#medical college of virginia | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

callsign-dexter · 8 months

Text

Hearts on Edge

Request: Helloooo ❤️ I hope I can request a Bradley Bradshaw imagine where his girlfriend gets in a car accident while they are on the dagger mission. So he gets informed as soon as they land on deck and his world breaks apart. Mav and the others join him at the hospital while they wait for information. You're hurt serious and are still out while they wait but when you wake up it's all cute and everyone cares for you making sure you'll be back on your feet in no time 🙊

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x Wolfe!Reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, inaccurate medical talk, car crash, pregnancy, birth

A/N: sorry it took so long to get out but here it is!

Masterlist

Deployments were never easy for you. Whoever said they were had to be lying. This deployment was especially hard for you because you weren't allowed to know any details about what your boyfriend, Bradley Bradshaw, and his fellow squad members were doing. Even though it was a short one, it still wasn't easy. You were no stranger to the military, especially the Navy, it ran in your family you just never wanted to join. It also wasn't easy for Bradley to leave you not when you were getting sick every morning, randomly during the day, to certain smells, or having weird cravings at all hours of the night. Penny Benjamin was gracious enough to have given you a job while they were away and possibly forever.

Now the history of you and Bradley goes way back. You two had met when you were 8 years old when your father was stationed in Virginia and you and your family moved in next to Carole and Bradley. Your father, Leonard "Wolfman" Wolfe, then went to Top Gun so Carole and your mother got along very quickly and you and Bradley became friends fast. When Carole got sick Bradley was with you most of the time. When she passed you two never lost contact and when Maverick pulled his papers he came to you upset and you comforted him. You both went to the same college and followed each other everywhere. You began dating your last year of college and have been together ever since. When Bradley started his Navy career you were with him and when he got called to Top Gun you went with him to San Diego, bought a house, and moved in. It just so happened that your father got a teaching position at Top Gun along with his pilot Rick "Hollywood" Neven after the mission and accepted it so he and your mom, Sage Wolfe who is a doctor and had accepted a position at the hospital, so they moved down to San Diego.

When you and Bradley arrived in San Diego you both went to The Hard Deck and you walked in hand and hand. You weren't much of a drinker and you had been feeling sick lately so you backed off the alcohol completely. "Bradshaw is that you?" Natasha, whom you had met on several occasions, yelled out and you told Bradley to go on while you got drinks.

"Well, I haven't seen you in a long time." A familiar voice said and you turned around and found Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell sitting there and you smiled.

"Maverick!" You said and hugged him. "How have you been?" You asked him.

"I've been good. What have you been up to?" He asked and you just smiled.

"I've been good. We've been good. Just moving wherever the Navy tells him to go." You said and then Penny came over.

"Y/N Y/M/N Wolfe, long time no see." She said and you smiled and you hugged her.

"Hey, Penny." You said.

"What can I get you?" She asked

"Michelob Ultra bottled and Ginger Ale." You said and she nodded. She handed them to you and you nodded to Maverick and set off towards Bradley.

He greeted you with a kiss on the lips and took the beer. "Thanks, Babe. No drinking for you?" He asked a little concerned. You shook your head.

"Haven't been feeling well." You said and nodded and kissed the side of your head.

"Rooster you gonna introduce us to your lady?" A man with a southern drawl asked you looked over and smirked and you rolled your eyes.

"His lady can introduce herself. I'm Y/N Wolfe." You said with a smirk and he dropped his smirk for one second.

"I'm Hangman but you can call me Jake." Jake said and you smiled and lifted your drink to him.

"I like her. I'm Fanboy but call me Mickey." Mickey said and then everyone else introduced themselves and you could tell you were going to be great friends.

The night went on and the bell rang twice and each time you looked over it was on Maverick. You just shook your head. When Bradley played the piano the one song you loved for him to play. The night ended and you went home.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

While Bradley had been training you had been spending most of your day on the couch. Then you spend your nights at The Hard Deck helping Penny by bartending. She even offered you a job and you gladly expected.

Your mother had come over one day while Bradley was training. She walked in on you throwing up in the guest bathroom. "Oh baby." She said sympathetically she said and you gagged.

"Momma." You moaned out as you had tears streaming down your face. You leaned back into her.

"Come on. Let's get you up." She said and helped you up. "How long has this been going on?" She asked going into doctor mode.

"2 months." You said as you settled onto the couch and she went and got some water for you.

"Have you been late?" She asked and you nodded.

"I thought it was just stress from him deploying and moving." You said as you took a drink of water.

"Have you told Bradley?" She asked and you shook your head.

"He knew I had been sick and he has just been so stressed out lately with training. I don't think I'm pregnant momma." You said

"It doesn't hurt to check." She said and you nodded.

"I'll make an appointment in a few days." You said and she nodded.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

When Bradley had come in one day saying to get ready for the beach you were confused. "Why?" You had asked him.

"Maverick is making us do a team bonding exercise and I want you there with me. I also want to show you off." He said coming up kissing your neck and you smiled.

"Of course Babe." You said and got ready for the beach. You didn't want to put on a swimsuit because nothing fit right and you were a little bloated, although you never brought this up to Bradley but he could probably see it, so you settled for a pair of jean shorts and a tank top. You both headed to the beach.

When you got there you went to join Penny on the back deck. You greeted her and she greeted you back and then stopped and looked at you. "You're glowing." She said and you looked at her confused. "You look exactly how I looked when I was pregnant with Amelia." She said and you shook your head.

"I'm not pregnant." You said and looked down. She just hmmed and continued to do what she was doing beforehand. You watched your boyfriend flex and have a great time and you smiled.

About an hour into being at the beach, he and Maverick came over to you and Penny and Bradley kissed you hard. Penny just smiled. "Bradley you're gross." You said as he tried to hug and you scrunched up your nose in playful disgust.

"Well, I guess you better come with me down to the ocean and help me clean off." He said playfully.

"No no. Don't you dare." You said as he gently picked you up and took off with you shrieking.

"She's glowing isn't she?" Maverick asked Penny and she nodded. "Carole looked that way when she was pregnant with Bradley." He said and then just stared at the two of you. You both reminded him of Carole and Goose.

"She swears she's not pregnant." Penny said while looking up at Maverick. He smirked and shook his head.

"Oh yea she's pregnant. Just won't admit it because she's too stubborn like her father." He said with a smirk and a chuckle.

"Ain't that the truth." She said and smirked back along with a chuckle.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

You had not been able to make an appointment because each time you tried something had come up. One thing is Ice's funeral. You were crushed. He was like an uncle to you.

Then they were getting ready to be shipped off to do this special mission. You had been with Bradley at the dock giving him a tearful goodbye. "I'm gonna miss you." You said into his neck.

"I'm gonna miss you too, Babe." He said hugging you back. "You have people that you can go to if you need any help." He said breaking the hug and kissing you and you kissed back.

"You be safe and get back to me." You said and he nodded.

"Yes ma'am." He replied with a chuckle and he was giving you another kiss. He then turned and gave your parents a hug and a handshake and then he was headed off. You watched as the aircraft carrier sailed out and you continued standing there until it was out of view. Your parents came up to you and your dad threw an arm around your shoulders and your mom held your hand. They took you away from the dock.

"He's going to be fine, Sweetheart." Your dad said and kissed the side of your head and you nodded. You already missed Bradley.

They had gotten you home and you immediately ran to the bathroom and threw up. Both Wolfman and Sage looked at each other and waited for you to come out and when you didn't your father went to you. "Sweetheart." He said and held your hair. "Let it all out it's ok." He said and by that point, you were dry heaving. You blindly flushed the toilet, stood up with his help, rinsed out your mouth, and walked out.

"Have you gotten an appointment yet?" Your mother asked and you shook your head.

"We've been so stressed out. Then Ice died and it's just been hectic." You said and they nodded understanding. "I'll call right now." You said and they nodded you got your phone out and were about to dial the phone number for the doctor's office but you then realized you didn't have anything set up. "Although I don't have any doctor's office set up or OB-GYN." You said almost panicking. Your parents could see a panic attack coming on.

"Hey hey hey. I'll call them you just calm down." Your mom said and took your phone while your dad helped you to the ground and held you.

"You're ok, Sweetheart." He said and you cried into his shoulder. "This baby is gonna be one spoiled little boy." He said and you looked up at him.

"Boy?" You asked sniffling.

"I have a feeling." He said and kissed the side of your forehead. Your mom walked back in and sat down on the floor with you.

"They can get you in Friday of next week at 3 PM." She said and you nodded and she hugged you.

"That's when Bradley is due home." You said and they nodded.

"It'll be a nice surprise." Your mom said. You guys stayed on the floor for most of the night until you confirmed that they could leave and you would be fine.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Friday 3 PM rolled around quicker than you thought and the next thing you knew you were at your appointment. You went by yourself just because you didn't want to inconvenience anyone, even though they would say they wouldn't mind. You waited in the waiting room leg bouncing nervously. "Ms. Wolfe?" The nurse said and you stood up and she smiled at you "How are you doing today?" She asked and you took a minute to answer.

"Nervous." You said and she smiled

"Very understandable." She said as she took your vitals, height, and weight. She led you into a room "Dr. Baxter will be in with you momentarily." She said and you nodded and she walked out of the room.

20 minutes later Dr. Baxter walked in and she smiled at you "Good afternoon Ms. Wolfe." She said and you smiled.

"Please call me Y/N." You said she nodded

"So you think you may be pregnant?" She asked looking at her notes and you nodded.

"Yes. I've been have been throwing up every morning and sometimes throughout the day. I'm also getting sick to certain smells and having weird cravings." You said and she nodded writing down what she needed.

"How long has this been going on?" She asked

"2 months but I thought it was just from stress. My boyfriend is a Naval aviator and gets deployed frequently and currently on a deployment now." You said and she nodded.

"Totally understandable. I want to run some blood work and then an ultrasound." She said and you nodded.

"Whatever needs to be done I'm good with it." You said and she smiled.

