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1.
The rain was heavy over the city at the end of September. When it wasn’t pouring like a candidate for the next worldwide flood, there was nearly constant drizzle. It was still unseasonably warm, making the city humid and thus everyone felt a sense of damp stickiness all the time. The Squad hadn’t been outside for much PT since the dodgeball afternoon, still relegated to the gym for intense and creative sessions and were feeling the consequences.
Tundra was silently hoping that her phone wouldn’t ring today.
Doing miles on the treadmill to warm up as their session started, she was already sweating and uncomfortable despite the air conditioning. About fifteen minutes in, her stomach dropped as her phone rang, causing her to stumble and nearly go flying off the back of the machine. She hopped off after slamming the stop button and grabbed her phone from her leggings’ side pocket.
It was the hospital.
Heart in her throat, she speedwalked from the gym floor to the locker room, and trying to avoid the curious stairs of her teammates. And dodge the raised eyebrow of the Captain, as phones during sessions were not permitted. Hurrying in the door before Redfield could approach, she answered almost breathlessly.
“Hello?”
“Is this Emily Berkhoff?”
“Speaking.”
“Ms. Berkhoff, this is Dr. Salvione from Mount Sinai Hospital. I’m calling in regard to your grandmother, Mrs. Eloise Berkhoff.”
“What happened? Is she alright? She was fine last night when I visited her.” She swallowed hard, bile already burning in her throat.
“I’m so sorry Ms. Berkhoff, but your grandmother has passed away. It appears that a stroke took her just before lunch today. I know this is a very difficult thing to ask, but are you able to come today to sign the paperwork?” Tundra made a choked sound, biting on her sleeve to stop the sound of agony threatening to explode from her throat. Taking a breath, she nodded to herself.
“I can come in about four hours; I’m off shift then. I won’t be able to leave before that. Is that okay, doctor?”
“That’s more than fine. I am so sorry to have to pass this news to you like this, Ms. Berkhoff. I am so very sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
She disconnected the call and pocketed her phone, struggling to maintain a solid breathing rhythm and avoid the tears rapidly pushing her tear ducts to full capacity. Splashing water on her face to try and distance herself a little from the feelings, she couldn’t quite hide the splotchy redness of stress that was creeping up her neck and face. She nearly jumped when there was a knock on the locker room door, and she heard Alpha’s deep voice calling to her.
“Tundra, you good?”
“Coming, Sir. I’m… I’m… I’m sorry for taking that phone call.” She struggled for the words as she approached the door.
Opening it, she froze at the worried expression on Redfield’s face as he stood a few feet away. His storm blue eyes raked over her, taking in the glassiness of her eyes, the stress blotches on her skin, and the slight tremor in her hands.
“Emily?” His voice was quiet, tone low and even. When her bottom lip quivered ever so slightly, he spoke again. “Come, sit. Nivans! Grab a water bottle and a packet from my locker. Now!”
His massive hands gently guided her to the nearest bench before tenderly encouraging her to sit. Kneeling in front of her, he took the items from Piers’ hands with a thank you before quietly dismissing him. Cracking the bottle top for her, he settled it in her hands softly and made certain she wouldn’t drop it.
“Drink a little, please.”
She blinked, trying to stem the tears and took a few sips. Her hands were shaking harder now, and one of his gingerly took the bottle from hers, setting it on the bench nearby. She was vaguely aware of the crinkling sound of a package opening before a fruit bar was softly nudged to her lips.
“Take a few bites for me, please.” He urged quietly, tone still low and even.
She wasn’t sure how or why, but she did as he asked. Somewhere in her brain it registered that the raspberry filling of the bar was the perfect balance of sweet and tart, not too chewy either. Canine had good taste in snacks. When she’d completed the task, he had her drink once more.
“Good. That’s good, Emily.”
The shaking had decreased, but her breathing was growing ragged as she attempted to stop the urge to sob. Feeling her wrists captured in the huge hands, her arms were carefully extended until her hands were resting on Chris’ chest and she was leaning forward. Meeting her position, he rested his forehead very gently against hers and took a deep, slow breath.
“Breath with me, Emily. In through your nose, hold for four seconds, out through your mouth. Feel my breath, copy it.”
