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The obnoxiously cheerful ring tone she made the mistake of choosing as a joke is what jolts her awake, a groan following when she begrudgingly lifts her head from where it had previously been buried in her arms, sat hunched over her desk. The air in the lab is frigid, though that's to be expected, considering the time of year and the faction she resided in, the cold making her skin prickle with goosebumps.
Right, paperwork. Subspace had been doing paperwork last night, she recalls when her thoughts grow more coherent, blinking groggily down at the stack of papers splayed out before her.
Boring. No wonder she fell asleep!
She swivels around in her chair to eye the phone she had left precariously upon the edge of one of the countertops on the other side of the room, a handful of empty viles and hastily scribbled notes accompanying it.
A part of her considers just letting it go to voice mail. But she clearly wasn't getting anywhere with her work right now, and she would take any excuse just to get away from it for awhile.
A little bit of procrastination couldn't hurt, right?
With a sigh, she pushes off her desk to send her chair gliding across the sterile, apoxy floors, the squeaky wheels letting out a screech of protest when she plants her heels firmly into the ground to halt her momentum.
She promptly snatches up her phone and answers the call, bringing it up to her ear to recite, "This is the great Subspace T. Mine speaking, how may I grace you with my presence today?"
The voice coming through the reciever snorts, laughing out in disbelief, "Do you say that everytime? How do your clients put up with you?"
"Shut up!! Who is this, I demand to know!" She huffs, mood already souring, "Is this another prank call? Because if it is I swear, I'll — "
"Nonono, it's Sword!! Y'know, Medkit's brother? She gave me your number."
"Oh."
Subspace didn't know if that was better or worse.
"Look, I know you're not a big fan of me — and hey, I'm not a big fan of you either! But I just... I need a favor."
"A favor." She repeats in a disinterested tone, quirking up a brow.
"It's not for me, it's for Med," He hurriedly adds, grabbing her attention "You know about the accident, right?"
"Accident!? What accident, wh — "
"She's alright, don't panic! Well I mean, she's — she's a little banged up, broke her leg pretty bad, but she's okay now." He clarifies, taking in a deep breath, "Happened the other day. I think she said she was on her way home from work? Slipped on some ice, fell down a couple stairs..."
"No, she... She didn't say anything about that." She mutters, confused, "She just told me she was sick, so she wouldn't be able to come to the next couple phights or something."
"Oh," He sucks air through his teeth in a wince, "Yeah, don't take it too personally, Medkits always been kind of... Skittish about this stuff. That's part of the reason I need your help, actually."
Frowning, she presses, "What do you mean?"
"Well she's just — ugh, she's being so dificult! She's not supposed to be up and about, but she's being so stubborn, absolutely refuses bedrest." he pauses, then suddenly asking, "You two are close, right?"
"Close — yeah uhm, I mean! I'd say we're pretty close, we uh, well we don't see each other every day, but we do text a LOT, so I guess we — "
"Yeah yeah yeah, I don't need to hear the details of your situationship or whatever right now, just — " A frustrated sigh, "Listen, I'm gonna be away for a few days, but I'm just... I'm worried that somethings going to happen while not there, y'know?"
"Ah, so you need me to be her babysitter?' She drawls, somewhat amused.
"Pfft, basically, yes. She really needs the help, even if she won't admit it." He confirms, then inquiring, "Would you be able to go over today? Make sure she gets something to eat? I didn't get a chance to stop by to bring her breakfast this morning."
"You know what? Sure, I can probably get there in like..." She casts a glance at the idle computer monitor on her desk, squinting at the time to gage the level of traffic she'll have to deal with. "A couple hours? Ill be there by 2 at the latest."
"Perfect! I'll give her a call to let her know."
A beat of silence passes, so long Subspace wonders if he had hung up.
"... Take good care of her, okay?" Sword's nervous, shaky request quietly comes through, "Seriously."
"I will."
"You promise?"
"I promise!"
"Pinky swear?"
"Sword."
"Alright, alright," He relents with an awkward chuckle, a weary exhale following, "Thank you. Truly."
"It's... No problem."