"I'll have a nurse come in and draw your blood and send it down to the labs." Dr. Braxton said and left the room. Oh you wished Bradley, mom, or dad were here but they were all busy or so you thought and Bradley was gone. A nurse came in and introduced herself and could see you were nervous and while she was drawing it she talked you all the way through it, which helped.

You waited for another 10 minutes and Dr. Baxter came in smiling. "I want to congratulate you on your pregnancy. We'll do an ultrasound now." She said and you smiled. You couldn't believe it you were going to be a mother and Bradley was going to be a father. You did the ultrasound and got a picture. You then left the office smiling.

You got into your car and turned it on and started to drive off and immediately called her parents who were at home since her mom just got off of work.

"Hello Grandma and Grandpa." You said and waited for their reaction.

"What?!" Your parents said at the same time.

"Oh! Honey! This is great!" Your mother exclaimed

"We're so happy for you!" Your father said "Where are you now?" He asked.

"Close to The Hard Deck. I'm gonna tell Penny since she is my boss." You said

"You be safe, Sweetheart." Your dad said

"We love you!" Your mother added

"Love you guys too!" You said and then hung up.

You got to The Hard Deck, parked your car turned the car off, walked in, and greeted Penny as you put your purse behind the counter.

"I have some news." You said smirking and she looked at you.

"No. Are you pregnant?" She asked a smile breaking onto her face and you nodded.

"Yup. 2 months." You said and she squealed.

"I'm so happy for you and Bradley!" She said "If you need any time off, tell me. If you need to take a break and sit, tell me." She said and you nodded. The rest of the night went smoothly you were on could 9 so happy to start a family with a man you love. You weren't supposed to be working but saw Penny was busy and decided to help.

You bid Penny a goodnight at 6 PM. You were halfway home to get ready to pick up Bradley at 8 PM when you forgot your purse. You cursed and turned around and headed back to The Hard Deck.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

You were stopped at a stop light heading back to The Hard Deck to retrieve your purse. Then all of a sudden you felt your car lunge forward making your head hit the steering wheel, everything sounded like it was underwater. The person who had hit you was a teenager who was texting on their phone and wasn't paying attention or saw the stoplight and had rear-ended you. You tried to stop it but they just kept going and pushed you into the intersection as the other light had turned green. Another car had t-boned you and had pushed you to the other side of the intersection right into a telephone pole and over the guardrail turning the car on its side.

You hit your head on the steering wheel for the second time as you were flipped over the guardrail. Glass was everywhere you had blood running down your face. Your seatbelt had dug into your skin and then there was a piece of glass that found itself lodged into your ribs and punctured your lung. The windshield had shattered and a tree branch found its way into your lower stomach puncturing a kidney. Your hands immediately shot to your stomach and you were glad to find nothing had impaled you.

The car was totaled and you were hurt. You just wanted Bradley, your mom, and your dad. Then you started to panic, your parents. You tried to move but the pain spread throughout your body and it became so much that you blacked out. Your airbags deployed and it hit you in the chest and face.

The pain was becoming too much and you were starting to lose consciousness and fast. You didn't like that one bit. You couldn't move. People were shouting and asking if you were ok but you couldn't answer them. You couldn't see anyone until an older man came into view. You could hear sirens but you couldn't really pay attention to them.

"Ma'am, are you ok?" He asked but it sounded like you were underwater. Were you underwater? You began to wonder. You tried to answer but you had already let your tired eyes slip shut. You couldn't breathe why couldn't you breathe?

You heard shouting but you couldn't be bothered to listen or make out what they were saying. You heard metal cutting and felt heat but you didn't know what from. You're eyes betrayed you when you tried to open them.

"Ma'am?" That same voice asked again and you cracked your eyes open just enough. "Hey there." He said "We're going to get you out. Ok?" He said and you tried to nod your head but it was just pain and you whimpered out. "Hey don't try to move. Can you talk?" He asked.

"Yes." You said even though it was hoarse.

"What's your name?" He asked

"Y/N Wolfe." You said even tho it was slurred.

"Hi Y/N. I'm Max paramedic. We're working to get you out of there." He said as the door was lifted.

"Pregnant." You slurred closing your eyes.

"Hey don't close your eyes. How far along are you?" He asked as you cracked your eyes open.

"2 months. Just found out." You said having trouble breathing. He nodded as you blinked slowly.

"We're going to move you now ok?" Max asked and you didn't say anything. You had fallen unfocused until you felt yourself being moved.

You didn't make a sound and that worried them. You were moved onto a gurney and loaded up you heard some talking. "Y/N, I'm Jason. We're going to get you to the hospital and taken care of. I hear you're pregnant." He said and you knew they were just trying to keep you awake but it was failing and quickly.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Sage and Wolfman were sitting on their couch reveling in the best news one's parents could get, they were going to be grandparents. They were talking about names that Bradley and you would make. They had taken bets on whether it was going to be a boy or a girl but they would have to wait just a little bit long to find out.

"I can't believe we're going to be grandparents." Your mother kept saying she was just so excited.

"I know! I can't wait to meet the little bundle of energy." Your father said just as his phone rang. He answered it with a smile.

"Hello?" He asked

"Is this Admiral Leonard Wolfe?" A woman asked

"This is he." He said

"A Y/N Wolfe was just brought in due to an accident. We tried to reach Lt. Bradley Bradshaw but were unable to get ahold of him." She said his smile dropped and his wife noticed.

"He's on a deployment right now but is due back tonight." He said "We'll be there in just a few." He said

"We'll give you more information when you get here." She said

"Thank you." He said and then hung up.

Leonard turned to his wife "Y/N/N has been in an accident." He said and his wife broke down.

"No. You're lying." She said tears threatening to fall.

"I wish I was." He said and hugged Sage.

"Did they release any details?" She asked and he shook his head.

"No." He said "Bradley is going to be expecting her to pick him up." He continued.

"We'll go to the hospital. Can you call Cyclone?" Sage said and he nodded and they did just that.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

You were floating, or you seemed like you were. You were on a beach, wait why were you there? You were in the back of an ambulance, right? You were confused. You were just about to forget about it when you saw Carole.

"Carole?" You called out and she turned around.

"Y/N!" She yelled out cheerily and then a man turned around and you recognized him as Goose.

"Goose?" You asked and he smiled they walked up to you.

"Hey, Pup." He said, he had given you that nickname when he found out Wolman had a kid, it just made sense. You met him when families were allowed to visit at Top Gun.

"Am I dead?" You asked and they shook their head.

"No, Pup. You just needed a little break for a bit." Goose said

"You're glowing." Carole said and then she gasped. "Are you pregnant?" She asked happily.

"Yes. 2 months along." You said happily and put your hands on your stomach and you were surprised when you felt the bump. That was the first time you actually felt it.

"Can I?" Carole asked and you knew she wanted to touch your belly, you nodded and you let her and she smiled. "This is so wonderful." Then pulled away when Goose started to speak.

"Finally! Bradley is going to be a father! We're going to be grandparents!" Goose said "About time he found the right one. I can't wait until he proposes." He said and then Carole hit him and he let out an 'ooof'. You wondered what they knew.

"GOOSE!" Caorle shouted and you smiled. Bradley definitely got his looks from his father.

"Your little boy is going to be one spoiled boy." Goose said and you raised an eyebrow and Carole hit Goose again this time in the stomach and he let out another 'ooof'.

"NICHOLAS BRADSHAW!" Carole said and you laughed. They must know something. She then turned to you. "How is Bradley?" She asked.

"He's good. He doesn't know yet. I just found out myself and you rubbed your hand over your belly and smiled looking out over the horizon. "I can't wait to marry him." You sighed out with a smile and they smiled with you.

"As much as we would love for you to stay here. You must go back and raise this baby and be happy with Bradley." Carole said and Goose nodded.

"You should totally name the kid Goose or Nick." Goose said and Carole just sighed and shook her head. "We really do love you kids. But you can't stay." He said being serious.

"We love you too." You said

"Tell Maverick to stop blaming himself." Goose said and you nodded you knew the story and what happened.

They began to fade out and you began hearing beeping "Remember to always love each other and don't go to bed angry." Carole said.

"Say hi to Bradley and Maverick for us. We love you both." Goose said and then they were gone.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Cyclone had just gotten off the phone with Wolfman since he could do that. He looked at Warlock and he had a grim look on his face. "We need to go and get Lt. Bradshaw. Also, get a helicopter ready." Cyclone said and he nodded. They had just crash-landed and were celebrating and they were about to turn his world upside down.

So they walked down to the deck and walked through the crowd and got his attention which got everyone's attention. "Lt. Bradshaw." Cyclone said and he turned to look at the man who wore and grim look on his face even more grim than his normal one.

"Sir?" He asked

"It's about Y/N." Cyclone said and Bradley's face paled.

"What about her?" Maverick asked having heard the conversation and saw the look on Bradley's face.

"She's been in a car accident. We have a helicopter ready to go." Warlock said and he nodded and followed but stopped. Everyone had heard and they were just as devastated.

"Go. We'll meet you there. I'll grab your stuff." Hangman said and he nodded and headed off.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

When they got to the hospital they were greeted by Lenorad and Sage. They were just as upset as Bradley was. "Did they tell you what happened?" Bradley asked.

"No they just said that she was in a car accident and in surgery." Sage said and he nodded and sat down next to them.

They waited in silence for who knows how long. The others had arrived back on land as scheduled and rushed to the hospital to be with their squad companion. Maverick was the first one to speak.

"Wolfman, anything?" He asked and he just shook his head.

"No. All we know was she was in a car accident." He said and they nodded. Your parents decided not to say anything about the baby, they figured that it was your news to tell.

4 hrs later a doctor came out and over to them. Normally they would call out a name but not this time since they recognized Sage. They all looked up at the doctor.

"How is she?" Bradley asked being the concerned boyfriend.

"She was rear-ended and then t-boned. The t-bone car pushed her over to the other side of the intersection and over a guardrail. She hit her head twice and had a tree branch in her kidney, which we removed she also had a piece of glass puncturing her lung and we repaired it. We expect her to make a full recovery in 6-8 weeks. They're both doing ok." Dr. Xavier said

"Both?" Bradley asked shocked and so was everyone else.

