#veterinary au

[naraleslit]

Emergency Nursery: A Dottore and its 4 Legs.

The sound of the bell of the veterinary clinic Il Dottore was drowned out by the knock of the door that opened wide. It was not the bell, but the violent irruption of the man who came in with two bundles of hair under each arm.

-Emergency! I need a doctor! My dog is suffocating! -Marc Márquez shouted. His panic level was worthy of an accident on the most dangerous curve, but applied to a dachshund. He was wearing a sweat and tear-soaked track jacket.

Behind the counter, Valentino Rossi, the only veterinarian and the epitome of calm, raised a golden eyebrow over his reading glasses.

"Reathe, bambino." I'm the doctor. What do you have there?

Marc stamped the dog, a long-haired sausage named Shira, on her arms. The other lump was Stitch, also a sausage, who looked at the scene with the expression of someone who had just witnessed the end of the world.

"It's Shira!" He swallowed a toy! -Marc gasped, pointing to a small rubber doll in his pants pocket.- I have it here! It's this!

Valentino, with the dog quietly on his lap, looked at the toy. Then he looked at Marc.

"It looks like you've run a marathon. Calm- said Vale with a soft Italian tone, but with a hint of sarcasm that Marc, in his desperation, did not even notice.

While feeling the dog, Valentino asked her with a nod to Marc: "And you are...?"

"Marc!" I'm Marc! -he said quickly, without thinking. The dog in Vale's arms had him hypnotized.

"Well, Marc." I'm Valentino. Now, if the owner of these two dramatic salsiccia (sausas) calms down, I can confirm if your dog is alive or if I should call the funeral home.

Marc collapsed against the wall. "Don't joke!"

"It's perfect," Valentino announced smugly. With a single expert move, he took out the stuck toy. Your "canine Heimlich" only moved him, but you left him stuck again in panic. And it's not called "Heimlich canino", ragazzo. It's called a first aid maneuver. -Valentino smiled broadly, with that smile that made Marc want to hug and hit him at the same time. Anyway, she's fine. It seems that I, the hero of the night, arrived just in time.

"Thank you!" Thank you, Valentino! -Marc pounced, but only to get Shira back-. I swear that for a moment I thought...

"Yeah, yeah," Valentino interrupted him, but his tone was softer now. I'm going to charge you for the visit, of course, and an extra fee for the scare you've given me. And for breaking my bell.

Marc didn't stop apologizing. -I'll make it up to you, I promise.

"Go aay." We'll talk tomorrow, Sig. Dramatic.

Valentino saw Marc leave with his two sausages, shaking his head and smiling slightly. Marc Marquez... An interesting man. And some very cute dogs.

The next morning, Marc woke up feeling guilty. Not because of the exaggeration of the night before, but because of the tone he had to use. I had received an urgent email: a promotional MotoGP event in Japan to replace an injured rider. I had to leave that same afternoon and would be away for a week (or maybe more).

Panic returned, not because of a stuck toy, but because of the logistics.

He called the Il Dottore clinic almost before it opened.

—Valentino, I'm Marc Márquez. The one with the sausages last night. I need another favor!

"Ah, Sig. Dramatic. Have you already broken another bone in your foot? - Vale asked bluntly.

"No, no." It's worse. I have to travel to Japan this afternoon. One week. And I have no one to leave Shira and Stitch with! Could you please take care of them? I'll pay you anything.

There was silence on the other side of the line.

"Mmh." Two dramatic sausages, the owners of a toy that almost killed them, and an intercontinental journey. It's the perfect combination to ruin my morning peace - murmured Valentino. Marc noticed the slight laugh in the background of his voice. It's an emergency daycare, huh? Look, I'm all the way up, but... you're lucky that I love animals, unlike some humans I know.

"Yes!" Yes? Thank you, Valentino!

"Listen to me carefully, Marc." Shira and Stitch are my patients, and now, my guests. If you come back and I find out that they have developed any trauma from your absence, I will give you such a big fine that you will prefer to drive with the Ducati. Bring them before noon with all their paraphernalia. And don't get used to my magnanimity.

Marc felt an immediate relief. "Thank you!" You're the best, I promise.

"Of course I am," Valentino murmured, and hung up.

Marc left Shira and Stitch with their suitcases of toys and food, and hurried to the airport. The first night at the Tokyo hotel, he found himself compulsively checking his phone, waiting for the sound of a notification from the Il Dottore clinic.

The first message arrived at midnight (Italian time):

Valentino: Listen to them. They are sleeping here (a soft blow is heard) at my feet, next to Ulysses and Penelope. It's a snoring festival. I've earned them.

[Audio of Vale]: (A mixture of low snoring and a funny whisper of Vale is heard) Good night, Marc. Try not to fall out of bed.

Marc found himself smiling like an idiot. The mental image of that sarcastic veterinarian, the great Valentino Rossi, sleeping in the middle of a pile of dogs, heated the cold hotel room.

During the following days, Valentino's messages became the only thing he really expected. They were a sarcastic and warm reminder that his two sausages were fine, and that the doctor's house was, surprisingly, a place full of life:

Day 2:

Valentino → Marc:

(Photo attached: Penelope, Stitch and Shira sleeping together on a mountain of blankets, while Rosano watches them from the corner with a ruthless judge's face)

Message:

"Your sausages have already made an alliance with my labradora. And Rosano... well, he still doesn't approve the committee."

Marc → Valentino:

"Are you telling me that my dogs already have a new family and that the cat hates me?"

Valentino → Marc:

"I don't say it, his look says it. Rosano has already decided that you are guilty."

Marc → Valentino:

"Perfect. I lose races, I lose my dogs... and now I also lose against your cat."

Valentino → Marc:

"Calm down, Marquez. If you want, I'll send you another photo so you can see how Penelope hugs them. Although I warn you: every time you look at her, you will feel more jealous."

Day 3:

Valentino:

"Ulysses took them running around the yard. Shira got tired after five minutes, Stitch still thinks he can beat him. Spoiler: he can't.”

Marc:

"Don't overtrain them! They are sausages, not racehorses."

Day 5:

Valentino:

"Photo attached: Stitch and Penelope sleeping together, Shira on top as queen of the castle."

Message:

"Your dogs no longer sleep alone. I think I have to buy them a triple bed."

Marc:

"Traitors. I can't even get them to sleep with me so fast."

Day 7:

Valentino:

"Rosano just stole Shira's food. He stared at her, took away her plate and left as if nothing had happened. Your dogs are officially subdued.”

Marc:

"Perfect. I lose races, I lose authority and now I lose against your cat."

Day 9:

Valentino:

"Ulysses and Penelope taught your sausages to ask for cookies with a martyr's face. I can't resist anymore. Are you sure you want me to give them back to you?"

