A Trip to the Hospital

by Aryla_White, fuckworldtrade

Summary:

Isaac Isidore had scraped by his whole life working in one of the vast warehouses that dominated his home world of Bov 450. Working for one of the Megacorporations that dominated the Terran Accord, he could barely afford food and rent, let alone medical treatment. Right before the signing of the Human Domestication Treaty between the Terran Accord and the Affini Compact, Isaac's back gave out. This story follows Isaac seeking medical attention from the Affini Compact and coming out of it changed.

Chapter 1: Pain and Misery

Isaac knew he was fucked the moment it happened. He was carrying a large crate up the ramp onto the independent freighter The Stalwart Debbie when he felt a sharp pain in his lower back. "No! Not now!" He thought as his back gave out and the crate he was carrying slipped out of his grasp falling to the ground crushing his foot.

It's been several months since the incident. Every moment pure pain and misery. His insurance declined his hospital visit, saying that since it was a work related incident it fell to the company to pay for it. When the secretary at the hospital contacted his workplace, they said that because he had signed a form saying he already had insurance when he was hired, they didn't need to cover any costs related to the injury. He was sent back to his tiny apartment to live in agony. Unable to work, unable to do anything. Even walking around his apartment was extremely difficult for him.

His meager savings had rapidly dwindled as bills piled up. It was only last week that he started to receive notices of non-payment, and eviction. What a miserable fucking existence his life has become. Screwed over by the Accord. He was sure he was either going to die in his bed, or die the moment he was kicked to the streets. He knew just where to put his anger too. The fucking Accord government, and every single Megacorp that backed it up.

But then something happened. The Accord lost their fight with the Affini Compact. He had heard of the Compact before. Everyone had, the barbaric invading Xenos. Half of what was sent out from his warehouse was bound for Cosmic Navy ships fighting at the edges of Accord space. Accord propaganda portrayed them as monstrous beings with an appetite for slavery. He knew he would have been swayed by the propaganda before his incident, but given endless time to think alone in his room he came to the conclusion that anything must be better than the life he had now. Even if he was killed by the Compact for his disability and lack of usefulness. Hell, he might end up doing it himself.

Isaac thought of this as he woke up, sitting in his bed. He knew he had to get up, get ready, put on proper clothes even if he can't go outside anymore. But his whole body hurt, and he lacked all motivation to anyways. So he laid in bed and thought of the accords defeat.

With the Accords' loss everything seemed to change overnight. He started seeing broadcasts welcoming Terrans into the Affini Compact and talking about some of the changes they should start to expect. Including the abolition of capitalism, and free healthcare provided to every citizen of the Compact.

The Megacorporations were broken up. For profit healthcare was abolished. Those fucking bastards finally got what they deserved! If the Terran propaganda was true maybe they've all been enslaved and forced to work like dogs!

Isaac sat up, wincing, and grabbed a pair of clean boxers out of the box that he kept beside his bed. He started putting his clothes closer to the bed after his accident. He shimmied his way out of his boxers and tried to slowly, gingerly bend and put on the new ones. Even being gentle he still hit a bone spur.
Bone spurs. Bone spurs are small, sharp flakes of bones that press into nerve endings in your body, especially in your spine, and they are excruciatingly painful. He hissed in pain as he carefully finished putting on his pants. He used to be able to afford pain meds when the accident had just happened, but they had long since dwindled away to nothing; like his savings. Another reason to hate the Accord. Overpriced pharmaceuticals.

But now the whole system that denied Isaac was gone and a ray of hope was finally revealing a path forward. When the pain died down enough to let him think again he decided to call the closest hospital to see if they could admit him as soon as possible. He couldn't go on like this. "Hello? Is this Lilac General Hospital? My name is Isaac Isidore. I'm calling to see if you could take me on as a patient?"

A strange inhuman voice answered. "Hello cutie~, you have indeed reached Lilac General, but we’re not a hospital. We’re a xenoveterinarian clinic.”
“Shit” he said under his breath, "Then I must have dialed the wrong number. I need to book an appointment with a doctor.”

The voice replied, "No, you've called the right place cutie~. Xenoveterinarian’s are for all sophont species. Hospitals are specifically for affini. Our vet’s can take care of whatever needs you may have. Would you like to still book an appointment? I'll need to take your details.”

Isaac was a bit flabbergasted. A Vet? Like for animals and pets? He certainly wasn't some animal, but what choice did he have? It was this or continue to suffer. "As I said my name is Isaac Isidore. I live at 10285 Steel St, apartment number 4748."

Isaac heard shuffling on the other end of call as the receptionist was no doubt taking notes. “Let’s see here… Isaac Isidore.. Ah there you are.” The receptionist mumbled something to herself before saying, “Oh my dear sweetheart! I'm going to dispatch someone to come and pick you up right away! When you get here you'll be looked after by Herapericum Perforatum, Fifth Bloom okay? She'll be sure to take good care of you.”
"What how? Hera- what - now? Just wait a minute! I can make it there myself!” How did these plants know he needed help getting to the hospital? He never said anything about his injuries.

“You most certainly can not! And besides, your escort to the hospital looks to have already arrived.”
As the receptionist said these words Isaac heard a knocking on his front door, and another strange alien voice calling out to him, “Isaac? Are you in there? My name is Herb, they/them, I've come to pick you up and take you to Lilac General.”

Damn these fucking plants work quickly, Isaac thought to himself as he struggled to get out of bed. His whole body wincing in pain as he sat up, and attenpted to get his slippers on. “Hold your horses! I'm coming.” As he tried to place his whole weight on his feet and stand up he suddenly dropped to the floor.

“Are you okay in there? I thought I heard you fall?” Herb yelled through the door.

“I'm fine! You don't have to worry about me!” Isaac yelled back, very much not fine. He made his best attempt to crawl to the door in the hopes he could pick himself up once he got there.

Isaac could hear a grumbling from outside the door, “I don't believe you little Terran. I'm coming in, please just stand back from the door.” And suddenly Isaac's door was ripped off its hinges and he could see the tall plantlike form of the affini. They gently placed what remained of the door aside. Their body covered in vines, and soft needle-like leaves. Their.. hair? Was a cascade of pink and blue flowers. Isaac could smell.. Wait, did that affini smell like rosemary?

Seeing Isaac struggling on the floor Herb said, “I knew it. Now listen little Terran, we don't want to make your injuries worse now do we? You must be in so much pain. If you want I can administer some xenodrugs they should help dull the pain, and make our trip to the Vet’s as easy as possible on you.”

“No, no, I'll be fine. I've toughed it out this long.” Isaac replied nervously. But as the affini reached down and tried to pick him up his whole body spasmed with pain.

Herb’s body rumbled with what Isaac thought must have been a sigh. “I don't think you have a choice now little Terran. It's for your own good.” A flowered vine detached from Herb's body. Herb lightly held Isaac's squirming head as the flower approached his face.
“No please! I'm totally fine! Don't worry about me!” Isaac tried to get out of Herb's hold but every slight move caused him more pain. Small little vines detached from the flower and wrapped around his head as the flower made a seal around his face.

“Now just breathe normally little Terran and everything will be alright….” Isaac's vision began to haze over as he looked up at Herb’s worried face. Slowly as he inhaled the xenodrugs his body began to feel light, the pain slowly receding replaced by a dull numbness, and his vision blacked out.

Notes:

There's been some edits after publication

Chapter 2: Lollipops and Stickers

Summary:

Isaac wakes up already at the hospital and is given paperwork to fill out by Herb. He meets his new Xenovet, Herapericum Perforatum, and she isn't exactly what he expected.

Notes:

Cw// Brief Suicidal Thoughts

Isaac’s dreams were hazy as he was being carried to the xenoveterinarians. It was like he was hovering over himself but in the same instance he wasn't himself. He imagined being scooped up by that plant.. what was their name again.. Merv? No, that wasn't it. Herb? Yea Herb, and being placed on a stretcher and wheeled outside. Where to, he wasn't sure. Why was he on a stretcher again? No idea. Maybe he should follow it? Nah.

His consciousness transitioned the scene, and he was on his favourite game show. Only this time the host was different. She was an attractive young woman, with a smallish bust, snatched up in a corset and cute yellow dress. Well that's odd, usually this game show had a male host. Alex Trebel, he thought the male hosts name was. The board was flashing and the hostess was saying something… a question?

“... allows us to see the bones inside our body without surgery.”

Wait he knew that one, his hand, which seemed slightly smaller than usual, hit the button. “What is an X-Ray?”

The hostess replied, “That's right!”

“Knots and rope tying for 1000 please.” he found himself saying.

“This Japanese art of elaborate rope tying is called what?” The hostess asked.

Shit, he was sure he heard this one before. He pressed the buzzer, “What is inari?”

“Oh, I'm so sorry but Inari is Japanese for fox. Please come back when you know the answer.”

The hostess pressed a button on her console and suddenly he found himself in darkness. Endless darkness.

Isaac gasped awake. He was in a wheelchair left in the lobby of the hospital. Herb was talking to someone.. Isaac squinted, another affini at the front desk. It was hard to make out. Hey, his body wasn't in pain! Maybe they already solved his problem. He tentatively put a foot out onto the ground. Still good. He lifted himself out of the wheelchair and promptly fell onto the ground with a crash.

 Herb stopped talking to the receptionist as they heard Isaac's fall. “Roots and dirt little Terran! I thought I put you to sleep.”

The Affini strode over to the collapsed terran and picked him up and with a vine grabbed the wheelchair. “Was that really a good idea?”

“Maybe. Depends. Thought I got fixed already.” Isaac retorted.

The affini chuckled to themself as they placed Isaac back in the wheelchair, “Sadly not little Terran. You still need to be seen by Herapericum. I was just chatting to Betula over there about the sorry state I found you in.”

“It wasn't that sorry…” Isaac glanced downwards avoiding Herb's many eyes. Folding his arms across his chest.

“Says the little Terran who just fell over again.”

Isaac couldn't deny that fact, so he changed the subject. “So, how long do I have to wait for this Hera… pic… Hera.. per..”

The affini cut in, “Herapericum, petal.”

“I'm just going to call her Hera. How long do I have to wait for her?”

“Oh it shouldn't be too long now. We got here faster than they expected. Well, now that you're awake, you can help me by starting your paperwork.” Herb pulled out some pages from their chest; along with a pen.

“Why paperwork? Y’all gave the impression that the Compact already knows everything it needs to know about me.”

“Well little Terran we gotta make sure everything's taken care of and accounted for when we look after sophont's like you. The Compact has learned that sometimes non-affini bureaucrats miss things either accidentally or on purpose.” Herb explained as they twirled the pen between their fingers.

“I suppose that makes sense.”

Isaac reached for the papers and brought them in front of himself. They just seemed like normal intake forms. With questions ranging from his name and date of birth, to allergies and current medication, including prescriptions and non-prescribed/recreational drugs. There were also some more invasive questions, like what his hobbies were, how attached he was to living on Bov 450, how well he gets along with other people, and what his kinks are? That last one seemed fairly unreasonable for a medical professional to ask.

“Herb, what's this one about kinks? Why would the doctor, I mean Vet, need to know that?”

“Oh that one is nothing to worry about. It's mostly there to understand you as a patient better.”

“Alright,” Isaac said. Maybe he could give some non-answer answer or maybe something that seemed out of left field. But then again, they might end up believing whatever he wrote and diagnose him with some obscure mental illness. The Accord would definitely have locked him up in an asylum if he willingly divulged some of his interests. He decided it was safer to leave it blank. He finished answering the rest of the questions and put down his pen.

“All done there little Terran?” Herb said looking over Isaac's shoulder.

“Yup! I filled it all in!” Isaac attempted to wheel his way towards the front desk before Herb’s vines stopped him.

“Hey! hey! No need for you to do that. I'll make sure it gets there. You just lay back and rest while we wait for your name to be called.”

Isaac face curled into a frown, “I'm more than capable of getting my paperwork to the front desk Herb.”

“Says the little Terran who fell flat on their face. Not once! But twice today, trying to exert himself. I'm not going to let you hurt yourself a third time.”

“You're not going to let me forget that are you?”

“Nope. I even put it in my report so that your Vet knows not to let you push yourself.”

“Fucking hell.”

Herb was about to reply when they eyes focused on something in the distance. "As much as I'd love to stay and give you all the reasons why exerting yourself is a bad idea little Terran. I think your nurse is here.” Herb pointed out a human nurse walking towards them,“'Fraid this is where we’ll have to part ways. Might see you later tho. Who knows.”

Herb gently patted the top of Isaac’s head as they left, sending warm tingles throughout his body. That.. shouldn't have felt that good Isaac thought to himself as the nurse approached.

“Hello, my name is Sara, you must be Isaac Isidore?” The woman said as she introduced herself.

“I am.” He replied.

“Good, I'll take you to the vet now.” She walked behind the wheelchair and began to push Isaac past the double doors down the hallway to Herapericum’s office. Everything seemed so much larger. He had been in hospitals before when he was much younger, but even compared to his memories everything felt like it was built for giants.

Seeing Isaac's eyes go wide, Sara said, “You think this is big, wait till you see the office. It's more than four times bigger than my apartment. Large aliens need large buildings after all.”

“How did they build this all up so fast?” Isaac asked.

“What I was told is that everything's prefabricated when it comes to hospitals. The whole building was just sitting in some affini ship just waiting to be put down. One of the affini I work with told me that usually they slowly tear down and construct new buildings using their compilers, but in the case of important buildings, like this, they like to come pre-prepared.” Sara explained.

“I suppose. I guess it makes sense that everything's so much larger. From what I saw of Herb affini are pretty big.”

“Oh Herb is just a young bloom. He's fairly small by affini standards. You'll find that Herapericum is far taller.”

“If she’s so big, how will she be able to do her job with humans?” Isaac imagined in his mind a talking tree, like the kind he saw in his fairy tale books as a child. Its branches stretching out to reveal enormous hands. Not the kind of hands needed for delicate work on a smaller being.

“From what I gather affini have really good eyesight. And a delicate touch. Don't worry you're not the first human she's dealt with. She was a vet on one of those affini ships during the war.”

“She just told you that? Like I'm sure lots of Terrans would be upset to know their doctor..”

“Vet.” Sara interrupted.

“Vet, was part of the group that took down the Accord.”

“Is it going to be a problem with you?” Sara rolled the wheelchair to a stop.

“Oh no! I hated the Accord and I'm glad they're gone. Bunch of greedy bastards.”

She started pushing again. “Good. I'm glad they're gone too. It was hard watching people being turned away that obviously needed help.”

“I was one of those people.” Isaac mumbled, playing with his hands.

“I know. Otherwise you wouldn't be here right now with old injuries that require the use of a wheelchair.” Sara pushed the wheelchair towards one of the big doors. There was a large sign beside the door in some indecipherable script with a smaller sign underneath. The smaller sign read Xenoveterinarian Herapericum Perforatum, Fifth Bloom. The door effortlessly opened as they approached.

The room they entered was almost as big as Sara made it out to be. The room felt as big as two story house with the typical array of things you find at a doctors office. A desk and chair for the doctor, a sink, scales, shelving unit and such. Except everything was created for someone a so much larger than himself. There was a human sized examination table set with a large lamp with a magnifying glass in its center. As well as a set of human sized chairs. Strangely the doctor… vet, was not present.

“I don't see any affini vet.” Isaac said, “Maybe she called me in too early?”

“No, no she was here, along with her floret before I left to collect you.” Sara answered. “She must have left for some reason. Why don't you stay here and I'll go look for her?”

“I suppose I don't have much of a choice.” Just great, Isaac thought, I get to sit around and do nothing.

“Hopefully she isn't too far away. I'm surprised we didn't see her as we came down the hall.” As Nurse Sara left he turned his attention to more closely examining the room in which he found himself in. There was a shelving unit full of different coloured containers. Containing what he wasn't sure. There was one of those cheesy 'hang in there' style posters on the wall, the ones that typically had cats hanging from tree branches on them, but this time it was a nearly naked Terran girl holding onto an affini’s vine. There were pamphlets near the door that read Why Choose Domestication?, Your Haustoric Implant and You, and Know your Xenodrugs! Isaac decided not to pick up any of the pamphlets. Continuing to look around he noticed that under the vets desk there was a basket full of colourful toys. He wheeled himself over to take a closer look.

In the basket there was a variety of fidget toys, spinners, buttons, bubbles and clackers. As well as a variety of dog toys, including tough plush bones, balls, and rope. While odd for a doctor, the dog toys certainly wouldn't be out of the ordinary for a veterinarian. Still weird considering that this vet was supposed to specialize in humans. He grabbed one of the spinners and started playing with it. Flicking it back and forth with his finger. Something about it was just so mesmerizing, maybe it was the little flashing pink and white lights that lit up as it spun. Creating such a pretty and flowing pattern…

So beautiful was the pattern he hadn't even noticed the door open. A melodic voice filled the air, “Hmm, there was supposed to be a Terran in here. I wonder where they could have gone. Maybe they're hiding.” There was a pause before the voice spoke again, “I think I know where they are. Could they… be under here!”

Vines wrapped around the handles of Isaac's wheelchair and pulled him out from underneath the desk. “Ah there you are sweetie. Isaac Isidore I presume?”

Isaac was so entranced by the toy it took a second for him to realize what was happening. Pulling his eyes away from the spinner’s pretty colours he glanced up at the towering figure in front of him. A tall affini, whose head was covered in yellow flowers and donning a long flowing lab coat stood before him. Goodness she must have been 12 ft tall. All five of her eyes were trained on him. “What- Who- Oh, uh… yes that would be me.”

The affini glanced at his hands, “I see you found my little basket of toys. That one certainly grabbed your attention, didn't it cutie?”

“Yes ma’am.” Isaac said automatically. He wasn't quite sure why he answered ma’am. He hadn't called anyone ma’am since the third grade.

“Just Hera is fine dear. And don't worry you can keep the spinner if you want. I'm sorry I was late. My sweet floret Ginger decided to run out of the office all of a sudden. She typically wouldn't be here but it is a bring your floret to work day. We have these days partially to show off our adorable florets but also so they can see what we do all day instead of snuggling and playing with them. I had to follow after her and make sure she was alright. She's currently being looked after by one of my colleagues. It's odd, she ran when she heard your name.”

“I don't think I know any Gingers.” Isaac replied. Bring your floret to work day? You mean one of those wide eyed pets of the affini? Here?

“Well you might see her later depending on how the day goes. Now, Betula seemed all up in tizzy over your file. It says here you experienced a work related accident? The details in the record said you injured your foot and back. But whoever was writing the records at the time didn't elaborate. The records also showed that the medical system at the time declined to help you. Which is obviously why you’re in the sorry state you are in now.”

“I don't look that bad!” Isaac replied in a huff.

“Pardon me, I'm still learning some of your language’s words. But let me put it in a way you'll understand sweetie, you look like excrement.” Hera stated.

“You mean I look like shit.”

The affini reached for a notebook on her desk and started writing something down. “I knew the literal translation felt off.. Shit is classified as profanity, yes?”

“Yes..?” Isaac was a little confused by this line of questioning.

“Hmm, well isn't that interesting. But yes, Isaac you look like you've been through a lot. It's very obvious that you haven't been looking after yourself have you?”

“I mean, I've been doing my best. I've been at least eating my synth cubes three times a day.”

The affini vet rubbed her wooden face with her hand. “Synth cubes aren't food Isaac. At least they aren't very healthy. I don't know why anyone would manufacture something so horrible. If it's okay, I would like to check your weight. Your file says you weighed around two hundred pounds before your accident. I'd like to see how much that's changed.”

“I suppose it only makes sense for me to have lost some weight.”

“Very good. I have a scale designed for those who can't stand. I'm going to set it up and then I'll lift you and gently place you onto it. Please let me know if you feel any pain and I'll administer some class E’s for you.”

From Hera’s massive shelving unit she pulled out a large scale, it looked almost like one that you might find at a maternity ward. With sloped rounded edges to keep the sophont subject safe and secure. She laid it flat on her table. Hera then wove her vines around Isaac as gently as she could and lifted him up out of his wheelchair. Her touch like Herb’s sent a tingle down Isaac's spine. Delicately placing him on the scale she turned it on. Very quickly it spat out a number which she wrote down in her notebook. She returned Isaac back to his wheelchair.

“Okay Sweetie , it seems here you've lost about 50 pounds since your accident. I'm not so sure that you were telling me the truth about eating your vile cubes three times a day.” She said as she wagged one of her vines in his direction.

“Okay maybe I was only eating one a day. But I could barely afford even that.”

Hera’s wooden face changed from admonishment to a look of sadness. “I'm very glad that our ships arrived here when they did then.” She wrote something in her notebook, and then looked him over again. “Now you can't lie to me again in this one Isaac, you haven't been regularly bathing have you?”

Isaac knew he smelled, it wasn't something he was particularly proud of. “No I haven't. It's been hard getting out of the bed, let alone the bathtub.”

“Ah, well I'll make sure that after we do what we need to here you'll be given a bath. I can also only assume that you have bedsores, so we’ll have to do our best to treat that as well. No please open your mouth for me.”

