Summary: Team 141 isn't always the best at taking care of themselves, and they also refuse to be taken care of. That is until Laswell introduces an emotional support bunny, who becomes the team's personal medic. The pack is a bit reluctant at first, only to realize just how much they needed a new hybrid in their pack.
"No, Laswell."
"I am not taking no as an answer." Laswell quips back, completely unphased when Price snarls lowly at her, though she does pin her ears back. "I'll pop you on the nose. Don't start with me." She warns, but there's no heat to her words, and Price grumbles at her again as he sits down in his desk chair.
"We do not need a new member of the pack. We have each other, and that's all we need." He insists, holding up the file, and Laswell gently shakes her head. Price flips open the file, seeing the picture and smiling just slightly. Fluffy brown ears with little spots of white, hair in the awkward grow out phase from a buzzcut, and slightly chubby cheeks.
"Bunnies tend to be natural medics. It's like the puppy syndrome that the rookies have. Right now, we've seen how placing a caregiver hybrid into a pack leads to benefits. Faster recovery from injuries and illness, improved sleep, and fewer fights with nurses in the med bay." Laswell rambles a bit, fixing Price with a firm look at that one.
"So we're getting a babysitter?" Price huffs, leaning back in his chair. "I don't know, Laswell. I know my boys, you do too. What happens when this new pack mate makes a move on one of us?" There was a vunerability there that Laswell knew too well. Price had fought for this team, for this pack, for this family. He had spent so long alone that bringing something new into the relationship felt almost dangerous.
"Well, that likely won't happen." Laswell hums proudly, her snow leapord tail swishing back and forth happily. Price tilts his head at that, ear twitching in curiousity. "Your new bunny pack mate is asexual."
The humvee rolls to a stop into base, Price watching and waiting for the doors to swing open and bring them their new medic. He ignores the huffing, the teeth clicking behind him anxiously, keeping it together for his pack. He has to lead by example, hoping that they will settle down and follow suit.
The backdoor swings open, and out climbs their new pack mate, much shorter than Price had thought. 5'6" was much smaller in person than on paper, but you held your head up with the confidence of a much taller rabbit. Price steps forward, smiling a little as he waves you closer, taking you in.
Your ears were bigger than he expected, fluffy, and flopped down over your shoulders. You were a little chubby, like most bunnies Price had seen, but he could see the muscle flexing underneath. As you got closer, he could smell something sweet, his tail wagging slightly as you got closer.
"Hello, I'm Y/N. This is my first time working with a wolf pack. I am very honored that you've let me be here to care for your team." You beam, and you shift that same sharp stare to the team behind him. "Laswell said you would show me to my barracks and that she would show me around." You explain when you finish looking everyone over.
"Hey, welcome. I'm John Price." He introduces himself, holding out a hand for you to shake. You take his hand eagerly, giving it a firm squeeze and shake. Price wasn't surprised by that, but he was surprised with the sharp stare you fixed him with, almost studying him. It was there for a few moments before you blinked, smiled, and let go of his hand.
John hears Simon rumbling behind him in slight irritation, Price turning to give him a look. A silent warning that you had a job to do, just like them. They may not like it, but thats not your fault. Ghost holds his gaze for a moment, but lowers his eyes and ears in submission. He didn't want to challenge his captain over this, he'd just have to wait and see how things played out.
"If you have all your things, I'll take you to your barracks. Laswell is in a meeting right now, so you have some time to unpack before she comes by." Price smiles at you as you grab your two suitcases and a large duffel bag before leading you into the building.
"You're all way too skinny." You say offhandedly, looking over your shoulder at the team than quickly back at Price. The pack was staring at you with wide eyes, perked ears, and stiff tails, far thinner than they should be.
"Excuse me?" Price grunts, ears twitching a little as he wrinkles his nose. "You saying that I don't feed my team?" He challenges, tempted to step into your space to tower over you. You seem completely unphased, raising an eyebrow at his defensiveness.
"Not at all, Sir. You've done what you can with what you had." You assure, reaching a hand out to firmly squeeze Price's shoulder. "Did Laswell tell you about the 'puppy syndrome?'" You ask, putting quotes around the word. Price huffs a little at that but nods. "Well, putting 'prey' hybrids into a pack, especially as emotional support, makes you take care of yourselves. We balance each other." You explained, walking away from the staring pack and being guided toward your barracks.
"How does that work?" Price pushes, wanting to know more as he opens up the barrack door and shows you inside. As you stepped past, his tail begins wagging again, and he can't help but lean down to smell you. Strawberries... Sweet strawberries, vanilla, and lemon.
"Sir?"
Price opens his eyes, face flushing slightly when he realizes he's holding your arm and sniffing at your face and neck. His tail falls still, straightening up and quickly letting you go.
"I'm sorry, I don't know why I- That was very innaproriate of me." Price apologizes, but that analytical look was back, your nose twitching slightly as you stare at one another. Just as quick as the look was there, it was gone, replaced with a reasuring smile.
"Don't worry about it, Sir. I'll be seeing each of you before dinner for your medications." You exclaim as you set down your suit cases and bag. "If your pack is less tense by then, maybe I'll join you for dinner." You continue, watching as Price nods, apologizes once more, and leaves with his tail between his legs.