Marc:

"Okay, don't provoke me. If my dogs decide to stay with you, I'll have to move to your clinic."

Day 10:

Valentino:

"Your sausages are ready to come back... although Penelope and Rosano don't agree. Neither does Ulysses. Basically, no one wants them to leave."

Marc:

"Well, get ready, because I'll be back tomorrow. And notice: I'm going to get my dogs back... even if I have to fight your personal zoo."

Valentino:

"I'll wait for you, Marquez. Although I don't promise they want to go with you."

Marc landed at home feeling strangely empty. The adrenaline rush of the races did not compare to the excitement he felt when going to look for his dogs. He left his luggage and drove directly to the Il Dottore clinic.

When he entered, the scene was a portrait of domestic peace that he would never have associated with Valentino Rossi.

In the waiting room, Valentino was sitting on the floor, carefully cleaning Ulysses' legs. Penelope was lying quietly next to him. In the midst of this peaceful chaos of farmers, were Shira and Stitch.

"Hello!" Marc exclaimed, radiant.

Marc's dogs raised their heads and took a quick look at him. Shira moved her tail once, shyly. Stitch only let out a lazy growl before resting his head on Valentino's thigh again.

"Hey!" I'm your father! Your legitimate owner! - Marc protested, kneeling.

"They don't hear you, Marc," Valentino said without raising his head, with that condescending smile that Marc already knew too well. They are busy.

Marc approached. Upon hearing his voice, Rosano, the orange cat who had been sleeping on Ulysses' back, woke up, jumped and went to rub against Marc's legs.

"Look, Rosano welcomes me." At least the cat hasn't forgotten me!

"Of course, he likes drama," Vale replied. He finally stood up, crossing his arms—. It seems that you did well on the trip.

Marc realized that he was looking at him in a different way. Without the uniform, without the doctor's gown, with that loose shirt and his hair ruffled by the game with the dogs, Valentino seemed... accessible. Attractive.

"It was... a trip." But I'm already here. And I would like to take my dogs, before they ask me for a divorce for treason.

Valentino leaned over to give a last kiss on Shira's head. The two sausages looked at him with absolute devotion.

"I understand." It's hard to compete with me. Especially when you have to compete for the love of sausages.

At that moment, Marc realized something. The real betrayal was not that his dogs preferred Valentino's lap, but that he himself felt betrayed, not by them, but by the reality of having to separate from Vale. The messages, the photos, the jokes... weren't just about the dogs. They were about them.

"You're right," Marc said, feeling a blush on his cheeks, the same blush he gave him when he made a bold statement on the track. It has been difficult to compete.

Valentino stared at him, with the sarcasm disappearing and a warm intensity filling his eyes.

"Difficult, Marc?" Wow," Valentino said, the word barely a whisper. A genuine smile, without mockery, slowly spread across his face. That's a pretty bold confession for the owner of two treacherous sausages.

Marc straightened up, took a deep breath.

"You're right." It has been difficult to compete. What I liked most about the trip was not the race, nor Shira or Stitch. It was to receive your audios, Valentino. It was what made me realize that I liked you.

Valentino stared at him, with the sarcasm disappearing and a warm intensity filling his eyes.

"Did you... like me?" Valentino asked, taking a step closer.

"Yes," Marc said. And now that I'm here, I don't want to leave without... without knowing if you want me to stay too.

Valentino let out a low and hoarse laugh, approaching the last step, reducing the distance between the doctor and Mr. Dramatic.

"Oh, Marc." You're not leaving. You still haven't paid me the extra fee for the drama of the first night.

Valentino didn't wait for a response from Marc. He simply took his face in his hands and kissed him. It was a kiss that tasted of relief, sarcastic jokes and the sweet, although chaotic, company of a house full of dogs.

When they separated, Marc had agitated breathing and the smile of a child who had just won a race without falling.

"Does that mean that the extra fee for drama is already paid?" he asked

Marc, trying to catch his breath.

Valentino laughed, that contagious laugh that Marc now knew that drove him crazy.

"No, ragazzo." That means the rate has doubled. You'll have to try much harder to pay for it," Valentino said, winking at her and pointing his head outwards. Come on. Take your treacherous sausages home.

Marc picked up Shira and Stitch, who finally decided to pay attention to him, if only for the promise of dinner. Before leaving, he stopped at the threshold of the door.

"I promise that the next time Shira chokes, I won't dramatize so much." I'll be more mature.

Valentino crossed his arms and raised a golden eyebrow, the same one he had raised the first night.

"I doubt it." But it doesn't matter.

"Doesn't it matter?"

Valentino leaned against the door frame. The Labradors and the cat Rosano had already settled on the sofa, as if the scene were perfectly normal.

"No." Because I won't mind having you back at the clinic, Marc. With or without dogs.

Marc felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the afternoon sun. He smiled, knowing that he had just started a new career, much more exciting.

"It's okay, Dottore." See you soon.

And so, Marc left, his two sausages stepping on his heels. Behind him, Valentino couldn't help but smile as he closed the door. I knew that, with Marc, drama was always guaranteed, but now, so was chaos, and company.

[fel0ny-01]

Veterinarian! Ghost and Animal Rescuer! Soap (I am projecting)

At Soap’s rescue, he gets a shit tonne of animals with lots of chronic and undiagnosed health issues, so naturally he takes them to the vet to get them checked out, diagnostics, the lot.

He’s in the waiting room with one of the cats, Anubis, who is struggling to pee, and they need to find out why. Could it be Cystitis? Could it be bladder stones? Either way, this cat needs bloods and scans doing before John can even think about putting him up for adoption.

A few minutes goes by and he’s putting his finger through the bars so Anubis can rub his head against it, and suddenly a deep, gruff mancunian voice startles him out of his thoughts.

“Anubis?”

John looks up. This is the most attractive man he’s ever seen. The vet gives him a soft smile as John stands up with the carrier, before taking him through to the first clinical room.

“My name is Dr Simon Riley, and you are?”

“A’hm John.”

“Pleasure to meet you John, and of course this must be Anubis.”

“Damn richt, he’s bin causing me sae many issues lately, it's a guid job ah love him.”

This caused Simon to laugh, as John caught another look and studied the man’s face. Not too many scars, but enough that it looks sexy.

“So what’s the problem with him?”

“He’s bin struggling tae urinate. I’ve managed tae hulp him dae it manually bit a'm wanting' tae make sure we kin treat it properly so he kin git adopted.”

“Ah I see, so because he’s been able to urinate manually we can rule out Bladder stones, but we would probably need to do some scans and maybe an a ultrasound to study the shape of the bladder.”

John nods dumbly whilst looking into the eyes of this hot vet. He’s definitely taking it all in for Anubis’ sake, but God he needs to get this vet assigned to his case immediately.

After the consultation where they booked an ultrasound in for next week, John shifts to the front desk.

