Just wanted to write something else shippy, though this one can be considered more vague. Again, this content isn't exactly canon like many other drabbles on this, and I hope you enjoy it. Will talk more at the end of the chapter.

It was a positively gloomy day. While Double D did believe in the concept of seasonal depression, there was something about today that just didn't sit right with him. Unexplained feelings were always annoying to him, if only because they couldn't be worked on.

A knock on the door of his lab was heard, followed by a door opening. He didn't have to look behind him to know who it was, the smell of chamomile reaching him before Maddie did. He was able to put down his latest project before she hugged him from behind, hearing her laugh quietly.

"Double D! What are you still doing inside?" Maddie loosened, only long enough for him to turn around before tightening her grip again. Her eyes were sparkling and it was causing heart palpitations for the boy. "I get wanting to have some projects done, but not at the cost of losing sleep."

Double D frowned, fighting the urge to hug her back. She snuggled closer, eyes questioning, moving enough to make them both sway.

"You also haven't talked to anyone in about two days." Maddie didn't get any response from him other than his own cross expression. Her smile faded, squinting at him. "Even Eddy is getting worried. I figured I'd be the one to check in if it was serious."

Double D did try to respond then, opening his mouth… but nothing was coming out of it. He closed it, something twisting in his gut. He broke eye contact, looking over to his projects again so he wouldn't have to think about it.

"Can't speak right now?" Maddie looked worried, hoping it wasn't some kind of sickness, or even a curse. She started to move back, aiming to get something for him. "Maybe you should go lay down before-"

Maddie nearly yipped as Double D pulled her back in, wrapping his arms around her unexpectedly tight. Despite feeling embarrassed about it, he didn't want to let go of her considering how warm she was. She looked back at him, patting his back lightly.

"Not having a good couple of days then?" Maddie finally did receive a nod this time, and that prompted her to pull away. She still held onto his hand, though, pulling him over to the couch in the breakroom of the workshop. "Let's get you some sleep, then. Just wait here."

He was forced to sit down, but he didn't bother trying to get up again despite the command. He took off his lab coat, sighing as the cool air reached his skin. He hadn't realized he'd been baking under there until now.

Double D had some time to think as she moved things around and realized she was right about him having gone dark since early yesterday. It may have been just one of his "bluer" periods. He'd go into these on the occasion, not being able to talk to someone for days on end and focusing on a task to keep his mind busy. They usually passed without incident, as long as people caught on to it.

(except for that one time Ed and Eddy were out for a week, resulting in him just disappearing into his room the entire time)

(no one to check up on him, no one to make sure he was eating, or even whether he was keeping anything clean)

(Rolf had found him, having been the only one to bother needing anything from him)

(at least he had the good decency to bring something good so he could finally have something to eat)

Double D shook his head, trying not to think about it. Maddie was coming back now, a blanket and some pillows at the ready.

"I'd suggest laying down. Maybe take off the tie too." It wasn't a suggestion, even if Maddie made it sound like that. "You look ready to collapse. Have you been up all night?"

Double D still couldn't say anything, only complying to avoid any lecture from her. Taking off his tie and shoes, he laid down and grabbed the blanket so he could get comfortable.

Much to his surprise, Maddie was quick to join him. She slipped under the blanket, cuddling up to his chest and holding onto him tight.

"What? I'm making sure you don't decide to get up and get back to work." It was a fair assumption. Double D was planning on getting up after she left to do something else. Laying down let his thoughts begin to fester. "Besides, I've been on my feet all day at the tea shoppe. I need some time to rest too."

The boy was hesitant, but he did eventually hug her back. The Wonderlandian sighed happily, putting her hat to the side and getting as comfortable as she could. Double D hated to say that he was beginning to feel a little… happier wasn't the right word, but content may have fit better.

…Maybe he should schedule a few more sessions with Mrs. Hood. He didn't think this was healthy.

(this was embarrassing, why couldn't he deal with this himself?)

(making everyone else around you you're therapist and having to deal with your problems)

(everything is much better and here you are, moping and hiding from people because you aren't used to things like this)

(not to mention latching onto any form of affection like this, clinging onto her and making her deal with your issues)

"Thank you." Double D didn't say anything else, forcing every other thought out as he moved into her. The smell of chamomile was thankfully good at overwhelming them. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Maddie's drowsy voice indicated that she wasn't lying about doing a lot of work herself. "We'll all be here as long as you need it."

Double D made sure to remind himself of that for the last minute he was conscious. His dreams were filled with teacups and pink hair shortly afterward.

I had other intentions with this, but it ended up becoming something else despite that. Again, wanted something more shippy, but could be considered neutral depending on your tastes.

As always, the AU game is open and I wouldn't mind requests or ideas being thrown my way for more drabbles. This does include shipping, angst, and even NSFW if you'd like with these characters (though I'd post that in another fic collection if you'd want it there). Updates are still coming in, but also working on other stuff in the mean time.

I'll see you all in the other chapters in other fics!