“Wh…” as he was opening his mouth to speak, Hera's vines shot out and held open his jaw as she examined his teeth.

“Ah yes, I see a couple of cavities from not brushing, I assume for the same reasons as you previously gave. I'll add that to the list of procedures we need to do. A couple more surface level questions. I see you let your hair grow long as compared to what you look like in your file. We will need to clean it up of course but would you like for us to keep it long?”

That question took Isaac by surprise. He didn't really consider his hair. He never liked having to cut it to conform with the uniform policies of his workplace, but his scratchy beard. That had to go. He was so depressed for months that he just didn't have the energy to shave it even though it bothered him. “I think I'd like to keep my hair long please. But get rid of the beard.”

More notes. “That can certainly be done sweetie. I think you'll look very pretty all cleaned up. Your file definitely shows that you have a cute face. I'm sure it will look even cuter with your beard gone.”

Isaac blushed before composing himself. Pretty? He hadn't been called before. It felt nice.... But no, he was handsome! Men are handsome. That's right, totally. “I think I'll look handsome.”

The affini grinned and wrote more notes. “Whatever you say sweetie. I need to do a blood pressure test and then we can discuss the real reason you're here. I'll just need you to relax your arm and let the machine do it's work.”

Hera wrapped a device around Isaac's bicep which slowly inflated with air and then released. “It seems like your blood pressure is fairly normal. Alright so, you had a workplace accident. Can you tell me exactly what happened and what has been bothering you now?”

“Well, I was carrying a heavy box up a ramp and all of a sudden I feel my back give out. I was in so much pain that I dropped the box right then and there which crushed my foot. I've been having back pain and foot pain since.”

“Bad enough that everything else we just talked about suffered?” Hera asked, one of her vines taking notes furiously.

“Yes exactly! I was left alone in my apartment for months afterwards-” To rot and die, he thought. Before the affini broadcasts started playing he was fully prepared to die. He had a plan. But, he didn't. He couldn't bring himself to say it.

“That certainly doesn't sound like the healthiest environment.” The affini paused for a moment; tapping her fingers against her notebook. “And once we finish helping you here, you'll be going back to that life won't you?”

“I.. guess I will.”

“I need to talk to some people. But in the meantime I want to know just how bad the damage is to your back and foot. Your back doesn't sound catastrophically broken because you still have feeling and, despite the pain, you're able to move around. So, no severe nerve disconnections. I'm going to call a nurse to come pick you up and bring you to our imaging lab. For now I need you to put on this.” The Vet grabbed another container from her shelf and pulled out a hospital gown. “I don't want you to injure yourself further, so may I please remove your clothes?”

Isaac never had anyone see his naked body before. Even in the change rooms at work, he always changed in a stall. While he couldn't place why, he had always had an aversion to others seeing him unclothed. Something about it felt very wrong. He wrapped his arms around himself and started lightly rocking.

“What's wrong sweetie?”

“I… I don't- No. No. Please don't. Don't want you to see me.” Isaac said as he continued to rock.

The veterinarian tilted Isaac's head with a vine to make him look at her. Into her five golden eyes. “This is my job, I've done it a million times. I'll close my eyes and be gentle, petal. Just unzip and unbutton what you can for me, and I'll take care of the rest. It's for your own good.”

Isaac stared into the swirling depths of the affini's eyes. He really didn't want to remove his clothes but something about Hera’s voice felt compelling. That he could trust her. That he should do as she said. That this was for his own good. He nodded to confirm his willingness.

“Thank you Petal. I can tell you're scared but you're being such a brave little sophont for me.” Hera closed all of her eyes and her vines went about stripping Isaac of his clothes. Once they were all off, the vines placed a hospital gown around him, and tied the strings at the back. Isaac can't quite tell if he's hearing her correctly, but it almost sounds like she's whispering the whole time, muttering something under her breath over and over…

Having finished her task Hera opened her eyes. “See, was that so hard? Now I'll call Sara and she’ll bring you to get your X-rays. After which I'll see you again, cutie. Oh! And before I forget. For being such a brave little sophont.” Hera pulled out another basket full of candies and stickers and pulled out a red lollipop and a sticker with a strange alien animal on it with a foreign script. “You deserve a treat.”

Wait, was he being treated like a child? “Terran adults typically don't get candy when they go to the doctors..”

“Well I'm not a doctor am I? I'm a veterinarian. And I think you deserve a treat. Please take it.”

Isaac reluctantly took the gifts and placed the lollipop in his mouth. Oh, that's.. that's unbelievably good. It had been years since he had anything with sugar in it, he had almost forgotten what it tasted like. He placed the sticker with the rest of his things.

Soon after a different nurse came to pick him up. She was slightly taller than himself and bore some light scarring on her face that seemed close to just fading away. Something about her was just strangely attractive to Isaac in a way he had never felt before. “Hello, my name is Hazel.”

Notes:

There's just something about getting a little treat for being a good sophont isn't there?

But really Isaac is being just so brave even tho he's nervous of these giant plant people.

Thanks for reading!

Chapter 3: Sweet Words

Summary:

Isaac needs imaging done to figure out the extent of the damage to his spine and foot. So a new nurse is called in to help him along.

Isaac froze up. His new nurse was incredibly beautiful. He'd never seen anything like her before. From her electric blue hair, her gorgeous deep brown eyes, to her slender, yet muscular arms and her ample breasts. Around her neck she wore a collar that was reminiscent of collars given to humans who became the Affini’s pets. It was a plain black collar, with a bright silver O ring. He opened his mouth but no words came out. Isaac was stuck staring at this beauty in front of him.

Hazel waved her hand in front of Isaac’s face. “Hello, Terra to Isaac? Come in Isaac! I'm here to take you to imaging for your X-Ray?”

From behind Isaac, Hera’s giggles filled through the room as she wrote down something in her notebook. The rumbling of Hera’s laughter broke Isaac out of his trance. “What? Huh? Why are you laughing?”

“Oh it's nothing sweetie. Just an adorable Terran acting ever so cute.”

Isaac's face flushed red. Those words, cute and adorable, felt so good to hear in reference to himself. It felt like every time Hera called him a cutie part of him became so happy that he could jump for joy. But he couldn't jump. He couldn't even stand. His memories of years previous came flooding back to him and the crushing weight of all the torment he experienced at the hands of other men. He had to deny himself again. So he replied with a pout, “I'm not cute or adorable, I'm tough, rugged and manly.”

Sensing his mood shift Hera stopped giggling, “Are you sure you want to be called ‘manly’ and ‘rugged’, sweetie? I can, if you wish me to. However, my professional opinion as your Vet, is that all sweeties like you should be called cute; regardless of gender. You should have seen your face light up when I said it. You were positively beaming.*

While it was not very manly or rugged to do so, Isaac hid his face in his hands. That plant could read him like an open book. From behind his hands he mumbled, “You're not making fun of me?”

“I'm not, dear. I genuinely believe you're a very adorable sophont. I think it's very sad that you feel like you have to deny yourself the happiness you so clearly feel when you receive a compliment. You don't need to deny yourself any longer. Vet’s orders.” Hera said as she stretched out a vine to rustle Isaac's hair.

Issac’s body moved on its own, he couldn't help but lean into Hera’s hand. Whatever he was thinking about before melted away into bliss. “What… what was I saying?”

“Absolutely nothing of importance, Petal. Now away with you! You need to get your imaging done!” As Hera turned around Isaac could swear he heard her chuckle to herself, “Manly and rugged…”

Hazel ushered Isaac out of the room and into the hallway. As soon as the door shut behind them Hazel said, “So, I'm going to be a bit more direct than Miss Herapericum, you were staring at me right? May I ask what was going through that silly little head of yours.”

“I… uh.”

“Oh Stars, I'm just curious.”

“I've just never seen anyone like you before.” Why was it so hard to admit that?

“Oh? What do you mean by that?”

“I mean,” c'mon Isaac think of something, “I mean.. I've never seen someone with blue hair before. Fuck I haven't seen anyone with any kind of hair that wasn't a natural colour.”

“Oh? Is that all? You know you can also dye or even permanently change your hair colour if you want to.”

“I mean, I didn't even know I had a choice back in the Accord. The company I worked for had a very stringent dress code policy.”

“I know all about those kinds of policies. Cosmic navy had a similar one. Strict uniform, frowns and scowls and all. Although later on in war the uniform was pretty universally ignored.” Hazel said as she began to push Isaac down the hallway. Things were more active now than they had been when he was dropped off at Hera’s office. Several affini were going about their work, some had humans or strange xenos cradled in their vine-like arms. There were also more human nurses pushing their patients around between offices.

“You were in the Cosmic Navy? Outside of the scar you definitely don't look like someone who’d join up.” Isaac asked as he looked back at Hazel.

“Ha ha, I was. Wasn't always the beauty you see before you. Once I was a grizzled combat doctor.” The nurse touched her face where the scar was, “Scar was much bigger for one. The affini did a good job at patching me up after they rescued me. They made me into the adorable floret you see now.”

“I didn't know scars like that could heal.”

“Not with Accord medicine for sure. But the Compact is leagues more advanced than the Accord ever was. You were asking about hair, the affini can change your whole being. Given the right class Gs, and biomods they can make you your dream self.”

My dream self. What would that even look like? It's not something he ever had the luxury of considering. I mean right now keeping his long hair sounded good. Maybe he could ask if they were able to dye it? But what colour? He'd have to put more thought into this.

Hazel interrupted his thought process. “Miss Hera must have given you a good dose of class E’s.”

“Is that what's keeping me from being in pain?”

“Oh definitely. One function of class E’s is as a painkiller. Although they're mostly used as sedatives.”

“Ah. Okay. I, umm, had another question. Slightly more personal.”

“What is it cutie?”

Isaac blushed. He really wasn't used to being called cutie by everyone. “That collar around your neck. You said you're a floret. If you're one of those Affini's pets, why are you working?”

“Well, I enjoy working here! It's always been my life's passion to help people. And while I certainly can't hold a scalpel anymore, that doesn't stop me from being a nurse. Helping other Terrans like you get all settled and comfortable. Ferrying patients around. Little things. My owner thinks it's really cute seeing me rush around in my scrubs!”

“Oh! That's very interesting.”

“Thank you. I really love my owner and I love to make them happy.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Oh! Looks like we’re here!” Announced Hazel.

Another large door opened and Hazel rolled Isaac into the room beyond. Built into the centre of the room was a bed; and around the table there were a bunch of odd machines. Half plant, half mechanical, with lens pointed at the bed. There was a window and door leading to another room at the back. There he could see another table and another biomechanical apparatus. It resembled an Accord MRI machine but ever so slightly different. There was strange xeno behind the control counter. It was very insect-like, with a hard pearlescent, chitinous shell, six appendages and huge compound eyes.

“Now Isaac, I'm going to lift you up and place you on the examination bed okay? And then Chrystina is going to start taking the imaging scans Hera ordered. In addition you're also going to use the machine at the back after this.” Before Isaac could nod in affirmation, Hazel easily picked him up and placed him on the examination table. “You got this. I'm just going to stand outside now with your wheelchair.” Hazel squeezed his hand gently before leaving the room.

“Umm okay” Isaac looked up at the machine pointed at his body. “Umm, hi.. Christine was it?”

The xeno chattered, and a translation device attached to it’s neck said “Chrystina. Now, we're just going to take some X-rays. I'll need you to close your eyes while I conduct them. I heard you injured yourself quite badly. So I'll be moving you as needed.”

“I'm perfectly capable of rolling myself in any direction you need.” Isaac replied. Why did everyone here feel the need to do things for him?

The xeno chittered, “Your file says I am not to allow you to attempt to move in such a way that could re-injure yourself. I'll be the one to shift you as needed. Now please, stay as you are and close your eyes for me.”

Nothing he could do but obey. Isaac closed his eyes and he could sense the machine around him starting to move. Chrystina said, “Now stay still.”

The first of the x-rays was taken. He could hear the pitter patter of the insect aliens feet approach him, “I'm going to move you now.” He felt four small hands on his body and he was moved into another position. This process was repeated several times.

Eventually Chrystina got what it wanted. It approached Isaac again and lifted him onto a stretcher and moved him into the other room. He was deposited on the other bed. This bed was on tracks that lead into the big MRI looking machine. He asked, “I take it I have to close my eyes and stay still for this one too?”

“Exactly. You are correct Isaac. Now if you'd kindly?”

Isaac did as he was told. The bed was slowly pushed into the machine automatically. He could hear the hum of the MRI machine surround him.

He heard Chrystina say, “Hold your breath please.”

He did and the machine started. The machine whirred around him as it did it's job. He was given a moment to breathe and then it continued. Again and again. It felt like forever by the time it finished.

“There, done. Thank you for being so patient.” Chrystina pressed a button on it’s console. “Hazel, we're all done here now. You may pick up Isaac.”

Isaac exhaled a sigh of relief for the scanning to finally be over. He tried to get himself up and walk over to the door but the insect xeno was quickly upon him chattering incessantly. “I was just trying to get up!”

“Isaac you're not allowed without help!” Chrystina said as it struggled to get Isaac to lay back down.

At that moment the far door opened and Hazel rolled a wheelchair in. Seeing what was going on she quickly ran over. “Oh my stars Isaac! What do you think you're doing?”

“Just trying to get up! I figured I could at least make it easier for you to place me in the wheelchair if I was sitting up.”

Hazel looked at Chrystina with mild frustration, “Let me handle him. It's fine. Herb’s note mentioned he might try something like this.”

“Hey, Herb was just being overly cautious! I can do small things. I'm not some fragile doll that will break if you drop it.”

Turning back to Isaac, “You're very adorable Isaac. But you can't just do these things that may cause further injury.”

“I lived several months by myself without any help. I think I can sit up by myself.” Isaac said in a huff.

“And from the looks of you, that time alone didn't help. Please just heed Miss Herapericum and Herb’s instructions. We all care for you here and we want to help. But it makes it harder for us when you don't listen.”

“Fine.” Isaac looked away from Hazel to some unspecified spot on the wall, “You can take me back to her now then. Since the imaging is done.”

“I’m sorry Isaac. I know you wanted to make things easier for us, but easier for us is you following instructions. Just trust me when I say we all just want what's best for you. The affini know what they're doing. You're going to come out of this better than you are before.” Hazel lifted Isaac off of the examination bed and gently placed him back in the wheelchair.

Isaac didn't respond. He didn't say anything for the rest of the trip to Hera’s office. Even though he knew Hazel was ultimately right, Isaac refused to acknowledge it. It was better he said nothing than snap again. Hazel attempted conversation once or twice, but gave up. Eventually they reached the office. Upon entering Isaac saw there was another Affini present. Also dressed up in a lab coat, another vet? Behind both of them there was also another human. She was wearing a colourful dress and was doing her best to hide behind Hera’s legs.

The affini were talking in a language he couldn't even begin to comprehend. When Hera noticed him she said, “Oh good, you're here Isaac. I have some exciting news for you.”

For the first time since leaving the imaging lab Isaac spoke, “What good news? I'm not as bad off as you thought?”

“Oh no Isaac. You're still going to need surgery. It's something we're going to do later today, don't you worry. They just need to get the room and instruments prepped.”

Looking up at the other affini, “Then what's the good news?”

“The good news is that Lonicera Caprifolium, Third Bloom, has agreed to take you on as her ward after surgery.”

“Hello Petal, you can just call me Miss Lonny.”

Notes:

I think the following chapters are going to be interesting. He just met Lonicera who is going to take him in as her ward. But things are going to get interesting when he continues to crave his independence and Lonny refuses to give it to him. My overall goal is to get them both to grow together. Meet each other where they're at and all.

Anyways thanks for reading!

Chapter 4: Dolls

Summary:

Isaac is introduced to the affini who will be taking over his wardship. He isn't particularly pleased. Hera gives Isaac the lowdown on his condition and what she will be doing to alleviate his suffering. Finally we get to meet Ginger

Wardship? He was going to become one of those glassy eyed-florets? Well maybe not always glassy-eyed, Hazel seemed to have her wits about her. But a pet? The broadcasts said only rebels would become florets. At least they implied it. He wasn't a rebel! “But.. but.. I'm not a rebel! I can't become a floret! I just came in to get help! I don't wanna go with Loni-whatsits!” 

Lonicera’s smile drooped, she looked genuinely hurt. “I'm sad to hear you don't want to be my ward darling. But I'm afraid you have no choice.” 

Hera interrupted holding up a piece of paper, “What Lonicera is trying to say, Petal, is that you've already signed the paperwork that says that you'd like to become a ward if your Veterinarian, me, believes it to be prudent.” 

“But I don't want to be a pet!” Isaac’s eyes teared up as he was getting more and more frustrated. Sure he was actually getting the help he wanted but at what cost?

Despite Isaac’s best efforts to bap away Lonicera’s flowered vines as they approached, he wasn't strong enough to stop them from wrapping around his body. He felt several quick pinches and a series of hisses. In an instant his whole body felt warm, and the sensation of Lonicera’s vines stopped being uncomfortable and instead felt good. He couldn't help but shiver as they shifted around him. As much as he wanted to continue being upset at the situation he found himself in, the negative thoughts dissolved in a sea of pleasurable sensation. 

“Dear, dear, dear, Isaac, you're not going to become a floret unless you want to, or unless you become a danger to yourself and others. But you're not going to hurt anyone are you?”

Isaac nodded in agreement. He couldn't dream of hurting anyone. He was a good ..boy. 

She continued “A wardship is not permanent.” 

“It's.. it's not?” Isaac said as Lonicera bent down to wipe a tear from his face. 

“It's not dear. You’ll just be with me until you heal up. It will be my job to look after you. To care for you, and provide your every need and want. Hera has already put a call out to collect your things to bring to my Hab unit. And when you're all healed up they’ll be moved to a Hab unit of your very own!” 

“But.. my apartment.” Isaac was starting to lose focus as Lonicera’s vines began running themselves through his hair. “I won't be… going..”

“Oh no Petal, your apartment is much too dangerous for habitation. But trust me, your new hab unit at the end of this wardship will be a hundred times better!” 

His apartment wasn't… he lost his train of thought as another vine joined in petting his head. All he could get out was, “Promise?” 

“I promise dear. Your new hab unit will be absolutely splendid! Trust me Petal, it's for your own good.” Lonicera said with a smile. 

Hera made a clicking noise, and Hazel was on her way out of the office.

“You really know how to handle them, Lonicera.” Hera said in an affini dialect as Isaac melted into Lonicera's vines. Lost in complete bliss. 

“This is why I was the feral breaker Herapericum, and you were always the Vet. I just have a gift.” Replied Lonicera in the same dialect. 

“You sure you want to handle this one? She's awfully stubborn from what I've seen and heard so far. She might be a challenge.” Hera sat down on her chair, and pat her leg twice in quick succession. The red haired girl that was hiding behind her ran over and reached up, vines meeting her halfway. She was deposited on Hera’s lap. 

“I don't believe you. You saw how fast she fell under my control.” Lonicera said with an air of confidence in her voice. 

“Just saying. She's got an independent streak. Did you read her file yet?” Hera stroked the head of the floret on her lap as she pulled up a piece of paper from a stack on her desk.

“Admittedly? No, not in any great detail yet.” 

“Well, says here, the reason for her injuries is that she was carrying a heavy container up a ramp.”

“And how does that prove her independent streak?” 

“Well before she started carrying that container she was offered help by several other sophont's but she refused each and everyone. Even when one of them pointed out it was dangerous.” 

“So, she's reckless.” 

“Seems that way. There’s a reason why I requested that she be placed in a wardship after all.” 

“Trust me Hera, she'll be well taken care of. I'll make sure to follow the xenodrug plan you requested. Oh looks like she's starting to become aware again.” 

Isaac groggily opened his eyes as Lonicera’s vines retreated from his thin frame. He instinctively reached out for them in his groggy state. But they didn't return. “Huh… where am I…” 

Through bleary eyes he looked up at the two affini who were glancing back down at him. To his eyes they were two giant feminine looking shapes. 

Hera responded to his query, “You're still in Lilac General sleepy head!”

“Oh, I had a weird dream that I injured myself and Xenos took over the Accord….”

“Oh no sweetie, that wasn't a dream. All of that happened.” Hera said with a rumbling chuckle in her voice. 

Isaac rubbed his eyes and the two feminine shapes came into focus. Wait there wasn't two beings in front of him, but three. The two that he thought were giant women, turned out to be giant plant like xenos. But the third… the third was a Terran like him clutching onto one of the xenos. She looked very familiar but he couldn't place his finger on it. When she saw him staring she quickly looked away and hid her face in the xeno’s chest. 

“Remember who we were?” Asked the second xeno.

“Umm…,” thoughts about where he was started to come back, “Umm, my doctor and Lon.. Loni..”

“Vet dear, doctors are for affini.” Hera corrected him. “And that's Miss Lonny you're right! Within the next week, once you have sometime to recover, she'll be taking you home with her!”

Isaac should have felt panic rising in his chest. Isaac knew he should be panicking. But for some reason the feeling didn't come. Instead he felt a warming calm throughout his body. He tried to remember what had happened to him before he fell asleep, but everything was fuzzy. 

He managed to open his mouth, “Miss Lonny?”