“Cuid ah have Dr Riley assigned tae mah cat’s case? A'm feelin' like it wid be easier if we hud th' identical vet juist so that Anubis gets familiar 'n' so that information doesn’t git muddled.”

“Of course, sir.”

[iwaoiness]

Love in animal language

Iwaizumi loves animals, he graduated as a veterinarian with an impeccable academic record and quickly got a job at a pretty good vet in Tokyo where he has been working for a year now. His work is great, he enjoys the contact with his peculiar patients and gets along great with their owners.

However, there is one in particular, a pompous young man in his final year of nursing who, ever since he walked through the darn door three months ago, has become not a pimple on his ass but acne.

Oikawa Tooru. Tall, with ridiculously perfect fringes, a wide, toothy smile and an aura that radiates perfection, politeness and innocence. Although, in Iwaizumi's opinion, it's all a fucking facet because that idiot is neither perfect nor polite, let alone innocent. He's childish (he called him Iwa-chan, fucking Iwa-chan, in the first fifteen fucking minutes of meeting), annoying (he brings his poor, beauty persian cat every fucking week, sometimes for the vet service and sometimes for the canine and feline grooming service) and, above all, flirtatious (on every visit he tells the world's worst pick-up jokes and, on top of that, smiles with full confidence as if those jokes are actually working).

Well, actually, they work. But only a little. Although work isn't really the word, they're just so ridiculous that Iwaizumi finds them amusing.

And he also finds amusing and even endearing the way Oikawa blinks in puzzlement and his cheeks flush red and his mouth opens wide when Hajime smiles at him and flirts back (something much, much, more effective than scowling at him, pulling his middle finger out or shouting at him).

Like that time when Tooru tells him "Are you a cat, Iwa-chan? Because you are purrrrfect" and Hajime replies "Shittykawa, if you were a dinosaur, you'd be a Gorgeousaurus".

Or when Oikawa flirts with an "Are you a mermaid? Because you are cute as shell" and Iwaizumi hits back with an "I have thinking about you owl night long".

Or when Sillykawa tries it again with "I was born in the wild but for you I would be domesticated" and Iwa-chan says "I'm placing you on the endangered species list because you're one of a kind".

Somehow, that dynamic becomes tender, funny, domestic and theirs. Iwaizumi finds himself waiting for them every week, his heart beginning to recognise Oikawa's arrival and that "Yahoo, Iwa-chan!" that makes it bounce harder against his ribs.

And, well, maybe Iwaizumi is having felines for Oikawa Tooru.

[fight-surrender]

Happy VD @im-gettingby ! You asked for a funny AU, hopefully this makes you laugh. Here’s your @snowbaz-sweethearts-exchange fic! 

And omg addendum bc Covid really did eat my brain: a massive THANK YOU to @amywaterwings , @giishu & @carryonsimoncarryonbaz for the beta reading & cheerleading. This fic probably wouldn’t have happened without you 💜💜💜💜

Winner Takes All

Rating: Mature (Just for bad words and implied sexy stuff. Playing it safe)

Summary: Simon Snow is a lowly intern at a prestigious veterinary teaching hospital with lowly intern problems: abysmal pay, deplorable hours, mental fatigue, and the fact that Dr. T. Basilton Pitch is an insufferable prick. 

When Simon and Dr. Pitch make a friendly wager over the outcome of one of his patients, it throws him for a loop that may or may not make him rethink his opinions about the dark and ridiculously handsome surgeon.

Read on AO3

[akumastrife]

Ohhhhhhh no

Ok so

I work at a veterinary clinic now (almost a year!!) And I've just now realized, looking at my coworkers, Vet Tech would be the perfect job for Andrew bc like.... Everyone has Animal Scars on their arms.

Literally no one would blink an eye at his uncovered arms.

This is.... Like the fic potential... For EVERYONE...

Two issues tho. One, Id have to write it. Two, I'm sorry but it'd HAVE to have some animal peril and mention death bc that's my every day life now and I know that's not a lot of peoples cup of tea.

[headoverjojo]

hhhhhnnggg how about vet au with jotaro where joot's goldfish he's had since a teen is isnt eating properly/looks pale/sick and he goes to the local vet (reader) romance ensues aaaaaaaaaa tnx hun

Hi there, darling! Ahhhhh what a lovely request :,) Of course sure thing! I hope you’ll like it :3 and the extremely indulgent trivias about Jotaro’s godlfish(es) nvjvnsnvs

Veterinary AU: Jotaro Kujo brings his sick goldfish to vet

(Under the cut for length!)

Jotaro Kujo, renowned marine biologist, felt really uncomfortable sitting on a little chair in the nearest veterinary office, with a small glass bowl in his hands. Inside the bowl, there was one of his precious goldfishes, named Noriaki. Its scales were the same red as Kakyoin’s hair… at least, they usually were. They had been paler for a few days, by now, and it wasn’t eating properly, unlike its friends, Iggy and Avdol. Jotaro had even tried to change its food, but nothing changed. Noriaki looked weaker and weaker, and he was really starting to feel he was going to lose it. Yes, it was a goldfish, but… Noriaki and the others were so important to him. They had been with him for years, since he had come back from Egypt, and losing even just one of them seemed unbearable. He wanted to do everything he could to help them to live as much as they could.

Who knew about his fishes had asked him why he couldn’t treat them himself, and he had to patiently explain that he was a biologist, not a vet. He wanted an expert to take care of his goldfish, if this was possible. And so here he was, in Dr. Y/S’s office, waiting for his turn, fearing to lose his little goldfish. What a nice morning.

“Mr. Kujo? Please, come in.” Jotaro got up, holding the glass bowl, and entered the studio. The doctor looked at him, and then at the little fish that was lazily swimming in the clear water. Jotaro was ready to hear some snarky comment about the “emergency”, but the young veterinary doctor didn't say something like that.

“Oh dear, poor little goldfish… what happened to you, uh? Let’s check it out, ok? I’ll make you feel better, I promise.” they said, almost cooing, taking the bowl from Jotaro’s hand and gently putting it on the table. Jotaro was amazed by their words. They were the first person who hadn’t mocked him for his weird attachment to a goldfish…

“What’s its name?” they asked, while checking the little fish. Jotaro focused again on his surroundings, blinking.

“Noriaki.” he said, low. They nodded, quietly, without tearing their eyes from their little patient.

“That’s a cute name… tell me, has Noriaki tried to brush itself on the walls of the bowl, during the past days?” Jotaro blinked, surprised. Yes, Noriaki had acted exactly like that…

“Yes… he did it for a day, more or less. Then, he stopped to eat almost completely. It’s like that since yesterday.” he explained, while they were nodding, pondering. They looked up at him, with a little frown.

