MoonChild

Kanaphan Tsukiko * 24 * Demigod Son of Konohanasakuya-hime Nurse at Asclepius General This blog was created for Mount Phoenix RP. All of the events portrayed are strictly fictional. Muse and Mun are both 18+. NSFW. Mount Phoenix

[mptsukiko]

introduction

biography

connections * plots * threads

aesthetics * playlist * moodboards

[lianmp-deactivated20240928]

His smile grew just a bit at the dog, not at all concerned it may attack the baby chick in his hands--but Lian was naïve like that, not even for once thinking that a friendly animal would try to eat another friendly animal, convinced this was a safe space. All he really saw was a cute and excited puppy!

Unfortunately, that was about as far as his understanding went, because as the stranger spoke to the canine, Lian became confused; it sounded like Korean. Was that Korean? He couldn't make it out either way--but he hoped the sign could provide the answers to whatever the guy was asking.

But oh!

The stranger spoke English! And suddenly the recognition was visible in his eyes and upon his face as his smile was evident. "Yes!" he promptly replied as he took a step forward. "...leashes are...fine..." he continued, just happy to be able to understand someone. "...are you...do you need help...finding...something?" he asked, still gingerly cradling the baby chick in his hands, the little bird having gone quiet and seeming to drift into a snooze due to his comforting touch.

[mptsukiko]

If it could reassure Lian, Tsukiko would tell him about Sundrop and his powers, how he was able to calm any kind of animal. Toffee and him often had long conversations, the young man telling her how amazing she was, giving her advices on how to act around people and other beasts. And she was perfect so far.

If he was quite honest, the nurse would admit that he was relieved to use another language than Korean. Even if he had greatly improved since his arrival to Mount Phoenix, he often wasn't totally at ease, looking for words or not truly be able to express his thoughts. Even if it reminded him bad things, he felt better speaking English and, of course, Thai.

Tsukiko smiled back as he saw the happiness in the other's eyes. Great ! he exclaimed. "I will need your help but wait..." The Japanese demigod quickly paid his entrance fees, joining the young man once he was inside. "I'm looking for herbs to grow in my kitchen, for cooking. Do you have this ?" 

By his side, Toffee gave a soft bark, her tail wagging furiously as she looked at that new person and the dozing chick in his hands. "Oh, she's Toffe and I'm Tsukiko. It's our first time here but I think it's obvious" he added, grinning.

[bird-inacage]

A First Kanaphan Gifset | Soft Firstmeow 🐈‍⬛

Because I miss him. First is so incredibly expressive, I could honestly watch him all day long.

[mpxayden]

[...] The sigh of relief wasn't missed by the nurse and he smiled, carefully putting the drawing away on his pile of files. He looked at the young man, at his radiant but tired face at the compliments. "Never doubt of your talent, whatever people can tell you" he gently said, peeking at the drawing again. It indeed wasn't Tsukiko's usual ward but now that he had found someone who seemed to need help, he wasn't going to leave them alone in the middle of the hallway. Lunch could wait and his colleagues of the Cardiac Cares would call him if his help was wanted.  "Ayden, that's a pretty name ! I'm happy to meet you too. You are on the right level but the Psychology Ward is on the other side of the hallway. I'm going in that direction, come with me ?" Then Tsukiko would see if he could find his file before recommending him to one of the doctors. "Do you often have sleep problems ?" he asked as he waited for Ayden to be ready to go.

Ayden looked through his sleep deprivation to follow the nurse’s hand moves, his lips tugged up into a small smile as the portrait sketch was now safe in the other’s folder. He did not miss the way Tsukiko took just one more glance at the sketch while talking to him, and that sent a right amount of pride to Ayden’s almost numb senses. 

“I’m still learning not to give a damn about the comments,” he admitted, his lack of sleep made the effort to brush the heavy feelings off his heart look more effortless. “People tend to be careless with their words, you know.” 

His mood slump lasted as long as a blink of an eye, as now his tired brain got a piece of much more practical information to digest. At the other’s comment about his name, Ayden responded with an easy “Thank you!” It was interesting, as Tsukiko was the first one to compliment the sound of his name, something Ayden himself had never really thought about. 