"Yes, both. Ms. Wolfe is two months pregnant." He said and looked at Bradley "I take it you didn't know?" He asked and he shook his head.

"I had my suspension but we never confirmed it." He said and then looked at her parents.

"She found out today and called us. She was going to tell you but you weren't back yet." Wolfman said and Bradley broke down in tears and Maverick patted him on the back.

"Congratulations kid. Your parents would be proud." Maverick said and then brought him into a hug.

"She's in recovery now but I suspect her to make a full one. You're welcome to see her but don't overwhelm her. Room 237." Dr. Xavier said and they nodded and he left. They sat there until Jake, of all people, spoke up.

"Bradley, Wolfman, and Sage should go first and see her." He said and everyone agreed. She they all three got up and walked to your room. When they got there they saw you hooked up to wires and IVs running out of both arms and they had a device around your stomach, a baby heart monitor. They walked in and when Bradley heard his child's heartbeat he broke down crying again. They walked in and sat down waiting for you to wake up.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

30 minutes or what felt like forever to you. You woke up to multiple beepings and something warm in your hand. You slowly blinked your eyes open and turned your head and saw Bradley there. "Bradley?" You asked sleepy.

"Baby? You're awake." He said and that alerted your parents.

"Hey, Sweetheart." Your dad said with a smile "You're mother went down to the cafeteria but will be back soon." He said and you nodded.

"Baby?" You asked eyes fluttering closed and brought your hand to your stomach.

"Perfectly healthy." Bradley said smiling and you opened your eyes again.

"Was gonna tell you." You said and smiled as he smiled back.

"Oh Babe. It's ok. I'm just glad we know now." He said

"I'm gonna go and get a nurse and call your mom." Your dad said and you nodded now more awake.

"I saw your mom and dad." You said to Bradley and he looked shocked.

"Really?" He asked and you nodded.

"Your dad asked us to name our kid after him." You said with a chuckle. "He says it's a boy and Dad thinks so too." You finished.

Bradley chuckled "What do you think it is?" He asked you.

"Boy. You?" You asked

"Girl." He said and you looked at him. "So I can have two important girls in my life and she's going to look like you." He said and rubbed the back of your hand with his thumb that he was holding.

He leaned over and kissed your lips which you gladly returned. You broke apart when your doctor came in with your parents. He talked to you about your injuries and recovery and then he went on his way. Throughout the night there were nurses in and out checking on you and the baby.

Everyone came and saw and congratulated you. You missed them so much and they missed you. They couldn't wait for the little bundle of joy to be born. Penny came as well and she brought your purse with her where you told Bradley to look through it and found the ultrasound and again started crying.

"Oh Maverick?" You said and he nodded.

"Goose and Carole say hi and he says to stop blaming yourself." You said and he burst out in tears. Oh how he wished that Goose was there now.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

A week later you were released and you were glad about that. Bradley was nonstop fussing over you and you had no problem with that. The Daggers had officially become a squadron and your dad had started his teaching position.

When 3 months of your pregnancy came around you were able to find out the sex of the baby. You and Bradley were on the way to the appointment with him driving. He held your hand over the console the entire way. You were 2 weeks into your recovery and you had started working again but took it very easy, besides Penny would throw a fit if you did too much.

"I'm really hoping for a boy." You said and Bradley looked at you while stopped at a red light.

"Why is that?" He asked amused turning his attention back to the road.

"A mini-you running around." You said and smiled at him.

"Well, what about a mini-you?" He asked and you laughed.

"You don't want a mini-me running around. Either way, I'll love them anyways." You said and Bradley frowned which you didn't see. He didn't know why you always put yourself down and he hated it. It was silent the rest if the way.

When you got there. He parked the car and you both got out. Since your bump had popped he was more tentative to you as were the rest of The Daggers. If Bradley couldn't be with you then it was one of them. Surprisingly Jake was the one that stepped up the most.

You both walked into the building and got checked in and in turn, you two were sat in the waiting room. 10 minutes later you were called back. Bradley stood up and helped you up and you walked back to the examining room. "If they are a girl what name do you have picked out?" You asked Bradley and he thought about it.

"Lena Marie Bradshaw. You?" He asked turning his attention to you.

"Oh I like that name. Aliyah Samantha Bradshaw." You said and before you asked about the boy name Dr. Braxton came in.

"Good morning. I see that you're recovering from an accident." She said and you nodded.

"Yea that's right. Gave us all a scare." You said and she nodded and turned to Bradley.

"I'm Dr. Braxton and you must be Bradley the father." She said and he nodded his head "Shall we get started?" She asked and you nothing nodded. Bradley helped you lay down which you grimaced in pain. Dr. Braxton smiled sympathetically. You lifted your shirt and she spread the gel on your belly which you shivered at. "Sorry." She said and you waved her off "She right here in the little bundle." She said and pointed to the screen. "Do you want to hear the heartbeat?" She asked you both nodded and she played the sound and it was the most delightful sound to be heard. You both cried. "Would you like to find out the sex?" She asked you both nodded. She moved the wand and stopped "Well it looks like he is a very confident boy." She said and you both smiled. A little Bradley. You got the ultrasound pictures.

Your appointment wrapped up and you were on the way home. "Do you think we should have a cookout and announce it?" You asked him and he was all for it.

"Absolutely!" He said and it was set.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Everyone had agreed to come to the cookout and it went well very well. Hotdogs and burgers were served as well as snack foods. When it was closer to dessert time that is when you decided to make the announcement. Everyone was outside sitting around a bonfire.

"Everyone we would like the make an announcement." Bradley said and stood up and so did you with the help of him and Maverick.

"We're expecting a little boy." You said and everyone cheered, your dad cheered the loudest.

"I told you!" He said and you all laughed. You all enjoyed the rest of the night. When it was getting late you bid everyone a good night cleaned up and went to bed.

"You never did tell me the name you picked out for the boy." He said and you just smiled.

"You'll find out when he comes." You said and just grinned.

"Good thing I love you." He said and kissed you and you both went to sleep.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

During your time of recovery and your pregnancy, Bradley has been a godsend. Anything you needed he was there getting it for you.

"Baby?" You asked one night at 3 AM after first he didn't answer but after shaking him he woke up.

"Yea? Are you ok? Did you water break?" He rambled on.

"I'm ok and no my water didn't break. I need to pee and I can't get up because I'm 6 months pregnant. I also want beef jerky with pickles." You whined out trying to sit up and failing and now crying. Bradley was up and awake in a instant.

"Hey don't cry. I'll help you get up and use the bathroom and then we'll go to the kitchen alright?" He asked and nodded. So he helped you get up and into the conjoined bathroom and once you were done there, you both headed to the kitchen.

He got you what you wanted and grimaced while you ate it. Ever since you learned that you were having a boy your cravings had gone weird. Especially to what boys tend to eat and craved.

He led you both to the living room and sat down on the couch as you ate and watched some boring TV show. When a commercial came on that involved animals, you just started balling, and then after you cried and had your feel you fell asleep on Bradley and that's how your parents found you when they came to check on you in the morning.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

While you were off work every member of The Dagger Squad took turns watching you and sometimes teamed up. Each of them loved it and you.

Jake always got a kick out of it but quickly lost his smirk when you went into a hormonal rage on him and backed him into a wall but afterward, you cried, you told him how sorry you were and he just held you when you cried. He came with backup the next time it was his turn to help you usually both Javy and Mickey. He would never admit it but he actually became a little scared of you.

Your hormonal rage was absolutely terrifying once you were at the base meeting Bradley there and Cyclone had said something that rubbed you the wrong way. You chewed him out worse than any Admiral that he had and also backed him up into the wall. He was literally shaking and sputtering out apologies, it took Bradley and Jake to pull you off of him and he looked petrified. He also became scared of you that day afterwards when you gave birth. Everyone made fun with it saying "Don't make me get Y/N here." His eyes would go wide and would shake his head no.

Bob and Nat acted like they were your butler waiting on you hand and foot and you felt guilty. Each time you tried to do something they would make you sit and not make you lift a finger. You cried at how helpful they were and how grateful you were for them.

Maverick and Penny always came together and they worked well as a team. They also didn't crowd you and let you do things on your own. Penny was a huge help especially since she was pregnant. Maverick was just happy Goose was getting a grandson and wished he was here.

Your mother and father were over when nobody else could come. They loved you dearly and the baby. Your mother was a great help as well and you were grateful for that. They helped you move stuff and unpack some baby things that you told them that you wanted done.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

By the time you were due to give birth, you were fully healed. Your water broke during the night, which woke you up with a start. "Bradley." You said and he didn't wake up. "Bradley." You said louder. Again nothing and finally you just yelled his name "Bradley!" You yelled and he sat up.

"I'm up. I'm up." He said and looked over at you.

"My water broke." You said and that snapped him awake. He got out of bed in a rush and started to run around and then came to you.

"Ok. Let's go." He said and off you went. You called the hospital and they called Dr. Braxton and she was going to meet you there.

When you arrived at the hospital they rushed you to Labor and Delivery. They got you set up and Bradley made some calls. Your mom and dad were the first to arrive and then all of The Dagger Squad and they brought a lot of gifts.

10 hrs is how long it took for you to be 10 cm dilated but once you were it was game on. "Ok next contraction. I want you to push." When it came you did just that. After 5 minutes of doing that over and over again and cursing out Bradley your little boy came screaming into the world. Bradley cut the cord while crying.

"You did great Babe." You said and kissed your head you were exhausted and sweaty. They placed him on your chest.

"He looks like you Bradley." You said and he chuckled.

"He looks like you too." He said and you smiled.

"What's his name going to be?" The nurse asked you just smiled.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Once cleaned up you welcomed guests. Your parents were the first ones to hold him and they were both crying. "What's his name?" Maverick asked and you smiled.

"Everyone meet, Thomas Nickolas Bradshaw." You said and Bradley stared at you in shock. He knew the first name but not his middle name. You had whispered it to the nurse.

"We also want to name Maverick and Penny as his godfather and godmother." Bradley said and Maverick teared up.