“It’s a bacterial infection. Pretty common in goldfishes, but it’s not something to underestimate. I’ll prescribe some meds, and, at home, you’ll have to give them to Noriaki every morning and evening. You also have to lower the water temperature and to adjust the water PH to 7.5. Oh, of course, if you have other goldfishes, keep them separated from Noriaki, and check them to see if they got the infection too. If you follow these instructions, Noriaki will be fine in a few days, I promise.” they said, smiling, picking a paper and writing down their instructions. Then, they picked a small med tube, handing it to Jotaro.

“The instructions and the med. You seem to care really a lot about Noriaki, so… I know it’ll be in good hands. Oh, and I’d also like to know how it feels, so please, come whenever you want to tell me how it’s going, ok? Have a good day!” Jotaro nodded, mumbling his goodbye, and then exited the doctor’s office, feeling way more relieved than just a few minutes before. Noriaki was going to feel good… and it was all thanks to that doctor.

He had never met someone like them. Even the vets at the aquarium where he worked at weren’t so… zealous and openly caring. It was their job, yes, but sometimes they tried to slack off; this vet, however, didn’t seem the type of person who would have done it. Jotaro already liked them: they surely were a force of nature.

Well… he had one more chance to talk to them, in just a few days. He felt… happy, about it. He was sure it would have been fun. And, maybe, it wouldn’t have been their last talk. - Jotaro followed strictly Y/N’s instructions and, almost miraculously, Noriaki rapidly got healthy again. Its scales went back to a vibrant red, and it started to eat again, as nothing had happened. Every time Jotaro saw Noriaki swimming happily in its quarantine bowl, he couldn’t help but to smile, remembering how sweetly the vet had taken care of it, that day. If Noriaki was now safe and healthy, it was thanks to them.

As promised, he came back to their office to update them on Noriaki’s health. He arrived right when they were ending their daily shift; when they saw him, they smiled, welcoming him.

“Ah, Mr. Kujo! How’s Noriaki? Is it fine?” Jotaro hinted a smile, pleasantly surprised. They remembered him and Noriaki… he was almost sure that, with so many patients and owners, they would have forgotten about him in a day, but it didn’t happen. He felt… happy, about it.

“Noriaki’s fine. It has completely recovered, thanks to your advice and meds.” he answered, calmly. They sighed in relief, as another smile made its way on their face. Jotaro found himself charmed by their smile. It was so bright…

“Oh, thank goodness! I’m very happy to hear it.” Jotaro nodded at their words, resisting the urge to hide his face in his hat, as he always did when he was starting to feel overwhelmed. Usually, however, it was an unpleasant feeling: maybe it was too noisy, or he was feeling uncomfortable due to something else… but this time, he was feeling something good in his chest. It was overwhelming, but it was so warm and comforting…

“Hm… would you like to see it? I keep it in my office, at the aquarium.” he suggested, in an unusual openness. He just…  wanted to share more time with them, and he had the feeling that they would have loved the aquarium. And, with relief, he was right: their eyes shone at their words.

“You work at the aquarium? It’s incredible! Yes, I’d like to see Noriaki, thank you!” they accepted, finally closing their studio and trotting near him. Jotaro smiled a little again, leading the way, trying to calm his nerves down. It was nothing, he was being nice to a talented vet and, maybe… maybe making a friend. A real one, like the ones he had lost.

“You’re welcome… call me Jotaro. Please.” he said, low, opening himself up again. Their smile reassured him, and they nodded, at his request.

“Fine… Jotaro. But you have to call me Y/N, then.” they replied, and Jotaro nodded, hiding another little smile. Y/N… it was a pretty name.

He quietly listened to their chattings, while they were heading to the aquarium, nodding and, sometimes, commenting. He was usually bothered by people who spoke a lot, but this time it was different. Maybe it was because they were talking about animals, or maybe because it was them.

“Here we are. Noriaki’s still in quarantine.” Jotaro said, entering his office and leading them to Noriaki’s bowl. Y/N’s instinct immediately took on them, and they quickly checked the little fish, carefully.

“What a beautiful red… you’re so handsome, do you know it, Noriaki? A handsome little goldfish.” they whispered at the fish, as Jotaro was turning a little his head, to hide another smile. It was cute when they behaved like that…

“And these are my other goldfishes. The Fantail’s name is Avdol, and the Black Moor’s Iggy.” they immediately went to greet them too, giggling when the goldfishes came near, as to greet them back.

“They’re so cute, Jotaro… you’re really taking good care of them all.” they said, with a satisfied sigh. Jotaro nodded, smiling a little, taking a deep breath. He wanted so bad to stay a little more with them… but was it too bold of him? Well, he had to try…

“Hm… listen, Y/N… would you like to take a coffee? With me?” they blinked, surprised, and Jotaro immediately averted his eyes. It was too much, maybe… he had screwed up, he knew it. Still, his face didn’t show anything of the turmoil in his chest.

“I’d really love it, Jotaro.” his eyes widened a little, hearing their answer. He turned at them, surprised, meeting their smile. It seemed… sweeter, and even warmer. He was feeling his cheeks on fire, and so he teared his gaze away from them again, before the warmth could redden his cheeks. Well, it wasn’t too bold, in the end…

“Fine… let’s go.” he muttered, embarrassed, leading the way, missing their red cheeks and smile. Well, that wasn’t a date… or was it? Jotaro couldn’t tell, but he wouldn’t have minded if they considered it as such. Not at all…

It would surely have been the beginning of something. Jotaro didn’t know exactly of what, but… it would have been beautiful. He felt it.

[safire-lupe]

A Rare Case

( SNK / Rivetra / Veterinarian AU )

Chapter 2

(read Chapter 1 here)

/////////////////

He knew she looked familiar.

She was that same ginger-haired girl he saw in a class in the university auditorium more than a year ago. Back then her hair was longer, neatly tied in a low ponytail, the color a stark contrast against the mandated forest green scrub-uniform that all the senior veterinary students wore. It had caught his eye from his place at the far back of the room, where he sat low in the corner most seat to avoid the attention of anyone, especially from the students below.

The large auditorium was one of the few places Levi would normally hideaway when he wanted to take a break from a busy hospital setting (much to the dismay of the dean) as it was mostly unused and empty, only ever reserved for large gatherings and conferences, so it was a surprise to him that a class was held in it when he arrived. It wasn’t even a large class; they had only occupied the first 5 rows. Because they were so few and too far for them to have noticed his presence, he had decided to stay and eavesdrop on their lesson. It was a clinical pathology class, he recalled. They were doing a case analysis.

She had stood in response to her name being called. Levi hadn’t been able to pick it up, not like he would remember it anyway.

“Based on the clinical signs and laboratory findings, what do you think is the probable cause of the canine patient’s sudden hindlimb paralysis?” He had heard their professor ask. Doctor Mike Zacharias voice was too deep and monotonous that Levi had to strain his ears just to listen from his distance.

