Work Text:
You were startled awake by the gentle rock of the boat as waves lapped at the hull. Long lashes fluttered over the round swell of your cheeks as you peeled your bleary eyes open, light invading your vision as you immediately regretted your decision. Now that you were once again conscious, you were reminded of the awful period cramps swirling in the pit of your stomach. The pain flared up immediately, almost knocking the wind straight out of your lungs as a loud and irritated groan fell from the plump seam of your lips. Your nose scrunched up as you continued to stir, a hand placed on your aching stomach as you curled a little bit in on yourself.
“Ah, you’re finally awake.”
Amidst you lamenting about the current pain you were feeling you cast your gaze upwards, blinking owlishly at the sight of Il Dottore filling your vision. The beak of his mask was tipped down at you, indicating that his eyes were focused on you beneath the darkness of the mask obscuring half of his face. It took your hazy mind a long moment to recall that not long after taking some pain relief, you took a nap, using Dottore’s lap as your own personal pillow while you slept away most of the boat ride to Sumeru. Your hair spilled over his thighs as you turned your head, the swell of your chubby cheek squished into his leg as you tried to shift into a more comfortable position. Nothing seemed to alleviate the pain flaring up in your abdomen. You’re starting to think that the pain medications were wearing off.
“Dottore” you mumbled. “How long was I out for?”
“Oh a few hours” he replied.
Long, gloved fingers twisted into your soft curls of hair, effortlessly carding through the silky strands as you took another moment to further gather your bearings. You could smell the scent of vanilla clinging to his clothes with your nose pressed so close to his stomach. You were tempted to bury your face further in an attempt to retreat from the pain as it spread from your abdomen to the rest of your body. Your nose scrunched up again, your eyelid twitching in irritation as a small huff puffed up your cheeks and blew from your nose in a loud rush. You think you’re about to start sobbing soon if the pain doesn't go away. You turned your head once more, dragging your hand down your forehead as you dig your fingers under your tired eyes to rub away the sleep. Dottore continued to idly read from the book in his hand, eyes occasionally flickering back down to you when he turned the page with a sharp rasp.
“How are you feeling now?” Dottore asked, breaking the silence.
“I don’t think my impromptu nap helped” you lamented. “I feel like my uterus is trying to evacuate my body.”
“Truly? You seemed fine just now as you slept. You snored, but that’s normal.”
You scoffed, dragging your hand further down your face so you could peek at Dottore from between the gaps of your fingers.
“I do not snore” you grumbled beneath your breath.
The sound that stirred in the back of Dottore’s throat indicated that he did not agree with you. “You do” he corrected. “Especially when you’re exhausted.”
Your eyes narrowed as you squinted up at the doctor and the way his thin lips were tilted with the faintest hint of amusement at your huff of indignation.
“Doctor, are you teasing me? That’s not very nice when I’m in this much pain.”
“And what else would you have me do? You can’t take any more pain medication for another hour.”
Hearing that made your heart sink a little, a sad pout tugging at your lips. You were ready to start popping tablets like they were candy as the pain in your stomach continued to stir and churn. A long sigh fell from your mouth as you silently sulked. You gave the Doctor a thoughtful look as he continued to read.
“Is there any way I can…telepathically project my period cramps onto someone else so I don’t have to deal with this? Like, can I give my period pain to Regrator? Or possibly Childe? He beat me at cards again the other night.”
Dottore snorted at the ridiculousness of your idea. His amusement made you laugh too at the absurdity of your idea. Laughing made you feel a little bit better but the smile stretching your lips quickly faded as your ribs ached from your bout of giggles and your stomach twisted with an uncomfortable knot.
“Ugh, even laughter hurts” you groaned.
The hairs on the nape of your neck stood up as Dottore pet your hair in a soothing motion, a subtle movement to help keep you calm and silently remind you to take a few deep breaths. You settled not long after, eyelids feeling heavy again as you listened to the water lapping at the ship sailing on the waves and the distant sound of birds as you grew closer to the shore. You were always silently amazed at how Dottore seemed around you, given his personality. He always seemed to have a little room for you in his heart, despite how deep it was buried.
“You should get some more rest” Dottore suggested. “I’ll wake you when it’s time for you to take your medications.”
“Doctor’s orders?” you joked with a light smile.
You squealed as Dottore untangled his fingers from your hair and pinched your plump cheek between his fingers, tugging on the skin in silent retaliation for the quips you always give him.
“You must be feeling better if you’re clowning around like this” he responded with a lilt of amusement seeping into his voice.
You playfully batted his hand away with a soft huff, unable to contain the smile stretching your lips as you let your eyes slip shut. Dottore’s hand ended up tangled in your hair again as you settled, your face turning towards his stomach as you scooted a little closer. There wasn’t a lot of room on this awkward little bench in the cabin but you did your best to try and make it work in your favour.
“Alright, alright, I’ll take another nap.”