…I’m glad it wasn’t anything major, Eden.”

She sighed, averting her gaze from his as she crossed her legs on the bed. “…whatever, Yoongi-ah.”

Within seconds, she heard three sets of panting breaths and she looked up to see Jungkook, Jimin and Taehyung attempting to squeeze into the doorway at the same time. Yoongi was already gone and she bit her lower lip, her brows knitting together as Jungkook forced his way ahead of the others. Raelyn must have sensed that she didn’t want to be bombarded with twenty questions. The older woman wasted no time ushering out everyone except Jungkook from her room. Jimin and Taehyung protested, but with a quick intake of breath and smack to their heads, they relented and allowed themselves to be shoved out.

Jungkook was immediately at her side, sliding into the chair that Raelyn previously occupied. He grasped her hand in his, his eyes darting over her entire form before resting on her arm that was draped in the sling. He frowned, his other hand moving to sweep some of her hair from her forehead. Eden unconsciously leaned her cheek into his palm.

“Jesus, Noona,” he said, his voice shaking slightly, “are you sure you’re okay?”

She chuckled. “I’m fine,” she said with a shrug, “you should have seen the other guys.”

“...did you really hide razor blades in your hair?”

“Damn straight I did!”

“I’m not sure if I should be afraid or impressed right now.”

Despite her attempt at making the situation light-hearted, she could see the heavy weight falling on Jungkook’s shoulders. Like he’d just realized something and wasn’t willing to speak it out loud. Eden felt her smirk fall, reaching out to flick him on the forehead. He reared back, rubbing at the sore spot with one hand as he groaned in protest.

“H-Hey! What was that for?!”

“For trying to feel guilty about something that is out of your control,” she fired back, “it’s not anyone’s job to protect me around the clock and I can take care of my own damn self. So, don’t go trying to blame yourself for the shit that happened today.”

“Eden Noona…”

“I mean it.” Her eyes narrowed sharply at him. “Do it again and we’re done, got it?”

He didn’t look like he was satisfied with being given an ultimatum, but he had no real reason to go against her. It wasn’t like she was trying to be a bitch. She just didn’t want him worrying about unnecessary things. They were taking the necessary steps to do things the right way. And if what Minhyuk said was true, then the Jade Fangs were going to do everything in their power to drag them down from greatness.

Like fuckin’ crabs in a barrel, she thought bitterly.

Shifting over in the bed, she leaned over to one side of the bed to set her phone back down on the small nightstand. Eden patted the empty space beside her and Jungkook looked at her curiously. She gave him an annoyed expression, tucking some of her hair behind her ear.

“These hospital pillows suck ass.”

The look of realization spread over Jungkook’s features and he shook his head, moving from the chair to climb into the bed beside her. Motioning for her to sit up, she did so and waited for him to settle back onto the pillows. When she felt his hand touching her opposite shoulder did she fall back gently onto his arm, nestling into the crook of his shoulder. His cheek rested on top of her head and he held her other hand against his chest. She took comfort in the feel of his heartbeat, but there was something gnawing at the back of her mind. For once, she was thankful for Jungkook wanting to remain silent for a little while longer – leaving her to her thoughts.

Eden tried to keep the frown from forming at the corners of her mouth, but it was proving fruitless. Because she couldn’t stop thinking about what Yoongi said. Because he wasn’t wrong.

In the years she’d known him, nothing had actually ever happened to her. Because he’d kept her away from all of that. If she chose to walk in the dark, it was only for a short while; never prolonging her stay than what was necessary.

But what was more disturbing was that the boys were now walking in the light. Someone in the Jade Fangs didn’t like that. They didn’t like it at all. And now they were letting them all know that they weren’t just going to sit idly by and watch them bask in the sunshine, leaving them to rot in the shadows alone.

No, she thought, trying to chase away the morbidity of what that suggested, I’m just reading too much into this. Those guys are just a bunch of assholes.

Craning her neck to look up at Jungkook, she smiled when she saw him starting to drift off to sleep.

…they’re not so weak to fall for their stupid little games.

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thegoldenlily3 · 5 years

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Part 1of 2

Trigger warning! Graphic photos in this post.

4-6-17 In the very first photo, I have a horrible tooth ache and had no idea the pain and agony it was going to bring. It ultimately changed my life and for a very long time it was changed for the worse. In the photos following, you’ll see me change and look like death and then recover. You’ll see me living life to the fullest but behind closed doors or under my shirt rather, you’ll see how much I’ve had to overcome. This is my story.

On October 30th 2013, I had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis(UC) which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) and an autoimmune disease. I was prescribed Canasa suppositories and my symptoms when away for about a year or so and then came back. I had to get a new Gastroenterologist doctor because my previous one had retired. He wasn’t much help anyway. My new GI doctor was amazing and caring and she saved my life. She prescribed me Lialda(NSAID) and Uceris(steroid).

At the end of March 2017, I had horrible tooth pain and called my dentist and they prescribed me Tramadol and Augmentin. The Tramadol made me sick so I called and had them switch the med and they gave me Clindamycin and that made me sick too. They gave me Hydrocodone and that also made me sick so they just had me taking Ibuprofen and Augmentin. I started to have a bad reaction to the Augmentin and got sores all in my throat and mouth and was throwing up and had severe diarrhea. I finished the antibiotic but went to the er because of the pain in my mouth and the vomiting. Mary’s magic mouthwash was prescribed to me to help with the sores and also nausea meds. The only time I was able to get any sleep was when this mouthwash numbed my mouth and throat. For weeks, I was unable to eat or drink anything nor was I able to take my UC meds and my heart rate was high. I went to the er multiple times during this whole ordeal because I couldn’t stop throwing up and all they would do is give me fluids and nausea meds then send me home. I went to an er and waited for 3 hours all the while throwing up with no end in sight and ended up leaving to go to a different hospital. On April 15th, I was pacing the house back and forth because I was miserable and didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to go to the er yet again for them to just send me right back home. I remember I was pacing by the front door and my husband Issaac went to check the mail. I watched him and then started to say his name over and over because I felt like something was really wrong. Next thing I remember is Issaac kneeling over me and having shoes stabbing me in the back. I had passed out and my eyes were open the whole time but I was unresponsive. Issaac had ran in and thought I was dead. He called 911 and they wouldn’t answer. He used my finger to unlock my phone and dialed 911 and had both phones ringing and finally got an answer. (Fun fact for iPhones: if you press the big button on the side it will call 911 and they can track your location. Dialing 911 will not allow them to track your location.) The ambulance took me to the er and they did 2 EKG’s, CT scan(only after Issaac asked them to because I hit my head when I fell.), chest X-ray, and blood work. I was also tested for CDiff many times but it was always negative. Again, I was given fluids and sent home. They said it was normal for a lot of people to live with an elevated heart rate so they weren’t concerned. A couple days later I went to my primary care doctors office. My doctor was on maternity leave so I saw a different doctor. He did blood work and then wanted me to take depression meds. That was a hard NO! He said I wasn’t getting better because I was depressed about being sick. Yes, I was absolutely miserable and sad about it. BUT, there was something more going on. I wasn’t getting better and I knew it wasn’t my fault. I had to keep advocating for myself because I wasn’t getting help from any of these doctors I’ve seen. I think I went to the er again at some point and was sent home. Then they called me and said my potassium levels were too low and they didn’t think I’d be able to get down the prescribed potassium drink. So we went back to the er. Again. The er wouldn’t take the word of the doctor from another hospital so they did blood work again. We went to a different hospital because the wait at the previous one was way too long. So I received potassium through an iv and that is not comfortable. It burned as it went through my arm. I was also given Magnesium. I was sent home the next day.

Even though the sores were finally gone from my mouth, I was still struggling to swallow. I had my GI doctor schedule an upper Endoscopy which I had done on April 20th. My esophagus had no damage and there wasn’t anything stuck in there. While I was under anesthesia, my GI doctor did a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. This a colonoscopy but only through a small portion of the colon. It was then that I finally, FINALLY after a month of being so sick that I was admitted to the hospital. My doctor said I looked like I was going to die. She said my colon was so severely inflamed that she couldn’t let me go home even though a patient being admitted after a procedure being done by her makes her look bad. She saved my life and I’m eternally grateful. I had 10 er visits and a scheduled dr visit and none of these doctors thought to have my colon checked knowing that I had UC and continued to show anemia in the blood tests they all ran. It all finally made sense. I wasn’t able to take my UC meds and I was taking 800mg of Ibuprofen for the tooth ache I had. This is what caused my UC to flare up. Why couldn’t 11 doctors put that together?