The ginger student did not respond immediately, but Levi could see from his spot how her brows furrowed in deep thought. Aortic thromboembolism had been his answer, and that had just been from reading the notes in the PowerPoint presentation. The girl was taking her time, and he had started to think that she was probably a slow one.

Then a hand had landed heavily on his shoulder, and in his shock, he turned to find a grinning face. “Found you, Levi.”

“Fuck off, shitty glasses.” He had to say it in a hushed grumble to avoid the class from overhearing. “How long have you been sneaking behind my back?”

“Maybe a few minutes,” Doctor Hanji Zoe’s grin had only widened, which he always found annoying. The veterinary pathologist always did seem unaffected by his crudeness. “Erwin sent me to fetch you. Said he needs you back in the hospital pronto.”

He was about to go into a tirade, something about how Erwin would just have to suck it up and find some another doctor to deal with whatever boring routine procedure he had in mind, when a feminine voice had echoed through the auditorium walls from the rows below.

“I believe it’s due to an aortic thromboembolism, doctor.” The ginger-haired girl had finally responded.

“And can you explain what made you come up with that?”

“There are irregularities in the dog’s electrocardiogram, and its femoral pulse rate is not equal to the heart rate. It’s fifty percent weaker. Meaning blood flow to the posterior-most part of the body is weak. Something is disrupting blood flow to the hind legs, so it’s most likely a clot since the patient is negative for heartworm.”

Levi had turned his attention back to the girl and ignored his colleague, although he did notice that she also seemed to be drawn to the ginger’s explanation.

“Plasma D-dimer test is also highly elevated, which means the body is trying to break down a large clot somewhere. And to add to that, the patient’s history also states that he has Cushing’s disease or hyperadrenocorticism, which is known to increase clotting factors in the blood, as well as the likelihood of forming thromboembuli.”

Levi had raised an eyebrow at that. It was a particularly difficult case to analyze even for a student, but she was able to catch the necessary markers to pinpoint the disease condition.

Her thorough explanation had rendered everyone in her class to silence. All eyes were on her.

“Excellent, Miss Ral. You may please take your seat.” He heard the proud undertones in Mike’s voice. There was a short burst of clapping and praises from the other students as she sat back down, rubbing the back of her neck, embarrassed from all the attention.

From behind him, Hanji had whistled, impressed. “Oh, it’s her. The interns back in the lab said she’s the top of her class. They weren’t kidding. Damn, that was a great response! She’s a smart kid.”

Ral. Levi repeated the surname in his head as he watched her from his corner. The lecture had continued and her attention was back to the topic, but he had noticed that, despite her previous display of bashfulness, she still wore a wide, proud smile on her face.

And that same wide, proud smile was displayed before him right now as she stood at the entryway of his office.

“ALT is elevated.” Petra declared, waving the lab results before him.

The leather of his chair creaked as he straightened from his previously lax position, then he reached for the paper presented before him.

“All other values are within normal range, except for the liver function test, so it’s a hepatic issue.” She continued, watching as he scanned the lab results with a rather bored expression.

“Platelet count is high.” He said, dropping the paper on his desk before turning to her.

Petra shrugged a shoulder. “Platelet count that's higher than normal isn't exactly significant.”

“Anything that’s not normal is abnormal, Ral.” He stood from his chair and turned towards a whiteboard that hung from the wall across the desk.

Petra watched as he retrieved a black marker and started writing “High ALT” and “Thrombocytosis” on the whiteboard. Above the 2 new additions, he had already written down “Right-side abdominal enlargement” and “Weight loss with appetite”.

“You didn’t include hepatomegaly,” Petra said as she approached the board.

“Not until I see the x-ray.” Levi lowered the marker and turned to her, eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t assume something without completing the evidences first. A right-sided abdominal enlargement can easily be any abdominal organ other than the liver and a high ALT can be caused by other stressors to the liver.”

She crossed her arms and once again rolled her eyes at him. She’s stubborn, he can tell. She oddly reminds him of himself.

A sigh escaped his lips. Levi leaned back on the edge of his desk and crossed his arms. He stared up at those amber eyes, deciding to humor her with her suspected diagnosis.

"All right then. Assuming there is hepatomegaly, then what would you do next? An enlarged liver isn’t exactly a definitive diagnosis. Nothing in the dog’s signs and lab results would explain how the liver got big.”

This caught Petra off guard, and she uncrossed her arms and furrowed her eyebrows in deep thought. It was the same look she had on as she contemplated the answer to that case question back in the auditorium.

Just like before, she took quite a while to respond.

“We’ll check for possible causes of hepatic inflammation.” She began.

“Inflammation means infection. There’s no elevation in white blood count.” He stated matter-of-factly.

“It doesn’t have to be an infection. Certain toxins could also cause the liver to be inflamed.”

“With that much toxin to swell up a liver then his kidneys should be failing. Creatinine is within normal range. Besides that, there’s no indication of pain. It’s not inflammation," He raised his chin at her. "If all you’re going to do is list down the differentials then you’re wasting your time.”

Petra’s lips tightened and the crease between her eyebrows deepened. She turned away from his scrutinizing gaze and focused her eyes on the words written on his whiteboard.

All the while, Levi continued to watch her mental struggle. Of course, he already had an answer to his question. Even if he didn’t think this was truly a case of hepatomegaly, there was still something that would at least support her diagnosis. If she was as smart as Hanji and Erwin had claimed, she would have seen it as well. Maybe not as quick as he did, but she should be able to see it.

And when she did saw it, Levi saw that unmistakable determined fire that seemed to lightened her amber orbs.

“It’s a tumor,” she finally responded, “Elevated platelet count is a strong indicator of cancer.”

A sudden silence fell between them. Petra waited for a response from him, one that would try to rebuff her findings, but as none came, the corner of her lips tugged up slightly in a small smile.

Eventually, Levi stood straighter, slipping his hands in his coat pockets. He didn’t keep his eyes off her. “Tell the brats to hurry up with the patient’s x-ray. If it’s the liver, do a biopsy.”

Petra turned away and started walking out of his office, still wearing that proud smile on her lips. Levi trailed slowly behind her, stopping just by the door frame to watch her walk towards the lobby.

He stood there for a minute, playing back the previous debate in his head. He’d have to admit, Petra truly was a smart one, but not quick enough to gather her thoughts. That would be rather disadvantageous in emergencies, but he supposed he could let it slide for now. She’s young. She’s new. She’ll get better.

His musings were disrupted by the sound of loud barking. Normally, he was used to the various animal noises that were normal in a veterinary hospital, but for some reason, his attention had peaked at the particular sound. The barking was deep, as if coming from a large dog, but it was rough and aggressive. He turned to the noise, suddenly realizing that it was coming from the same direction Petra had walked into.