Looking up at Tsukiko with slightly wider eyes, Ayden sat in silence for a few seconds, then concluded with a foolish chuckle. “Ah, so I’m at the right place, but not really the right place.” He then gave a quick nod of his head to the nurse’s invitation to tag along, taking a few more seconds to realize that meant he should put his sketchbook and pencil case back into his backpack. 

Ayden’s hands moved on their own, he believed, as he did not really remember how he gathered his stuff and zipped the backpack before standing up from the bench. Holding the backpack loosely in one hand, he let his legs move themselves to follow Tsukiko, leaving his brain enough space to hold the conversation with the nurse coherently. 

“Quite often, mostly when I’ve got deadlines, and in wintertime.” He then asked Tsukiko, his voice got slightly slurred because of the physical tiredness. “How long have you been working here? Which ward are you working at?”

[mptsukiko]

Being proud of oneself was important and healthy. Before Mount Phoenix, Tsukiko himself had forgotten that, being belittled and criticised all the time. It sometimes had been hard to remember he was human and worthy of people's attention. And now his work was recognized and his presence was making people happy and he felt happy again.

"Yeah, that's true. They don't care anymore about hurting others and they even enjoy it sometimes" the nurse answered, offering a smile to Ayden. "But I think that you have the right attitude about that. If you love what you do, is the rest truly important ?"

Tsukiko waved the thanks away. He had always been one to compliment people, never hiding it when he liked something about someone. And for some reasons, that young man had piqued his interest.

"Exactly !" the nurse answered, chuckling with Ayden. His smile didn't leave him as he waited for the young man to pack his things before he was ready to follow him. As they passed by the desk, Tsukiko left some files for his colleagues, guiding Ayden through the hallways. 

The Japanese demigod nodded as he listened to the other. That was very reasonable reasons to lose sleep over. "The deadlines must stress you. As for winter () Are you easily cold ? Sleep is more difficult to find in that case." He turned back to Ayden as they arrived to an eximanation room. "Since November, I arrived just in time for the Halloween Ball. I'm usually in Cardiac Cares."

[lianmp-deactivated20240928]

Lian had been on the hunt for a baby chick that had strayed from the flock--only because a kid had attempted to sneak out with it; not that he could blame the little girl; it was an adorable little bird. Of course, when she was caught by her guardian and her pleading did not sway the adult from saying she could not keep the chick, she then put the small bird on the ground with a light shove and told it to RUN FREE AS THE WIND! And now...now it was Lian's job to find and catch the poor little creature, eventually leading the lanky farmhand to the entrance.

Aha! There it was! Located! He smiled just a little bit as he crouched down to scoop up the chick, cradling it carefully within his palms as he stood once more, listening to it peeping happily now that it was no longer on its own and lost in the grass far from its mother. Gingerly, he stroked the bird's head and neck with the side of his thumb and turned to head back in the direction of the coop when he saw another visitor to the farm...and with a dog no less and offered a small smile. Cute dog!

He didn't usually talk to people when they came to the Happy Garden, but this stranger now moved closer and seemed to be talking to him. His smile faded, expression becoming more like a deer in headlights as he didn't understand. "...huh?" he quietly asked as he continued to subconsciously soothe the baby chick with strokes of his thumb. Was this stranger asking him about picking vegetables? Or the orchard maybe? Or eggs? Goat milk maybe? There was a sign around here wasn't there? With arrows pointing in the directions of things? Confused, he looked around to find it, and finally nodded in the direction of it since his hands were occupied.

[mptsukiko]

Toffee suddenly got agitated by Tsukiko's side. Attentive, her eyes fixed on the boy and her tail wagging furiously. She whined , sniffing the air a little. It took a minute for the nurse to notice the little chick in the young man's hands and he smiled. The little creature was adorable, soft chirps escaping it. 

"You want to see the chick closer, right ?" the son of Konohanasakuya-hime asked, patting his dog's head gently. "If you behave well, maybe they'll let you see the coop, what do you think ?" Toffee gave a soft bark, keeping her eyes on the chick. She probably would have a lot of things to say to Sundrop about it when they would see him again.

But then it was more than clear that the garden boy wasn't understand him so Tsukiko looked at the designed sign. It gave a lot of informations but not the one he needed at the moment. He had no idea what language the young man was familiar with so he simply tried one of the most popular one. 