A hum, "Alright, well, let me know how it goes! Buh-byeee!"
"Bye." She mumbles simply, hesitating, before she reluctantly hangs up.
Rubbing the sleep out of her good eye, her gaze falls down to herself to take in the disheveled state she was in; messy, tangled hair, the same sweatpants and tank top she wore yesterday, putrid morning breath...
Yikes, okay, there's no way she's presenting herself to Medkit like this.
The next half hour is spent frantically freshening herself up, brushing her teeth so quickly there may as well have been a gun to her head.
She showers too, of course. Spends way too long picking an outfit and styling her hair in a way she didn't completely hate, even managing to bumble her way through a quick breakfast to fuel her for the journey ahead; a cup of coffee and a piece of toast.
Soon, she's throwing on her boots and hauling rear out the door, trekking through thick snow to her car way out back in the facility parking lot. Soft crunches punctuate every step she takes upon the white powder covered asphalt, the sky left a dull grey, thanks to all the smoke being churned out by the factories on the horizon.
Jingling her keys around her finger, she weaves through the rows of vehicles in search of her own.
It was an old, scratched-up little Volkswagen beetle, with it's own custom license plate she was quite proud of, since she made it herself! It certainly wasn't in the greatest condition, seeing as she bought it way back when she was 17, irresponsible and reckless with her recently obtained license.
Although she is much more careful when it came to driving now, and could certainly afford to purchase a new one, it was the sentimentality that held her back from letting it go.
Because that was the same car she used to take Medkit to prom. The car she drove to every single grueling, torturous doctor's appointment for her condition. The car she's used to go virtually everywhere for well over a decade. Its her car, there's no way she's giving it up! Not until it starts literally falling apart.
When she approaches the driver's side of the vehicle, she stops in her tracks, hand hovering in the air where she was about to reach for the door handle.
Ice. The entire car was coated in ice.
Lovely.
And so, her trip is further delayed by the extra hassle of having to scrape the windows off, cleaning them up just enough to be able to see the road somewhat decently, until she deems them to be, well. Good enough.
Sighing harshly through her nose, she pries open the door, being sure to slam it behind herself once she settles in. She's quick to buckle her seatbelt, pausing to run a hand down her face to gather the willpower, before sticking her key in the ignition.
It's going to be a long, long drive. She's already dreading the bullshit she'll have to deal with once she reaches the highway. Ugh, and she'll probably have to stop at one of the markets in Crossroads too, so she'll have something to cook for Medkit once she gets there. Her fridge is always so empty...
But for now, pulling out of the parking lot, things are still. Quiet. Calm. And they'll stay that way for a good while, at least until she gets closer to the boarder, giving her time to watch the scenery passing by and gather her thoughts.
... Why did Medkit lie to her?
Did she not trust her enough to tell her? Or did she just not see it as a big deal, and felt comfortable leaving Subspace in the dark about everything.
Eugh, neither of those scenarios made her feel very good.
Whatever the case is, she's gonna get to the bottom of it. She wants answers, and there's no way in hell she's leaving without them!
.
.
.
Switching the full grocery bag in her arms to the other side to avoid dropping it, she awkwardly leans to keep her balance, using the leverage to give the front door a firm knock.
"Coming!" Medkit's muffled voice comes through, followed by some shuffling.
Subspace awkwardly shifts her weight from one foot to the other while she waits, gaze drifting about the shabby complex hallway, quite a few of the lights on the ceiling burnt out. The wallpaper appeared chipped as well, stained, long overdue for replacement.
Gods, and that gross scent of cigarette ash...
She flinches when the door suddenly swings open, her eye swiveling over to witness the sight of Medkit looking... Normal?
Well, normal aside from the thick cast on her left leg, and the crutches under her armpits. But she seemed oddly put together despite her situation, even adorning a bit of makeup, a nice soft lipstick to match with the light blush dusting her tan cheeks.
"Apologies for the delay, I was washing up the dishes." She excuses, holding out a bandaged hand to gesture towards her bag, "Would you like me to hold that for you?"
"Huh — oh, uh. Sure?" Subspace manages to get out, brows furrowed, reluctantly handing it off to her.
