Work Text:
[Knock knock knock.]
Pancake…? You feelin' alright?
I'm coming in.
[Door creaking open. A sigh.]
I knew it. I smelled it as soon as I came into the house.
[Approaching footsteps on carpet.]
Of course I could immediately tell that your period was here. Blood, uterine tissue, fluctuations in your hormones… My nose picked up on all of that.
Your scent is so familiar to me by now that it's really, really obvious whenever there's a change.
[A noise of surprise, and rustling of fabric.]
But even if you try to plug up my nose… My eyes can see enough.
Like how you're curled up from the pain, and practically shiverin' in the darkness of my den.
No wolf worth his salt would ever ignore his mate while she's in pain.
So, I'm all yours. What do you need?
You wanna get up and make yourself more comfortable, but don't have the strength to get up, huh?
Say no more. Stay where you are, and rest. I can build a nest around you.
[Various noises; footsteps on carpet, fabric rustling, a few buttons clicking.]
Ho-kay… Pillows, check. Extra soft and fuzzy blankets, check. Heating pad, check.
Are you startin' to feel like your cramps are easing?
That's a good start.
Heh, and you look as snug as a pug in the hole it dug.
Hahaha, yeah, yeah, you can make all the "bloodhound" and "burgundy retriever" jokes you like. I'll just take that as a sign that it's helping.
Now, what else does my mate require?
Huh? Do I have any scented candles…?
Ohh, actually, thanks for reminding me. I know just the thing…
[More footsteps. A heavy glass cup being set down on wooden surface.]
During times where I'm stuck indoors with paperwork, I use this to help calm my nerves. So, if you're willin' to try it, you might like it too.
[A match being struck, and a wick being lit. A deep inhale, and long exhale.]
Haaah, smell that? There's notes of ozone, herbs, sage, cedarwood, moss…
Usually I prefer to go out and savor the smells of Mother Nature for myself, but this works in a pinch.
Aw, look at you… All snuggled up in the fuzzy blanket, with the heating pad soothin' your aches, and the scents of nature all around you…
It kinda reminds me of my pack, all sleepin' on top of each other in their wolf forms. We'd all share our body heat in one big, fluffy cuddle pile.
[Fabric rustling.]
You wanna share body heat with me?
Don't worry, pancake. Just gotta do ooone more thing before I join you…
… That being, hunting around the pantry for some good period snacks.
I'll make it quick, my mate.
[Distant noises; light cardboard boxes shuffling around, water boiling & being poured. Followed by returning footsteps.]
Back. Told you I'd be quick.
First off, I brewed some chamomile tea, and mixed in some honey. It's just in a tumbler, so it'll stay warm for a good, long while.
[Metal lid unscrewing, and a pop.]
Smells amazing, if I do say so myself.
I made sure to carefully research ahead of time, and figure out which things would be best for you and why. And I learned a lot.
For example, chamomile tea's got antispasmodic properties that relax your muscles and reduce your cramps. Plus, it's a mild sedative, and can help your body rebalance its hormone levels.
Here, take a sip and see for yourself.
That smile tells me everything I need to know.
Ah, w-wait. You can thank me, but this isn't really worth invoking those words.
The words you were about to say. The 'G-B' words.
Because, I can't accept your praise until I'm done actually earning it.
Ahem. Now, where was I…?
Ahh, that's right, I've still got more snacks to feed you.
Yes, that is what the banana is for. Keeping your potassium levels up is another way to help relax your muscles, and reduce cramping and bloating.
Here, I'll feed you, a little piece at a time. Say 'ahhh'…
Nice and sweet and squidgy, right? Shame they get overripe so fast. Maybe I should make some chocolate-banana smoothies after dinner…
But speaking of, I saved the best for last…
Bite-sized pieces of dark chocolatey goodness. You can have your pick of intensity, from 60% cacao, all the way up to 92%…
Not gonna lie, I've been tempted to sneak a few tastes from the little stockpile I've been buildin' up for the last month… But I knew you would need it more.
Where's the stockpile?
Heh, niiice try, pancake. You wanna find my secret chocolate stash, you'll have to rely on your hunter's wits.
Which is all the more reason for you to eat, so you can get better faster. Now which kind do you want?
Good choice.
[Crinkling of foil packaging.]
Now open up, and make sure to really savor it…
Let the bittersweetness melt in your mouth, and linger on your tongue…
Did you know that, on top of being mouth-wateringly delicious, dark chocolate is rich in magnesium? And that it has antioxidants and compounds that help you release serotonin and dopamine? That's why it eases your cramps and improves your mood.
Or at least, it should. Between the blankets, the heating pad, the candle, the tea and snacks… Has it helped at all?
That's a relief.
Then I'll leave everything right here, within arm's reach.
Now, guess it's finally time to accept your cuddle pile invitation. Comin' in…
[Fabric rustling.]
Mmm… Feels like nestlin' into soft, sun-warmed grass…
[Sigh.]
This is actually kinda dangerous. If I get too comfortable, I might actually fall asleep and lose track of—
Huh?
Ah, f-fine… If you really feel like I've earned a 'good boy' or two, I won't try to convince you otherwise…
But honestly, making sure the one you care for is safe, comfortable, and well-fed…
That feels like it should be the bare minimum for partners, regardless of species.
With how hard you've been working and fighting so hard during this last month… Do you really not want any more than this?
…
All you want is me…?
Well, good news, pancake. You've got me.
[A soft peck.]
And you always will. No matter what.
Always…