we all know how the story goes; bruce adopts reader, reader either has no skill nor interest to become a vigilante and gets neglected. but what if reader got neglected (sort of..) growing up, and when bruce and the rest of the batfam meets his first biological daughter, they decide to give her all the love and care she deserves. but that ends up being more difficult than expected.
chapters coming out soon
please do not steal my work, post it as your own or put my work through ai chatbots
Kaelani and her brothers have grown up hearing stories of Pandora, a world their father once loved dearly. And when they’re mysteriously transported there, they are forced to navigate an unfamiliar world, unfamiliar people and a relentless passage of time.
In every laugh, heartbreak, and stolen glance, Kaelani begins to realise that some moments are fleeting, but the marks that are left on the hearts of others are permanent
Because life isn’t about the time we have, it’s about how we leave it behind.
a/n: kinda scared, kinda nervous... please let me know what you guys think. please read the disclaimer in my masterlist before continuing. @heynyxiepixie for the divider
word count: 1.01k
synopsis: when two worlds colide
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
Pandora, 2118
As a member of the Metkayina clan, Tereyk has always had a special connection with the ocean, and being the Olo'eyktan's son, it was not always the easiest to get some time to himself.
So, he lay awake in his hammock, contemplating whether to go out or not. And before he could think again, he quietly stood up and slipped into the water.
He peacefully swam with the current, going as far and as fast as he wanted without his parents watching over his every move.
When he slowed down, floating in the water, an uneasy feeling washed over him, like there was something else out there with him. Something much worse than coming across an Akula.
And then, the water shimmered unnaturally, and a strange current swept him up. He tried fighting against it, calling to the ocean, but the pull was stronger. And then he was gone, like he wasn’t even there in the first place.
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
Mül, 2118
Aläya walked along the shore like she did every other morning before fulfilling her duties, talking to Melo, her Mül Converter, when she saw a large turquoise coloured man lying on the sand, the tide reaching up to his right arm.
She stopped for a second before cautiously walking over to him. She knew just by looking at him that he had come from some place far away and could be dangerous, but curiosity took over, and she crouched, brushing his hair away from his face to get a proper look at his surprisingly beautiful face.
As she brushed her hand lightly across his face, he woke up and quickly sprang to his feet. Aläya, surprised by his sudden actions, stood up and took a step back.
He hissed, circling her and trying to see if she was dangerous or had any weapons on her as she quietly stood there. Once he stopped and stood in front of her, he noticed the small, amused smile on her face
She points to herself, “Alӓya,” and points to him.
He’s hesitant at first but responds, “Tereyk,”
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
Mül, 2118
After long and careful consideration, Alӓya’s parents, Vaelum and Ëluna or more commonly known as the Emperor and Empress, decided that there was no possible way that they could get Tereyk back home and that he would live as one of the Pearl from now on.
It was difficult at first, due to the language barrier, but Tereyk was a fast learner and fit in perfectly, quickly adapting the the Pearl ways.
After a couple of months of living on Mül, Tereyk could fluently speak Pearl, collecting pearls, making friends and possibly more than friends with someone else.
Between Alӓya teaching Tereyk about Mül, their traditions and history, a relationship bloomed. The two often abandoned their duties, sneaking out of their Shells, just to see each other. And they were terrible at keeping it a secret.
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
The light was brighter, sunsets were prettier, and life only seemed more perfect after Alӓya and Tereyk’s mating ritual was completed.
Alӓya sat on the sand, knees tucked to her chest, watching the sunrise in the peaceful silence before everyone else rose.
“My yawne, 'upe lu nga doing txen nìftxan ye'krr?(My beloved, what are you doing awake so early?)” Tereyk asked as he sat down beside her, slipping an arm around her shoulder.
“Oe wanted ne watch the trr'ong, (I wanted to watch the sunrise)” she said softly, closing her eyes for a moment as she layed her head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent.
They sat in silence, admiring the sunrise together until they felt the sand beneath them tremor.
They looked at each other slightly, but thought nothing of it.
Until a streak of light tore across the sky.
Then another.
And then ten more.