You watch him leave, absolutely baffled by the almost shy nature of these wolves, of the pack leader himself. Most hybrids, especially hybrids like wolves, would surround a bunny to sniff them, scent them, and even nip at them to test boundaries.
But these wolves were thinner than they should be, stiff, with clearly aching muscles and dark thoughts wriggling and hissing behind their eyes. How long had these wolves gone without any soft touch or a gentle approach? You thump your feet in irritation, already working up a plan to open up the pack.
You pull out your clicker and a bag of homemade jerky. This pack needed you more than they realized, and you had your work cut out for you.
Talking about platonic polyaffection is infuriating because I have to spend 5000000 hours explaining how it's different from Just A Group Of Friends™ when I could be like weeee yippee I love my cohort #mycohort
Despite what many land dwelling races believed, there was more to merfolk culture and biology than what was written about in tourist brochures and grade school textbooks.
The Coral Sea, for instance, was only one of many diverse districts that had been built by their people. The tropical Emerald Coasts that bordered the Land of Pyroxene and had a vibrant culture that was closely tied to the nearby port city;The Great Chasm that was home to the deep sea merfolk who’s mysterious nature brought all kinds of unique trade and art with them; the Glittering Fjords where merfolk who preferred colder climates created trailing pockets of close knit villages that were a hub of textile traditions sought after even by land royals; and the Crystal Caverns where all kinds of rare flora and fauna that could be used for potions and alchemy were nurtured by the glowing, magic infused caves were only some of the most populous.
Another preconceived notion was that merfolk biology was a direct one-to-one with other sea life, while the truth was that while many merfolk forms did have recognizable similarities to, say, an octopus or a dolphin, they were not actually related to fish at all. In fact, they had more biological similarities to fae than any other living creature in the oceans and some ancient tales spoke of fae being merfolk who decided to leave their watery homes and take on legs to walk the forests.
Of course, for fae, the fables were the other way around, but whatever the truth, merfolk were incredibly diverse and more than simply ‘a part human fish’.
Sirens, for instance, were a group of merfolk who, historically, had the most interaction with humans. It was said that the princess that betrayed the Great Sea Witch was a spoiled, selfish siren who gave her voice to try and win over a human prince but when her attempt failed she tricked the witch and cruelly turned on the one that had helped her in order to regain her voice and put the prince under her spell.
In the end the Great Sea Witch had sacrificed herself to undo what the siren had done to the poor man. With her own siren powers she saved the human kingdom from being ruled under the princess’s demanding thumb. Incredibly inspiring. So inspiring, in fact, that it had been written and then refilmed so often almost every generation of merfolk had their own edition they had grown up with.
The films were so popular that they were even well received in land kingdoms and few children grew up without seeing it at least once. For the music if nothing else. Which also, unintentionally led to some common assumptions that fae, humans, and therianthropes had about merfolk.
It was widely known that music played a big part in merfolk culture. What those on land asusmed was that all merfolk could influence others with song, when in reality sirens were the only type that held actual magic in their voices.
They were also, unsurprisingly, the group of merfolk that interacted with land cultures regularly through trade, living in cities and towns nearer coasts and the ones most frequent to taking lovers or partners outside of their own kind. Mer-blood was potent, however, and nine times out of ten a child born of a merfolk would have all mer features or a combination where their genetic makeup still heavily leaned towards mer instead of human, fae, or therianthrope.
Sirens, unfortunately, had the hardest time conceiving but without fail, their children would be born with their hypnotic power of song.
This meant they were greeted by other cultures as well as their own with a confusing mix of reverence and distrust. Of praising them for their talents and captivating appearances while also whispering of unearned success and magically influenced business deals. A push and pull of opinions that would change as quickly as the tides but still could never quite overpower the fairytale of the alluring appearances and their enthralling voices that sang of happily-ever-afters.
Sirens were uncommon in the Coral Sea, however, far more comfortable in the warmer waters of the Emerald Coasts. It was quite a stir, therefore, when a family of famous sirens made the move to the capital. A trio and their child that was the same age as the youngest of the royal family.
At the time, Azul hadn’t cared much about the news. His mother was excited about the chance to host a dinner for them and possibly set up a deal of some kind for performances at her restaurant but he didn’t pay much attention. It wasn’t like it involved him and he already had to deal with horrible kids at school. He definitely didn’t want anything to do with a pampered siren that was used to having people fawn over their every move.
He got enough of that being in the same class as Rielle.
When the family accepted the special dinner invite his mother sent out, Azul prepared to hide for the night in her private lounge. It was where she held large business dinners and since she had closed the restaurant to all other guests for the night he knew she wouldn’t need it. He could slink away into there and work on his talismans or read.
What he normally spent his time doing alone since he had no friends.
He was used to it by now, though, and he was just grateful that his mother never forced him past what he was comfortable with. Because of that he was able to get away with a quick greeting where he did his best to hide behind her and couldn’t even lift his gaze, before he fled.
He only caught a small glimpse of the other kid and he was grateful to be able to avoid them.
With how breathtaking they were already, even at their age, he didn’t want to imagine what they thought of him or how willing they were to share their thoughts to his face.
To say that he was dismayed when he found out that they would be in his class as well was an understatement. He wasn’t surprised, however, when he barely caught sight of them before they were swarmed by the other kids in class and he did his best to try and block out everything going on around him. Instead he focused on trying to come up with a solution to why his newest talisman wouldn’t anchor the way it was supposed to.
