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epigstolary · 11 months

Text

Lecture

TW: References to medical fatphobia and health conditions.

Your eyes dart nervously back and forth, from one side of the lecture hall to another. Surely they’re not going to see you like this and just sit there? Surely someone is going to step in and help?

But your hopes are disappointed. You’re met, to the extent the audience looks you in the eyes at all, with blank or half-bored stares. The uncaring look of people who see you and the half-ton of lard filling your body as a technical exercise, and little more. The lecture drones on next to you, and after a few minutes, you’re finally able to focus on what’s being said.

“…recall that yesterday’s subject exhibited signs of severe morbid obesity with excessive deposits of adipose tissue almost exclusively at the anterior abdomen. Today’s subject, by contrast—” at this, you feel the lecturer’s gloved hand grasp one of your bulging love handles, squeeze a solid handful, and lift as he continues “—supplements this distribution with deposits throughout the inguinal, gluteal, and posterior thigh regions, and to a lesser extent, in the pectoral and inframammary regions.” You feel one of your tits being lifted as the lecturer holds it in the palm of their hand, pointing out further details with the other. “So as you see, adipose distribution can vary significantly, based on a number of factors…”

The audience continues listening and taking notes. Occasionally, you see two of its white-coated members whisper to each other, gesturing at some point or other on your expansive body. Your mind wanders from the lecture again, and you begin to look around the room, to the extent the restraints on your bariatric exam chair allow. Despite the audience’s lack of direct attention to you, you’re keenly aware of how exposed and on display you are.

The angle of the chair allows your wide, doughy belly to spill down your lap and between your knees. It spreads your lumpy, shapeless legs into a split that leaves the bulging sacs of fat on your thighs and calves in full view. Likewise, because of the backward tilt of the seat, your head is also tilted back, bringing your chin level with your triple chins and emphasizing them along with your wobbly cheeks and jowls. Restraints tie your arms against padded extensions on either side of the main chair, holding them in a T-pose that causes the flab on your forearms to hang down in puckered globs and the bulk on your upper arms to pool around your shoulders, further squeezing the fat around your face. It’s a position in which, if there were any doubt, you’re shown off as the thoroughly, completely, and probably irrevocably fattened blob you are.

Eventually, the display screens on either side of the hall catch your eye — specifically, the unfamiliar shape appearing next to some inscrutable pixelated numbers in black and white. Then, suddenly, something in the lecture strikes you and the image clicks into stark comprehension.

“…86% body fat, with the result that additional strain on the musculoskeletal structure produces the characteristic bend in the vertebral column to compensate…”

The ill-defined shape on the screen, viewed through the lens of an MRI machine, is a person — is you. You knew you were huge, of course, but your breath catches in your throat to see your gluttony presented in this way — the cross-section showing the muscles and organs and skeleton of a normal person, but floating, buried, smothered in a sea of white-yellow tissue, spreading out shapeless in all directions. Hundreds of pounds of fat, dominating your body, captured with the indisputable precision of medical imaging. You are an anomaly. A curiosity. A pathology. A disease, needing to be treated.

You barely have time to process all of this before you feel two attendants beginning to undo the restraints holding back your arms and legs. You feel your feet spring forward slightly, no longer held down and now pushed out by the bulk of the fat hanging off your calves and thighs. Your arms fall immediately to your sides — or, at least, as close to your sides as the tremendous piles of rolls fighting your bingo wings and forearm flab for space will allow. You slide down from the tilted half-chair/half-gurney to a standing position, and feel a hot ache radiate through you, your body crying out at your full weight being put on your frame for the first time in a long time.

“We’ll see if we can get a demonstration of mobility. Clearly, physical activity isn’t this subject’s strong suit.” A stifled but derisive laugh ripples through the audience at this first flush of color commentary from the lecturer. You turn to look at the lecturer, standing at the lectern, and they gesture to the far side of the hall. A set of double doors, wide enough for you to go through, with a bright “Exit” sign above them, stand about thirty yards away.

Is this it? Are you free to go? After being fattened and poked and prodded for so long, are they finally going to let you just walk out?

You have to try. Slowly, deliberately, and with a shock of pain at every step, you lift your blubber-laden legs one at a time, putting your bare foot down with a wet-sounding plop, as you work your way closer to the door. You look around from the door to the audience to the attendants, eyes widened almost to the point of panic. You see all the audience now paying close attention to you, many of them looking back with genuine surprise, apparently somewhat impressed to see a person as fat as a small cow able to walk at all. But seeing nobody move to stop you as you continue your degrading waddle forward, you try to pick up the pace. Your flabby arms swing in a wide circle, trying to counterbalance the movement of the vast bulk hanging off your midsection, the belly and tits and side rolls wobbling chaotically with each step forward.

“As you can see, mobility is diminished as a result not just of the added weight, but also the severe limitations on range of motion caused by the excess adipose tissue.”

Barely halfway toward the door, you can hear the sound of your heart beating over the drone of the lecture, pounding as if it’s about to burst out of your chest. Sweat dims your eyes, and the heat radiating from your body — but, it feels like, especially from your florid face — makes you realize how fatigued you already are from walking just this limited distance. Walking this distance — but with an extra eight hundred pounds or so more than you’re used to, you think to yourself.

“Note, too, the compounding effect of the excessive weight and the lack of resiliency in the subject’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems due to a prolonged deficit in physical activity. Blood pressure and body temperature rise precipitously, stamina diminishes, breathing becomes labored, blood oxygen plummets. Hence, the elevated risk of cerebrovascular accident, embolism, myocardial infarction…”

You barely have the energy to feel angry at the lecturer’s patronizing indifference by the time you reach the door. Breathing ragged, soaked with sweat, barely able to concentrate and on the verge of collapse, you stumble into a lean against the door frame, desperate to catch your breath so you can finish your escape. It’s right there — you can reach out and touch the push bar, hear what sounds like street noise outside — but your body won’t let you. Your clouded mind won’t focus, your bloated legs won’t lift, your wobbling arms hang limp by your heaving, flabby chest. Exhaustion and despair rise within you in equal measure as you hear the gurney chair being rolled across the room, feel your body being jiggled and manhandled back into a sitting position, and see the exit doors and all hope of help receding as you’re rolled back to center stage, defeated.

Numb and indifferent now, you offer no resistance, sensing the tube and mask being fitted into your mouth as if watching it happening to someone else from a distance. You utter little more than an involuntary groan of complaint or protest — it doesn’t concern you, any more than does the flow of something cold you can feel pooling in your stomach.

“…typical example has a maximum capacity of barely two to four liters. However, consistent overfeeding with a diet that includes a sufficient volume of fiber at appropriate intervals has demonstrated the ability to reliably expand stomach volume to a maximum capacity of 14-16 liters, with p of .05 in our internal studies…”

The sound of the lecture flows past you, mixing with the buzz of the pump filling you with more and more of the chilly slop, and the low creak of the gurney as it takes the added weight. Your eyelids droop, drowsy with the food and your exertions; and you drift away to sleep, the gaze of the audience trained on the slow, relentless expansion of your tumescent belly the last thing you see before your tired eyes close shut.

Credit to the incomparable Mairari/@hyenaddict for the original post that inspired this story

#feeder fiction #gainerfiction #gaining #ssbhm #weight gain fiction #wg fiction #extreme weight gain #wg story #gainer stories #weight gain story

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nahoney22 · 7 months

Note

Hey I just hopped onto the bad batch fan wagon and I absolutely love ur blog! <3 I was wondering if I could request a little something about tech x reader who lost a limb/arm during battle or on a mission and he makes her a robotic prosthetic and routinely does maintenance or upgrades on it and each visit brings them closer until they realize they love eachother?

Optimisation

Tech X F!Reader

word count: 2.8k

When you lost your arm,you almost gave up hope. No longer feeling like yourself, you didn’t know what to do. But, when Tech introduces you to a prosthetic, both of your relationships take a turn for the better.

warnings: fluff and slight angst, friends to lovers, mentions of anxious and emotional reader, loss of limb. Reader is a little reluctant at first to having a prosthetic and is standoffish. Talks about feelings. Subtle cutesy glances and touches etc. female reader. Not proofread.

authors note: I’m so sorry for the delay. Lost in my inbox 😭 enjoy. Also notices you said ‘her’ in the request so assumed it was female reader??? Anyway, enjoy! 🤍

Your mind was swirling in a sea of thoughts. Most churned with memories of the mission that had forever changed you and some thought being nothing at all.

Perched on the edge of a small cliff, your gaze swept over the picturesque landscape, offering a fleeting moment of respite.

The loss of your arm had been an abrupt, harrowing experience, a fragmented blur that you could scarcely piece together. With one arm gone, a pervasive sense of uselessness had crept into your existence. You questioned your relevance in the squad – what purpose did you now have? How could you possibly help anyone?

Suddenly, a voice disrupted the chaotic maelstrom of your thoughts. You didn't turn to face him, but you recognised it was Tech.

"Ah, there you are," he remarked as he approached, standing beside you, his presence felt more than seen.

"Here I am," you mumbled, not particularly interested in conversation. It wasn't that you harbored any ill feelings toward Tech or your comrades for that matter; you were simply weary of being treated like fragile glass. Tech however, in his own characteristic manner, had always been rather direct in his approach.

"I'm here to assess you," he stated matter-of-factly.

Your brows furrowed in mild confusion, and you turned your gaze toward Tech, who was engrossed in his datapad. "...For what?"

"Just an annual routine check," he replied, raising his eyes from the screen. "But, given your recent loss of limb, it's essential to make this assessment more comprehensive."

You heaved a heavy sigh, momentarily glancing away. This was the last thing you felt like dealing with, but deep down, you understood it needed to be done. You pushed yourself to your feet and turned to face Tech, who began to examine you, asking questions about your health and emotional state. Your responses were typically laced with bluntness and sarcasm, which seemed to go over Tech.