Alӓya’s breath caught in her throat.
“He aha ia? He ino anei? (What is that? Is that a storm?)” People started coming out of their shells, frightened, and now, too, noticing the streaks of light.
A deep roar and a blinding light tore across the sky, then landed on some shells in the far distance.
Alӓya’s hand found Tereyks, tightening around it instinctively as he pulled her closer.
Then another blast, closer this time. Destroying the buildings that stood for thousands of years, destroying their people's homes.
The sky was now filled with dozens of ships, rushing towards their planet. People around them were screaming now, running for safety that didn’t exist.
“Awnga have tsonta salew! (We have to go!)” he said, his eyes filled with fear.
“Tsonta peseng?(To Where?)” she cried.
Tereyk frantically looked around them, looking for anything that could keep them safe, even if it was only for a moment. He then saw a crashed ship, still intact, screaming for their family and friends who now surrounded them.
Once they made it inside, they closed the door, but the handle broke off. Alӓya looked around at her family members, only now realising that her sister wasn’t there.
“Aia mahea o Lihö-Minaa?(Where is Lihö-Minaa?)” Alӓya asked those around her, but they stayed silent.
In the window of the door, Alӓya saw a figure. She sprang to her feet, rushing to the door to see who it was.
It was Lihö-Minaa.
Alӓya tried to open the door, she really did. Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked up to her sister, as their mothers sobbed in their father's arms.
Lihö tried to reassure her sister, telling her that everything would be okay, but Alӓya wouldn’t listen and tried to open the door again.
“Aloha au iā ʻoe kaikuahine, (I love you sister)” Lihö whispered, hugging the ship as she took her last breath as the straw broke the camel's back, and their planet was destroyed.
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
2152
After years of living on Alpha, hiding from the government and learning from other civilisations, Alӓya and Tereyk were finally able to get the necessary things needed to restore Mül. They got the last Mül converter and the last Memory pearl, all with the help of Valerian and Lauraline.
Planet Mül was now restored, and the Pearl could continue with the peaceful life they’ve been longing for.
summary: y/n being in denail about tsireya's feelings towards her, until tsireya makes sure y/n knows how she truely feels.
warnings: reader is in denail that tsireya would ever like her, fluff, and i think that's all.
paring: tsireya x fem!omaticaya!reader
word count: 1.5k
a/n: first time writing something wlw. i had a really hard time writing this so i hope you guys enjoy! also, sorry for taking so long to update, blame exams
When your family sought uturu along with the Suli family, Tsireya was more than willing to help you guys learn the metkayina ways, especially you.
And of course, everybody in the clan noticed, except you.
Poor oblivious you.
You only thought she was being nice.
How could it be anything more than that?
Now, you sit in your family's maurui, weaving some nets the way Tsireya had taught you earlier that day, as your brothers playfully tease you about it.
“Sa’nok, you should've seen how close Tsireya was sitting next to y/n!” your younger brother exclaimed, “‘Oh y/n, let me show you properly!’” He mimicked her.
“‘Oh, thank you, Tsireya!’” Your older brother was now mimicking you.
Heat rushed to your cheeks as you huffed in embarrassment, “It’s not like that!”
“Then what is it like, Y/n?” your little sister, who sat quietly beside you until now, looked up at you. Her big eyes filled with curiosity, with a slight twinkle in them.
“She was just being helpful. That doesn’t mean anything.” You looked down as the heat now crept up to your ears and to your neck, you continued with your weaving, hoping to Eywa that they would drop the subject.
Your parents shared a knowing look; it was now your mother who spoke up.
“Ma’ite, you know there is nothing wrong with liking Tsireya,” she said softly from the small cooking area situated in your maurui, now fully turning her attention to you.
“I know, sa’nok,” you smiled, your eyes scanning over your family’s faces, all of them giving you reassuring smiles until your eyes landed on your younger brother, who stuck his tongue out at you.
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
At breakfast, Tsireya was unusually quiet, but Ao’nung didn’t seem to mind as he tried to eat his food as quickly as possible before going out.
“Tsireya, ma’ite, what is on your mind?” Ronal asked, concerned by her daughter's quietness.