Satisfied, Medkit steps aside to give her room to enter, watching her closely to make sure Subspace followed her house rules and took her boots off.
The scientist does, of course, shutting the door behind herself before crouching down to untie her laces. Her thick, fur lined coat is next to be removed, being hung up on the little rack next to the welcome mat, followed by her mask being set down on the console table with her keys. And by the time she's finished and turns to face the healer, Medkit's already hobbling away, her movements concerningly unsteady.
The apartment was tiny, that way, no separation between the living room and the kitchen, aside from the flooring switching from carpet to tile. Which means she was granted the view of Medkit setting the bag down on the countertop, begining to hum a tune under her breath when she opens one of her cabinets, retrieving a pair of mugs.
"You came at a good time, I just made some tea." Medkit murmurs, pouring the steaming, honey scented liquid into their respective cups, "I'd offer you some coffee instead, but you might make me jealous. I can't have any right now. Apparently, it will cause side effects with my medication."
Subspace swallows thickly, scurrying over to her side to reluctantly prod, "Uh. Meddy, are you supposed to be, uhm. Y’know... Up?"
"What do you mean?" She tilts her head to the side, blinking slowly at her while she sets the kettle down.
"Well, shouldn't you be like, resting? Recovering?"
She lets out a long, dramatic groan, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Don't tell me Sword's got you on that whole thing too..."
"Meddy, C'mon, he's just worried about you." She dismisses, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I'm worried about you! What if you fall again, or — "
"Oh please, I'm not some frail, elderly woman who'll topple over from a gust of wind." She scoffs, rolling her eye, "It was a one time thing. A fluke."
"A fluke." She repeats, raising a brow.
Now that right there was just a big fat lie. She's known Medkit long enough to know about her dizzy spells, how they'd always flare up whenever she got too stressed, or when her anxiety was getting the better of her.
Chances are, she simply overworked herself past her limit again, and this time, the consequences finally caught up with her.
Subspace sighs, "Well, it's not just that, I mean. I'm no medical professional, but im like 99% sure you aren't supposed to be putting any weight on that foot right now."
Medkit frowns, glancing away.
"You might just end up hurting it worse, or — or messing up how the bone lines up, and then you'll have to be out of commission even longer!" She steps closer, hand drifting up to gently cup her cheek, "Honestly, I don't get why you're fighting me on this."
"I can't take a break." She mutters, hands clenching, "There's so many people relying on me, so much to do, and if I don't take care of it? It'll never get done."
"But then who's taking care of you? Meddy, you don't need to do everything on your own all the time, you can ask for help. It's not a crime." She snorts, tucking her hair behind her ear, "Why won't you just let me — "
"Because I'm fine!" She snaps, shaking her head, "I don't need help, I don't need to be coddled, I don't."
For a moment, Subspace is left stunned, mouth slightly ajar as she processes the situation.
Okay, clearly she wasn't getting anywhere with this, seeing as Medkit was being far too stubborn to relent, so what is the logical next thing to do? Lift her up and toss her over her shoulder like a ragdoll, obviously!
Medkit yelps in surprise, hands clawing at her back to find purchase, desperately seeking some sense of stability. She gasps out, "What the hell are you doing!?"
"This is for your own good, Meddy!" She giggles, carrying her over to the couch, "You're gonna relax and you're gonna like it!"
As carefully as she can manage, Subspace sets her down upon the cushions, a wicked grin lighting up her features when she sees the way Medkit glares defiantly up at her.
"Subspace," she starts, shuffling to sit upright, "I won't just —"
"Ah! Nope!" She tuts, putting a hand up to stop her, "Now, would you like some blankets? A pillow?"
"But — "
"Nuh uh!"
"You — "
"Hmm, am I hearing something right now? Or is it just the wind?"
"You can't make me," She manages to argue, crossing her arms.
"I can and I will!" She insists, placing a hand on her hip, "I'm not gonna stand by and let you work yourself to the ground, so just make it easier on me and tell me where you keep your stupid bed stuff!"