Maybe - he thought hopefully - they will forget that I’m even here.
He should have known better.
His peace only lasted until lunch. As soon as the teacher left them alone for their ‘recess’ the more aggressive of his classmates turned on him. Maybe they were trying to show off, maybe they were just angry that they weren’t getting the attention they wanted. Whatever the reason, Azul only barely managed to press himself into the safety of his octopot before one of them managed to grab him.
Blood pounded in his ears. An unsteady stutter of three hearts racing against his ribcage. The familiar grip of panic and anxiety wrapping its claws around his lungs. Twisting and folding himself up as tightly as possible, he covered his ears and tried his best to hold in the tears.
It only ever seemed to make the bullies laugh and jeer louder.
One of the boys, though, had a growth spurt and his longer arms were able to reach deeper into his hiding place than before. Azul let out a cry as rough hands managed to catch hold of his hair and a tentacle. He felt the fingers digging in, the pain sharp as he thrashed uselessly to escape.
A whimper escaped his lips as he tried to cling to the worn surface of his ceramic pot but his panic and the growing number of hands yanking on him simply had his skin and flesh scraping along it uselessly. He hit hard packed sand as he was finally heaved out of his sanctuary. Coiling his tentacles around himself in a bid to protect against attacks, he prepared himself for the pain he knew was coming.
“I bet you’re the reason they don’t want to be here.” one snarled.
“Yeah, they probably don’t want to be in the same class as a stupid fat octopus.”
“Why would they want to let us hear their voice when something like you is here?”
Azul couldn’t stop the tears that bubbled from his eyes, biting his tongue to hold in cries and still trying to twist away from the grasping, bruising fingers.
He didn’t care what the siren did or didn’t do! He didn’t want anything to do with any of them! He just wanted them to go away! He just wanted them to lea-”
“Leave him alone.”
A ripple of magic washed over Azul’s senses, causing an odd shiver to trail down his spine as the most beautiful sound he had ever heard met his ears.
It was like the entire ocean itself stilled for a moment to listen.
Or maybe it was just him.
He looked up to see the new student not too far away. They almost looked like they were trembling harder than him, their beautiful eyes wide and panicked but glowing in the way he had heard their kind did when using their magic. It was clear they were as terrified as he was, but his addled mind couldn’t grasp why.
All it knew was that he wanted to hear that voice again.
The four students let their grasps fall away from him, all staring in awe at the mesmerizing siren.
“That was amazing!” one breathed, her eyes locked on the figure that was starting to curl into themself.
“Could you sing again? It was beautiful!” another begged, his hands reaching out to take theirs hopefully, his focus intense and near obsessed.
Azul watched the siren flinch, shrinking away from the touch and how the four that had previously been leaving bruises on him now looked like they wanted to embrace the terrified figure. They all started talking at once, trying to convince them to sing again. Not noticing or ignoring the very obvious trepidation and quickly building panic, they surrounded them, pushing closer and closer until he could barely see them at all.
“Go away!”
Azul’s breath was stolen again.
The song was just as lovely, just as enchanting as before, but the tone of fear was unmistakable to his ears. The call tugged on his mind this time, however, and he found himself slinking into his octopot again without thought.
There was a beat as the other students fell silent before they murmured goodbyes and left as well.
A heavy tension clung to his shoulders as he waited.
He could tell the siren hadn’t left and he was unsure why.
He also couldn’t forget how fearful they had looked, or how they had actually…helped him. Were they going to tease him themself? That didn’t make sense though, why wouldn’t they want the others there to watch if that was what they wanted? Why had they helped him?
After a minute and he felt the last of the influencing magic easing from his mind, he cautiously pulled himself towards the lid of his octopot and peeked out.
His gaze instantly met a pair of large, brilliant eyes.
The siren was right there, almost nose to nose with him.
A heavy, purple blush exploded on his face but his flustered panic was cut off by the startled sound the other made as they scrambled back, falling over themself. Their voluminous, silky fins rippled around them in a mesmerizing, iridescent show of color and shimmery scales. They flailed and darted behind a large outcrop of coral, leaving only the ends of their caudal fins and the tips of their hair swaying in the current.
Azul stared.
Were they…were they afraid of him? Him?
He watched as their fingers - not yet developed enough for the elaborate claws adults tended to sport - curled over the edge of the coral before they cautiously peeked out at him. Their face was just as flushed as his, eyes still bright, still as beautiful even if they were no longer glowing. Their expression was wary and nervous. It didn’t seem right for such a pretty face to look like that.
Azul continued to stare for a moment, confused and trying to figure out just what might be going on. Eventually, though, he opened the lid of his octopot just a bit wider so that he could lean his head out more.
“H-hello?” he managed a weak stammer.
The siren hesitated, still flushing darkly before they gave a small, shy wave from behind their hiding spot, pulling back a little embarrassed. As if they thought he would yell at them for responding.
The fact that they hadn’t lashed out or even seemed like they wanted to get near him helped at least settle some of his more immediate fears.
“Um…thank you, for…for making them leave.” he managed.
The other’s blush darkened even further but they didn’t reply. Their gaze skittered away shyly. He had expected an enthusiastic boast of their talent. Rielle certainly would have.