Yet, his examination was momentarily halted when he noticed you involuntarily flinch as he approached the space where your arm had once been, now left hauntingly vacant.

Tech observed your flinch and remarked, "You're flinching, yet you have nothing to flinch for."

You responded with a deadpan stare, then shifted your gaze to where your arm used to be, saying with sarcasm, "Oh no, where did that go?" This earned you a disapproving frown from Tech.

"I will note that down as sarcasm," Tech said, inputting data into his device, while you rolled your eyes in response.

"Are we done now?" you inquired, eager to be done with the examination.

Tech nodded, replying, "Yes, for now. I want you to come find me in a few hours. I have an idea." His words held a hint of mystery, leaving you curious. Before you could inquire further, Tech had already turned and left. You couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for your earlier tone, but you were indeed worn out. Nonetheless, you couldn't help but wonder what he had in store for you.

As the hours passed, the rest of the squad departed for a supply run, and though Wrecker had offered you the opportunity to join them rather enthusiastically, you weren't quite up to it. Not just yet. But Tech had stayed behind so instead, you decided to explore Tech's request.

"Hey," you called out as you entered the Marauder's cockpit. Tech had his back to you, but he swiveled the pilot chair around to face you. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw what he held in his hands – a prosthetic arm.

"What's that?" you inquired, feeling a surge of nervousness.

"I've created an arm for you," Tech replied in his usual matter-of-fact tone, seemingly unaware of the reluctance evident on your face.

Your stomach twisted uncomfortably, and your palm grew clammy. "Oh, Tech... I'm not sure about this," you admitted, hesitating.

Tech lowered the prosthetic arm and arched an eyebrow at your apprehension. "But you are evidently unhappy about missing an arm, yes? Having a new one should be a suitable replacement."

You were torn. Undoubtedly, you yearned for your arm, but the idea of an artificial one felt invasive. Tech finally picked up on your reluctance, reading the uncertainty in your eyes.

"I suggest you take a seat, and we can discuss this together. It's just a prototype for now. Once we secure more income from Cid, I can enhance it," Tech reassured, adopting a more empathetic tone.

You silently took a seat across from Tech, perched on the edge of the chair as he scooted a bit closer. "I took the liberty of assessing Echo's cybernetic as a base plan," he explained.

"Are you going to give me a scomp link too?" you questioned, your voice tinged with uncertainty.

"That is a choice that is up to you," Tech replied, very gently rolling up your sleeve to assess the area. "Would you like one, similar to Echo's?"

"Is it bad if I say no?" you muttered, apprehension evident. Tech glanced up at you briefly and then shook his head. "Like I said, it is primarily your choice."

With efficient precision, Tech attached the prosthetic arm. You couldn't bring yourself to look at it. "Inform me on how it feels," he requested.

You remained in silence, feeling the weight of this sudden change press upon you. The experience felt unnatural, and you weren't prepared for the emotional shift it brought. Tears welled up in your eyes, and your throat tightened.

"You need to speak for me to—" he began to say, but then stopped as he saw a single tear slowly roll down your cheek. "Is it hurting? Uncomfortable?" He asked, panicking slightly.

You sniffled and confessed, "No, I... I don't know. I don't know how to feel, how it should feel."

Tech clicked his tongue as the realisation dawned that he might not fully comprehend your emotional state. He considered what Hunter might do in this situation and then carefully reached out, placing a somewhat awkward yet comforting hand on your knee. "If it's too much, we can revisit this another day. I should have been more transparent during the assessment earlier."

Wiping away a tear, you looked at his hand on your knee and then up at him, a mix of gratitude and regret in your eyes. "I'm sorry. You put in so much effort—"

"This was actually relatively straightforward," Tech assured with a hint of fondness, acknowledging his own exceptional skills. "But after twenty-two rotations of you missing your arm, I should have waited a bit longer or offered you this solution earlier."

This time, you managed a smile and watched as he carefully removed the prosthetic. As he packed it away in its case, you said nothing more. However, when you stood to leave, you hesitated and turned back to him.

"Tech?"

"Yes?" he responded.

"Can we try again? Maybe tomorrow?"

He turned to you and offered a faint, reassuring smile. "Of course. Come and find me whenever you are ready.”

Late in the evening, much later than anticipated, the following day, you mustered up the courage to face Tech. Wearing a sheepish smile, you found him alone in the cockpit. "I must say I wasn't expecting you to show up today," he greeted you as you took a seat across from him.

"I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to show up either," you confessed. "I had to psyche myself up."

"Very well, let's get to it," Tech replied, reaching for the prosthetic arm that he had tucked away under a control panel. You quietly observed that he had been clearly tinkering with it today as it looked slightly different from the last time you saw it – this time it had a hand.

"May I?" Tech gestured to your sleeve, and with a nod, he rolled it up. You glanced away as he manually attached the prosthetic, still not fully comfortable with looking at the stump that remained. It was a bit fidgety this time, but you felt no pain.

"Now, how does it feel?" Tech repeated the question from yesterday. Slowly, you turned your attention to the new addition to your body.

"I don't know," you admitted.

He raised an eyebrow. "Can you enlighten me about the weight? Is there a perfect counterbalance, or...?"

You attempted to move the arm, but it was just a small, feeble motion. Deep in concentration, you struggled to get your brain to sync with your new limb. This time, Tech noticed your disappointment. "A simple alteration will do the trick, I assure you."

"Don't worry, I trust you," you reassured him softly, causing Tech to pause at your words.

"You do?" he asked, sounding somewhat surprised as he turned his attention to you.

You nodded, your sincerity apparent. "Well, yeah? Of course, I do. I'm... I'm very grateful for you doing this. You didn't have to."

A warm smile graced Tech's face as he fidgeted slightly with his tools. "No, but I wanted to. You've done a lot for us since you joined our squad. It's only fair that I give you something in return." He leaned in to assess the arm once more, ensuring the measurements were precise.

As Tech's deft fingers worked on your new arm, you couldn't help but feel something different. The proximity was unusual yet not unwelcome, and you found yourself intrigued. Has he always been this handsome? Breaking the silence that had fallen between you, you asked, "Have you always been good at this kind of stuff, or do you have expertise in other areas?"

Tech replied quietly, "I've always been good at everything. But statistics and data have always been what I've excelled in the most. This isn't second nature to me, so don't worry. You're in good hands."

"I can tell," you responded softly. This time, he looked at you, and the proximity between your faces caught both of you off guard. His eyes searched yours as he tried to decipher your thoughts and feelings, while he felt a strange fluttering feeling in his chest, “you've always been good to me.”

He gulped but he held your gaze a moment longer before turning his attention back to his work. Tech cleared his throat once more and tried to refocus on the work at hand, yet the distraction had left its mark. "I see that some of the measurements are a little off, so I will have to a-alter it again," he explained, sitting up and looking at you. The subtle stutter in his words caught your attention, and you found it surprisingly endearing.

You nodded in agreement, your heart racing a bit faster than you'd anticipated. "That's fine."

As the prosthetic was removed, you stood up, and to your surprise, so did Tech. The closeness was undeniable, and your breath hitched as you looked up at his tall, slender frame. Was he always this ridiculously handsome? Was it merely a fleeting feeling because of his help with the new arm, or had there been something underlying all along?

You intended to thank him, but in that moment, you caught him looking at your lips. Or so, you thought you did. Was the lights playing tricks on you or were you that delusional? But as the awkwardness lingered, Tech quickly realised his gaze had strayed and cleared his throat. "Same time tomorrow?" he suggested, avoiding direct eye contact.

You took a step back, creating some much-needed space between you, and nodded. "Uh, y-yes, sure." Your own stutter surprised you, and to avoid any further awkwardness, you retreated to your bunk. What on Kamino was happening?

Tech had worked miracles in just a few days, tirelessly devoting every waking moment to helping you adjust to your new prosthetic. And today was no exception as he had you practicing with various types of equipment.

"Tech, I think I've got the hang of it. I don't need to hold a holopad every five minutes," you protested.

"Repetition leads to full optimisation. So, do as you're told," he instructed, his gaze fixed intently on you through the rings of his goggles.

"Yes, sir," you replied, playfully rolling your eyes. You both avoided addressing what had happened the other day when you caught him gazing at your lips. Nevertheless, your attraction to him had grown, and he had become more than just a friend in your heart.

Spending so much time together, you had picked up on each other's quirks, likes, and dislikes. You had a genuine camaraderie, and you both had fun in each other's company. Tech made you feel normal, and it wasn't just the feeling of a comrade giving you an arm; it was the warmth of a friend, and perhaps something more, offering you some hope and happiness.

"What are you thinking about?" Tech asked, interrupting your reverie.

"Honestly?" you asked, your new prosthetic arm flexing up and down as your fingers tapped absently at a datapad, giving you an air of importance. "You."

Tech had picked up some tools as he continued to monitor your progress with the prosthetic. He was working on other projects simultaneously, but your words caught him off guard, and he stumbled slightly, dropping the tools to the floor. "Oh, well, is that a recurring thought… or something new?" he asked, his response laced with awkwardness as he fixed his clumsiness and pushed his goggles up his nose.

You shrugged, your nonchalance masking the true depth of your feelings. "I guess it's new... I'm just enjoying your company." Your heart pounded with a meaning that transcended the words. "And I don't know where to start on how to repay you for the arm."

"Nothing to repay," Tech replied sincerely, his voice a touch shy. He added, "I suppose,” he pauses for a second, hesitant for the first time in a long time, but goes ahead, “being in your company is enough for me, too."

Much like the other day, and sometimes throughout the days in between him fixing your arm, you both find yourself looking at each other. Really looking. Your eyes meet and it’s as if words were slowly being exchanged over, expressing how both of you were feeling in that moment.

However, Tech grappled with his feelings, unsure how to express them. He wasn't well-versed in emotions, and these thoughts about you were entirely new to him. He questioned if these inclinations were normal, the desire to kiss you, and the mere notion felt alien because he had never encountered such thoughts before. His brain was designed for well, anything but this. Not for pondering if a girl liked him.