“It is nothing, sa’nok,” she mustered a small smile, trying to reassure her mother, but Aonung spoke up.
“She’s just thinking about her future mate, sa’nok,” he snickered to himself as he ate the last bit of breakfast on his plate.
“Aonung!” Heat rushed up to her cheeks and ears as Aonung smiled innocently at her and left the Maurui.
“Ma'ite,” Ronal paused for a moment, “Y/N is very kind and skilled, I approve,” she nodded, continuing to eat her breakfast.
“Thank you, sa'nok,”
Although Ronal did not approve of the Omotikaya, especially the Sully family, she saw how easily you adapted to their ways, how you seemed like you belonged and most importantly, how happy you made her daughter.
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
As the sun began to set, you found yourself sitting on the sand, admiring the sky that was now painted with oranges and pinks. Your parents were with Ronal and Tonowari and your brothers were with their new friends, giving you some time away from their teasing and with your own thoughts.
“If it isn't my favourite forest girl,” Aonung said as he came to sit beside you.
During the time of your stay, you and Aonung had formed somewhat of a close friendship… After you dragged him by the ear and forced him to apologise to Kiri.
You two sat in silence for a while before Aonung spoke up, “You know she likes you, too, right?”
You looked at him, taken aback, as you let out a surprised breath, “What?”
“Don’t act like you don't know what I’m talking about,” he lightly nudged your shoulder with his.
You sighed softly as you looked at your feet, which you slowly buried beneath the sand. “It’s not that easy, you know?”
“And why is that?”
“Because,” you started, but quickly stopped yourself, “She’s the future tsahìk and there's just no way she would ever like me,”
“Trust me, my sister likes you.”
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
Tsireya paced anxiously through her family’s maurui, biting her fingernails, as a million possibilities ran through her mind.
After a long, restless night, she had finally decided that she was going to confess to you… today.
And she was really second guessing herself right now.
Is she really gonna do this?
Maybe she should do it on another day?
No.
She promised Aonung and her friends that she would do it today.
So she’s gonna do it today.
• . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. •
After the end of a very long day, you decided to skip the communal meal, and watch the sunset.
But now the sky was completely dark, and almost everyone went off to their own maurui’s.
And Tsireya was worried sick.
You told her earlier that day that you would sit next to her at the communal dinner and tell her all about the adventures you and your friends had in the forest, but now, you were nowhere to be found.
She went to your family’s maurui, but you weren't there and she asked anyone she saw if they had seen you, but they didn't.
As she walked along the shore, she was completely consumed with dread until she saw someone sitting on the rocks near the far end of the beach.
Relief filled her chest as she ran over to see you, but was overtaken by worry when she saw your shoulders shake and tears rolling down your cheeks.
“Y/n?”
You stopped crying for a moment, aggressively wiping off your tears, and turned around to face her.
“Tsireya?”
She slowly climbed up on the rocks and sat next to you. She saw how red your eyes were and your puffy cheeks, engulfed you in a hug and you started crying again, only now you were crying harder.
The two of you sat like that for a while, until you pulled away from her embrace.
“Thank you, Tsireya,” you smiled softly and wiped the rest of your tears.
“Are you okay? Did someone upset you?”
“No,” you shook your head as you turned to face the ocean again, pulling your legs to your chest and resting your head on your knees.
“I just… Sometimes I miss the forest. And I have dreams about being back there and having fun with my friends.” You both stayed silent before you spoke up again, “And mom and dad keep fighting, and my brothers, they look happy but I know they miss it too.”
“Oh,” Tsireya looked at you, guilt creeping in.
How could she not have noticed this?
How could she be so selfish to want to court you and expect you to possibly live in Awa’atlu with her?
“But I really like it here, you know? And I really like spending time with you,” you turned your head to look at her, and smiled softly before looking back at the ocean.
Oh.
Oh…
“I like spending time with you too,” she smiled softly and a comfortable silence settled between you two, well, comfortable for you.
Tsireya tried pushing the nerves away, trying to gather all the confidence she had within her.
