Chapter Text
Animal Hospital, known for the mysteries that hides within the facility.
The anomalies, theories about the hospital, the incidents, the one behind the facility.
Some of the people who worked there disappeared mysteriously one day.
Its been highly speculated that they died.
Rumors say that it was the root of where anomalies came from, the evidence was undeniable.
But why would a Hospital do that?
No one knows, nobody knew except for Dr. Harlow himself.
The stages of someone, an animal bring an anomaly have already been studied.
The first stage, they were feeling sick, nauseous, dizzy, their mind was in a haze.
The second stage was when the features started to appear. The teeth, the hunger, the deformation of their body.
The third stage was when they weren't themselves anymore, just a hungry, mindless creature who wanted nothing more than to devour someone, to eat them until nothing was left.
Working there was a certain risk, although not everyday is a day where someone dies.
Only sometimes, usually the patients who walked in mostly had minor injuries, headaches, migraines, stomach aches, low blood sugar, dried eyes, sometimes they needed urgent surgery.
Even with all of this happening, the people who worked there always had warmth.
Even if the entire hospital felt like a place to have a guaranteed chance of death, they still maintained the happiness.
How do they do it? Nobody really knows, some say they make jokes to lighten the mood whenever it felt gloomy.
Some said an employee comforted another whenever they felt down.
The list goes on, speculating the possibilities of how something that felt eerie, constant danger and could make someone paranoid.
The employees who are currently working at the hospital are:
Head nurse, a white furred goat who had small patches of gray over some spots of her body.
Nurse, the assistant of Head Nurse, in charge of handing needed medicine, surgical tools and bandages to assist Head Nurse.
Security, a bat who was mainly in charge of keeping the hospital safe at all costs, carries a taser with him at all times, someone's it just lays there in his pocket.
Intern, a light yellow furred rabbit who was rumored to be an anomaly, that rumor has yet to be proven, stays around Secret Agent to keep him company and assist if needed.
Secret Agent, a black furred cat with golden yellow eyes, carried a gun in his holster at all times, he usually lets Intern hold his scanner. The only one who knows the truth about Intern.
Other people who've went there were:
Lisbeth, or as people call her Liz, a caracal who loved writing news, researching, making theories, photography and more. Seen with Rattina oftenly whenever she visited.
Rattina, a short black furred rat, who was often seen visiting the hospital as if looking for someone, often seen with Liz whenever she came by. One day she went missing.
No one knows why, but others speculated that she could have died. Liz spent restless nights after the day she went missing.
She was grieving Rattina, who she didn't even know if she was alive or dead or has moved somewhere else, she just misses her presence.
And lastly, Sam, a calico cat often seen in a hazmat suit, usually with his helmet off. Recently hired to clean up slime left by patients and put out fires.
He did well at both, well not really with putting out fires, his tail caught on fire once.
He spent 30 minutes letting his tail test in a cold bowl of water to numb the burning pain.
Seen with Security once, interacting with him in private.
Nobody knew why, nothing was recorded in the cameras, and even if there was something recorded, it was deleted immediately by someone.
Sam and Security might've had something going on, friendship, rivalry, mutuality, who knows?
Somehow, there was a secret between two people, it was a common thread amongst the employees.
It could've been bad, it could've been good, it could've been something normal.
7:00 PM, slime was dripping everywhere in the Hospital.
A hazmat team arrived, with one of their members being Sam, the previously mentioned calico cat.
He kept his helmet on as he walked in, his tool resting idly in his hands.
He looked around, at the employees, at a specific employee, assessing whatever mess would happen here.
He finally took his helmet off, releasing a sigh of relief as he tried to kept his breathing normal.
Of course the hazmat suits helmet only had small airholes, making it a bit difficult to breathe in, but hey atleast it could protect him.
Other hazmat team members walked past him, walking deeper into the hospital as they cleaned out the slime.
Sam took a bit to relax his breathing, it slowly returned to normal within the span of a few minutes.
Nurse was the first to greet him, Head nurse followed behind her.
"Hey, welcome to the Animal Hospital! It's nice to meet you!" Nurse exclaimed excitedly, her voice was filled with pure, genuine excitement over seeing a new hire.