"Are dogs allowed inside ?" Tsukiko repeated in English, with just a touch of Thai accent. He hand't used the language in quite a while now and the words sounded weird to his ears. "I'll keep her on the leash and she's really nice. But I imagine that everyone must tell that ?!"

[mptsukiko]

garden fairy

for the new gardener @lianmp

Tsukiko had been wanting to visit Happy Garden since it opened. And now that the snow had finally cleared (he already missed the ice rink though), it was the perfect time to visit the place. He needed some herbs for his kitchen and maybe he could get some tangerines or kiwis for his boyfriend Sundrop.

The nurse still couldn't believe the way their relationship had suddenly evolved, reaching a point it should have a very long time ago already, if bigotry hadn't taken the son of Artio from him. 

So it was with a big smile on his face that Tsukiko walked to Happy Garden, Toffee by his side. She was happy to be out too, trotting near him, as gentle as always. As they arrived, the Japanese demigod immediately noticed the handsome young man at the entry, his beautiful and unusual eyes shining in the bright light of the day.

"Excuse me ?" he asked the other, moving closer. "Are dogs allowed inside ?"

[mpsundrop]

"Just a second, Tsuki!" Sun returned towards his friend, full attention focusing on the person who had rushed in. He listened as they explained how they found a young dog, no older than about six months near the forest. He'd glanced at the bundle at the mention, nodding a little more while the other person continued to speak. They also mentioned they noticed the poor thing was very thin and didn't look very clean or healthy which had the vet tech wondering if the dog was malnourished.

He'd be sure to check that first.

He nodded again as the person went on to mention how they weren't sure what to do, thus bringing the dog to Stop&Paws. They couldn't take the poor thing in and they didn't have much time to stay either but getting the pup somewhere safe and where it could be treated and taken care of was the least they could do.

"Thank you for bringing it in! Not everyone who spots a case like this one think to bring them somewhere safer... or they don't have any luck catching them. We can take it from here! Don't you worry about it! Even if you can't offer a home, feel free to leave your number for updates on how the pup is doing if you'd like to know!" He finished, gesturing to Tsuki soon after to take the pup and help him bring it to one of the exam rooms.

He nodded to the person who brought the pup as they did leave there number before leaving, full attention returning to Tsuki and the pup as they entered the examination room. "Okay, lets get this little one checked out! There's no blood or anything, so that's a good sign! We can see what it is too, I don't want to assume gender and I think it's a little too weak for communication. Just set it right there on the table."

[mptsukiko]

"Yes, of course" Tsukiko answered, standing close enough to hear the conversation but remaining discreet to not bother them. He felt his heart break as he peeked at the small creature, its matted fur and the soft whines coming from it. It seemed to suffer a lot and the nurse wondered what hat happened to the dog to be in such a state. 

Having been at Stop&Paws more times than necessary, Tsukiko took one of the contact forms under the counter, helping the dog's savior to fill it before they left, reassured that the dog was now in good hands. 

Once alone, the two friends brought the dog to one of the examination rooms, settling it as comfortably as possible. The poor thing was breathing heavilly and Tsukiko crouched near its head, reaching to rub its muzzle. Don't worry little one, you'll soon be ok he whispered. The dog looked at him, burying its head in the young man's hands, pleading eyes, diving onto his own. 

It was like love at first sight and Tsukiko knew in that moment that this dog would be his companion, he could feel it in his heart. They now were linked, whatever would happen that night.

A few moments passed before he looked up at Sun, worried. "Should we call In-Soo ro Chang'e ?" 

[eirwenxmp]

Tsukiko happily nodded. He was glad to meet more people who knew his home country and appreciated it. "Isn't it ?" he commented, smiling brightly. "I'm glad that you liked." She didn't have to worry about being too enthusiast, he would appreciate her words in any circumstance. "Do you also have a bakery over there?" He smiled back. It's nice that artisans want the best for their clients. And it's great to have the occasion to taste other fruits than the usual ones. Tsukiko was grateful that he was given time to look around, to understand what he was reading. It also was quite fortunate that they were alone for the moment, no one to lose patience behind him.   "Oh, I'm sorry but would it be ok to have two slices ?" Sundrop would surely love a little treat after his workday. Maybe he could cook some panang curry with tofu, that would make a delicious meal. "I sure will ! I'll let you know next time I come around. I'm already sure the bakery will be one of my favorite places on the island !"  Tsukiko looked up, following her movements. He remembered Dao telling him about the two boys living over the bakery. It seemed like a very nice place where to live at. "Yes, Taavi and Dao are both so nice They've been nothing but welcoming and you too so I thank you for that." He handed Eirwen his card to pay. "I'm really glad to get to know you ! My name's Tsukiko."