But they didn’t say anything.
“I…uh…my name is Azul.” he tried softly, uncertain why he thought this was a good idea or what exactly he thought would come of it. “What’s…what’s yours? S-sorry, I don’t remember.” he muttered, not wanting to admit that he hadn’t even bothered to try and register it in the first place.
He watched them shift, clearly uncomfortable and unsure as they chewed on their bottom lip. His spirits sank when they didn’t seem to want to tell him, or talk to him. The boy’s hopeful expression seeped away and he pulled back into his octopot, closing the lid.
Clearly they didn’t want anything to do with him, just like the rest. He shouldn’t be surprised. They were probably scared that he was an octomer. Most didn’t leave The Great Chasm, after all, and his bioluminescence wasn’t exactly common in the Coral Sea. It only made sense.
He was about to curl up in the back of his sanctuary, again, when a light tap came against the dark ceramic.
Azul blinked and warily moved to push the lid open again.
The siren was there, hanging back a little from the pot but at least no longer hiding. They were wringing their hands nervously, though, the finlets along their arms fluttering a bit in agitation. Their blush didn’t fade but they reached up to tap their chest lightly before pointing at the sea floor in front of the pot.
Azul looked down and blinked when he saw a name drawn in the sand.
“Oh…that’s your name?” he said, eyes widening a little as he looked back up to them.
They curled their shoulders in a little like they were trying to make themself smaller, but they gave a slight nod.
The small crest of hope bubbled again and he offered a timid smile.
“It’s a very p-pretty name.” he said before shifting and cautiously sliding his way out of the octopot, watching their reaction closely.
They didn’t look disgusted, in fact they edged a little closer and reached their hand out. They stopped before they got near one of his tentacles, though, and turned a questioning look on him silently. It took him a moment but he realized they were asking permission to touch him.
He didn’t remember anyone ever doing that before.
His flush returned but he managed a small nod, reaching up with the closest tentacle to brush against their soft fingers. They were gentle and their expression was filled with a sort of curiosity that was so far removed from the fear or disgust from others that he didn’t even mind when they prodded one of his suckers, letting out a quiet giggle that sent bubbles drifting from their lips.
Azul tilted his head a little as he watched them.
“Do you not like to talk?” he asked carefully, inwardly wincing when he saw them freeze. “I-I don’t mind! Really!” he said quickly, waving his hands. “I just…uh, I was going to ask if maybe…if maybe you wanted to…play…with me. B-but I can get something for you to write on!”
The siren stared at him, eyes going wide before a small, fragile smile bloomed on their face.
They nodded.
-
Azul was grateful for whatever luck or destiny had brought his siren to him. That allowed such a bright and warm friend to become a part of his life. To break through the bleak darkness that he had existed in before.
It felt like his whole world changed overnight.
School was still filled with awful people but with them at his side no one was willing to do anything. The first few times they tried his best friend would unfailingly send them off in a daze, no matter how frightened they were themself or how they always hid against him afterwards. They never abandoned him.
It was only a few months later when a pair of twin eelmers would wiggle their way into their sphere and suddenly life…life wasn’t so bad.
His Pearl taught them all the hand language at his behest and he didn’t stop practicing until they could share silent conversations for hours without the use of a notepad or tablet.
The tight hug they gave him and the kiss on his cheek had sent Azul fleeing into his octopot, but they just waited patiently for him to feel comfortable enough to come out again. Not once did they tease him about it or even act like it was odd.
Most of his free time was spent with them now.
They would listen and offer up suggestions about his talismans, finding the whole idea fascinating. Their own interests became a focus for Azul as well and that was how he found out that they were terrified of performing for others. They loved music but they preferred quieter hobbies, solitary ones until they met Azul.
Attention focused on them was overwhelming and when they were scared it was like their ability to speak was stolen and the words would get caught in their throat.
It was how he realized just how much they had pushed past to help him that first day.
He vowed to get strong enough and powerful enough to ensure they never felt scared again. They never had to share their voice if they didn’t want to but he wasn’t going to let others steal it from them against their will. He would show them that they were wonderful, no matter what their parents wanted them to become, and if others didn’t see it then he would make them see it.
They were his Pearl, after all. His Angelfish, his Siren.
His everything.
And he would do anything to protect them.
-
Octavinelle was the house of the Great Sea Witch and was founded around her benevolent nature.
Azul was the pinnacle of everything Octavinelle stood for. Handsome, talented, a genius. Unfailingly humble. Able to convince the Headmage to allow him permission to build a lounge on campus. He had taken over the position of Housewarden before midterms of his first year and no one dared to question his ability to do so.
He was also terrifying.
Not only did he hold his housemates to the highest standards, he insisted that each one become fluent in sign language within the first semester of being there. He held exacting requirements and lots of fine print in the contracts that he made with students and was ruthless in their payment. That wasn’t even mentioning Jade and Floyd who easily took care of any…troublesome clients.
Their sharp smiles could be even more intimidating than the Heartslabyul Queen’s rage.
The only exception was the Octavinelle Siren.
It was said they turned down not only a placement at RSA but also an engagement with the youngest Atlantean prince. They were breathtakingly beautiful despite their attempts to blend in, and everyone had expected them to be placed in Pomefiore the moment they stepped up to the mirror.