The first couple of breaths were choppy and hitching at best, but as her eyes squeezed shut to stop the tears, she was much more aware of the warmth radiating off her Captain as he guided her breathing. It was soothing, as was the scent of warm cedar, earthy musk and somehow…rain. They continued the breathing exercise until the shaking had stopped, and her respirations were even. Not moving away, he spoke so softly that it caught her attention without alarming her in the half-lulled state.
“Can you tell me what happened, Emily?”
“My grandmother… she’s… she passed away. That was the hospital.” She croaked out a whisper, struggling to keep her breathing even as the words escaped.
“I am so, so sorry Emily. Keep breathing for me. What do you want to do right now?”
She copied his breaths, vision blurry with tears when she finally opened her eyes.
“I…need to go to the hospital. Papers.”
“Alright. Let’s get your bag and we’ll go.”
“C-can’t. Not done here.”
“Can. Deep breaths.” He pointed Jill over to the locker room when he heard her approach. “Can you stand up for me?” Piers already had the Captain’s bag in hand nearby.
She nodded against him, he letting go of her wrists as she sat straight, breathing slowly as she stood up. Rising to meet her, he grabbed both bags and wrapped an arm around her and tenderly scooted her directly into his right side to shield her from the stares of the other two squads in the room.
“Let’s go. Which hospital?”
“Mount Sinai.”
“Thank you. Jill, can you finish the session for me, please?”
“Consider it done.”
He walked at her pace, massive arm staying around her as they went to the parking lot. He watched as she paused at her car, a moment of indecision on her face. Nudging her forward again.
“I’ll drive.”
“My car…?”
“I won't fit. It will be at your place later. My Jeep is over here.”
He shepherded Emily straight over, ensuring she was buckled in before setting the bags in the back. Only seconds later, they were on their way to the hospital. Fiddling with the controls, he adjusted the A/C to a moderate level that wouldn’t chill her too much. They drove in silence, she staring out the window as tears dripped down her cheeks. She rubbed her face as he parked.
“Thank you, Sir. You don’t have to come in… I’ll get a cab home.”
“No, you will not.” His tone was firm, but with a warmth and gentleness.
She didn’t argue further, getting out of the car and found herself once again tucked into his side as they walked, only pausing to grab her wallet for ID. A short time later found the papers signed, personal effects collected, and pamphlets about grief and counseling in hand. Once again, she was nestled into safety and walking back to the car as Chris carried the bags.
“You’ll stay at my place tonight. Tomorrow, if you’re feeling up to it, home. We can take care of the arrangements tomorrow as well. My sister is in town still, so there will be female company, no fear of reprisal for inappropriate conduct. L is also at my place tonight. Dinner, bath, rest, Emily.”
She nodded, a tiny part of her relieved that she didn’t have to make any decisions right now. Alpha had everything in hand.
Dinner was had, the bath allowed her body a little more peace than a shower would have, and she found herself nestled between Claire and L on the king-size spare bed with tissues, a thick fluffy blanket, and a soothing cup of tea.
“Tell us about her. Tell us stories that she told you. Remember the things that brought you joy together.”
“She raised me…and it was with so much love.” Emily started, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Four days later, the rain had finally stopped. It was the day of the funeral for Mrs. Eloise Berkhoff, beloved Grandmother, friend, and safe haven for many children over the decades. Feeling like she was about to shatter again, Emily took a stuttering breath before a huge, warm hand softly rested on her lower back, guiding her into an engulfing hug.
“You’re safe. It’s not okay, but it will get to be a little less raw as the days go by. You are not alone, your family is here, Tundra.” The Captain’s voice rumbled through his chest and vibrated her slightly as she calmed.
And sure enough… there they were. Her Alpha, her fellow Wolves, and several members of the BSAA, all in their dress blues for her. Nearby L and Claire also lingered in support with tissues on hand. A watery smile crept across her face.
“Help me through this?”
“Always. We’re here.”
2.
Mid-October brought the first winter storm nearly a month early. And as every year, nighty-five percent of the population wasn’t ready for it despite a week of warnings on every news station, radio channel, and weather-related program. Half the city didn’t have winter tires installed on their cars yet. The snowstorm happened overnight, blanketing New York in almost two feet of the fluffy white stuff. Every level of school program below university was cancelled for the day, and most of the small businesses decided to open late to allow a chance for snow removal without losing an entire day of revenue.