While I was in the hospital, I received 3 Iron infusions to raise my hemoglobin. I also had a speech therapist come in and she helped me with my throat issue. I was still struggling to swallow and she said that I was protecting my self subconsciously. She worked with me and I was finally able to swallow normally. I was so happy to finally eat a meal without a struggle. I was released 5 days later on April 25th even though I felt I should have stayed. The very next day I woke Issaac up because I was shivering and my teeth were rattling like crazy. My heart rate was 145. Issaac called 911 and we went to the er for the 11th time within a months time. I was put in the observation unit at Methodist which was in the basement because they didn’t have any rooms in the er available. I remember telling a nurse that I needed to go to the bathroom and I wasn’t allowed to get up on my own. She said ok and that she’d be back but when she got back, it was too late...She was gone for a long time. I at least was wearing a hospital gown. I was later put into constant care in the er. My heart rate had gone up to 180 and I was shivering and rattling teeth again. It was uncontrollable and the nurses looked at me like I was faking it. They hooked a heart monitor onto me and suddenly changed their tune because my heart rate was at 200. I believe they gave me aspirin and eventually I was transferred to another room where I waited for a permanent room because I was being admitted again. On April 28, I was admitted and I had another night of the shivering episode with my heart rate at 190. I’m trying to remember what this felt like but I can’t. I was so out of it and not even aware of my surroundings. It was on this day that our grass had been cut and it turned out to be our next door neighbor. We were very thankful for that.

A few days later, my heart rate was around 100 and my hemoglobin was much better. The diarrhea had slowed down so I wasn’t losing as much blood(because of UC) but I wasn’t eating either. I had iv fluids and they wanted me to drink Gatorade but my body was retaining fluids and I was swollen. That was a very weird experience. They did an Echo Cardiogram which turned out to be normal. My ejection fraction was 65% and 55% or above is considered normal. I know this is what they said but I don’t really know what that means. On April 30th, I received a blood transfusion because the retest of my hemoglobin showed 6.6 grams per deciliter and it should be for women between 12-15.5. A blood transfusion is scary. For the first 15 minutes, the nurse has to stay and watch me as I receive the blood to make sure I don’t have any adverse reactions and reject the blood. It turned out to be fine and I received at least a pint of blood. I feel I received another pint but I can’t remember. So I’ve been in the hospital for 10 days so far and I’ve been taking a steroid called Prednisone this whole time to treat my UC. I was also on morphine for the pain. I received physical therapy to help me walk but they were 3 days late. It turned out that there wasn’t an order for pt even though the doctors mentioned it every time they visited. On May 2nd, I was in severe pain and I went about 4 hours or longer without pain meds. The doctor was supposed to call them in and ended up leaving for the day without doing it. The next day, my bloodwork still showed inflammation so my colon wasn’t responding to the Prednisone. All the Prednisone did was make my head hurt sooo bad. I was taking Tylenol for it and it did nothing. My head hurt non stop for many days. I had warned them that Prednisone wouldn’t treat me right. I had taken it before and it made me so dizzy I had to have Issaac drive me home from work. This time it was just the severe head pain.

On May 5th 2017, I’m still in the hospital but I’m about to be released. For some reason my doctor was switched to a different doctor. This doctor decided to schedule for a colonoscopy. They gave me the bowel prep to drink with some clear Gatorade. This stuff was horrible. I’m supposed to drink it all within an hour and every minute of it sucked. I somehow managed to get it all down at the end of the hour. But then...I adjusted my body very slightly, and I threw it all up! I didn’t know it was coming and I had zero time to prepare for it. I just threw it all up all over my gown and in my gown and all over the blankets. I said to them, “I don’t understand why I have to do this. I have had severe diarrhea and I can’t even eat. There’s nothing in my stomach.” But they made me do the prep again... This time I drank it over the course of like 4 hours and managed to get it down without throwing up. I had the colonoscopy which they said went fine...I was still severely inflamed and they wanted to start me on a biological medicine called Humira and continue the steroids. During a colonoscopy, they insert a colonoscope into your bottom that transmits an image of the lining of the colon. The scope blows air to expand the colon so the doctor can see better. Well, after the procedure I was actually feeling alright but I had so much pressure in my belly and I felt like I needed to poop. I tried over and over to go on the toilet and it just wasn’t happening. But finally, it happened. And I was in bed...The nurses hadn’t been in for a long time and didn’t plan to be in for awhile. I was so embarrassed that I had Issaac clean me before they came in. Imagine a father changing a dirty diaper and gagging the whole time. This was Issaac and he kept running to the toilet afraid he was going to puke. To this day, we still laugh about it. It doesn’t matter how horrible the whole experience was, I can still laugh about it. Later that day, I was feeling a lot of pain and they had moved me to a different room with closer care. I remember this floor had some of the best nurses I’d ever had. Hospital policy was that a patient was to be bathed when changing floors. Issaac stood out in the hall as they transferred me from one bed to the other. This was an out of body experience and I can remember it so vividly. As they raised me off the bed, I started screaming in pain and continued to moan in pain after they transferred me to the new bed. I didn’t have any pain meds but I shouldn’t have been in pain. They were ordered not to give me pain meds because the doctor wanted me to be clear headed when they talked to me. I could tell the nurses felt so badly for me because of how much pain I was in. Issaac could hear me screaming down the hall. i was finally given multiple doses of morphine but it didn’t really touch the pain. I then had a CT scan done to see why I was in so much pain. The CT showed air outside of my colon which meant that the doctor had perforated my bowel during the colonoscopy. They started me on antibiotics and said a surgeon would be in to speak with me about possibly removing my entire colon. The surgeon came in and discussed my options. I either stuck with the antibiotics and steroids to see if I heal or I have the surgery. They said it was very unlikely that my colon would recover because there wasn’t any good colon left. I would have had to take a biological medicine for my UC which meant that my immune system would be even weaker and I wouldn’t be able to work in the Microbiology lab where I was currently employed. Even then, there was a slim chance of recovery. She said that even if I didn’t have a perforation, that this surgery was inevitable in my case. I cried and cried and cried. I asked her if I would still be able to have children and she said yes and that she would put extra tissue around my ovaries to protect them. A lot of people said I should get a second opinion but I wasn’t in that state of mind. All I could think about was being able to have children. I also did not want to be on medicine for the rest of my life.

On May 6th 2017, I decided to have the surgery. I had a total abdominal colectomy and an ileostomy surgery. My entire larger intestines was removed and they pulled my small intestines outside my stomach wall and created what’s called a stoma. The stoma is covered with a bag that has adhesive on it to stick to my skin. I essentially poop in a bag. I wish I remember more from this time. I can’t remember what it was like waking up to this. I do remember emptying my bag into the toilet though when I was finally able to walk. I couldn’t go alone though. I had to call the nurse every time I wanted to use the bathroom and there was an alarm on the bed if I tried to get up. One time I let it go off and went anyway because I had called them saying I need to go to the bathroom and they took too long. I don’t blame them. Each nurse had way too many patients to care for. At this point, my arms were completely black from all of the blood draws and IVs I received. Each nurse that came to draw my blood was so confident that they could get it even though I told them they wouldn’t be able to without the ultra sound machine. I had a nurse poke me 3 times and one of those times was in my thumb. Every time, they always had to call the team with the ultra sound to draw my blood. I had a Russian nurse for a few days and she was really hard to understand as her accent was strong. My issue with her was that she wouldn’t listen to me and would disagree with everything I said. I had been in the hospital for a few weeks so I knew what to do and I knew what my body could handle. I also had a male nurse who led me to ask my case manager if I could only have female nurses. I didn’t have a problem with the fact that he was a man. My problem was that he was too rough and he probably didn’t know it. I didn’t blame him for that but it was hurting me unnecessarily. He also forced me to walk to the bathroom on my own without help when I wasn’t supposed to be alone. I started taking walks with a walker through the halls after getting pt. Everyone who passed me cheered me on. It was extremely hard. They say every day you spend in bed is 3 days off of your life expectancy. I had been in bed for basically a month or so. After this surgery, I was on a morphine pump which I controlled and Oxycodone. The oxy kept me loopy. I was on 15 mg every dose. I hated taking it. I didn’t worry as much with the morphine as it didn’t really work for me. It helped give me relief for a few minutes but then faded. I pushed that pump button every time I was able to though. It was every 15 minutes. On May 12th, I finally went home.