"That's how she is, don't mind her.." Head nurse said smugly, a small smirk tugging at their mouth.
"Rude!" Nurse said aloud, giggling as she playfully bumped her elbow into Head Nurse's arm.
"Just stating the truth." Head Nurse said back, the smirk that was tugging at the corners of their mouth finally appeared.
Nurse laughed as she wrapped an arm around Head nurses shoulder before instantly pulling away.
"Sorry! Sorry!— It's a habit!" Nurse exclaimed, her cheeks turning pink.
Head nurse gave her a small laugh as their reassured her,
"It's alright, no worries, Nurse." They said as they patted her shoulder.
"A conversation about me turned into a conversation about you two." Sam spoke up, his voice cutting through whatever Head Nurse and Nurse was doing.
"Dearest apologies." Said Head Nurse.
"You are not formal at all." Sam spoke.
"And why do you say that?"
Sam glared at the both of them, they looked like they were flirting instead of greeting him.
"I'll let you two have your own business" He said as he slowly slipped away from those two.
He glanced over at Secret Agent and Intern, they were both standing next to the coffee machine, seeing who could grab it first.
"Intern I am on 56%, you're on 89%. I've let you have the coffee around 4 times already." Secret Agent spoke up, his voice tired as he glared at Intern.
They rabbit giggled,
"Hah! Not my fault you're too nice. And I like the taste of the coffee anyways" They said, their voice playfully mocking as they stared back at him.
"It tastes good, sure, but it's not the same as keeping your sanity up."
"It's basically the same!"
"No it isn't."
"Yes it is!"
"No.
"Yes!"
"No."
"Yes."
Secret Agent sighed, letting them win the argument.
Intern giggled at their victory, grinning at Secret Agent.
Secret Agent took this as an opportunity to grab the coffee.
In one smooth, precise movement, he grabbed the cup as it finished filling up with coffee.
"Won the battle, not the war." He spoke, smiling as his paws held the cup of hot coffee
"Not fair! I was distracted." They pouted, acting upset, although they weren't upset at all.
"Not my fault, Intern." He said as he took slow, careful sips of the coffee, his sanity rising form 56% to 71%.
"Oh you'll see!" They raised their voice in a playful manner, watching Secret Agent taking sips of the coffee, taking it as a way of mocking them.
Sam laughed from afar as he shook his head.
"Idiots.." he spoke up as he walked away from them.
They didn't seem to hear it, too engulfed in their staring competition over Secret Agent drinking the coffee Intern was supposed to steal.
Then lastly, he glanced at Security.
Security looked up from staring at the wall, staring back at Sam for a short moment.
The two locked eyesight, a smile forming at the corner of Security's mouth.
Sam have him a slow nod, it was a sign that he was happy to see Security, although he wasn't that comfortable with sharing the feeling in this hospital yet.
Security nodded back quietly and understandingly, he knew Sam needed time to adjust here.
As Sam got called for his duty, he gave Security one final look that said "Stay safe!" As he rushed over to where he was called.
Security's smile widened, although he immediately hid it by frowning, nobody could know he smiled at something so small like that.
Sam rushed to where he was called, looking at the huge slimy mess, he sighed as he looked at the other hazmat team members, their movements looked sluggish.
Of course they were tired, slime in such huge amounts were heavy.
He swiftly put his helmet back on as he started cleaning up with the other hazmat members.
His tail flicked irritably, although he tried his best to keep calm.
He was assigned to this job in the first place, he needed to fulfill his duty.
Patients were escorted to the other side of the hospital, the one that was already fully cleaned.
Head Nurse guided an elderly cat to their room as Nurse quickly followed behind.
Secret Agent and Intern also escorted a patient in to their room, everyone was doing what they had to do
Only Security was sitting relaxed on a chair at the reception area.
He mainly had nothing to do if anomalies weren't there, he checked the cameras twice, double checking if he missed something.
He glanced at Sam, watching him work for a moment as he laughed quietly to himself.
It was peaceful, despite the amount of annoying sloshing noises the Slime made.
