"I can manage!" Gavin insisted with a pained hiss as he reached up into the cupboard above the sink. Tiny screeched and chittered his objection as he scrambled up onto the kitchen counter and stood at his full height of around two feet. His tail whipped out to loop around Gavin's wrist, tugging his arm down from where he was trying to grab the boxed tea leaves. "Hey! Come on, if I can't even make a pot of tea, then what good am I?" Gavin groused as he tried to pull his hand free. He paused with a wince. Everything fucking ached! The bullet wound. His insides. His muscles. He was sick of hobbling around like an invalid. He'd never had such a persistent wound before. I've never been in a phcking coma before, either. Phck, that was rough!
He massaged the bridge of his nose with his free hand, pinching his eyes shut in frustration. He sighed as Tiny clicked and chittered softly, glancing down as small claws cradled his hand. Tiny was looking up with big, luminous eyes, almost pouting at his sour mood. I know-I know…You're not useless. You just need to get better. It was the mantra Chloe and Elijah had been repeating throughout his recovery when they visited. He'd been allowed out of the hospital with strict instructions to take it easy, keep up his exercises, and let them know immediately if anything felt wrong. It's wrong that I can't even reach into a phcking cupboard!
"Thanks…" he grumbled, huffing in amusement as Tiny stood on tiptoe, trying to reach the cupboard shelves. His claws could hook over the rim of the bottom shelf, but there was no way for him to reach anything inside with his small hands. Luckily, he had another option. Gavin watched as Tiny's tail unfurled, releasing his wrist so that he could reach up into the cupboard. His tail wasn't quite long enough to wrap around the box, but it was long enough to knock it down. As the box fell, Tiny released the shelf and opened his arms, ready for the box to drop against his chest. He chittered, happy in his victory as he fell back clutching the box. "Guess I can do something…" Gavin huffed as he stepped in to catch Tiny's small body against his chest.
Tiny chittered his agreement as he looked up into Gavin's tired green eyes. He'd woken up early due to the pain, but it wasn't the right time to take his medication. The pain was bad enough to keep him awake, but not so bad that he couldn't move around. Unable to sleep, he'd pulled a dark dressing gown over his sweatpants and T-shirt and made his way down to the kitchen. His hair was all mussed and out of place, loose strands brushing his eyebrows. He hadn't been for a haircut yet, though he had trimmed back his stubble the night before. It was back to feeling rough and prickly. Just how Tiny liked it. Gavin huffed again as he helped Tiny to right himself and ruffled his dark locks.
Tiny pattered along beside him as Gavin grabbed the sleek black kettle and filled it with water. His hand shook a little under the weight as he shuffled back to the workspace and set it to boil. Tiny helped by dragging over the teapot and lifting the lid, ready for him to spoon some leaves into the strainer. He tried not to click in concern as he noticed the way Gavin's hands shook as he opened the box and spooned out the leaves. He wasn't sure if he was shaking from the strain or the pain. Gavin's jaw remained tight as he worked. He was especially careful when the time came to pour out the water. It would be a small victory if the water went into the pot without spilling.
"Gavin! What on Earth are you doing?" Chloe's voice sounded from the doorway. Tiny peered over Gavin's shoulders as she hurried over. She was barely out of bed. Her hair had been tied over one shoulder with a pale blue ribbon, which matched the light silk nightdress and long gown she was wearing. As was usual for Chloe, she was barefoot as she padded silently across the white tiles. She seemed concerned as she drew level and rested her hand on Gavin's shoulder. Tiny chittered in greeting as he nudged the ceramic teapot. "You should have called me! I would have come down," she insisted in a slightly chiding tone.
"You shouldn't have to! I can at least make myself a cup of tea!" Gavin insisted in a withering tone as he reached out to grab the kettle. Tiny clicked warily as he lifted it with a shaking hand, and was quietly relieved when he set it down again with a frustrated sigh. He didn't want to risk burning himself or splashing Tiny. Chloe was quietly sympathetic as she reached across and took the kettle. She didn't say a word as she poured hot water into the waiting pot and crossed to get the milk from the fridge. She readied a second cup for Elijah before offering the milk to Gavin, who shook his head. He liked his tea black.
"Would you like something to eat? I'll be cooking for Elijah." Chloe was giving him that hopeful look that told him he should say yes, whether he was hungry or not. His body needed nourishment, especially before he took his medication. Tiny chittered happily, trilling in encouragement as he nodded along with Chloe's idea. "How about a bacon sandwich? With lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise?" Chloe prompted sweetly, bribing him with one of his favourites. "I'll even toast the bread for you."
"You know I can't say no to that," Gavin huffed as he watched Chloe tip the teapot over the two cups. He cradled his large cup with both hands and enjoyed the heat that warmed his fingers.