“At Bangkok? I’d opened a branch there just a few months before I moved here, it was a crazy time.”

Eirwen replied with a relaxed smile, deciding to keep the reason behind her moving to the island to herself for now.

As a baker, and as a demigoddess who had been witnessing humans’ cruelty, Eirwen had developed in herself a strong sense of patience. Everyone and everything should thrive at their own pace, as the right timing would bring the most desired results. One could rush for something they wanted, but often, those who hurried were not prepared to pay the price. So even if others were waiting, she would still let this customer take all the time he needed to choose what was best for him. 

“Of course, you can take as many slices as you want,” Eirwen confirmed, her friendly smile remained on her face as she grabbed the food tongs to take out one more slice of chocolate cake. She put it in a box of suitable size, and put that into the big paper bag, carefully placing the jars of many jam and candy in between the cake boxes so that it would be safe to carry.

She then responded to his compliment with genuine appreciation. “Thank you, I’m happy to know that you’ve had a good experience here with us.” 

Eirwen briefly looked up at the ceiling at the mention of her two tenants, then quickly shifted her eyes back to the demigod. She knew nothing about his past, although through his look, the way he carried himself, and the way he talked to her, Eirwen got a sense that this man must have gone through quite a lot. Yet, she did not take that as a reason for her kindness to him. “You’re a nice man, sir, the island always welcomes such good hearts like yours.” 

“Alright, two slices of chocolate cakes, one jar of mango jam, and one jar of mango gummy candy, that will be…24000 won in total.” She read him the total price, then politely took the card from him to pay. 

“Thank you so much,” she handed the card back to him, smiling brightly as she added. “I hope to see you again soon, Tsukiko.”

[mptsukiko]

This is great ! Tsukiko exclaimed. I'll make sure to visit if I ever go back to Thailand. I was living in the US until coming here. He didn't feel safe enough yet to travel out of Mount Phoenix. And with Sundrop there too, he truly had no reason to go back home. 

Once Tsukiko was ready with reading everything he needed to, he smiled at Eirwen, waiting for her to prepare his bag. She was truly lovely and he appreciated her patience and gentleness. For people like him, with an anxiety going through the roof, it was reassuring to be accepted as they were and allowed to take the time they needed. Hopefully, with people like Sundrop and the baker, the nurse knew he would feel better soon.

"Thanks to you he answered with a soft smile. You made the whole experience easier, I truly appreciate that." He blushed at her compliments though, looking down with humility. It went right to his heart, it had been so long since he had received any praise and gentle words. "I could say the same about you" he simply commented.

Once the goods were paid and that Tsukiko has gotten his card back, he took the bag, offering a bright smile to Eirwen. "I promise to come back soon. Have a nice day !" 

And with a last bow, he was gone.

thread end *

[huahuaxmp]

Huachang took a breath because the smells of this place were reaching him, his head going light and his fingers curling into his robes making them stay in place as not to shake. Hospitals, he hated them and he wished someone was here with him but he had promised. Promised to come and get better, to himself and everyone else. He had to tell himself over and over that he wasn't useless but he felt even more so when he felt this helpless. The long hair on his head cascaded from his shoulder as the demigod leaned forward with the little scoot he gave, situating his body in a more comfortable way as the nurse settled before him. Touching was a big thing for Huachang and though this was something that needed to happen he couldn't help but feel a little anxiety, even with all this though he jus smiled. Like nothing was wrong and nodded his head. Lifting his hands he signed, not exactly sure if the other knew how but made a gesture for pen and paper saying he would need to write stuff down later before he lifted his foot. Under his robe peaked out a cute, silken embroidered Chinese dancing shoe laced with thin ribbons around a dainty foot. Little butterflies and flowers shimmering on them, matching his robes and it was obvious the way he was shaking since it wasn't as easy to hide like this. So he pretended it was just from the pain.