Lonciera’s vines rustled excitedly and she exclaimed in Affini, “Oh she said my name correctly!” She switched into Isaac’s language, “Yes my adorable little Terran? That is my name.”

“Miss Lonny, why.. move.. you again? I do.. don’t remember.” 

“Because Hera has deemed it necessary, Petal. You're going in for a major surgery soon, and as you have no one to look after you when you return home to your place of residence, Hera felt it was only right to recommend you for a wardship. So you can be looked after as you heal.” Seeing the still questioning look in Isaac’s eyes, “And why myself? I was readily available and willing to take you in. Don't you worry I'll make sure to look after your every want and need you little cutie. It's all for your own good.”

Part of Isaac wanted to disagree. Part of Isaac wanted to say that he would be fine on his own. But that part of him was stifled as he glanced up at Lonicera, her smiling face and her many eyes that were all fixed on him. Against his better judgement he forced a smile and nodded. 

Lonicera returned her vines to Isaac’s head and began petting him again. “Such a sweet Sophont. Good boys who listen and agree get rewards! You like rewards don't you?” 

He did like rewards. He nuzzled Lonicera’s vines as he exclaimed, “I like rewards!”

“Very good Petal! It's good to use your words. I knew you liked rewards~” Lonicera cooed as she continued to pet Isaac until the other affini touched her approximation of a shoulder, “However, my sweet Terran, you need to get back to listening to your vet. While I need to get going for now. I'm sorry, sweet thing. I promise to see you soon.” 

Lonicera’s vines retracted again leaving an empty feeling, a burning need in Isaac to be pet once more. He grumbled as the affini left the room. Now it was just him, his vet and the mystery woman. 

“I knew you'd like her, Isaac. Now we should get to business. So, I got your results back, and as you were being brought back here by Hazel I got a chance to look at them. Would you like to hear about your foot or your back first?” Hera said, bringing Isaac's attention back to her. 

Isaac had nearly forgotten why he was here in the first place. “Umm… foot.. I think. Is it okay for that girl to be here too? Isn't there doctor patient confidentiality?”

Hera pat the head of the Terran clinging to her. “Oh, Ginger? Don't worry about her. She won't tell anyone. Nothing to worry about.”

“Oh.. okay..”

“Alright then,” Hera dimmed the lights in the room and projected a chart showing an x-ray of his foot on the wall. “So, as seen here, the bones in your foot did heal, but they healed wrong. In several places we can see that the bones fused together. What I'm going to do when we conduct the surgery is that I'm going to take out these fused bones, and replace them. And then set your foot so that it will properly. We’ll be using one of our implants to replace the bone, and help heal the injury.”

The thought of them cutting open his foot and replacing his bones with some sort of weird affini tech should have scared Isaac, yet like earlier he remained unnaturally calm and composed. “H.. how long.. would I need to have this implant?”

“Well the implant would remain forever, but I'm assuming you're asking how long would it take for you to be able to use your foot again? That's dependent on many factors, the implant will be calibrated to your body specifically, and different sophont's bodies heal at different rates. All depending on rest and food intake. Both of which Lonicera will be sure to handle. But it also depends upon you, Isaac. My colleagues have told me how many times you’ve disregarded instructions today. Aggravating your injury won't help.”

Isaac wished he had the fidget spinner, but it was still in his regular clothes pocket. Instead he just played with his fingers. Even through the haze, he didn’t feel that it was right to be denied the small amount of freedom he got from being able to move. Even though it hurt him every time he moved. He didn’t enjoy everyone's over protectiveness. It felt like people were treating him like an old porcelain doll. Something fragile and not to be touched let alone played with. And besides all he wanted to do was make things easier on those helping him. 

A moment of silence passed between the vet and her patient. Finally, the affini broke the silence with a sigh. “Isaac, you know all of us here just want to help you feel better. I know it's hard. You must be feeling pretty bad right now. And that's okay. As much as I would love for you to be happy, you're allowed to be upset. I'm going to talk about your back injuries now and what options you have. Then we can talk about what has been making you so upset. Is that okay?” 

Isaac nodded in affirmation.

“Here. I would like you to take one of these,” Hera pulled another basket out from her shelving unit and held it in front of Isaac. It was filled with stuffies. There were some in shapes he recognized, different animals he'd seen before in old movies. Others he wasn't so sure of, there was a jellyfish like creature but it wasn't exactly what he knew jellyfish to look like, there were various, what he assumed to be xenos animals maybe? There were also some that looked like affini, and some that looked like terrans. He reached for one of the Terran dolls. It was in the shape of a woman, with long brown hair wearing a maid outfit. 

It looked very familiar somehow. Like something from his past that he couldn't quite place. Part of him struggled against the idea of choosing it, but no matter which other plushie he examined, he couldn't help but shake the fact that the doll was the right one. He picked it up from the container and clutched it tightly against his chest. He began to relax immediately. 

“Now, let's get to your back shall we?” Hera changed the slide to show an X-ray of his back. “So, there's many things going on here. First, you’ll notice the breaks and subsequent maladaptive regrowth in the vertebrae labelled c5 to 7, and two lower back breaks in vertebrae Th 11 and 12. What this means plainly, is that you broke your spine in two places, and it healed wrong.”

Hera zoomed the image in on one of the vertebrae, “Now, in addition to that, the breaks caused bone spurs, which are sharp flakes of bone that jut into nerves. This is where your immense pain comes from. Because of this injury, it also looks like the cartilage surrounding these vertebrae has deteriorated, as well as some slipped discs. Which means the small discs that serve as pads between your vertebrae have moved, and now movements are bone on bone. Rather than having a cushion between them.”

Isaac held the doll tightly, “That’s.. bad.”

“It is bad, but the good news is that we can do something about it. Well, two options. The first is implanting you with a Haustoric implant that will heal and take the place of the broken vertebrae. But that would require you becoming a floret. Which is something that you've already expressed disinterest in.”

Hera was right; he didn't like that option. “The second is that we open up your back like we would with a Haustoric implant but instead of that, I would remove and replace the damaged vertebrae with a dense bark-like replacement. Then I would identify and replace the dense cartilage lost with a biomechanical implant that will serve as replacement. Each slipped disk will be replaced with biomechanical tissue and algae fusion that's designed to resemble the missing discs. The biological components will adapt and fuse to your spine, allowing the implants to be accepted and assimilated into your body. Some important things to note, part of the process for both procedures is that a flower or series of flowers will sprout from your body. They'll start red and eventually turn white. These are an indicator to allow us to know when the healing process has finished. Second, this procedure will leave you with gaps in your spine until the implants grow and do their thing. You won't be able to support your body without those vertebrae, and while you will have your nerves intact and you will be able to move your legs and toes and such, you won't be able to sit up, let alone stand without support.”

Isaac nervously played with the doll's hair, “I don't want to become a floret. But, that also sounds scary.”

“It is scary, sweetie. All major surgeries are, even if it's something a Sophont wants. But trust me, you're in good vines, or rather hands I suppose. I will make sure nothing bad happens during the procedure and I don't expect any complications. Now, let's talk about those feelings you have been having.” Hera pulled out her note book once again. 

“I like moving on my own, doing things on my own, and…” he trailed off, he can't be this... object. He stared at the wall behind Hera. His mind placed a thought in his lap. Burden. He continued, “I'm not made of porcelain. I can take care of myself.”

“I know you're not fragile, sweetie. I wouldn't even say you're broken, despite the reason why you're here. You're not used to being looked after. Is that fair to say?”

“May..maybe.”

“The responsibility of being looked after falls to both the person responsible for the one needing help, and the one who needs help. It's our job as caregivers to give you the best life we can. That also means making sure you're happy and comfortable with the care. Obviously you haven't been feeling that. But it is also your responsibility to listen when things are requested of you. Your injuries are serious. And so I have been taking them seriously. It's important to prevent re-injury in cases like this.”

Isaac fell silent. 

“However, I see now that you have a need to feel useful. What was it you said before? ‘That you're not fragile’. I propose this, I will provide you with things to do that are not moving or potentially re-injuring yourself, but will help in your healing process. And you listen to my instructions and stop trying to walk or get up without help?” 

Hera’s proposal sounded reasonable. But he couldn't imagine what kinds of things Hera would have him doing as he healed. Perhaps there was some computer work that he could do from laying down position? “Alright, I'll do my best.”

“That's a good boy. The surgery room won't be fully prepped until this evening, so there isn't too much for you to do right now. So, what I want you to do is go get cleaned and have that haircut. Hazel will be along shortly to bring you to our groomers. The other thing I want you to do is to talk with my little Ginger. I'm going to be busy and the coworker I had looking after her will also be busy. I'm sure you can handle it. I think you'll find you two have more in common than you think.” Hera winked half of her many eyes. 

Isaac could see the woman, Ginger, shake a bit. He saw Hera whispering something to the girl, and the two talked quietly for a moment. Eventually Ginger relented at whatever they were saying and the floret was placed beside Isaac’s wheelchair. Finally getting a good look at her face, she looked really familiar. But yet Isaac just could not place his finger on where he knew her from. Besides that he didn't realize that she had dog-like ears and a fluffy tail that was currently between her legs.

“Hi, umm, Ginger was it? I'm Isaac Isiodore. It's a pleasure to meet you.” Isaac reached out his hand. 

The girl was shy, as she covered her face and shook his hand. “H… hi Isaac.” 

“So… umm. Uh.. tail?” Real smooth Isaac. 

“Oh this?” She held up her tail, “this is something I chose to have done. Well, technically Mommy chose it for me, but she knew I'd love it. I always really liked dogs and other canines. Foxes are pretty cool too. I find it really amazing that dogs and wolves are the same species! I mean not that wolves really exist anymore outside of old films. Especially when you consider the sheer variety of dog breeds. Like it's amazing to consider that a Great Dane and a Teacup Pomeranian are the same species! Let alone either of them being the same species as wolves!” 

Huh, Isaac thought, maybe he could relate to Ginger. He, too, liked to talk about the things he loves. 

“Tell me more about dog breeds.” He asked. He knew he was awkward, but maybe he could continue the conversation like one of those old rpg dialogue trees. He was still very curious as to why she felt just so familiar. 

Notes:

I really think Isaac just struggles with a lot. He wants to do his best. He wants help. But he's still not quite sure how to accept it. He has difficulty using his words. But he's certainly getting there.

Thank you everyone for reading

Chapter 5: Soap and Suds

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Isaac is brought to the bath area of the Veterinarian Hospital by Ginger and Hazel. Some long past memories resurface.
When finally put into the water Isaac has one of the best experiences of his life that brings him and one of the Affini he's met closer together.

Notes:

Hey this is the one that really starts the Forcefemme, as well as having some questionable Bath time fun.
Also talks of Dysphoria and brief thoughts on death (past)

As Isaac was being pushed along to his next destination he quickly learned that the shy floret was actually quite excitable. In fact, she was the most excitable person he’d ever met. Well, maybe the second most excitable person. When he was younger he used to have a friend who would energetically ramble to him about every kind of starship in the Cosmic Navy. But one day he and his family just disappeared. When Isaac asked his father what happened to his friend, he gave Isaac a non-answer. Just some hand waving that they had to leave. Isaac never did find out what happened to his friend. 

“... and that's why the creator of the Golden Doodle called it a mistake. Hey Isaac? Are you still there?” Ginger waved her hand in front of Isaac's eyes. 

Isaac blinked in confusion, “I.. yea I'm still here. Just lost in thought I suppose.” 

“I get like that too sometimes, Mommy’s xenodrugs sometimes make me a bit spacey.” Replied Ginger. 

“That they do, and clumsy to boot.” Hazel’s voice agreed from behind Isaac. 

“No, no, not the xenodrugs. I don't think? I don't even know what drugs they've put into me. Just that my back and foot aren't in constant pain.” Isaac really had to think, how many times was he poked with a needle or had a mask forced on his face today? At least once, there might have been more times but his memories of the past several hours all felt hazy. As if he was swimming through murky waters. 

“If it's not Mommy’s Xenodruggies, then, what is it, Isaac?” Ginger cocked her head to one side. 

At that moment Isaac thought she was so utterly adorable. He couldn't help but blush. “Well, I could help but think about how much you remind me of someone I used to know. But there's no way you could be him. I haven't seen him in years and besides you're a girl.” 

Ginger looked away. She smiled a small, sad smile. Her voice cracked as she attempted to speak, and she cleared her throat a little too roughly for a girl her size. 

“Uh-hm, yeah… About that…”

Isaac looked up inquisitively. “What, are you like his cousin or something?”

Hazel pressed her face into the palm of her hand. “You really don't know, do you Isaac?” 

“What! What don't I know?” 

“I'm your friend from back then, silly.” Ginger said quietly 

“But, you're a girl, you can't be? My friend was a boy.”

“Isaac, I was a girl back then too. I just didn't tell anyone.” Ginger sighed. 

“And you left without telling me because?”

“I didn't have a choice. When my parents found out they actually blamed you.” 

“Blamed me? Why? I'm very much a guy? I don't see what that has to do with you being a girl. Or leaving for that matter.” Why would they blame him? He didn't remember ever doing anything bad to Ginger. They were friends after all.

“You don't remember, do you?” Ginger said with a tone of sadness to her voice.

“Remember what Ginger?” Isaac exclaimed.

Before Ginger could respond Hazel stopped her with a look. 

“Remember what Ginger?” Isaac repeated. 

Ginger’s eyes seemed a little distant for a moment before she replied, “Just that we played pretend a lot, and our parents didn't like it.” 

“That's a silly reason to move." Isaac said.

“It is very silly. To be honest I wasn't sure how you were going to react to me if or once you knew. That's kinda why I've been avoiding you.” 

“I mean it's all kinda strange. But you're Ginger right? Why wouldn't I use that name?” 

 Ginger would have jumped on Isaac to give him a big hug, but she thought better of it. Instead she grabbed his hand, “Thank you ever so much for understanding! I hope we can become close friends again!” 

“Haha, I’d like that too.” Isaac said as the wheelchair came to a stop in front of another large door. Hazel rang them in. The room they found themselves in resembled what Isaac always imagined a Terran Spa to look like. Well, a Terran spa, if it was made for dogs and cats. There were several large tubs spread out neatly around the space; all set high up off the ground. Each had a shower head, and strangely a bucket placed each tub. Over in one corner was a bunch of bottles, that Isaac could only guess would be the shampoo and soap solutions the Vet would use to clean him with. None of them seemed to be in a Terran script. There were also several, he supposed you could call them seats placed on top of a table at the back of the room. Over to his right he could make out an entrance to a separate room, he could barely just make out the massive mirrors, and barber style seats. Currently it didn't seem like anyone was around. 

Hazel grunted and looked at her datapad, “Well, I guess we're early. Let's see here, huh that's strange. It looks to me that the groomer that was supposed to attend to you was switched at the last minute…”

The door burst open from behind them and Isaac heard a familiar voice, “Why hello there Petal! I'm here to give your bath and makeover!” 

He spun his wheelchair around, and there, filling up the giant doorframe was Miss Lonny. She gave him a huge, slightly inhuman smile. In her arms, she carried a big, see-through basket with a large pink towel inside, along with a pair of scissors and a bottle of some sort of cream. Both the scissors seemed comically small for her. Isaac doubted she could fit her fingers through them. 

“Hello Miss Lonny!” Ginger yelled enthusiastically, her puppy tail wagging furiously. 

“Hi Ginger!” Lonicera said as her eyes settled on the floret, “I see you've made friends with my Isaac.” 

My Isaac? Thought Isaac. We barely met once. I know I'm going to be in her care but she already sounds so possessive.  

“Mhm! Although we knew each other before!” Ginger said cheerfully. 

“Oh is that so? That's very good to hear then. It's good to catch up with friends. However Flower, I'm going to have to ask you to head back to Hera. I'm going to be washing Isaac soon, and I heard he prefers his privacy.” 

“Oh okay! That makes sense. Okay I'll head out with Hazel! Goodbye Miss Lonny! Bye bye Isaac!” It seemed for a moment the floret was going to launch into a tight hug, but she paused for a moment as if remembering sometime and placed a hand on his head instead. Afterwards, the two florets left the room. 

Lonicera moved her eyes back to Isaac. “She really is quite the sweetheart. I'm very glad to hear that you've been making friends, Isaac.” Her tone changed to one of sadness, “From what Hera has told me, it doesn't seem like you had many friends in the last couple of months.” 

“I mean… no I guess I didn't. Anyone I knew just wrote me off for dead.” Isaac’s gaze fell to the floor. It's not like he could blame his old friends. Not being able to work in the Accord was a death sentence to all but the richest oligarchs. 

Isaac felt Lonicera’s vines wrap around him in a tight embrace, “I'm very sorry to hear that, Petal. But don't you worry, I know all sorts of wonderful sophont's who I'm sure would absolutely love to meet you! Now, Isaac, Hera told me that you're very shy about your body, is that right?” 

Isaac looked at the ground and nodded. 

“Petal, would you mind explaining it to me? So I know the best way to help you get all clean today.” 

Isaac's voice trembled, “I just.. don't like people seeing my body. I don't know, it just feels very wrong.”

“Are there any spots particularly troubling you? For example if I were to gaze at your delightfully lovely little belly, would that cause you distress?” Lonicera said as she poked her own facsimile of a belly. 

Isaac giggled, “No that's silly; why would I be self conscious about my belly?” 

“Many sophont's are self conscious about their bellies, whether they're too small or too big. Having either size is perfectly okay. But in this case it's good to know that's not the problem. Let me guess some other areas. Hmm could it be your exposed arms!” With that Lonicera began to wiggle around her arms, as well as several of her larger vines. 

“Miss Lonny, my arms are already mostly exposed.” Isaac said with a smile.

“Well I have to check off all my bases; alright so not your arms. I know maybe it's those adorable little legs and toes you have!” This time Lonicera sat down on the ground beside Isaac's wheelchair and moved her legs, formed toes and then wiggled those. 

Isaac was laughing hard now, “Oh my goodness Miss Lonny! You know Terrans joke about not showing their feet for free.”

“Well Affini have no concept of money in our society, so showing our feet is always free.”

Isaac couldn't stop laughing. To think, he was initially nervous of these big plant goofballs. The Accord propaganda was so utterly wrong about them being scary monsters that ate peoples livers. He thought it was bullshit when he heard it, and this was just proof of that lie.

“Okay now Petal, we only have a couple of areas left. So, is the problem your chest?” Lonicera placed her hands on her chest. 

It took Isaac a second to think about it. He never thought that his chest could be the part of the problem. Given the fact it wasn't his tummy, but it was still the top area, the chest made absolute sense. He didn't like showing off his chest to anyone. He nodded nervously, “I think that's part of the problem yea. I really don't like it when people see my bare chest. I can't explain why, but that's it.”

“I had a feeling Petal. And it's absolutely okay. We can find a work around. There's an atomic compiler just outside this room, and I'll ask Hazel to compile you a garment that covers that chest of yours, don't you worry. But I'll still need to touch it in order to get you all clean. There's one last place and I think you know what it is. How do you feel about exposing that part of you?”

Isaac’s answer was immediate, “Absolutely not. I don't feel comfortable sharing that part of me at all.” 

“It's okay Petal, I have the same solution as the chest. I can make sure that Hazel compiles you a set of bottoms, but again I'm going to have to touch you there in order to properly clean you. This is non-negotiable.” 

Isaac wasn't comfortable with this, but it was ages since he last cleaned himself. He has to accept the terms. “Okay I trust you.”

“I'm glad to hear that darling flower! Now let me just message Hazel, and then we can begin.” Lonicera reached into her chest and pulled out a pad. It was fairly woody, but he swore he could see a screen.

“Umm, Miss Lonny I have a couple of questions.” 

“Of course cutie! What would you like to know?”

“First, what's a matter compiler, and second, what's that in your hands?”

“Well, this is a data pad, you'll be getting your own soon! After your surgery. It's like.. what do you call it.. a computer l think. It allows me to message different sophont's. As well as it allows me to do a number of other fun things! Like watching videos, making art, and playing games. I think you'll enjoy yours when you get it. While a matter compiler makes things. For example the clothes Hazel is going to make you, or any food you'd like! Although I'll be making all your food at home. I find that a loving touch always makes the food taste better. It always delights me so much to see my floret enjoying my food!” 

“Oh that makes sense! I'm guessing the compilers are the reason why you don't have money eh?”

“Such a clever Sophont! That's exactly right!” 

Heat rushed to Isaac's face. Praise was very much a foreign concept to him, and it felt good. “Ummmdbdbdd thank you.”

“What a good Sophont , you are! Such a darling!” 

One of Lonicera’s vines began scritching behind Isaac's ear. Isaac’s hand started involuntarily tapping against his leg. After a minute Hazel walked in carrying a set of clothes. 

“Hey Miss Lonny, I got the swimwear you requested. I really like the pattern you chose!” Hazel said as she approached. From behind Isaac she passed them to Lonicera. 

“Thank you ever so much Petal. I think they're going to look really nice on Isaac, don't you think?” Isaac could see Lonicera’s mouth grow into a wide smile, full of sharp teeth like thorns. That was a little concerning. 