"Then you two can wait in the lounge. I'll bring it through when it's ready," Chloe insisted as she grabbed a non-stick pan and headed to the stove. Tiny hopped down, claws clicking as he skittered off towards the door. Gavin grumbled his thanks and kissed Chloe's cheek on the way by as he followed. He sighed and grumbled about how slow he was, shuffling his way into the front room like an old man. Tiny was already jumping up and down on the sofa, hopping between the cushions excitedly. It had been a long time since they'd been together like this.
The night before had been mostly uneventful. Gavin had slept for a few hours after returning before grudgingly waking up to eat dinner and take his medication at Chloe's insistence. Besides administering his medication, giving him food, and asking if he needed anything, Chloe and Elijah had remained distant. They knew Gavin would be feeling vulnerable, like he was a burden, so they let him have his space. With Tiny. Tiny always made him feel better, and Chloe trusted him to call if Gavin needed anything that he couldn't handle. Despite being slow, Gavin had managed a great deal alone the night before. After dinner, he'd showered, shaved, and readied himself for bed. It had been slow, and he'd sat on a stool during the shower, but he'd still managed. He'd also managed to pull on his clothes, despite the pain in his gut as he'd bent over.
"Alright, settle down, you little weirdo!" Gavin chuckled as he set his tea down on the coffee table and lowered himself to the sofa with a groan. He laughed as Tiny chittered and trilled, hopping over his lap and skittering across the back of the sofa. "Phck, I'm tired already!" The frustration was obvious in Gavin's tone as he turned to lie back across the cushions. Tiny was careful as he climbed down. He rested his tail over the back of the sofa and slowly lowered his feet beside Gavin's shoulder. "You coming down here?" Gavin asked as he raised a hand up to stroke Tiny's small cheek. Tiny clicked and chittered as he slid himself down to cuddle up against his chest. Gavin huffed fondly as he reached up to rest his hand against Tiny's plated spine and closed his eyes in the early morning light, content to doze until Chloe woke him for breakfast.
Tiny nuzzled closer, curling around to rest his small head on his chest, using his pecs as a pillow. With his ear against his chest, Tiny could hear the lazy thudding of his heart, pleased to find it so normal. He'd worried that Gavin's physical weakness would extend to his heart as well, slowing it down. He trilled softly as he settled, clicking softly as Gavin's fingers lazily teased his spinal plating in small circles. Gavin let out a soft chuckle as Tiny's tail slipped across his pelvis, murmuring out gentle assurances as he dozed off. Tiny fisted his clawed hands in the shoulder of his T-shirt, tugging the material up against his nose to breathe in his comforting scent.
He remained alert as Gavin's body relaxed into a light sleep, monitoring each breath. His lungs were strong, despite his injuries, and the airways remained clear. His breaths were clean. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. There was no sign of rasping or shallowness. That was far better than it had been in the hospital after first waking. It was a promising sign. Gavin was really on the mend. He'd get better, and they'd be able to play like they used to. And then he'll return to work…Tiny's stomach dropped at the thought. Work had almost gotten him killed! He held the crumpled white material tighter at the thought.
Perhaps there was a way he could make Gavin stay. Asking had done no good. He'd sulked and pleaded before, but Gavin had still returned to work. Drugging him wasn't an option. It was a bad thing to do and could lead to addiction. Keeping him captive would make him too much like Davey. Tiny would not become like Davey. It would break Gavin's trust. He had time to think. It would likely take a long time for Gavin to regain full health. His wounds may be healing, but he had to rebuild lost muscle as well, and that was a slow and painful process.
The medication he was taking also had unfortunate side effects, like dizziness and drowsiness. Tiny had already taken it upon himself to monitor his dependency levels to ensure he didn't become addicted. He was on a few different medications at different times of the day. There was a morning painkiller and anti-inflammatory to ease the pain and swelling in his sore muscles. They hadn't been used in some time, so the increased activity was causing inflammation. In the afternoon, he would take antibiotics to guard against infection. Chloe would also check his stitches and clean the healing wound. A little time later, he would take another dose of pain and anti-inflammatory medication. There was also stomach medication to strengthen his gut and help with digestion now that he was eating solid food again. He'd been assigned personalised vitamins to improve his health that could be taken with his evening meals. The final medication was an evening dose of pain and anti-inflammatory medication before bed.
Chloe would be in charge of his diet. She'd been given a complete list of the vitamins he needed, and the best foods to give him. She'd planned out his meal schedule, much as she had before. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with as many healthy snacks in between as possible. He'd need a full stomach to limit the side effects of the medication. As far as Tiny knew, Gavin had experienced few effects besides the drowsiness and dizziness, but there were other possibilities. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Severe stomach pain. Fainting. Seizures. Headaches. Heart attacks. Tiny was monitoring him constantly for any negative signs.
"Gavin…breakfast…" Chloe called a while later as she padded her way across to the table. She smiled softly as she took in the drowsy pair. Tiny blinked his bright eyes open and trilled a greeting as he stretched his tail and pushed to his feet. "Gavin…Gavin, you need to eat before your medication…" Chloe prompted as she shook his shoulder. Gavin grumbled softly as he opened his eyes and rubbed his face with a wince as he allowed Chloe to pull him up and push the plate into his hands. He woke up more as the scent of bacon wafted up to his nose.
