"Doctor, Doctor"
"UGh, Huh? A sudden voice jolted him from his slumber
"Doctor you have to wake up."
"Give me thr, no, five more minutes." Doctor groaned as he slowly awakened, his voice filled with fatigue.
"No can do Doctor, its past the time of your work"
..
...
Doctor had gotten out of his bed, washed his face, and wore his suit put on his mask.
"Thank you and sorry for making you wake me up, Amiya." Doctor was grateful yet embarrassed for making a little girl to wake him up.
"Jeez, Doctor, how many times am I going to tell you to have rest? At least go to your room to sleep, it's the third time this week I had to wake you up."
"I'm sorry Amiya. I will be more careful next time."
"If I find you like this next time Doctor, I will be.."
"I will be mad! So don't do it next time, OK?"
"I promise you won't have to wake me up again Amiya"
"Good, thank you, Doctor. I have to leave so please properly wake up and get to work."
As Amiya had pointed out, she had to wake him up three times, and he had once again fallen asleep in his office. He had an alarm clock in his room so he didn't need anyone to wake him up there. But things were different in his office. He had had no difficulty waking up by himself until the start of the previous week when he found his alarm clock was perfectly cut in half. When he brought this up to Kal'tsit she acted exactly the way he predicted her to do. It made things quite easier for him, he suspected the one of the reason she told him to get a personal bodyguard was this reason.
He got himself a coffee, a habit that stemmed from the little sleep he got every day. He ate the food Kal'tsit planned for him and got to work. The Doctor had to do many different kinds of work and some of them were massively different from each other. He would get a bunch of paperwork to do every day, he had to go to operations or make out plans, and when it was needed he would even go talk with the staff. Apparently his favorite kind of "work" was to interact with the operators.
It wasn't officially "work" and he didn't get paid money for it but he thought it was essential for the Island. How could he command the Operators on the battlefield when he didn't even greet them or talk about their problems?
From experience and trying things, he found out that operators nearly always performed better when he had spent time talking and listening to them or bringing them presents. Having people's trust was also necessary to him in case of any emergencies or for a certain plan he had for the worst-case scenario. A plan he hoped he would never have to commence.
He got the Ice Cream he asked GoldenGlow to make and went on his way to the room where the mission assignments were taken, signing the documents Doctor noticed an investigation mission that mentioned an investigation mission to Ursus and he figured out Surtr would be in. He got there just after the end of the meeting and approached her.
Surtr was quite harsh at first and particularly rude to some people, but she too eased up with somebody who listened to her and spent time with her.
She even thanked the Doctor and Rhodes Island, an act that hardly anyone would expect from her. The Doctor didn't mind her rudeness though, as he felt he needed to repay her somehow. After thinking on it a little bit Doctor had deduced the best way for that would be to spend time with her. There were some occasions when the operation's flow required him to drop her in the middle of the battlefield, with a helicopter no less, a sight that he would never get used to. Every time he would feel guilt in his heart and quietly apologized to her, promising to make it up to her somehow. Though it might not fully repay her efforts, spending time with her had certainly made a difference in her. Doctor recognized the transformative power of having someone to talk to, vent about their problems, or simply share a laugh with, and he took action accordingly.
After having his "work" done, he had been summoned to Kal'tsit's office via announcement When he was on his way to check out the base. He entered her office and was greeted by Kal'tist waiting for him with a pile of papers on her desk.
The Doctor asked, expecting the paperwork handed to him "How can I help you Kal'tsit."
"Doctor, as I mentioned yesterday, I have to meet our sponsors for business meetings. I leave the Island in Amiya's or your care. Before I am gone I want you to appoint yourself a bodyguard and submit it to me by today."
"So that's the story?" Mostima asked the Doctor, who was sitting across from her.
"Yeah, that's how it turned out."
"I have to ask though, Why me? There are many people more suited to this than me, you know."
"You are not obliged to take it, you can reject it if you want."
She knew that if the Doctor didn't answer her it meant he had something on his mind. She wasn't one to question him, really. The pay was plenty good and the conditions were decent, they even allowed her to stay in Rhodes Island, offering her a warm room. She was going to spend time with Doctor on the Island and get paid for it? She would take this job in a heartbeat.
Which she did.
"Alright Doctor, I'll take on this job."
She was surprised when Doctor came out with that "proposal" and initially questioned his choice but Doctor didn't answer the question. She might have been suspicious if that came from another person but she could sense the hidden significance behind his choice. She was sure he had something in his mind and decided to not worry about it. She filled in the papers regarding the job and submitted them to Kal'tsit along with the Doctor, then followed him to his office, watching him take a seat. Now, she was officially Doctor's temporary bodyguard.
