MUKE one shots ♡

• strong •

tw: mental illnesses mentioned, nothing graphic. important AN at the end!!

•••

When working in the ER as a nurse, Michael had witnessed a lot of horrible things.

From alcohol poisoning, car accidents, injuries, victims of domestic violence and to, sadly, a lot of self-harm.

It made Michael sad because he never knew what to say, how to help. His job was to help with fixing physical injuries but no one ever thought him how to prevent them from happening.

With that wish, he went from finished nurse school to get a degree and become a social worker. He worked hard and along the way met a psychiatrist who took him in as his receptionist.

On their lunches off he'd give him tips on working with clients and patients. He saw potential in Michael and his passion to help people.

Dr. Hart had a lot of patients, most of the regular. Michael wasn't sure if it was professional or not but he tried to make everyone's day a bit better. He complimented their shoes or hair, he'd say hello with the biggest smile he could manage but went home crying.

He saw the pain and hurt in their eyes, everyone had different stories and secrets. In Michael's opinion, they all had something in common: strength.

They were survivors and fighters and Michael had a lot of respect for each of them.

What broke Michael's heart the most was seeing a boy named Luke.

Luke was a fighter. There were scars on his body that proved it.

He had lost his family in a horrible car accident and was treated horribly by his foster parents.

He survived but the recovery has only begun.

Dr. Hart never told him details about his patients and Michael never asked.

Luke was different. He'd come early because on top of his depression and traumas he had an Obsessive-compulsive disorder that made him always at least half an hour early.

It took a good month but Luke slowly started to trust and like Michael.

It took two months to get Luke to smile.

Unfortunately, the timing was horrible as just as he did Dr. Hart had opened the door and gave Michael a stern look before inviting Luke to his office.

"Hey, Michael?" His boss asked him at the end of the day.

Michael who already had the idea on what he'll get questioned on stopped and put his stuff back on the table. He was scared because he really didn't want to get fired.

"Yes, Mr. Hart?"

"What did you and Luke talked about today?"

Michael was a bit uncomfortable with sharing the information but he was Luke's doctor. "He said he's never seen Pokémon so I told him about my favorite episodes."

The psychiatrist smiled. "Maybe you should invite him over some time? You could watch it together?"

Frowning, Michael answered. "Isn't that unprofessional?"

"For me, it would be, you're just a receptionist in his case and I'm sure you're smart enough to know what's right or wrong when it comes to Luke."

With that, his boss left.

A month later Luke and Michael had watched all seasons of Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! twice.

Another two months later it was his time to speak with his boss after work. "Mr. Hart?"

"Yes, Michael?"

"I'd first like to thank you for this amazing opportunity and for offering me this job. I don't want to sound ungrateful but I'd like to quit."

Dr. Hart smiled. "I'll only accept it if it's because you're asking Luke on a date. Because then yes, it would be a bit unprofessional and I'd accept you resigning."

Returning the smile Michael explained. "I'm actually taking him on out the seventh date today and I'll ask him to be my boyfriend."

"You've done wonders for that boy Michael. I just hope you know what your responsibilities and priorities are."

Michael did and never forgot.

Ten years later, Luke was still the strongest person he knew.

There were tough days and there were tears but none of them gave up on Luke. Michael didn't fix him but he did help Luke fix himself.

Ten years later, Luke belonged and was loved. He had a family that didn't replace the people he lost but made the pain bearable enough for the scars to fade and for memories to stay memories.

Ten years later, Luke was strong.

•••

hello (:

as some of you might know it's mental health awareness week.

I know this one-shot ended happily and a lot of times this isn't the case but there's a reason.

I started writing when I was in a very bad place and it helped. I refocused my thought and used my imagination for the best instead of the worst. I only read and write happy stories because they make me happy. Some people call it unrealistic or boring but I much rather make them happy and informative because I want them to make someone happy as well.

I don't say this enough, but if you ever need someone to talk to you can come to me. It doesn't matter if it's because you're sad, you're bored, need advice; it doesn't matter if you're 13 or over 40 I'll be more than happy to talk to any of you. You can slide into my dms here, on twitter or tumblr (same username as here).

Secondly, I'd like to point out that your feelings are valid and you're allowed to feel sad and happy. You're all strong and beautiful and maybe not today, but someday you'll start to gain strength and you'll cry less and smile more. Never give up on yourself.

If you don't want to talk to me you can talk with someone on the app called TalkLife.

Just don't forget to stay strong.

And remember that I love you,

Lucija