Hazel teased back, “Oh, I’m sure they'll look amazing. You have a good bath Isaac. From what Hera’s said it seems like preparation of the surgery room is going very well. They should be done when you're all clean and your hair is cut.”

“Umm thank you for letting me know. This is all so fast. The Accord would never.” Isaac said with a tone of surprise.

“Affini work fast! I’ll see you after. Excited to see your new look!” Isaac could hear her voice get smaller and smaller as she walked away from him. Eventually he heard the door open and shut. 

Turning his attention back to Lonicera. He moved his gaze around her to try and look for the new swimwear. “So, what do the clothes look like? Can I see them?”

“Oh? Well I think you just have to close your eyes and wait for me to put them on you first.” Lonicera’s smile was practically from ear to ear. That is, if she actually had ears. Isaac wasn't sure.

“But…”

“No buts Petal. Close your eyes and I'll put these on you. Don't worry I'll stand at your back so I don't see your chest or crotch.” 

Isaac closed his eyes. The instant they were shut he felt vines pulling on his hospital gown. Freeing it from his body. He felt another vine tap on his shoulders as if to say lift up. He complied and a soft fabric slid down his arms, over his head and settled on chest. More vines gently lifted him up and slid more soft fabric up his legs, coming to a stop a little higher than his crotch. They felt different than the boxers he was used to. More snug and tight, but incredibly comfortable.

“These feel really comfortable. Can I open my eyes yet?” Isaac’s curiosity was killing him. 

“One more second Petal.” Isaac could hear some shuffling, “Alright now! You can open them.” 

Isaac opened his eyes, and there he was in a large hand mirror being held up by Lonicera. On his chest was.. a bra? And he was wearing panties! A matching set, both with a beautiful floral pattern of Honeysuckle flowers.  He was thinking she was going to get some loose fitting tank top, or a set of swim trunks for him to wear. This was totally unexpected. 

He opened his mouth up to complain but quickly felt a vine pressed against his lips. 

“Before you say anything Petal, are these clothes not some of the most comfortable you've ever worn? Aren't they gorgeous, and fitted just to your exact shape and size?” 

Lonicera was right, they were so very comfortable. They did look really good on him…. he shook his head, “But they're girl clothes!”

“Are they? Clothes have no gender. And besides they look adorable on you. I think they are perfect Isaac clothes.” 

“But..”

Isaac felt a vine on his chin, pushing his gaze up directly into Lonicera’s eyes. Her five gorgeous eyes. They were even more beautiful than the first time he had gazed into them. There were so many pretty swirls and patterns in them. He felt himself getting lost. He didn't even feel the prick on his shoulder. 

 

“Isaac, listen to me, to my words. This is for your own good. Repeat after me. Clothes have no gender.” Smile. Nod. Obey. 

Isaac's face lit up in a smile as he nodded. “Clothes have no gender.”

“ All the clothes that Miss Lonicera picks out for me look fantastic when I'm wearing them.” Smile. Nod. Obey.

“All the clothes that Miss Lonicera picks out for me look fantastic when I'm wearing them.” 

“The clothes I'm currently wearing are not girl clothes, they're my clothes. And I love them very much.” Smile. Nod. Obey.

“The clothes I'm currently wearing are not girl clothes, they're my clothes. And I love them very much.”

“Thank you Miss Lonicera.” Smile. Nod. Obey.

“Thank you Miss Lonicera.” 

Before releasing him from his trance, there was one more thing Lonicera decided to put into his silly little head. Something to help her along. 

 

With a snapping of Lonicera's fingers, and another prick on his shoulder, Isaac came back to himself. 

“Now Petal, what do you think of the clothes you're wearing?” 

“I love them! I think they look absolutely fantastic on me! Thank you Miss Lonicera.” Isaac said happily.

“That's my good girl Sophont. Now are we ready for your bath?”

“Yes absolutely!” Isaac said as he was gently swept up onto Lonicera’s arms. She carried him to one of the big tubs, which had one of those strange seats in it. “Miss Lonny? What's that seat?” 

Lonicera placed Isaac into the seat. “Oh this is to keep you nice and upright, so that we don't strain your back as I'm washing you.” 

“Oh that makes sense!”

Lonicera started the water on the tub, it was nice and warm and the perfect temperature as it hit Isaac’s feet, rapidly filling up to ready just above his knees. Before he was able to ask why it stopped, Lonicera’s vines were on him. They were softer and spongier than they usually were. When she pressed against him, it felt warm, as water and soap cascaded down from the vine. 

To Isaac the warm water was nothing compared to the sensation of Lonicera’s vines covering his body in their soapy embrace. Everywhere she touched a pleasant feeling followed. As she moved up his back to his head, he practically moaned. The feeling of her vines cleaning,what felt like every individual strand of hair, was indescribable. She was gentle but not too gentle, she was rough but not too rough. He loved the way her vines massaged his scalp. The moment she started to move away to another part of his body, Isaac couldn't help but place a hand to try and hold her vines on his head. 

“Petal, we need to clean the rest of your body too.” 

Very timidly Isaac said, “Please don't stop massaging my head…” 

Lonicera giggled, “Alright Petal, but I'm going to add something a little extra. A special shampoo.” 

When Lonicera pressed her vines into Isaac’s scalp once more, the sensations he was feeling before were turned up to eleven. Everything felt so much more. So much more warmth, so many more tingles throughout his body, so much more good. Even the smallest twitch of her vines sent pleasure through this body. He leaned into the pets and let out a loud moan. 

“I think she he likes it!” Giggled Lonicera. “Let's see if you like this as well.” 

More of her vines spread from her body, each filling itself up on water and the special shampoo, together they descended upon his torso. Starting at his tummy, they spread out, some moving up and groping at his chest, while others teasing the top part of his panties. It felt so right to Isaac to have her vines groping at his chest. The sensation as they squeezed what little fat and muscle he had, the flicks over his nipples. If he wasn't already moaning, he certainly was now. It only took less than a moment for an orgasm to build and release. He blushed profusely. 

“Umm… I umm.” What could he say? 

“Made a mess? That's okay Petal. You're in the bath after all. I'll just make sure to clean that up.” 

The vines that were teasing at the top of his panties, suddenly moved down and started, ‘cleaning’, that part of him. Several of the larger vines groped at his ass, while a bunch of tinier vines played across the tip of his cock. Everything was so much and so good, he could feel his brain start to shut off. He became a being of pure pleasure for the rest of the bath. A complete moaning mess. 

When he finally came to, he found himself in a barbers chair, with Lonny working on his haircut. In the mirror he could see that she indeed was keeping Hera’s word, and keeping his hair long. Despite the fact that more than several inches was cut off, it was still just above his shoulders. It looked… so clean. So much nicer than the ratty mess it had it become in the several months since his injury. What was even better was that he could finally see his bare face again. Miss Lonny must have shaved it off when he was off in la la land. It felt so good to have that beard removed. He couldn't even see stubble. 

Lonicera noticed his alertness, “Welcome back darling. As you can see I already removed all hair from your face and I'm just putting the final touches on your hair.”

“I don't even see stubble, how did you do that?” 

“Well, Hera told me how much you disliked your facial hair, so I permanently removed it using a special cream! I mean permanently is a strong word. But you won't be able to grow it again without help from some Class Gs.” 

“You can just do that?”

“We can! We can make any modification to your body if it's something that would make you happy. We can also make your hair grow back faster as well! If you want to regain your length that is. I also have to say Isaac, you're looking very beautiful handsome after your bath and hair cut.” 

Isaac was sure after all of the blushing he had already done today that there was no more left in him. But of course he was wrong as the blood rushed to his face again.

“You really are such an absolutely darling girl Sophont, aren't you? I'm so glad I get to bring you home at the end of all this.” 

“I guess that won't be so bad. You have been just so kind to me.”

“Of course, I'm not a monster, Isaac. I'm going to take such good care of you. That you might never leave. Ah! All done! What do you think?”

Isaac looked in the mirror. Miss Lonny has given him a cute bob style haircut. He was surprised at just how good it looked on him. It wouldn't have been something he would have naturally chosen for himself, but he liked it. “I love it, Miss Lonny! Thank you!” 

“I knew you would Petal. Now I have to change you back into your hospital gown, it’s about time to head over to the surgery room.”

Isaac did not want to stop wearing his new clothes that Miss Lonicera picked out for him. He loved them so much, and they did look really good on him. “But, I like these clothes.”

“I know Petal, but we don't want to damage or ruin them do we? Besides I'll make sure to bring them home so you can wear them all the time, okay? I have all sorts of outfits for you that I know you'll love.”

“Oh.. okay.” Isaac automatically lifted up his arms to allow Lonicera to remove them for him. As like before she stood behind him, removed his current clothes and placed him back in his hospital gown. 

As Lonicera placed Isaac gently back into his wheelchair she asked “Are you nervous? For your upcoming surgery?”

Isaac had to think for a moment. He was a little nervous. With everything going on he did have a chance to think about it. This was a major surgery, that strange xenos.. vets were doing to him. “Umm maybe a little, a little meaning a lot.” He admitted. 

“It's all going to be okay, Petal. Hera knows what she's doing. You're going to be okay.”

Isaac looked down and away from Lonicera. 

Seeing his continued nervousness she added, “You can hold my vine as I push you towards the surgery room okay? I just know I'll be waiting on the other end. You got this Petal.”

“Okay. I got this.” Isaac said as he and Lonicera made their way out of the baths, hand in vine. 

 

Notes:

Finally some smut! I had a good time writing this chapter. Finally got to play around with Silly Plampts, hypnosis and sexy bath times.
I hope all my readers enjoyed it as well ^_^

Thank you all for reading!

Chapter 6: Worries and Reassurances

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

After a long day of being looked after at the Veterinarian's office, everything is finally prepared for Isaac's surgery. Isaac will truly start to learn what being looked after by the affini entails.

Isaac sleepily clutched onto Lonicera’s vine the whole way to the surgery room. It had already been such a long day for him. To think he hadn't seen or spoken to anyone in months, and now, suddenly, he had rapidly met a practical bouquet of new and colourful sophonts. Or well, he was pretty sure that the word ‘sophont’ meant ‘people’. Combined with the fact he wasn't used to spending this much energy moving around, it was no wonder why he was feeling so tired. 

The two came to a stop in what appeared to be a waiting room. Another one of Lonicera’s vines reached down and grabbed Isaac’s maid doll from the basket underneath his wheelchair. She placed it in his arms. He instinctively brought the soft, plush, doll close to his body in a hug.

Lonicera cooed, “Now aren't you just the cutest! I can see you're getting tired, Petal. You don't have to worry; you're going to be able to sleep soon. I have to go let Hera know we’re here. You just cuddle your dolly, and I'll be back in a moment.”

Isaac held on to the maid doll tightly with one hand and tried to pull Lonicera's vine back with the other hand. “But…”

Lonicera placed one of her large hands gently on the top of Isaac's head and began to pet. “It will be alright; I'm only going over to the door over there and giving it a knock. I'm not going too far. But, I suppose I could message Hera instead and stay here with you.”

“Yes please, do that.” Isaac said, “I just..” 

From inside her chest Lonicera pulled out a data pad and started typing on it. Sitting down on the floor beside Isaac she said, “I understand, Flower. I'll wait right here with you.”

The Terran clutched onto his doll tighter. “Thank you Miss Lonny. I just.. today was a lot, you know? I had to summon up the courage just to call this place. And all of sudden I was being lifted up by Herb and whisked away. When I got here Affini and Terrans all just crowded around me, making sure I was alright. Telling me what I can, or can't do. I'm just overwhelmed I guess.” 

The affini paused for a moment, her hand continuing to run itself over Isaac's head, “These things can be overwhelming for a little sophont like you; and I want to let you know, I am very proud of how brave you’ve been. You were a good girl sophont, and you asked for help when you needed it.” 

As Isaac blushed, the door to the surgery opened and Hera stepped out, “Hello Isaac! I love the haircut. It looks really good on you. I've prepared the room and it's all ready for you now. C’mon in.” 

Lonicera wheeled him into a bright, clean, surgery theatre. Isaac had to squint his eyes to adjust them to the bright conditions. Looking around he could see that there were trays filled with sharp looking implements and other strange medical devices. He shuddered looking at them; but Lonicera said he was brave, so no backing down. Turning back to the room, he could see that in the centre was a human sized operating table; with a hole cut out the top for his head to go through. 

Once they came to a stop, he felt Lonicera’s vine slip out of his fingers. He looked back to see the affini waving goodbye to him, “I have to go now Petal. But don't worry, you'll see me soon, I promise. You got this.” 

Before Isaac has a chance to respond, Hera began talking to him, “So, Isaac, we’re here today to repair your broken, and poorly healed, foot. As well as removing the bone spurs you have. Lastly we are going to replace the damaged vertebrae and cartilage in your spine with biomechanical implants. You understand this, correct?” 

Isaac nodded his affirmation. He was already missing Lonicera’s touch. He squished his doll against his chest.

“Very good, now, I'm going to lift you up and place you on the table. You can keep holding onto your Dolly if you wish. That's a good girl sophont.” Hera lifted Isaac carefully out of his wheelchair and placed him face up on the operating table. For a piece of medical equipment, it was far more comfortable than he had expected. 

Hera continued, “Okay Isaac, I'm going to place this flower on your face, all I need you to do is to take deep breaths and to count backwards from ten. You can do that right?” 

“Yes, I can.” 

Given clear affirmation Hera held the flower near his face. From the flower vines extended around his head, and created a band holding the flower to his face. The flower then extended it’s petals around Isaac's mouth and nose; creating an airtight seal. 

Isaac began to count, “Ten, nine, eight…”

Before he hit seven, everything faded to black around him. The last thing he remembered seeing before he passed out was Hera’s smiling face looking down at him. 

---

Isaac blearily opened his eyes and looked around. His surroundings were entirely unfamiliar to him. He expected to see a hospital wing. Curtains, tiled flooring, and other patients in their own beds but instead Isaac saw a huge, open concept living room. Where was he? 

That question had to wait as his attention quickly wandered to a more interesting sensation. For some reason he was wrapped up in vines. Which wasn't a bad thing, he was enjoying just how soft they were to lay on. He loved the weight they provided on his chest. All around him he felt a hum of cozy, safe feelings. His attention drifted again as he noticed that in his arms was his dolly. He really ought to give her a name. All in all he felt surprisingly calm for waking up in such a strange place. And his body! His body felt so good and warm, if not just a little bit tingly. In fact it felt better then it ever had. He felt so good that he decided it was a good idea to try and get up from where he was laying down. But that was easier said than done. He could barely move his arms, let alone the rest of his body. 

The pile of vines underneath him shifted, and Lonicera’s voice rumbled out, “Good morning Petal. I was wondering when you were going to wake up.”

“L…Lo..Lonny?” Isaac stuttered. For some reason, it was difficult for him to form words. 

“Yes it's me, Petal.” Lonicera said as Isaac’s perspective began to shift. The affini slowly moved her vines in such a way as to allow him to see her face. 

“Wh.. whe..where am I? Not hospital?” Isaac asked. Words are hard. 

“I believe we've talked about this before, silly. It's a veterinarian clinic, not a hospital. As for where we are, do you remember our first meeting?” 

Isaac tried to think back. His stay at the vet’s felt like it should have been just yesterday. But for some reason his memory was super fuzzy. Or maybe it was his brain. He was having a difficult time concentrating on anything really. Between the feelings of comfort and coziness that surrounded him, and Lonicera’s vine running across his head and down his back, his brain just wasn't working. Any time he had thought he had caught a thought in his metaphorical net, it just fluttered away. 

Seeing Isaac’s blank look, Lonicera's face stretched into a mischievous smile. “Oh, silly girl sophont. Trying to think so hard. It's okay Petal, you don't have to think or remember anything. I'll just tell you. I’m looking after you during your recovery. You're in my Hab unit.” 

“Why… no.. vet?” Isaac barely managed to ask. 

“Because we find that little cuties like you do better recovering in a home environment. Far from the stresses of the veterinarian’s office. Doesn't it feel nicer to be here with me than in a vet’s recovery bed?” To emphasize her point, Lonicera increased the number of vines she was using to pet and caress Isaac’s body. 

Whatever Isaac was going to say was completely lost as he sunk into Lonicera’s touch. Sensation was the only thing his mind was able to focus on. It felt so good to have Lonicera’s vines all over his body. Rubbing, petting, and scritching all of the best places. He let out a contented little moan. 

The affini giggled. “I’ll take that as a yes. Too bad I can’t pet you like this for the rest of the day. There's other things we need to attend to now that you're awake. You just woke up after several days of rest, little flower. I can imagine that you must be quite hungry. Now, it's probably best that you don't eat solid foods for a while. But how about a nice warm bowl of vegetable soup? How does that sound?”

Isaac barely registered anything Lonicera said. The best he could understand was soup. He didn't realize how hungry he was until it was mentioned. He slowly nodded; soup sounded good. 

“Wonderful! I made some soup last night that I just have to heat up. I wanted to make sure I made you a delicious meal from the roots. I heard you Terrans like soup better on the second day anyways. Now let's get you to the table shall we?” 

The mess of vines underneath Isaac started to move.  Despite the movement, somehow, Isaac was kept in the same position he started in. Vines shifted to form muscles, which in turn formed legs and arms. It wasn't long until Lonicera came to resemble her more humanoid looking form; all while cradling Isaac delicately in her arms. She got up off the couch and brought the two of them to the kitchen.

The first thing Issac noticed when they entered the kitchen was the, affini sized, dining table, with, affini sized, chairs to match. Two of the chairs had what Isaac, if he was more slightly more aware, would describe as high chairs. Lonicera placed him in one of the high chairs and made sure to securely fasten him. She then proceeded to go to her fridge and pull out a large pot, which she placed on the affini sized stove and turned on the heat. 

It didn't take too long for the soup to start to boil, once it did, Lonicera took the pot off the element. In the same motion some of her vines opened a cabinet and pulled out a human sized bowl, spoon, a placemat, and a bib. As Lonicera laid down the placemat and the bowl on the table in front of Isaac, two of her other vines tied the bib around his neck. 

Bib? High chair? These things would have bothered Isaac; he would have seen them as too childish for a grown man, like himself. But, as out of it as he was, he didn’t even notice. He was more intent on the soup. All he needed was the spoon, which was currently being held by Lonicera. He attempted to reach for the spoon in Lonicera’s hand, but his hands were slow and clumsy and she quickly pulled it out of reach. 

“Sp.. sp… spoon pl… ease.” 

“Isaac, do you think your hand eye coordination is good enough to feed yourself right now?” There was that mischievous smile again. 

“Mhm! I.. can.. spoon. F.. feed myself!” 

“I'll let you feed yourself, if you can prove to me that you can raise and lower the spoon from the table to your mouth. Okay?” 

Isaac nodded, and the spoon was placed into his waiting hand. He immediately dropped it. He tried to pick it up off of the table, but he couldn't seem to grasp it right. He tried to pick up the spoon for over a minute until Lonicera stopped him. 

“It's okay my sweet girl sophont. It's alright that you can't hold the spoon. That's why you're here with me.” Lonicera easily lifted up the spoon and filled it with soup. “Now, I need you to follow along with my instructions. When my vine taps your chin, I need you to open your mouth, okay?”

The affini brought the spoon closer to Isaac’s mouth with one vine and with another, tapped Isaac’s chin. Isaac opened his mouth as requested. The spoon was smoothly brought into Isaac’s mouth and the soup deposited. The moment the soup met his tongue, Isaac’s immediate thought was that this was the best thing he had ever tasted. He had spent years eating nothing but the cheaply available synthcubes. Which were always fairly bland, but at least they were filling. But this had complex flavours, along with real vegetables and spices. He was amazed that food could taste like this. After a moment savouring the flavour, he swallowed. As he swallowed, he felt Lonicera’s vines massaging the side of his neck helping the food down his throat. 

“Th.. this is delicious.” Isaac exclaimed. 

“I knew you would love it. My floret also loves this particular recipe.” Seeing Isaac’s questioning eyes, “Ah yes I'm not sure if I mentioned that I have a floret already. In any case, I do, she's just currently being looked after by a friend. I thought it was best that you get adjusted to the Hab before you met her. She's adorably rambunctious. I'm quite certain that you'll like each other when you finally meet.”

Isaac’s mind was starting to clear a little, “Oh! That's why there is a second high chair!” 

“Exactly! You're such a smart girl sophont!” 

Isaac blushed. He still wasn't used to all the compliments he was getting from these affini. The vine tapped on his chin once again and another spoon of soup entered his mouth. It wasn't too long until he had finished the entire bowl. 

“Very good, Petal! You listen to direction so well! I'm very proud of you. Now that we're all done, why don't I show you around your new home?” 

Notes:

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Given Isaac's nervousness around the surgery I thought it best to fade to black rather than writing a waking surgery. I think this chapter much more focused on Isaac and Lonicera, and their budding relationship.

I want to thank Stimulacrum and others on the HDG discord helping me talk through some of the ideas in this chapter. Y'all were a great help. Thank you.

And thank you , the reader, as always. Hope you enjoyed~

Chapter 7: Pretty Things

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Isaac gets a tour of his new home . It's a big change for Isaac, and it's not the only changes he's experiencing. And despite everything being in order, not everything is in the exact way he likes it.