"Have you ever felt scared before?" The question caught Tech off guard, making him think deeply.

"Yes, yes, I have actually," he admitted, surprising you. You raised a curious eyebrow.

"Mind telling me?" you asked gently, watching as his knee began to bounce restlessly.

He shifted his position and turned slightly away from you, an uncharacteristic shyness creeping over him. "It was quite recent. To be more precise, it was the mission in which you lost your arm."

You whispered a soft "oh" in response, feeling a mix of emotions as he continued to speak.

"You've always been a strong presence in this squad. Although you might not be as intelligent as I am, you're smart. You're well-trained in combat, you're good to Omega, and you're good to all of us," he explained, focusing on a small task in his hands rather than looking at you. "I feared that with you losing your arm, you would feel at a disadvantage. I suppose I was scared of you losing yourself. That's why I created the arm."

Tech's confession left you somewhat speechless, and his avoidance of eye contact spoke volumes. "You really care about me?" you asked, seeking confirmation.

He stilled, and you could see him swallow hard. "I do. Though, I feel that I care about you more than just a comrade. More than a friend." His words were careful, yet they carried a depth of meaning that you understood. He loved you, and you felt the same way.

With tenderness, you leaned closer, your new arm raising to gently turn his head to face you. There was a small gasp at the touch, but as he looked at you, his gaze focused once more on your lips.

You closed the gap, your lips pressing softly against his in a tender kiss. It was brief, but as you pulled back, Tech surprised you by dropping his tools to the floor once more and cupping your cheeks with both hands, bringing your lips back to his.

In the tender embrace of your kiss, your fingers lightly trailed along the contours of Tech's cheek, eliciting a soft sigh from him. His hands cradled your face, his thumbs tenderly stroking your cheeks as he whispered softly between your lips, "I believe that I… love you."

The warmth of his breath against your skin sent shivers down your spine as your kiss deepened. Your arms found their way around his shoulders as he used one arm to pull you across and into his lap, his fingers tracing the curve of your jaw with a gentle caress. "I believe that I love you too.”

Masterlist

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Tags and those who I think may like : @andyoufollowyourheart @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz z @captxin-rex @jesseeka @ashotofspotchka @theroguesully @ladykatakuri @jambolska-grozdova @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @rain-on-kamino @either-madness-or-brilliance @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @chrissywakingup @kixs-husband @pb-jellybeans @nunanuggets @sleepycreativewriter @erellenora @zippingstars87 @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @tinyreadersmur @seriowan @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @raevulsix @imalovernotahater @id-rather-be-a-druid @the-bad-batch-baroness @zoeykallus

#the bad batch tech x reader #tech x reader #bad batch tech #the bad batch #bad batch tech x reader #nahoney22 writes #tech bad batch

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ddarker-dreams · 1 year

Text

Panacea.

Yan Kazuha x Reader.

Warnings: Yandere themes, unhealthy relationships, mentions of blood/injury (not on Reader). Word count: 3.5k.

If you were to associate any one color with Kazuha, it would be red.

From the odd strand that stands out against his otherwise snow-white hair, to the depths of his eyes, and the long, billowing details of the various fabrics and tassels on his person. The hue impressed itself upon you and made itself unsuitable for prolonged viewing. He had stolen the pleasure you once experienced when gazing upon fiery sunsets, or in observing the leaves change when scorching summers came to an end. How could you derive enjoyment from that which you associated so intimately with your tormentor?

Indeed, Kaedehara Kazuha was red in your mind’s eye, the two so closely intertwined that they could not exist apart.

However…

Has there ever been this much red?

He’s trying to stand. It’s futile in every sense of the word. He grimaces, one bandaged hand clutching where he’s bleeding the most, the other struggling to remain wrapped around his sword’s hilt. The blade has been thrust into the ground so he may use it as leverage to lift himself up. This is his fourth attempt, you think. Perhaps the number is higher than that.

You wouldn’t know. Thinking is a luxury you aren’t currently blessed to have.

Kazuha’s usually fluffy hair clings tight to the edge of his face, sticking to his perspiring skin. Each breath he takes is a battle — one he’s losing at that — heavy and audible even from over here where you stand. Observing. Waiting. For what exactly, you couldn’t say. When was the last time you held the reins to your own life? The feeling is so surreal, so beyond your comprehension, that you find yourself at an impasse when the path ahead should be the clearest it’s ever been.

Illuminated in bright sunlight, all signs pointing with arrows pointed big and bold for you to see.

Get away from him while you can.

You made it a few paces in the opposite direction but haven’t dared to venture further, past the invisible line he wouldn’t want you to cross. You must be teetering on it already, teasing him with your hesitation, for he’s using what remaining strength he has to try and close the distance. If his attempts at standing continue to fail, he’ll likely try crawling next. Pride is a useless obstacle he’ll cut down if it clears the way to you.

The bodies of the nobushi littering the ground beside him are seemingly endless. Their ambush was brutal, a nightmare playing out in reality with you thrust onto the stage. Metal clanged against metal in a cacophony composed to the most dreadful melody. It still reverberates inside your skull, the sounds, sights, and smells of battle. Even if Kazuha had been in full health, the sheer numbers on their side would’ve proven to be a challenge.

You’re not exactly sure when he had fallen ill. You guess he did what he could to conceal it for you, for it was his strength that forced you to remain by his side. He hadn’t been eating as much of the foraged meals he’d fix for you both, he struggled to rest at night, and his complexion had taken on a dull pallor. Whatever ailment he’d contracted was likely to fix itself with a little time and rest, had it not been for the nobushi’s machinations. He fought around you, parrying endless waves of blades, leaving openings in his stance so they’d target him instead.

It’s no exaggeration to say Kazuha saved your life, numerous times at that.

You shake your head. He’s the reason you were in danger in the first place. Had it not been for him taking you away, you would still be in your family’s estate on the outskirts of Inazuma City, safely tucked away behind tall walls and screen doors. What would you have been doing now, anyway? Koto lessons alongside your childhood nanny? Tea ceremony with Kamisato Ayaka? It’d be something tedious, but something safe.

A soft rustling coming from behind earns your attention and horror in equal amounts. Sharply, you turn your head, expecting to see a towering figure clad in armor. Instead, you spot an inquisitive rabbit emerging from the forest’s verdure. A shaky sigh leaves your lips and your shoulders drop. While you might not know exactly what to do, standing here and twiddling your thumbs probably isn’t in your best interest either. Nobushi tend to stick together. Any patrols that happen by would witness the massacre of their comrades and desire revenge.

Meanwhile, Kazuha has managed to stand on his unsteady legs. You go stiff as a board, unsure of what to expect, as he stumbles toward you. Does this mean it’s useless to flee? The last time you made the mistake of trying to run, he tied your wrist to his for days to keep a closer eye on you. The restrictions and lack of privacy had shattered what little remained of your dignity. He had been so apologetic too, explaining in that calm voice of his that he ‘only wants to ensure your safety’, when what you need safety from is him.

While you consider what to say in case he accuses you of trying to run, his knees give out, forcing him back onto the ground.

Could this be a ploy? A way to test your loyalty? Such petty schemes seem beneath him. Then again, the man you thought you knew had proven to only be a pretty veneer that hid festering rot within. Your trepidation causes you to take a step back, your unblinking eyes never leaving his form. When no condemnation ensues for your boldness, you take another step, then another, your heart writhing in your chest.

He isn’t trying to stop you. No… he can’t stop you. Not in this state.

A choked sound leaves his lips. It’s only when he repeats himself, in between coughs this time, that you realize he’s speaking your name.

“Y-Yes…?”

You don’t know why you bother replying, the word leaves you almost as if you were in a trance. This should be where the curtains close. Without the threat looming over your head of his pursuit, you should be able to make your way to civilization. You might not have any valuables on your person, but your surname alone should be enough to incentivize others, granting you passage back home. You’ll have to leave Kazuha behind for your freedom to be secured. Gazing down at him now, you consider the power dynamic that has shifted overwhelmingly in your favor.

This is how it has to be. No one would blame you — would this not be considered appropriate atonement for his crimes? Maybe… maybe some kind soul might wander by and give him aid. Then he should be smart enough to know better than to try this again. Your father would undoubtedly increase the security around the estate tenfold after this stunt. That’s right, your father, he would demand the death penalty on the last living member of the Kaedehara clan if he were to learn who was behind your disappearance. He held enough sway in the Tri-Commission to make it happen.

There’s no way the potential consequences of his actions were unknown to Kazuha.

You think back to the moonless night he took you away. His soundless footsteps that rivaled the most well-trained Shuumatsuban, the scent of saltwater on his skin.

“Would you be willing to accompany me for a while?”

Never had the scale of his nefarious plans crossed your mind. This was an almost ordinary occurrence since you had both entered your teenage years; Kazuha sneaking into the courtyard where you often stargazed. He’d whisk you away for a few hours then return you before anyone caught on. It was the lone thrill in your otherwise mundane life. There had been many nights where you’d purposefully stand in plain view, hoping that he might come by, every little breeze rousing your excitement. However, he was as unpredictable as a conniving kitsune. He couldn’t risk tipping off your family to your little late-night ventures.

The Vision Hunt Decree put an unexpected stop to this long-held tradition, since Kazuha chose to flee Inazuma rather than give up his Vision.

You had all but lost your usual decorum upon his silent return. You would’ve personally thanked each of the Archons just to know he was alive and well, never had you dreamed you’d see him again in person! Emotions seeped through the cracks of your perfect, well-bred façade, you wept loud enough that he was forced to cover your mouth with his hand to keep his presence a secret. Your consent was readily given for what you thought would be another bite-sized adventure.

Would you get to sample mouth-watering street food from vendors Kazuha paid off in return for them acting like they never saw you? Or maybe you’d run barefoot again through the cool waters alongside Amakane Island, then retire to a secret spot that offered the most stunning view of Inazuma City’s silhouette?