She was quite curious about the Doctor's daily routine. He had an exhausted look every day and it wasn't hard to figure out why. Still couldn't help but wonder. "Doctor, what's on the agenda for today?"
The Doctor who had his hands on the table, lost in thought, answered, "I have some paperwork to fill, and then I will meet with Amiya and discuss the things that need to be done."
"And after that?"
"I will speak with the staff or operators. Mostima, I'm sure you told me about that before, but just to be sure, you can stop time, right?"
"I can't exactly stop time, my power involves manipulating someone's perception of time. It's quite complex. Is there something specific on your mind?"
"No, just wanted to make sure," "Feel free to go around while I am filling this paperwork, I will call you if something happens or I finish it, please come by then."
"Thanks, Doctor, I'll take you up on the offer then. See you later"
She left the Doctor's office and was roaming around, She had once heard that the Doctor's bodyguard had seen him taking something in his mouth and then pouring hot water over it and she wanted to see it in action for some time. She would stay in the Doctor's office with him for a full day to see that. This job really makes things convenient for her.
When she was checking around the base she got a message from the Doctor about the restaurant. Apparently, Matterhorn was taking over the Kitchen that day so the Doctor recommended her to eat there. She took his advice and ordered herself a blueberry pie.
"This is amazing." Rhodes Island was such an interesting place, What business did such a restaurant have in a place like this?
The fruits must have been exported from Laterano as she could feel the nostalgic flavor, it felt like home. It was nothing like the "deserts" from the cold buffet in Notorial Halls if even an atrocity like those could be "desserts". She could still remember how the cactus tart tasted.
While it was horrible it made such an impression that she still didn't forget the taste.
"Hmm, I've still got some time. Where should I go next? Let's see, looks like they also sell some great drinks ou—"
*Ding**Ding**Ding*
"Doctor, what's up?"
"I've completed the files, Mostima. Please come by."
"Alright, got it"
The drinks could wait for another time
She made haste to Doctor's office.
Doctor had a proud expression, he must have completed half of his work. The Doctor had a mask covering his face but she didn't have much difficulty telling how Doctor felt.
His emotions weren't so hard to read and his eyes were visible anyway. She figured he wanted to rest after having to deal with so much paperwork.
"Want to have a breather?" She was checking around his office after she got his permission.
"No, I will hand these to Kal'tsit and go talk with Amiya."
Mostima turned her head to Doctor, eyebrows lifted
"You zipped through all that paperwork in just an hour and a half!? Now that's our Doctor for you."
She couldn't fathom how big the mountain of papers would be on his desk every day if he was this fast and still had to work every day.
"Are you surprised? You get used to it after some time."
"No wonder you're always tired, Doctor. Have some rest on some of these days.
"He was talking about it like a simple thing she couldn't help but be impressed
The duo got out of the room and went on their way to Kal Tsit's office
They passed through the open door, The Doctor had put the papers on the table after seeing none was around and the duo got out.
A voice called them out in the hall, on their way to Amiya's office.
"Hello Doctor"
The Doctor looked at the source and saw Gravel approaching them. Suffice to say, he didn't like the situation he was in.
"How is your day today"
He didn't want Gravel jumping on him or questioning him about Mostima so he had to avoid her.
He raised his right hand slightly as if holding her back "Oh, Gravel, it's been great. I'm sorry I have to hurry, let's chat next time"
The Doctor turned the corner to take a detour. The stairs were on the opposite side of Amiya's office so they had to walk a while.
Mostima might have noticed his strange behaviour but he had other things to worry about.
The office wasn't far anyway
When they arrived at Amiya's office she warmly greeted them and they came to an agreement. The Doctor would decrease his visits to operators and didn't have to go on operations but the amount of documents he had to go through was going to increase substantially.
Amiya explained how to handle some of the work and gave him more paper to fill in, to sign by the end of the thanked her and went to his office along with Mostima.
*Scratch* *Scratch*
*Scratch* *Scratch*
He was getting tired of having to fill out paperwork after paperwork. He had gotten so into it that he forgot Mostima was in the room for a moment. He dropped the pen and looked at her
"Hey, Mostima," Doctor called out her name, yawning.
"Hmm?" Mostima tilted her face slightly and leaned forward
"Have you stopped by the restaurant I mentioned today?"