Through the next couple of weeks, I had follow up appointments with my GI doctor and my surgeon. When I went to see my GI doctor, I told her about some pain I was having on my bottom. The pain from it made it very hard to walk or move or even sleep. She said it looked like an abscess but to confirm with my surgeon. So I went to see my surgeon and for some reason on that day I was pain free and happy so she didn’t think it was concerning. On May 26th I went to the er for the 12th time. I had a fever and was in so much pain. The er took me back immediately since I had just had surgery and they feared I was septic. It turned out to be an abscess and they took me into surgery to drain it. I was given anesthesia because of how much pain I was in. Thankfully I wasn’t septic and this turned out better than they originally thought. I guess since I was on steroids for so long, my body wasn’t able to fight off an infection so the abscess was very large and inflamed. I received another unit of blood and I still had a fever for a few days. The antibiotics were making me sick and I was really struggling to eat. Between the beginning of April and it now being the end of May, I had lost 30 pounds unintentionally. May 31 2017, I was released from the hospital for the third and final time.

Over the next few weeks, I was walking around the neighborhood and family and friends were coming to help care for me so Issaac could go back to work. I started to taper off the Oxy and that was not fun. I was taking such a high dose that I would nod off mid conversation. When I would wake, I would feel like I slept for hours when it was really only minutes and I would get upset because I was so tired and never really got rest. Even though I was high, I remember how I felt and the things I did. I remember trying to dance with Issaac in the kitchen when he was walking me through the house. I remember contacting people on fb that I hadn’t talked to in a long time. All I wanted to do was talk. I was oddly cheerful and accepted my situation. Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a half glass empty kind of person so this was unusual for me. I didn’t realize all of this until after I tapered off the oxy. My Dad was the only person who told me he was worried that when I came down, I would not feel the same. He knew that it wasn’t really me. I remember going to the ball park to watch a softball game with family and I ended up having to leave because I was in pain and I didn’t bring the Oxy with me. I started to cry because I was so embarrassed and sad that I wasn’t strong enough yet to be at one of my favorite places in the world. On June 18th, I was tapering and I had to have Issaac come home because I was feeling horrible and I couldn’t stop crying about it. I called him because I was home alone at this point because I could finally walk to the bathroom alone and make my own food. So I had to call in another order of Oxy to taper down slower because I was trying to go too fast and I was having withdrawal symptoms. I really don’t know why anyone would want to go through that. Eventually, I was completely off the Oxy and I was so happy to not have any withdrawal symptoms.

So Issaac went back to work after spending every single day with me in the hospital. I didn’t have short term disability because there was some confusion when we signed up for insurance together. I tried to appeal and it was denied Mid June, people from work hosted a bake sale at work to raise money for me. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. I never felt that I had people in my life who cared enough to do something like this. Someone also created a go fund me page as well. I was overcome with shame, shock, and most importantly gratitude for such amazing acts of kindness. Issaac handed me the money that was raised and I just lost it. I was so emotional and just couldn’t believe that this was real life. I feel like this whole ordeal is something you hear about happening but never think that it’ll happen to you. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who contributed to raising money and helping me get better and for all of the continuous prayers during this time.

July 4th 2017, I finally returned to work. You can see through all of the photos around this time and the rest of the year that I was enjoying life the best I could. In October 2017, I started to have issues with my skin under my bag. This became an issue off and on for over a year. I had been using the same brand of products since surgery for a year and then all of a sudden I couldn’t use it anymore without having an allergic reaction. My skin would start weeping and oozing and was extremely itchy. It also burned badly which over powered the itchiness. Throughout the year of 2018 I struggled with this a lot but I still went on living. The photos I provided are to show how one day I’m very low spirited and the next day I’m blissful. And I was. I was very blessed to enjoy time with family and to go on vacation with Issaac to the Niagara Falls and to go Gen Con. Gen Con was really hard. There was so much walking and I was so weak and still hadn’t built muscles back up. If I stood on my tippy toes, I would fall over from the pain in my calves. Standing outside in the food truck lines was the worst. The heat was making me sweat and interfering with the adhesive of my ostomy bag. Little did I know that this incident would make my skin worse than it ever was before. The photos are a reminder to me of what I’ve overcome. I wanted to create a timeline and show myself how strong our bodies really are. If you’ve read this far, thank you. Part 2 will be posted soon.

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blankdblank · 5 years

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Anaticula Pt 29

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School again came with echoes of whispers from few students sharing details about your highly publicized newly found relatives. Awkwardly a great number of your fellow students just stared and whispered amongst themselves until finally a first year going by Lyla from Slytherin came up to you in the hall between your classes to ask, “Is it true you’re French now? The Veela bit was obvious.”

With a shrug you replied, “I, suppose so. Partly, through my Mum. So, an eighth.”

Lyla, “Does that mean you’re off to Beaubatons then?”

Your brows furrowed for a moment, “No. Why would I trade schools? I was granted citizenship but I’m not moving.” A widening grin spread onto her face in your asking, “Why?”

She shook her head, “No reason.” Then raced off towards a group of Slytherin students all seeming far too relieved at the news.

Shaking your head you continued on mumbling, “I don’t want to know.”

Cedric chuckled, “Can’t be good if all them seem so relieved for you to be staying.”

Twins, “Bet they know that if you leave they’ll have to pick up their studies to keep Percy from tearing at them for the Academic Cup.”

You giggled to yourself looking on to the stairs ahead, “I suppose we shall see the effect of his loss next year on their house average.”

George, “Just us and Ravenclaw to face off then.”

Another two weeks seemed to blow by and with the oncoming Hogsmeade trip tensions were brewing again. All through the Gryffindors you could sense a growing awkwardness stirring up the meddling of a certain group of redheads. Loudly through the hall you heard Ginny’s voice echoing along with Draco’s at the other end.

Ginny was seen tugging Dean by the collar, “You are being ridiculous!”

Dean’s hand clasped around her wrist protesting, “What are you doing?! I have to study!”

Ginny raised his bag gripped in her hand by the strap, “And that is what you are going to do! Study, and stop this ridiculous shunning game of yours.”

Professors and ghosts alike along the way peered over to see where she was taking him.

Further down the hall leading to the same empty classroom Draco had Seamus by the back of his collar dragging him after having used a binding spell on him, “Honestly, if you had just come with me in the first place!” Seamus mumbled something through his locked jaws in protest for the amused chuckles in the group behind the pair to grow in watching the roommates meet up, “What? He tried to run away shouting.”

Ginny rolled her eyes and the trapped pair were led inside for her to say back at the door, “And don’t you come out until you’ve planned your date in Hogsmeade.”

The pair blushed and sat wide eyed and with Draco’s counter charm to release Seamus from his bind he grinned pulling out a draft copy of the Ravenclaw paper with his gossip column showing Dean and Seamus’ heads in a heart above an article backed by floating hearts. “Front page news boys. Long time coming, now, not another random stop, must be special, everyone is hoping for some spectacularly heart melting pictures for the year end booklets.”

Seamus, “But-,”

Ginny, “No buts!”

Draco nodded, “You’re not just dating, you’re going steady.” Confetti hearts with their initials floated down from the sky and the pair were locked in the classroom as he mumbled, “Is that a bit dated? Going steady?”

Ginny shook her head, “Mum uses it.”

He nodded walking with her back to their dorm eyeing his article, “Mine too. Though, seemed like I could find something more fitting my mind fell short of.”

Ginny, “I’m sure like a lost sock you’ll stumble across it eventually.”

Draco chortled, “Can’t lose my socks, Dobby makes certain I get a full parade to choose from every morning.”

Ginny chuckled, “We do need to get you some new pairs to spruce things up. Jaqi could help with that.”

He chuckled, “Yes, she does have a good deal with the shops in Hogsmeade.”

Ginny chuckled then asked, “They’re going to plan a miserable date, aren’t they?”

Draco laughed out loud, “Absolutely pitiful.”

By morning, with the aid of some conveniently forgetful students the newly named couple was forced to cuddle up for the night in a loveseat along the wall aiding in the capture of the moment by Collin to be spread around the school in a late addition to the house papers. To their shock however the only ones uncomfortable with the suitable couple was themselves, and publicly announced as just that it was just a short time until hopefully they would relax into it and spare you all the trouble of their clearly mutual pining.