Instead they were sent to Octavinelle and the blinding smile they turned on Azul before hurrying to his side had caused more than one student to fall in love instantly.
They were quiet to the point of being near silent most of the time, communicating through their hands and a tablet much like the Ignihyde Housewarden. Shy and timid, they only seemed to open up around their three protective friends, hardly ever being seen from the side of at least one of them.
It didn’t stop them from gaining a fanclub within days of arriving.
When Rook Hunt threw himself at them out of nowhere with loud, flowery prose that sent them into a panic attack, Floyd sent the Vice-Housewarden through a wall.
A long, very tense meeting with Housewarden Schoenheit behind closed doors ended with a golden contract that assured Rook wouldn’t be caught within fifty meters of the siren unless required specifically for classwork.
In return, the blonde human wouldn’t become a missing persons case.
The fact that Rook continued to stalk Leona Kingscholar but refrained from doing more than tip his hat politely at the silent mer in greeting from across a room spoke for itself.
After that only very very stupid students tried anything with the siren. Considering more than one mysteriously dropped out of NRC after badgering them too much or saying anything about them refusing to talk or sing…well they were idiots and the school was better off without them.
They had a special, reserved table, at Mostro Lounge where they could watch when Azul would hire a special musician. They helped Floyd cook in the kitchen sometimes, as long as they didn't have to work as the waitstaff. Most of the time, however, they spent in Azul’s office. School work and helping him come up with ideas and plans for the lounge were all done behind the privacy of silencing wards. It was one of the rare few places that they felt secure enough to speak, trusting Azul and the twins after years at their side.
They never pushed their Angelfish, never tried to force or coerce them into singing for the lounge despite the undeniable truth that it would bring more money in a single night than they made in a whole month. They would never force their Pearl into a situation that made them uncomfortable or that upset them.
They knew this. It was why they never feared Floyd, always holding their arms open in invitation for his notorious ‘squeezes’ and bringing him snacks and drinks during club. It was why they always tried Jade’s mushroom dishes and braved the more tame hikes with him despite being terrified of insects. It was why they looked at Azul like he hung the moon whenever the Housewarden would skillfully step into any conversation or moment where they felt overwhelmed and instantly force the attention away from them and onto himself.
Why they helped whenever he would have too much work, shuffling the octomer off to sleep to recover. Why they left notes on his desk, in his room, tucked into his uniform pockets, slipped into his textbooks, always with words of praise and compliments. Why they helped temper his more ruthless plans to something that wouldn’t taint his reputation.
Why they were willing to be disowned by their family just for the chance of remaining at Azul’s side just a little longer.
Because they knew that even without their voice, Azul and the twins loved them. They never had to fear that love being taken away because they didn’t sing. Didn’t enthrall audiences and build an empire on fake adoration for the hope of a shred of affection. They knew that even if they never sang again they would never be abandoned.
It was why, every once in a while - long after the lounge had closed and the rest of the house was meant to be in bed - the enchanting song of the Octavinelle Siren filled the VIP office as they sang for the ones they loved.
The only ones they trusted their voice to.
It was why they threw themself into Azul’s arms on their graduation day when he presented them with a very special contract.
One that came with matching pearl rings.
==================
Hope you all enjoy! I kind of panicked when I realized I almost missed MerMay again! lol Hopefully this is good enough. <3
Part of @rose-tea-and-strawberries childhood friend! AU
Summary: Pack 141 now has a new pack member, and none of thm quite know how to handle it. You know what your job is, and you will not be detered from doing it. You know how to handle the trauma and neglect oozing off of them, but does the team know how to let you in?
Laswell takes you around base, which is smaller than you expected, but it made sense. Specialized task force, fewer people to train, and more space for them to be a pack. It was a sizeable living space, but it was horribly bright, without any proper comfort items. Nothing cozy, warm, or familiar. Your stomach twists a little at the sight.
"Tell me about the team. I may not have worked with wolf hybrids before, but I know that's not typical behavior." You ask as Laswell leads you to the kitchen. It was a perfect size, but everything was unused... and dusty. "Don't tell me there isn't anyone cooking meals here... You have wolf hybrids on base, but no cook?!"
Laswell holds up her hands defensively, ears lowering when you fix her with a dark glare. "This is why I needed a caregiver so urgently. That's why I asked for you. You know how to bond with traumatized hybrids. This is a trauma filled team who have negleted their instincts." Laswell says, watching as you thump your foot a few times.
"They can't..." You're foot thumps hard on the floor one final time, and you take in a deep breath. "I'm going to take care of them, Laswell. If they've been this long ignoring their instincts, I know exactly what I need to do."
Laswell warned you that Ghost would likely be the hardest to care for, the most guarded it seemed, and you didn't believe in saving the worst for last. You knock at his barrack door, waiting for a few moments and hearing him shuffling around inside.
"Ghost, I will not go away, but I am not going to barge into your room. You can not avoid taking your medication. If you try, you'll learn first hand that I can out wait you." You advised, opening up the bag of jerky.
The door knob twists and the door creaks open, Simons eyes peering out at you. No, not at you, the bag of jerky.
Gotcha.