He pulled himself away from the doorframe and walked to the source of the barking, and as he got closer to the lobby, he could hear a few voices in between growls. Curiosity and uneasiness settled in the pit of his stomach.

When he reached the lobby, he saw the familiar pet owner from Exam Room 8 trying to pull back on the leather leash of the same Golden Retriever Petra had attended a few hours ago. However, the previously affectionate dog was now baring his teeth at another client, who held on to a small poodle in her arms, trying to back away at the larger canine. Petra stood in between the confrontation, while Eren and the few other interns tried to move the other owner away to a safer distance.

“I-I’m so sorry! I don’t know what’s wrong with him!” The retriever’s owner cried out, struggling to keep hold of the leash.

“Spark, calm down, boy,” Petra said in a soothing tone, getting down on one knee and lowering her arms in a way as if she was inviting the dog into her arms. But her attempt at calming down the animal was overpowered by its hostile snarls. “Is he normally this aggressive when seeing other dogs?” she addressed towards the owner a little louder.

“N-no! He has never harmed anyone or another –”

At that moment, the dog had pulled hard enough that the leash slipped from the older woman’s grasps, and it began to charge. But instead of rushing to leap up at the smaller dog that was pulled away to the far corner, it turned its eyes to the female vet crouching on the floor.

She tried to pull back quickly, but the dog was quicker. It gave one more snarl before rushing to her with jaws wide. Petra braced herself, closing her eyes and raising her right arm to protect her face, just in time to feel a pull on her sleeve.

Then she heard a tumble, a yelp followed by suppressed growls. Petra opened one eye nervously.

Doctor Levi was crouching on the floor. One of his arms was around the Retriever’s neck in almost a chokehold, while the other arm held down its torso in a manner that pinned its hind legs on the floor. It was the classic method of restraint used to steady a large dog, though Levi seemed to be adding more strength than usual. Petra noticed that despite that rather forceful embrace he had on the animal, he still avoided adding pressure to the right side of the body, where the bloating was defined.

“Get a muzzle!” the dark-haired vet cried out like an order, and suddenly the interns, who were previously dumbstruck at the situation, scrambled about, grabbing a muzzle from the nearest exam room. All the while, Levi stared down at the dog’s dilated pupils. His intimidating stare had somehow slowed down the dog’s manic state, and its growls slowly lowered in volume, until all it could muster were anxious yelps.

Eventually, one of the interns managed to fix the muzzle over its snout. When Levi deemed it safe and that the patient’s aggression had died down, he slowly slipped his arms off its body, but kept one hand over the dog’s nape, keeping its body low on the ground.

He then started shouting instructions to each intern, but it all sounded incoherent in Petra’s ears because the quick beating of her heart was too loud. The hand which was previously raised to protect her face lowered to her chest. She could feel the rapid thumping beneath her palm as she slowly stood up from the floor.

Then she felt a strong grip on her elbow. It took her a minute to realize that it was Levi’s hand, and before she could turn to him, he had pulled her away from the lobby and dragged her into the hallway. Then it took her another minute to realize that he had pinned her to the wall next to his office door.

Levi glared at her. The same glare he used that rendered that dog to silence, and Petra stilled.

“What the fuck was that?” He almost snarled. “You’re an idiot to go down face level with an aggressive animal.”

She swallowed thickly. “I… I was trying to calm it down…”

“By offering it a hug? You should know it doesn’t work like that. Just because an animal was friendly to you doesn’t eliminate the fact that it can still bite your face off if it wanted.”

Petra bit her lower lip and lowered her head. In embarrassing situations, she would normally clutch her wrist nervously, but the action caused a painful sting to run up her arm. Levi had noticed her sudden reaction, even when she tried to hide it. Reaching down, he took hold of her right arm, raising it to eye level, where the sleeve lowered down to reveal a bite mark just below her wrist.

He clicked his tongue, irritated. Petra was once again pulled away from the hall and back into his office.

“Sit.” He told her, or rather ordered her, as he shut his office door close.

Petra stood for a while, watching as he shuffled behind his desk, pulling something out from one of the drawers. Not wanting to get into his bad side again, Petra hesitantly sat on the adjacent seat in front of his desk. It was then that she noticed the box he had pulled out was a first aid kit.

He then sat across from her, sighing in exasperation. He took a moment to himself, massaging the space between his eyebrows, before offering a hand, indirectly telling her to show him her wounded wrist.

Petra did so after rolling back her sleeve. Levi’s fingers encircled her wrist in an oddly gentle manner, very different from when he grabbed her by the elbow a while ago, as he inspected the wound.

“It’s a shallow bite. Managed to nick you enough to bleed but it’s not a big deal.” He said, showing her the four indents on her skin, clearly from the dog’s canines. “Guess I managed to pull him back before he chomped down hard enough. Still, expect some bruising.” He said as he began to wipe her skin with an alcohol swab. Petra tried not to hiss.

A silence ensued as his nursing of her bite wound continued. Petra tried to hide the severe flushing of her face by turning to face the whiteboard instead. She was deeply ashamed of her naïve attempt in handling the previous situation, but was also embarrassed at her proximity with the dark-haired vet and his gentle ministrations with a wound that she could probably tend to on her own.

“I’m sorry.” She apologized with a sigh, “I shouldn’t have crouch down like that, it probably provoked him some more. No wonder he decided to come for me.”

Levi was in the middle of applying an antibiotic cream over her wound when he responded. “Yeah, you were an idiot. But your stupidity did reveal another symptom.”

Petra looked up at him suddenly, eyebrows furrowed. “What?”

“The dog’s vaccinated against Rabies, right?”

Levi heard her gasp and felt her hand stiffen and shake in his hold.

“You think the sudden aggression is due to Rabies? Are you trying to scare me? Because Rabies isn’t a joke!” She replied with a hint of fear in her tone.

“Stop fidgeting and just answer the damn question, woman.”

“The patient’s vaccinated! There’s no way its Rabies.”

“Then there you have it. You ruled out Rabies then.” Levi grumbled as he pulled her wrist back so he could start bandaging it up. “What else causes sudden aggressive behavior in dogs?”

“You think it’s a symptom?”

“Owner said the mutt was never aggressive towards other animals and humans before. Which means it’s a new symptom.”

Petra once again furrowed her brows in thought, looking up at the ceiling. “High testosterone levels.” She concluded. However, he heard the doubt in her tone, and he looked up at her with a raised brow, because she never sounded so doubtful from their previous exchange. He watched her rubbed her chin with a finger as she continued to think. “But… the patient’s neutered.”

Levi lets go of her now bandaged wrist. “When was he neutered?”

“The owner has no idea. She adopted Spark from the local shelter 3 years ago. Their previous vet noticed that the dog didn’t have testicles, so he was probably neutered before he ended up in the shelter.”

