A Lot Of Comfort - Tumblr Posts
Cursed Limbo AU! Today a very lighthearted chapter, panic attacks are only mentioned. (Ps: no proofread!)
Listen...but don't tell me what you hear...
It was one of the calmer evenings, those where rare in such a busy country. Fundy appreciated those types of nights, were he could just relax, lie back against the headboard. Sometimes his fox ears perked up, whenever he heard even a slight change from Schlatts sides. He definitely became too protective, trying to recognize signs of starting panic attacks fast enough.
Fundy smiled slightly, looking at the older hybrid. Someone, who was considered a tyrant before, was sitting next to his bed on the floor. The ram hybrids dark, curly hair lied on his shoulders, reaching so much more down. At least he tried to brush it now, even if sometimes there was no energy or motivation to do so. It almost covers his ram ears, which sometimes flickered. The mans eyes were closed, he still had dark rings under them. Heavy breathing could be heard, in and out, he was practicing calm breathing, which was a good idea and should help him to calm down in the future, when he would get another unexpected panic attack. Fundys gaze fell lower, right on Schlatts arms, the mans hands rested on his knees, clenching them every time he inhaled, his sweater sleeves covered his arms, reaching to the wrists, but the fox hybrid still knew that they are covered in bandages. In pretty fresh ones. So fresh that it´s still possible to recognize the metallic smell of blood which stained them not so long ago.
He talked with Quackity about the ex-presidents panic attack, which happened recently. Even though, Fundy didn't want to admit it but he felt slight guilt. He should have been here when it happened. He should have been the one who would help, nobody here understands how hard it is to deal with this sort of panic...but...he knew that this is just something what he felt, not the truth. Quackity actually handled the situation well, at least...if the fox boy would fully believe in the version that Q told him. The ginger took a deep breath and then exhaled. He just didn't want to lose someone, who he considered a father figure, again. But he had to calm down, he knows that as soon as Schlatt sees his worried expression, he will start to get uncomfortable himself and today is too much of a peaceful day for that.
The fox hybrid then proceeded to slowly lower his hand on the other mans head, moving it to the fluffy ears, gently stroking them, earning a weak but genuine smile from Schlatts side. He gave it a few pets before his ears perked up because of a familiar but almost forgotten sound. It was...way more high-pitched than the ex-presidents voice, at least...more then he remembered. That's when his fingers fully stopped on the fluffy side of the ears. Schlatts voice....did he just. Fundys heart was racing, as if someone was forcefully pumping adrenaline into him. He was sure that they could give up the hope on Schlatt speaking again. There was no way he could hold back the bright smile on his face, he was already opening his mouth, ready to express his joy. The realization that this wasn´t quite what he thought came crawling, at first just in the back at his mind but then it infested his whole mind. He gazed over Schlatts facial expression, which didn´t change at all, he wasn´t looking at the fox boy and he continued to open and close his mouth in the rhythm of inhales and exhales. Slowly the foxes ears pressed to his head, he wasn't imagining it, right?
He was sure that the ex-president said something or at least made a sound. Even more, he was sure that this was a familiar sound....like a high pitched cry. Fundy tried to remember where he heard it the last time, since...it seems like Schlatt didn't realize that he made a sound. Maybe it's better if he doesn't find out. Even if the fox hybrid had the urge to praise him, say that he is happy that the ram hybrid feels so much more comfortable...but he couldn't. He was afraid that Schlatt wasn't ready, what if this would put the whole progress behind?
Yes. It's better to keep quiet...just continue to gently stroke the long, fluffy ears and try to remember, closing his eyes, concentrating just on that sound.
Like a cry...it, it reminded mostly of a sheeps cry. But he didn't hear it just around normal sheep mobs. Fundy could recognize that he heard it once, when he passed the presidents office, at that time, Schlatt should have a meeting with Quackity....that duck hybrid surely knows more about it...
The fox hybrid knows that the owner of Las Nevadas is still awake. He even could find some irony in that, it was such a common thing to overhear his conversations with Schlatt, when the vice president would ask his husband to get some normal amount of sleep. Now it´s Quackity who definitely needs more hours of sleep. It was pretty bad but in that case, Fundy could find something positive in that sleep schedule, he could definitely speak with Q.
Those intentions were brought to life when Foolish came to the room, he wasn´t really familiar with Schlatt but still agreed to look after him from time to time. Furthermore, the demigod actually introduced his children to the ram hybrid, who didn´t seem to have anything against that. Seems like it even helps him to distract himself. After reminding Foolish of all the “dos and donts”, even though the living “totem of undying” tried to tell him that he remembers everything, the fox hybrid left the room and made his way towards Quackitys office. Stopping in front of the big door and taking a deep breath.
He knocked three times and after a formal “Come in”, he entered. Quackity had some blueprints and other documents lying on his desk, on which he clearly focused his attention, looking up just to take a glimpse at the young man at the door.
-If that isn’t Fundy. Can’t believe that you left Schlatt without a babysitter again.- even if there was slight amusement and some sort of sarcasm. Fundy could swear that he saw how the other males fingers twitched for a split second and how his gaze was scanning the door, as if he would consider to stand up and leave.
-I left him with Foolish. No need to worry.- there was some chuckle from the side of the casino owner, who surely tried to convince the fox that he either didn’t care or didn’t worry.
-And he is okay with Foolish? Either way. I hope he knows that I am not paying him for babysitting.- was asked, with some fake sarcasm. Fundy is sure that he already starts to understand when Q is serious and when he is starting to fake something.
-Yes….I….I think it’s because they didn’t really know each other before….so…Schlatt doesn’t have to worry about Foolish planning to kill him…- the fox-hybrid had a shadow of a smile on his face, looking down at the floor. Quackity only nodded silently, trying to let out a quiet sigh of relief.
-and why are you here?- of course this question would come. It was obvious but still slightly uncomfortable.
-Yes…my reason to be here….I just….you know, back in Manberg, Schlatt used to make strange noises…….n…not that noises….I mean….more like the ones that sheep make?...can you….tell me about that?..…- for a moment Quackity fell quiet, there was even very light blush on his cheeks. Being consumed by his own memories and regretting that those weren’t bad memories.
-….Bleating or baaing….he….ahem. Sheep hybrids often do those, either when they are scarred, to get help or when they are comfortable. The difference is the tone of those noises….why would you even remember something that was back in Manberg?- Quackity started to reorganize his documents.
-…Quackity….I think he is beginning to feel better here.- those words where almost a warm whisper, followed by Fundys smile.