Isaac was easily picked up out of his high chair by Lonicera, and cradled in her arms. She took extra care to make sure that she kept his back and foot supported. Isaac giggled, for some reason he really enjoyed the feeling of being lifted up. In fact every sensation felt so much more to him. The vines holding him close to Lonny’s chest, the aftertaste of his meal, the musical notes in Lonny’s voice. All of it felt intensely pleasurable. 

There was a part of Isaac that was immensely confused by this feeling. He just had a major back surgery. By all accounts he should be feeling like absolute shit. Even with modern Terran drugs, they could never take away all the pain. Let alone make him feel good at the same. He did know that the Affini’s drugs could certainly numb his pain, but not like this. He wanted to express his confusion on the subject but all that came out of his mouth was “Wheee!”

“Oh? You enjoyed that flower? Well I think you'll enjoy this too?” 

Lonicera started to spin around clutching Isaac tight to her chest. Whatever thoughts he had were quickly drowned out by a rush of serotonin. But the happiness and delight he felt weren't just his own. From deep inside Lonicera's chest came a rumbling, reminiscent of a purr, that spread out from her body, encompassing Isaac in the pure joy she was feeling. With all this positive stimulus he couldn't help but squeal with excitement. 

“Now aren't you just the cutest little Terran! Such a good girl Sophont, you are! It's so much fun playing with you.” Lonicera did another spin before stopping. “But truly, I need to introduce you to your new home.”

She slowed down, and let Isaac get his bearings. He certainly felt very dizzy after that. The world kept spinning around him. Eventually his eyes came back into focus. That's when it hit him. Miss Lonny said new home. Wasn't this supposed to only be temporary as he was healing? 

“Miss Lonny?” Isaac said, “You said that this is my new home. Aren't I just supposed to be here temporarily?” 

“That is true. You are here only temporarily. I got a bit ahead of myself. Despite this only being temporary, I would love it if you came to see my Hab as your home. A place you can always come back to and feel safe. I hope that answers your question, Flower?” 

“Oh.. okay, yes I guess it does.” Isaac fiddled with his dolly's dress. The phrase your home bounced around in his head. Sticking deep into his subconscious. Yes, this was his home. 

“Wonderful, I’m glad you understand Petal. Now, let's go to our first stop on our little tour.” She said as she carried Isaac closer to the wall of the kitchen. 

She crouched beside the counter, and pointed to a small recess in the wall. The alcove was at Isaac’s chest height, if he were to stand. It was about the size of a Terran microwave, if not a little bigger, with a screen placed beside it. 

“This, Petal, is one of the Hab unit’s atomic compilers. We have a couple, one in each of the bedrooms, and two in the kitchen. Remember when we talked about the compilers? If you don't, that's okay, cutie. Let me just re-explain what they do. You can use the datapad attached to the wall to create almost anything. There's some items whose creation I've locked but that's only for your and my florets safety. We can't have you compiling knives or anything that could hurt you or others. Also if you don't want to use the datapad you can also just ask the Hab unit to compile whatever you wish!” 

Isaac immediately wanted to try it. “Anything? Hab unit, could you compile me a big fluffy blanket?” 

From the area within the alcove, a big, white, fluffy blanket appeared, as if from thin air. Lonicera reached a vine into the alcove and brought it out to show Isaac. 

“That's so cool!” Isaac exclaimed. “I wanna compile something else!”

A vine wrapped around Isaac's head covering his mouth. “Now, Petal. We have other things to see. You can ask for more things from the compiler when we're all done.”

Isaac squirmed the best he could to try and get Lonicera’s vine out of his mouth. He really wanted to try it again. Make something more complex. Test the limits. But the only way he could do that is if Lonicera took her vine off of his mouth. He squirmed and struggled and finally decided to bite down. 

Lonicera just giggled, “Feeling a little bite-y are we, Petal? It's very adorable that you think that's going to work. You can use the compilers again when we're all done. But first, I suppose I have to put that blanket you compiled to good use. We can't just have you squirming and struggling.” 

The affini brought Isaac back to the table, where she laid out the blanket with a couple of vines. She then placed Isaac and held him down in the middle of it with one of her hands. The fluffy fabric felt really good against his skin. He started to play with the fabric between his fingers, when all of a sudden he was being rolled around. He was being wrapped all snug and tight in the blanket! Lonicera had rolled him up into a nice little burrito! 

“Now, I think that's a very good use of a blanket. Now you aren't going to struggle any more, right Isaac?” Smirked Lonicera, clearly enjoying her handiwork. 

Isaac nodded. Even if he wanted to struggle against the blanket that was restraining him, he wouldn't have been able to. He didn't want to fight the clever bondage that Lonicera put him into. He was enjoying how warm it made him feel. How the tightness of the blanket felt like a big warm fluffy hug. 

Lifting Isaac up again Lonicera said, “Alright, let's continue. Obviously this room is the kitchen slash dining area. And where we were before was our living room. But, right now I wish to show you the bathroom, and then the bedrooms.” 

She carried Isaac into a brightly lit hallway. The walls were of a white coloured wood, and covered in art. Some of them were reproductions of art pieces Isaac recognized, some were.. creative representations of Lonicera, while there were many more that were utterly alien to him. He delighted in all the colour they brought to the space. 

While Isaac was marveling at the art, Lonicera opened the first door on the right. It led to a large, pink tiled bathroom. For an Xenos’ apartment it strangely was very Terran in design, but everything was far larger. It contained everything a bathroom should, but what drew Isaac’s eyes the most was the gigantic bathtub. 

“That tub is huge!” Isaac remarked, “I feel like I could practically swim in it!” 

A huge grin formed on Lonicera’s face,“You can definitely swim in it, my floret certainly has. Don't worry, I'll make sure you get a chance to swim when you're fully healed.”

Isaac cocked his head and looked up at Lonicera’s face. “You keep saying your floret? You haven't told me their name yet.” 

“I suppose I haven't yet have I? I figured it would have been cute for the two of you to introduce yourselves. All excitedly sniffing one another..” 

That brought Isaac into another giggling fit, “That's so silly Miss Lonny! Why would we be sniffing each other?”

The grin on Lonicera’s face took a slightly more mischievous edge. “Well that's what Terran’s do isn't it? They smell each other as a form of greeting? You're suggesting that they don't do this?” 

With that she held Isaac, in his blanket burrito, up to her wooden face and began pretending to sniff him. This of course caused even more giggling out of Isaac. 

“Hey.. haha.. that tickles!” Isaac tried to squirm in Lonicera’s grasp. But there was nothing he could do, he was trapped in a blanket burrito. 

Lonicera pulled her head back, “Yup that definitely smells like an Isaac alright. But yes, to answer your original question, my floret’s name is Zoey Caprifolium, First Floret. She's absolutely adorable; and I'm sure you two will get along well together.” 

Isaac thought about his experience meeting different florets for a moment. So far he had only met two. Both had been very nice to him. Nicer than most Terrans he knew before his accident. But, that really wasn't too hard to achieve. “If she's as nice as Ginger or Hazel, I'm sure we’ll be friends!”

“She certainly is. However, I will just say this to warn you Isaac. I wasn't exaggerating about her rambunctiousness. She has a lot more energy than you do. If you ever need her to calm down you let me know okay?” 

Isaac yawned as he nodded his acknowledgment. He hadn't noticed just how tired he was getting. It felt like he just woke up and yet, he felt like he needed to go back to bed. Maybe it was the xenodrugs Miss Lonny was pumping through his system? Possibly it could be all a part of his body stitching itself back together after his surgery. Perhaps it was all the excitement. Regardless of the reason his eyes were closing fast. 

“Good girl sophont! Are we getting all tired Isaac? Well, I suppose we can cut the tour short for today. We have one more room to visit. Your room Isaac.” Lonicera held Isaac right to her chest as they left the bathroom and went across the hall.

The affini opened the door to a large, yet vaguely familiar room. “So, this used to be my office; it took a bit of work cleaning the thing out for you. But now it's your room flower.” 

Isaac blinked his eyes, the room looked exactly like his apartment. Well almost. Things were different, wrong. But he was so tired. He could barely move let alone complain. He wanted to tell Miss Lonny just how wrong everything felt, but the darkness that was quickly enveloping his vision won out. He quickly drifted off to sleep. 

---

Isaac’s dreams were weird. At first it seemed like he was falling through a tunnel made of a thousand tiny sparkling lights that seemed to go on forever. Occasionally he saw glimpses of fragmented memories as if they were being projected through a grainy lens. He saw his re-introduction to Ginger. The way she looked now was surprising to say the least. She was so incredibly different and yet, that smile was the same. Her eyes were bright and shining; and oh shit she was saying something. What, what was she saying? 

He desperately tried to listen as hard as he could yet everything was muddy. It was like she was speaking through a bad PA system. He could just barely make out the words “blame you” and “don’t remember”. What did he do?! What didn't she want him to remember? Did he hurt her? He couldn't have hurt her right? But she blamed him for something. Fuck, why couldn't he hear the rest of the memory! 

The memory started to fade out of his vision, as he scrambled to try and make sense of her words. He didn't want her to hate him. Why couldn't he remember what he did? The darkness enveloped him once again. A calming sensation took over. Words starting sprouting up like flowers from the ground? Wait, the ground? That means he wasn't falling anymore! And they weren't just sprouting like flowers, they were flowers! What were the words saying? 

“Everything is okay. You’re safe now, Petal~.” 

Petal? Well, he thought, I suppose that's a normal thing to say for a talking flower. 

He looked around, the space he was in seemed to be a cavern filled with thousands of pretty sparkling gemstones. There were amethysts, rubies and sapphire, diamonds and emeralds, and even more that Isaac couldn't identify. He slowly picked himself and walked over to one of the cave walls. 

Behind him the flowers uprooted themselves and twisted themselves into a little humanoid body and followed along behind him. He pressed against the cave wall, it was not as hard and as jagged as it appeared. In fact it was quite soft. Perhaps best not to dwell on that. Instead he looked over to the first gemstone he found. It's surface was bright and colourful, practically polished. He looked deeper into its centre. Inside he could see himself smiling and generally having a good time. 

He gazed deeper and realized that the gem displayed him from the past. He was having his first apartment housewarming party. It was so weird to see the walls bare; painted white, the landlord special. While on the floor there was a handful of unopened boxes pushed into a corner. He was with a handful of his friends at the time, people he hadn't seen in years. Not since his job at the warehouse started demanding more and more of his time. 

It only struck Isaac now that he never really had too many guy friends. There was Ginger but Ginger turned out to be a cute girl. There were a couple of male co-workers that maybe he could call acquaintances. At least he somewhat got along with them. He could follow along with their conversations for the most part, but there was a lot he just couldn't relate to. 

Anyways the gem showed him and his friends moving his things in, and ordering in a pizza. Back when he could still afford pizza. All in all a pretty good memory. Isaac pulled his gaze from the gem, perhaps other gems held other memories? There was a cluster of rubies nearby, a good place to start. 

Unlike the last gem he looked into, these ones were all cloudy and unrefined. He tried looking into the first one. Like the ruby’s surface, it was cloudy, things were only half there. He could barely make out the vague shape of Ginger, looking like she did before he met her again at the Vets. They were playing something.. it was all unclear. Squinting Isaac could make out a screen, and two characters fighting maybe? 

Seeing Isaac struggle, the humanoid flower rubbed the surface of the ruby with its petals. The gem seemed to grow a little brighter. 

“Huh thanks little flower guy!” 

If flowers could smile this one certainly was. 

Turning his attention back to the gems, he gazed deep into the slightly more polished ruby. He had distorted his view of Ginger and himself, but the screen was far clearer. It was one of those mascot fighting games. They were on a temple stage, Ginger was playing as a magical princess. While Isaac was playing as the hardened mercenary with the arm cannon. This memory was nice, but why was it so blurry? He watched for a little while longer. It seemed like Ginger’s Princess had his Merc on the ropes until he had enough energy for an ultimate. His Merc fired off his giant laser attack… and why was his armour falling off? Wait! The Merc was a girl? His younger self proceeded to win the match. But Isaac was still confused. Why couldn't he remember that detail until now? 

His anxiety began to spike again. The little flower person wrapped its arms around Isaac in an effort to soothe him. But it was too late. He was already waking from his dream. To the room that wasn't right.

---

He slowly blinked his eyes open, and with a little effort stretched. Oh he had slightly better control of his limbs! It was nice to be able to move again, even if it was just a little. 

He glanced down at his body, things were slightly different than he remembered. For one, there was a practical garden of flowers sprouting from his foot. All pretty and red. On his left wrist there was a little bracelet that didn't seem to have a seam. There were a couple of buttons on the top, and a little screen showing his heart rate. 

Isaac guessed there were things put on by the Vet to track his recovery. The flowers were just a little weird. He examined his body a little further. Some other things had changed too; his skin was noticeably softer. Poking at his chest he didn't feel his ribs as easily as before either. They felt a little fatty even. And they ached! Which was very odd. 

He didn't mind these changes, in fact he liked them quite a bit. But just how? The skin softening probably was from Lonny bathing him. Probably had some moisturizing creams or something in the shampoo she used. But for the weight gain, he only vaguely remembered eating once since the Vets. Maybe Lonny was somehow feeding him while he was passed out? It seemed ridiculous but that probably was the case. 

Perhaps he should ask Lonny later, if he remembered to. But right now he had more pressing issues. Like the fact his room was all wrong. He absolutely had to fix it. 

 

Notes:

I cut this story into three separate parts focusing on different aspects of Isaac's experience. The third part will be continued in the next chapter.

As always thank you everyone for reading! And thanks to everyone who's helped me in writing this chapter.

Chapter 8: Blankets and Dressers

Summary:

Isaac really doesn't like his room. Nothing is as he wants it to be. His posters are misaligned, clothes put in the wrong place, it was all wrong. In fact it was enough to make him try to get up and do something about it.

“This isn’t right,” Isaac said. Out loud. He wasn't sure why he said it aloud, in his… In the room. Not his room. It was different and he couldn't get up to fix it. Like, the socks were in the bottom drawer instead of the top. All of his clothes were moved from the boxes he kept beside his bed and into the dresser and they were all put in wrong. It was incredibly concerning to him. His posters weren't in the right place either, and it was driving him mad. All of his collectibles got moved, his PC was in the Northeast corner instead of the Northwest, not to mention the dimensions are four times the size so nothing was as cozy as he liked it. He liked small. He liked cozy. It made his apartment the warm little center of his life, the default state everything else revolved around. Everything had its place and every place had its thing, no waste, no problems. Simplicity in clutter. He loved it, even if he couldn’t keep things… right, after the accident. Some things needed to be moved lower or couldn’t be reached at all. Still. Still. This was wrong and he couldn’t stand it anymore. Isaac breathed heavily, before he moved his arm. First, he got his arm underneath his body, then his other arm on the other side. Oh that was interesting, there were even more flowers on his back. Okay, focus Isaac, you can think about what that means later.

Going back to the task at hand, he pressed into the mattress to roll over onto his side, which drew out a deep groan of pain. It felt like someone broke a Christmas ornament in his spinal column and the pieces were just rattling around. He must be on a lower dose of whatever the affini were giving him. He breathed again and moved his left leg, then his right, until he was in the fetal position. He slowly shimmied off the bed, shrimping until he found himself sliding into a kneeling position. This also drew out a long, pained whine, higher pitched now. Then, Isaac tried to put one foot under his body, then the other. With the help of his bedpost and lots of biting his tongue to stop from yelping, he struggled to his feet. He attempted to walk across the room, teetering like a toddler on his new foot and his new spine. All of it felt so strange, like driving a car where all the wheels and pedals were reversed. He managed to make it to his dresser, falling forward onto it for balance.

“UNhf-” He groaned, leaning and panting heavily. He felt like he had just run a marathon. Slowly he lowered himself onto the stool he kept by the clear plastic dresser and started reorganizing, each bend towards the bottom drawer or stretch to the place above the drawer feeling like a cheese grater french kissing his brain. The little screen on his bracelet started to flash red.

“Isaac, I brought you a snack and something to re- WHAT are you DOING?!?” Lonicera nearly dropped the plate of food and her gift. She quickly set them down and rushed over to the slouched Terran. “Isaac, by the stars of our universe, what the dirt are you doing out of bed??? This is not what your Xenoveterinarian had instructed at all!!” Lonicera yells while gingerly lifting Isaac off of the stool. At first he tried to resist, but she lifted his body into the air, removing his leverage, and it hurt too much to flail anyways. He compromised by grumpily crossing his arms and pouting.

“Everything’s wrong, L-L- Lonee- Lo-ni-ce-ra,” He complained, sounding out her name as he struggled, “The drawers and the posters and the- the- the systems!! My systems are wrong!! None of this is supposed to be here, it’s supposed to be in my apartment, the way I DECIDED to make it. I made those decisions on purpose, not just by- at random. And I know this isn't what Hera said, but you weren't here, and I needed it done.”

Lonicera looked down at the jumble of angry Terran in her arms and sighed, a gesture she was told can help Terrans understand when an Affini is disappointed or upset. “If you needed help, you could have always called, instead of re-injuring yourself,” she chided, slowly and gently lowering him back into the bed. She saw him visibly wince the moment his back touched the bed, and she bit her false tongue to stop from apologizing profusely. She sent out a vine that snaked across the room and gathered the plate of food and the gifts. With a different vine she picked up Isaac’s dolly and placed it in the crutch of his arm.

“Here, little one, I brought you these to make your time in my Hab Unit slightly more pleasant. It seems like the thing you need most from me, though, is some simple rearranging, which I am more than happy to do. Now, can I trust you to behave and lay in your bed like a good girl sophont, or maybe you'd prefer if I ensured there was absolutely no way you could get up again?”

Isaac groaned and rolled his eyes. “I’m not four,” he said, “You can stop treating me like a child. It might work on those other drugged-up pets, but I’m my own independent person.” Isaac took the plate and started to eat his snack, graciously shoveling in his favorite kind of sandwich, a BLT on rye, and sipping his glass of water. He looked up at her skeptically. “I’m still mad at you for picking me up but this is really good.”

She laughed softly and pulled the blanket back up. Isaac noticed that there was a small glint in her eye, the impulse to do something that she was holding back on, but she turned her back to him before he could interrogate it further. She sat down at the dresser and realized what he was trying to do. “What order should they be in, petal?”

He looked up from his sandwich. “Uh, socks underwear shirts pants pajamas. But I can do it myself, really!! It’s not a big deal, I feel a lot better now, let me just-”

Lonicera shot back a deathly glare. He immediately laid back down in bed. It only took a few minutes before she’s finished with the dresser, and he’s finished with his sandwich. She looked over at him. “What’s next, little one?” She asked. “The posters, um, the posters are in the wrong order,”

Isaac mumbled, embarrassed that Lonny was cleaning his room, as if he was a three-year-old. She started taking down the posters and laying them in a neat pile. She gently took off the old adhesive before mentioning she needed to go compile some new tape (Isaac clarified that it’s specifically mounting putty, not anything else).

Isaac recognized this was his moment, and tried to get out of bed again. He honestly wasn't sure why, maybe he felt rebellious now that he had more awareness, perhaps he needed to feel capable in this broken body, it could have been that he wanted to feel useful, maybe… just maybe something about Lonicera telling him to stay in bed pawed at his mind, curiosity overcoming his best judgement. Whatever the reasoning, it was enough for him to throw off his blankets and try to bring the dish out to the kitchen. He didn't get as far as the door, though, tripping as he rushed himself out of bed, causing him to fall forward.

“AAHh-!!” He screamed, the impact hit him at an odd angle and caused a debilitating shock of pain to rip through him. The pain felt like it was coiling around his spine, being shot upwards. Closest thing he could compare it to was being stabbed in the back with Satan’s pitchfork. God, his body felt like it was on fire, like the world is ending. He just closed his eyes, laid tense and still on the floor, and tried not to irritate it, fearing he would hear a “Pop!” and say goodbye to the prospect of ever living without this pain again.

Lonicera flew into the room, blowing the door open and seemingly gliding into the room. She picked him up gingerly again, gently laying him down on the bed and scolding him the entire way. “Dirt, dirt, DIRT! Isaac, I know you just wanted to help, but why must you push yourself to the point of hurt, little one? If it was difficult for you to get to the drawers, why did you think you could make it past the doorway? Why didn't you use your wheelchair?” She struggled, seeming almost flustered with emotion as she held Isaac.

For Isaac's part, he was happy that at least he wasn't on the floor anymore , however he was starting to struggle with the ramifications of his disobedience. He could feel her stress coursing through the air. He didn't even realize the wheelchair was accessibly placed at the foot of his bed. He was so focused on other things.

“Isaac, your stubbornness can be adorable. It’s an trait of yours that I enjoy, but not when you're so starsbent on doing everything yourself when you need to rest.”

“I.. I'm sorry.. I should have used the wheelchair. I didn't even notice it. I just wanted to help.”