Medkit simply stares for a good moment, narrowing her eye, until she finally relents with a harsh sigh though her nose, "Down the hall, closet to your right."
"Thank you." She concludes in a snippy tone, turning around with a hmph to follow her instructions.
The walls have certainly grown more decorated over the last few months, photographs peppering the hall. Most of them are to be expected, featuring Medkit and Sword, but she also noticed some of the most recent additions contain... Well, her.
There's one of them posing together at a high school dance. She remembers feeling bold that day, confident enough to wear the dress Meddy helped her pick out, poofy and pink. Of course, she thinks Medkit absolutely stole the show with how adorable she looked in hers, long and frilly, though Medkit herself thought differently. Subspace had to give her a long pep talk just to get her to agree to go with how nervous she was.
There was another of Subspace on her 20th birthday, too, one of her blowing out the candles on her cake. She had gotten a bad haircut a few days prior, leaving her hair ridiculously short, uneven and choppy.
She remembers feeling super insecure and dysphoric about it, covering her head up with a hoodie to save herself the embarrassment, though Medkit managed to convince her to put it down for the picture. Meddy had said something along the lines of "Please? You look so beautiful, I want to remember how cute you looked today," and that was all it took to get her to melt. Probably why her face ended up looking so red in the final photo...
It made her heart squeeze to realize it meant Medkit cherished those memories enough to display them, not ashamed of their history or dead set on burying the past anymore, like she was when they first got in contact again. Those days weren't looked back on with pain, nor regret, but fondness. Nostolgia.
Shaking off those mushy, stomach churning thoughts, she pulls open the door to the closet to peruse the options.
She selects one of the more pliable spare pillows, dressing it in a plain white case, before choosing a blanket she felt would be best for staving of the winter cold, due to the lack of heating in the building. Thick, colourful, and hand knit.
Satisfied, she stomps her way back to the living room to throw both items right at Medkit, the pillow hitting her square in the face.
Subspace ignores her annoyed sputtering in favor of strolling into the kitchen, admiring just how clean and organized everything was, the countertops spotless. Potted plants lined the windowsill, ones she knew Medkit curated specifically for creating remedies and treatments for her patients, though there were a few simply for decor.
For example, the colourful bouquet of wildflowers Subspace had purchased for her a while back, ones Medkit adamantly insisted she could save. She did a pretty good job too, it seems, the petals vibrant and soft to the touch.
Subspace turns her attention back to the forgotten groceries, deciding she better put everything away before it goes bad.
When she swings open the fridge, she's not surprised to see it woefully bare, the few items it contained quite depressing. A half-empty carton of eggs, a jug of milk, about a forth worth of strawberries left in its container...
No matter, she's got stuff to fill it all back up for her!
Just when shes about finished up emptying the bag, Medkit's disgruntled voice pipes up, requesting, "Can I at least have my tea?"
"No!" A pause, and then, "Okay fine."
She scoops up the mug and makes her way back over to the sofa, cautiously handing it over to Medkit, watching her closely while she takes a slow sip.
"Can you stop now? Can you stop moping?" Subspace huffs, "You keep looking all sad and it's bumming me out."
Medkit hums in consideration, setting her cup down on the coffee table, before letting out a long, dramatic sigh.
"Acting like I killed a puppy or something — literally all I did was make you sit! Is it really that big of a deal?"
She sighs again, this time letting her head fall back against the pillows with an indignant thump, throwing her arm over her eye to really play up the theatrics. Though she sneaks peaks every now and then, making sure Subspace is still watching her.
"Stop it!" She giggles, leaning down to pinch her cheeks like a grandmother dotting over her children, "Stop it, C'mon, that's not gonna work on me!"
Medkit pulls her arm away so she can narrow her eye at her, lips pursed, before she reaches up to flick Subspace in the nose.
"Wh — don't flick me, I'll flick you!" She follows through and, well, flicks her back playfully, cackling all the while.
Seems that was enough to crack Medkit, as her lips begin to twitch up, a snort giving way to a fit of laughter, her shoulders trembling.