“Um…” She spoke up after a moment, surprising herself, “I- I made you something,” she said, taking out a beautiful seashell necklace from her pouch.
She worked on it for weeks, walking along the shore, diving as deep as she could to find the prettiest shells just for you.
You sat up straight at the news of this surprise.
“But I don't have anything for you,” you frowned, your eyebrows knitting together.
“Don’t be silly. It’s a gift,” she paused, “A courting gift,”
“Than- What?” You stopped yourself, thinking that you must have heard her incorrectly.
You took a good look at her, making sure that she was being serious.
Did she really want to court you?
No, that's impossible.
There’s no way that she’d like a simple forest girl like you…
Right?
“Y/n,” she took your hands in hers, “I really like you. I like your kindness and your adventurousness, so if you're okay with it, may I please court you?” she asked softly, tracing patterns in the palm of your hand.
You stayed quiet for a moment, while Tsireya was dying inside, thinking that it must all be a dream, right?
But as you looked at Tsireya, as you looked her in her eyes, you could see the hopefulness within them, hoping you would say yes.
“You may,” you whispered and she let out a relieved breath, putting the necklace on you with shaky hands.
And as the hours ticked by slowly, the two of you sat on those rocks, talking about anything and everything as if you didn't have all the time in the world… until you yawned.
Tsireya insisted on walking you back to your family’s maurui, even though you told her you weren't that tired, but she still walked you back, wishing you a good night’s rest and promised you guys could carry on the conversation before she softly kissed you on the cheek.
As Tsireya walked back to her own family’s maurui, she couldn't help but think about how grateful she was for Eywa to bless her by giving her the best gift, you.
oh my god bro 😭 i'm dying idc if i'm part of this, honestly you can hate my fics all you want i'm immune to it— but imagine being someone new, someone inexperienced or whatnot. you write for the fun of it but then you open the app to someone tag you in this, or if you're just another reader finding someone post this in the main yandere batfam tag.
i get it, some tropes can be overdone, some fics need improvement, some writers you can't stand but it's the audacity of some people sometimes. you don't have to make a point to name-drop and even mention these writers!!!
there's a block button, there's a filter tag list for a reason, i don't get why this needs to be even posted in the first place other than naming and harassing writers who don't owe you anything for their hobbies. i don't even understand the intentions of this poster. if it's to talk about your exasperation of how common the trope is then go ahead! but having to really rank writers like this in the main tag isn't the way to go for me.
if you wish to make a list of recommended writers, then just tag them instead of also tagging those you do not recommend. if someone's writing is not your cup of tea then don't drink it and complain that it's not your style. people have different tastes, what you like differs from others. so please, things such as these only encourage more hate than inspiration for others.
i could've worded this better. i'm not taking this as a personal attack against myself, but this is posted in the main tag to make a point to just not... treat writers this way 😭
@overcaffeinated-underwhelmed sending you all the love!
trigger warning: medical inaccuracies, mention of illness, swear words, mention of panic attacks, blood
word count: 3.5k
—
“Did you call her again?” A simple question that an anxious Jack didn’t appreciate.
“Of course I did Robby!" he snapped "A million fucking times”
“I’m sure she’s fine, maybe she’s running late?”
“When have you ever known her to be late to a shift? Or late to anything, ever?” Anxious footsteps echoed in the staff room along with his heavy breathing coming from both of them.
“Alright go home, check if she’s still there”
“I already checked the security alarm — it was set two hours ago, which means something happened between here and home” he said quietly, reality sinking in that something indeed must have happened.
Years of being married to Jack and you never once did this. Never ignored a call or failed to update him. And more importantly, never not turned up to work. You worked the night shift, just like him, but today he was covering the day shift. Regret filled him as he thought ot himself that he shouldn’t have agreed to this. Maybe if he were at home with you then he would know where you were.
"Jack..." Robby said quietly as he approached him "I'll start by calling nearby ERs..."
A knock on the door from Lena interrupted the eerie silence that followed Robby's words. Both men snapped their heads in her direction. The moment Jack saw her expression, he knew. Instinct, gut feeling or love. Whatever it was, he just knew something had happened.