“I know you do, Petal. You're a good girl sophont who just wants to help. I should have been here when you woke up. That's my fault. I wanted to give you a reprieve, allow you some time to think. You've been on some of the heavier class E’s, and I know how hard those are to concentrate on. I also just wanted to get to know you, Isaac, the Terran, better. Not the ward.”

“I.. want to get to know you too.” Isaac said, worrying where this conversation was going. Lonicera sighed deeply, “That’s very sweet of you, Petal. But not today. You've already hurt yourself twice today, and I won't let you hurt yourself a third time. This is for your own good, petal, I know it’s hard, but you’ve just shown me you need this. Just relax… Let me fix it, you know I can always make it better. Everything’s okay now that I’m here, little one, just relax.”

Isaac felt something slip into his arm, and all of his pain melted away. The angry red light turned from a scarlet to an emerald. Along with the pain went every thought of disobedience, every nasty inclination to go against what Lonny would ask of him, replaced with the simple knowledge that she could make it better, that this is for his own good. That he didn't have to fight it.

“Everything's okay.. now that Miss Lonny is here..” he muttered back.

“That's right Flower, everything is okay because I'm here. I’m very sorry petal, but I think I have to restrain you now, just in case. Don’t worry, this is for your own good,” she said, as she gently stroked Isaac’s forehead, wicking away the beads of sweat accumulated from pain and exhaustion. Small, soft vines covered in honeysuckle flowers extend from her long, delicate dress and slowly entangled Isaac’s ankles, legs, then waist, torso, and chest, all the way up to his armpits. With the texture of the vines and his soft fluffy blanket over it, it looked almost like a large weighted blanket with a beautiful green and white pattern of honeysuckles on it. It felt quite soothing, and his arms were free, so… well there were worse punishments. He knew that this is for his own good and decided to relax into it instead of fighting it.

Lonicera continued to clean and reorganize, making sure to ask Isaac lots and lots of questions about decor and function, doubly checking to guarantee that everything went in its place or the closest analogue in the new dimensions of the room. For some reason, Isaac felt less reserved, like his inhibitions melted away a bit. The feeling he couldn’t tell her what he needed evaporated with his attempts to walk, replaced with the gentle embrace that is knowing Lonicera will always make things better. It didn't take long before the room… His room looked much, much more like he remembered it. He decided that it was good enough, and told Lonicera how very grateful he was for all her help today. The warm hug of her vines wrapping him up constricted just the tiniest, tiniest bit as he told her he never could’ve done it without her. She stayed with him, comically sitting on the sofa from his old living room and reading something in Affini. Isaac breathed softly, attempting to read his new book, but it didn't take long before the tender embrace of his weighted Lonicera blanket softly carried him into a sweet, gentle, dreamless sleep.

Notes:

Hey! So, this chapter was originally written by my co-author, Fuckworldtrade, months ago. Long before Lonicera and Isaac were more established. It has since been edited to fit the new state of things between the Affini and the Terran.
It's definitely a chapter where Isaac is far brattier, returning more to his stubborn self. I did my best to explain this by the fact he was on a lower dose of Xenodrugs, so more of his previous personality came out.
Anyways, thank you Fuckworldtrade for writing this, and thank you everyone for reading.

Chapter 9: Corsets and Dresses

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Isaac wakes up the next morning and has a long talk with Lonicera. The truth about his wardship becomes painfully clear.

Notes:

Bit of a shorter chapter today! But I think I got through some harder discussions that Isaac needed to have.

Isaac slowly yawned as he opened his eyes. He didn't even remember falling asleep. Last thing he remembered was that he was partway into the book that Miss Lonny had brought him. He lazily stretched out his arms, and he felt a dull pain running through his spine. Oh yea; he did fall a couple times yesterday. 

Across the room a pile of vines stirred, five amber eyes shifted themselves into focus, all staring at Isaac, and in a flash the vines reformed themselves into the shape of Lonicera. 

“Good morning Petal~.”

The Terran flinched in surprise. “Whoa! Were you sleeping there the whole night?” 

“Yes, I told you Isaac, I'm not going to let you wake up alone anymore. Not after yesterday.” The affini shuffled over to Isaac. 

“You don't have to do that Lonny. I am a grown man after all. It's kinda creepy that you were watching me sleep.” Isaac said as he grabbed his dolly from the other side of the bed and hugged it tightly.  

A deep rumbling chuckle came from the centre of Lonicera’s chest. “Oh, is that right? Well, big man, it's time to get you up and dressed. It's going to be a big day today. I feel like you've recovered enough to meet Zoey, so she'll be coming home later today. She's actually currently being looked after by your Vet; Hera.”

There was something in the way that Lonicera said man that made Isaac extremely uncomfortable. He clutched his dolly tighter. “Hera’s coming here?”

“Yes she is, and so is Ginger. It's going to be a full Hab. But, none of them are arriving until the afternoon. Which gives the morning to us~.” Lonicera said as she motioned for Isaac to lift his arms. 

Before he realized what was happening his body automatically complied and suddenly his shirt was stripped off by a handful of vines. At the same time more vines stripped off his pants. He quickly covered his chest and his crotch. Huh that was weird, his chest had seemed to have grown even more since yesterday. And his crotch felt.. smaller? Not that it was very big in the first place.

“Hey! I still don't like you seeing me naked! At least look the other way when you do that!” 

There was Lonicera’s evil, toothy grin again. “Isaac, who do you think has been changing you and bringing you to the bathroom while you were out chilled?” 

“I’m pretty sure the word you're looking for is cold. And that's not the point! I wasn't aware at the time! I'm aware now! And I don't like it.” Isaac crossed his arms, revealing his crotch. 

Lonicera’s eyes moved downwards, “Isaac, there is not one single part of you that I haven't seen. There's no need to be embarrassed.”

Isaac quickly covered his crotch again, “I said no looking!”

Lonicera let out another sigh. “I wanted to wait till breakfast but I suppose we're going to have this talk now. Well, after I put on the clothes I chose for you today.” She held up a yellow sun dress and a white corset. 

“Okay.. those are pretty…” Isaac said reluctantly, raising his arms again. 

“Such a good girl Sophont. Thank you for raising your arms for me.” Lonicera quickly went to work first putting on the sundress over Isaac's head, and then strapping the corset around his waist. His growing chest looked even bigger with the support the corset gave him. “Now that that's all done. Isaac, I want to remind you of something that you may have forgotten. You realize what the point of a wardship is right?” 

“I think so, you're looking after me while I recover right?”

“Yes, and no. A wardship is often put in place for those sophont's who have a hard time looking after themselves. And you do fit that description. But the point of a wardship isn't just to provide help for any particular sophont; it's there to test whether or not you can function as an independent within the Compact.”

“So.. what you're telling me is.. I'm being tested on whether or not I can live by myself?”

“Correct! Before I met you, when I was asked by Hera to become your guardian, she told me that you fit into two different criteria for wardship. One is that you very much wouldn't be able to look after yourself while you recover.”

“I mean that makes sense. It was a spinal surgery. What's the other criteria?”

“The other criteria that you met was that you do pose a danger to yourself.” Lonicera’s face lost some of its smile. “Both at the hospital and here at home you've proven that you pose a genuine danger to yourself, and not in the way we just discussed. Several times during your stay you disregarded instructions that were put in place to prevent injury, and then here you did the same thing. Not once, but twice. The second time even being after I reminded you of your Vets orders. That isn't behaviour fitting an independent in our society.”

“But, if it's not independent behaviour then…”

He glanced up at Lonicera, looking for an answer. She nodded. 

“But.. does that mean.. no! I don't want to be a pet!” Isaac started trembling. “This.. this isn't fair! I didn't know! I didn't know any of the rules you quoted! I just wanted help!”

Lonicera wrapped her vines around the quivering Terran, “Shhhh shhh, it's okay. You're not going to be made into a floret immediately, flower. You still have a couple weeks to go before you're fully healed. And then our time together can be fully evaluated. Yesterday was… unfortunate. But, if you promise to be a good girl sophont for me, I will look past it. But just this once.”

“Please.. please I don't want to be a floret.” Isaac cried softly into Lonicera’s chest. “I just wanted to get help with my back. I didn't realize that it would lead to the possibility of becoming a pet. Please..”

“While your begging is cute, Petal, there's a very specific phrase I want you to say.” Lonicera brought Isaac’s gaze up to her eyes with the slight guidance of a vine. The shifting swirls and patterns of Lonicera’s eyes started to fill Isaac’s vision. Ever so slightly she began to lean to one side and the other. Keeping a steady pace to her own biorhythm.

“What.. what phrase.” Isaac started to lean back and forth with Lonicera's swaying movement. 

“I want you to say, I'll be a good girl for Miss Lonicera.”

“I’m… I'm… not..” Isaac struggled to get his words out. While he wanted to have his freedom, saying he was a good girl was a step too far. 

“You're not what, Petal? You're not going to give up on your independence are you? Or maybe that's it, you're not an independent? Because you couldn't be saying that you're not a good girl.” She quickened her swaying. 

Isaac’s eyes couldn't look away but he had to disagree, he wasn't a girl. “I’m… I'm.. I'm a.. b..”

“C’mon Petal, it's just two simple words. I know you can say it. Good girl.”

There was a great deal of conflict raging within Isaac, he couldn't not obey Miss Lonny, but he was a boy? Wasn’t he? It wasn't that hard to say the words she wanted him to say. It wouldn't change who he was right? Or at least who he thought he was…

“I’m… a..”

“You can do it, flower. Good girl.”

Something inside Isaac finally broke, “I'm a good girl. I'll be a good girl for Miss Lonny!”

Isaac felt a prick on his shoulder, a warm feeling rushed through his body, as if to reward him for his troubles. Even if it hadn't, there was a not insignificant part of him that really enjoyed saying that. It felt good to say he was a good girl. But nope, surely that meant nothing as he tried to shove the feeling down. He was still totally one hundred percent a boy.. he meant man. Totally a man. 

“That you are Isaac, you're my good girl.” Lonicera stroked the top of his head with a vine. 

Isaac shivered. He was a good girl.

“Now that that's settled, would you like some breakfast?”

Notes:

After the last chapter I thought it would be prudent that Lonicera address some of Isaac's behaviour. It seems only fair that he has a full understanding of what's going on.

That being said, I really enjoyed breaking him a bit. His dawning realization that his chances for independence are dwindling, and how Lonicera took full advantage of that.

Anyways I had more I wanted to write but I decided to wait till next time.

Thanks everyone for reading!

Chapter 10: Reliance

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Isaac starts to consider his situation, and the implications of it for his future.

It was amazing just how fast Lonicera could flip from being utterly terrifying to the cheeriest person Isaac had ever met. It's not that there wasn't a part of him that derived some pleasure from her threats and forcefulness, he did very much enjoy being called a good girl. It was more that at the hosp- veterinarians she was as sweet and silly as could be. But, here at home she ranged from motherly to… well to whatever had just happened. He needed some time to think. 

“Now that that's settled, would you like some breakfast?”

“I.. think.. I need to use the bathroom first.” His words stumbled out of his mouth. 

“Then by all means, Petal. Would you like some help getting there?” She smiled with her head tilted to one side. 

Isaac wanted to say that he could get there himself. He was sure that he could do it, especially now that he knew where his wheelchair was. Maybe he should tempt it? 

“I… umm, I think I can do it myself. We, Terrans, kinda prefer to use the bathroom alone. It feels  awkward when someone's there.”

Lonicera gave a small smile, “I understand Petal, if you need help please let me know. You just have to say "Please Help”, and I'll be right there.” 

“Alright okay.” Isaac sighed as he struggled to get up from his bed. The pain wasn't as bad as it was yesterday but it was still there. He shuffled over to the wheelchair. It was different from the one he used at the vets. It was a bit bulkier and had a little control stick on one of the armrests. 

“I figured you would like a little more autonomy,” Lonicera said interrupting his thoughts, “You should be able to easily get around the Hab unit in this. And maybe once everything's settled, I could take you outside, and walk you around the Vitaceae .”

Isaac managed to plop himself in the wheelchair before asking, “The Vita- what now?”

“The Vitaceae, Flower. Oh I must have forgotten to tell you. We’re no longer on Bov 450.”

“What!?” Isaac looked back at the window beside his bed.

“As I said back at the Vets, I'll be taking you home with me. Well, my home is on the Vitaceae , one of the many ships in the compact fleet. We’re currently stationed above your homeworld, as we help in reconstruction.” 

Isaac crawled back onto his bed and made his way to the window, it looked like they were on the surface of a planet.. almost. Everything was so much greener than Bov 450. There wasn't any rampant industrialization. Looking up at the sky he could see some star-like object but not a star, and beyond that he could see parks and buildings. “It looks like.. outside but not.”

Lonicera looked outside, “When we journeyed out to the stars we brought out cities with us. Thus, we made sure to build our ships to be comfortable living spaces for all sophont species. That's why all the parks and greenery and forests. And even within those parks we made sure to include all sorts of holes and caverns, lakes, rivers and ponds, for sophont's who require them to live happy lives. It's much nicer than those cramped metal hallways of Terran ships.” 

Isaac had to agree, “It is really nice…”

“Well, when your wardship is over and if you're released as an independent, you’ll get to choose whether or not to stay here on board the Vitaceae , or return home to Bov 450. In either case you'll be provided with a hab unit of your very own.”

“So, no returning to my apartment?”

Lonicera pulled out a datapad from her chest and began to skim over it, “At this point the building’s been demolished. The majority of your neighbours have either been given new habs of their own either nearby or on the Vitaceae . A few were domesticated, and a few are in wardships.”

Isaac’s urge to use the bathroom was rising, “I, umm, want to talk about this more but I really need to use the bathroom.”

Lonicera lifted up the Terran and put him back in his wheelchair, “Then go silly!”

He wasn't sure how fast his new wheelchair could go, so he slowly brought it up to speed. He soon raced across the hallway to the bathroom. When he got there he realized that getting on the toilet might be an issue. He still couldn't stand up very long, and there was nothing to rest his hands on to try and turn himself. And there was no way he was going to stand up to pee. He never enjoyed that anyways. 

“Umm, Miss Lonny? Help?” He called out. 

It wasn't long until Lonicera's form filled the doorway, “Yes my sweet Petal?” 

“I, umm, not sure if I can get on the toilet by myself.”

“That's no problem at all, I can certainly help with that.” Using her vines she easily shifted Isaac from his wheelchair to the toilet. 

“Thank you.. I umm, still want to use the bathroom without you staring at me tho.” 

“Oh! I'll face this way then.” Lonicera turned to look outside into the hallway. 

“Miss Lonny… I meant waiting outside in the hallway. With the door shut.”

“Alright then Petal. But please call when you need to get back onto your wheelchair.” The affini left the bathroom and the door slide shut behind her. 

When she was gone Isaac lifted up his dress and found he wasn't wearing any underwear. Great he thought, Underwear would have been nice, but I guess this is easier than having to shimmy it off. 

As he began to relieve himself he thought about Miss Lonny’s change in character. Was she always nice? His first interaction with her was kinda scary. He was being forced into a wardship he didn't want, to be looked after by a strange xeno. But everything from that time was fuzzy. Like a haze was placed over it. He remembered feeling happy and content and safe , with her during his time with her at the vets. But the last two days had been stressful. Yesterday she wouldn't let him do things himself. She treated him like a child. And there were moments where she was sort of scary. But, he also didn't exactly make things easy on either of them. 

And today, what even was that? She should have told him what the wardship was about at the Vets! But she didn't. It felt a little like a betrayal. But then again with all that haze over his memories, maybe she did tell him? He wished that he could remember. 

What she definitely did do was force him to say good girl . That just felt so weird, but right at the same time? It felt good to hear and say that phrase. But, he was a guy? Right? It just had to have been the praise he received after he said it. The drugs certainly didn't hurt. 

But then there were other things, that dream he had the other night, and Ginger had told him. Why would she say that he was the one who caused her family to move, and what did it have to do with playing pretend? Maybe he should ask when he saw her later today. 

As he finished up his business he called out to Miss Lonny again, “All done! I'll need some help getting back in my wheelchair!” 

Lonicera entered the bathroom once again, “Did you remember to wash your hands Petal?”

“Umm; no,” looking at the affini sized sink he realized he might need some help again, “is it possible you can help me with that?” 

“Of course! Thank you for asking me, Petal. It's good to use our words when we need help. Good girl .” 

Isaac’s whole body shivered when she said those words again. It did feel good. Lonicera promptly picked Isaac up and held him at the edge of the sink. She squirted some soap onto his hands and let him lather them up. With her hand she turned on the water, and used a vine to direct a small part towards Isaac's hands. The water was the perfect temperature as he let it wash away all of the soapy lather. Lonicera then moved him over to a hand towel, that was bigger than any regular body towel that Isaac had ever used, to dry his hands. 

“Thank you Miss Lonny.” 

“My pleasure, Flower. Now why don't we head to the living room? I still need to make your breakfast.” 

Before Isaac had a chance to answer Lonicera started walking in the direction of the living room, one of Lonicera’s vines grabbed onto Isaac’s wheelchair and dragged it behind her. 

“Hey you know I could have taken the wheelchair! That's what you got it for right?”

“Could have, but I was already carrying you. Made more sense to me to just carry you the rest of the way.”

"I know, but I want to use the wheelchair! Let me down now!" Isaac was getting frustrated again. Even with the threat of domestication he couldn't help himself. He needed to be let down, right now.

"Isaac...."

Isaac squirmed, squirmed and when that didn't work he bit one of Lonicera's vines.  When he still couldn't get out of Lonicera’s grasp he pouted. “Let me down! You stupid plant! I can do it myself!”

He felt a prick against his neck and his body went limp. No matter how hard he tried to say something or to move he just couldn't. And then the stillness took hold. He began to struggle less internally, until eventually not at all. 

“That really wasn't a nice thing to say, Isaac. I think you need a little time to chill down. Everything is okay.  You don't have to move. You don't have to say anything, you don't have to think. You can enjoy just being still in my arms.” She began to rock him slowly back and forth, “there there little one. Now, I'm going to set you down on the couch and put on some cartoons for you. I'm going to go make breakfast for the two of us.”

Lonicera sat him down gently, and from inside her chest brought out his dolly. She placed the doll on his lap and wrapped his arms around it. “Now, there we go, two good little dolls. You do look ever so cute together. Just relax and bathe in the stillness. Nothing is wrong, and you're okay.”

The affini turned on the screen and brought up a cartoon of a square yellow creature and a pink star. Before she left to go to the kitchen she grabbed his blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped him and his dolly up. "Can't have my precious doll get cold." She said as she booped a vine to his nose. It sent tingles through his body.

"I'll be back soon, don't you worry." And she was off, back towards the kitchen, leaving Isaac and his dolly alone. 

It was difficult for Isaac to focus on the screen, even know he knew he liked this show. It was something he had pirated the whole series of years ago, and occasionally put on as background noise. Although sometimes he just wanted to watch something where he didn't have to think too hard. It was nice not having to think, and just bask in mindless entertainment. He was also starting to enjoy the fact he couldn't move his limbs, everything was still so comfy and nothing felt like it was falling asleep. It felt nice to just stay still hugging his dolly, wrapped up in his blanket. He didn't have to think, he didn't have to move. He could just be. And in that moment it felt like that was enough. 

Notes:

Another shorter chapter today. I had some ideas I wanted to get out.
Truly despite Isaac's own best efforts he really can't help himself sometimes. Like he tried this chapter, but yea.

Thanks for reading everyone!

Chapter 11: New Directions

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Isaac is brought out of stillness to have breakfast with Lonicera. During breakfast Lonicera does her best to convince Isaac on her new idea of how best to help him.

Notes:

So, just a warning, Isaac continues to use he/him pronouns throughout this chapter and likely the next couple until its resolved. Isaac is a egg, and struggles to give up his old identity. Even when everything about him says otherwise.

It wasn't long until Lonicera came back to lift Isaac and Dolly up for breakfast. Everything was still so wonderfully still for Isaac. He didn't have to worry about anything. He was hoping that Miss Lonny would forget about ever bringing him back to reality; but that was not to be. He felt the injector against his skin, and suddenly things weren't so still anymore.

“Welcome back Isaac~” Lonicera said as she placed him into his high chair. 

Isaac blinked, and stretched, “What.. what just happened? Everything was so.. nice.”

“Oh I just gave you a little something that I figured might help calm you down. I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself.”

“I really did! I.. umm…” Isaac looked down at the table and fidgeted with his thumbs.

“Yes, Flower?”

Isaac’s face turned red, “I.. umm.. can we do that again? Like maybe not now, but some other time?”

There was that mischievous grin on Lonicera's face again, “Oh? You want to be my adorable little doll again? I can definitely work with that~”

Isaac pawed at the air in embarrassment, “Not when you put it like that! I'd be more like.. an action figure! That's it! A very masculine action figure.”

Lonicera’s laugh rumbled from within deep in her core. “Sure, Petal. Although I have a better idea. Do you want to hear it?” 

“Hey, what's so funny!”

“Nothing Petal. Nothing at all.”

Isaac pouted, “Fine sure, whatever, I don't believe you. What's the idea then?”

“Well, Petal, we both know you have a bit of a tendency to try and be useful. To the point that you've been refusing help.”