"We would be honored." He said and hugged the both of you and so did Penny.

Nothing could take this away from you not then and not now. You were glad you survived that crash. Bradley couldn't believe he had gotten so lucky but he was glad. You and Thomas were the best things that had happened to him and he was going to hold on as long as he could.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Carole and Goose were smiling down at their son and his girlfriend and now their grandson. "I told you it was going to be a boy." Goose said and Carole rolled her eyes.

"I knew the entire time. You weren't supposed to say anything." She said

"He's perfect. Definitely a good mix of them." He said and she nodded.

"Definitely." She said, "I can't wait to watch him grow up." She said even though she already saw his future.

"Wait until Ice hears that they named Thomas after him. I'm just glad they named him after me too." He said and again she rolled her eyes.

"You and I both knew they were going to do that." She said and he laughed and nodded.

"That I did." He said "That I did." He repeated.

Tag list:

@kmc1989

@els-marvelvsp

@atarmychick007

@nyx2021

#bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley bradshaw x reader fanfiction #bradley bradshaw x reader fic #bradley bradshaw x reader imagines #bradley bradshaw x reader fandom #top gun fanfiction #top gun imagine #top gun x reader #top gun fan fiction #top gun maverick imagines #top gun maverick imagine #top gun maverick x reader #top gun maverick fanfiction #top gun maverick fanfic #top gun maverick fic

254 notes · View notes

cartermagazine · 2 months

Text

Today We Honor Dr.Josephine English

Dr. Josephine English was an American gynecologist who was the first black woman to open a private practice in New York. She was also known for her work in real estate and health care, in addition to her philanthropy towards the arts.

English was born on December 17, 1920 to Jennie English and Whittie Sr. in Ontario, Virginia. She moved to Englewood, New Jersey in 1939. Her family was one of the first black families in Englewood. She attended Hunter College for her bachelor’s degree until 1949, and earned her Master’s in Psychology at New York University. She initially wanted to become a psychiatrist, but ended up choosing gynecology after discovering her interest at Meharry Medical College where she earned her medical degree in gynecology.

Dr.Josephine English opened her practice at Harlem Hospital. Once in Brooklyn, she opened up a women’s health clinic in Bushwick in 1956, as well as another in Fort Greene two decades later. During her career, English helped deliver 6,000 babies, including the children of Malcolm X, Betty Shabazz, and Lynn Nottage.

English’s interest in health care lead her establish the Adelphi Medical Center and child care programs, such as Up the Ladder Day Care and After School Program. Her passion for theater led her to establish the Paul Robeson Theater from a dilapidated church. She helped actors create performances to educate the populace on health and nutrition.

CARTER™️ Magazine

#carter magazine #carter #historyandhiphop365 #wherehistoryandhiphopmeet #history #cartermagazine #today in history #staywoke #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #drjoesphineenglish

70 notes · View notes

thefoxesraven · 3 months

Text

@paradoxolotl wrote one of the cutest andreil fics, Necromancy for Children, and I love it because it makes Neil work at the place I currently work at! BAB, or Build a Bear Workshop.

However, because I work at BAB now, all I can think about (with the lovely @jtl-fics encouraging) an AFTG AU where the foxes are a team of Bear Builders. Wymack is the General Manager, Abby is the Assistant Manger, Dan, Allison, Renee, and Seth are all team leads (Matt is in training to become a lead as well they just need to hire more builders first) and the Monsters are the rest of the crew.

Kevin transfered in from the West Virginia branch to the south Carolina branch because he recently found out that Wymack is his dad but oh no, now his dad is his boss.

This is not Aaron's only job as he pushes himself through medical school. He also works at the cafe that everyone frequents because it's just a walk across the street away. Sometimes, he even comes into BAB smelling like coffee and pastries. He also has another job at a book store closer to the apartment he, Andrew, Nicky, and now Kevin all share. Now Kaitlyn also works at the cafe and the bookstore. However, she and Aaron met during their classes then found out later that they also worked together.

Andrew is just there for the kids. He doesn't express it, but he likes how the young kids light up when he's helping them build their new friends. Andrew is also working for his tuition but he's going to community College to improve his writing skills as he works on his manuscript.

Nicky once again is in the US for the twins. Adopting them as soon as he was able and working hard until they also started working. Nicky is the other person along Matt in the run to be a Team Lead. They just need more employees first.

Neil is a new hire that everyone is unsure of, besides Kevin. Kevin saw him interview at his old store then never saw him return even after his old Managers spoke highly of his interview. He's not inexperienced, though. He's worked at multiple BABs and knows the rules and standards by heart. The binders are his Bible. He'll read them for fun. Master of the Bonus Club captures and Bonus Gift Cards.

Matt is a relatively new hire that was hired on seasoned a year or two ago that just stayed after everyone else left. He and Seth got along immediately, which led Seth and Allison setting him up with Dan as a little double date senario. Renee and Matt used to work together at a local bookstore, but they were let go when the owner couldn't keep it running. Matt ended up working at a sports store, his unique knowledge of boxing coming in handy while Renee went into retail at a small clothing business catered to folks looking for stylish clothes that also followed religious modesty requirements.

Seth is the longest employee besides Wymack and Abby (they've been at this store sense it was first opened). He was, in fact, one of the first people Wymack and Abby hired after getting promoted. Seth, by experience, knows the rules and regulations by heart. He helped Allison, Renee, and Dan all learn the ropes.

Dan and Allison were both interviewed and hired and trained the same days. They quickly became bffs and Dan and Renee had a friendly competition when she was hired on. The girls have become so close they hang out outside if work frequently. Wymack and Abby learned to schedule them at least one day off that lines up.

#aftg #all for the game #aftg au #build a bear #aftg build a bear au #abby winfield #david wymack #dan wilds #allison reynolds #renee walker #seth gordon #matt boyd #nicky hemmick #andrew minyard #aaron minyard #kevin day #neil josten

90 notes · View notes

liberalsarecool · 1 year

Text

Billionaires reimagined by AI in an alternative universe if they were born without rich parents, didn't receive billions in government handouts, and didn't have thousands of employees creating value they siphon away and rebrand as their 'personal net wealth'.

1. Donny Chumpf: Evaded taxes but didn't get away with it because he's working class, resulting in a criminal record which prevented him from obtaining another job. Chumpf spent more than half his life in prison.

2. Schemelong Musk: Musk's father was a miner but he didn't mine emeralds in Africa, but rather coal in West Virginia. After losing his mother at an early age to prescription opioids, Musk never regained focus or was able to obtain legitimate work. He spends his days roaming the streets loudly ranting to himself about space travel, underground tunnels, and magical coins with dogs imprinted on them that will replace the US dollar and global currencies.

3. Shill Tate: Had a good longterm job at a factory that makes chips for personal computers, but executives made the decision to relocate the plant to China so they could boost their bonuses. He and most of his community were never able to recover despite great efforts.

4. Jep Bozo: An enterprising and hardworking boy, Bozo got his first formal job at 15-years-old at the local warehouse for a global corporation. Despite working 60 hours a week for 20 years in backbreaking labor, Bozo never escaped poverty. He was injured on the job and without adequate medical or leave benefits, was told not to return.

5. Mac Chucklef*ck: Since youth, Mac had a lot of promise and was even accepted into Stanford University. Then Mac got in trouble for using the school's resources to bootstrap a private tech company which kept a database of images of female students without their consent. He was booted from the school, and without a college degree couldn't find good work and turned to a series of unsuccessful side hustles to make a living.

#InheritedWealth #TaxTheRich

392 notes · View notes

richincolor · 1 month

Text

We have three books on our radar for this week! You should check them out:

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le Roaring Brook Press

Nhika is a bloodcarver. A cold-hearted, ruthless being who can alter human biology with just a touch. In the industrial city of Theumas, she is seen not as a healer, but a monster that kills for pleasure. When Nhika is caught using her bloodcarving abilities during a sham medical appointment, she's captured by underground thugs and sold to an aristocratic family to heal the last witness of their father’s murder. But as Nhika delves deeper into their investigation amidst the glitz of Theumas’ wealthiest district, she begins to notice parallels between this job and her own dark past. And when she meets an alluring yet entitled physician's aide, Ven Kochin, she’s forced to question the true intent behind this murder. In a society that outcasts her, Kochin seems drawn to her...though he takes every chance he gets to push her out of his opulent world. When Nhika discovers that Kochin is not who he claims to be, and that there is an evil dwelling in Theumas that runs much deeper than the murder of one man, she must decide where her heart, and her allegiance, truly lie. And - if she's willing to become the dreaded bloodcarver Theumas fears to save herself and the ones she's vowed to protect.

Rules for Rule Breaking by Talia Tucker Kokila

Winter Park and Bobby Bae are Korean American high school juniors whose families have been friends since the kids were making crayon art. They, however, are repulsed by each other. Winter is MIT-bound, comfortable keeping people at arm’s length, and known by others as responsible, though she has a desire to let loose. This probably comes from her rebel grandmother, who is constantly pushing boundaries and encouraging Winter to do so as well. Winter’s best friend is moving abroad and won’t be attending college at all, and Winter’s wrestling with what it means to be left behind. Bobby is as Type-A, anxious, and risk-averse as you can get. He’s also been recently dumped, which has him feeling disoriented and untethered. That’s why, when Winter’s and Bobby’s parents insist that they go on a northeast college campus tour together, both teens find reasons to accept even though the thought of being stuck in a car together for 700 miles sounds unbearable. What awaits them is a journey of self-discovery where the only rule on their road trip is to break all the rules. At first, this happens in hilariously calculated ways (using lists and reason and logic!), but they soon abandon that, challenging each other to dares in Virginia, getting high and wandering around Philly for food—and battling the subsequent digestive distress—and crashing a party in Cambridge. And, of course, realizing that they’re perfect together.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Feiwel & Friends

Sade Hussein is starting her third year of high school, this time at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school, after being home-schooled all her life. Misfortune has clung to her seemingly since birth, but even she doesn’t expect her new roommate, Elizabeth, to disappear after Sade’s first night. Or for people to think Sade had something to do with it. With rumors swirling around her, Sade catches the attention of the girls collectively known as the ‘Unholy Trinity’ and they bring her into their fold. Between learning more about them—especially Persephone, who Sade is inexplicably drawn to—and playing catchup in class, Sade already has so much on her plate. But when it seems people don't care enough about what happened to Elizabeth, it's up to she and Elizabeth's best friend, Baz, to investigate. And then a student is found dead. The more Sade and Baz dig into Elizabeth's disappearance, the more she realizes there’s more to Alfred Nobel Academy and its students than she thought. Secrets lurk around every corner and beneath every surface…secrets that rival even her own.

