Scoffing at Tradition (M'Baku x Black!Reader)

Misunderstandings (Final)

Revision: 1/29/20
(At your office)

You could gave all the glory to Hanuman for remembering that there was a usable shower at the clinic. And you decided today would be your chance to use it for once.

After a long and necessary crying session in that empty shower space, you came out freshly clean and with a far less cluttered mind.

You tied half of your hair up and allowed for random pieces to frame your face or otherwise fall where it naturally does, not really caring about how you looked in the moment.

You pulled on your off-white sweater dress and slipped into your lab coat, serving as a second layer. Once you fixed your collar, your thoughts ran off to the far distance as usual. It didn't help that you had a particularly strong memory, nor did it help that it played at the worst of times.

Scenes from this morning replayed in your mind as you recalled your mundane discussion of wash day and how he agreed to help you. And that he made it clear that your scent was one of his favorites because of how uniquely one of a king it was. Or how his lips kissed all over your face and made you feel safe. Everything about him screamed home.

To pull you away from those treacherous thoughts, you slapped your cheeks hard and shook your head, relishing the sting that your hands left behind.

"No, you can't do that to yourself. Forget, forget, forget." you said in a soft chant, rubbing at your cheeks with a heavy sigh. Grabbing your lanyard off the counter to leave the small bathroom, you were soon in the presence of the friendly faces of the nurses.

One of them flashed you a gentle smile and said, "Good afternoon, Dr. (L/N). You look fairly tired today."

You blinked. "A little bit. I overslept this morning, but I think I'll be fine once I get the day started with my rounds."

A male nurse made his way to your side and examined your flushed features with a chuckle. He pointed to your appearance before saying, "You feeling alright, Doc? You're looking positively radiant all over today. And I'm not talking about the fresh shower."

You rolled your eyes and used a finger to push at the man's forehead, making your way to the counter. You propped your arms on the wooden surface with a slight pout forming on your lips.

You feigned an innocent look in your eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about, Malik. Can't a girl just have this certain glow when she walks into the room?"

"Not when she's leaning against the counter to keep her legs from turning into jelly," he teased.

"Forget you! I am using a new moisturizer. It's called 'crying-in-the-shower-over-a-lost-first-love' after-glow."

Malik's eyes grew wide at the sound of that, piquing his interest. He dropped his voice an octave. "Ooh, a first love? The stuffy woman in a lab coat and glasses fell in love? Do tell me more!"

"I've already told you more than enough," you paused. "Especially since I've decided to... let them go. Not worth the aggravation."

Malik bounced on his heels and came around the table to drape an arm over your shoulder loosely. He used his other arm to level his weight underneath his chin.

"You're kidding! If you decide to give up this easily in a game of love, Miss (Y/N), then you'll never find the one that is supposed to be the keeper of this wild hearts of yours. And by the look on your face, I can tell that this man— or woman— isn't meant to be forgotten."

"How can you be so sure? I thought you're supposed to spend your adult years falling in and out of love?"

"Those circumstances are only for us unlucky in love. I see the look on your face. I say you should give them a chance. And don't jump to conclusions so quickly! We know how your overthinking ass gets. Make sure you hear them out, alright?"