“Yea, well you got the point across earlier…”

“A point that didn't stick in your silly little head.”

He did try to listen! But, he couldn't argue with that. He was having difficulty adjusting to life with Lonicera. Which by her own words meant life within the Compact. The Accord prioritized the individual so much that asking for help was almost unheard of. Or at least it was with the people he worked with. It wasn't easy going from hyper independence to.. this. 

“I guess not. It hasn't exactly been easy for me.”

Lonicera gave him a gentle smile, “And that's okay my sweet flower. Many Terrans are having difficulty adjusting. It's nothing to be ashamed of. To get back to my idea. What would you say about pretending to be my little serving doll? A maid.”

“Kinda like how Hazel’s a nurse?” Isaac asked.

“Exactly. It's only something you would do if and when you want to. We don't believe in forcing work upon people in the Compact. Think of it more as a fun game. Role playing even.” Lonicera said as she began to cut up a small home fry and place it into Isaac’s waiting mouth. “And if you don't want to, it's perfectly okay. You'll still be getting all the care, food, safety, shelter and love as you're getting right now. None of that will be taken away from you.” 

Isaac chewed and swallowed, “Maybe. But won't my wheelchair use get in the way of cleaning?”

“Not necessarily. Maids can do many jobs within the house. And it is role play. I can make scenarios that correspond to your current level of ability. And we can act them out together! Such as greeting guests at the door and bringing them in. And we should have guests in about, looks like, two hours.” Lonicera said as she continued to feed Isaac. 

It did sound like it could be fun. “Why maid, and not butler?”

“Do you want to be a butler?”

Isaac took a second to think. He didn't want to be a butler. Maid did sound preferable, he would be like his dolly! “No…”

“You have your answer then. So, would you like to be my sweet Maid?” Lonicera said, offering Isaac a vine to hold on to. 

Isaac accepted her vine and shook it. “Yes.”

“Wonderful! After breakfast we can make it official!” Lonicera said clapping her hands together.

Isaac cocked his head, “What does making it official mean?”

“Oh, you'll see~”

 

---

 

Isaac was left on the couch as Lonicera was busily collecting and compiling different items. Whatever this 'making it official’ certainly involved a lot of things. For one, she had to set up her datapad on a tripod with its camera. 

In a lull period of her activity she stopped to ask Isaac, “Flower, Maids have names different than their given ones right?”

“Umm, yes I guess so.”

“Excellent. Since you are going to be my maid, why don't you choose a maid name for yourself? Something perhaps close and important to you?”

Close and important to him? What did she mean by that? Well, there were many names he used to think were pretty. Off the top of his head he always liked the name Gracie. It just sounded cute. He also liked the name Aphrodite. But there was no way he was going to take the name of the goddess of love. Given the fact he was going to be a plant’s maid maybe it should be something floral themed? Like Lilly, or Marigold. Oh he liked Marigold! 

“I think I have a name!” He said excitedly! 

“Let's hear it!” 

He beamed, “I think I would like my maid name to be Marigold!” 

Lonicera crossed her hands over her chest, “What a gorgeous name! What a truly fantastic choice! I love it, Marigold .”

It felt good to be called Marigold. But it was just play right? 

After a couple more minutes Lonicera returned with a maid dress, a simple black collar, as well as a sheet of paper and two pens. 

“Oh!!! What a cute dress! It looks almost exactly like the one Dolly is wearing!”

“Good eye! I modeled after your doll! I figured since you are going to be both my precious doll and good maid that it should match your own dolly. Would you like to try it on?” Lonicera grinned. 

“Yes! I would love to!”

Isaac eagerly raised up his arms to have his corset and sundress removed, and the maid outfit to put on. It took a couple of minutes, because of all the little fiddly parts of the dress. He could have sworn he heard an injector hiss at some point during the change. But he didn't feel any different. Must have been his imagination. What he did know is that the dress looked amazing on him. Where was it all his life? 

“So, what about the papers? I'm assuming I have to sign something?” Marigold asked. 

“What papers?”

“The ones in your vine, silly!”

“Oh you mean these papers!” She said holding up her vine. “You've already signed them.”

“When? how?”

“Aww cutie, you don't remember? It was just a couple of minutes ago. You were very excited to sign them. I got the whole thing recorded if you want to watch.”

“No, it's fine. I guess that happened. Weird that I don't remember it. So, I'm your maid now?”

“Yes, you are” her voice dropped to a barely audible whisper, “and maybe one other thing.” She raised her voice again, “So, how does it feel to be Marigold now?”

“I like it. I like the name! It feels right in some way? Like it was supposed to be. But if I want to, I can still go back to… what was my name before this again? I can't seem to recall.” Marigold held his chin. He should be scared at the fact he couldn't remember his name before Marigold. But all he felt was calm? Like it wasn't that big of a deal. He remembered always feeling fairly neutral towards that name anyways. 

“Then it must not be that important then. As I said I think Marigold is a lovely name. Far better, and more fitting than whatever was before.” Lonicera reassured him. 

Marigold thought about it for a moment. It didn't matter who he was before. He was Marigold now, “I guess you're right! I love Marigold!”

“ Good girl~”

Oh and now he felt even better with the change. At that moment the hab unit interrupted the two of them.  “You got visitors cuties!”

Lonicera picked Marigold up and placed him in his wheelchair. “Now, my doll, it is time to perform your maidly duties. Please go answer the door and welcome in our guests.”

Notes:

Same with the above note. Marigold is a trans woman! But he does still have a few hangups that need to be worked through. But I think this a good step in the right direction.

Also thank you Ztmackin for Beta Reading.

Be sure to read her work: Up from the Bottom, mech fiction taking place in the HDG universe
https://archiveofourown.org/works/65215402/chapters/168291712#workskin

And as always thank you everyone for reading

Chapter 12: Reunions

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Marigold and Miss Lonicera have visitors! Now's the time for the newly minted maid to start her duties! Marigold gets to spend some time with Ginger.

Notes:

Hey just a Content Warning. While this chapter doesn't go too far into it, it does explore some of the messier aspects of Marigolds upbringing in an attempt to show why she's like that. So CW for discussions of parental abuse.

Marigold rolled herself over to the door excitedly. This was going to be his first act as Miss Lonny’s Maid! He didn't want to disappoint! He pressed his wristband to the doors automatic sensor; it slid open revealing a very familiar affini and two Terrans. Both Terrans had puppy ears and tails, and one had her limbs replaced with digitigrade ones. The one she didn't recognize, but assumed was Zoey bolted past him to the living room beyond. 

Okay you got this Marigold . He curtsied the best she could, bowing her head, and lifting up the hems of his skirt on either side. “Hello, welcome to Miss Lonny's Hab Unit. Please come inside.” 

He heard Ginger say, well something. It sounded like static before the rest of the sentence followed. “... you look fantastic! I love that maid dress on you!” Her eyes glanced over to his neck. “That collar looks good on you too~” 

Marigold was confused, what collar? She felt around her neck, and sure enough, underneath some of the ruffles of the dress was a collar. “Wait? How did that get there? Miss Lonny just put this dress on me! I don't remember there being a collar!” 

Hera had a knowing smile on her face as she put her hand on Ginger's shoulder, “Ginger, it must just be part of her his outfit. Isn't that right static noises ?”

There it was again those static noises. Hera was probably right. It was a costume after all. “Yea! That must be it! Collars do look cute with maid uniforms!” 

Hera pat the top of Marigold's head, eliciting a little squeal, “They definitely do look good with Maid uniforms. Your whole outfit looks absolutely lovely on you static noises”

Marigold’s face turned red as he tried to hide a smile. He couldn't help but flap his arms a little. It took him a second to recompose him. “T-t-thank you Hera.”

“You're most welcome, static noises .”

And again, just static noises! He wished he could hear what they were saying. “Umm, kinda weird question. But are you two actively making static noises to mess with me?” 

Ginger looked at Marigold puzzled, “What do you mean static noises?”

“Petal, which words are static to you?” Hera asked calmly as she began to inspect Marigold. She started by looking in his ears and in his mouth.   

The vine in Marigold’s mouth caused her to mumble, “Umm when you said ‘isn’t that right, static noises?’. Or when you said ‘You’re most welcome, static noises. Or when..”

“That's enough I understand,” Hera pressed a vine against her chin, “Hmm I think I have an idea of what's wrong. Static noises why don't you tell us your name?”

“Oh I can tell you that! My name is Marigold!”

“Thank you, Marigold.” Hera said as she pressed an injector against Marigold’s arm, sending a wave of pleasure coursing through her body. “I believe you have a condition called Cutie-itis. The xenodrugs in that injection should help. I  don't think you're going to hear the static noises again.”

Marigold giggled, “Okay!! Thank you Hera!” 

Hera ruffled Marigold's hair causing the Terran to shudder and shake, “Don't mention it, flower. I'm happy to help. Now why don't you show us in?”

“Oh yes! Of course! My maidly duties! I almost forgot! Please come in! Take off your shoes.. well shoes for Ginger at least. Then please follow me.” Marigold said as she ushered them in. 

Hera and Ginger did as they were instructed and followed Marigold down the hall to the living room. There on the couch was Lonicera waiting for them with the dog girl curled up on her lap. 

“Mistress Lonny! I've brought the visitors!” Marigold said proudly as they entered the room. 

“Very good Petal! I’m very proud of you!” 

Marigold covered her face again. He was proud to serve his Mistress as a maid. Wait, his Mistress? He hasn't called Lonicera ‘Mistress’ before. Or referred to her as ‘his’. Next time they were alone he was going to ask her about it. 

“I’d get up to say hello but well you see my predicament.” Lonicera continued. “It's hard to get up when there’s such a cutie laying on you.”

Hera walked past Marigold towards the couch and Marigold's Mistress. “Oh I understand Lonicera. Zoey was stuck to me like a creeper vine the whole time she was over. She missed her Mommy.” She said as she started to slowly pet the curled up Terran.

Marigold was right, the unknown Terran girl was Zoey! He turned to Ginger, “Hey, Ginger am I right to assume that floret up there is Zoey?”

“That is indeed her. Why do you ask? Did Lonicera not mention she was coming over today with us?”

“Well, she did, I just, I was told she was  rambunctious. I didn't expect that she was going to be even more doglike than you. I just.. I don't know. Feel kinda snuffed that she ran past me at the door.” 

Ginger placed her hand on Marigold’s. Ginger’s hand felt nice and warm on his. Maybe it was just the injection for Cutie-itis or whatever Hera said, but he started to imagine her hand drifting and touching other places on his body too. It would be nice if she ran her hand through his hair. Touch his breasts… He internally shook his head. No this is friend! Gotta behave. 

If Ginger noticed, she didn't say anything and instead answered his query, “Oh, Zoey’s just like that. She's very much an Affini's floret you know? She was homesick for the last couple of weeks. When we were bringing her over today she was just so excited to finally be going home. So, while I'm sure that you're new and interesting, she was far more focused on getting back to Miss Lonny.” 

“I guess that makes sense. It just kinda hurts.”

“Trust me when I say this Marigold, she'll come to you when she's ready. Just give her time.” 

“Thank you for reassuring me Ginger.”

“Hey, what are friends for?” Ginger said as she looked over to the two affini talking in their musical language and snuggling on the couch. “It looks like they're going to be occupied for a while too. Gives us a chance to hang out!” 

“Yea it does! I can show you around the Hab Unit!” Marigold said excitedly. 

“Oh Marigold, I already know most of the Hab Unit. I've been over here a couple times before. Hehe~ But, you know what I haven't seen?” Ginger had the same mischievous grin that Mistress sometimes got. 

“What?”

“I haven't seen your room silly! I haven't been over since you moved in. I heard from Hera they brought your whole apartment over.”

“Oh yea they did! But they placed it out wrong.” Marigold said as he motioned for Ginger to follow him to his room. 

“Placed it out wrong?” Ginger said as scrunched her eyes as if she was thinking about something. 

“Yea, things weren't exactly where I liked them. It was all wrong! Mistress had to help me fix it.”

“I'm glad that Miss Lonny did! Now that you mentioned it, I remember you used to be really particular with your toys. Whenever we took them out and then had to put them back, you had this certain order that they had to be in. I didn't fully understand it. But I did my best to help.”

Marigold closed his eyes; he couldn't seem to picture that. “I don't really remember that. But I trust you when you say it.”

“You really can't remember much from when we were younger can you?” Ginger’s face turned to one of worry.

“Not really. I can't really remember much until the moment I moved out of my parents place.” He said as he opened the door to his room. 

“You know that makes a whole lotta sense Marigold.” Ginger looked around at the near exact copy of Marigold’s apartment. “Not bad, feels like you in here.”

“Yea! I really gotta thank Mistress Lonny for helping me again.” 

“You should! I'm sure she'd appreciate it!” Ginger said as she walked over to Marigold’s bed and hopped onto it. She motioned for him to come join her. 

He rolled his wheelchair over to the bed and reached out his arms. Ginger grabbed onto his hands, sending another wave of pleasure through his body as she lifted him out of his wheelchair and pulled him onto the bed. She helped him get nice and cozy before going back to their conversation. 

“Now, to go back, Marigold, I'm going to put it lightly but your Dad was full of dirt. I mean both of our sets of parents were. But your dad took.. a lot of things poorly. All I'm saying is that I’m not surprised you blocked it all out.” 

He cocked his head, “Like I have a vague recollection of why I cut my parents out of my life when I moved out. But like nothing really beyond the fact I was angry.”

“Totally reasonable girl! While I don't know what happened to you when my parents forced us to move, I have some guesses. But, I don't know if that's something Miss Lonny wants to tackle.”

“I mean, I don't remember. So what harm could it do? It's like I'm practically a different person anyways.”

She looked Marigold up and down, taking in his long hair, hairless feminine face, his growing chest and his maid outfit. She smiled. “While you might not be too different from what I remember, I believe you when you say you feel like a different person. I'll tell you, but only on one condition. You speak to your Mistress about it afterwards!”

He supposed she just didn't want to get in trouble for potentially upsetting him. But what could she say that could possibly shock him? He raised out his hand, “Deal!”

“Alright! This might be kinda long. I'd prefer to get cozy first.” 

Ginger took Marigold's hand and then flopped onto the bed. She curled up, cuddled up next to him. Her touch sent even more shivers up his back. He so desperately wanted to grab her hand that was around his waist and move it up to his chest. No no! Serious talk with friend!

Ginger continued, “Alright so, let me lay it out for you. Your parents were rotting horrible. While it was easier to get along with your Mum, I always had a hard time with your dad. I tried to schedule my visits over to your place whenever he wasn't home if possible.”

“Yea that makes sense given what you've said.”

“To be honest I'm sure he didn't like me. Anyways besides the point. You were always complaining about just how tough he was on you. One time he took away your art book. The one I had gotten you for your birthday that one year. All because he thought art and drawing were gay. I can see by your face you don't remember this. It's okay. You ended up coming to me to cry, and I held you all night long. At least until your mother came to pick you up.” Ginger shifted to hold Marigold a bit tighter.

“I really don't remember all that. I don't remember ever being artistic.” Marigold said solemnly. 

“You were a good artist Marigold. I'm just sad you never had a chance to shine. Maybe talk to Miss Lonny about getting you a sketchbook! I think you'll find that you still enjoy it.”

“Anyways you still haven't said your guesses.”

“I haven't, have I? Well, that story leads me into my first guess. That your father made sure his son ,” She said with a hint of disgust, “became a man.”

“What's so wrong with that? I mean I am a man, aren't I?”

Ginger stifled a laugh, “Marigold.”

“What?” He pouted.

She sighed, “Nothing, it's not my place.” 

Marigold whined, “No! You gotta tell me!”

“You sure?”

“Yes! Tell me!”

“I really wish one of those gay plants in the other room was here.” 

“I mean we can call Mistress.”

“We could but, I missed spending one on one time with you. Can we just not broach that subject for the moment?”

“I guess. But I'm going to get Mistress to tell me okay?”

“Okay. Just to finish that thought from before. I just have a feeling that once I left, you had no one to turn to. No one to confide in. No one to protect you from your dads anger. In fact I'm sure his knowledge about me made him act worse towards you, you know?”

“I…" tears started swelling up in Marigold's eyes.

“It's okay Marigold. I’m sorry I couldn't be there to help you,” Ginger wrapped her arms around Marigold even tighter. “But I'm here now, and he's not.”

Marigold reciprocated the hug. Practically squishing the floret. He still didn't remember what happened in his past, but his emotions certainly did. He couldn't help but cry into his friend's shoulder. “I’m so glad we made our way back to each other.” 

Ginger gently stroked the top of her friend's head. “I am too Marigold. I am too. I love you.”

“I.. I love you too.” She snuggled closer to her friend. 

Notes:

Hey want to say thank you Sera and Nav on the Discord for beta reading
As well as Ztmackin. You can read her work here https://archiveofourown.org/works/65215402/chapters/168291712#workskin

This one actually made me cry as I was writing it. I hope everyone has a good time with it

Chapter 13: Finding Paths

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

To her surprise Marigold wakes up in the arms of her floret friend Ginger. Lonicera and Hera decide that the little terrans all need to go for a nice walk.

Marigold grumbled as something lightly tapped his shoulder. He wiggled a bit and wrapped his arms tighter around whatever the soft, sweet smelling thing was in front of him. There was no way he was going to open his eyes. Another tap, and then another. 

“ Petal~” cooed a very familiar voice. 

The thing in his arms squirmed and shifted. Marigold could sense a face uncomfortably close to his. He grumbled more. He was perfectly happy exactly where he was. In his bed with.. with.. he was in bed with someone. His memories felt a little fuzzy. 

“Miss Lonnyyy she's he’s not getting up!”

“Perhaps she he needs some extra incentive.” Even with his eyes closed he could tell Mistress was making some sort of hand gesture. Wait, Mistress was telling him to get up. He was a good Maid he should…

He felt two of the softest lips he had ever felt press against his. Before he could return the favour they pulled back. His eyes slowly fluttered open revealing Ginger, who had a bit of a smirk on her face, as well as the two affini. 

“Wake up, sleepy head!” Ginger said cheerfully.

Marigold ran a hand through her hair as she stretched. “Hey Ginger. Going for the whole fairytale wake up I see.”

“You weren't getting up! And Miss Lonny said it was okay. I might have also secretly wanted to do that for a while. But that's neither here nor there.”

Marigold giggled, that girl! They had only seen each other twice since she came back into her life, and now they cuddled, kissed and even exchanged I love yous. It all felt, magical? Quick? Quick was more the word. It was a lot of firsts for him. “Oh she did?”

“I did, Petal. Since you didn't react to my light taps, I figured something slightly stronger would work to wake you up. And Ginger was more than happy to volunteer~” Lonicera reached out a vine and scritched Ginger behind the ear. “Hera and I figured it was time we all went out for a walk together. Show you around our little part of the Vitaceae .”

Hera came into Marigold’s view, “That’s right sweet Marigold. Seeing how energetic you were earlier I thought it was a good idea to start to get you out of the Hab. You've probably been missing the outside.”

Marigold had to think on that statement for a second. The outside had never really interested him all that much. But then again, there wasn't much outside to Bov 450. It was a grey steel and concrete wasteland. He only went outside his apartment to work. At least before his injury. But the affini ship, this Vita something had a bright sun, grass and trees and water fountains. Things he only really saw in the movies and shows he used to watch. He still couldn't get his head around the fact that he was on a starship and not planetside. Perhaps it was a good idea. 

“Missing the outside is a bit of a strong statement. But, I would like to go and see what constitutes outside here.”

“Splendid!” Lonicera said as she brought her hands together in a clap, “Hera, could you please get Ginger and Zoey ready? I just want to have a little chat with my darling Maid before we go out.”

“Absolutely no problem. Girls! Let's go!” Marigold swore he saw Hera wink, but it was hard to tell given her many eyes. 

“I'll see you outside Marigold! This is going to be so much fun! I love walkies!” Ginger was practically bouncing with excitement. Her tail was wagging furiously. 

“Didn't you walk here with Hera?” 

“I did! But that wasn't the same as proper Walkies! That was Walkies with a purpose! This is Walkies for fun!” 

Marigold had no idea how she could make that distinction. Instead he just said, “You’re such a puppy.”

“Woof! Don't you know it!” And with that Ginger hopped off of Marigold's bed and ran out of the room to catch up with Hera. 

Lonicera had settled into a more comfortable position, at least comfortable for Marigold to see him at. Marigold felt one of her vines slowly stroke the side of his face. It always surprised him how soft affini vines could be. So gentle and caring. He supposed this wasn't too bad. 

“So, you wanted to chat with me about something?”

Lonicera continued to lovingly stroke the side of his face, “I did, I have a couple of things to say.” 

Marigold leaned into Lonicera’s vine. “So? What is it? I don't think I did anything particularly bad this time.”

The affini giggled, sending vibrations through the vine that was pressed against Marigold's face. He also could hear a slight thrumming coming from Lonicera’s chest.

“What's so funny!?” 

“Oh it's nothing. Marigold, do you actually think I see you as a bad girl?” The thrumming changed its beat and tune.

What could she mean by that? “Umm, yes? Like you've been constantly upset with me over the last couple of days. Or at least it's felt like that.”