“And you confirmed he’s neutered?”

“Of course. I checked him.”

Levi hummed to himself as he leaned back on his chair. He stared up at the list of clinical signs written on the whiteboard, deep in thought. Petra watched him and could almost see the gears turning in his head. Meanwhile, she was too stumped at the new information to think of any more differential diagnoses to add on the list.

“Maybe… the aggression isn’t significant at all. Maybe the dog was just stressed out.” Petra said softly but doubtfully, “Besides, it doesn’t add up with everything else. It doesn’t explain the abdominal enlargement, or the elevated ALT, or the platelet – ”

Both of them turned to the sound of knocking. Eren slowly opened the door, peeking into the office. At the sight of the ginger vet, the boy’s green eyes widened in concern. “Doctor Ral, are you alright? We saw the dog bit you.”

Petra beamed him a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Eren. It was just a nip. Nothing to worry about.”

There was a look of relief in his face, which quickly morphed into fear when he finally noticed the other person in the room.

“What do you want, Yeager?” Levi chimed in with an annoyed scowl, standing up and walking towards the door.

The intern ducked his head a bit, as if trying to hide away from the intimidating glare. “I-I’m sorry for intruding, Doctor Ackerman. But radiology wanted me to hand this to Doctor Ral.” He raised a large manila envelope, which the dark-haired vet quickly snatched away.

“About fucking time,” Levi mumbled, stepping aside to check inside the folder, confirming that the x-ray films belonged to their patient.

“Thank you, Eren.” Petra once again smiled at the male intern before he left in a hurry, shutting the door close. She then turned to the other person in the room, scowling at him. “You should stop scaring him like that. He’s a sweet kid.”

He ignored her, opting to pull out the films from the envelope. He approached an X-ray view box installed next to the whiteboard, flipping a switch to light up the box. Petra squints her eyes at the sudden flash of white light in front of her.

One by one, Levi clipped the films over the white surface, so that it highlighted the more translucent areas of the radiograph. Once he was done, he stepped back to get a full view of the mystery of the case.

Petra’s gaped slightly at what she saw. Just below the ribs cage was a large opaque mass that extended to most of the right of the body. It was large enough to push aside the other organs. “Is that the entire liver?”

Levi hummed, walking closer to the view box. “No. The edges are too smooth.” He raised a finger, and used it to trace the outline of an almost triangular organ in the large middle portion of the mass. “See the angular edges? This part is the liver.”

Petra had stood and drew closer to the view box, standing by the right of the male vet as she followed the movement of his finger. “Why is it… smaller?”

“It’s not. It’s the normal size. Just very compressed.”

She watched as his finger moved away from the angular shaped part and to the smoother shaped right half of the mass. “This part over here is causing the right abdominal enlargement.” He traced what appeared to be two large ovoid masses right beside the liver.

“Is that…” she paused, gaping at the images before here. Levi watched the shocked expression on her face, and he wasn’t sure if the spark in her eyes was from the light reflecting from the view box, or the sudden realization as the puzzle pieces finally started to fit together.

“You were right about one thing,” He said softly, still observing the amber glow of her eyes. “It’s a tumor… Just not on the liver.”

End of Chapter 2

Medical Terminologies:

Aortic Thromboembolism: a disease process wherein a thrombus (a large clot) is formed in the heart and later breaks off to travel through the aorta, which is a large artery that supplies blood to the abdomen and the organs there, as well as the legs, until it reaches an artery with a diameter too small for it to pass through, causing a blockage in blood flow.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): a test which measures the electrical activity of the heart, indicated by a pattern of waves printed on paper or displayed on a screen.

Heartworm: a parasitic worm which inhabits the heart and the blood vessels of dogs. It is transmitted by mosquitos.

Plasma D-dimer test: a blood test which detects of the amount of a protein called D-dimer, which increases when a clot is being broken down.

Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): a serious condition wherein the adrenal glands produce too much of the steroid hormone cortisol.

Thrombocytosis: a high platelet count.

Rabies: a highly fatal viral disease in that causes brain inflammation in humans and other mammals. Dogs with the virus show sudden neurological symptoms like disorientation, seizures, and aggression. The virus is passed through the saliva and causes death as quickly as 10 days. There is no cure, but is 100% preventable through vaccination.

A/N: Ok, so I thought I could fit this entire story within 2 chapters, but it appears to be much longer than I originally planned. Which is great, I suppose. Everyone’s always happy with an extra chapter hahaha! Chapter 3 would hopefully conclude this story, but you never know. Wink wink.

And as usual, no actual due date for the next update, but let’s see if I can get it up by next week. Until then, always vaccinate your pets!

[thiswasinevitableid]

Can I request 42 with Sternclay? I love the way you write everyone it’s adorable ((42. i found a cat shivering in the snow and you’re the cutest vet i’ve ever seen))

The snow morphs into sleet as Stern hurries down the street, the wind off the lake biting his neck. According to the directions he glanced at, the building he needs should be on this block.

“Mew” Says his pocket. 

“It’s alright, we’ll get you warmed up soon.”

The sign on the door of West Elm Veterinary declares they’re open until six. Relief shakes some of the damp from his shoulders, though the wind deposits another round before he manages to get inside. 

“Hello, how can I help you?” The young, blonde woman behind the counter looks him over, “I'm gonna guess this is an emergency?”

“In a way, yes. I, I found a kitten on my way home and it seems to be in very bad shape. I’m so sorry I don’t have an appointment, but this was the vet closest to home.”

“That’s okay, we don’t have any remaining appointments today, and I feel safe saying we’d rather you bring someone in than we get to go home a bit early. Let me go grab Dr. Cobb.”

“Thank you so much.” He does his best to smile through his exhaustion and cold as she ducks into a back room. The office is small, and he sees on two vets listed: Dr. Cobb and Dr. Newton. But it’s warm and clean, walls decorated with pet medicine advertisements and PSAs, two shelves on the far wall holding special diet pet foods. 

The wall behind the reception desk is lined with thank you cards and photos, and as Stern peers at them his pocket meows once again, the noise weaker than before. 

“Shhh” he pulls his jacket closer, hoping to pass on more body warmth, “it’s alright, the vet will be here soon.”

“He will indeed.” 

Stern looks at the now-open exam room door. Leaning against it is one of the most handsome men he’s ever seen. He’s tall, looks like he could bench press Stern, with a short-clipped, coppery beard and shaggy dark hair that he’s gathered into a bun. The warm brown eyes and the reassuring smile are just the icing on the beefcake.

“Kitten?”

“Excuse me?” Sterns voice creeps up. No one’s called him that in years.

“You’re the one who brought in the kitten, right?” Dr.Cobb repeats, patient as can be. 

“Oh, yes. She’s in my jacket. I didn’t have anywhere else to keep her.”