[mptsukiko]

Tsukiko was good at reading people's body language so Huachang's unease didn't escape him. So he left him alone while he was getting ready, allowing him to calm down. Hospital visits were never easy and it was even harder for some. The nurse was always gentle but he promised himself to be even more careful with the young man. Anything to make this easier for him.

The Japanese demigod carefully removed the other shoe, putting it away before doing the same with the sock. He took an instant to admire the dainty garment, it fitted Huachang perfectly, before turning back to his work. The ankle was still a bit red and swollen, Tsukiko delicately probing it. He looked up as he did, smiling as reassuringly as he could to the young man. 

When the exam was done, the nurse grabbed his notebook, quickly writing in it, turning it towards to Huachang so he could read. 'I will put some ice on your ankle while we wait for the doctor. Then I'll make a new bandage, is it ok for you ?' Then he handed the pad and pencil over to his patient, waiting for his answer or whatever he wanted to tell him.

[mpxayden]

[...] He had noticed the pretty young man sitting not far from the ER's counter, seemingly absorbed bye the sketchbook on his knees. He looked exhausted though and the nurse hoped he would soon have enough time to take care of him.  It was the middle of the afternoon when things seemed to calm down a bit. Tsukiko was hungry but there was still work to do before being able to sit down for a moment. He was about to get the next patient's file when the handsome boy beckoning him over, handing him the portrait. "For me ?" the nurse confirmed, looking down at the drawing. And it was absolutely gorgeous, almost life-like. There was something strange and amazing for the Japanese demigod to look at his own face, to truly notice how he had changed since his arrival to Mount Phoenix. The brighter gaze, the soft curves of his well-nourished cheeks.  He had hidden his sufferings to everyone, even to his adored friend Sun, and seeing how better he looked brought tears to his eyes. He smiled though, looking up at the young artist before him. "It's beautiful, thank you so much !" he exclaimed, looking at the drawing again, turning back to the other after a few instants. "I'm Tsukiko. Anything I can do to repay you ?"

Ayden observed the change in the nurse’s facial expression when he took the sketch, his tired eyes were filled with anticipation. 

For an artist, revealing his works to someone was the best, but also the worst moment. Best, because his effort and hours of working would be seen and the art’s existence would be acknowledged. Worst, because how the audience would react and what they would comment about the pieces was pretty much unpredictable. Sometimes it was better than he had expected, but sometimes it looked like his worst nightmare had just come true. 

He did not realize he was holding his breath until the amazement on the other’s face looked genuine, and his compliment came to allow Ayden to let out a relieved sigh. 

“I’m glad that you like it,” he responded simply, words could not match the joy that brightened up his face, momentarily overshadowing the marks left by serious insomnia. 

He did not expect the busy nurse to want to continue their conversation, knowing that he probably had a lot of tasks to be done, and he seemed not to be directly in charge of the department he was assigned to. But what department he was told to visit? Ayden suddenly doubted his memory, and only then did he start to wonder if he was waiting in the correct zone of the hospital. 

“I’m Ayden, nice to meet you. And no, no repay please, just...” he introduced himself as a reflex, a slight confusion cast over his face as he briefly looked around then back to Tsukiko. He suddenly felt stupid, but it would not be harmful to ask just to be sure. “Hmm, is this where I should wait to check my sleeplessness? The nurse at the reception told me to go to the clinical psychology floor and wait for my name to be called. I’ve been waiting for a while though, so…”

[mptsukiko]

Well, wasn't there the saying 'beauty is in the eyes of the beholder' ? Like for physical appearance, art was subjective and everyone was receiving it differently. The same artist could be praised by some and demolished by others but did that mean they had no talent ? No. However, Tsukiko immediately fell in love with the other's art, his curiosity now piqued. He would love to see more of his work. 

The sigh of relief wasn't missed by the nurse and he smiled, carefully putting the drawing away on his pile of files. He looked at the young man, at his radiant but tired face at the compliments. "Never doubt of your talent, whatever people can tell you" he gently said, peeking at the drawing again.