"Hello, Ghost. I have two vitamins, an allergy pill, and your anxiety medication." You began holding up the small cup with the pills. "I promise, for each pill you take, I will give you a piece of jerky. Sound good?" You prompted and Ghost out right snarls at you.
"That doesn't scare me. You do that again, you'll get no jerky for a week."
The sharpness in your tone caught Ghost off guard. It was just as aggressive, as gutteral as his snarl had been, and it startled him. How could a bunny startle him? His ears drop, eyes wide as he opens his door all the way. You said nothing, firmly holding his gaze as you extended the pill cup and a small cup of water.
Ghost holds back what feels like a whimper. He doesn't whimper and takes the two cups, downing the pills and then the water.
Click "Good boy."
Ghost sputters on the last of his water, glaring at you and opening his mouth to yell at you, or maybe snarl again, but he stops short. A piece of jerky was held out between your fingers, and when he looked back up at you, you were genuinely smiling at him.
"Go on, hun. You took your meds, and now you get your treat." You prod gently, testing the waters of praise that Ghost would allow.
"I don't need treats." Ghost grunts, but he eats the treat right from your hand, nipping your fingers a little as he does.
Click.
This was going to be much easier than you thought.
Hungry.... That didn't even begin to cover how Gaz felt. He was starving. The jerky from Y/N after his medication had sparked something, a deep hunger that he'd gotten really good at ignoring over the years. Soilders get hungry sometimes. That's part of the job.
But now he's pacing outside of the locked kitchen, pressing and clawing slightly at the door every so often like that would grant him access inside. Someone was in there, cooking something, and he was hungry.
Gaz whines, the noise shocking him in the quiet empty hallway, and immediately backing up from the kitchen door. What the fuck was wrong with him?
Before he could dwell on the question too long, the kitchen door swings open, and there you stand, obviously concerned. "Gaz? Was that you?" You question, Gaz looking behind you into the kitchen, eagerly sniffing the air.
Your heart breaks at how hungry he looks, practically drooling on himself and looking down at you guiltily. "I-I'm really, really hungry." Gaz admits after a moment, tucking his tail just slightly.
"Well, that's good, it's almost dinner time." You say, grabbing two pieces of jerky from your bag. "Can you go tell everyone while I plate everything up? Here's a little snack while you walk." Gaz eagerly perks at that, tail wagging a little as he takes the pieces of jerky.
"Thank you! I will." He assures, unconcously sniffing, than licking your hand before he heads down the hall toward Price's office first. Click. His ears perk at the sound, and he turns to look back at you, his actions catching up with him.
"Go on, hun." You encourage, and Gaz blushes slightly before beginning to walk again. Maybe there were drugs in the jerky because Gaz has never fed into his instincts like that since... well, since he was a puppy.
He finishes the last of his treat and licks his lips, stomach growling loudly again. He'd figure out how he felt about this after he had dinner.
I can not believe the overwheming support that this story got, and I hope you guys enjoy this part as much as the first one. I can't wait to get deeper into this fic and have our bunny become a stable support for our boys. I'll start working on part 3 soon
John puts on a healthy amount of weight when he retires. You have a heavy hand in this, making big meals of his favorite foods three times a day. You were always trying new recipes, baking new sweet treats, hosting the rest of the boys for dinner whenever you could tell John missed them.
You never wanted to have kids. As traditional as you and John lived, neither of you wanted kids of your own. The invites to the house became more frequent. Sometimes, John would be a little heavy-handed with his whiskey pours.
It's a massive coincidence when the money from John's retirement and from the two cookbooks you published paid for a house with three guest bedrooms.
"No, no, don't worry if you leave that outfit here, Johnny. I'll put it in your room."
"Kyle, your lunch for work is on the top shelf in the fridge."
"Simon, don't forget to pick up some more eggs on your way home, please."
You didn't want kids of your own. You didn't even want kids. But there was something about a full house. About a full dining room table at dinner, with bowls of food being passed as easily as conversation. You loved it, and John did, too. All his boys, and the person he loves most in the world, together under one roof.
Summary: You've never had much problem with anyone else on base. You stick to the team, and you take care of them. That's your job. Some new recruits have gotten it in their heads that they can mess with you. Your team is quick to correct that assumption. CW: Mild sexual harassment, no touching
Even though Johnny was back in action, his time being injured had brought the two of you closer. Simon would watch the two of you interact from afar, still slowly becoming comfortable with your comfort. You enjoyed working out with them.
You could keep up with their runs, but you needed some extra work in the strength training department. Simon was great for weight lifting, and Johnny kept your spirits high during runs.
You stare at the horizon, sun rays peaking out of the clouds and painting the sky with beautiful hues. You loved waiting by the track early, stretching under the early morning sun as you wanted for your running partners. The track left much to be desired when it came to scenery to look at while you passed the time.
At least the sunrise was there to keep you company.
"Hey! It's the barracks bunny of the 141!" Your left ear lifts up and swivels towards the sound of the voice, looking up from your lunge. "What, you didn't get fucked hard enough not to be able to run? I guess since you've been with them long enough they've stretched you out."
The soldier, no, the rookie, puffs his chest with every word of his insult, his fox tail lashing behind him. There were a few other rookies snickering behind him, watching the two of you interact with hungry eyes.
