The image on the cover is not related to me in any way. It belongs to Octodeco and is taken from their work Diagnosis: Life #14. Chapter Mostima VI . If you haven't checked their works yet I absolutely recommend looking it can find them on pixiv, their comics are absolute bangers. Now that I used that image I will try to make this fiction worthy of it.
"This concludes it," Doctor sighed slumping to his chair.
He had returned to the airship with proud steps after successfully turning what could have been a failed operation into a battle was decided by a leap of faith he took in Skadi, a reliable operator known for her structural damage, which had to be avoided at all costs in that he got some rest, he had to thank her for her efforts and for listening to his request.
He was on his way to report the operation to Kal'tsit, a procedure long established. Unless they were in the operation field together he had an obligation to report to Kal'tsit personally regardless of her knowledge.
He entered by the open door and met with a Kal'tsit who greeted him with a "Good work" handing him a stack of papers as if they were some congratulations gifts. He would've been happy if he didn't know better, they were anything but gifts from a kindhearted coworker. It was sure as hell paperwork, which he had to deal with tons of every day. Despite the overwhelming work he had to go through every day he wasn't saddened or complaining in fact he somehow welcomed it. He even got on some jobs he didn't have to, not minding whether we would get paid. Immersing himself in work served as a wonderful shield that protected him from wandering off to dangerous thoughts. Every time he contemplated taking a break, he reminded himself of the sacrifices the others had made for his sake
Having done dozens of papers, the Doctor stood up from his chair to submit these to Kal'tsit.
An unexpected knock interrupted his departure.
He settled back into his chair.
"Doctor, it's me." The voice belonged to the one whom he had been waiting for weeks, an awaited arrival come true.
"Come on in" "Come on in," Doctor said, the exhaustion in his body and mind replaced with enthusiasm, his words carrying an apparent energy he didn't normally have.
The guest had opened the door and welcomed themselves into the office.
"Hello, Doctor. How's your day going."
Hello, Doctor. How's your day going?" the newcomer raised her empty hand and gave a wave with the usual smile she carried on her face.
"Hello, Mostima. Not too shabby so far, yours is good I hope" The guest had settled into a chair beside the desk having done exchanging greetings
"What brings you here?" Although he was looking forward to the visit, he hadn't expected it to be so soon.
She hadn't told him she would come by, and after asking around, nobody informed him she would be here either.
"Aren't you lucky, Doctor? I handled the delivery earlier than expected, and seeing the Lungmen snacks made me want to eat them with you."
The Doctor had been giving her intriguing reactions to return for some time,
so she found himself wondering; how would the Doctor react if she paid him a surprise visit? She was looking forward to it as she progressed to her destination.
The doctor was fine as ever; nonetheless, she was rather displeased at the sight she was exposed to. Tons of paper was placed on his desk, towering over his monitor, making it seem small in comparison.
his monitor, making it seem small in comparison.
"You look terrible. Are you still getting overworked to the bone?" she asked, lifting her brows.
"I just got here from an operation, but well, I can handle this much," said Doctor, trying to assure her.
She had developed a certain routine after some point.
She would visit the Doctor on the first chance she got and spend time with him. Over time, her visits had become a bright spot in his life.
How ironic she thought, visiting him the first chance she got when she used to push away the Doctor, disappearing out of his sight. Despite her fleeing attitude Doctor still sought her out.
He had made her question her way of approaching things as time passed by. She couldn't help but think what would it be like if Doctor could join her adventures, tagging along with her. If Fiammetta joined them
they would be a hell of a trio, Doctor being the brains and bridge of the work. With his capabilities, there was no doubt he would everything make easier. His health wasn't the best but he gained some muscle recently and claimed he was trying to figure out to look after himself. If he felt good and healthy, to her, his endurance would be of little issue at most
The Doctor unlike most of the operators he talked to, didn't interact with Mostima because of his job or any other motive. He truly thought of the time he spent with her as valuable and comfortable as he always enjoyed their time together.