And by weeks end it was clear Draco was right. Their pitifully dull date had to be rescued by the joint planning of several of their housemates hoping to make it right and worth all of the agitation they had caused.

Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff match bled into another Hogsmeade trip followed soon enough in the start of April in the Puff match vs Slytherin. In the flood of study sessions with Percy and your usual course schedule, three of your classes had been missed the day of your 16th birthday, though an approved status came with the obvious stretch of ink across your groups cheeks noting that you had fallen asleep studying again. A common sight, more and more disheveled fifth and seventh years in the nearing monstrous exams almost upon you.

Hogsmeade came as sort of a moment of relief in the growing storm heading straight for you. Between classes and study sessions there didn’t seem to be a shortage of emotional outburst through the student body. Doing the best you could to remain sane you all settled into an awkward weaving pattern, though the morning of Percy’s rough testing you all woke up sprawled across the carpet of your office in the Chamber stirring at Tulip’s gentle nudges signaling that breakfast would be starting soon and jolting the lot of you up and to the door in a frenzy of book and note gathering ending with a swish of your wand sending them all upstairs to your dorms. A simple peck on Tulip’s nose came before your promise to come back later as you raced out the door towards the closest exit to join the masses of other students eager to fill their growling bellies.

For the last two weeks of May you would continue your courses with free periods for the Professors monitoring the testing on their designated days. Where the practice exams were written portions only after that was complete a group of Aurors were designated to conduct the Oral portion of the exams.

Charms – Mon

Transfiguration – Tue

Herbology – Wed

DADA – Thur

Ancient Runes – Fri

Saturday was welcomed greatly yet filled with worry from the students all sharing stories of how they all imagined themselves to have failed for simple slip of the tongues or an awkward grip on their wands in demonstrating charms.

Potions – Mon, Care of Magical Creatures – Tue, Wednesday was the longest day of testing for Percy at least and it gave you three free periods to grant you even more time to study.

Divination – Wed

Arithmacy – Wed

Astronomy – Wed (Midnight)

History of Magic – Thur

Muggle Studies - Fri

The day after the final exam was concluded a breath of fresh air wafted into the seventh years in the coming release of the final Quidditch match, Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw. Even in her struggles to remain focused through the game Cho managed to cinch a win for the Ravenclaws in the neck and neck game by stealing the Snitch out from under Dean’s chin in his try for a goal with the Quaffle tucked under his arm. Cheers spread and then waned when the celebrations died down in the fifth years remembering there was just two weeks left.

Awakening again in your Chamber, this time alone, you squinted up at the tiled ceiling coated in flickers of moonlight as you sat upright finding yourself in the middle of the floor opposite the giant statue of Salazaar. The sound of rustling fabric turned your head and your legs curled in seeing a group of tall men well over six feet, in long robes following after you and your jumbled family all aged what you guessed to be a few years older. Looking at yourself you noted the sheer exhaustion written clearly across your face while your knees trembled nearing your collapse fully to the ground.

Softly a question of the safety of the group at your call for Tulip ended your dream snapping your eyes open to find Idris peering down at you mid hum. Rolling your eyes back you sighed relaxing back into your mattress to the sound of your clock ticking, turning onto your side you curled your pillow under your head peering up at the pictures of your mother.

Closing your eyes slowly you exhaled forcing yourself to try and sleep again hearing the sound of Cedric waking from his own odd dream followed by the twins who both groaned and rolled over flopping onto their stomachs. “Comfortable, just, pick something, comfortable,” you mumbled to yourself, jeans and a sweater with sleeves pulled up, favorite tall socks and boots later and you fluffed out your curls around you eyeing the guys locked in their own debates on which shirts to pick.

. Charms – Mon .

Free of that dilemma you all made your way down to the waiting meal that did little to calm your nerves. After which while the other students filed out stealing glances at you all your year moving to the raised platform for the tables to be converted into individual desks again assigned alphabetically with quills assigned to each. Professor Flitwick took his place while you did the same. Tests were passed out and you all melted into the arduous task setting aside the slips of paper assigning your secondary testing tables.

Griselda Marchbanks, an elderly woman was waiting out in the hall outside the Great Hall looking you all over waving her hand to the lines of tables around the room saying, “Kindly take your places in orderly fashion at your assigned desks.”

Splitting up you waited in line behind the two students ahead of you alphabetically mentally trying to keep yourself calm while your fingers smoothed around your wand resting in your fingers in front of you. Lost in your own mental ramblings on a memory of your times as a child in the gardens around your home a wrinkled hand settled on your back turning your head to Professor Marchbanks who said, “Your turn dear.”

Facing forward you flashed a quick grin and stepped forward settling your wand in your hand you gave a quick shake to dissipating the pink vine of roses circling it in a stretch to your hand. In the center of the table you eyed the sterling silver egg cup with a golden coating inside, “First task, make this do some cartwheels.”

Nodding in a nip at your lip you silently cast the charm ticking up your tester’s brow in watching the series of flips it did around the table before you settled it right back in the center where you had gotten it from. On his pocket journal page topped with ‘J Black’ he scribbled down some notes with a few symbols then your eyes turned to the tester again.

“Now, execute the Levitation charm, over my head.”

Inhaling steadily you waved your wand and in aiming it directly at the cup it floated easily up to his head nearly a foot over yours and then floated gracefully back down again to its former spot. Again your wordless execution was noted and the cup was taken away.

In a reach under the table a small carrier was brought up to release the mouse inside that walked to the small tray of fruit and cheese he set out, “Now, Color change Charm if you please. Any shade or design you desire.”

In a quick flick of your tongue you wet your lips through the sound of a shriek coming from a startled student at the mouse presented that fled back to his carrier. Focusing on your table you inched your wand closer to the mouse who sat up nibbling on a slice of cherry between his paws. Its big ears raised as you looked over its brown fur that in a twitch of your wand it rippled shifting into a gasp inspiring galaxy mural of colors with random speckles of silver marking out the stars surrounding Pluto. Over your shoulder a camera was raised to capture the creature by another officiator for the yearly overview added to the year end booklets for each of you to look back on later.

Clearing his throat your tester said, “Growth charm next.”

Your eyes lowered from his in the mouse finishing his cherry slice and you gave your wand another wave and through the confused squeaks of the mouse as you grew it to the size of a small goat you reached out to pass it one of the pieces of cheese it accepted and nibbled on calming it down. Blinking up at you it glanced at the camera capturing the open mouthed stare of the tester for a few moments until he shook his head saying, “Thank you, that will be all.”

“Okay. You don’t need me to shrink him again?”

He shook his head, “No, thank you though, we like to give them a bit to calm down before shrinking them again.” He said lifting the mouse he eased into a larger carrier behind him next to two more, one bright pink and the other puke green with splashes of orange. You nodded again and walked towards the stairs to sit and wait for the guys who were still in line. Anxiously you sheathed your wand and ran your black glittery nails over the denim across your knees. A deep chuckle sounded on your left turning your head to see the Bloody Baron lowering down to hover in a mock seating position beside you.

“Wonderful job. Very few students your age could muster such a design, and wordlessly too. Masterfully done. It seems a great deal of your fellow students have surprised their testers. All due to your study sessions no doubt.”

“Thank you.” Peeves floated by and he left you to ensure the testing would not be disturbed.

. Transfiguration – Tue .

Atop the platform McGonagall stood waving her wand to summon your desks you all filed into. The thick test wasn’t that different from the practice exam packed with all you had ever learned. Professor Marchbanks was outside once again and clutching your slip with assigned table number you found your place in line again behind the same students to await your turn.

Wetting your lips in the departure of the girl before you your fingers adjusted over the handle of your wand in eyeing the iguana stretched across it. A sudden flock of ostritches on your right turned your head and you were asked to clear a path for the testers to round them all up. Barely eight minutes later you were allowed to take your place again eyeing the blinking iguana peering up at you. “Vanishing Spell if you please.” The woman behind the desk ordered and you nodded moving your wand closer.

In a gentle tap of the tip to his side his leg raised to tap the wand in the ripple of his body vanishing in the middle out to each end. Again your silent charm was noted and in the dip of your wand the woman knew where to grab to set that iguana aside in a carrier to bring out another. Looking you over she asked, “I was led to believe you can transform into a Phoenix. Is that true?”

You nodded and said, “I can do it now, if you like.”

“If you can.”

