#30 Hairy Babysitting
"Please Aunt Cass, I'm sure everything is fine," Hiro pleaded to his guardian, who was currently fetching her purse.
She shook her head and chidingly told him, "No arguing Hiro. I already closed the café for the rest of the day to take you to the dentist; and don't think I haven't heard you these last couple weeks going "Ow" whenever you go to bite something."
"Oh no," the teen genius slowly remarked with a wince as the sound of a certain robot inflating overhead pierced their ears. The sound of vinyl scraping together and whirring gears became louder as the healthcare companion Baymax made his way downstairs to fulfill his program.
Beginning with a wave when he entered the now empty café, Baymax said, "Hello, I am-"
"It's alright Baymax, we know it's you," Hiro informed the huggable bot with a small chuckle, patting his friend on the back.
"Oh," the other simply responded as he lowered his arm.
Aunt Cass flashed a smile at the sight before putting her serious face on again. "Okay, that's enough chitchat. Come on Hiro. You're not going to miss your appointment," she sternly told him while pointing to the door.
The robotics major looked to his friend in desperation and pleaded, "Baymax, just tell Aunt Cass that everything is fine and I don't have to go."
Baymax tilted his head and replied, "But that would not be true Hiro. My scans indicate there is a cavity on your bottom left molar that has caused you pain and irritation for several weeks now, potentially brought on by your regular consumption of gummy bears and poor brushing techniques. I am sadly not equipped with proper equipment to correctly administer treatment for you."
Hiro merely sighed and deadpanned, "Thanks Baymax."
"You are welcome."
Aunt Cass took this statement as proving her point and exclaimed, "There, you see. Now backed by science."
The teen genius sighed in defeat as he hung his head down low and slowly shuffled to the café door. Just as the owner was about to exit however, she turned back to Baymax and said, "Make sure to look after Mochi while I'm gone and see that he doesn't get into any trouble. Thanks. Bye." With that last word, Aunt Cass finally left, making the sound of jingling echo through the empty business.
Baymax blinked and stood there for a moment before turning his scanner on the locate the family cat. His sensors told him that Mochi was upstairs on the couch, giving off vital signs that he was napping. Baymax assessed his options and deduced he could watch the calico best if he was physically doing it, which meant he'd have to venture back up the stairs. He then started shuffling his short legs in the direction he came from and when he got to the steps, took them one at a time, making gears and vinyl rubbing together present for almost 30seconds.
Baymax eventually made it to the kitchen, where he turned his head to the left and spotted the feline contently resting on the olive-green furniture. The inflatable robot proceeded to walk over as quietly as possible and began his observation of Mochi, mainly by staring at him from a few feet away.
The fluffy cat twitched his ears when he heard Baymax approaching, but didn't open his eyes and went back to peacefully sleeping. It remained quiet in the apartment for about 20minutes, save for when the healthcare companion blinked every now and then or Mochi's slow, steady breathing; this changed when the family pet decided he had enough sleep for now and began a series of yawns and stretches. Baymax tilted his head as he let Mochi finish his wakeup routine before saying, "Hello Mochi. Are you currently in need of care?"
"Mreow" was the response he got, which was soon followed by the calico jumping onto the floor and heading to the kitchen. The marshmallow bot was close behind him as he began drinking some water and eating some soft food Aunt Cass had already set out for him.
Baymax patiently waited for Mochi to finish his meal, then proceeded to ask, "Would you like to play with some toys? Stimulation is important for a healthy living."
Now the calico tilted his head, gave a "Mreow" and strutted right past Baymax to go downstairs.
"Oh," the inflatable robot simply remarked as he realized he'd have to go down the steps again. He first moved back to the living room to retrieve a ball to use for later, followed by taking the stairs. Baymax took each movements a little slower this time so as not to fall or slide all the way to the front door, potentially damaging his vinyl cover. Once he made it to the bottom, he scanned for the family cat and began shuffling into the café, where he found Mochi on the front counter perfectly perched in his typical cat pose.
Baymax walked past the empty tables as carefully as he could to prevent his squishy body from knocking the condiments off. After he made it through the obstacles, he approached Mochi, who greeted him with another "Mreow," followed by looking around the café. The robotic being did a 360°C spin with his top to see what the cat was searching for before deducing, "If you are looking for Aunt Cass, she will be gone for a little while, but should be home before it gets too late." He then blinked, held up the jingly yellow and pink ball and inquired, "Would you like to play now?" The calico tilted his fluffy head and let out an audible purr, prompting Baymax to lean his arm back and gently roll the toy along the floor.
Like a switch being flipped, Mochi leapt off the counter with lightning-fast speed, sliding on the slick surface as he began chasing after it. He hit the toy under a table and had to go around to bat it back out, where he continued to attack it and causing the room to be filled with its ringing sound. The healthcare companion in the meantime went ahead and sprayed the area the cat was resting on with disinfecting solution, understanding it was not sanitary for his paws to be on there. He gave a quick wipe with some napkins, followed by shuffling around to the other side of the food display to throw it in the trash. Baymax continued to hear the noisy ball and Mochi's claws racing along the ground while he finished his minor chore, coming back out to the dining area shortly afterwards.