Your exhilaration quickly morphed into all-encompassing terror when morning came and he showed no signs of taking you back home.

The sensation weighing down on your shoulders presently is much the same. Elation is fleeting, like grains of sand slipping through your fingers. There is no fairytale ending where some good-natured samaritan swoops in, saving Kazuha, allowing him to come to his senses and see the error of his ways. He won’t repent and swear to never involve himself in your affairs again. That isn’t how this world works. How reality works.

You have two options. Leave him and let him die, or stay, a part of yourself dying as recompense.

An eternity seemingly passes before he has the strength to speak again, his voice croaky. “Hurt… are you… hurt?”

It’s a wonder you don’t fall as well. Not a single hair on your head has been harmed, yet you feel cold pangs all over, his words slicing you to the bone. Why? Why is he concerning himself with you? Why has he always concerned himself with you? Why couldn’t he have been like one of those evil spirits your nanny used to tell you about growing up so you wouldn’t misbehave? Oh, how easy it’d be then, to curse him and turn your back without a care over his inevitable fate. His face would fade from your memory like ink dipped into a river.

Of all the wrongs he’s committed, making you care about him might just be the worst.

Maybe there is a third path, hidden past the overgrowth. You must risk dirtying your hands by moving it aside to know for sure.

You act without thinking. The ringing in your ears is loud enough to cover up nature’s ambiance, your spirit too heavy for the nearby thrush’s song to lift. Your shadow encompasses Kazuha while your frenzied mind considers what to do next. Staying here is not a viable option, you need to get moving now. You doubt you’re strong enough to carry him, you’ll have to settle for helping him walk. Crouching down, you secure his limp arm around your neck.

“On three, I’m going to need you to stand, no matter how much it hurts,” you mumble, uncertain if he even heard you. “Okay… okay… one, two, three!”

Hoisting him up puts your muscles to the test. He boasts a fair amount of muscle despite his lean body and you’d never done heavy lifting in your life. Kazuha must have somewhat understood your words, for he does what he can to make your task easier, his Vision radiating a soft glow. Wind currents far weaker than what he can usually produce aid in getting him to rise. He’s panting softly, his body slumping over onto yours once this strenuous task draws to a close.

With some difficulty, you lead him beneath a natural overpass, decently far away from the battlefield. You prop him up against some mossy rocks and assess his dire condition more clearly.

He’s lolled his head to the side, his skin as white as a ghost. There are a few cuts and bruises marring his person, but the most concerning is the deep gash on his lower right side. Your frown deepens at the sight. The fight had mostly been an inscrutable blur from your perspective, aside from how he sustained this damning injury. He had ordered you to stay put, to not move an inch from where you stood, yet the horror you were forced to witness was too much. You’d never witnessed the light leaving a person’s eyes, the pungent odor of death. Shrinking into yourself, you mistakenly took a step backward, losing your balance in the process.

To a former samurai, that was the only opening they needed.

Kazuha was blindingly fast — so much so that you barely realized what had happened — the hit intended for you digging into his flesh instead.

“What do I do, what do I do…?” The sheer desperation in your voice comes as a surprise to yourself. The man lying before you had kidnapped you and deprived you of your basic autonomy. Still, all you could think about were days from a bygone past. When his father was alive and there were negotiations of your potential betrothal in the future. The unfair collapse of the once illustrious Kaedehara clan benched those discussions forever, though Kazuha never voiced a single complaint.

“It’ll be okay, [First],” he had told you then, his little arms wrapped around your form. His voice had always been so gentle. “That just means you get to choose to marry me. It won’t be commanded of you. I much prefer it that way. So please, don’t be sad.”

Fortune was not kind enough to acquiesce to a child’s wish. Neither of you voiced this mutually understood sentiment as you both grew older — that someone of your standing couldn’t ever wed an individual with no prospects. You locked away this silly wish deep down and assumed he did the same, for he never brought it up again. The seed had been planted and the roots had taken hold.

Your hands shakily hover over his wound.

What would be necessary to treat this? Antiseptics, stitches, clean bandages; you have nothing like that. Do you apply pressure, like he had been before you brought him over here? Or would that make it worse? There must be something you can do. You’re not asking for a miracle. So long as it holds him over long enough for you to get more qualified help, you’d take back every awful thing you said about the gods these past few months.

You don’t know who is struggling to breathe more, you or him.

Something comes into contact with your shoulder. Wearily, you look up, discovering the unknown offender to be Kazuha’s fingers. They brush over the fresh blood that’s begun to sink into your fabric. His eyebrows furrowed together, his mouth contorting in displeasure.

“When did this happen?” He whispers, leaning forward to inspect you better regardless of the agonizing pain the movement must cause him.

You gape at him, at a loss for words. The blood loss must not have him in his proper state of mind. “It isn’t— isn’t mine. It’s from when I walked you over here.”

“Ah…” he trails off. His eyelashes flutter shut and he smiles softly. “That’s a relief.”

Your teeth begin to chatter from how hard you’re shaking. “Kazuha, please, tell me what to do. How do I fix this? How do I make this better?”

With some effort, he manages to open his eyes again, the tenderness nestled within them overshadowing the pain. “I thought… thought you were mad at me.”

Had it not been for the severity of the situation, you’d say he almost sounds like a petulant child, pouting after getting scolded. You want to wrap your hands around his shoulders and shake him but think better of it. Tears pierce the corners of your eyes, building up yet refusing to fall. Despite the cold numbness enveloping you from head to toe, your face flushes with raging heat. You attempt to extinguish it by jabbing a finger against his chest accusingly.

“I am! Of course I’m mad at you! None of this was supposed to happen! If you had just… taken me home, like you did hundreds of times before, everything would be how it’s supposed to be. I don’t understand you. Why you did this to me, why you went from the one person I looked forward to seeing to the one I dread the most. None of it makes sense! None of it!”

Kazuha attempts to take your hand in his but lacks the strength. His arm falls back down, and he coughs, sputtering up that damnable shade of red that’ll forever be burned into your mind forevermore. His breathing is getting softer and softer whereas yours grows more labored. He isn’t going to last much longer. Throwing caution to the wind, you press your hands flush against the wound, praying with all your might that applying pressure might buy him some more time. Then you could go get him help. It might not be a fairy tale ending, but it’s better than the alternative.

Time itself distorts in the moments that follow. A second, minute, or hour may have passed, you’d have no way of telling.

Your hands feel soaked. Whether it’s from your tears, or his blood, you don’t know, for you don’t peer down to check. How could you, when you’re transfixed on the sheer bliss engraved into his face? It isn’t right — it’s as if the entire world had tilted a few degrees and you were just beginning to notice. This sensation swirls around you like a whirlpool, drenching you in its abnormality.

“You’re crying for me again,” he sounds truly blessed, as if he were on top of the world. “You don’t know how happy this makes me. To share such a special moment with you.”

Is this the mad, final mumblings of a man rapidly approaching his demise? For this reason, you hold your tongue, allowing him to speak without reproach.

The next time he tries, he has considerably less difficulty reaching to intertwine your fingers. “I’m grateful to these hands of yours for giving us more time together.”

You have no choice but to look at your hands due to the angle he’s holding them at. What you see — or, to be more specific, what you don’t see — has you squeezing your eyes shut and shaking your head. Looking again confirms that you weren’t imagining things. There’s no blood. Your hands should be coated in it. You felt the wetness, you saw how much was oozing out even through his multiple layers of clothing.

Kazuha takes advantage of your stupefied state to continue speaking. He’s able to get out more words than he could before. “You chose to stay with me even when you could’ve left me for dead. I didn’t even have to ask you to stay. I wanted that to be a choice you made for yourself. Ah… I’m glad… I’m so, so glad… I would’ve been happy knowing you cried over my death, but this… this is so much better.”

There’s a light weight on your lap.

Pulling free from Kazuha’s grip requires all your might, but you manage, stumbling backwards in a scramble to make sense of what is happening. A metallic cling resonates in the air upon your abrupt movements. It doesn’t matter how much you don’t want to look. You know you have to. So you do. And your world becomes slightly more tilted because of it.

Is that… a Hydro Vision?

It doesn’t register at first. Nothing does. Not the flock of birds that takes off to your left or the grazing deer scrambling to your right. You think you may have screamed, but you never heard it, not when that metallic spinning is playing on a loop in your head. Hurried, you rise to your feet. The blue gleaming gem becomes even more unsightly than the red you’d sworn yourself to loathe.

The gods didn’t answer when you prayed for your sake, but they did when you prayed for his.

You didn’t want Kazuha to die, and now, you don’t know if you want him to live. Not when you’re so far away from civilization and at his mercy. This isn’t the first, second, or third option; it’s something far worse. Unspeakably worse. For you, that is.

“Please, don’t look at me like that,” he sounds far more like his usual self. He’s regaining his strength, slowly yet surely. You shiver. “I wouldn’t ever dream of doing you harm.”

Kazuha’s position against the wall is far more relaxed. His vivacity is returning in small increments, from the slight rosiness of his cheeks to the bright warmth in his eyes. Red. It’s on him everywhere except for where it should be. Had you been callous, had you been able to realize that what once was isn’t enough to risk what will be.

Whatever divine beings rule over this world must consider you to be the focal point of their amusement.

Presently, you’re faced with two options.

Do you want to find out if you’re fast enough to outrun him, or should you save yourself the trouble and never learn the answer?

#there is simply nothing i love more than dramatic irony #kazuha x reader #kaedehara kazuha x reader #yandere kazuha x reader #yandere genshin impact x reader #genshin impact x reader #yandere #yandere x reader #my stuff

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hanslanda77 · 9 months

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Crafting a Transformative Healthy Daily Routine: Your Path to Wellness

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to neglect our well-being while tending to various responsibilities. But adopting a healthy daily routine can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or someone seeking a more balanced life, here's a comprehensive guide to help you create a transformative healthy daily routine.