“Jack, she just called — she’s requesting we have a team waiting outside.”
—
“H—hello?” You blinked at your phone a few times, giving your tired eyes a few seconds to adjust. An unknown caller was ringing you, one hour before you’re meant to wake up for work and two hours before your shift. “Who are you sorry?”
The person on the phone spoke too slowly for your liking, and they rambled on about needing you to come in. You wondered if they were either new to the job or just really terrible at doing it.
“Sorry, do you have the right number?”
They asked for your name, and after confirming, the person on the phone then explained that they were calling from an ER, telling you that your dad was in the hospital, although now discharged and he needed to be picked up.
“I need to speak with him” you were now fully awake, and fighting back nausea, “put him on the phone.”
“Ma’am, I can’t do that, it’s policy so please—“
“I don’t give a single flying fuck about your policy, put my dad on the phone!”
“Ma’am, as I said —“
“Do not fucking ma’am me right now!” The hammering of your heart in your chest was making it incredibly difficult for you to stand, and the shaking of your hands made it impossible for you to put your clothes on. “Why is he in the ER and why did it take you this long to contact me?!”
The voice on the other end launched into a not-so-rushed explanation; something about police, procedure, questions but, the words blurred together into meaningless words.
“Tell him I’ll be there in five minutes”
Then you hung up before they could say another word.
You grabbed your keys and phone, rushing out of the door, giving your dad a call on the way there. No answer. Another call, followed by a million more, and he still wasn’t answering. The ride was a lot longer than five minutes; it felt like an eternity.
There were two men in your life you cared about: your dad and Jack. And knowing that your dad was in the ER, not knowing why or how long for, given his health struggles… Thoughts started rushing through your mind, mainly terrible, awful ones.
“Call Jack,” you choked out to the automated system.
The screen lit up.
Calling… Jenna.
“No, no— cancel!”
You slammed the button and tried again, voice cracking. “Call Jack.”
Calling… Jason.
“Fuck!” Your hand hit the steering wheel hard enough to sting. “Who the fuck is Jason! Cancel call!”
Another attempt. Another wrong number.
You pulled up outside the hospital and slammed on your brakes, jumping out of the car. The driver’s door hung wide open behind you as you sprinted toward the entrance.
First it was anxitey you were feeling as you walked through the doors.
Then it was anger.
Pure, strong, pulsating rage.
Your dad was asleep on a chair, slumped over, with no shoes, no blanket. Just himself and a bag of medicine in his hand.
You rushed over to him and immediately checked for a pulse. “Dad it’s me”
He opened his eyes, his beautiful, tired eyes and managed a smile.
“What happened, dad?”
“Hi sweety, I’m doing…okay. His speech came out in it's usual way, since the stroke, slow and slurred.
“I need to know what happened and what they did” you managed a small, forced smile.
“I don’t remember much”
“How long have you been here for? Do you know where your shoes are?”
He shook his head.
“Okay, wait here” you got up and marched over to a small window — the woman behind it sipped slowly on a hot drink as she scrolled through her phone.
You cleared your throat, but that didn’t seem to have caught her attention over the loud music blasting from her phone.
You tapped your fingers gently on the counter, as if to say, I’m here and I’m waiting.
Nothing.
You slammed your hand on the glass window and that seemed to get her attention.
“Busy night?” You said sarcastically, “My dad over there, I need to know what happened”
The woman looked up slowly, chewing her gum like she had all the time in the world. You saw too many teeth and too much tongue.
“Did he not tell you?” She looked back at her phone.
“Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn’t be asking you”
“He fell, but the doctor said he’s all good” she said casually, eyes flicking back to her phone.
And then your patience string finally snapped.
Two hands now slammed on the glass window, and this time, it was a yell. “Look at me! And tell me, what the fuck happened to my dad!”
“If you don’t calm down, I will call security”
“If they are as useless as you, then please do!” Another yell filled a very empty ER. You wondered if it was empty because their care was poor or because they discharged patients, so they were another department’s problem.