It was a nightmare for most parents in the city. There weren’t too many parents at the BSAA, or at least the majority were two-parent households that could afford to have one adult stay at home to watch the kids. Unfortunately, this was not the case for a single mother working in Medical Bay with a sick four-year-old.
Rebecca Chambers had received a text at six-thirty that morning from a panicked member of her team. Suzie Walsh’s babysitter had very understandably canceled her shift due to the snow and Suzie simply could not afford to miss a day of work. Not only did she use up her sick time already this year, but financially it just wasn’t possible with the rent she had to pay. Thus, Rebecca’s phone received a panicked text asking what on earth she should do.
Rebecca: Bring her to work, Suzie. I’m sure we can look after her.
With great reluctance, trauma nurse Suzie Walsh did precisely that. Loading up a bag with meals, snacks, medicine, a warm blanket, Pedialyte, a favorite stuffed toy, spare clothes, and even baby wipes, she loaded her little Marielle into the booster seat and crossed her fingers that the car would start this morning. It did, and they were on their way.
Security raised eyebrows but said nothing as she toted her little one and extra bag through the doors. Making her way to Medical Bay, she ducked into a side room as the head administrator came stomping down the hallway in a terrible mood. Best not to get caught with a child by the most controlling dictator in the building. Waiting a minute for the coast to clear, she headed back down and straight to Rebecca’s office.
“Jackie just left, said she’d be back in an hour for a meeting though. We gotta stash your little cutie pie here, or we’re all getting the riot act.” Rebecca grinned, noting that Marielle was wide awake and wiggling. Suzie paled.
“Where can we put her? She’s been sick, had a fever last night. It went down a bit this morning, but she’s still not herself and I don’t want to be too far from her.”
“I know somebody who can take care of her until we can get her back down here. Jackie should be done with us by lunchtime. Come on, let’s get her settled in.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Rebecca led them to the elevators, heading for the fourth floor. Checking her watch, she nodded to herself and gave Suzie a reassuring smile. Nine o’clock, the office would be occupied. Her friend balked slightly when she realized where they were going.
“But… this is the Hound Wolf Squad’s area…” She whisper-shouted.
“I know, and the best person for her is right in the heart of their office. Have I ever steered you wrong yet, Suzie?”
“No… but this is different.”
“They aren’t as scary as the scuttlebutt in the building says.”
Walking through the bullpen and waving a greeting to the Wolves, she knocked right on Redfield’s doorframe.
“Hey Big Guy, can you do me a HUGE favor?” She smiled, seeing Chris looking up from his paperwork.
“What’s up Becca?” He turned to give her his full attention.
“Can you babysit for a bit? Should only be until lunch hour before we can get her back downstairs.”
Chris blinked, that was an odd request. “Yes.”
Waving to Suzie to come closer, she smiled brightly before gently ushering the mother and daughter into the office itself.
“Chris Redfield, this is Suzie and Marielle Walsh. Marielle is four and has a fever, but her mama packed everything she needs in the bag. Wanna say hi, cutie pie?”
Big brown eyes looked at the mountain of a man in the chair, “Hi.”
Chris cracked a smile, “Hello. Looks like we get to hang out for a bit.”
“Kay.”
Suzie kissed Marielle’s forehead and offered her to Chris, still feeling very reluctant but having no other options presented. She almost flinched at the size of the hands that tenderly accepted her child, cuddling her to an even larger chest. Did he even need both hands to hold her?!
“I have lunch and snacks for her in the bag, medicine for if her fever goes up, tissues, you name it and it’s in there. I’m so sorry for this… it’ll never happen again Sir. I promise!” She took a deep breath, putting on a smile for her girl, “Mama loves you, and I’ll see you later baby, okay? Be good for Captain Redfield.”
“Love you, Mama.” She yawned, eyes heavy again as the warmth of the body holding her felt pleasant.
“Alright, let’s get back downstairs before Jackie finds out we left Med Bay.”
Chris looked at the little one flopped against his chest once the ladies left.
“Looks like it’s a good time for a nap, huh?”
He laughed softly at the sleepy nod before her head flopped against him and she was out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Umber Eyes: That was a kid we just saw go into his office with Dr. Chambers, right? I didn’t hallucinate that?!
Fenrir: Yep. And the kid didn’t come out of his office.
Tundra: What’s he gonna do with the kid while he’s doing paperwork?