It indeed wasn't Tsukiko's usual ward but now that he had found someone who seemed to need help, he wasn't going to leave them alone in the middle of the hallway. Lunch could wait and his colleagues of the Cardiac Cares would call him if his help was wanted. 

"Ayden, that's a pretty name ! I'm happy to meet you too. You are on the right level but the Psychology Ward is on the other side of the hallway. I'm going in that direction, come with me ?" Then Tsukiko would see if he could find his file before recommending him to one of the doctors. "Do you often have sleep problems ?" he asked as he waited for Ayden to be ready to go.

[cookiesskpop]

[mpsundrop]

A New Bond's Beginning

for our favorite flower bb @mptsukiko

Sun let off a small yawn, stretching and rolling his back before massaging his neck and humming softly. It was a semi-busy day that was slowly beginning to wind down as people had been taking to the streets a lot to enjoy all the festivities that were put out by Madam Xi. He remembered Tsuki had said something about her being the director of the hospital but given Sun hadn't quite properly or fully met her yet... at best he could call the goddess 'Madam' until he officially met her and ask what she preferred he call her.

But as it was, the streets were busy and both P'Soosoo and Ms. Chang'e had been working as well up until it was getting to the point where they both had to go prepare for the Lunar New Year dinner that was going on for the Chinese Pantheon as well... Leaving Sun to take care of Stop&Paws until it was time to close for the night. He'd volunteered, honestly. The dinner was something for the two of them after all! He could be trusted to tend to the store and clinic for the rest of the night.

He'd messaged Tsuki as well though, thinking it might be nice to have company when the other male was free and it's fun to have him around while he's working sometimes. At the moment, he was currently watching the door for customers and potentially his friend too but after a few moments there was a brief buzz of activity that spoke of someone in a hurry. He'd straightened, gaze following the figure until they entered, closely followed by Tsuki as well.

[mptsukiko]

It had been a slow day for Tsukiko too. He truly didn't mind, he was always happy when most of the patients' rooms weren't fool, a proof that the island residents were in good shape. So he had spent the day catching up with his files, writing reports and restocking the Cardiac Department's closets and pharmacy. 

The nurse was about to finish his shift when he received Sun's message. The boy was alone at Stop&Paws, his colleague and boss gone to the Lunar New Year's feast at the Golden Palace. Tsukiko stopped by the festival to get some delicious tea and snacks to share with his friend, thinking they could pass by the park again on their way home.

Someone passed by the Japanese demigod as he approached the pet shop, visibly in a hurry and holding a big bundle in their arms. He heard the creature whine, a dog probably, and quickly followed the person inside, putting the drinks and snacks on the counter. 

"Sun ? Is everything alright ?" He asked as his friend rushed towards the two newcomers, removing his coat. "Can I help with something ?"

[eirwenxmp]

 [...] Another mango lover ! Sundrop would probably have to meet her at some point then.  "Really ? I'm from Thailand so tropical fruits are part of my daily life. They're so delicious !" Tsukiko grinned, patiently waiting as she disappeared to the back room. He took the time to look more into the delicious things displayed in the shop, from the exquisite cookies to the more elaborated cakes. He felt at ease there, in the warmth and the mouthwatering smell of baked goods.  The nurse looked at the two jars before him, their bright colors and the lovely packaging. Once again, he smiled at the young woman behind the counter. "I must say, I do appreciate that you don't use frozen fruits. I have nothing against frozen things but the fresh one always taste better." He pointed to the jars sitting between them. "I'll take those and, mmm..." Tsukiko turned towards the cakes' display again, examining each one, carefully reading the little labels that came with. Written Korean was a bit easier for him to understand but it still took him a few minutes and he turned to the young woman with an apologetic. "I'm sorry to take so much of your time. So, I'll have the chocolate and peanut butter cake." It looked absolutely scrumptious. "I've heard so much good things about the bakery and I see the praise was justified. I met Taavi at the Halloween's Ball just after my arrival here."

“Oh, you’re from Thailand? I spent around a year in Bangkok for business before moving here, it is a wonderful place, a tropical fruit heaven, I will say,” Eirwen replied with a reasonable amount of enthusiasm, so that it would not appear as if she was trying to win his favour while in fact, she was speaking her truth. 