1. Rise and Shine with Intent: Morning Rituals The way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. Begin by waking up at a consistent time to regulate your body's internal clock. Engage in activities that promote mindfulness and positivity, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. Avoid immediately reaching for your phone or electronic devices to prevent a rush of information before you're mentally prepared.

2. Nourish Your Body: Balanced Breakfast Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast that includes a mix of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Opt for whole grains, fruits, yogurt, eggs, or smoothies to provide sustained energy throughout the morning.

3. Move and Groove: Physical Activity Incorporate exercise into your daily routine to boost your physical fitness and enhance your mood. Whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a full gym workout, find an activity you enjoy and make it a non-negotiable part of your day. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, increases metabolism, and releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones.

4. Structured Work (or Study) Time: Maintain Productivity For those with professional or academic commitments, structuring your work time is crucial. Break your day into focused work intervals, such as the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). This approach enhances productivity while preventing burnout.

5. Mindful Consumption: Balanced Meals and Hydration Make conscious choices about what you eat and drink throughout the day. Consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine.

6. Mental Recharge: Short Breaks and Hobbies Intersperse your day with short breaks to relax your mind. Engage in hobbies you're passionate about, whether it's reading, playing a musical instrument, or practicing a craft. These moments of mental recharge enhance creativity and reduce stress.

7. Connect and Communicate: Social Interaction Human beings thrive on social connections. Dedicate time to interact with friends, family, or colleagues. Engaging in meaningful conversations or spending quality time with loved ones can uplift your spirits and provide emotional support.

8. Evening Wind-Down: Unplug and Relaxation As your day winds down, shift into relaxation mode. Limit screen time before bed to avoid the disruption of sleep-inducing hormones. Instead, read a book, take a warm bath, or practice gentle stretching. A calm evening routine sets the stage for a restful night's sleep.

9. Prioritize Sleep: Restorative Rest Sleep plays a pivotal role in overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a sleep-conducive environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to regulate your body's internal clock.

10. Reflection and Gratitude: Nighttime Journaling End your day by reflecting on your accomplishments and expressing gratitude. Write down a few things you're thankful for and acknowledge the progress you've made, no matter how small. This positive practice sets the tone for the next day.

Incorporating these elements into your daily routine takes time and commitment, but the benefits are worth the effort. A healthy daily routine can improve your physical health, enhance your mental well-being, and contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, it's not about perfection, but rather about progress and consistency on your journey to wellness.

#Healthy Lifestyle #Daily Routine #Wellness #Self-Care #Mindfulness #Balanced Living #Fitness #Nutrition #Productivity #Exercise #Mental Health #Positive Habits

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vaidyaslaboratory · 27 days

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Comprehensive Gynecological and Obstetric Care at Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory

Explore top-tier gynecological and obstetric diagnostic services at Dr. Vaidya's Laboratory. From Double Marker to NIPT, our tests ensure a safe pregnancy journey. Visit our blog to explore our advanced prenatal and genetic testing services. Located in Mumbai, Thane, Borivali, and Ambernath.

#Comprehensive Gynecology Tests #Fetal Monitoring Services #Gynecological Health Screening #Gynecology Diagnostic Services #Maternal Health Testing #Obstetric Ultrasound Services #Obstetrics Diagnostic Services #Prenatal Diagnostic Tests #Women's Health Diagnostics

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khaleesiofalicante · 2 years

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I just found out Joe Locke was also bullied off Twitter?

What the actual fuck is wrong with these people? They are literally making these two boys live through the trauma of the fictional characters they portray on screen/

They are ruining something beautiful.

Not only are they ruining the lives of Kit and Joe, but countless other young queer artists who might feel vulnerable of putting themselves out there without risking their safety and mental health.

I’m fucking disgusted.

This is what happens when people consume media without critical thinking and comprehension. Because if people had the faintest idea about what Heartstopper is actually about, they wouldn’t be violating people’s privacy and disregarding boundaries.

Fucking. Disgusting.

#heartstopper #kit connor #joe locke

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joga-blog · 2 months

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The Complete Picture: Why Full Body Checkups Are Essential for Health Maintenance

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing health often takes a backseat amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, regular health checkups, particularly full body checkups, are crucial in maintaining overall well-being and detecting potential health issues before they escalate into serious conditions. In this guide, we delve into the significance of full body checkups and why they should be an integral part of everyone's healthcare regimen.

Understanding Full Body Checkups:

A full body checkup, also known as a comprehensive health screening or an annual physical exam, involves a series of medical tests and evaluations aimed at assessing various aspects of an individual's health. These checkups typically encompass a wide range of tests, including but not limited to:

1. Blood tests:

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), lipid panel, complete blood count (CBC), blood sugar (glucose) levels, liver function tests, and kidney function tests.

2. Imaging tests:

X-rays, ultrasounds, and sometimes more advanced imaging modalities like MRI or CT scans to examine internal organs and tissues for any abnormalities.

3. Cardiac evaluation:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assess heart function, stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, and echocardiography to examine heart structure and function.

4. Cancer screenings:

Depending on age, gender, and risk factors, screenings for various types of cancer such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer may be included.

5. Physical examination:

A thorough examination by a healthcare provider to assess vital signs, general health, and any visible abnormalities or symptoms.

Importance of Full Body Checkups

1. Early Detection of Health Issues:

Regular full-body checkups facilitate the early detection of underlying health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol abnormalities, and even certain types of cancer. Timely intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prognosis.

2. Preventive Healthcare:

Preventive Full-body checkups enable healthcare professionals to identify risk factors and offer personalized recommendations for preventive measures such as lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and vaccination schedules.

3. Comprehensive Assessment:

Unlike sporadic visits for specific complaints, Comprehensive full body checkups provide a comprehensive evaluation of overall health, encompassing multiple organ systems and risk factors. This holistic approach offers a more complete picture of an individual's health status.

4. Peace of Mind:

Knowing that one's health is regularly monitored can alleviate anxiety and provide peace of mind. Even in the absence of symptoms, checkups serve as a proactive measure to ensure well-being.

5. Cost-Effective Healthcare:

While the cost of full body checkups may seem significant upfront, they can ultimately result in cost savings by detecting health issues early, thereby reducing the need for extensive treatments or hospitalizations in the future.

Incorporating Full Body Checkups into Your Healthcare Routine

1. Schedule Regular Checkups:

Aim for an annual or biennial Diagnostic full body checkup, depending on age, medical history, and risk factors. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable frequency.

2. Communicate Openly:

During the checkup, communicate any concerns, symptoms, or changes in health status to your healthcare provider. Open dialogue fosters better understanding and enables personalized care.

3. Follow Recommendations:

Adhere to the recommendations provided by your healthcare provider, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and follow-up appointments. Proactive management is key to maintaining optimal health.

4. Stay Informed:

Educate yourself about common health risks, recommended screenings, and preventive measures. Being informed empowers you to take proactive steps towards better health.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, full body checkups are indispensable tools for safeguarding health and well-being. By undergoing regular screenings and assessments, individuals can detect health issues early, receive timely interventions, and proactively manage their health. Prioritizing preventive healthcare through comprehensive checkups is an investment in long-term wellness, offering peace of mind and a better quality of life.

Remember, your health is your most valuable asset—make it a priority with regular full-body checkups.

#Preventive healthcare #Comprehensive health assessment #Annual physical examination #Health screening

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luna-andra · 3 months

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The Shadows Return | Simon 'Ghost' Riley x OC Retired AU | Chapter 5: Apologies

Summary: Ghost has to make up for lost time somehow, and figure out what the hell is going on in his backwater village

Author's Note: Already working on chapter 6, this story is starting to ramp up!

Content warning: slow burn, eventual smut, 18+ only, fluff, mentions of mental health

If this is the first time you're seeing this, Chapter 1 is here. You can find the rest on my masterlist! Next chapter

Word count: 5.8k

Johnny only caught the tail end of their conversation. Andra sounded pissed. Oh yeah, she really gave the door something to fear with how hard it slammed. Johnny turned to Simon’s direction, “What happened?”

His glare could cut a man. “Nothing.”

Johnny went to open his mouth but said nothing. He came back to the front for something work related, and he really didn’t want to get in the middle of whatever went down between the two.

He knows Simon has been reclusive the past several days. Or has it been a few weeks now? Either way, this was feeling like one of his inevitable episodes. The kind that makes him shut everyone out, starting with the people less close to him. Johnny gauged it that way, and he knew if it came down to Simon shunning him out, then it’s getting bad.

Johnny put down the tablet on the countertop beside Simon’s arm. “Thomas completed the diagnostics on the red sedan, call ‘em for me will ya’?”

A comprehensive grunt was all the acknowledgement Johnny was going to get out of Simon right now. He pivoted on his foot and headed straight back into the garage. A minute later, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Thank you for helping me out these past few months.

Johnny’s lips fell into a thin line on his face. Does this message have anything to do with what went down in the lobby? He didn’t like how finite her words sounded, like she was bidding the both of them farewell out of her life.

Andra took a while to respond back to Johnny, giving him time to focus on the brake pad change he needed to finish up. He wiped his hands clean before picking up his phone.

Sort of.

Okay, yes.

I don’t want you to feel obligated to keep in contact with me now that everything is gonna go back to the way it was.

Johnny sighed, shaking his head softly as his fingers flew across the screen. You’re OUR friend now, you’re not getting rid of us that easily, lass. He made sure to put ‘our’ in big letters.

This would pass. Johnny knew that, Simon would come around once he’s had his fill of solitude, but Andra didn’t see it that way. Understandably so, she had every right to be upset. She’s given Simon a level of grace and patience that would only come from a caregiver. Johnny has noticed the way she would shake her head and sigh after reading the short, one-worded messages she would get from Simon, and to be frank, Johnny couldn’t excuse his best friend’s behavior any longer.

He could feel a pair of glaring eyes burning into the back of his neck from his supervisor, so Johnny shoved the phone back into his pocket and returned to work.