#the last bloodcarver #rules for rule breaking #where sleeping girls lie #vanessa le #talia tucker #Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé #new releases

27 notes · View notes

dontmeantobepoliticalbut · 1 year

Text

The June 24, 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court held that the Constitution of the United States does not confer the right to abortion. This decision returned to individual states the power to regulate any aspect of abortion not protected by federal law. Since this ruling, multiple states have limited or completely banned abortion care for people who are pregnant. In at least nine states, abortion is blocked with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Multiple states have banned abortion after 18, 15, or even 6 weeks gestation. These time restrictions make it impossible for patients to use medical information from ultrasounds and/or genetic testing, available later in pregnancy, to determine if a fetus has an anomaly and/or a life-threatening or lethal condition.

These abortion restrictions and laws permitting any citizen to sue anyone “aiding or abetting” an illegal abortion for up to $10,000 has created uncertainty and fear among health care providers trying to provide medical care to pregnant patients experiencing miscarriage, tubal or ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants in the fallopian tube, where it cannot become a full term pregnancy; can be lethal to the mother if not treated promptly and correctly), or those who need prenatal genetic counseling. Clinicians are unclear where the lines stand between providing care and committing a felony that could equal jail time, and this means that pregnant people aren’t getting the appropriate and timely care they need, even outside of a healthy, viable pregnancy.

But did you know that the Dobbs decision has also prevented non-pregnant women from receiving the medications they need to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions treated with medications like methotrexate?

Chris Stallman, MLS, MS, is a certified genetic counselor, an expert in medication impact during pregnancy, and a Clinical Instructor of Pharmacy Practice-Science at the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. “Methotrexate is a medication used to treat many conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune diseases. If a person who is pregnant uses methotrexate, it could increase the chance of miscarriage, birth defects, and other issues in pregnancy or after birth.”

For this reason, girls and women of child-bearing age who are taking methotrexate as treatment for their autoimmune or other diseases are not able to take methotrexate – even if they are not pregnant.

This critical problem is not hypothetical – treatment with methotrexate has already been withheld from female, non-pregnant patients with serious medical conditions in multiple states.

A 48-year-old woman in Tellico Plains, TN received an automated call from her CVS Pharmacy in July 2022 indicating that her prescription for methotrexate wouldn’t be refilled. This patient, who has inflammatory arthritis and a neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis, stated that methotrexate allowed her to resume simple, yet previously painful tasks like putting on her pants and rolling over in bed.

In June 2022, not 24-hours after the Dobbs ruling, a patient in Maryland who has Crohn’s disease received a call from her insurance company indicating that methotrexate, used to treat the chronic inflammation and pain associated with this condition, would no longer be available to her.

Within a week of the Dobbs ruling, a woman in Virginia who has Lupus received a letter from her doctor’s office indicating that it was pausing all prescriptions and refills of methotrexate because of the Supreme Court decision on abortion. Before taking methotrexate she experienced flares of Lupus so severe that she had trouble walking and needed to use a shower chair to wash.

Another woman from Missouri had been taking methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis. When she went to the pharmacy to pick up her refill she learned from the pharmacist that they needed a specific direction from her doctor that the medication would not be used for an abortion. The pharmacy, Walgreens, confirmed with this customer that they do not require the same procedure from their male clients.

A 14-year old girl in Arizona was denied a refill of methotrexate to treat her debilitating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Her angry physician tweeted that her patient was denied this critical medication because she was female. The withholding of life-saving or -altering medications from the women who need them has forced some of them to consider surgical sterilization.

Could denying women of childbearing age (who may or may not be sexually active, fertile, heterosexual, or pregnant) methotrexate be just the beginning of problems for women who need prescription or over-the-counter medications? Stallman says, “This certainly could lead to more medication denials – and not just for people who can get pregnant. If my husband or children need medication that could increase risks to a pregnancy, would they be denied the medication simply because they live with a person who could get pregnant? Will health care providers have to stop handling or dispensing such medications if they or their partner could get pregnant? And before saying ‘that will never happen’, remember that is what people said about the overturning of Dobbs. We don’t know how far this will go.”

Let’s take this thought experiment a step further. Is it possible that young girls will have to present a letter from their pediatricians indicating whether they’ve started having periods before they can receive the medications they need? Will adult women have to present written proof of tubal ligation, menopause, or infertility from their physicians before filling their life-saving medications? Will other medications that can affect the health of a fetus, even the highly regulated acne medication Accutane, require such additional proof? Could pharmacies use the data they have on prior purchases, like tampons and lubricant, to determine if a woman may be of child-bearing age and/or is sexually active?

The Dobbs decision is just the beginning of our government interfering with womens’ bodies, their personal choices, and their medical care. This decision is already impacting health care outside of pregnancy and could force women and their family members to disclose personal information about their fertility, sexuality, sexual and medical history with pharmacists, medical systems, the government, and the databases that all of them use. Our federal government must act swiftly to ensure that this decision doesn’t lead to further government overreach, discrimination, interference in proper medical care, and tragedy.

59 notes · View notes

1mysteriousstranger · 4 months

Text

minoxidil is poisonous to cats

minoxidil is poisonous to Dogs

Warning: Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medication used to stimulate hair growth and treat hypotension in humans. The topical solution is commonly known as Rogaine®, but your pet has nothing to “gain” if exposed to this medication. If your pet is exposed to this medication, it can result in serious poisoning.

Signs of minoxidil toxicity:

Dogs

Lethargy

Vomiting

Bounding pulses, increased heart rate, low blood pressure

Cats

Anorexia, vomiting

Lethargy

Dyspnea (difficulty breathing), pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), pleural effusion (fluid in the chest)

Hypothermia (low body temperature)

Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of gums)

Cats are particularly sensitive to this medication, and any exposure can result in severe poisoning and potentially death. Dogs can develop clinical signs at very low amounts of medication, and often, the signs are not easily seen by owners. Signs of poisoning usually occur within 45 minutes to a few hours.

We know how scary it is to see our pets not feeling well. Staying calm and calling your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® for guidance is the important first step to helping your pet stay safe after an accidental medication exposure. Depending on how long it has been since your pet was exposed, your veterinarian may want induce vomiting to attempt to remove any medication still in their stomach or bathe your pet to remove the product. Your veterinarian will likely recommend hospitalization to provide supportive care and proper monitoring as your pet recovers.

The sooner your pet is treated, the higher the chances are of a full recovery. If your pet is exposed to minoxidil, it should be addressed urgently. It is important to act quickly to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.

Written by:

Seana Juliano, DVM student extern, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2023

Lizzy Olmsted, CVT Veterinary Information Specialist

#health #pets #minoxidil #veterinary #boost #cats #dogs #safety

15 notes · View notes

original-character-championship · 1 year

Text

As not everybody is one of the maybe ten people aware of my man's existence, here is an introduction post as part of my propaganda campaign!

Chinook, meet The Rest of Tumblr. The Rest of Tumblr, meet Chinook.

Chinook is my metal gear oc! While he exists most prominently as a member of Desperado Enforcement within the events of Metal Gear Rising, he is also ex military and a former Armstech member who was a casualty of the Shadow Moses Incident.

Chinook Facts!

He was born in 1974.

He is native to Ararat, Virginia, he was raised on an orchard by his grandparents and boxed competitively in high school.

His favorite foods are maple bourbon, pecan pie, and brisket.

His favorite movie is Kill Bill.

He is slowly dying from a small piece of shrapnel that has been working its way into his brain since the 90's, and wears his red glasses to help with migraines.

He is an ancient history nerd, and his primary weapon is a modified meteor hammer that, along with its blunt force, charges up when spun to electrocute the target upon contact.

He is a country boy at heart! Before he became a biomechanical specialist, he started out helping his granddad and neighbors repair farm equipment, and later rigged up an elaborate pulley/zipline system to help with harvesting.

He was a combat medic in the Army to pay his way through college until he lost his arm and leg.

He's sort of like the Desperado "team doc", patching up combatants along with working as a mercenary, training soldiers, designing military inventions and cracking heads.

He has been in a coma twice.

He usually doesn't have much of an accent, but if he gets pissed off or excited, his hillbilly powers activate.

He can play the dulcimer.

Has like three emotions: Business, Happy, and Berserker Rage.

He looks very serious, doesn't he? Spoiler alert: it's an act. He is a master of saying weird shit with a straight face, but only acts professional when there are clients around.

He was partially inspired by Gordon Freeman, Lt. Aldo Raine, and Egon Spengler.

If he was a dog he would be a bluetick hound.

That's all I got for now! CHINOOK SWEEP

#submission #yayayayayayyayayyay #CHINOOK SWEEP #mgr #mgrr #mgs #metal gear #metal gear solid #metal gear rising #metal gear rising revengeance #propaganda #28 kirk 'chinook' raymond

67 notes · View notes

religion-is-a-mental-illness · 4 days

Text

By: Christopher F. Rufo and Luke Rosiak

Published: Apr 22, 2024

Recent headlines about UCLA School of Medicine suggest that the institution has lost its focus. Instead of brushing up on organic chemistry, its students were subjected to lessons on “Indigenous womxn” and “two-spirits.” Future doctors had to take a class on “structural racism” and were led in a “Free Palestine” chant by a Hamas-praising guest speaker. The school made plans to segregate students by race for courses on left-wing ideology, and two of its psychiatry residents championed “revolutionary suicide.”