Canine: Didn’t expect the morning to start like this
Night Howl: That’s Suzie Walsh’s kid. Sweet little thing, my nieces goes to pre-school with her.
Lobo: You have a niece?!
Night Howl: Two of ‘em. Twins. My sister was super stressed this morning, I’d bet. Every program got cancelled today because of the snow.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An hour later saw the Wolves somewhat anxious to find out what was going on with their Captain, and if the child okay. They hadn’t heard any noise from the office, except for the soft shuffling of papers as Chris worked. Peeking in, Piers used a report he needed to give to the Captain as an excuse to spy. Knocking quietly, he entered at the soft acknowledgement.
“You can set it on down, thank you Piers.” Came the low rumble.
Nivans was a little wide-eyed, seeing the little girl sound asleep in the lap of Redfield, one arm cradling her back and head to support the limp form against his abdomen and chest while the other wrote an op report. Heading out after making his delivery, he was greeted by the looks of his teammates. Mimicking a sleeping motion, there was a collective sigh of relief at the proof of life.
Another hour passed and the team heard the quiet voice of their Alpha addressing the little one in the office, although they couldn’t make out the words. The sound of a bag being unzipped and then a package rustling indicated it was snack time. One snack and one juice box later, they could hear shuffling sounds before a quiet giggle of contentment. Night Howl chose that time to drop off his report next. Performing his duty, he let everyone know that Marielle was coloring quite happily, one arm around a stuffed bear. Turns out that enough time in the field sneaking around B.O.W.S. made the whole squad pretty decent at charades.
Lunch time came, with no sign of Suzie or Rebecca. They had heard Alpha’s phone buzz with a couple of texts, but nothing else beyond the occasional chatter of the four-year-old met by the soft rumbling reply of the man charged with her care. Soon, said duo emerged from the office, Marielle supported on his left hip while he warmed her lunch in the microwave, chicken noodle soup. Sitting at the kitchenette’s table and ignoring the trying-hard-not-to-be-so-obvious stares of his Squad before they departed on break, he made sure the little girl was eating well, mindful to give any assistance needed as he ate a meal too.
Checking her temperature after lunch, he gave Marielle the next dose of medication her mother had pre-measured and bundled her up in her blanket with her bear before heading to the gym for the afternoon session. Setting a couple of thick gym mats on the floor close by where he’d be for the bulk of the session, he made a pillow out of a towel for her and set it on top of the mats. With the medicine and a full belly making Marielle a little sleepy, the Wolves watched as Chris softly swayed back and forth to soothe her to sleep, her head lolling on his shoulder until her eyelids couldn’t stay up any longer.
When he felt her relax completely, Chris slowly knelt next to the mats and settled the sleeping girl down, snuggling her up in that blanket with her bear. Looking at his team, he pointed to the treadmills and they hurried to obey. The entire afternoon passed by similarly, with Marielle napping and then waking up to play as the Wolves exercised and followed orders. She never strayed too far from their Captain’s watchful eye, he making certain she was entertained and kept relatively contained to the soft mats.
Five o’clock finally came, and Suzie came hurrying down the hallway to the bullpen of the Hound Wolves with Rebecca.
“Captain Redfield, I am so sorry! The meeting ran late, and then we had Delta Squad land with casualties.” She was about to say more when Chris turned from the whiteboard with Marielle snuggled in his left arm, she cuddling her bear in one hand and petting his short beard with the other.
“It’s alright, Nurse Walsh. She’s been a darling all day. Fever broke about an hour ago and she seems to be feeling much better.”
“Mama, his face is sof’.” She smiled, fingers petting away. “Like Boo-Bear.”
Struggling not to either squeak in embarrassment as Marielle petted a decorated officer, or squeal from the unexpectedly sweet moment, she just nodded.
“Thank you, Sir. I owe you for this.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Squad walked towards the parking lot, contemplating what they’d seen that day.
“He’s good with kids. Like really, really good.” Umber spoke quietly.
“I didn’t think he’d be so patient with her.” Tundra added.
“He had me file some extra paperwork with Accounting just before lunch…” Piers started, the others looking to him. “About a rent stipend and assistance for a single parent going through undue hardship.”
“…He really is like her stuffed bear, isn’t he?” Canine chuckled.
“If he hears that, we’re dead meat.” Umber shook his head.
“He’d be a great dad.” Tundra smiled.