You nodded and inhaled making her eyes widen at the flames coating you in the first seconds of your shift into a white and blue Phoenix parting her lips. After you had shifted back she clamped her mouth shut after thanking you for the display, motioning her hand to the side while you moved away confused at the simple exam. Silently Minerva grinned at you bottling up her response to your test she would share with you later once the testing was through to explain the simple exam of the complicated spell many rarely master as you had. Not mentioning the Animagus form few if ever manage to achieve.

. Herbology – Wed .

This exam would be different. Once the written portion was concluded you would move out to the greenhouse where you would find a supply of tables coated by various plants ending with the Fanged Geranium you would have to trim and collect cuttings from.

In the first steps of your exam you caught Professor Sprout’s grin in the corner of your vision at the question of, “I heard you managed to host a Unicorn’s Folly. Marvelous plant that. And turn it green no less. How did you manage that?”

Blindly in focusing on your cuttings you said, “Oh, um, some lemonade got spilled on it.”

“Lemon juice. I never would have guessed that.”

With a giggle you agreed and continued to answer more of his questions until you were ushered aside to wait in the field enjoying the sun to wait for the others.

. DADA – Thur .

Remus was up next to watch you through your exams and then lead you all out to the front hall where you were led out to the field outside in groups of five. Anxiously you stood staring at the reclosed gates until the five would pass through quietly signaling the call for five more. Keeping to your usual order you were in the third group and anxiously you eyed the tall instructor you would be paired with for this exam.

In a duel like setting you would face one another under the watch of Professor Marchbanks, who would name the jinxes the tester would use that you would have to counter. Defensive spells would be next to hold off the named spells cast your way leading up to your forming another line to face the contained Boggart inside the enchanted carrier.

From a clown and a rottweiler in front of you, your empty mirror stumped the testers as to what it could mean your fear was until they saw the wordless charm you used to shift it into a window with a fox awkwardly licking the other side of it earning laughs from even the group of Aurors and Professor Marchbanks. Stepping aside you would wait until the final student had faced the Boggart, which was then tucked away again signaling their move to face you all in Professor Marchbanks stating, “For bonus points if you are available to produce Patronus Charms you may do so now.”

Stealing glances at one another you all raised your wands and in order a tiny bumblebee to a terrier were formed before your cow sized white dragon sat coiling its tail around its joined legs in the flickering appearance of a bull beside you with a goose beside that. Again you would pass through the gates eyeing their stunned reactions to another successful group of having done so leading up to be the most successful group of testing in decades.

. Ancient Runes – Fri .

Professor Babbling was just as eager as the Testers seemed to be wondering at the small group they would be grading this year, though larger than a few years prior. At the assigned tables you eyed the stacks of enchanted runes on the table with a simple instruction, “Create something.”

Lowering your gaze you raised your hand that hovered over each stack before you pushed one forward in a fan formation overlapping easing your reading them making your tester nip at his own lip. Carefully you would lift each stone tile you set in a pattern of a squiggle with seven tiles settled on either side of it, a twist of one of the runes signaled a ripple of lights across the tiles that began to glow in the sprouting of white and blue Dendrobium Orchids. Looking up again you flashed a grin then stepped aside leaving the tester to clear the tiles that were shuffled and set out again for the teen behind you. Giddily Professor Babbling squeaked and patted your shoulder at the door easing a grin onto your face at the tolerated response until the test was through and she could give you all her own responses.

. Potions – Mon .

Snape stoically took his place mentally reminding himself of all the scores you had achieved on the practice exam so he could make a guess as to who would be allowed into his NEWTS level potions course called Double Potions.

In the final exam being passed back into the sealed case to be transferred for grading you eyed the entering line of testers eyeing you all while a long tiered table appearing with a supply of ingredients beside them. Lining up in front of it Professor Marchbanks took her place a few steps in front of them in the appearance of supplies and a cauldron on each of your desks, “In rows from back to front you all will step up and collect your necessary ingredients to complete the potion of your wishing.”

One row at a time from the back to your row up front you eyed the oddly bare table while everyone else from your row snatched up what they could. Your eyes narrowed at the odd selection of obscure items while all the common items were taken. Reaching out you grabbed a small potted plant looking like a thistle with blue ooze dripping out of it, a few feet away you eyed the odd dark stem with a trio of blue flowers on it you cradled alongside the pot. In a turn of your head you eyed another bundle of sticks with copper leaves on them clearly Niffler’s Fancy. In grabbing that you caught Snape turning to hide his proud smirk in your move to grab the odd bunch of throbbing blood red bulbs sprouting long green leaves you tucked in your arms then stole a glance at the open mouthed tester closest to you.

Out of tradition it seems they added the rarest of ingredients yet by their reactions no one had grabbed them before or just with the supply you had chosen it was clear what near impossible potion you had chosen to make. The Potion of All Potential, the potion ‘realises all that is best in us’, bringing the drinker to their highest potential. Pticher’s Porritch, the thistle like plant was collected first when you found your desk again, along with a vial you filled with its ooze you sliced off a piece of the pod you set aside feeling the eyes of one of the testers on you intently taking notes of your potion in the row Marchbanks was helping to grade.

Thaumatagoria a plant, believed to be a myth rumoured to be capable of legendary magics, was grabbed next. The long stick with the trio of buds you plucked and collected the oozing liquid from the remaining pollen husks in another vial came next before you split the stem, grinding half you added to the cauldron followed by the oozed liquid that began to congeal in a bright pink spreading gel from the ooze hitting the powdered stem. Waiting for a few moments you plucked a leaf from your Niffler’s fancy you cut into slices then dropped into the gel that absorbed the slices then morphed into an odd cerulean liquid reeking of grapefruit making you blink your now pale pink eyes at the beginning stage to one of the most powerful enamoring potions ever created.

Shaking your head at the steady shift of your hair to a pale pink shade to match your eyes you were quick to shred a leaf from the Witch’s Ganglion you added breaking the effects of your potion in its shift to a bright yellow. Now giving off a watermelon scent freeing your shift back to your normal color shifting eyes and silvery blue hair in Snape’s subtle nip at his lip and wiggle of his fist formerly pressed to his lips at your successful crossing of this crucial step. He turned around faking his continued pacing path in stealing glances at each of his students while you began to peel the pulsing bulb.

With a spoon you scooped the center out then lowered into the mixture that bubbled and shifted into a deep purple giving off a powerful scent of blood you quickly covered and changed to a sky blue with the blue ooze from the Pritcher’s Porritch. A wave of grapefruit scent filled the air as you circled your finger above the potion you stirred glancing at the clock on the wall to continue for half an hour. Lastly you added the slices from its pods and continued to stir it in its losing its color and growing pale yellow glow.

Professor Marchbanks moved to the side stating, “Three minutes, finalize your potions and bottle them and step aside.”

Carefully you did just that and moved back to the door catching Snape’s smirk as you left. On your way to the back you saw several varying levels of difficulty up to the trio of Draught of Living Dead potions from the twins and Cedric. All of whom elatedly trotted quicker to join your sides with Cho right after, who had brewed a potion to shift the drinker into a Jarvey.

. Care of Magical Creatures – Tue .

Hagrid’s test came next. Outside in an open field near your usual classroom on the edge of the forest. Again in groups you were sent to various stations where you were lined up and had to wait for your turns at each.

First task : Identify a Knarl hidden among a dozen hedgehogs.

Secondly : Demonstrate correct handling of a Bowtruckle.

Thirdly : Feed and clean out a Fire Crab without sustaining serious burns.

Lastly : Choose from a wide selection of food the diet they would give a sick Unicorn

All went well enough for most, though in using the supply of creatures from the school grounds you, the twins and Cedric had a clear advantage in being so familiar with the usually standoffish bunch.

. Divination – Wed .

Professor Trelawney stood anxiously off to the side as she always did each year when the exams were turned in then shadowed your walk into the hall where you all lined up again to the supplied tables. Atop the stool provided you would sit across your tester also on a stool waiting to be read.

At your Professor’s interest in you especially your tester found himself inching closer to the table as you sat down and flashed him a grin resting your arms on the table overlapping your fingers. “If you wouldn’t mind starting with a crystal ball reading.” His hand moved to shift the cloth resting over the crystal ball that your eyes dropped to. Keeping his eyes on you he heard Trelawney’s muffled noises of excitement at your eyes glossing over silver as your mind reeled with images.

The first of a bought home, elated hugs in the front yard of said home, the nest was the woman you assumed to be his wife who guided him through the house into a nursery in pale green with various tropical birds and reptiles across the walls with the name Eliza on the wall in letters arched above the crib. In the final moment the man would collapse onto the floor passing out from excitement drawing a scream from his wife at the hard fall.

