Work Text:
Your eyes shut tight, the dull ache in your stomach perhaps the worst it has ever been. You cough a bit loud, unaware a certain someone lingered much closer than you may have originally thought.
“Darling…”
Wally monotonously hums when he caught sight of your shrimp-like form at his desk. You originally were attempting to get some work done, whatever that entailed. Wally didn’t ask too many questions about what you prioritized in that sense, figuring you would let it be known if you wanted him involved.
That being said, Wally did enjoy a little independent creativity in his home, alright with the fact he now would be painting in silence for the next hour or two. He didn’t mind as long as you were alright.
But what remained of you hypothetically now didn’t remain very productive. ‘Poor dear’, Wally would think to himself. He detested seeing you in any sort of anxiety inducing state.
“I don’t feel too well..”
You grumble aloud, almost hugging your belly in a self-soothing attempt. Your lover frets a bit silently, coming closer to your side.
“What…happened..? Are..you becoming..ill, doll?”
He would inquire, almost to himself at this point. Unbeknownst to you, Wally had little experience with neighbors ‘under the weather’. He could tell you were in pain, and he could tell something was wrong. But internally, the puppet felt a tad overwhelmed. Did you need medical attention? Are you going to need surgery? Will you recover as quickly as a fellow felt neighbor may?
All of these buzzing thoughts flew about in your Darlings mind, as he decided actions were more reassuring than his fruitless thoughts. Wally leaned down to meet your shrimpy form.
“Tell me.. what.. the matter.. is?”
Your brows furrowed at that, it almost seemed like a demand. Stubborn you. He should’ve known better by now, you definitely made clear you spoke on your own terms. After hearing no audible response, he figures he could still pry an answer out of you, somehow.
Wally pokes your side lightly at first, then adds another digit to your middle as he begins to crescendo faster. Your once angry, irritated face quickly becomes a memory, as you now wore a more fond, cheerful one. Against your will, that was.
“Oh! Honey— Stop that!! You!”
You shout louder than expected, all too quick to plead for mercy from your sweet boyfriend. Wallys smile now reached his eyes, hoping you would tell him what the matter was now.
“Am I.. worthy..of..an answer, now? My most?”
You nod, now seeing things from his perspective. Your brain could become quite impulsively close-minded and selfish very fast if experiencing physical discomfort. You gesture to your lower torso area, Wally realized humans could experience numerous different levels of aching from that specific area now.
He finally lets up, bringing his merciless hands away from your body. He does tug your top back into place, a little guilty knowing he may have been the culprit of such a sudden attack. He hoped he didn’t disturb you, Wally really only wanted to make your life a little easier. Without medicine being a common thing to come across in Home, all he could do for you often was offer his love at times.
“Aha..oh, my. Uhm, well.. I was just feeling a bit sick it seemed. It’s a different kind of feeling compared to .. er, cramps, or nausea.”
Wally could remember these things. He learned over time ‘Cramps’ were a monthly occurrence for you, and more specifically the other neighbors of home whom shared your anatomy. ‘Nausea’ was a bit simpler to comprehend, being a significant sharp pain in your abdominal area.
To your explanation of your newfound sickness, Wally brought your hand to his lips, kissing your palm tentatively.
“That.. sounds.. difficult. Is it.. only your tummy? that feels.. ‘sick’?”
He asks you, being very mindful of his wording about how this pain may feel for you. Your species could be so particular. Not that this was a problem necessarily, but he didn’t want to get anything wrong.
You sniffle, your eyes now looking a little hazy and your cheeks becoming a dusted rose across your features. This appeared to highlight your nose and ears, as well.
“It’s a few things. Uhm.. There is this substance I guess you could call it, that becomes more prominent and produces a sneeze. Hm..I also cough quite a lot, it’s an icky noise producing germs. There are mostly seen as impolite to do in public, by the way..”
Wally nods in understanding, always feeling rather proud to be ever the more educated on your curious self.
“What.. can I do.. to help?”
He asks, still wanting to be the best boyfriend he could be for you. You point to a strange unfamiliar box of white soft paper on your nightstand on your side of the bed. After retrieving it, he places it in-front of you, his head tilting.
“These are tissues, they help. They also keep me from contaminating Home..”
Homes drapes open slightly, a mildly concerned look on his window. You wave him off, feeling silly for summoning his sentient self. Ironically, you produced what you explained was a sneeze again, and Wally held out a tissue to be helpful. You snatch it, wiping it lazily across your (what he deemed) cute nose. Wallys smile remained as he watched you, love prevailing in his black eyes despite your contagious state.
You thank him, glad you didn’t have to deal with the difficulties of allergies alone at least. Wally lends you a hand, attempting to help you stand up. When you take it hesitantly, he helps you stand, his smile never wavering. Maybe, secretly, that was a comfort to you.
”Do you..think.. a little nap.. could be .. in ..order.. My muse?”
You automatically seem to grow even rosier at the casual pet-name, but nod in agreement. There wasn’t anything a nap couldn’t solve at this point, and for Wally it was always a safe bet.
When you shift around and retreat in Wally’s embrace, he makes sure to have the tissue box nearby. Your nose twitches. Your features noticeably become a little less prominently red. Wally hums, nuzzling the top of your head. He always did like holding you.
When you first showed Wally or more so introduced him to cuddling, he was instantly attached from then on. When you gave your consent, of course, or initiated it. He was a big fan, and relished in the fact it brought you peace as well. He would almost daily stop what he was drawing just to curl up with you.
When you begin to relax a little more in his hold, he appreciatively glances at you. Your fingers grasped his ascot a little harsh, but he would not pull away as to not deprive you of any comfort you sought from him. Especially in these quieter hours. Your breathing slowly began to start evening out. Wally ran his hand up and down your back, his own cheeks becoming a familiar tinted rose now as well.
“Sweet dreams.. to you, .. dearest.”