She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. You shook your head, gave her not one, but two middle fingers and walked back to your dad. “C’mon we’re leaving” you said calmly as you helped him stand up “we’ll talk in the car, okay?”
“Yes, sweety” he nodded slowly.
You helped him get up and carefully made your way out to your car. You sat him in the back, so he didn’t see your tears run as you drove him to PTMC.
“Dad I need you to try very hard to remember… it’s okay if you don’t but anything that can help me.” you said “What happened at home?
“I fell” he said weakly “And the… neighbour heard it, so he called an ambulance”
“Does anywhere hurt?”
“My… head” he said slowly “shoulder too”
“Dad, did they put you in a big machine? To scan your head?”
“No I was in one bed the whole time”
“Did a nurse… like me, come in and poke a needle in your arm?”
He mumbled something and you couldn’t understand him. You were normally pretty good at understanding him but he seems to have gotten worse. Your mind was scanning for possible injuries, and illness, and of course, further strokes. You called the emergency line at PTMC, this time not asking the automated system to do it for you.
“Lena It’s me” your voice broke and you didn’t hide your tears from your dad this time “I need help — I need someone to meet me outside with a gurney, please. Dad’s had a fall, and it’s a long story but Lena I need… help please”
“Okay sweet, we’re waiting. Drive safe okay? I’ll let Jack you called”
Jack. Shit. Your stomach dropped. You forgot to call or update him. You looked at the time, and you should have started work hours ago.
You said quietly, “okay, see you soon”
You kept glancing into the back seat as you drove. Your dad was slumped there, drifting in and out of consciousness, his head rolling slightly with each turn.
“Hey, Dad… stay with me, alright?” you tried, voice shaking as you spoke to him between breaths. “What did you have for breakfast today? Did you eat anything? Tell me about your day…”
By the time you pulled into the ambulance bay, there was already a small crowd of anxious faces waiting. Jack opened the back door, and the team helped your dad get out and onto a gurney.
“Male, 78, head injury” you said quitely as you leaned against the car, legs slowly giving up “he—he was at a different ER and uh…”
“Previous history of stroke” Jack cut in, completing the history because he knew it would be too difficult for you to say it, “response might be slow, but this is usual for him. Do not speak on his behalf and do not finish his sentences for him”
He smiled at your dad giving him a gentle tap on the shoulder.
“Good to see you, son”
“I’d say likewise but I don’t like seeing you like this” he said, focusing all his attention and love on him.
You followed them into the trauma room and watched Jack assess, calm and collected, as always.
Someone drew bloods, and you noticed that there were no puncture wounds anywhere on his arms. They didn’t even do the basic checks on him, and you felt the same anger as you did before rise in your chest.
You stood in the corner, leaning against the wall, feeling like you might pass out.
“They thought I was drunk” he mumbled, “but they didn’t understand that’s who I am”
You put your hand over your mouth to silence a small sob.
“I’m sorry that happened” Jack replied softly, “and I’ll make sure they’re aware of how bad they treated you. Let’s get you better, alright? We need to rule out any injuries to your head. Do you remember the big machine that looked like a doughnut?”
Your dad nodded.
“We’re gonna take you up there, I’ll stay here if that’s alright? Need to make sure she’s okay,” his voice was gentle and caring — another reminder why you loved him so much.
“Take care of her” he said slowly “she’s been crying the whole drive here”
Jack gave him a small smile and rested his hand on his “it’s because she loves you”.
One of the nurses smiled warmly at the exchange, but when her gaze shifted to you, her expression abruptly changed. Her jaw dropped, eyes widening in panic.
You frowned at her. “Ww—what?”
She lifted a hesitant finger “You’re bleeding”
Jack’s head snapped in your direction, along with everyone else’s. Warm, dark blood was steadily dripping down your face. You touched it, realising with a jolt that it wasn’t sweat from anxiety — it was blood pouring out of your nose.
“I’m fine” you said quickly as you reached over for a wipe “It happens, when I’m stressed”.
Jack gave you a look of this has never happened before.
“I’ll be right here, Dad, okay?” You went over to him “I’m not going anywhere”
Despite the weakness in his hand, he still managed to squeeze yours.