The joyful smile came back on her face once the demigod seemed to like the mango gummy candy and jam. At his comment about using frozen fruits, Eirwen responded with a subtle pride. “I’m happy that you appreciate it. We guarantee to only use fresh, high-quality ingredients for our products while still keeping the prices reasonably affordable.” 

“Okay!” she exclaimed, about to take out a bag to put the jars in, but her action was stopped by the demigod’s pending choices. Eirwen by no means minded that, as she stood in silent with a welcoming smile, leaving her customer as much time as he needed to decide. 

 “That’s totally alright, I’m happy to assist you, ” she replied, again with honesty and hospitality. Quickly, she grabbed the food tongs, took out a piece of cake, and put it in a small cake box that had the bakery’s logo on it. “Here you are, one piece of chocolate and peanut butter cake! It’s a rising star of our bakery, I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

She put the jars and the box of cake in a paper bag that had the logo of the bakery on both faces, most of her attention remained on the demigod, listening intently to what he was saying. 

“Aaah, thank you so much for your compliment, I’m sure the whole staff team would be very happy to know that,” she responded, her smile and eyes brightened at the mention of Taavi. 

“It’s indeed a small world here, isn’t it? Taavi is the best baker we luckily have, such a sweet young man, and he’s living right above us, on the second floor of this bakery I mean,” she chuckled, briefly looking up and pointing her finger at the ceiling to demonstrate her words, then lowered her head to meet the demigod’s gaze again.

Eirwen would not ask for customers’ names unless it was for ordering purposes, but since he was Taavi’s friend, she found it reasonable to have a proper introduction. With a polite smile, she said. 

“I’m Eirwen, it’s very nice to welcome you here. May I know your name?”

[mptsukiko]

Tsukiko happily nodded. He was glad to meet more people who knew his home country and appreciated it. "Isn't it ?" he commented, smiling brightly. "I'm glad that you liked." She didn't have to worry about being too enthusiast, he would appreciate her words in any circumstance. "Do you also have a bakery over there ?"

He smiled back. It's nice that artisans want the best for their clients. And it's great to have the occasion to taste other fruits than the usual ones. Tsukiko was grateful that he was given time to look around, to understand what he was reading. It also was quite fortunate that they were alone for the moment, no one to lose patience behind him.  

"Oh, I'm sorry but would it be ok to have two slices ?" Sundrop would surely love a little treat after his workday. Maybe he could cook some panang curry with tofu, that would make a delicious meal. "I sure will ! I'll let you know next time I come around. I'm already sure the bakery will be one of my favorite places on the island !" 

Tsukiko looked up, following her movements. He remembered Dao telling him about the two boys living over the bakery. It seemed like a very nice place where to live at. "Yes, Taavi and Dao are both so nice They've been nothing but welcoming and you too so I thank you for that."

He handed Eirwen his card to pay. "I'm really glad to get to know you ! My name's Tsukiko."

[saengdaomp-deactivated20240506]

"Just gotta get used to it~! I'm sure it'll work out eventually too. Imagine, all the struggling and then one day you're like 'Oh, I know where I'm going!' and then the feeling of accomplishment that follows!" Dao shifted his stance a little, smiling at the question before speaking up.

"I think there's a couple in the pantheon buildings that can house two people. But we don't live in a pantheon building. We live in a nice little two room over the bakery. Tataavi's close to his work place and we get to stay roommates because we're not in the same pantheon. I'm in the Egyptian one! Tataavi is Mayan. So we had to find a place outside the main apartments." He explained, bouncing slightly as he spoke.

"And yeah, coffee sounds good! I think it could be fun!" He added before brightening a bit at the mention of Thailand. "Yes! Kinda? I was born there, then I ended up moving to LA when I was really little. I moved back to Thailand after... some things. And then I came here."

[mptsukiko]

Tsukiko chuckled. It didn't last long but it was there, some happiness, carefully guarded, still too coward to escape. One day, hopefully, it'd find the key to escape. "I think so ! At least I can recognize my apartment's building. It a good start." But Downtown was different, with its numerous shops, cafés or restaurants. A labyrinth. 