"Yeah, I got myself some blueberry pie and it was rather delightful. Doctor, may I ask why haven't you mentioned that before"
"Matternhorn takes over every once in a blue moon so I didn't think it was worth mentioning. He does take charge when I ask him though, since Kal'tsit is likely gone I thought it was a good occasion."
"Doctor, you really know how to work your charm, don't you? Requesting those special snacks like a pro, huh?" Mostima was looking at where Doctor's eye would be, smiling devilishly.
"Just so you know, I asked him as a friend. I didn't force him or anything."
"Hai, hai, whatever you say." she nodded, as if not she didn't believe him
" Did you know, when I was talking with Croissant she said she was going to put that restaurant in her book, "The Great Foodie Guide" but apparently Kal'tsit rejected her saying it wouldn't look good if people had come over here just to see a normal restaurant when Matterhorn wasn't around." He knew it was a lie, she just didn't want any attention on the place. His food is magnificent though, definitely deserving of the praise it gets.
It made sense, after all the place pulled even the people who weren't really interested in food "If it warrants a mention in that book you know it's bound to be good." then Mostima recalled something the Doctor had said to her "You're raving about Matterhorn's food as if you've tried it before. Didn't Kal'tsit handle your meals? I highly doubt she'd let you have on those feasts"
"Between you and me, I have some people to snuggle me some. Kal would kill me if she found out
"Sure, sure," Mostima chuckled. "Doctor, next time I'm here, just let me know if you want some food sneaked, we are snack buddies, after all."
"Of course, will let you know next time." Doctor had predicted he would ask her assistance about that matter eventually, and he was happy with how smooth it was done.
" Doctor I've been wondering for a while but why don't they sell chocolate here anymore? I remember they used to sell it before."
"Man, I'm telling you there are some unique people here. Some of them banded together and banned the chocolate. You can only get your hands in chocolate if you ask around now"
"Seriously? They must have a lot of free time if they grouped over something like that"
"Don't even get me started on it. I thought people here were generally busy but I perished the thought seeing the amount of people who came in my office after that gym post"
"Huh? Doctor what are you talking about? " Mostima made a surprised expression as if she had no idea what he was saying.
"Mostima, don't tell me you don't know anything about it?"
"No Doctor, I really don't. Care to fill me in? Thought I won't take no for an answer now that you brought it up yourself."
Doctor realized he just blundered. He was sure Mostima had seen that post. Come to think of it Mostima never came to tease him about it, which he thought was weird at the time
at the time he thought something was weird but it seemed like she the reason she acted the way she had was because she hadn't read the post. At the time that newsletter spread like wildfire so he thought she would surely know but he was mistaken. If she learns it after asking around he would have more teasing coming toward him so have gave in, explaining the situation.
The Doctor reached into his drawer maintaining eye contact " I mentioned I've been going to the facility before, right?" Mostima recalled the chat they had at one of the restaurants she recommended. She noticed the Doctor's muscle growth and when she mentioned it Doctor said he was going to the training facility. She was gratified to see Doctor's reaction afterward "Wow Mostima you noticed. You're the only one who discerned it besides the Sideroca who helps me train." said Doctor with an enthusiastic voice.
She was certainly not expecting that Doctor was a popular man after all.
Doctor opened a draw under his table maintaining eye contact " Somebody took a photo of me working out and thought it would be a good idea to put in a they came up with this"
"I didn't think much of it at first but here we are." pulled a newsletter out while speaking and handed it to Mostima
Mostima took if from the Doctor and was dumbfounded. The first thing she saw when she looked at the newsletter was a post titled "Doctor IN THE GYM". What's it included a picture of Doctor working out with outrageously big letters. Truly a sight to behold.
"Pfft." Mostima couldn't hold her laugh seeing this '"Doctor at the gym" Ahahaa what is this?"
"I was working out in the gym, and not even a month after I started this "thing" came out. And this posted not even a month after I started but here we are.
He had happened to buy that issue day it came out. He wondered who would even want to read this when he first saw it but the next thing he knew it was a hot topic. From cafeteria to human resources it had became a topic that was brought up . They even found out how Sideroca bribed him with food, talented motherfuckers they were."It certainly wasn't my best day"
"I bet you have gained the title "Gym Bro" that day," she said with a grin.
" Oh, don't even ask. Blaze and Bagpipe still call me that to this day. The people who came into my office also called me that but thank God they stopped after a week." "Some people even started some rumors around it but thankfully I ruled that out when they asked me."