As they wheeled him out, Jack was by your side, anticipating the sobs that were about to happen. He quietly but firmly said “Can everyone clear the room, please?”
He pulled you against his chest, blood and tears soaked into his scrubs as one arm wrapped securely around you and the other rubbed slow, soothing circles across your back. He rocked you gently, whispering comforting words that everything would be okay, that you were both safe now, and that he had you.
“I’ve got blood all over you” you mumbled as you pulled back “sorry”.
He grabbed the wipe from you and carefully cleaned your face. “Don’t worry about that. C’mon, let’s get you somewhere private sweetheart”
You nodded. He took your hand and led you to an empty room down the hall. Once inside, he pinched the bridge of your nose to slow the bleeding while wiping away the rest of the dried blood.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call — I tried, then the stupid car wouldn’t understand what I was saying”
“It’s okay, baby” he whispered, “I was worried sick, thinking the worst has happened, but I’m glad you’re safe and back with me”
“You should have seen him Jack” you cried “all alone in an ER with no shoes on, no phone, no ID, nothing. They didn’t do a basic blood test on him and h—he hit his fucking head!”
He sat on the bed next to you, and you leaned back in his arms “Which hospital was that?”
“Uh… the one closest to his house I can’t remember the name” You had an awful headache coming on, and the lights suddenly became too bright.
“I know which one” he muttered, “that’s a terrible hospital, really poor inspection reports too. I bet with my complaint coming their way, they’d have the department of health knocking on their door by the morning”
“And the woman behind the desk my God — absolutely useless!”
“You feeling okay?” He said gently as he leaned some more, “You’re squinting, are the lights too bright?”
You nodded and softly said, “Just a headache”.
“Okay, sweetheart, get some rest. I’ll go wait for your dad's results okay? Then I’ll be back with you”
You shifted off the bed and said “No, no I need to get ready for my shift and—“
Jack titled his head playfully and gently pushed you back into the bed “no, you’re not. You’re going to rest, and I think we both agree that you’re in no state to work”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right”
“I’ll be back, get some rest” he kissed your lips and got off the bed, turning the lights off on his way out.
“Hi, this is Dr Jack Abbot from PTMC” he said as he stood by Lena at the hub “I need to speak with your attending”
He ensured that there was no please, added at the end of it.
After listening to what felt like the worst holding music ever, someone picked up the phone and joyfully said “Hell'oooooo”
Jack frowned and muttered what the fuck. “Who am I speaking to?”.
The attending gave his name and all of the medical titles he seemed to have collected over the years.
“Listen — doc. I have one of your patients here; it seems like you’ve discharged him inappropriately”
Jack continued, giving him patient details and medical history, asking for a request on what tests they’ve already done.
The attending said “Uh… so we didn’t think he needed a CT scan because this wasn’t the first time he’s had a fall”
“You…” Jack took a deep breath in “didn't….think to give an elderly man a CT scan after hitting his head?”
“As I said, the man who appeared drunk at first, has been in a couple of times and—“
“The man had a stroke you ass—“ Lena nudged Jack hard and he bit his tongue “Did you even check his chart?”
Jack was now pacing around the hub, feeling the pressure spike in his veins and feeling the same headache that you had. It infuriated him the lack of urgency and the poor medical advice he had to listen to from a guy who somehow managed to collect at least four titles.
“Let’s say he was drunk. Did you check his alcohol levels?” …. “oh you didn’t. Okay” …. “By the sounds of it you didn’t a lot, did you?”
A nurse walked back with your dad’s results on the iPad and Jack flicked through them as the doctor rambled on.
“Well, I’m not going to tell you what the results of his CT scans were, but let me tell you this… you will be hearing from James Lee in the morning”.
The doctor stuttered, “J—James? You know James?”
“A very good friend of mine, yes. I’ll pass your regards to him”
James worked for the health department, and he was in charge of inspections and operations. Having inspected PTMC multiple times, he and Jack became friends over the years. “So I would suggest you send over every bit of detail you have on our patient, and I’d like to have it in the next 30 minutes” he said, “actually make it ten because my patience has run out” … “oh you don’t have my email? Figure it out.”