"So you're unoriginal and a virgin. Muscles don't stretch out. They snap back." You hum simply. "If you know what's good for you, go run your laps and do your warm-ups. Sargeant Soap is your trainer today, is he not?" You stand up, muscles sighing happily from the stretch and release.
"Oh, is he your favorite? Which hole does he take the most?" The rookie goes to take a step towards you when a snarl rips through the air. The rookies shoot into a line, standing in formation with eyes fixed forward. You don't even flinch, lowering your ears with a small smile.
"Hey Johnny. Did you do your stretches for the morning?" You inquire, giving him an expectant look.
"Of course! I always feel the difference when I don't do them. Did I hear one of these Muppets giving you a hard time?" Johnny asks, running his tinge over his teeth as he glare at his line of rookies.
"Oh, just the usual bold talk from a bunch of pups who never learned the value of an inside thought." You sigh wistfully. "I'm sure you can take care of it."
"Oh, I could. But I want to enjoy a run today. I think Ghost is free this morning, though!"
There is an audible gulp from the rookies, and you smile.
You didn't really care what happened to the rookies once Ghost started barking orders at them. You knew he was extra frustrated to have rookies to punish instead of going on his morning run.
When you bring Price his lunch that afternoon, he perks up when you walk into the room. "Hey, Y/N, sit down, please." Price insists, glancing down hungrily at the two sandwiches, side of fruit, and two cookies you were handing him before setting it aside.
"If this is about the incident this morning, Sir, I promise I'm fine." You assure him as you sit down across from him and give him a smile. Price nods slightly and clears his throat.
"It shouldn't have happened. It's not acceptable." He looks guilty, his eats dropping slightly on his head.
"John, it's not like you could've known they would've acted like that." You catch his eye and give him a small smile. "I know I look more vulnerable, and you want to protect me, but I can protect myself. I know you will always look out for me."
"Until training season is over, try to stay with one of us on base. If someone puts their hands on you, I'm going to lose this job." He half jokes, giving you a warm smile.
You can hear the anger in his voice, but it's not directed at you. Part of you wants to protest because you don't need bodyguards around base. It's the look in Price's eyes when he looks at you, which makes the words stop in your throat. He's angry that he has to assign bodyguards to you, not because you were incapable but because others made you unsafe.
You stood, walking around the desk and giving him a hug. He stays still for a moment, turning his head into your hair and grooming your ears to self soothe. You let him, settling down in his lap so he could sniff at you, feel you close to him. So he could remind himself you were safe.
"I'll text you when I wake up. You can stretch with me in the morning." You offer after a few minutes pass, pulling Price's plate close. "You need to eat. Your medicine needs to be taken with food."
"You and your medicine." John huffs, resting an arm around your waist as he digs into his food.
"Do your joints feel better?"
"Yes." He grunts begrudgingly.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." Your tail wags smugly and Price chuckles down at you.
"Hush. The dehydrator is going to be delivered soon." Price says, which makes you perk up immediately. "Thought that would make your day better."
"Of course it does! I have a few recipes I want to try." You giggle, settling down into his lap while he continues to eat. Price knew he should let you get back to work, you had your own job to do after all.
But you didn't seem to be in a hurry, and Price was going to keep you selfishly to himself for now. If you were here with him, he could guarantee you were safe.
OH MY GOD THIS IS NOT A DRILL I AM UPDATING SOME OF MY SERIES CHAPTERS!! Today is my day of birth, of creation, of breach. The worms blessed me with this lovely chapter and there will be more to come soon for the other stories in my multi part series masterlist! Promise.
Also, if you have asked to be on the taglist, but you aren't listed below, I'm really sorry. I try to update it the moment I get your comments, but sometimes I forget! Please comment down below, and I will add you! Taglist: @Armycaratlover @herefor-tojis-tits @succulambb @thetastewassweeter @lilynotdilly @silas-aeiou @kneelforloki @graduallyskepticalvampire @littlethingsinlife @jayc515 @losingonline @redkarmakai @moonssuns @crackheadwithtoes @danielle143 @clear-your-mind-and-dream @noonespecial2347 @aldis-nuts @bbmgirll @luciferslastprettyboy @alphabetically-deranged @other-fandoms-reblogs @lynnieluvsu @bluefans-blog @sunnybloomed @z-wantstowrite @lavenderloss @zalex11 @echo9821 @nymp0puppp @kxnnxy @milliemoocow
Summary: You've made strides with the team in the short 2 months you've been with them. All except Price. While he appreciates your presence and accepts your meals and advice, he will not accept your comfort. It's starting to take a toll on him that only you can really pick up on, and now it's time to order around the captain.
"Price said he wants to have dinner in his office." Kyle states when you ask where he is, taking his plate from your hands eagerly. You keep yourself from thumping your foot, and take a deep breath.
"Okay... I'll bring him a plate real quick. You boys eat up." You encourage, knowing that if you didn't say something; they would sit at the table waiting until you sat and ate with them. You load up a plate, fill up a glass of water, and pile it onto a tray, carrying it the short distance to Price's office and carefully knocking on the door. "It's me, I've got food." You call to him.
"Come in." Price grunts, and when you open up the door, you're half ready to drag him to bed. It's clear he'd been sitting at the desk for hours. He had deep eye bags, his back hunched over the computer, and an angry furrow in his brows. He was not a well-fed, well-rested wolf, and that was upsetting your instincts.