He knew she had a good-willed motivation behind her attitude and disappearings. He was also aware of the running joke of "Getting Mostima'd".After all, he had little doubt that he would be the runner-up for the first place if experiencing this was a race.
The angel was quite distant at first, not caring about any relationship unless absolutely necessary. But he kept pushing through. And her pushings have paid off, she became quite easy
to find for him. She had even told him to forget what she said before, and he brought back joy in her life.
The Doctor responded in his usual manner, continuing the conversation, yet he couldn't help but feel grateful for his mask; without it he might have fallen victim to her playful teasing
After every mission he was sent to somewhere far away, Doctor would bring back snacks, which he researched beforehand. He even developed quite a knowledge of local food stores and managed to surprise her every one
in a while. He put the snacks in the drawer in his table and eagerly waited for her return each time.
"Nee~, Doctor" She had called him, with closed eyes and an unusual smile
"What's wrong?" He had asked her, sensing something ominous in her voice.
"You know, I've heard about Ifrit's incident," Mostima said lifting her head, and looking into the Doctor's eyes "If things get dicey again, contact me if you can , alright?"
"Y-yeah I promise, I will call you when that happens" Despite her calmness Doctor sensed something scared beyond it, it sounded more like an order instead of a request.
"Oh, these snacks are amazing, where did you buy them Mostima?"
"Trying to change the subject, aren't we, Doctor, there is a famous place in Lungmen Downtown called "Lungmen Snacktown" I got these from here."
"If we happen to stop by there, let's go there alright?"
"No turning back now, Doctor. I'll definitely remind you if we ever go there.
The doctor made a mental note of the place. It seemed Mostima wanted him to take the lead when the time came.
"How long will you stay here?"
"Well, Doctor, it seems fate has granted me a rare luxury – two whole weeks off from work. I suppose even a wanderer like me needs a break now and then.
"Really?" The Doctor asked, vitality noticeable in his voice
"Doctor, you seem quite cheerful~" Mostima remarked, playfully raising her eyebrows as she teased him.
"Of course I am, you rarely stay that here that long"
"Ehehe," Mostima gave a chuckle with a blush on her face; he caught her off guard. She expected him to brush it off with a joke and not give an honest answer like that.
*Brring* *Bring*
The Doctor had stopped the alarm and informed her, that this ringing meant his work was due, he had to submit his work to Kal'tsit. Their pleasant exchange had to be cut off, albeit temporarily
"I am going to hand these documents to Kal'tsit, I will be right back," he explained the situation as he got off with papers in his hands
"Ah, no need Doc, I was just about to leave. I'll See you later."
"Later, Mostima," He said seeing her out.
The Doctor thought about this surprising turn of events on his way to Kal'tsit's office.
"Hello, Kal'tsit," Doctor said through the open door.
"Doctor, have you filled in the paperwork?"
"Yes I did, it's here," Doctor replied, handing her the documents.
She had glanced at the papers before giving a look at the Doctor. "There will be no operation for some time; we're going to have a business meeting. You should rest well."
He had been caught off guard; after all, it wasn't every day he got to have actual rest. "I understand; I will," said the doctor and went to his room.
There was no formality or chit-chat needed with Kal'tsit she only cared about work -not that he minded of course-. Her particular feature was going to be a handful to him soon anyway.
He had removed his mask and helmet.
And he closed his eyes, giving himself to sleep.
..
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I really like this pairing and after seeing the lack of content around it I have decided to do my part. Octodeco and 789uz do a wonderful job, but honestly, I want more. Personally, I would be very happy if my work motivated anyone to make some content about the ship, but even if it doesn't happen I am glad if I helped to fill the lack of work even if just a little. The chapter has been revised and edited. If you have any kind of development or background in mind please share it with me, If I like it I may develop the story on that line. Any kind of comment, review, or criticism, anything is appreciated.