Mostima looked at the paper and looked for the date. The Doctor's gym post was the first thing that could be seen, so it wasn't easy to spot the written date. She remembered that date on that day, some of the Penguin Logistics girls tried to cheer her up and told her that they asked the Doctor personally, saying, "It's a misunderstanding." When she asked them what they were talking about she was met with a cryptic, "Come on, do we have to spell it out for you?" She couldn't make anything out back then, but now she figured out what they were talking about. The next time she saw them, they had some explaining to do.
Mostima stood up with these thoughts Doctor thought he noticed a hint of red in Mostima's cheek before she turned her back to him, looking at the shelfs.
"Anyway, enough about me. How is Fiammetta doing, isn't she with you?"
"Flaming Envoy? She took a leave, though I had to pour my blood sweat, and tears trying to convince her.
"If she hasn't come with you she will be out for a week or two.
"You're on the spot. I wonder though, who am I going to mess with if she isn't around
" You should ease up on teasing her; she's already dealing with enough Notorial Halls antics. Last time she had two huge wing stickers on her back"
" Yeah, she told me while fuming about how she would file a letter about it."
" Did Fiammetta somehow anger all the Hall? Why are they doing that to her?"
"I think at least half the reason they do it is just because it's fun for them."
"Come on, if I did the same thing for fun she would shoot me on the spot. I guess the poor Doctor doesn't get taken seriously." " The Doctor who is swamped by everyone get to say that?"
"Hahaha, one might say I am mad popular, don't you think?"
Unfortunately, while being swamped by some of the operators was fun, he also got a reminder from W and Kal'tsit every once in a while about how they hated her, which the former sometimes followed with some death threats if he happened to get back his memories. He wouldn't say it out loud while Mostima was, however, as he didn't want her to confront one of them. She already had her problems, and telling her about this would just result in pointless mayhem. He couldn't care any less about how they hated her but he wished they didn't show their hostility so openly to him. He could scare W away but Kal'tsit wouldn't even flinch. After some time he had come to a conclusion not to think about it, not like they could continue doing that for a long time anyway. Things were going to change soon.
Their conversation went on for hours as they were lost in their precious chat. Neither of them realized how much time had passed until they heard something buzz coming from a device Doctor had given to his esteemed bodyguard, which meant her job for the day was done. The alarm was one of the features of the device, with others making emergency calls and beeping when she got too far from the Doctor. The Doctor had told her she could take it off during breaks or when she wasn't working, but she didn't want to remove it in case anything happened while she was on break. The Doctor had assured her by informing her that he had another bodyguard appointed to him and could have her take shifts when she wasn't available, but she wasn't convinced.
After bidding goodbye to the Doctor, she went to the room assigned to her. The room was very comfortable. During her adventures, she would often miss the coziness of a room like such. She recalled her adventures while taking off her clothes and then entered the bath. This bodyguard job came out of nowhere. She wasn't complaining, though, as things had gone smoothly for her.
She could feel the nostalgic waves crashing over her, along with the water from the showerhead. Speaking with somebody for hours without a care in the world, just leisurely enjoying her time—she wasn't sure when was the last time she had experienced that. It was probably when their squad hadn't been disbanded, she thought. She had her "ex-sister-in-arms" and Exusai to talk with, but she rarely visited Lemuen, and the kind of talk she had with Fiammetta was different from the ones she had with Doctor. When it came to Exusai, she wanted to avoid her as she would always ask dangerous questions. The Doctor knew not to pry further personal life and never asked her difficult questions. The most difficult thing he asked her was if he could touch her horns, a request she rejected saying it was too soon for that.
She recalled the conversation she had with Fiammetta. The Liberi asked her what she would do if she or Lemuen cut ties with her. Mostima had said she would be sad for only a week at the time, but she doubted she could say the same about Doctor now. Just what was Doctor to her? She didn't know the answer to that question, but if there was one thing she knew, it was that her sadness wouldn't fade away in just a week or two if the Doctor disappeared from her life. After some time she had concluded that it was meaningless to think of such scenarios and perished the thought. After all, she had a blast today, and tomorrow there was a day awaiting her where she would be with him again. She had changed her clothes and was ready to sleep as she got into bed.
She closed her eyes, with their little exchanges in her mind.
That's it for chapter 2. As of 9/18 I am editing this chapter, I have been hit by a strange writer's block. I already have the next chapter ready and the rest of the story's basic idea ready. But the next chapter needs MASSIVE editing and honestly, I don't like the way it turned out. I have been editing these 2 chapters instead of editing the next chapter so it's going to come out later than I want it to, but editing was mandatory.