Why has the school charted this course? One reason is its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ideology. UCLA has a DEI program called “Cultural North Star,” and at the medical school, it is led by Natalie J. Perry, whose official title is Cultural North Star Lead. Her UCLA biography says that her job is to “embed our aspirational Cultural North Stars [sic] value [sic] in our organizational DNA.” UCLA honored Perry last month for teaching students to “do what’s right,” saying her “empathy and radical listening” are to thank for her “success as an educator and a leader.”

According to a Daily Wire and City Journal investigation, however, Perry’s academic career is based on fraud. Perry published her Ph.D. dissertation in 2014 at the University of Virginia about college diversity programs. An analysis of the paper found it ridden with the worst sort of plagiarism, reproducing large swaths of text directly from several other authors, without proper citations. The scale of the plagiarism suggests that Perry lacks both ethics and competence and raises questions about academic programs that push DEI.

Perry’s dissertation lifted passages from ten other papers. In key portions of her text, she copied almost every paragraph from other sources without attribution. She fails even to mention at least four of the ten plagiarized papers anywhere in her dissertation.

Let’s review some examples.

The first three pages of Perry’s paper, “Faculty Perceptions of Diversity at a Highly Selective Research-Intensive University,” suggest that she did not even bother to read beyond the first page of papers from which she stole. Her dissertation’s second sentence reproduces verbatim part of a sentence on the first page of a paper by Adrianna Kezar, Peter Eckel, Melissa Contreras-McGavin, and Stephen John Quaye. Her third paragraph, without citation, lifts more than 100 words from the first page of a paper by Angela Locks, Sylvia Hurtado, Nicholas Bowman, and Leticia Oseguera.

Each colored portion of the below text was taken from a different author:

In some cases when Perry did include parenthetical citations, she wasn’t citing the papers whose text she had lifted. Instead, she simply reproduced the citations included in those stolen excerpts.

Take the above paragraph, which ends with “(Bernard, 2005; Bollag, 2005; Munoz, Jasis, Young, and McLaren, 2004; Williams, Nakashima, Kich, and Reginald, 1996).” Perry was not synthesizing those authors. Instead, the citation was part of Adalberto Aguirre and Ruben Martinez’s paper, from which she apparently copied and pasted, without attribution.

A core part of Perry’s dissertation involved summarizing work done by professors Robert Quinn and John Rohrbaugh. Instead of citing them directly, however, Perry cribbed summaries from other academics. Perry copied and pasted almost all of a nearly thousand-word passage from a paper by Chad Hartnell, Amy Yi Ou, and Angelo Kinicki, without quoting the authors.

Consider, for example, the following excerpt from Perry’s dissertation. The italicized portions were taken verbatim from Hartnell, Yi Ou, and Kinicki’s paper:

The CVF is widely used in organizational literature (Ostroff et al., 2003). Measures of organizational culture that directly or indirectly assess the CVF have been administered in over 10,000 organizations globally (Cameron et al., 2006) within the following academic disciplines: management, marketing, supply-chain management, accounting, social services, hospitality, and health care. Further, the reliability and content validity of Cameron and Ettington's (1988) measure of the CVF has been empirically supported in studies utilizing multitrait-multimethod analysis (Quinn & Spreitzer, 1991), multidimensional scaling (Howard, 1998), and structural equation modeling (Kalliath, Bluedorn, & Gillespie, 1999). Surprisingly, prior to 2011, there had been limited assessment of the theoretical foundation of the CVF despite its reported content validity and widespread use in research and practice.

The rest of Perry’s analysis of Quinn and Rohrbaugh’s work is largely copied, unquoted and unattributed, from a 2003 paper by John Smart. Below are pages 13 and 14 of Perry’s paper, outlining its “Theoretical Framework,” with the italicized text coming directly from Smart:

To develop this theory Quinn and Rohrbaugh (1983) asked a panel of distinguished organizational theorists to evaluate the similarity between every possible pair of 39 indexes of organizational effectiveness derived from Campbell’s (1977) exhaustive synthesis of criteria used to assess the performance of organizations. The results of this analysis revealed three basic dimensions underlying the judgments of respondents. The first dimension is organizational focus, which distinguishes organizations that have an internal emphasis on the development of people from those that have an external focus on the development of the organization. The second dimension is organizational structure, which distinguishes between organizations that have an emphasis on stability and control from those that have an emphasis on flexibility and innovation. The third dimension is organizational means and ends, which distinguish between organizations that emphasize processes such as planning and establishing goals from those that emphasize resulting outcomes such as productivity and efficiency.

In a section titled “Positioning Diversity Leadership in Higher Education,” Perry copies almost every sentence from one of several other papers. In no case does she credit the actual source:

Finally, in a section on organizational culture, Perry duplicates language from a variety of other authors:

Perry presented her paper as “qualitative” research because she chatted with what appear to be ten members of her colleagues at the University of Virginia who sat on the faculty-retention taskforce and counted their musings as “data.” But when the paper gets to this section, where plagiarism wasn’t possible, Perry includes the following jumbled passage that includes a glaring spelling error:

The positionality of the participants informed the perspective on the origins of the commission. /in response to the needs of the varios [sic] stakeholders within the university, the commission addressed issues of diversity on the faculty, undergraduate, graduate, and university level.

The section of original text suggests that her plagiarism could be used to mask glaring academic deficiencies. Moreover, Perry in her references section fails to list some of the papers that she cites parenthetically in the body of the dissertation—a telltale sign that she had simply copied those citations from somewhere else. Legitimate academic inquiry would not excuse such shoddy work.

Perry and UCLA did not return requests for comment.

Entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently argued that DEI policies don’t necessarily lower an organization’s expectations. But for Harvard, UVA, and UCLA Medical School—where Perry earned her master’s, Ph.D., and DEI position, respectively—this is evidently not the case. These institutions have dramatically lowered expectations for favored groups and pushed a cohort of “scholars” through the system without enforcing basic standards of academic integrity.

Ultimately, Natalie Perry is to blame for her misconduct. But these institutions of higher learning share some fault for permitting such shoddiness to stand unchallenged.

These are the same people who want to lecture us how much more morally enlightened they are than we are.

#Christopher Rufo #Christopher F. Rufo #Luke Rosiak #Natalie Perry #academic corruption #plagiarism #academic fraud #diversity equit #diversity equity and inclusion #DEI must die #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #diversity hire #DEI bureaucracy #religion is a me #religion is a mental illness

9 notes · View notes

scotianostra · 4 months

Text

Brigadier General Hugh Mercer died on January 12th 1777 after being wounded at the Battle of Princeton.

Historians argue that, had it not been for his untimely and grisly death at the Battle of Princeton in 1777, Hugh Mercer, born in Aberdeenshire, would have been a greater leader than Washington and would rank as one of the greatest American heroes of all time.

Born on January 17h, 1726, at the manse of Pitsligo Kirk in Roseharty, Scotland, Hugh Mercer was the son of Reverend William Mercer and his wife Ann. At the age of 15, he left home to attend Marischal College at the University of Aberdeen to study medicine. Graduating as a doctor, he practiced locally until the arrival of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.

Rallying to the Prince’s colours, Mercer became an assistant surgeon in the Jacobite Army. He remained in this service until the Battle of Culloden. Mercer was forced to flee Scotland for America in 1747. Arriving in Philadelphia, he settled on the Pennsylvania frontier and returned to practising medicine. by 1758 he was, like many Scots who fled, serving in the British army, battling Shawnee and Delaware Indians, Mercer and his men took part in Lt. Colonel John Armstrong’s raid on Kittanning on September 8th, 1756. and became separated from his men. Alone following the battle, he made his way 100 miles on foot back to Fort Shirley where he received medical attention and was heralded a hero and promoted to the rank of Captain, it was here that Mercer was to become good friends with a man that would shape the remaining years of his life, also a Colonel at the time, his name was George Washington.

Before you start questioning his loyalty with being in the British army remember Washington was also in their pay at this time. After the 7 year war he settled back into private practice but 15 years later was elected as a Colonel of the Minute Men of Spotsylvania a Militia that would play an important part in the American Revolution, he had initially excluded from the elected leadership and branded a “northern Briton,” later being appointed Colonel in the Virginia Line part of the Continental Army which rose in revolt against British rule after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, once again he was fighting against “the auld enemy”.

One of the officers under Mercer was future president James Monroe. He rode through the ranks to Brigadier General distinguishing himself and involving himself with George Washington battle plans until January 3rd while on their way to The Battle of Princeton leading a vanguard of 350 soldiers, Mercer’s brigade encountered two British regiments and a mounted unit. A fight broke out at an orchard grove and Mercer’s horse was shot from under him. Getting to his feet, he was quickly surrounded by British troops who mistook him for George Washington and ordered him to surrender. Outnumbered, he drew his saber and began an unequal contest. He was finally beaten to the ground, then bayoneted repeatedly—seven times—and left for dead.

When Washington learned of the British attack and saw some of Mercer’s men in retreat, he himself entered the fray. Washington rallied Mercer’s men and pushed back the British regiments, but Mercer had been left on the field to die with multiple wounds to his body and blows to his head. (Legend has it that a beaten Mercer, with a bayonet still impaled in him, did not want to leave his men and the battle and was given a place to rest on a white oak tree’s trunk, while those who remained with him stood their ground. The tree became known as “the Mercer Oak” and is the key element of the seal of Mercer County, New Jersey.

When he was discovered, Mercer was carried to the field hospital in the Thomas Clarke House (now a museum) at the eastern end of the battlefield. In spite of medical efforts by Benjamin Rush, Mercer was mortally wounded and died nine days later on January 12, 1777.

In 1840 he was re-buried at Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery. Because of Mercer’s courage and sacrifice, Washington was able to proceed into Princeton and defeat the British forces there. He then moved and quartered his forces to Morristown in victory.

The second picture show a painting entitled George Washington at Battle of Princeton features in the foreground Hugh Mercer lying mortally wounded in the background, supported by Dr. Benjamin Rush and Major George Lewis holding the American flag. This portrait is the prize possession of Princeton University.