This display went on for a couple more minutes as the inflatable robot watched in a stationary position; this fun abruptly stopped when the jingling sound no longer came and was replaced by a combination of meowing and growling. Stepping around the tables once again, Baymax found the calico aggressively trying with his paws and teeth to free the toy from under the bench it was wedged under.
"Oh no," the huggable machine remarked as he analyzed the correct course of action. Tilting his head for a moment, he proceeded to grab both sides of the table that was in his way and gently pushed it a couple feet away. As he did this, a horrible screeching sound came as it was dragged along the floor, making Mochi meow irritably and take off in the opposite direction. Baymax then bent over and with a little effort, got the ball free and grabbed it before standing up right again. He soon moved the piece of dining furniture back where it belonged, causing another round of painful noise. Baymax peered around the area to find no sign of the fluffy cat, so he called out, "Mochi" as he shuffled away from the tables and into the open area again.
When he received no response, he fired up his sensor again and after a few seconds, located the feline now behind the food display the mechanical man previously ventured to. Baymax poked his head into the narrow walkway and found Mochi to be curled up into a ball at the end of the area, letting out a low growl and clearly knowing who was responsible for the fright.
"It is okay. I am sorry to have scared you," the squishy marshmallow man calmly told the other as he maintained his distance. He then bent down, presented the toy and gave it a little shake, making the calico perk up his ears and stare at the robot's hand.
"Good kitty," Baymax said as he took a step back while still working to make the bell jingle prominently. The fluffy cat maintained his focus as he started to get on all fours and creep low on the floor, just like an animal stalking its prey. The healthcare companion slowly managed to coerce Mochi back into the main dining area, but unfortunately, did not pay enough attention to his backside as it bumped up against a table and caused everything on it to fall over.
"Oh no," Baymax simply stated as he rotated around to begin cleaning up the bits of salt and pepper that spilled, forgetting that he still had the ball in his possession. Placing it on the table to free up his hand, it turned out to be a mistake however as once it rang out when it was set down, Mochi wiggled his tail and leapt onto the now dirty surface.
Once his paws made contact with the spilled seasonings, he meowed in surprise and disgust as he forgot his target and jumped onto Baymax, much to the robot's bewilderment. This action caused him to stumble and fall backwards onto the floor, while he cradled the cat to keep him from being tossed as he fell.
"Mreow," Mochi said again as he found himself on top of the plushie bot.
Baymax blinked before asking, "Are you alright, Mochi?"
The calico tilted his head as Baymax lifted his arms to release his fluffy bundle, but rather than leave the other's presence however, Mochi began pawing at the soft vinyl and kneading it, evidently enjoying it. He then proceeded to spin in a circle on the bouncy structure a few times before settling down into a snuggling/napping position.
Baymax blinked again and lifted his head up to stare at the feline, followed by gazing at the messy table that was now out of reach. He laid himself back fully on the floor and remarked, "This is not ideal." The inflatable robot looked from left to right to see if there was a way to clean up without disturbing Mochi, but came up empty as he fell into the classic dilemma of what to do when a cat lays on you.
Baymax assessed that Mochi's comfort was top priority, so he simply began petting the hairy baby from head to tail, causing a satisfied purr to escape the small mammal. Although he lacked traditional senses, Baymax's tactile sensors allowed him to receive some positive feedback for both how soft Mochi was as well as the knowledge he was making the cat happy. So the duo laid on the ground for roughly another 45minutes while the healthcare companion periodically petted Mochi and quietly said things like "Good kitty" and "There there;" surely anyone looking in on the pair through the café window would find them both adorable and weird.
Eventually, Mochi began to stir again with him letting out a big yawn as he stretched his front legs out and spread his little paws. Baymax lifted his head up again and asked, "Was you nap satisfactory?"
The calico responded with another yawn and slowly blinking his eyes before testing the squishy robot's tummy to get the right footing to jump off onto the café floor. Once he was back on the ground, Mochi rubbed up against Baymax's face while he still laid on his back. He reached over and petted the hairy baby again and replied, "Good kitty," followed by looking at the ceiling and realizing he'd need to get upright.
Baymax first lifted his arms up and bent his frame to try and get on his stubby feet to no avail. He then lowered his head towards the floor and began to rock himself from side to side while Mochi watched him with curiosity. After a few times and getting enough momentum built up, Baymax finally rolled over onto his front and was able to better support himself until he was standing back on his own two legs.
"Mreow," Mochi called as he now rubbed against the superhero, still wanting more attention despite the previous amount. Baymax looked from the still messy table to the fluffy cat staring at him with big, begging eyes. He then noticed that ball still there out of the feline's line of sight and decided to grab it.
"Mochi," Baymax flatly stated as he shook the toy, snapping the cat's attention off his leg and onto the jingling toy. The mechanical marshmallow man then gently rolled the toy again, making Mochi dash off like a rocket. While the kitty fiercely played, Baymax shuffled behind the displays to find a rag tucked away under the counter with cleaning supplies. He then came back out to complete his task as ringing filled the small establishment once more.