Sam took his helmet off as he walked next to the reception area, taking a short moment to breathe.
Security walked up to him calmly as he asked,
"You doing alright over there, Sam?" His voice was gentle, despite his pretty tough personality sometimes.
"Yeah. I'm doing alright." The calico replied, although he was tired.
It was evident in everything, his voice, his expression, his body language, even taking a quick glance at him said that he was exhausted.
"You sure?" Security asked once more, trying to get reassurance.
"Yes.. Security, I'm perfectly fine." He said in the most monotone voice ever, giving Security a faint smile.
"You look like you're about to faint."
"No I don't."
"Yes you do, look at how sluggish you move."
"Why are you observing how I move?"
Security paused, then finally spoke, his voice quiet so no one could hear.
"You already know why, don't ask that again."
Sam looked away quietly, pink spreading across his face.
"Noted." He suddenly spoke, still with that monotone voice, although now it carried warmth.
Security smiled a bit, relieved to hear that Sam admitted what he has asked reassurance for.
"We'll talk later," then in a more hushed tone,
"Sammy. "
Sam's cheeks went pink as his tail puffened up, ears shot upright, his whole body froze.
"Haha, calm down now.. you know I like calling you Sammy."
Security said with a quiet laugh, quietly patting Sam's shoulder.
"I know! It's just — ugh.. you know I can get flustered easily." Sam said, embarrassed as he turned away from Security, although he didn't refuse the shoulder pats.
"That's what makes it fun, Sam."
"Whatever.."
Sam said with a quiet laugh as he put his helmet back on, quietly nodding at Security as he went back to doing his duty.
Security smiled as he watched Sam go back to doing his duty, his eyes filled with warmth and adoration.
Head Nurse and Nurse were still treating patients, with Head Nurse giving instructions for Nurse to follow.
"Hand me that eye drop." Head Nurse spoke up, their voice authoritative.
"Here you go." Nurse followed them without hesitation, as it is her job after all.
"Bandage."
"Here."
"Scalpel."
"Here."
"First aid kit."
"Here."
Whatever Head Nurse told her to get, she would follow.
After they were finished treating the patient, Head Nurse gave her a smile of acknowledgement before saying,
"Alright, since you're sooo obedient, why don't you give me a kiss right here?" Head Nurse leaned in, placing two fingers on their cheeks as if they were marking where Nurse was supposed to kiss them.
"How about... no." Nurse replied, warmly laughing at the request.
"You're supposed to follow orders, you know."
"Well we're not currently treating a patient or doing something important, a kiss isn't what you need to get through the night."
"Sure Nurse, sure." Head Nurse smirked, the same one they always wore.
Nurse sighed before speaking,
"After shift, then I might give you what you want." Her voice was steady but teasing.
"That'll be more than enough." Head nurse replied, their smirk slowly turning into a warm smile.
"You're supposed to be the authoritative one here, you know?" Nurse spoke, her voice fully teasing now.
"Well we're not treating a patient, nor are we next to the others, so I enjoy this time by dropping the professionalism."
"You're ridiculous." Nurse spoke with a laugh, gently nudging Head Nurses shoulder.
"It's called being efficient. "
"Doesn't seem like that."
"It does."
"It really doesn't, Head Nurse."
" Fine, you win this argument this time."
"Like I always do."
Head Nurse pouted, they've probably only ever won one argument about a kiss.
And that 4 months ago.
Head Nurse was always authoritative, it's just that when they're left alone with Nurse is when she feels comfortable enough to act affectionate with her.
At the medical room next to them, Secret Agent and Intern had some issues.
Security might or might not have let an anomaly in, Secret Agent almost got injured if it wasn't for Intern throwing a first aid kit at it's head.
The anomaly was knocked unconscious, it's breathing was ragged.
Intern approached Secret Agent who was knocked down to the floor, and held out a hand for him.
"Are you alright, Secret Agent?" Intern asked, their voice was a mix of worry and concern.
"Yes, bun, I'm fine." Agent spoke quietly as he took Interns hand to help him get up.
"Though I must thank you for saving my life."