#scotland #scottish #history #USA #american revolution #Scots-American #soldier

16 notes · View notes

zeehasablog · 9 months

Photo

From Medical College of Virginia's 1917 yearbook.

26 notes · View notes

deathloveshischicagopizza · 3 months

Text

How Many Times?

AO3: How Many Times? - AnonymousObsesser - The Vampire Diaries (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

Summary: Elena dies. And dies. And dies.

A/N: I swear I'm working on other stuff. Found this in my drafts and fixed it up a little. Hope yall enjoy this while you wait. All my love. --AO

Let me know what you think. Should I continue or leave it?

Tags: Elena/Eljah, Elena Gilbert, Elijah Mikaelson, Reincarnation, Time Travel, Be Careful What You Wish For, Elena Gilbert-centric, How Do I Tag, Temporary Character Death, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD, Mental Breakdown, Brainwashing, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Protective Elijah Mikaelson, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, basically a manwha regression thing, Elena will suffer, i love her but i had to do it, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, I Can't Believe I Wrote This, dying and regressing, Everything is Beautiful and Nothing Hurts, okay actually she kills him but time travel so it doesnt last, what i mean is they are healthier than everything else

How Many Times?

She dies from old age. Married to her high school sweetheart turned Mayor Matt Donovan, white picket fence, four children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild. She never knew anything outside of Mystic Falls, never left Virginia--college at Whitmore in McKinley, Medical School and internship in Charlottesville, Residency and Fellowship in Norfolk, Attending at her father's practice back home. Born, raised, married, died.

Wakes up, sixteen again. Doesn't understand, goes along with Caroline and Bonnie to the end-of-semester bonfire. Has an epiphany halfway through that this is real, she came back, she can be free. Fights with Matt, leaves early, her parents die, she lives.

She dies of old age. Married to horror movie villain vampire turned hometown hero human Damon Salvatore. Two kids, one grandchild (three grandkittens). Rebuilt her father's practice, made it her own. Traveled to a few big cities along the way--Atlanta, Chicago, New York, New Orleans--but always goes home. She has blood on her hands, but believes she's a good person; knows Damon does, too, but believes that he is good in his heart. Watches her almost-stepsisters' grandchildren on the weekends, visits her almost-stepfather's grave alongside her brother-in-law's, her husband and ageless sister-in-law right by her side. Reborn, lives, dies, loves, dies, kills, lives, loves, dies, lives, sleeps, wakes, marries, dies.

Wakes up, sixteen again. Dies two weeks later by bluntforce trauma to the head from being thrown against a wall. Hears her mother's scream cut off with a gurgle.

Again. And again.

Wakes up. Dies the next night, her family's car a torched mess wrapped around a tree.

Wakes up. Dies by drowning.

Again again again.

Wakes up. Dies by strangulation after giving her secrets away to her former husband.

Wakes up. Dies by blood loss after giving her secrets away to her once epic love and tripping over a fallen branch, a twig going through her palm--he's on her before she can even scream.

Wakes up. Dies by broken neck when her former husband finds her with said epic love and loses his temper.

Again. Again. Again again again again again again again again again...

Wakes up. Convinces her parents to let her drive when they pick her up. They pass Damon--her father leaves for a so-called business trip four days later and never returns alive, his body returned in a casket with a gaping hole sewn shut. She knows why his body looks so wrong, veins in stark contrast to grey skin, suspects her mother knows, too, confirmed when she disappears and returns just as dead, the brand of Augustine linking them beneath the earth. Her brother lashes out too much, too drunk-high-faded to control himself, doesn't know his own strength, and she's too upset, too off-balance, her vision to blurry and reflexes too slow to catch herself on the railing. Swears she remembers hearing her neck snap this time, her head cracking open, blood splattered over the wall.

Again.

Wakes up. Asks her parents about vampires, werewolves, Doppelgängers. Gets shocked and confused looks followed by a crash course on the family history, on hate and mistrust and bigotry, and wonders aloud why it has to be this way. They get frustrated when she doesn't understand, doesn't accept their views as her own. Take her to the Society, show her their pet vampire, make him compel her to leave the supernatural alone and trust them to know best. She takes a tour around college and dies at the hand of a vampire obsessed with her face--with the last woman who wore it.

Wakes up. Packs a bag. Clothes, shoes for running, both her and her brother's money socks (bakesales of two different kinds, plus holiday and birthday money, adds up to more than a thousand each, sorry sorry), no jewelry or electronics, no keepsakes, steals from her parents' vervain stash just in case. Escapes in the middle of the day, drives to the next town and ditches her aunt's car, boosting another, repeats until she gets to the state line--hitchhikes for two states, then rents a car and makes it to Georgia.

Almost has a heartattack when she runs into her ex-but-not-anymore, but it's just a Doppelgänger, not him. He's normal and sweet, and he offers to take her to the hospital when she appears to be having a psychotic break, then listens to her sob story about losing her parents and her husband and her children and takes her to a bar instead. This is where she meets a witch for the first time again. Asks about her Doppelgänger, magic, vampires, werewolves, curses; asks to be taught, trained, a request that is granted.

Her old friend slash first hybrid-but-not-anymore-not-yet finds her in Chicago five years later, not looking, surprised to see her. She wonders if it's really coincidence, if they have a connection that transcends timelines, if his other creator can find her, too. Thoughts are silenced when he delivers the news: her parents are dead, made a mistake with a vampire in their desperation to find her (the not-hybrid doesn't know anything, isn't even a wolf yet, but she reads between the lines of "animal attack when they were out of town following a lead"), her aunt left town and never looked back, teaches at Whitmore with her fiance, Jeremy overdosed the second he was left alone after the funeral, lays in a coma with his medical bills paid for by the town.

She dies from her own kind of overdose, one of magic. Her powers fry her, emotions too raw and uncontrolled, sucking the life out of everything around her until her skin turns pale, then red, then charcoal-grey. Her friend-not-friend-son-not-son screams in shock as she explodes.

Repeat, this time with a note left behind, don't look. Same witch, same training, same new acquaintances and more training. More magic flows through her veins than ever, but she's greeted with the same death when her parents find her and explain that her brother committed suicide by overdose, angry she left him behind. She's sad and guilty and angry they came for her, and she barely registers the wave of power in her ears until it's too late. They die together.

She wakes up. Breaks down. Crying and screaming, lashing out. Can't take the pressure--tells her brother everything, as if he can help. He doesn't, can't. Won't believe her, thinks she's messing with him or losing her mind or got into his stash or something. Their parents overheard it all, understand that it's the truth, but they can't accept it. She tries to explain, but it makes it worse--they don't try to compel her this time, apparently that's not enough. They take her away, lock her up in a cell.

She knows this place, remembers it; looks to the left, isn't surprised to see him. Her best friend's lover, and her lover's best friend. She cries and cries until she falls asleep. Wakes up to someone petting her hair through the bars of her cell, fingers combing out the tangles, braiding the edges from her face. Looks up, cries again, spills everything once more, this time to someone she's pretty sure won't say she's crazy. And he doesn't--he believes her. She cries and cries until she falls asleep, wakes up to find him dead, staked through the heart; it looks like he tried to protect her, and that makes it worse, because she knows they won't hurt her, won't kill her like that.

No, they hurt her in other ways. Her parents--not her parents--they torture her for days, months, years, she loses count. Try to brainwash her into working with them, for them, using her knowledge and their skills to wipe out the creatures they abhor. They bring her husband's head, the heart of her once epic love, the teeth of her not-son. Magic can stay, but killers cannot--they bring witches to warp her memories, her best friend with cold eyes, and she knows her former sister-in-law is dead for good, probably turned after she went missing and staked after that. The shock of knowledge is enough to break her mind, let the magic and the science inside to do what they please, and she becomes their weapon.

She dies by her hybrid killer's hands, his teeth in her neck yet again, but she knows a witch is behind him, waiting for the weakness to take over his body. She feels the explosion as she drifts on an ocean, dizzy, fading into black.

Wakes up. Brainwashing is still in effect, and now she has all the memories she needs to finish the mission. She does, with a precision and finesse that would make her ancestors proud, that would horrify beings millenia her senior. The eldest first, buried in a tomb, and his lover shipped across the world--then the young ones, the ones with simpler weaknesses, first the wolf, then the coffins, then him. He almost gets her, almost breaks through, with those dark eyes gazing at her like he knows.

But when she asks, Do you know who I am? all he can say is, I knew that you were coming, and I knew that you would save me for last, and I know that you are not Katerina, but no, I cannot say that I know who you are.

Even that is almost enough to bring her back, remembering him from lifetimes ago--could she be even older than him now, with all the regression? no. no, that was impossible, but she might be older than them, or even her--but he tries to strike when she's conflicted, and her reflexes are faster than her emotions. The stake goes in at the same moment he reaches for her face, clutching her with both hands. She watches as he grits his teeth, his flesh burning like embers rather than flames, and she can almost see her own memories in his head, watches the horror dawn alongside pain and pity and intrigue.

He laughs when his knees give out, blood spraying past his lips to splatter her, and she jumps; she wishes she could say it was the blood, the disgusting sight of his flesh flaking away, but it's not. She jumps because he laughs, and she's never heard that before--it's marred by the grotesque scene, muffled from the blood in his teeth, but it's still... something. Not pretty or beautiful or soothing. But something.

His grin is sharp but almost sad as he looks up at her, and as his body turns fully to ash, he tells her, Come find me next time. Tell me the truth, and I'll help you. Then he's gone.

And the world burns with him.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she'd always wondered if this might happen. If magic, especially Earth Magic, Nature Magic, might be more like science than witches could comprehend. Vampires had been part of the ecosystem, the biosphere, for centuries--they were around when life-expectancy and population were both low. A thousand years of adaptation from five to dozens to hundreds to thousands of them, only to be wiped out in a matter of days; it was an ecosystem's worst nightmare. Nature had adapted, people had not, and this destroys them both.

It starts with confusion--where did all the dead bodies come from? What disease is this? But they don't know, can't see vampirism in permanently-dead tissue, and witches refuse to come clean with humans. The death toll is larger than she expected, somewhere in the millions, and a chill runs down her spine as the witches cheer.