Simon was being a real prick.

-----

It was Andra’s first Sunday morning with her truck. After she picked it up from the shop, she drove it around for a few hours, having to blow off the irritation she felt after that interaction with Ghost.

It was running, alright. She made it drive out to a neighboring village and then back home. Even when she came home, the spurn of Ghost treating her that way kept nagging at her like a mosquito bite on the back of her neck. It shouldn’t have bothered her for days on end, but it did.

But today was Sunday, and Andra was determined to start the week off on a better note. Fixed truck, crop rotation was only a few weeks away from a new season, she had much to look forward to. Along with an empty seat at the stand.

She thought until a familiar truck drove up her driveway.

Andra finished tethering her trailer to her truck and went out to meet Johnny at the front. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

Johnny shut the door and hit the lock button on the key fob, setting off the short chirp of the horn. “What does it look like? You didn’t think I was gonna stop comin’ just because you got your truck back, did you?” He clicked his teeth and shook his head with faux disappointment and a smirk. “Besides, I like havin’ more money in my pocket from not goin’ out to the pub to drink it away, our Sunday mornings have been keepin’ me sober.”

She couldn’t help the smile escaping her. “That’s good to hear. I’m almost done loading everything, just help me with the table and chairs.”

“You got it.”

Autumn never fails to bring the gloomy overcast for majority of the season. And with the temperatures dropping enough, it allowed for Ghost to wear a light hoodie to keep the misty sprinkles of rain off of him. He tried to ignore the out-of-place energy that worked hard to veil over him. It was one thing to wear the mask in the shop, or when he was at least around Johnny, but going to the farmer’s market made him feel severely out of place.

He took one more second before grabbing the paper-wrapped parcel and left his truck, then followed the sporadic groups of people heading towards the vending stalls.

To think he had driven past this parking lot several times on Sundays and never thought to shop here. Ghost didn’t even like doing his own grocery shopping, that’s why he spends so much money on grocery deliveries. And purchasing anything else felt like a waste on him, unless it was ammunition and new guns.

As he neared the rows and rows of stalls, the chatter of customers and sellers became coherent. If people were looking at him, he paid no attention to the curious and apprehensive eyes. He was looking for Andra, gripping the now faintly damp parcel a little tighter. After wandering through the second row, Ghost spotted the forest green truck chockfull of crates of vegetables, parked in reverse and the tailgate open to the little figure with chestnut brown hair, loosely curled.

Her hair has grown.

That’s what happens when you don’t see someone for a while, Ghost sniped at himself.

He rounded the corner and strode closer to her stall, customers in his path giving him a wide berth, and caught sight of her lost in concentration as she packaged a customer’s brown paper bag. Her warm smile of farewell did something to his stomach. It was his turn to approach her.

Andra lifted her head long enough to see him, and her face relaxed from the smile she had. “Hi, stranger.”

Whatever he had prepared to tell her, it went off like a land mine and left him with nothing. There was a passive-aggressive tone in her voice, not that he blamed her. He basically cut her off with nothing to justify as to why. Guess this was part of seeking forgiveness.

“Surprised to see you here.” She kept prepping more brown bags as she waited for his response. “Or were you looking for Johnny?”

“No, he’s probably trying to slip out of his date’s bed.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “So you knew about his date with the girl from the chip shop, too? Glad to know he didn’t get the cutoff I did.”

His eyes looked down at her moving hands. “I deserved that.”

Andra stopped concentrating on the bags and rested a hand on her hip the way a fed-up mother would. “You deserve a lot of things, Ghost, but I don’t have it in me to be cruel.” Her eyes caught a glimpse of what Ghost was clutching to before she looked back down. “Found something you like at one of the vendors?”

“Actually,” his hand placed the wrapped parcel onto the table and slid it towards Andra. “It’s for you.”

Andra's expression shifted to curiosity. “Is it some kind of peace offering?” She picked up the rectangular parcel, probably knew what it already was given the shape and the weight of it.

“You could say that.” Ghost watched with apprehension as she meticulously peeled back the wrapping, sliding out what she discovered was a hardback cover of the next book in the series she was reading.

Her eyebrows relaxed; a softness overwhelmed her eyes. “You got your hands on a hardback?” she tilted the book to see the pages. “With the sprayed edge?” Her fingers traced the pattern of sigils and swirls decorating the pages. “This is a special edition…” Andra looked back up to him, her expression had his insides tangling. “I haven’t even seen one of these.”

Ghost didn’t know what to do with his hands, so they stayed by his side clenching and relaxing over and over. “The cranky, old stager that runs Raven & Crow helped me get my hands on it.” He wasn’t going to bring up how much of a pain in the ass the geezer was for him, nor was he going to bring up how the old man knew immediately who he was trying to get this for. He told Ghost a lovely young woman was coming in frequently looking for the sequel, but by the time she showed up, the one or two copies he ordered were gone. The payoff was well worth it.

Andra held the book to her chest like a schoolgirl clutching a textbook, tapping her index finger on its back. “I’ll have to think on your apology.” Ghost was about to nod when she gave him a smirk. “Okay I forgive you.”

His shoulders fell and he let out a gentle laugh. “That’s wonderful to hear.” There was a couple of people behind him that formed a line, agitated with how long they have been waiting. “I’ll let you get back to your business –“

“I have an hour here left,” Andra spoke up before he could move. “If you want, I have another chair that you can pull up. That’s if you don’t have anything else to do…”

Ghost stepped aside to let customers walk up. “I was going to find things to keep myself busy. I’ll help you bag, but I can’t guarantee I’ll be as useful as Johnny.”

Andra laughed hard at that. “You give him way too much credit.”

It had been years, more like decades by now, since Ghost had done any sort of grocery bagging. It brought him back to his first part-time job at the corner convenience store he had during his last few years of secondary school. The money always found its way into his mom’s wallet or purse when she wasn’t looking since she never accepted it from him directly. It was unfortunate when his dad got a hold of it, using it for booze and drugs instead of the water and heat bills. It was even more unfortunate when the old man ended up with a bloody nose for leaving them cold.

Ghost enjoyed watching Andra work in her element. This was her expertise, and everyone delighted in her energy. It even had Ghost grinning beneath his mask. There were a few patrons that gave Ghost double take looks as if they wanted to say something but didn’t.

He found himself scanning the faces of her patrons and passersby that took a glance at stalls here and there. Old faces, young faces, faces of children, faces shrouded by umbrellas or hooded jackets. And a face that he swore he’s seen more than once, coming around again and again in the time he decided to sit down with Andra beneath the canopy. The person’s behavior and body language made him tense.

Andra’s patient explanation about difference between the various species of squash and tomatoes pulled him away from the man that caught Ghost staring him down.

“The B grade-lookin’ veggies go in that crate,” Andra pointed behind her. “I take them for myself, or in this case I’m gonna take them to the ranch for the breeder’s animals.” There was excitement in her voice. “I’m gonna visit my new goats.”

His eyes went back to the spot the man last was, only to find someone else in his place buying from another vendor.

“I remember you saying something about them.” Ghost recalled, suddenly feeling shame since it was on the day she was picking up her truck. “Are you taking them home?”

Andra shook her head. “No, they have a few more weeks with their mama.”

Ghost looked at her with mild surprise. “There’s multiple?”

“Just two, they’re twins.” Andra said goodbye to the last customer for the day and started to pack up. “Would you like to come with me to meet them? Since it sounds like you have time in that busy schedule of yours.”

Ghost didn’t miss the nibble Andra took at her lower lip. “I can fit some time in.” He quipped back.

-----

The book looked like it belonged on her shelves. Andra grinned to herself as she angled it just the right way to stand out, giving the book its own moment of fame amongst her collection. A really smooth apology gift, in her opinion. Andra was simply happy that Ghost came back around.

Even though Ghost didn’t explain his sudden absence, Andra had a feeling that this was one of those times Johnny had warned her about. She just wasn’t prepared for how much it would impact her. At least he seems to be doing good; the bags underneath his eyes weren’t as dark as the last time she saw him.

Andra locked up the house with a happy Sammy in tow, letting her roam free off of a leash. She was bringing Sammy along to meet the new goats, part of the process of making sure the animals weren’t going to be a threat to each other and getting used to each other’s scents.

Ghost had transferred the crate of B-grade veggies to the bed of his truck on his own accord. Andra was about to ask when he started, “You mind if we take my truck?” He scratched the back of his masked head sheepishly. “I only ask because I got more leg room in mine…”

Andra held back a giggle as she approached the passenger door. “Not at all, as long as you’re okay with Sammy in the back.” He gave her a nod of the head, leading Sammy to the back of the opened tailgate and shutting it once she hopped up. “I’ll punch in the address in your Maps.” She slid in for what started to feel like an all-too familiar truck, and realized she didn’t have to adjust the seat like she’s done before. Andra tried hiding the grimace from the blossoming thought of another woman being in his truck.

She realized how ridiculous that was when he easily passed an open phone to her. Not even to his navigation app, but the home screen with the default earth background still on it. Before opening the navigator, she opened the camera and angled the phone to catch a shot of her and Ghost on the screen. “Hey.”

Ghost glanced in confusion, and blinked after he heard the sound of the fake camera shutter. He shook his head with a soft laugh and started the truck. “I trust you with my phone for the first time and you’re over there snappin’ pictures.”

Andra’s fingers tapped against the screen as she typed in the address. The navigator started and Andra placed the phone on the dock Ghost had set up on the dashboard. “Who told you it was a good idea to do that?”

Ghost shifted the truck’s gear to drive and made a U-turn to drive towards the shared road, the navigator chiming away its directions. The ETA displayed a twenty-minute drive, and Andra comfortably filled the silence with conversation.

He missed how magnetic her energy is, making his guilt come back with a vengeance. But listening to her talk about how business is going, how the truck has been running better than it was before, and how she was preparing for the winter season made all of that melt away.

If Andra wasn’t holding it against him, he needed to put it to rest.