"I always told ya I'd protect you, since you do the same for me." Intern let out a cheerful giggle.
Secret Agent gave them a quiet nod of acknowledgement.
He looked at the anomaly on the floor, quickly drew the gun from his holster and shot it.
A loud bang echoed in the room, smoke coming out of the guns muzzle.
Blood splattered across the floor and some splattered against the walls.
He sighed,
"Intern, take care of the anomaly for me, you know what to do." He ordered, his tone was one of authority.
"Option one or two?" They questioned him, option one was to devour the anomaly, fully getting rid of the evidence, option two was to throw it in the trash.
"..One, can't risk you getting hungry here. I don't want you to accidentally hurt anybody."
Intern nodded quickly, although it was a bit awkward that Secret Agent had to be there to watch them eat.
"Is the part of you watching me eat another anomaly necessary?"
"Very necessary."
"Whatever.." Intern rolled their eyes they turned their back to face Agent, their gaze falling upon the anomaly that lied still on the ground.
Intern sighed, fully aware that Secret Agents gaze were still on them.
Intern knelt down to it's body, figuring out how on earth were they supposed to eat this thing.
"Start from the stomach, then proceed to anywhere else." Agent stated professionally, as if he studied anomalies for years at this point.
"Alright, if you say so.."
Intern leaned closer, as they opened their jaw abnormally wide.
It was clear they were an anomaly themselves, but only Secret Agent knew.
Sounds of crunching, flesh being ripped off, wet squelching filled the room.
Within minutes, not a trace of the anomaly was left.
Secret Agent watched closely, not saying a word as they observed the entire process.
Intern looked back, their abnormally long tongue sticking out in a weird way.
Intern approached closer, after eating a person or an anomaly, they couldn't fully control what they will do.
Secret Agent sighed as he quickly pointed the gun at Interns forehead, pressing it against their forehead.
Intern went still, their eyes went blank, before recognition fully took over.
They flinched back, hiding their face as they turned away from Agent.
"Apologies for that..Agent." Intern mumbled, their face still buried in their hands.
"No worries, I've got you." Agent spoke up quietly.
"..Thank you."
"Don't thank me, bun.."
Intern slowly lifted their hands off their face, smiling as they stared at Agent.
Aent stared back, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth, although you couldn't see it well, his fur was too dark.
Secret Agent approached the blood stained floor and walls, grabbing a towel and wiping it off with ease.
Intern watched closely, impressed by how swift and precise Agents movements were.
—————
Sam had finally finished cleaning up the slime, exhaustion in his features as he sat on a chair and took his helmet off.
It took him a bit to calm his breathing, ragged breaths slowly turned normal.
Security approached him, stopping right Infront of Sam.
"Are you doing alright, Sammy?" Security spoke up, his voice concerned.
"Yes, although I'm just quite tired." Sam replied, putting a tired smile on his face.
Security breathed a sigh of relief, sitting down next to him.
"So what are your thoughts about the hospital?"
"It's tiring, incidents happening anywhere and everywhere, slime appearing at the worst times.."
"I know, but you volunteered to work at the same place I work in, so you're stuck with me, Sam."
Sam gave him a glare, his mood was worse than when he first got here.
"I'm only here because you said you needed company—"
" Yes, yes I did, but it also did just say it because I simply wanted you here with me at all times."
"And for what reason exactly?"
Security stared at him blankly, the answer was in his gaze.
"So I can keep you safe, of course." He finally spoke up, his voice was firm, but not really scolding.
"I've heard so many of your members were injured during certain occasions, and I can't have you getting injured."
"Security, I can protect myself too you know —"
"Yes, I know you can, but it's better if there's two of us rather than you always being alone."
Sam sighed as he nodded, he wasn't winning this argument.
Security moved a bit, the scar at the fur of his arm slightly showing.
Sam noticed immediately and gently held his arm, lifting it up so he can see it clearly.
"What happend? " Sam asked, his voice worried as he lifted Security's arm, carefully examining the healed scar.
Security sighed before speaking,
"Got into an accident, let my guard down." His voice was quieter than usual as he looked away.
".. Oh. " Sam spoke quietly, averting his gaze downwards.