It was when the inflatable robot went to dispose of the trash and put the dirty rag in the appropriate laundry pile in back that he noticed the sound in the café had stopped. He glanced around and found the ball resting under a high stool near the window but no Mochi.
Baymax saw that the front door remained closed, meaning he hadn't left, so he scanned for the hairy baby with a turn of his head. He located him back upstairs (but not in the living room or kitchen this time), so he began his slow trek up the steps to the second floor and moved past the dining room towards Aunt Cass's bedroom, which was open ajar. Baymax pushed the door further open to find Mochi laying on the colorful, checkerboard quilt-covered bed, and who didn't appear to be asleep; he seemed to be feeling a little sadder as he was used to both his owner's constant presence as well as dozens of customers.
The healthcare companion shuffled over to the cat and gave him an affectionate pet, making the fluffy animal purr a little. "I know you miss Aunt Cass, but she is needed elsewhere with Hiro. I will provide whatever I can to alleviate your mood until she arrives home. She should be back before too long," Baymax consoled Mochi. Much like when they were on the floor downstairs, the mechanical superhero provided the loving attention the calico craved and received progressively louder purring as it continued. No doubt being in his owner's room helped Mochi feel closer to her, so the duo remained there for a long time. It wasn't until a beeping sound came from Baymax that their peaceful state was interrupted.
On the white robot's chest, a red low battery warning was flashing and making Baymax inform Mochi, "I am sorry, but I must go before this becomes a problem." He then started for the door, causing the calico to tilt his head in curiosity and meow as the other got further and further away. Mochi remained on the bed for another minute until he heard some noise from upstairs, prompting him to investigate.
Once he was off the quilted mattress, he strutted past the kitchen and began climbing the steps with two paws at a time. At the top, the fluffy cat paused as he saw the bizarre sight of a partially deflated Baymax laying on Hiro's bed with his arms around the pillow.
"It's just so soft. I'm gonna hug it so good," the low-energy bot slurred as he squeezed the desired object tighter.
"Mreow," came Mochi at feeling a bit off putted at the sight.
Even in his disoriented state, Baymax managed to put two and two together and realized it had come from the family pet. "Hey! Hairy baby! You're just sooo fluffy you good kitty. I wanna pet you now," the healthcare companion exclaimed as he tried to push himself off the bed, only to land on the floor as his body dragged the comforter with him. Baymax pushed himself up off the ground after he got his legs free of the blanket and wobbly made his way over to Mochi, who was moving to the left side of the bed.
"Wait, I can't -I can't move that fast," he said frantically as he maneuvered around the mattress to the other side, only for the feline to jump onto the now messy bed.
"Yay! Hairy baby came back. I was worried you'd get so far away," Baymax incoherently admitted as he held his arms out to grab Mochi.
His target was faster than him however as he jumped into the robot's vinyl-covered arms, making him stumble backwards yet again; unlike last time though, Baymax had a wall to fall against with his charger below him. Once he hit the surface, one of his stubby legs made it into the charge port followed by the other. The surge of electricity through his system focused his senses and reasoning capabilities, understanding to keep hold of his fluffy bundle. He then blinked and looked down at Mochi, who stared up at him and meowed happily.
"Thank you Mochi. I think I will rest now if that is alright with you," the mechanical man informed/requested to the calico, and receiving an approving "Mreow" in response.
Baymax nodded before finally closing his eyes to attend to his own needs and recharge his battery. The hairy baby purred loudly as he snuggled into the other's slowly inflating arms, nonverbally showing his love for the robot.
They remained in this position even when Aunt Cass and a groggy Hiro returned in the midafternoon to find the café extremely quiet.
"Huh? Must be upstairs," the chef deduced as she led her nephew upstairs, who was not happy about having a cavity filled. They slowly made their way to the top floor, which wasn't easy with Hiro wobbling and needing a guiding hand to keep him moving.
When the duo made it to the teen genius's bedroom, Baymax and Mochi were still sleeping together, prompting an "Aww" from Aunt Cass, while Hiro slurred, "Hey, who messed up my bed?" He then walked over to it and said, "Eh, I don't care," before falling onto the mattress and groaning in tiredness.
His aunt shook her head with a small amused smile on her face, followed by walking over to Baymax and picking up Mochi, who meowed in excitement as seeing his owner's return. The fluffy cat purred noisily as he leaned into the pets she gave him as she started making her way back downstairs to start prepping for dinner.
"Aww, someone missed me. I missed you too my precious little kitty. Now, how about I get you a treat and we let these two rest a little more?" Aunt Cass asked Mochi with a slight baby tone. The calico meowed in approval, leaving the superheroes undisturbed while he himself continued to be showered with the attention he'd so happily accept.
NOTES
Baymax and Mochi are just so cute in all their interactions and they have definitely gotten into more mischief than what we were shown in the show and shorts. ;) Also, as someone who has been loopy after dental surgery, it's not fun although I'm sure it's fun for others to witness. :/ Hope you enjoyed this one despite it mainly just being a fluffy filler story. :)
The next story will be about all the times Globby got introduced to new members on Obake's team as well as his first tour of Obake's lair. O_O