"Here you go, hun." You soften up your tone as you set the tray down and put a hand over the computers keyboard. He looks up at you, his nose scrunched like he was about to snarl, but he decided against it. "I expect a clean plate and an empty cup when I come back. After dinner, you have one more hour of work before I come and get you."
"Get me? For what?" He snaps back at you, his exhaustion making him snappy and annoyed. You smile down at him and carefully raise a hand to rest on his head.
"For a shower, a cuddle, and a good night's sleep. You fight me on it, and I'll show you why they trusted me with this team. I may be a foot shorter than you, but I can carry you." You warn and gently, you scratch beind his ears. "You're a very hard worker, Captain. I really admire that about you. But if you keep working like this, one day your body will take a break for you. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen."
You didn't know if it was the scratching behind the ears or the gentle tone you affectionately warned him with; but Price wags his tail softly and nods along to your words.
"Fine. I'll eat." He grumbles after a moment, his tail going still once he realized he was wagging it. You smile wider and nod, heading for the door. You knew that when you came back to bring him to bed, he would fight you, but that was a problem for later.
"Kyle, two cookies only! You'll get sick if you eat too many." You scold as you slide the plate of cookies back from Kyle's eager hands. "Wait a second for your stomach to settle, okay?" You sooth, noticing the wide puppy eyes he gave you. "Johnny, time for your antibiotics and pain killers."
You turn just in time to see Johnny trying to sneak out of the kitchen, a long whine leaving his lips. "No! I hate the painkillers! My shoulder feels fine." Johnny protests, yipping when Simon grabs him gently to keep him from leaving. "Si! Come on, that's not fair!"
"Johnny, I know the painkillers are annoying, but you've still got healing to do. I let you go without them one time, and your shoulder kept you up all night." You get the two pills Johnny needs, bringing them over to the pouting scottish man. "Take them, and I'll get you another cookie."
"Fine."
Price groans as he stretches his arms above his head, back cracking just enough to make the ache go away. He knew you were on your way back to his office, and his tail thrashed slightly.
He appreciates what you do for his team, but he doesn't need that level of care. That level of vulnerability made him nervous. You knock on his door, not bothering to wait for an answer before you enter. "I'm not done working."
"You are for today." You say simply as you walk over to his desk. "All of your stuff saved and backed up?" You ask casually, your nose twitching almost anxiously. Price couldn't put his finger on why, glancing at his laptop and nodding. "Good!" You slam the laptop shut and step back from the desk.
"Hey!" He shoots to his feet, and you rush out of the office at lightning speed. He's hot on your heels, chasing you through the base, outside, then back inside, barking and nipping his teeth at you anytime he gets close. You were laughing, laughing!! And it spurs Price to run even faster.
You round a corner, shoes slipping on the floor and giving Price just enough time to catch up with you and tackle you to the ground. He doesn't hurt you, always aware of his strength, but he lets out a victorious bark as he pins you to the floor.
"Gotcha!" He snarls playfully, nipping his teeth in your face. You beam up at him, chuckling softly between panting breaths.
"Good job. And look, we're right at your barrack door." You smirk, looking to your left. Price scrunched his face, looking up to see that you were right. You hadn't slipped at all. You had planned your own take down.
"You..." He stares back down at you with wide eyes. "You tricked me!"
"Yes, I did. And I made you have fun at the same time." You explain softly, and Price finally let's up on pinning you down. "Now, it's bedtime." You say, hopping up to your feet and watching Price stand up. Price scrunched his nose at you, but he had to accept defeat, looking at the door than back at you.
"Will you stay?"
That surprised you a little, your ears perking up at the idea of the team captain finally allowing himself to rest.
"Of course I will. Come on. Let's get you ready for bed." You pick out his sleep clothes while he showers and wait until he gets back to go change into yours. You make sure not to take too long, Price hasn't had a full night's sleep in God knows how long.
When you get back to his barrack, he's sitting up in his bed, eyes watching the door for you to come back. The moment he sees you, his wagging tail gets just a bit faster. You smile fondly as you walk into the room.
"Hun, you could've laid down while you - WOAH!" The moment you were close enough, Price scoops you up and rolls over in his bed, snuggling you to his chest. You wiggle slightly to get comfortable, giggling like mad when Price sniffs your ears and nuzzles them. "Well, okay then." You giggle, getting comfortable as he pulls you closer.
The room falls into a peaceful silence. You wonder after a few minutes if Price has fallen asleep, when he gently nuzzles your ear again.
"Sorry for fighting you so much." He whispers into the darkness, his forehead resting on your shoulder.
"You don't need to be sorry, hun. I'll be here, no matter how much you snap your teeth at me." You assure, patting his arm and giving it a squeeze. "Go to sleep, now. It's time for you to rest." You whisper, and Price nods.
You smile to yourself, waiting until his breath evens and his snoring begins. You knew with time, you'd be able to get the team to rest more, to cuddle more, and to play more without having to trick or coax them. For now, though, you let your eyes shut and drift to sleep, knowing that tonight each of your men was well looked after.
If you saw this chapter go up earlier and then disappear, I'm sorry!!! Sometimes, when I edit a draft, it changes to publish before I can notice, and then it publishes. Sorrryyyy I hope yall enjoyed