Oh ! That was nice and sounded fun. Maybe Sun and himself could get their own place one day ? Sasi and Weha would probably like to have more space too. His smile was back at the mention of the Mayan demigod. "Taavi, right ? I met him during the Halloween Ball. Such a cute person." It was nice to meet someone so open, so glad to share their experience with him. "Egyptian and Mayan ? That's interesting. I'm from the Japanese one he added with a little smile. Hence my name."

Coffee would be good and maybe more, later. Tsukiko knew he needed to surround himself with people, to find a semblance of normality. "I'll tell Sundrop around it then !"

The nurse missed Thailand. He wished he could go back there, visit his father even. But it was too risky to leave Mount Phoenix for now. He was safe there and he wasn't going to take any risk yet. "I see ! And did you like LA ? I lived in NYC for a few years and it wasn't as fun as people promised. I'd like to go back to Bangkok once though."

[7698]

[mpsundrop]

At the very least... Tsukiko's care would help him a lot.

Once the slightly older male retrieved him and brought him home, Sun had snuggled into his sheets with his face buried into one of his arms. He could feel he was safe and comfortable, as out of it as he was. Admittedly, Tsuki's little remarks would feel like they happened in a dream but he let off a content sigh regardless.

After he woke and asked for water, Sun blinked blearily. He was partly listening as Tsuki explained how he slept all day, nodding slowly while he sipped at the water the other gave him. He hummed quietly, muffling another sudden cough and holding the water for Tsuki to take back for the moment once he'd drunk enough. "Eight?" He yawned, shaking his head slightly and wincing a little bit in regret at the mistake. Note, don't make yourself woozy again. "Mmm..." With the other's touch, he half leaned into his hand. Letting his head rest against it if Tsuki would let him and nodding slowly as he mentioned porridge and soup.

"Yeah, Sun would like that. Thank you, Tsuki." He murmured softly, still tired but determined to stay up for a bit because he needed to eat and couldn't just sleep the rest of the night away.

[mptsukiko]

Tsukiko had never doubted of his capacities as a nurse. It probably was the only thing his ex hadn't taken away from him, his pride in being a hard-working and reliable person. He was always doing his best for strangers so there was no reason for him to let a friend, his best friend down. 

Now that Sun was (almost) fully awake, the Japanese demigod kept his hand against his face for a few more moments. He was burning and he had sweat so much that a fresh bath maybe wouldn't be such a bad idea. "I kept the food warm so you don't have to wait before eating. I'll be right back."

Tsukiko disappeared in the kitchen and prepared a tray with two bowls and his friend's medication before returning to the bedroom. He pulled Sun's desk chair closer to the bed and settled, the platter on his knees. He handed a pill and a scoop of cough syrup to the other. "Take those and I'll give you food, ok ?" He chuckled, he was talking as if Sun was one of his usual patients.

But the boy was far more than that.

[benji-mp]

Ben nodded before immediately running to the lab. He didn't say anything before leaving - he just needed to get out of there. It made him feel dirty - that he was was feeling so good when this child was suffering. It wasn't his fault and he knew that, but still. There was nothing the nurse could do.

He labelled everything for the samples as best as he could before he passed them over. Ben thanked the tech before leaving. He took a bit of time to come down off the 'high' feeling before he returned. "Aye." He nodded to the other before looking at the rooms they were just in.

"how did the perfusion go?" He leaned on the station before reaching over to grab his water. He could hear the supervisor in the back of his head already 'no water on the floor!' he rolled his eyes to himself before clearing his throat. "What're we doin' next?" He gave a soft smile to Tsukiko.

[mptsukiko]

While Benji was gone, Tsukiko changed the girl's perfusion, chatting with her to distract her attention from what he was doing and she introduced him to her teddy bear, Mr. Paw. Once this was done, he made sure she took her medicine before tucking her in. She was exhausted and fell asleep quickly. 

The nurse retourned to his station, filling the files while waiting on Benji. The evening was calm and it was quite a nice change from the usual agitation in the hallways. He smiled when Benji came back, he truly liked that guy. 

"It went well, thank you !" Tsukiko answered, taking advantage of the little improvised break to drink some tea. She's sleeping already, we'll check on her in one hour. "And now...." He checked his files, handing one to his night companion. "The flu boys. We put them in the same room, they're twins. They're cool but a bit grumpy."

He guided Benji to the mentioned room. "Nothing special here, we take their constants and give them their meds. You want to do it ?"