My Friend of Misery [Lucca] - [FIN!]

[Callypso]

Iso did her best to hold in her exasperation, though it would show itself in her half-furrowed brows. She was a doctor, for Spades’ sake! This coddling and telling her she needed to be examined was akin to telling the sun to shine. Though, truth be told, she was afraid.

The ferret had never expected to be a parent, at least, she had not expected it in her near future. Now that she was expecting, though, she was terrified – what if her children were horribly malformed? Twisted inside, deranged from the effects of the drugs she had been abusing? She didn’t want to be told she had ruined someone’s life before they’d had a chance to begin it. It was much too horrible to thing about.

She looked away, then forced herself to look back at Aberforth, shamed and embarrassed at her internal dialogue.

I… I know. I’ll make an appointment with Dr. Zenon as soon as possible. If you’re not on duty during that time, I should very much like for you to accompany me. I’m not aware of her current patient load, but I’m hoping to see her before the end of the week.

Iso looked into the goat’s eyes and couldn’t manage to suppress the crinkling around her eyes that hinted at a smile. All things considered, this meeting had gone remarkably well. Aberforth had committed to raising the children with her, they were well on their way to making plans to renovate the house, they had a wonderful resource in Mr. McDuck, and they would be living together in a couple weeks time. Her fear was slowly beginning to ebb away to confidence and satisfaction at a job well done.

Have you thought about the little ones’ education? Echoed the distracted voice from down the hall, accompanied by the screeching of the kettle and more utensils clinking. They’ve opened a new boarding school for Corvies!

Iso rolled her eyes and looked back at the Tulgey, not bothering to raise her voice in answer to her Great-Aunt.

I believe we’ve some time before considering that, don’t you?

[Lucca]

Aberforth watched the struggle in Iaso's eyes with apparent remoteness, even though he fully understood where she was coming from. He himself hated the necessity of having to subject himself to doctors. Though, since Iaso was a doctor as well, it might not be as bad for her. At least she had more knowledge to inform her in the doctor was being remiss in his duties or about to attempt something sleazy. But despite his fierce independence, the Goat knew when the proper times to seek outside help and put yourself carefully out were. The fact that little lives were on the line definitely made this one of those cases.

He nodded, and his voice was perfectly neutral again when he spoke. "Then we can arrange the appointment around my hours," he said, thinking that would suffice for his agreement to the plan. Two pairs of eyes worked better than one, and he could use the Tulgey stereotypes to his advantage, too. Far fewer Corvies would risk crossing Iaso if they thought she had as her lover and protector a large, well-built, Tulgey Club with natural weapons.

He frowned just slightly at the voice from the kitchen, but the look lightened as it seemed Iaso agreed with him on matters. He nodded. "Yes, I do." His mouth twitched in what might have been a smile on someone else, but on Aberforth was more likely just a nervous gesture. Today had been very stressful, and he actually wanted nothing more than to get back to his own apartment and spend the rest of the night in solitude.

He was gratified to think Iaso probably wanted much the same thing.

((End it here?))