“And what about you?” Andra turned to Ghost. “Anything interesting with you?”

Her sudden pivot to him threw him off. “No, just work.”

She sat up in her seat, her eyes still fixated on him. “Just work? You don’t have any hobbies, or places you like to go to mull things over?”

Ghost just shook his head. He didn’t really know what to say. Okay, that was a lie, but he didn’t want to go in depth with how he got too close to her, how her jasmine and vanilla scent wouldn’t leave him, the same way her scent was now filling the cabin of his truck once more. He didn’t want to explain how feeling her silky skin took days, weeks, to leave the calloused pads of his hands, and how it took all of his will to pull away from her.

Andra continued. “Or how about a night out at one of the pubs to find yourself a pretty lady to share the company with only to regret it in the morning?”

He fought the urge to roll his eyes. “I’m not Johnny. And what about you?” He challenged. “Found a lad to take you out on the town?”

She laughed at that. “No, there’s no one coming to pick me up and bringing me back before eleven.”

Ghost’s hands gripped the steering wheel a little too hard. So, who’s black sedan was driving down the road then? His motion sensors had alerted him of a car he’s never seen before a few times throughout the time span they weren’t in contact with one another. He thought about looking up the license plate a few times, but let it go out of respect for Andra’s privacy.

That hesitation went right out the window with this new development brought to him.

Andra shifted in her seat, relaxing further into the drive. “I guess we’re alike in some ways.”

“How do you reckon?”

“Too busy focused with work to let anyone else into our lives.” There was a tone of sadness in her voice she was trying to hide. “But I have a feeling you’ve grown too comfortable with being alone.”

Ghost felt like she was peering into him, and he didn’t know how to feel about that.

Andra took a second to speak again. “Did you distance yourself from me because of…” she couldn’t finish her question, but she didn’t have to for Ghost to know what she was alluding to.

Every muscle in his body tensed, and his mouth went dry.

“Your destination is on the right.”

The navigator interrupted the tension between the two of them. Ghost turned into the gravel road, passing underneath the wrought iron gate that displayed Blue Crescent Ranch.

Ghost parked a distance away from the other vehicle on the property and killed the engine. Andra looked straight ahead as she murmured, “You don’t have to answer that, sorry I brought it up.” Before she could open the passenger door, Ghost reached across her and stopped her, his hand gripping hers.

Andra’s head twisted to face him, her honey eyes wide with question. Fuck, that look did things to him. “It wasn’t your fault.” That wasn’t necessarily a lie; he wouldn’t blame her for his self-destructive tendencies. “I needed some time alone.”

Her eyes darted back and forth, looking into his eyes as if she was trying to delve deeper into a place she shouldn’t be. But she nodded. “Okay.” That single word was charged with so much trust and understanding, it twisted his heart.

Ghost removed his hand from hers, pulling himself back from the extreme close proximity he had put them in. “Let’s go meet your goats.”

A smile returned to her lovely face. “Okay.”

Andra couldn’t say enough good things about Jasmine. She had met her at the farmer’s market – shocker – a few years ago and stayed in touch with her here and there after she had bought the chickens off of her. In truth, Andra wanted to be close friends with her, but both of their jobs kept them busy enough to not have any time to catch up very often.

Such was her life about all of the cool and wonderful people that have come and gone in the past years.

-----

A gorgeous, umber, brown-skinned Jasmine strolled out from her lovely cottage home to meet her guests, sporting fitted blue jeans and a long-sleeve plaid shirt and boots, her dark kinky hair wisping in the gentle breeze. Her jade green eyes crinkled with her smile as she went in for a warm hug, and Andra accepted her graciously, taking in her scent of orange and bergamot on her hair. “So good to see you again,” Jasmine greeted, her accent just as rich as Ghost’s.

She pulled away and acknowledged Sammy’s bubbly presence, giving her a good rub down and cooing praises. After the happy canine had her fill, she found Ghost lingering behind Andra like her shadow.

Before Jasmine could ask, Andra reached out to Ghost, summoning him to her side. “Jasmine, this is my neighbor, Simon, but we call him Ghost.” Something about saying Ghost’s first name made her stomach flip, and by judging his body language, it must have done something to him, too.

Jasmine extended her hand out politely, and Ghost shook. “A pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Jasmine turned to Andra and waved for the two of them to follow her, walking on a path that led them to the acres of rolling, green fields. “Ready to meet your kids?”

Andra beamed a wide smile. “I’ve been thinking about them all week! How did mama do during labor?”

“She did so good!” Jasmine turned to Andra once she walked beside her. “I had those kids delivered in the middle of the night. She started contractions early in the day, I had everything prepped for a week now.”

Andra crooned an ‘aww’, the smile on her face growing brighter. Talk of the goats made the conversation in the truck fade away, and it felt like Ghost was putting it on the back burner as well as he started asking Jasmine about her ranch.

Jasmine had inherited Blue Crescent Ranch from her family and cared for her aging father while running everything. It was massive, and from the look of it she had several employees to help her take care of all of the animals. Goats, sheep, cows, horses, alpacas, and some emus.

They arrived at a cowshed that was housing the mother goat and her kids. “I am letting them bond before they go out and meet the rest of the goats, so that means Sammy is going to meet them before the rest of the flock.”

Ghost stood at the entrance of the cowshed. “I’ll let you have the first moments with ‘em.” He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the doorway.

Andra nodded and handed him her phone for him to hold on to, then kept following Jasmine to the back stall. Jasmine’s voice was low, “So, your ‘neighbor’?”

Her cheeks warmed at the insinuation. “Yes, my neighbor.”

“And when did you start talking to your neighbor who happens to wear a mask?” Jasmine’s eyebrow shot up.

Andra looked over her shoulder to make sure they were out of earshot and found Ghost occupied on a phone call. “We met in the summer, he found me off the side of the road after my truck died on me, and fate had it that he’s a mechanic and he helped me get it fixed.”

“Right,” Jasmine nodded as if she’s processing this information, “And why the mask?”

Andra leaned against the wooden post she stopped beside. “He’s ex-military, I don’t really know why.”

“Have you ever seen his face?”

Boy, she was getting the full interview right now, and it had been so long since she thought about what she felt about his decision to hide behind a mask. It was unsettling for the very first time they met, but when Johnny treated it with just as much normality as if it were a N-95 mask, Andra never pushed the subject with Ghost.

“No.” Andra answered, trepidation apparent in Jasmine’s eyes as if what Andra was saying was completely insane. It probably was. “But I respect it.”

Jasmine blinked. “So I have no description to go by but a man in a skull mask if you ever go missing.”

Andra nudged her. “He’s nice. He’s never given me a reason to feel in danger and I’m friends with his best friend who served in the forces with him.”

“I think I’ll stop asking questions while I’m ahead.” Jasmine started walking again, and Andra followed. “Here they are.”

Andra squealed as she saw the two little black baby goats nursing on their sleep-deprived mother, little tails wagging faster than Sammy’s ever could. Sammy’s nose pressed against the bars of the enclosure, sniffling curiously.

They were adorable. Both of them were jet black, one of them had a tuff of white on the end of its tail.

“Both of them are boys,” Jasmine began to open the stall while Andra commanded Sammy to stay, “Did you want to come in?”

Andra was so ready to meet them. She had to gain the trust from mama first before she could get close to the kids, and it took a minute before mama allowed them to hop onto her lap. She sat on the clean bed of hay with the babies, giggling in immense joy as they sniffed and licked her.

Ghost met up with them after attending to his phone call to find Andra snuggling the baby goats. She caught his silhouette in her peripheral and looked up with a wide smile. “Aren’t they precious?”

Andra swore he was smiling beneath that balaclava. “You got names for them yet?”

Her focus returned to the wily kids competing for her attention, thankfully she had two hands to pet both of them. “Oh yeah, I got names for them already.” Andra picked up the jet black kid to showcase him to Ghost. “This one will be Phantom,” then she picked up the other in the same fashion, “And this one is Shadow.”

Did his eye twitch? It made her mischievous grin harder to hold back. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“You had things to say about me naming my chicken Ted, so I figured I’d take a page out of your playbook.”

Jasmine was holding back her laughter and turned away.

Andra was too consumed by the copious amounts of affection the animals were giving her to realize what Ghost was doing until it was too late. “Andra.”

Her head shot up at the sound of Ghost saying her name to find him holding up a phone in a similar angle that she had done not too long ago, crouching down to make sure he had her in the frame. “Say payback.”

Ghost took the photo, and her mouth went slack in surprise. “Is that my phone!?”

Sammy trotted happily up the steps of the front porch and sat with a windshield-wiper tail on full blast, patiently waiting for Andra to open the front door. The energetic dog darted inside seconds after Andra swung the door open and left it open behind her. The two of them lingered on the front porch, Andra leaning against the threshold and Ghost standing close with his hands fisted in his jacket pockets.

“Thank you for coming along with me.” Andra started. “It was good seeing you again.”

“It was a pleasure.” Ghost looked out to the gray skies, the sprinkle of rain continuing its descent like it had been the whole morning. “I hope I didn’t make your friend uncomfortable.” He turned back to Andra to gauge her reaction.

“Oh no, she’s really lovely.” Andra’s lips turned up into a grin. “She’s just looking out for me.”

Ghost nodded. “I get why she was asking if you knew what I look like underneath the,” he pointed a finger to his masked face.

Now it was Andra’s turn to look away, nibbling at her lower lip from learning that he still heard what they said. “I just told her that... I respect it, and I honestly don’t mind.” His eyes were intense when she looked back at him, and her insides turned hot. “Is that weird?”

He let out an amused huff. “Completely bizarre.”

Andra shifted her weight onto her other foot, standing straight now and looking up to meet his gaze. “I respect your choice to remain hidden.” Her hands began to feel warm and clammy. “I had made the assumption in my mind that you pretty much wore it through your time in service, and – I don’t know...”