"Ha! See, I knew it, I knew you were just being a little shit! C'mere!" She beams, planting a knee into the cushions to climb aboard and wrap her arms around her torso, pressing a kiss to her temple, "You're lucky you're pretty."
Medkit smiling, it's a treat she treasured, relishing in the way the healer eagerly reciprocated the embrace.
Subspace's tail wags at a humiliatingly fast pace when Medkit leans in to pepper her face with ginger pecks, feathlerlight and ticklish. She knows her lipstick is probably leaving marks on her skin, but she can't bring herself to care. Not when Meddy's connecting their lips in a slow, tender kiss, her hands exploring the plane of Subspace's back.
There's something so delicate about the rhythm they move in, so routine it's not even a surprise anymore when one of them nips at the others bottom lip in a silent request for entry, nor when that wish is obliged.
However, it's hard for Subspace to enjoy the sensation of laving her tongue over the roof of her mouth with all her questions from earlier remaining unanswered, leaving her unsure. Hesitant. If Medkit felt a similar manner, she doesn't acknowledge it, choosing to indulge herself to avoid confronting whatever was bothering her.
When they part, Medkit simply moves her lips down to her jawline, planting gentle kisses all along her flesh while pulling the collar of Subspace's turtleneck down for more access.
"Meddy," she breathes out, flushed and heaving for air, overwhelmed with how she was being crowded with affection.
Wholly distracted, she only makes a quiet "Mm." In acknowledgement, too engrossed with littering her neck with little nips and pecks.
"Medkit." She says more firmly to grab her attention, cupping her face with both hands to crane her head up to look at her and halt her advances.
Startled, she only blinks owlishly at her for a moment, eye widened.
"Can we talk about it?" Subspace starts awkwardly, "About, uhm. You know..."
She avoids her gaze, brows knitting together, though she does nod and mutter, "I suppose I owe you that much."
Leaning in to peck Medkit on the corner of her mouth, Subspace slides her hands down to rest idly on the healer’s hips, then taking in a deep breath, "Did you ever plan on telling me?"
Medkit tenses at the question, the silence that drags on all too telling as to what the answer was, until she manages to conclude, "I didn't want you to worry."
"Well, I am worried!" She huffs, "And I want to be. I want to worry about you, I want to know what's going on, I want to be there for you — gods, I'm your girlfriend, Meddy! I want to be apart of your life."
"I know. I know, and I don't mean to push you away," she murmurs, letting out a tired exhale, "And I shouldn't. It's entirely unfair to you, and there's no excuse for it, and I'm... I'm really sorry."
Subspace's expression softens, and she's quick to pull her in for another hug, giving her a light squeeze.
"Look, I know you pride yourself in being little miss independent all the time — and I love that about you!" She assures, "But that doesn't mean you HAVE to handle everything on your own."
Medkit doesn't argue, simply nodding, because honestly? She knew Subspace was right.
Her need to always be in control, her aversion to vulnerability, her frustrations with being viewed as helpless, as weak, as fragile — they all came from the same harmful, detrimental mindset she learned in order to survive all those years ago.
The mindset that says she can't rely on anyone, can't trust, that she's better off alone. And although she knows that's not true, and she's trying to get better, it's just... Hard. Terrifying, too.
"Promise me, okay?" Subspace's voice is uncharacteristically quiet, soft, running her claws through Medkit's hair, "That you won't lie to me about this stuff anymore."
She melts into her touch, swallows the lump in her throat, and manages to whisper with surprising conviction, "I promise."
Subspace smiles. Not as energeticly as earlier, but a smile, nonetheless. "You better."
The silence that settles in the room isn't uncomfortable, nor unwelcome this time, and she's content to simply hold Medkit close for awhile. Listen to her heart beat, feel her chest rise and fall with her breathing, witness all the happy flicks given by her fluffy little tail.
And it becomes obvious what Medkit's thinking, as she struggles to get as close as possible in spite of her stiff leg getting in the way, bumping her nose into hers in a mock-kiss. It means "I missed you," Subspace knows, even if the words are left unspoken.
A light clink sounds, and it takes a second for her to recognize it as Medkit knocking her horns against hers, her eye crinkled with delight.