"Did I.. fail to notice sooner? "
" No, you didn't Sam. "
" We've known each other for months if not almost a year! I should've —"
"Sam. I promise you it's not your fault you didn't notice. And.. it's not your fault you couldn't protect me either." Security firmly said, reassuring Sam nothing was his fault.
Sam looked up, his gaze meeting Security's. He still looked uncertain but managed a small smile.
Security's expression softened as he smiled warmly back at Sam.
"Sam.. I don't want you to be ending up like me with this.. scar. I want to protect you from danger in the best I can. "
"I don't know if I can keep that promise, especially with everything going on, but I'll try my best for you, Sam. "
Sam's smile widened, believing in Security's half-promise.
" I know you'll try your best, you always do your best, Security.. "
" But if you couldn't protect me because you were occupied with something, then it's not your fault. "
Sam carefully placed a comforting hand on Security's shoulder, providing reassurance and warmth.
Security smiled at the gesture, staring into Sam's eyes.
" Sooo..is your shift over, Security?" Sam questioned, his job was already done with so he was just waiting for Security.
Security glanced at the clock,
"Hmm, yes it is." He spoke up,
"We can go home now, if you want."
"Well of course! Let's go."
Security gave a nod before standing up from his chair, lending out a hand for Sam to get up aswell.
Sam didn't hesitate to grab onto Security's hand, letting out a small grunt as he fully stood up.
They kept their distance while walking to the exit, making small comments about the hospital.
Once they finally got out, they held hands as they made their way back to their apartment.
"How does it feel like cleaning up slime all the time, Sam?" Security asked with a small laugh.
"Oh it's definitely tiring, sometimes the slime is so heavy, I almost collapse forward."
Security bursted out laughing quietly.
Sam glared at him, although he smiled while doing so.
As they finally arrived at their shared apartment, Security was the first to go inside, immediately heading upstairs to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
Sam followed him inside the apartment, closing the door behind him.
Sam quietly sat on the couch, with it making a small creaking noise.
Sam stared at his gloves for a moment, he was still in his hazmat suit.
He swiftly removed the tool from his back, silently placing it next to the couch.
Only the sound of Security taking a shower in the bathroom filled the house.
Sam looked around their shared apartment, smiling as he looked at photos they've taken together.
As the sound of running water in the bathroom slowly died down, Security opened the door, his lower half covered with a towel as he quickly made his way into their bedroom.
Sam giggled to himself at the sight.
He stood up from the couch and quietly walked to the bathroom, where he could finally take a shower.
He took off his hazmat suit before hopping into the shower, turning the setting on to slightly warm.
He breathed in relief as the warm water doused his body.
—————
As he finished showering, towel wrapped around his lower half of his body, he made his way into their shared bedroom.
"Hey Security, my turn to get dressed." Sam spoke, standing at the bedroom door, waiting for Security to get out.
Security nodded, getting up from the bed with a small grunt.
Sam closed the door behind him, now walking over to his closet.
He rummaged through clothes before finally finding a pair of comfortable enough clothes to sleep in.
Took him a bit to dress up, tripped while trying to put his PJ's on.
"I'm done, you can go back in." He called out.
Security re-entered the bedroom as he flopped onto the bed next to Sam, the familiar warm smile resurfacing.
Sam smiled back as he quietly inched closer to Security.
Once close enough, he wrapped Security in a tight hug.
Security hugged him back, his bat wings were wrapped around Sam's back.
"Goodness it does feel good to finally get a rest after a day at the hospital." Sam said drowsily as he remained wrapped in Security's embrace.
"Mhm, atleast you're with your favorite bat now." Security said smugly as he rested his head on Sam's shoulder.
"Whatever.." Sam rolled his eyes, even if the action couldn't exactly be seen by Security.
Both of them remained in each other's embrace, Sam's tail gave a small flick as he grew increasingly comfortable.
He even started purring at one point while they laid down while still hugging, he felt that comfortable.
Security let out a chuckle before resting his forehead against Sam's.
Both of them quickly fell asleep in each other's embrace, the atmosphere of the situation was warm and comforting.