“Oh my dear sweet flower. I wasn't angry with you. Nor do I see you as anything other than a good girl.”

But Marigold had been a bad girl? “But I hurt myself, and I got upset and lashed out at you. These are things..”

Lonicera stopped stroking Marigold’s and instead held a vine there, “I wasn't angry or upset Petal. Perhaps a little frustrated, but more worried about you. I am in charge of looking after you and making sure your needs are met, and that you're happy. And in those moments I felt like I failed you. Perhaps I pushed you a little far.”

“More than a little..” grumbled Marigold.

“Maybe, but I now have a better understanding of your needs. I understand just how important it is for you to feel useful, and independent. That doesn't mean you are anything but a good girl.”

Marigold placed a hand on his Mistress’s vine and held it close to his face as he leaned in. “I..”

“Shh it's okay Petal. Just know I have a better idea how to make you happy. And I intend to follow through. But this isn't why I asked Hera to go ahead. I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you.”

Tears started to swell up in Marigold’s eyes, “You are?”

“I am, my sweet Marigold. You did such a good job at answering the door, and entertaining your guest. I do want to hear more about that after Hera and Ginger go home. I also wanted to say just how stars damned cute you were all cuddled up to Ginger. I got some photos~”

“Hey! You swore!” Marigold said pointing at Lonicera. 

“Just a little for emphasis. I thought Terrans liked that sort of thing.” 

“I mean yes I guess. But it feels so weird coming out of your mouth?”

“Noted. But yes, that's all I wanted to say. Now would you like a hand back into your wheelchair? Or would you prefer me carry you on our walk?” Lonicera offered her hand to Margiold. “I know which one I would pick.”

“This part of the wardship test?” Marigold said as he squinted at Lonicera. He was starting to get a hang of Lonicera’s little tests. 

The leaves on Lonicera ruffled a little, “Perhaps.”

He sighed and lifted up his arms. “Fine, carry me then.”

---

Lonicera’s idea of carrying Marigold for a walk seemed to be quite different from how she carried him around the house. Instead of being held chest to chest, Marigold’s back was to Lonicera's chest, several strong vines holding her securely to the affini. Under his butt, more vines made a sort of chair. While it gave him a great view of the parklands surrounding Lonicera's Hab, it felt slightly embarrassing. He couldn't exactly pinpoint why, but thinking about it made his face flush red. 

He kept telling himself that was just his reaction to the artificial sun in the sky. An unbelievable thing. While he saw it out of his bedroom window earlier this morning, everything was unbelievable. How could this exist in a starship? 

He saw Terrans running around barefoot in the grass playing with each other as well as with several xeno species he had no name for. There were beautifully crafted trails, and forests mixed with colourful Hab units of all shapes and sizes. Only the wealthiest of Terrans could truly live like this. And yet he was here. A lowly, bankrupt, dockworker. 

“Mistress?”

He could feel Lonicera gaze on him, “Yes, Petal?”

“One of you said that my old apartment was being torn down. With the implication that many buildings on Bov 450 were to meet the same fate.”

“I believe I did. None of those buildings were up to our code. All of them are dangerous to cuties like you. And the huge warehouses. Just wastes of space holding the products of a Feralist ideology.”

Marigold nodded, “You mean Capitalism?”

“Yes, I believe that's the word for it. A political system that has only ever done more harm than good. No matter what Sophont species tries it.”

“Is it okay to say that it's good to hear that? That it's a failed ideology no matter who does it?”

“Of course.”

“Good, because I fucking hate it. I hate what it did to me and those around me.”

“Language.” Hera called from the front of the group.

“She's right, language, Petal.” Lonicera agreed. 

“Fine fine, But to get back to my question. Is Bov 450 going to look like the inside of this ship?”

“That's the intention. That's why we've been moving more and more of your fellow Terrans up here. So that we can do some remediation on the world below. Make it a safe and happy place for all.”

Marigold leaned back into the affini, “Ah. That's… that's good to know. I'm glad you're tearing it all down.”

Lonicera ran her vines through Marigold’s hair. “I’m surprised to hear you say that. You were a bit distressed when we told you we were moving your apartment to my hab.”

“Don't get me wrong, that did distress me. But it's here now you know? And it's all as it should be. Thanks… but going to be honest that planet caused me nothing but misery. The Accord caused me nothing but misery. I'm happy to see it go.”

“As am I, flower.” Marigold could feel Lonicera’s happiness through the vibration of her vines. 

From up ahead she could hear Ginger's voice, “Hey Marigold! Look over here! To the right! That's my Hab Unit!”

Ginger was pointing at a yellow and green structure that was perched in the middle of a hill, that resembled the colours of Hera’s flowers. It was a slightly different shape than Lonicera’s, but just as big. In one of the windows hung a blue, pink, and white flag. Surrounding it was a field of flowers.

“You have to promise to come over sometime! I got all the video games we used to play back when! Well, maybe slightly toned down. But they're still good!”

“Definitely! I'm going to kick your..” Marigold knew she shouldn't say ass because of that previous reminder about swearing, “butt!”

“Petal! Violence is not tolerated in the Compact!” Lonicera said with disappointment. 

“It's just a phrase! I'm not actually going to kick her butt. I'm just going to play games with her and I plan to win.” 

“That's.. better.”

Ginger laughed, “C’mon Miss Lonny, Hera even knows that phrase.”

Hera looked over at Lonicera sheepishly, “I mean I do, but only because I deal with Terrans all day.”

“I guess I'm the silly one then. Go on Petals, keep talking about your games.”

For the next ten minutes of their walk Ginger, and Marigold talked passionately about the games they used to play. Racing games, action, adventure and puzzle. They even got up to talking about campaigns they ran in their favourite RPGs. Between them Zoey was listening. 

As they were talking about a fantasy setting Zoey finally but softly spoke, “I used to play that game too.”

“Oh! Zoey are you feeling comfortable enough around Marigold?”

Zoey looked up at Marigold and sniffed, “She smells like Mommy. I like her. Just nervous.”

“It's okay Puppy,” Lonicera said reaching down to pet the puppygirl, “I expected you to be a little nervous with a new Sophont in the house. I'm glad you're feeling more comfortable.”

Zoey's tail started wagging and she spoke a little louder, “Thank you Mommy!”

This was the rambunctious Zoey? At least she had given him something to talk to her about. “I'm glad you feel comfortable around me too. Zoey, you said you used to play that fantasy game Ginger and I were talking about?”

Zoey's face lit up, “Yea! Yea! I.. I.. I liked playing the cat people.”

“The cat people?” That confused Marigold a little, Zoey was clearly a puppy.

“Yea! The Cat people were cool.” As if reading Marigold's mind Zoey added, “There wasn't any dog people at the time I was playing. But that was okay! The cats were fast and nimble and pretty.” 

“You never told me any of this Zoey!” Ginger exclaimed.

“You.. you never bro.. brought it up. I didn't know you li.. liked it too.”

“I guess we’re all learning about each other then. So, what was your favourite class?”

“I.. I know it's cliche given the Cat people, but I liked playing the thief or martial artist.”

“Good choices.” Marigold said, “Personally I liked playing a fae. I liked using their magic abilities. They.. might also be very pretty. I played my elf battlemage, Eirua, for years. She was so confident and witty. I miss playing her.”

“I miss playing with her too Marigold! Maybe we should play again sometime? The three of us?” Ginger said.

Zoey’s eyes widened, “Yea yea! That wou.. would be fun! Al.. also what did yo.. you play Ginger?” 

“Oh me? I played this little draconic lizard girl who practically worshiped her dragon patron. Her name was Kib! Little mischievous thing.” Ginger said thoughtfully.

“Oh yea!! I remember Kib! She was great! Remember when we were being chased by those guards..” Marigold said excitedly.

“After your Eirua tried to enthrall a Princess.”

Marigold blushed, “Well, she was hot.” 

“And evil! It turned out she was the big bad guy!” 

“Okay! Let's just said I might have made a slight mistake. But what I was going to say Kib saved all of us! She was able to get her patron to come and save us!”

“Yea well, when you worship a dragon they get attached to you too.”

Hera and Lonicera passed knowing glances. 

Lonicera spoke, “Petals, would you like me to run this game for you sometime?”

The three Terrans said in unison “YES.”

“Then I shall cuties~ I think it would be fun to play this game you all seem to love so much. Hera would you like to play too?”

“I think this should be a thing between you all. I wouldn't even know where to start.” Hera said, raising her arms above her head dramatically. 

“Aww Mommy! You sure?” Ginger whined looking up at her affini pleadingly. 

Hera looked down at Ginger, “I’ll sit in one time. But just to watch.”

“Yay!! Thanks Mommy!” 

Ginger hugged Hera’s leg. Hera’s reached down and picked up her floret, nuzzling her forehead. “You are just so cute you know that?”

“I doooo you tell me all the time!” Ginger was clearly enjoying the attention. 

“Well, I'm going to say it again. You're so absolutely adorable! I think I'll just keep you!” Hera said as she opened up her chest exposing her core. Marigold could hear a loud thrumming, and felt all the happiness and playfulness it represented. Hera proceeded to place the floret within her chest beside her core and close up her vines. 

Marigold’s eyes widened, “What.. what just happened?”

“Oh, afraid I ate your friend?”

“Maybe a little..” Marigold didn't know what to think. 

“I didn't eat her Petal. Just gave her some well deserved time against my core. The very heart of my being. She's practically purring inside me.” 

“Did you want to try that Marigold?” Lonicera asked. 

“I.. don't know.” 

“That's okay. I can make that decision for you. And for now, I think it's best if you just enjoy the sunshine. We’re almost near our destination anyways.”

“I thought we were just going for a walk?”

“We are! To a restaurant I think you'd enjoy. As well as some other places. We just took the long way. See we're almost there.”

She pointed out a building that featured an open terrace filled with tables, umbrellas and chairs. Currently there were a couple of affini with their florets. The sign was labelled Sam’s. 

“I think you’ll enjoy the food they have here. I also made sure to time our arrival well before the dinner rush.”

Notes:

Hey want to say thank you Sera and Nav on the Discord for beta reading
I also want to thank MeghanIsMe for betareading!
As well as Ztmackin. You can read her work here https://archiveofourown.org/works/65215402/chapters/168291712#workskin

I thought we needed a small cute chapter after the last one <3

Thank you all for reading as always

Chapter 14: Be our Guest pt.1

Chapter by Aryla_White

Summary:

Marigold and friends arrive at Sam's Restaurant and start their lunch date

As they approached Sam’s diner the group was greeted by what appeared to be a small Terran woman. She wore a dress that looked like it came from one of the old movies Marigold used to pirate from the web. The dress was pink with white accents, with a small pocket to hold a tablet. She had a very cute chestnut bob, held up with a colourful hairband. The woman's joints clicked and clacked as she welcomed them in. Only on closer inspection did Marigold realize that the woman's arms and legs had ball joints! 

Her voice crackled, “Hello! Welcome to Sam’s! Where everything from the servers and chefs to the chairs and cutlery is Sam! This one is Sam, it uses it and she pronouns! Are you dining with us today?” 

Marigold stared first at the dolls ball joints with an yearning he didn't know he had, and then at the doll as a whole, what did it mean everything was Sam? Maybe it was some sort of gimmick? Maybe everything was just named Sam. 

Lonicera spoke before Marigold had a chance to ask the doll his question, “I believe we have a reservation for five under Caprifolium.”

The doll paused for a moment, it's porcelain face seemingly lost in concentration. “Ah yes, Lonicera Caprifolium and company.”

It gestured to a table filled with buckets of what looked to be ear pieces of different shapes and varieties and a plethora of glasses. “To fully experience this restaurant this one recommends wearing one of the provided earpieces and matching glasses!” 

This confused Marigold even more. She looked over at Ginger forgetting for a moment that the floret was still wrapped up in her owner's chest. Instead Hera made eye contact with Marigold. As if reading his mind

“Don't worry flower. Your questions will be answered very shortly.” 

Somehow that didn't give Marigold much confidence. The only thing he could do was play along with the gimmick. “Miss Lonny! Can I have a set of glasses and a earpiece?”

He could feel Lonicera’s voice vibrate through his body, “Petal, I believe good little maids are more polite than that when asking for things.”

Marigold pouted, Lonicera was right. Of course. “Then let me please try it again.” 

Lonicera’s mouth split into a wide grin, “Go on~”

Marigold took a deep breath, “Miss Loni-ce.. ra, may I please have a set of glasses and earpiece.”

“Good Girl~” Marigold’s body shuddered with delight, “Good asking. Of course you may. But only after I affix a set of glasses and earpiece for Zoey first.”

There was nothing Marigold could do but wait patiently as Lonicera took an agonizingly long time to get Zoey set up. It was as if she was going slowly on purpose. He was starting to get agitated and it didn't help that Hera stood by giggling at his situation. 

“You're my doctor! You should be more professional than that” whined Marigold.

Hera placed a finger on the nose of her simulated face, “I thought you would have remembered by now that I'm a veterinarian not a doctor. And besides I'm not at the office. I can giggle as much as I want.”

Just as Marigold was about to deliver an angry retort, Lonicera finished with her work. “Now it's your turn Petal. Thank you for so patiently waiting.” 

Marigold felt a pair of glasses slip over his face. The seemingly normal restaurant from a second ago was filled with little hearts and other emojis expressing delight. From the clothes the doll in front of them wore, to the umbrellas, chairs, tables, he could swear he saw the silverware on the tables sprout emojis when a Terran man at a nearby table held a fork to his mouth.

Marigold wasn't sure what to think. He had never seen anything like to before, “Miss Lonny, why does everything have these emojis around them?” 

The doll in front of them chirped in, “Miss, may this one answer this question?” 

“What a polite little doll, of course you can.” Lonicera said as she stroked the doll’s silver hair with a vine. Marigold could see a flush of hearts spring forth around the doll. 

The doll turned its gaze up to Marigold, “To answer that one's question, everything in this cafe is Sam.”

That didn't answer anything so Marigold pushed on, “You said that already, what do you mean everything is Sam?”

“Everything, including this one, is Sam. How to explain this.. that one knows the affini are capable of great things?” 

Marigold didn't fully want to admit that, but he couldn't disagree. The evidence was on his body and all around him. “Umm, yes I guess.”

“Well, would that one believe that Sam used to only be one sophont, made from flesh and blood?” The doll inquired, keeping its cheerful demeanour. 

“What do you mean used to be? I can see you have ball joints but those are prosthetics right? And only one?” This was starting to confuse Marigold. The doll in front of him must be a cyborg right? 

“Used to be! These are not prosthetics. This is just one of its bodies! Sam is no longer a flesh and blood sophont because Sam is a program now! This one's full consciousness is on the ship's intranet! It created different instances of itself! Most of those instances are focused here in this cafe! While Sam Prime is with it's Admin.”

“Wait?! Affini can just turn someone into a piece of software?” Marigold asked in surprise. 

Hera spoke up, “It's not exactly a perfect process, but yes. There are several ways that we digitize a sophont. Neither of us is exactly adept at it, but there are several affini onboard who are. One is Sam’s owner, or as it said, it's Administrator. Although I was the one to install Sam’s Haustoric implant.”

Marigold glanced at the happy doll in front of him, “That's amazing and kinda terrifying. I don't think I could ever do something like that. But I'm impressed that there's people who have had it done.”

He felt Lonicera’s hand on the top of his head, “Never say never Petal~. There's many florets on board that said they would never enjoy something, but once their owners provided it to them they completely changed their little minds.”

“That's the mind bending the Terran propaganda said you all do isn't it?”

“You mean hypnosis? Yes and no. We would never put a thought in our florets that would make them unhappy, or do something they didn't want. Think of it as helping them along to where they already want to go. Most of the time they don't even notice~”

It all kinda made sense to Marigold’s mind. As much as he complained the last couple of days he did feel happier? Like even after Miss Lonny had scared him with the threat of domestication, she still gave him a second change right? And called him a good girl . Even though he totally wasn't a girl, he still really liked that phrase. It made his whole body feel good in a way he hadn't felt before. Maybe there was something to Lonny’s words. 

“Now that it has answered your questions, may this one take you to your seats?” 

Lonicera gave an affirmative nod and made a motion as if to say show the way. They followed the doll to the end of the terrace where a big table was located. It had the perfect view of the park they had just walked through. With its forests, ponds and grassy areas interspersed with Hab units that were built to look almost invisible against the landscape. Although not all were. But that still didn't help him pick out Lonicera’s Hab unit, but he did remember where Ginger’s was. The big trans flag gave it away 

“Miss Lonny, I'm not sure where your Hab unit is? All the habs except Ginger and Hera’s look alike to me.” 

Lonicera sat him down on the chair across from her and looked out. “You see that white and purple Hab on the other side of the field? The point where the Vitaceae just starts to curve?”

Marigold had to squint, but he could make it out. It was beside a huge field, in a roundabout of other Hab units. “Yes, I think I do.”

“That would be our Hab unit. We live in a little grouping of habs called Sepal Crescent.” Lonicera stretched out a vine and pointed. Marigold's eyes followed, “If you follow the walkway around the crescent and keep going along the path you’ll eventually get to our monorail network that allows us to travel across the ship quickly.”

Zoey barked, and once attention was on her she said, “Oh Mommy! You should tell Marigold what the monorail network is called!”

“Well, in affini it's something different, but the Terrans we’ve taken onboard have started to affectionately call our rail network ‘The Grapevine.”

“I don't see why that's funny exactly.” Marigold said. 

“Well, the Vitaceae is also one of those translation things. In our language it's something else, but for common Terran language we decided to take a vote, with name suggestions coming from some of our florets, like Sam and Zoey, on what to call the ship. And eventually we settled on the old Terran scientific name for Grapes.”

Zoey spoke up, “Yea! Yea! And a grape vine connects grapes! We’re the grapes!”

Marigold giggled, “Okay, now I get it! That is pretty silly.” 

“Yea! I think it was, oh what was her name, Aetos? Who called it the Vitaceae !  Zoey’s face scrunched adorably as she struggled to remember the name.

“Oh Petal, I think you’re misremembering, your friend Alexandra Nivellei arrived later. No, I think the winner was one of our Cotyledons. I should remember this.” Lonicera pulled out her datapad and started searching, after a moment she said, “Ah yes! It was Nova Moschata! I recall now, she was a xenobotanist before volunteering to become a cotyledon.”

“Now that you say the name, I vividly remember she was first brought into my clinic, all wide eyed and curious about everything. Very much unlike most of her comrades. She was quite excited to merge her body with Zinnia’s Haustorum. <Her recovery was quite rough, but she seems to be doing very well now.> You know I actually saw her the other day. Zinnia brought her in for a check up! She seems to be very happy with her new life.”

“I’m glad to hear she's doing so well. From the tokes I met her, she was just so incredibly sweet.” Lonny replied, “Ah I think I see Sam coming now with our food.”

That confused Marigold. At no point in this experience was a menu brought out. He looked up at Lonicera. “But.. we didn't order?”

Smiling back down at the Terran across from her and smiled. “Hera and I did order for all of us. We just ordered at our Hab before we left.”

“But, you don’t know what I like? Like what if I had allergies?”

It was Hera’s turn to respond, “Oh Petal, we would have known if you had any allergies. And if you did, we would have fixed them while you were at my office. Besides Lonicera has been taking care of you for a while now, I think she knows what you like to eat by now.”

Marigold squinted her eyes, “Wait how long is a while?”

Lonicera placed a vine on her chin, “By your planet's relative time, it would have been a couple of weeks at this point I think. Enough to have fed you more than a couple of times.”

“But.. but it's only been a couple of days?” 

“Ah that would be the class E’s you’re on. Sometimes they give a distorted sense of time.” Hera said, patting Marigold on the head. “It will all be okay.” 

“I guess. That’s just so much missing time. What was I doing during that time?”

Lonicera chuckled, “Sleeping mostly. I only woke you up briefly for meals and bathroom breaks. I got the footage from the Hab if you want to see.”

Marigold wasn't sure if he could believe Lonicera, but given the fact he was recovering and still felt tired from time to time, her logic sounded correct. “It's okay I don't need to see them. It just frightened me I guess?”

“You're not the first Sophont to react like that, and I don't think you'll be the last. It's all okay Petal. You don't have to worry. I was there the whole time to look after and protect you.” Lonicera said as she reached across the table to gently ruffle Marigolds hair. 

Marigold giggled, “Thanks Miss Lonny.”

“You're most welcome Petal. Ah there's Sam.”

Notes:

Yup this is a part 1! I do have plans for a part two from a slightly different perspective~

Thanks for reading everyone! And thank you to Ztmackin for beta reading!

Read her work here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/65215402/chapters/167755885

Notes:

So, this is technically my third story but I'll probably be putting more effort into it as compared to Persephone's Fate. Which I do intend to write more in when I get the inspiration.
I'm getting help here and there from fuckworldtrade, who is beta reading and has added a couple paragraphs of her own.
I also originally got this idea by chatting on the discord, and decided to run with it and make it my own thing.
As always I'd love to hear feedback or comments. You can also contact me at honey-floret on Tumblr.
Thanks for reading!
-Aryla