"Thanks," he grumbled as he sat forward and lifted the sandwich. Tiny hopped onto the back of the sofa and settled to watch over him, determined to make sure he ate every bite while Chloe took Elijah his food and found Gavin's medicine. He needn't have worried about Gavin's appetite. He seemed ravenous as he wolfed the first half down. "Phck, I forgot how good Chloe's cooking is!" He barely paused before starting on the second half. Tiny chittered his amusement from where he was curled up, zoning in on a small smear of mayonnaise on Gavin's cheek.
Tiny let out a trill of anticipation as he sat up and eagerly leaned closer to Gavin's seated form. Gavin hummed questioningly as he noticed the movement. Tiny remained fixated on the white sauce, quietly hoping that Gavin wouldn't notice. He let out a triumphant click as he managed to rest his small hands on Gavin's shoulder and lean his weight across. Gavin looked confused, raising one eyebrow, but he didn't pull back. He had no reason to. He trusted Tiny. Tiny chittered happily as he flicked his tongue out to lick the stubble by Gavin's mouth.
"Little weirdo!" Gavin huffed as he ruffled Tiny's dark hair. Tiny clicked and nuzzled into the touch before pushing back to lounge across the sofa back. He didn't particularly enjoy the taste of human food, though the mayonnaise was more acceptable than the ice cream he'd tasted before. It seemed to comprise mostly of chicken eggs. Beneath that was Gavin's DNA profile. He was well acquainted with it by now, but that didn't stop the bubbling, joyful feeling that filled his small chest as it popped up. He savoured the sight of the floating text in his HUD as he waited for Gavin to finish.
"Gavin, medicine!" Chloe called as she entered with two boxes and a glass of water. Gavin almost sighed as he put his plate aside, accepted the glass, and waited for the pills. Tiny trilled and got to his feet so that he could scrabble his way across to Chloe and see what she was doing. She popped a large white pill from one sachet and two pink pills from the second. Gavin took them with grumbled thanks and swallowed them with water. "You should lie here for a while. I can put the television on for you," Chloe offered as she got to her feet and grabbed the remote.
"Are you trying to turn me into an invalid?" Gavin groused as he finished the water and picked up his tea instead. It was cool enough to drink now, so he cradled the warm cup in his hand and sipped slowly. Chloe gave him a placating smile as she turned on the large screen and opened a menu that would connect to Elijah's many streaming services. Tiny trilled curiously as he leaned over to watch her dainty fingers pressing the buttons. She set up the screen to show an aquarium with gentle music playing. Tiny screeched loudly, almost making Gavin spill his tea in surprise as he hopped to the floor and leaned on the wall, staring up at the fish moving across the screen.
"Gavin, it's your first day home and you need to rest." Chloe kissed his temple as she set the box down on the small table, close enough for him to reach. They both turned as another excited screech sounded. Tiny hopped back from the wall; eyes fixed on the screen as he watched the colourful fish. Gavin huffed fondly as he put his tea down and settled back against the cushions where he could watch. Chloe's laugh rang like a bell as she leaned down to pet Tiny's small head. "Do you like the fish, Tiny? They're beautiful, aren't they?" she prompted as she joined him in watching the screen. A small family of clown fish were nosing and hiding in the colourful plants as a bigger yellow fish swam by. There were some tiny silver fish, striped zebra looking fish, and even some small red shrimps. There was another fish nibbling at the moss growing on rocks and leaves, cleaning the water. Catfish searched through the small pebbles at the bottom, nibbling and nosing along. Tiny chittered his agreement as he hopped onto the coffee table, tail swishing lazily.
"Hey! Watch the tea!" Gavin warned as he flicked his tail a little too close. Tiny clicked his understanding and hopped back onto the sofa. He was almost hesitant as he slinked his way up the cushions to settle in the crook of Gavin's arm. Gavin chuckled softly as he laced a hand in Tiny's hair and joined him in watching the fish swimming back and forth. Tiny purred softly. It felt and sounded just like a cat. Gavin wasn't sure if this was something he did to let him know he was happy, or if it was just a thing that happened. Either way, the sensation against his chest was making him drowsy.
"Aw! Look at you two!" Chloe cooed softly as she saved the image to share with them later. It had been a long time since she'd been able to steal images like this. Gavin barely hummed an acknowledgement as he drifted off, and Tiny was too happy to care as he nuzzled into Gavin's neck. Chloe grabbed a blanket from Elijah's sofa and shook it out until she could lay it over Gavin's frail body. "I'll be back in a while." Chloe's whisper was mostly for Tiny's benefit. He chittered his agreement as he burrowed into the blanket and looped his tail across Gavin's pelvis. Chloe paused in the doorway on the way out and looked back. She was relieved to have Gavin home. With them. With Tiny. He had a long way to go, but she was sure he'd be back on his feet in no time with Tiny at his side.