“Good call. Let’s bring her in here and have a look.” 

Stern follows him into the exam room, and gingerly lifts the kitten from his pocket. She looks impossibly scraggly in the bright light. Her eyes are crusted over and she shivers in Sterns hands. 

Dr.Cobb holds out his palms, and they’re large enough that the kitten nearly fits in one of them. 

“Hey, little one.” He sets her down on the metallic table, begins checking her vitals, “what happened to you, huh?” 

God, his voice is deep and comforting and if it’s affecting the feline the way it’s affecting Stern, the cat will be better in no time. 

“Where was she when you found her?”

“Behind a dumpster at the EL station. I looked to see if there was a mother nearby, or other kittens, but I couldn’t find them. And honestly, based on how thin and dirty she looked I assumed she’d been on her own a bit.”

“Think you’re probably right. She’s malnourished for sure, and dehydrated, if you can believe it given how wet it’s been. Got an eye infection, hopefully that’s all the illness she’s dealing with.” The vet rubs the kittens forehead and she lets out an unsteady “mewp.”

“We’ll keep her overnight, get some fluids in her, and go from there. Do you want us to contact you with an update?” 

“Yes please.” Stern rattles of his name and phone number and Dr.Cobb jots them down.

“Thanks, hopefully we have good news tomorrow. Dani can help you wrap up out front.”

Just as Stern finishes paying (in spite of Dani saying they have a pool of funds for caring for strays. After all, what good is his job if he can’t use the money to care for helpless animals), a tender baritone voice calls out, “Joseph, hold on a sec.” 

He turns, finds the vet holding out a an umbrella and a travel mug smelling faintly of mint.

“For the road.” He smiles.

“Thank you, uh...”

“Barclay.” The vet supplies.

Stern takes the offered items, “Thank you, Barclay. I’ll keep an ear out for the updates.”

----------------------------------

His phone rings at lunch, as he’s eating a reheated sandwich.

“Stern.”

“Hi Mr. Stern, this is Dani at West Elm Vet. I’ve got some good news about the kitten. She’s stable and eating, and we got fluids into her. Her eyes are still a little wonky, but she’s already getting some energy back.”

“That’s wonderful. Uh, would it be alright if I came by to see her this evening?”

He hears the smile on the other end, “Of course.”

When arrives at the vet, he brings the washed travel mug, the umbrella, and a small box of gourmet truffles.

“Here to see the kitten.” 

Barclay grins at him across the counter. 

“Yes. And I wanted to return these. The truffles are a thank you to you all for your help.” 

“Ooh, love their stuff.” Barclay eyes the chocolate box. 

“Barclay I swear if you eat it all before I get any-” Dani appears from a back room, returning to her post at the computer. 

“I know, I know, you’ll let that one chihuahua loose in my office.” Barclay hands her the box, gestures for Stern to follow him. They head down a small hallway to a little boarding space for cats. The kitten, clean and and snoozing in the warmth, looks like a sandy brown, tiny tumbleweed.

“I hadn’t realized how big her paws are.” Stern pets the glass softly,not wanting to wake the feline. 

“She might grow into them, or they might stay big compared to her. I’m a little worried about her eyes; if that infection doesn’t clear up, she could lose one, maybe both.”

“Oh dear.” Stern murmurs, tracing an ear through the glass, “that hardly seems fair, does it? It’s not your fault, little cat. If I’d found you sooner maybe…” He sighs.

“Hey, none of that.” A warm hand rests on his shoulder, “she’s probably alive right now because of you. And she’s a tough little thing, she’ll manage.”

Without thinking, Stern rests his hand atop Barclays, “thank you.” 

The hand squeezes his quickly, and then it’s gone.

--------------------------

Stern’s routine changes over the next weeks. Once, and usually twice, per week he visits the vet to check on the kitten and her caretakers. He starts bringing a late afternoon pick-me up for Dani from the local coffee shop, and whatever gourmet candy or snack he thinks Barclay might like.  If it’s slow, Barclay will make him tea and the two of them will chat while he fusses over the kitten. She grows stronger, looks less like she’s been run through a washing machine, but her infection claims her right eye. 

Stern still thinks she’s the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

Well, second cutest. But it’s hard for anyone or anything to compete with Barclay. Especially when he laughs or sends a wink Sterns way. 

Stern starts bringing toys for the kitten, catnip fish for her to hold between her large paws, jingly plastic spheres to help her practice hunting and chasing with one eye. When she’s finally old enough and well enough to be put up for adoption, Stern helps take the photos to go up on the Humane Society page. 

Three days later, he’s ready to take a chance. And as luck would have it, Barclay is at the front desk alone when he walks in.

“Hey, Joseph.”

“Hello. I’m here to check on my little friend. And, ah, to ask if you would like to go to dinner with me tomorrow.”

Barclay stands, starts walking around the counter with a funny smile, “you want the good news or the bad news first?”

“Bad.” 

“She got adopted this morning, so that stuffed hedgehog in your coat might not get much use.”

“Oh that’s, that’s wonderful!” He means it, he really does. He just wishes he could have scritched her ears one more time.

“But the good news” Barclay rests one on his shoulder while the other brushes a strand of hair back into place, “is that you and I have a date on Friday.” 

Stern beams, even as Dani’s voice comes from the back room, “I TOLD you he was into you!”

Dinner the next night is perfect. Stern’s never seen Barclay in anything other than work clothes, and nearly walks into a pole when he catches the first glimpse of the other man waiting at the crosswalk in his jacket and slacks. 

They talk easily, Barclays rumbling laugh filling the plush restaurant booth and sending sparks up Sterns fingers. To his surprise, Barclay asks if he’d like to come back to his place for “coffee”. He eagerly accepts, even if the meal and the company has him feeling sluggish and dreamy. 

“So” Barclay flips on the light, revealing a modest apartment that looks like a north woods cabin was dumped inside it, “this is my place. Figure we can start out with coffee on the couch and then” he blushes for the first time that night, “see how things go. But first, let me introduce you to my roommate.”

“Roommate?” 

“Mew!”

Stern makes a somewhat higher than normal shriek of delight as a familiar, one-eyed ball of fluff barrels into his legs, purring happily as he scoops her up and cuddles her. 

“I was due to adopt one of the strays eventually. Bigfoot here turned out to be the one.” He bats at the cats still-oversized paws,  scratches the her head as he nuzzles the top of Sterns hair.

“It wasn’t a ploy to get me to come over?” Stern teases. 

Barclay chuckles, “That did cross my mind. Call it a bonus piece of good luck.”

Stern ends his night wonderfully. He spends the first hour happily and handsily making out with Barclay on the couch while Bigfoot gnaws and chases her new stuffed hedgehog. And then he and Barclay fall asleep, cuddled up beneath a heavy knit blanket, with Bigfoot nestled between them.