He hung up then slammed the phone on the desk.
“Absolutely appalling!” He snapped looking at the results “He’s had another stroke —by the looks of it, it happened a few weeks ago!”
“What?” You said from behind Jack, and you felt yourself stumble, “he had another one?”
Jack’s head snapped in your direction and he was by your side within seconds “Sweetheart, the results just came through"
You nodded but the words didn’t feel real.
Suddenly, everything felt distant. Like people didn’t exist and life didn’t mean anything. Everything was distant and hazy, and your body no longer felt yours. That anxiety that was bubbling this whole time? It had finally poured over, but not in a way you expected it to.
The room fell silent or maybe that was just your hearing.
You felt Jack’s hands reach for you, but you brushed him off and stumbled down the hall, pushing outside into the night air. Traffic sounds were muffled by the loud ringing in your ears.
Then, like an imaginary snap of a finger, lava erupted in your chest.
Suddenly, your chest felt tight, and you couldn’t breathe.
You gasped for air, but you felt as though your lungs no longer worked.
You tapped on your chest a few times, a movement you thought would awaken your lungs, but that didn’t help.
You gasped again as you stumbled and reached for a wall that seemed to keep moving further away from you.
This time, hands wrapped around your waist and steadied you.
“… can’t breathe” you gasped, clawing at your neck, hoping it’d open up your airway.
That lava now burned your chest, and you felt heat slowly wrap its hand around your neck
“Ja—ack can’t breathe”
Jack quickly lowered you to the ground and knelt in front of you, grabbing both of your hands.
“Close your eyes, and trust me, please, baby. Close your eyes”
You squeezed your eyes shut.
“Now I want you to focus on my hands that are touching yours. Forget about everything else but focus all your attention on my touch”
His warm and gentle thumbs moved in slow circles on your palms.
“Good, you’re doing so good baby” he said softly “now I want you to take a slow breath for me”
“I—can’t”
“Yes you can” he whispered, “just try once okay. Just one… slow… deep breath”
You took one slow, painful, deep breath.
“That’s it” another gentle whisper, “now breathe out slowly”
You let out a shaky and warm breath.
“Now let’s do that a few times. Another one c’mon”
Eyes still shut, another painful deep breath in and a shaky breath out. The pain seemed to have eased with every deep breath, but the ache in your heart was worse.
“That’s it, you’re doing great” he whispered as he leaned in “now this next one, I don’t usually recommend or do on patients”
His lips gently pressed against yours. Suddenly, you felt safe, and despite your breath catching in your chest, you felt alive again.
“Good job baby” he whipsered against your lips “you did so well”
You nodded, eyes still closed but slowly coming back to yourself.
“Last one is having to listen to my ugly voice okay?”
You let out a small, broken laugh.
“I need you to open your eyes and pick one”
You slowly opened your teary eyes. Jack had his phone resting on your lap, screen glowing with house listings.
“Jack…what’s this?”
He was smiling despite the obvious anxiety on his face “Pick a house”
“Baby, we already have a house”
“I’ve had this thought for some time… so I’ve saved a few options.” He said “A house big enough for three”
“Are you pregnant, Jack?” You managed a small joke despite the heavy feeling in your chest.
“I wish” he chuckled softly “but I’d like him to move in with us. I've thought about it for a while and after what happened today... That’s the right thing to do and also… You would be a lot less anxious. I don’t ever want to see you have a panic attack ever again"
“You’d really do that for me?”
Jack looked at you like it was the simplest thing in the world.
“Loving you doesn’t mean just you, it means loving your family and the person who raised you”
You leaned forward and pressed your forehead against his, fresh tears now covered your cheeks and this time, from overwhelming relief instead of fear.
You whispered, “thank you”.
He cupped your face gently. “We’re in this together. I promise you we will figure this out together, every step of the way”.
hi guys! just know that i'm busy writing all of these but with exams coming up and writers block it's very difficult for me to write but i will try my best to get it out as soon as possible 🤍
turnnoffyourmind
gummygunk
kaledo-art
izzy806