Inhaling sharply you looked up at him with lips parting realizing his anxious expression waiting to hear what you saw. “Um, you didn’t happen to buy a house, did you?”

He nodded with a spreading grin, “Yes, picking up the keys to move in today. Why? Does something break? Is it the boiler in the basement?!”

You shook your head saying, “You know those really big teddy bears?” he nods, “Buy one for your wife.” His lips parted, “Trust me, just buy it and keep a tight grip on it in your tour.”

Tentatively he answered, “Okay…” moving the ball aside he brought out a tea cup he drained then set in front of you to read the leaves.

Peering into it you eyed the odd blob making you say, “I see hardship.” Your eyes rose to him to continue, “Years of hardship well worth it.”

“You can’t say anything else?”

You shook your head with a grin, “Not without spoiling the surprise. But, it’s sort of like, when you start to build a home, it’s a struggle, there’s good and bad mingled in the years ahead but the end is more than worth it.”

He nodded and took a few notes in the cup floating away before he settled his hand palm up on the table, though his brows furrowed in your hands sliding off the table to avoid touching him. “Lastly palm reading. It is better if you adjust the person’s hand.”

Inhaling sharply you curled your fingers on the edge of the table saying as you met his gaze, “Sometimes, I sort of see things when I touch people.”

“Any visions will be recorded towards your final grade if that is your concern.”

You nodded and forced another grin easing your forearms onto the table, “Alright then.” Carefully your hands extended and you caught George on the table over catching your timid reach out to tilt his palm only to have your eyes shift to silver. All at once you were atop a cliff and harshly you fell bouncing down the side of the cliff only to fall in the center of a Gorillas nest who instantly became enraged making your hands jerk back severing your connection.

Exhaling shakily you blinked a few times hearing, “Miss Black?”

“Um,” your eyes flinched up to his, “Gorillas.” His lips parted, “You fell into their nest.” Wetting your lips again at his open mouthed stare at you you touched his hand again to adjust it again to read his head and life lines. When the test was over you accepted the candy Trelawney passed you with a soft thanks and continued into the hall leaving the still stunned tester finalizing his notes.

. Arithmacy – Wed .

This one at least a few hours later you sat through the written portion of the exam, of which there was no oral portion leaving Professor Vector standing beside Professor Marchbanks. The thick packet was nearly double what the practice one was but no more trying. Afterwards you and the twins rubbed your faces and found Cedric and Cho outside under the tree on the edge of the lake waiting with a picnic you collapsed under groaning about the numbers haunting your every glance.

. Astronomy – Wed .

Midnight came soon enough and it found you all in the Astronomy Tower in designated locations with telescopes aimed at sections of the sky you were assigned to. Precise notes and names were meant to fill in each detail of the assigned area.

. History of Magic – Thur .

The written test was all that would be given. Aloofly Professor Binns hovered around the room expecting his usual lukewarm results, but as always he held a hope that this year would be different and his lessons would be fully grasped. Your group gave him hope and with your extra tutoring and tips on how to pass his course this year seemed to be set as his most successful yet. Yet with these exams he always felt the sting that a majority of his students wouldn’t take his class again in their sixth or seventh years.

. Muggle Studies – Fri .

Atop the platform you spotted Barty excitedly awaiting the results of your small group. Again Cedric waited outside with a picnic sharing what time he had with Cho until you all joined him again to share what he had missed.

The written exam was followed by your desks being covered in a series of science experiments, including a potato clock and assemble a small robotic duck that waddled around between quacks as it flaps its wings. Trying not to giggle you completed the duo of tasks sans magic then you moved to the door soon joined by the twins in the hall who needed a few moments to stop giggling at the ideas the ducks gave them for a few toys you could make.

…

Another week was all you had and you were off again back through Hogsmeade to the train station to head home again.

Pt 30

#Fred and George Weasley #Cedric #Percy #Harry #Hermione #Ron #Ginny #Neville #Luna #Cho #Dean and Seamus finally #First Date #Draco #Set Up #Hogsmeade #Draco Gossip Queen #OWLS #NEWTS #Final Semester

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ontherockswithsalt · 5 years

Text

A Made Man

/1/ /2/ /3/ /4/ /5/ /6/ /7/ /8/ /9/ /10/ /11/ /12/ /13/ /14/ /15/ /16/ /17/ /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/ /22/ /23/ /24/ /25/ /26/ /27/ /28/ /29/ /30/ /31/ /32/ /33/ /34/

A/N: Happy summer! Let the soundtrack to this night truly begin with some quality karaoke picks.

Chapter 35.

"I know you can't really talk about it--" Vinny starts, exhaling hard as he slides his empty shot glass on the table away from him. "But back when you were working that case, Reagan." Then he faintly gestures a finger from me to Noble. "Did something happen there?"

I press my lips together, blinking a moment as the burn from the shot -- the whiskey and peach schnapps -- clenches my chest. "What do you mean? A lot of shit happened."

"You know what I mean. This."

"No," Noble answers for me. "He went after my sister."

Lifting my eyebrows, I turn to look at him, my mouth slack in surprise. "Damn!"

Glancing over, I see Bianca has the same look on her face while Noble just breathes out a good natured chuckle into his drink.

"Whoa." I start. "Hold on--"

"Wait, what?" Vinny leans in.

I turn, narrowing a critical gaze. "Went after her?"

"Oh. My god, Nick!" Bianca scoffs. "You will never let it go."

"Vinny asked if anything happened between us while Jamie was undercover. I was just clarifying."

Vinny looks to Bianca, this amused half smile on his face. "You and Reagan hooked up?"

"No!" She insists while I shake my head.

"They made out," Noble supplies as if deciding for the table the definition of a hook-up.

"He--" Bianca insists. "Was a different person. His name wasn't Jamie Reagan so it never happened. Jimmy, however, is off living a quiet life in the middle of nowhere remembering me fondly."

She finishes with an easy shrug while the rest of us crack up with heavy heads.

"Bella!" The deejay calls from the front of the room, her name booming over the speakers. "Bella to the microphone. Your time has arrived, girl."

While the musical interlude plays between karaoke participants, Bianca squeaks in delight and jumps down from her seat. "Alright. Cheer for me, assholes!"

She leaves us to work her way through the crowd while we all make a big deal about applauding her entrance until it surely annoys her.

Vinny turns for his drink and gestures to us again. "I can't get over Reagan being a sly dog on an assignment. I'm just--" And he shakes his head in mock disapproval. "Everything I thought I knew about you is wrong."

"He's a devious--" Noble starts. "Shifty jerk. That whole honor student, moral compass bullshit is an act."

Vinny laughs. "I believe it now."

"Oh really?" I turn to settle a look, full of the swirling heat of intent I feel in my chest for him. My lips flick with amusement and I'm saved by the blare of electric guitar that yanks Vinny's gaze to Bianca across the way.

Noble offers me this satisfied smirk around the rim of his glass. "I know the truth."

"A devious shifty jerk," I echo his description, leaning in a little closer. "I'll remember that."

“You better.” Under the table, he gives my thigh a squeeze.

Cold late night, so long ago

When I was not so strong, you know

Bianca's voice at the start of the classic Heart song gets everybody's attention.

"Yes!" Noble hollers his appreciation through cupped hands before he claps for her. Easily, the crowd joins in with whooping enthusiasm, cheering for her and the song choice.

She grasps the microphone and offers a sweet grin to the guys who took no time at all to gather in front of her. It’s clear she’s done this before, hardly needing to glance at the monitor for the Magic Man lyrics. She has this ease about the way she sings, comfortable on the stage, not dramatic about it and the sexy song suits her.

“Oh shit.” Vinny turns back to look at us, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “Your sister can sing for real.”

“Yeah,” Noble laughs. “That’s why I knew we weren’t getting out of this tonight.”

By the time the song’s over, she’s made friends with the karaoke host and some of the apparent regulars up front. We make our support known, as requested, offering rowdy applause as she leaves the microphone and she comes back to join us at the table.

“That--” Vinny starts, “was pretty amazing.”

“No,” she waves a hand to disagree. “It’s hard to hear yourself up there.”

“You were good and you know it,” Noble offers.

“Alright, alright. Who’s up next?”

“Cruz, you’re up,” I announce.

“No way in hell,” he chuckles.