Andra struggled to manifest the thoughts into words even though this was something she has thought of before, but Ghost waited patiently, giving her his full attention to what she had to say. “Maybe it’s a physical metaphor of not being able to put that all behind you. As if the shadows have returned.”

Ghost looked extremely uncomfortable from her deduction. “The shadows haven’t returned, they just never left.” It sounded like he was struggling to keep his voice from faltering, and instead his response came out gruff.

Andra’s heart dropped to her stomach. His shadows were comparatively darker than hers, but they both had shadows all the same. She recognized that conviction in his words, believing so firmly that he’s still damaged and haunted by things that won’t stay buried. Her eyes softened once her gaze returned to his. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re gonna disappear on me again.”

The pleading in her gaze pierced him in the chest. “I’ll do better.”

Her face turned up with a glimmer of faith. “I’ll accept that.”

“I’ll do you one better.” Ghost removed his hands from his pockets, palming his phone in one. “If you’re not doing anything Saturday morning, I would like to take you somewhere.”

Andra held herself back from looking too eager. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Doesn’t have to be a date. Just a little morning excursion if weather permits.”

Ghost really was trying, and it swelled something fierce in her heart. “Then I accept this invitation for our not-date.”

“I’ll see you Saturday morning, then.” Ghost left her front porch and hurried off to his truck to avoid getting rained on. Andra watched his truck drive back down the gravel path and make the left turn onto their shared road.

Her phone started to buzz in her pocket, Jasmine was calling to finish the conversation they had started. “Hey, no I’m free I just said bye to Ghost – oh my God, you’re impossible.”

-----

Ghost booted up his laptop after receiving Laswell’s brief message letting him know she sent over any information she could dig up with the license plate number he had given her. He had called her when they were at the Blue Crescent Ranch and while Andra was fawning over her goats. Shadow and Phantom... that woman. Ghost muttered a curse to himself after looking over the registration documents.

It was a dead end.

The license plates were registered under a 65-year-old woman, and the make and model of the vehicle did not match the black sedan that were sporting the plates.

Ghost sighed and leaned back in the chair, staring at the screen as he pulled off his balaclava. This new development put his defenses on high alert. There shouldn’t have been any reason for a person driving with stolen plates to be coming down their road as frequently as this one has been. Shouldn’t have stolen plates at all. A one-time occurrence wouldn’t be enough for him to look into it, but after reviewing every motion sensor alert, this car had traveled down the road and back a total of seven times since July. A week after Andra had gotten her truck from the shop.

It was now September.

Ghost detested himself for feeling some kind of relief when Andra first had told him she wasn’t seeing anyone. He still felt that way, but the distress of this unknown person superseded that. He also remembered that Andra didn’t have any form of security on her property.

He would have to rectify that. She would most likely agree with him that it would be rational to set up at least a few cameras around the outside of her house, and maybe he could convince her to set one up near her mailbox as well. There were a couple of spare cameras he had in storage from when he first set up his own security system back when he moved in.

Johnny, much to his chagrin, had helped him set up the cameras. He had set up his own at his flat, but it seemed like he only checks his doorbell camera every time he gets packages delivered as of late. He wasn’t as concerned about being hunted down the way Ghost was; the 141 had faked his death a year before they had actually completed their contract. It seemed like no matter how many times Ghost had faked his death, it felt like someone out there still knew that he would never stay dead.

Christ... Ghost rubbed his burning eyes and closed the laptop. What was he doing? He recalled what Price told him the day they were on their flight back home. Let Simon have a life now. It was clear what he meant; put away the mask, live a civilian life, find a nice woman, or man, to warm his bed.

Ghost wouldn’t allow himself the luxury of living, he managed to sabotage any connection that wasn’t Johnny, Price, or Gaz. He was certain Andra would have told Ghost to jog off after the cold shoulder he had given her.

Until she hadn’t.

And then she had to go and showcase how much she just might understand his issues. Her metaphors of shadows made his knees feel like they were ready to give out. It was like he was out in an open field with no cover, and she had him in her sights of a scope. Vulnerable.

Ghost picked up his phone sitting beside the closed laptop and found himself looking at the photo she had taken in the truck. He saw her cheery smile on the screen, reaching up all the way to her eyes. With his unexpecting glance in her direction in the background. There was an iridescence about her eyes, it had him looking for what felt like several minutes. He didn’t want to think about what those eyes looked like the day she left the auto shop.

A message from Andra startled his train of thought. What’s the dress code for our morning rendezvous?

The corner of his mouth turned up slightly as he responded. Wear sensible shoes for walking.

----------

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astrobolical · 7 months

Text

Perhaps not the way I was intended to find fun in this game (not that it’s not fun overall) but I’ve been really enjoying uncovering and, in some cases, finding some sources of errors in What in Hell is Bad? It’s… an oddly cathartic experience.

This is just a list of things I’ve experienced, so definitely not a comprehensive list of the experiences overall.

I’m just having fun, by the way! Absolutely no hate towards the devs— this is a massive undertaking for a small team, and it’s completely expected. Especially given their issues with their servers at launch.

Active Bugs:

L-Class Artifact “Shiny Leather Gloves” can break boss fights — presumably because it attempted to erase the boss, which leaves the units confused and stagnant while the boss continues to attack

L-Class Artifact “Sweet Cup Dessert” doesn’t seem to adjust when levelled? It always says “…he becomes invincible for 0.00s once during battle” which is arguably useless. May potentially just not be coded properly? Or I may be misunderstanding it (I have since levelled it again to 14, and still no change)

Graphical error in the “My Devils” screen— the word “Information” does not properly fit within the button

Another little one on the “My Devils” screen — when attempting to sort, changing the order will reset other options and doesn’t seem to work by itself regularly? Sometimes it does, often it doesn’t

When playing in a chapter, if a unit dies it sometimes appears to cause the enemy units to become undying. They stop attacking, their health bar appears to be at 0, but they remain and the level will not end

UPDATE ON THE ABOVE POINT: It seems to be when you move units. In one case I moved Beelzebub, and then moved him elsewhere again but the enemies still stopped where he used to be and he took damage as if he were in range of them. Subsequently, when he died the level broke.

During “Hell-oh! Talk” chats don’t simply end and you get the reward, if you click away you’ll need to go through the chat again and click once it’s over

Sometimes suggested character types are not actually viable in the levels

Sometimes when retrying a level the game will not bring up the devils to select, and if you leave the entire games graphical interface is messed up and you must restart the app

Necronomicon Exchange - Solomon’s Tears option does not properly reset with the week, giving users an error saying it’s not available when it should be

Already purchased items in the shop will not properly show that it’s no longer available— this will give you an error and restart the app

Already purchased shop items that should not be purchasable again will charge you, tell you it’s not available after that, and restart the app. You’ll be charged but not receive anything Add

Additionally to the above, should you have his charge you will then be plagued with “Item not available” messages each and every time you attempt to sign in

Fixed Bugs:

Gacha screen not properly displaying when pulling. Spotlights would not show, and Satan was missing his irises so you could only see his eye whites (it was creepy)

On the “My Devils” screen, the circle for the artifact was on the character’s abdomen, and was not selectable to equip an artifact at all

In the level select, for some reason all previous chapters I had cleared suddenly became locked again, but it did resolve itself

Text Errors:

This is obviously not going to cover every single line in the game, or grammatical errors (of which there are a lot, especially in early levels). This is more for one-off lines around the game outside of story.

I actually don’t remember a ton at the time of writing this, but I’m sure I’ll come across more or remember them.

During Foras’ Ultimate it says “I can’s see the enemies anymore.” When it should be “I can’t see the enemies anymore.”

On the Home Screen if you have Leraye set, one of his chat bubbles ends in “A10:AJ10” which is incredibly out of place. “His Majesty Satan brought a new teddy bear! My collection will soon increase too!!A10:AJ10”

And for even more fun!

Potential Quality of Life Improvements:

When pulling on the gacha, allow users to click to ‘interrupt’ a devil who was pulled (I sincerely do love their voices, but I don’t want to hear it every time if I have before) (Coming Oct 25th)

Automatically “sell” tea leaves for maxed out characters for pancakes during the gacha sequence

Have a “quick select” party you can quickly select from at the start of chapters rather than having to scroll through your list of devils each time

More accessible “friends” functionality— while not pivotal, I’ve found the screen once and then never again

In the chats during story missions, adjustments to text speed or a selection for speed so the characters aren’t talking so rapidly if someone can’t keep up with it

Grammatical improvements overall, though I noticed as the game goes on they’re either not as noticeable or I’m becoming desensitized

On the “Unholy Board” Auto scroll to the furthest active node

On the level select, auto scroll to the most recently unlocked level if not all levels are completed in the chapter

On certain levels a large portion of the map is not viable to place your units on even when it appears it should be— if something should not be accessible, make it clearer that it’s not (looking at you 3-86, you miserable thing)

On certain levels a bit more visibility — it’s not bad, but often scrolling still doesn’t show the whole map even if an enemy spawn is there (will only be partially visible)

Clearer UI for things like selling items from your inventory — it’s not readily obvious, so some people may simply believe it’s not possible if they’re not familiar with the game’s format

Ability to open all of an item if applicable (i.e. “Random Hallucination Devil Pie Piece Chests” and similar items)

Auto-Battle for completed levels (especially in Dark Sanctuary) — if you’ve already cleared it perfectly once, have it “remember” your team/movements from that battle (Arknights does this, and allows you to take over when needed) to make it a bit less repetitive and cumbersome. If that is too much, simply auto-clear it without showing us the battle since it has been proven we can beat it perfectly regardless. (Coming Oct 25th (Auto Clear option after perfect))

#What in Hell is Bad #whb #prettybusy what in “hell” is bad?#whb bug #~Astro fidgets #I absolutely do know there’s a wide array of issues #but making this list is fun #Also yes I was horribly underleveled in the screenshot where my units are dead #~welcome to the haven #Yes i find this very fun #what in hell is bad foras #whb foras #whb leviathan #whb mammon #whb leraye

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