In just one year, overpopulation runs rampant, and whole nations begin starving. No space for new homes, so forests are leveled; the rich live underground, mansions sprawling beneath mountains.

Two years, three years, and water becomes scarce; rivers dry up, reservoirs disrupted. Humans begin getting sick, too sick to move, let alone work. Birthrates drop in big cities, then small towns, then all over. Businesses go under, followed by whole governments. More death, more desperation, more destruction.

Five years, and half of all animal species are extinct. Another decade, barely a quarter remains.

Nature rebels. Plants wither, whatever is left burns. Deserts where there were once lakes and forests, ocean levels drop, volcanos erupt. The world does not end slowly, over centuries or millenia--as it turns out, it doesn't take that long to starve to death when you're too weak to move. A vicious cycle of fatigue and starvation leading to more fatigue and starvation. Three decades after she finished her mission, she's one of only a handful of humans left scraping by.

She dies in fire, with no one to see it.

Wakes up. Fights the itch, the urge to start again, finish the mission. Finds her parents, tells them she'll be back; won't accept their love, their physical affection, can't if she wants to stay sane. She catches her brother's eye, sees his suspicion, grits her teeth and leaves; makes it to a hotel five towns over before she breaks down. It hurts to resist, hurts more than anything ever has, but she has to keep going. There's only one person who can help her now and she almost laughs as she thinks of their last meeting.

Come find me next time.

Can't use her phone, her family might track her before the job is done, asks a concierge instead. Ten minutes is all she needs--gives the guy fifty dollars to keep his mouth shut when he gives her a look that screams, Should I call the cops?

She calls. No answer. Leaves a message, hangs up. The concierge clears his throat, but she holds up a finger, staring at the phone in her hand. Exactly one minute later, it rings loudly--she grins, victorious and a little pained, and answers immediately. Two questions, three answers, and a click. She hands the phone back and goes to her room.

It hurts. She drinks. Her mind drifts to the mission--she breaks the little bottle and cuts her leg. The fog fades while the pain burns, and she's glad he's not here yet; she doubts he'd hurt her, or pay any mind at all, and he probably wouldn't ask outright, but he would wonder. Wonder what she was doing, and why. He'd help her wrap it up--wouldn't heal her, not if she didn't ask--and that touch would break her. Soft, gentle, professional. It would shatter her like the glass she still held, and she would spill everything, and that wasn't how she wanted to start the conversation. Not this time.

Next time, maybe. But not now.

He comes the next morning. Suit immaculate, hair not quite. His knock is concise--tap tap, that's it. She opens the door a second later, already at the door since six a.m., and it's now eight. He's not surprised by her face--one of her answers last night had told him as much--but his gaze drops to the makeshift sheet-bandage wrapped around her calf, and he's confused, but only for a moment, because then she speaks, and he has something else to wonder about.

I need you to help me fix my brain, she grits out. In return, you can see my memories. I'd also appreciate it if you would kill me when we're done.

Must I?

If you don't agree, I'll do it right now and go find someone else. But I think you'll agree to my terms.

How can you be so sure?

She grins, a little insane. Because my words don't make any sense, and you can't resist the desire to find out what they mean.

She watches him, knows he wants to ask, ask how she knows him like this--she doesn't, not really, she knows him better than most, yes, but that doesn't take much when he doesn't let people in as a general rule--but he leans in at exactly the wrong moment, and she feels the urge tugging at her gut again. Her feet move back, and she holds up a hand to ward him off when he follows.

Give me your word. She leans against the opposite wall with crossed arms, her nails digging into her arms with the effort of keeping still.

He passes through the door, shuts it, leans against it with a posture to mirror hers. His dark eyes observe her from head to toe, then meet hers with a sharpness she recognizes even before she feels the nudge--his mouth ticks up at the corner. You can't be compelled.

I can resist compulsion, she corrects with an irritated sigh. I am the one that decides who gets into my head. Do we have a deal?

He ponders it for a long moment. I have a condition, he says, which is as good as a yes when it comes to him, or them, because she doesn't care what the condition is.

She asks anyway. What is it?

Before I kill you, he says slowly--she sighs in relief--as he steps closer, I want the right to ask any questions I so desire to ask... A pause, and he tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear before tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. And after that, I want a favor.

A favor, she says slowly. But I'll be dead.

Well, he drawls. Then I suppose it will be a quick favor. His smile is miniscule but sharp. If you can agree to these terms, we have a deal.

She tilts her face away from his hand, eliminating contact but keeping her eyes on his. Then I guess we should get started, she says with a nod. Her eyes close, and her shoulders relax with the sigh she releases. We have a deal.

She sits down at the little table provided by the hotel, and he pulls the extra chair around to sit directly in front of her, their thighs interlocked with each other. Every minute shift in their seats presses their legs together, and she has to grit her teeth to keep the magic under her skin from surfacing. He asks her several questions in a perfunctory tone, very professional--what exactly does she want removed, why is it there, who put it there, can he touch her skin to keep their connection steady. She lets him touch her hand; her face would be better, but it's too intimate and leaves her hands free to do what they really want to do, which is kill him--it's not her that wants him dead, but her mind and body. Something in the way she twitches must alert him to this fact, because he grabs her hands between his and looks into her eyes with no hesitation.

By the end of it, she feels relaxed for the first time since her husband's best friend died for her; there's no more pain, no more itch. She feels calm.

He isn't, though. Calm, that is. He's still--eerily so, not even blinking or breathing, as far as she can see. His gaze is the only sense of life on him, filled not with void but with pain and horror. It's clear he's disgusted, but when she tries to pull her hands away, to run from him in shame, he pulls her close, gripping her shoulders.

What happened to you?

Unbidden, her eyes fill with tears. I died, is what she says.

She moves his hands to her face and pushes, forcing the memories to float between them--watches as they're sucked into the black chasm of his gaze, as said gaze gets wider and wider with horror as he watches it all play out before him. Hundreds of lives, some short and some long; some including his brother, others her many lovers, only two before this with he himself in any capacity.

He says, Did you ever trust me? But he knows the answer.

I trusted you from the very first deal, she whispers. But everyone that I told either didn't believe me or just killed me. I didn't want... I don't think I could have survived if you did, too.

He's seen it in her mind--she loved him, at least in some capacity, in the first life they met. She might still, even, but she's broken in ways that can't be fully healed, not by him or anyone. And she feels guilty for all of it: for loving two, three, four people at once, for killing people, for killing him and his family, for hating the people that raised her, for not saving the people she loves that love her, for being selfish at the end of her first life and wishing for something she'd never had.

Five centuries, give or take. Five hundred years of guilt, and it reminds him of his family, of himself.

He asks her a hundred questions, pushes her for exactness, digs through her memories for every emotion, every thought, every compulsion placed on her; he asks and asks and tears at her psyche until she breaks down and repeats it all, shows him every piece of her, and then he asks for a favor. The same favor, and she knows he says it this way on purpose because he's seen her memory of the past.

Come find me next time. He tilts her chin with both hands, his gaze pleading. When you wake up, find me. Don't go to anyone else, don't ask questions, don't run away from it all. Just come to me. I will save you, if it's the last thing I do.

More tears trickle down her cheeks. I'll have to go through this again, then. She doesn't care, not exactly, but it hurts too much to be fully okay with it.

No, he insists. Don't tell me everything, but tell me the truth. Give me a glimpse, but don't hurt yourself. Can you do that?

Yes, she manages to whisper. But why do you care? Why do you want... to save me?

For the first time in her many lives, he hesitates to speak the truth. Because... I think I loved you. And I'm incapable of abandoning those that I love when they are in such immense pain.

But you want to kill your brother.

Only because I believed he destroyed the family we shared. Family is his only redemption, and as I thought he had buried them at sea... Well. If he could so easily abandon them, then the last of his morality is already gone. I believed him a true monster.

She sighed softly. But anyone who is capable of love is capable of being saved. Her eyes filled with tears again. She used to say that all the time. It's how she forgave my husband. She sniffled. But I can't. I'll never forgive him--them. The brothers... how many times have I died by them? By their sire. And my sister, she died, too. On the inside, and then temporarily, and then permanently. Over and over and over.

There was even a time she herself had killed the blonde, if only to put her out of her misery. She'd forgotten about that particular life, or perhaps buried it purposefully; the one time she managed to avoid her husband by seeking out her twin along with her sweet sisters. The blonde had turned alongside her, only to be bitten by her once-upon-a-time-wolf-boyfriend by accident. She'd held the blonde's heart in her hand, crushing it as tears ran down her face and the blonde begged for her mother to read her a fairytale.

Her life had ended shortly after, the witch unable to control her grief and she unable to run from it under the weight of her guilt. It was the only time she actively killed either of her sisters.

Another sob ripped through her chest. I can't even forgive myself. I destroyed the world. And I might do it again.

He shook his head. You won't. His hand curled in her hair. As you destroyed, so you will save. I will help you, if you allow it. But you have the power to do anything you wish. Forgive, forget, destroy, save. It is up to you.

What did I do to deserve this? she cried. I never would have made a wish if I knew it would never end.

You know what they say about wishing, he mused gently.

A hysterical laugh bubbled up her throat and past her lips. Yeah. She gazed up at him, wiping her face with a sleeve. Is... Is that your favor? Telling you again?

She watches him swallow, looking at her with that analyzing, calculating, contemplating gaze. No, he says finally. I don't want to force you. Tell me if you want, or keep it to yourself. It's your trauma, and yours alone.

She blinks in confusion. Then... what do you want?

He smiles. Please save me.

Another blink. From what?

A deep sadness crosses his face, flickers in his eyes, before it disappears as he leans closer. His lips press against her forehead in a featherlight touch, palms a gentle collar around her neck.

From myself.

There is no pain, and she does not hear it as her spine snaps in his hands. She dies in the beat from one second to the next.

And she wakes.

#elijah mikaelson #elejah #elena gilbert #elijah x elena #fanfic #my writing #will i continue? should i?

14 notes · View notes