Just then, a man who appears to be a little younger than the rest of us, scruffy with a beard and styled brown hair, shows up behind Bianca declaring, “You’re gorgeous and I need to know you--”

“Vinny, nice to meet you,” my partner butts in, holding out a hand.

Bianca’s fan meets his teasing smile with a narrowed gaze and a smirk before dismissing him. “You I might need to know later,” he tells Vinny. “But right now I’m after her.”

Vinny claps his hands once and looks over at me, amusement on his face while I shake my head.

“You have no shame, man,” I accuse.

Our company introduces himself as Ben, along with a friend of his, Scott who joins him to come praise Bianca. They order up another round of drinks for the table and settle in with us for a few more songs.

“Wait, you tied?” Ben leans in over Bianca’s shoulder as we recount the bowling highlights. “Who ties in bowling?”

“I know,” Vinny mutters.

“Well then it’s no question,” Ben says. “You have to sing a duet.”

“That’s what I said!” Bianca insists. “See?”

“I can’t sing with you! I can’t sing.” Vinny maintains.

“Yes,” I sort of groan the sentiment, nodding my head in agreement. By this point, I’m pretty toasted, the tingling feeling in my cheeks making me happy and I start to chant, “Duet. Come on. Du-et. Du-et.”

“Du-et,” Noble joins me.

“Not happening.” Vinny refuses, but I know a part of him sort of enjoys the prodding. “And look at you, Reagan. I don’t see your ass up there.”

“I didn’t lose, man. This is about being true to your word.”

Vinny sputters a laugh, a heavy fist pounding the table.

“What’s the worst that could happen?” Ben muses. “Even if you’re a disaster, everyone will still be cheering for you. You’ll be a cute disaster.”

“There you go,” Noble encourages. “Keep that up.”

“Yeah, he’s weak,” I agree. “Keep telling him he’s cute. He’ll break.”

With a shake of his head, Vinny looks at me, pausing with this thoughtful breath before he points a finger. “No phones. No recording.”

I spread my hands and look around like this is the last place I’d be recording either one of us. “Of course not.”

“What happens at Mary’s stays at Mary’s.” Vinny declares it, setting a serious gaze on everyone before Noble slaps the table.

“I’m signing you up. I’ve got the song.”

“No-no-no wait,” Vinny pleads. “Bella and I get to strategize.”

“Nope!” Noble shouts as he vacates the table and walks off toward the deejay.

Dismayed, Vinny turns to Bianca with a questioning look. “Yo--”

“Don’t worry. It’ll be fun,” she assures him.

“Scott!” The deejay calls out over the microphone. “Scott to the stage…”

“Alright, girls, I’m up,” Scott confirms, reaching forward to grab his drink to take with him. “Watch, it’s not about being a good singer. Nobody cares.”

As he heads off, Noble returns to his seat and Vinny shakes his head with a defeated sigh. “I at least need to know what I’m singing.”

“Yeah, what’s our song, Nick?” Bianca wonders.

“Not telling.” He grins. “It’s a surprise.”

“You’ll be great,” Ben assures them. “Look at Scott, he’s such an idiot.” Then he whistles for him as he peers off at the front of the room, his friend adjusting the microphone while his music begins.

Once he starts singing a song I don’t recognize, the rest of the bar yells out their appreciation for it. Bianca claps for him, bouncing a little in her seat as she sways side to side and chimes in with the lyrics.

Ben leans closer to Noble to be heard over the music. “Hey, I have a question--” he starts. “And the answer is gonna break my heart.”

Noble nods, exhaling a soft laugh. “Okay.”

“Is he your boyfriend?” Ben gestures his beer bottle to me.

Noble drags his teeth along his lower lip and eyes me, a gradual smile curving on his face. “Yeah.”

“Damn. It figures.” Ben gripes his playful complaint. “You know what? Good for you though. Cheers.” He holds his drink out to Noble who taps his glass against his.

“Good for me, huh?" Noble teases.

“Good for you both! You’re both hot," Ben decides, then points a blaming finger to me. “But you might be the cutest boy I’ve ever seen.” I have to laugh at this general, tipsy observation he feels compelled to make out loud and he continues. “What a fucking heartbreaker this one is. That bone structure is borderline offensive. I’m not coming onto you, I’m just having a moment--”

Letting his face tip down, Noble cracks up a little.

“I--” Stammering in amusement, I stall with a gulp of my drink and try to tame an embarrassed but smug grin. “I appreciate that.”

"Ho- wait a minute," Vinny pipes up, moving in. "What happened to me being the cute disaster?"

"You are a cute disaster," Ben decides. "No question about that. But this one's giving me chest pains, he's so fine. Look, the more I say, the more he smiles and it's literally making me sick." He shouts the dramatic accusation, clearly motivated as everyone just laughs at him. "Going through life with those green eyes like a dick. I don't have time for it! I'm stopping at your face because I don't even want to think about the rest."

As I let my head fall into Noble's shoulder, he wraps his arms around me and all I can do is keep laughing.

"He can’t take it," Noble explains, running a comforting hand up my back. "But frankly, I love it. And I agree. Good for me.”

"I'm just being obnoxious, Jamie," Ben leans in to assure me. "This is your first time in a gay bar, isn't it?"

Moving back, I sit up straighter and clear my throat. "Is it obvious?"

Ben laughs, glancing away to acknowledge the end of Scott's performance. There, we all turn our attention and offer him a supportive cheer as he starts back to our table.

After a moment, I feel Noble playfully rake his fingers at the back of my head. The sensation instantly diffuses my buzzing pulse. I can unwind so easily with his hands on me.

Turning to look at him, I let the background fade out for a still minute and appreciate Noble there beside me. People love when he talks. He’s got this friendly voice that’s warm and deep, a charming laugh that tends to make the other person laugh harder.

And that’s a calming balance to have when I’m more reserved than he is in these situations.

As he glances over, he notices the way I’m looking at him and he moves in closer, as if anticipating that I have something I want to tell him. “You okay?” He checks, tilting his chin down to meet my eyes.

I nod. I would kiss him right now. The way his smile twitches when he looks at me is so tempting.

And it’s not the fact that we’re in public that makes me hesitate. If anywhere, this would be the place to do it. I’m just aware of Vinny across the table -- who probably isn’t even paying any attention to us considering Bianca beside him. And while he’s been nothing but supportive and unbothered by the fact that I’m in a relationship with a man, I’m just not the most publicly affectionate person in general.

But I feel that heavy tug and it’s hard to resist.

Noble gives me a faint shake of his head and murmurs, “Heartbreaker.”

My head tips closer and I glance down as my mouth nears his ear. “I want to kiss you,” I tell him.

He simply turns his face, angling to see me and offers this little challenge of a smirk.

And I know I’m not the only one with hesitations. This is new for him too and he could just as easily be thinking not here.

“Do you guys--” Just then, Ben injects himself. “Have like, a sex tape on the internet? Because I will give you my credit card number.”

“God, Ben,” Scott complains as I adjust to sit back, the both of us coughing out a surprised laugh. “Can you just let people chill?”

“I know, I’m so horrible and gross,” Ben groans. “I’m sorry. You’re both very attractive people. And Nick’s hand size has not gone unnoticed and I’m stopping now, I swear.”

“Can I get another shot ASAP?” Vinny announces his request.

“You need to, because I think you’re up next,” Scott points out, then stretches up to get the attention of a roving server. He takes care of it and I notice Vinny nervously glancing around, drumming fingers on the table.

“Don’t chicken out on me, partner,” I tell him.

He nods. “I’m going to.”

“We’re good,” Bianca assures him. “We’ve got this.”

“Want me to come stand right up front?” I offer. “For moral support.”

He chuckles. “No.”

“Bella and Vinny!” The deejay calls over the microphone and the thumping music. “Bella and Vinny to the mic.”

“You got it, Vin,” I assure him.

“We’ll send your shot up there,” Noble says. “The song’s a classic. You can’t go wrong.” Then he claps hard to encourage them and the rest of our table joins in.

Reluctantly, Vinny slides off of his chair and Bianca gently pinches his sleeve to direct him toward the front. “Alright, nice knowing you.” He leaves us with a half-hearted salute and turns to trail Bianca to the stage.