Ah, they haven't done that in a good while. They used to much more frequently when they were young, too shy to ever dare go much further than some handholding and perhaps the occasional embrace, using it as an alternative method as opposed to some of the more obvious shows of care.
Subspace relishes in the pleased croon she recieves in response when she reciprocates with her own bonk, giggling at how eagerly Medkit accepted every bit of affection given to her. Jeez, she really is in a sappy mood today...
"Hungry?" Subspace prods after a bit, rubbing her shoulder.
Medkit responds with a noncommittal hum, shrugging, continuing on with her efforts to press up entirely against her.
"C'mon, I know you are," she insists, teasing, "You literally never eat!"
"Not true."
"Really? What did you have for breakfast, then?"
Silence.
"That's what I thought." She huffs smugly, gently prying her hands off, "Alright, let me up, I'll make ya some soup or something."
Medkit makes a noise of protest, but she relents, looking up at her like a scorned bride when Subspace stumbles to her feet.
The scientist is sure to fumble for the remote left on the armrest and toss it towards her before she slinks away to the kitchen yet again, adding to make ammends, "I'll come back! Don't pout, it's not like I'm going off to war or whatever."
Medkit turns her nose up in distain, unamused.
Subspace has to bite back a joke about her being dramatic, not really keen on poking the wasps nest that is Medkit's temper, instead simply clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth and searching the drawers in search of a can opener.
The television glows a goulish white, and despite having been watching the same show for the past hour, Subspace hadn't a clue what the plot was about, all the characters constantly yelling at each other in Spanish.
It was one Medkit had chosen, and because she loved it so much, Subspace chose to tolerate it. If only to see her relax. Decompress.
The coffee table is covered in empty bowls and small plates of snacks, and while Subspace knew she probably should discard their dishes in the sink, there was no way she was going to risk disturbing the sleepy Medkit curled into her side, her cheek smushed against her shoulder.
Leniency, that's the word she's looking for. Subspace had grown lenient.
She's famed for being cut-throat. Clawing her way to the top, never bowing down to anyone, destroying anything that gets in her way!
And yet, here she is, unable to get rid of the dopey smile stuck on her face as she admires how adorable her girlfriend looks fighting to keep her eye open, shaking herself awake everytime she begins to slump.
Subspace sighs, pulling the blanket draped over their laps up higher, only to pause at the sight of Medkit's leg.
The bandages had certainly grown colourful, plenty of doodles left by Sword and Rocket during their visits. Dragons, stars, scribbles...
"So, you gonna let me sign your cast or what?" Subspace teases, a grin accentuating her crows feet.
"Mmn... What?" Comes Medkit's groggy, slow reply, head lifting slightly.
"You know, your leg!" She clarifies, giggling, "Ooh, your arm, too! I could do some cool stripes right here," She suggests, gently grabbing said appendage to run her fingers over the textured bandages.
She blinks owlishly in confusion, brows furrowing, until she lets out an "Oh." Of realization. "Yeah, sure. I don't mind. There should be a couple sharpies on my desk, and I think Sword left some felt pens around here somewhere... I could go get them for you."
"Oh, nonono, it's okay! Later," She hurries out, giving her a quick kiss on her temple, "Get your beauty sleep."
Medkit, in an awfully agreeable mood, thanks to the drowsiness softening her up, doesn't respond with anything snarky. Just a simple nod, a nuzzle into her neck, and her eye fluttering closed. Cute.
A buzz hums from the phone Subspace left on the table earlier, and it has her rolling her eyes when the screen lights up with a string of notifications from her coworkers, bemoaning the complaints she knows they contain over her absence.
Logically, she knew she should be heading back now to deal with that mess. But Subspace has never been great at putting reason above her wants.
So, she seals her fate of receiving a long lecture from the higher ups later by sinking deeper into the cushions, pulling Medkit as close as possible to indulge in the warmth and comfort while she can.
And when Subspace finds herself also beckoned by sleep, while she twirls one of Medkit's curls around her finger, she's content to ignore her responsibilities and let it take her. Happy to get a good, proper rest for once.