#jamie x noble #yaaaaayyyyy #if anyone still reads this i hope you enjoy it

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topinforma · 7 years

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New Post has been published on Mortgage News

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what-happened-at-donald-trumps-inauguration

WASHINGTON — The nation’s stark divide was on full display in Washington Friday as Donald J. Trump became America’s 45th president amid joyous roars of support and eruptions of chaos throughout the city, including the removal of a half-dozen protesters who tried to disrupt the swearing-in ceremony

Less than two miles from where Trump, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton joined hundreds of elected officials at the west front of the U.S. Capitol, anarchists armed with crowbars and hammers marched through the city’s streets, toppling over news boxes, smashing bus stop glass, vandalizing businesses, spray-painting buildings and, in one case, bashing in the windows of a black limousine.

The acts of violence prompted helmeted police to chase the protesters with batons, hose them with pepper spray and fire flash bangs into their ranks. Three D.C. police officers were injured and at least 90 activists were arrested as the sound of explosions and sirens filled the air – marking the most intense confrontations in a day that began with protesters shutting down at least a few security checkpoints.

The confrontations intensified shortly before 2 p.m. as protesters hurled objects — including concrete bricks — at police in black riot gear, who fired back with more flash bangs and pepper spray. As helicopters swirled overhead and well more than a dozen booms echoed through downtown buildings, dozens of activists fled, coughing uncontrollably and pouring milk in their eyes to wash out the stinging liquid. Trafficked throughout the area was left gridlocked.

Trump’s inauguration capped a campaign that galvanized millions of Americans who were eager to embrace a Washington outsider willing to say, or tweet, whatever is on his mind. The 70-year-old real estate mogul — who has never before held elected office — was jubilant Friday morning.

And legions of his supporters were on hand to embrace their new president.

Kathy Davis and a friend sat in yellow ponchos in a light rain west of the Capitol, awaiting a moment they’d long anticipated. Both evangelical Christians, they’d driven down together from upstate New York on Thursday.

“We have just known that Donald Trump was supposed to be president, ” said the 59-year-old. “When we saw the miracle happen on Election Day, I can’t tell you the feelings that rose up.”

One 68-year-old grandmother so adored Trump that she and her family drove 19 hours from Missouri to D.C. to watch him become commander in chief. Security had confiscated Marian Curry’s pepper spray and taser but let her keep a small folding chair because of her arthritic knees.

Curry insisted she’s neither a Republican nor a Democratic, but something about Trump drew her in.

“He woke me up,” she said.

Donna Lutz, a 71-year-old teacher from Florida, said she’d lost friends over her support for him.

“For the first time in my life, I have not been able to have an opinion,” said Lutz, decked out in a bright red coat, fuzzy red earmuffs and a button with Trump’s face. “I was very passionate, so now I get to see that my passions were shared.”

But her feelings certainly weren’t shared by everyone.

Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric has angered and offended millions of Americans others, making him the most unpopular incoming president in at least four decades. Friday, Trump supporters and detractors came face to face on the National Mall, around the White House and throughout downtown D.C.

In one case, 10-year-old Josh Wheeler’s anti-abortion sign was thrown to the ground, driving him to tears.

Wheeler’s father, Todd, said a protester had pushed the boy and called him names, though another anti-Trump demonstrator helped comfort Josh afterward.

“We’re disappointed in the police for letting them do that,” said Wheeler, whose family came to Washington for the inauguration from Indianapolis.

At John Marshall Park’s checkpoint, Black Lives Matter protesters — chanting “Shut it down” — did just that. Five men chained themselves together, preventing anyone from passing and forcing police officers to redirect attendees to other entrances.

“It feels great that we closed the checkpoint,” said 28-year-old Aaron Goggans, one of the organizers. “But we know this is just the beginning.”

At the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 20th Street, a very different sort of demonstration was being held as the earthy scent of burning pot wafted, and reggae pumped from a sound system. A cry went up from the crowd of marijuana enthusiasts waiting for their free joints.

They were reacting to a herd of motorcycles roaring past, one bike flying a Trump campaign flag.

“What’s up Bikers for Trump? ” said the DJ. “Come for some free weed?”

Across the street stood five D.C. police officers, hands in their pockets.

As the newly inaugurated Trump signed paperwork on Capitol Hill, hundreds of protesters meandered up Massachusetts Avenue from Union Station, occasionally blocking both sides of the thoroughfare.

The march had taken on a carnival feel, with stilt walkers, large puppets, a brass band and a giant inflatable elephant adorned with the word “racism.”

“Immigrants are welcome here!” People chanted. “No hate! No fear!”

Trump supporters leaving the inauguration taunted the peaceful protesters, waving their ubiquitous red “Make America Great Again” hats.

Earlier, at 10th and E streets, protesters had blocked the entrance to a checkpoint.

A group of women tied themselves together with purple yarn and sat on the ground to prevent people from passing through.

“Hey, hey, ho, ho! Donald Trump has to go!” the group of about 100 mostly young protesters. “End white supremacy!”

Armed with signs, brass instruments and life-size wooden crosses, the assembly danced, blew whistles and sang peacefully along with a small marching band.

The protest continued until a large group of inauguration goers — many dressed in suits and dress clothes — tried to push through the human barricade. People starting falling to the ground and swearing until police officers helped create a lane for the attendees to pass through.

Throughout the city, other anti-Trump protests popped up.

At 14th and I streets NW, about 100 anti Trump marchers chanted, ‘Whose streets? Our streets!”

One man carried a bundle of American flags over his shoulder.

“It’s not enough to continue shouting into the echo chamber of social media,” said Clara Mystif, 31, a writer from Florida. “We’re here to actually put our bodies on the line in support of our friends who are going to be targeted by this regime.”

Law enforcement was prepared to contend with more than 60 demonstration groups that planned to gather in Washington, including DisruptJ20, which expected at least 30,000 participants. The activists’ website promised “a series of massive direct actions that will shut down the Inauguration ceremonies and any related celebrations.”

They set out to challenge a security plan that took months of planning and millions of dollars to execute. Among the obstacles facing agitators: Checkpoints, roadblocks, truck-barricaded streets, hundreds of Jersey barriers, miles of fencing and 28,000 security officials deployed across 100 square blocks in the heart of Washington.

On Friday, counter-demonstrators also arrived to support their new president — most notably, Bikers for Trump, a group that served as a vigilante security force at the Republican National Convention and expected 5,000 members in Washington.

The region’s normally packed Washington-bound Metro trains were mostly empty early Friday. In a yellow line car headed south, two groups of four wearing Trump gear — beanies saying “Trump America’s 45th president” and American flag scarves — sat ebulliently at the end.

One bearded man in a North Face vest and sweatpants, clearly new to Metro, propped his feet on a divider and later asked if he could smoke his cigarette. He hopped off his seat to record a selfie video with his friends.

“It’s the best day in America,” he beamed.

The man swiveled the camera to show the rest of the crowd.

“Washington sucks,” he bellowed, before turning the camera off.

“I said ‘Grab them by the p–y,’ 17 times yesterday,” he joked later, referring to Trump’s vulgar comments on the set of Access Hollywood in 2005. He casually repeated the phrase several times, until his female companion shushed him.

“Today’s a huge day,” he said as the train approached their stop.

“Yuuuuge!” his friend responded.

Meanwhile, just before 9:30 a.m., outgoing President Obama left the Oval Office for the final time.

As he did, reporters asked, “Feeling nostalgic?”

Obama responded, “Of course.”

Another reporter shouted, “Any words for the American people?”

The 44th president of the United States answered, “Thank you.”

Despite Trump’s reputation as a showman, the celebration in honor of the former “Apprentice” star was smaller than the one in 2009 for the nation’s first African American leader.

Trump’s 3 p.m. parade is expected to last just 90 minutes. Obama’s took more than four hours. Trump is expected to appear at three official balls. Obama attended 10. Just 450 bus permits had been sought for Friday. About seven times that many – more than 3,000 – registered eight years ago.

Though Trump suggested “record numbers” of people would attend Friday’s festivities, at least one longstanding ball had to cancel due to a lack of interest, and others have struggled to sell tickets. Compared to past celebrations, far fewer notable celebrities and musicians are attending or performing, and a number of the city’s great halls haven’t been rented.

D.C.’s Trump International Hotel, which the new president will pass during his parade, has frequently been targeted by protesters in recent months. An extra layer of high metal fencing appeared outside its front doors this week, and staff have carefully monitored everyone coming and going.

Washington’s lack of enthusiasm for Trump’s arrival may be due in part to the adversarial relationship he’s long had with the fiercely liberal capital, a place he described as a “swamp” that needs draining.

Just 4 per cent of D.C.’s residents voted for the new occupant of the city’s most hallowed quarters: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

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