Malaki

also im getting nuggets and fries for our dinner spread is there anything specific ur wanting im rlly craving pistachios or cashews

be there soon okok?

@nursekayleeeee🦄

Okay!!! I miss Andi!

so like if u have any ideas jsut like. go for it. say em.

also i invited another friend over because she's feeling a bit down.

@andromeda-mae any girldinner requests? maki has uncrustables on the list already, anything u want babeyyy

also im getting nuggets and fries for our dinner spread is there anything specific ur wanting im rlly craving pistachios or cashews

be there soon okok?

@nursekayleeeee🦄

Okay!!! I miss Andi!

so like if u have any ideas jsut like. go for it. say em.

???

???

???

???

???

closed starter for @redwindchaser

---🦄--- ---🦄--- ---🦄---

The start of the day was bright and early as promised, Kaylee having to drag Malaki out of his curled up sleeping bag in the bathroom to get him in the car.

They made a very quick stop for breakfast, Kaylee getting an iced coffee and begrudgingly getting Malaki a redbull. energy drinks and donuts for breakfast wasn't the healthiest, but it was quick.

"healthcare is not for the faint of heart," she added. "okay, get the hellhound, lets go talk to the legless lesbian."

"umm, i think i bought it that way. i have a few of them," she mentioned, shrugging. "some of them are real cute honestly, i should wear them more often." she added.

He stopped in her tracks, the pup whining.

She gave a side eye to the dog who's ears bounced along with him as he bounded up the grass. "if this little fella eats my good shoes then he will be sleeping in the bathroom."

"He won't eat shoes, I'll train him well!!" he promises. When they get to the door he pauses, he was a little anxious but nodded, "Yeah I can do that!"

"i actually live in the building back there," she pointed behind her to a guest house, "everybody always comes up to the main building, i must have forgotten to let you know where to find me,"

She looked down to the puppy in front of her, Kaylee and Malaki holding him back from jumping. Zeus came up, allowing the pup to sniff him before nipping at his ear gently, causing the little floof to back off.

"Zeus works with training puppies, take a look for yourself," she gestured to the puppy who was now sitting calmly watching the four of them. "Zeus is trained to correct, not to hurt. trust me if i thought Zeus was going to attack i would have thrown him into the cow pasture before he could touch the little guy," she mentioned.

"its okay kiddo, Terri knows what she's doing, you know this." she insisted.

Kaylee followed Terri and Zeus to the pickup truck, helping Malaki into the back with Zeus and the puppy before climbing into the passenger seat.

she could feel the tension with Malaki, offering a supportive look back at him as he continued to seem mistrusting of the woman driving.

"okay Maki, we're one step closer to getting this little guy checked out, how are we feeling?"

He climbs in and sets the small ball of fur onto his lap.

He pets the puppy, watching as he wags his tail happily and yips, “I’m nervous, what if something is seriously wrong with him!”

"i'm going to be honest with you kiddo, he's in rough shape. you said you found him in the park?" she asks him. "hes real thin, and theres a good chance he's got fleas. i'm worried he might have eaten something he shouldnt have to try to help his hunger, he may need abdominal surgery if he has non-digestible trash in his belly."

Kaylee dashed from her seat in front to the back, pulling in Malaki to her side as she buckled herself into the other open seat.

"i know honey, it's not fair. but we're going to do the best we can to get him healthy, okay?" she rubbed his back, Terri pulling back out into traffic. "we're going to do all we can, Terri's sanctuary covers vet bills of rescues, she's gonna help us get him feeling better, okay?"

Kaylee knew there was some of this reaction coming not out from the dog, but things Malaki had struggled through. He too was homeless, probably spending many hungry nights. he was very underweight when he had arrived on her doorstep.

"none of this was fair, but he's got a good crew of support who are going to give him a great home and get him well, alright?"

She gave him a gentle squeeze, giggling slightly when the puppy jumped up to lick the tear trails from Malaki's face.

she wasn't exactly sure of the history between the two in her back seat, and why the kid who had snapped at her earlier was currently sobbing into the nurse's arms, but she thought it best not to pry. her leg clicked as she moved it to prepare to get out of the truck, you never know what people are going through.

She let everyone out of the car, Zeus jumping down with the handle of his lead already in his mouth to give to her.

the clerk at the desk greeted Terri like an old friend.

"got that little stray i told you about," she explained, gesturing to the puppy who was now very nervously walking beside Malaki and Kaylee, tail between his legs.

they were told to have a seat in the waiting area until their appointment.

He thought it was a little weird how this street pup was so scared of the vet, but he assumed it was some sense that dogs had that he didn't. As they get inside he looks around, reaching down to pet the black fur.

she hooked her arm around Malaki's neck, pulling him in to ruffle his hair a little and letting him go. she barely held herself together. seeing just a few minutes ago how scared the poor boy still was, how he still seemed to be afraid he'd end up on the streets.

"I can tell you now he's gonna have to go on a specialty diet, something to build him back up 'cause if you can see here," she pauses to let the two touch the poor nervous dog's ribs, "he's skin and bones right now."

"he seems to have heathy teeth and be decently hydrated, though he's just a puppy," She explained, "he's going to need to be neutered, and they'll probably want to give him his shots, do some bloodwork, and maybe some explorative x-rays to make sure there's no blockages in his belly."

Terri wasn't great with kids, hoping Kaylee's presence would help keep poor Malaki calm. she really didn't want to watch him sob or lash out again.

"i've seen animals come in much worse than this guy. he doesn't seem to have any injuries or worms, which is good." she reassured him, "he's a hearty breed, i trust he'll be doing just fine with some good care. if you want, you two can go out and take a breather and i'll handle the Vet. but if you wanna be here, that's alright. i can just tell you might need a moment." she offered.

she knelt down, giving Zeus some gentle pets on the head. "you're being a very good boy, Zeus." she assured. "here Maki, give the sweetie a little love, he noticed you're a little nervous, pickle."

Kaylee stayed, Zeus giving her a gentle nudge. "yes honey i am a little upset, my tummy hurts, such a smart boy," she praised.

soon enough, the Vet came in to examine the puppy, the name having been put down as just 'Gweniviere stray,' in accordance to Kaylee's last name.

Kaylee watched quietly as Terri and the Vet, rehashing what she had looked over before the Vet did her own inspection.

when Malaki's expression didn't change, she gripped the table hard and knelt down, stabilizing herself with the wall. she looked up at malaki with the gentlest smile she could muster.

"oooh, another Kay and Kiddo adventure!" she cheered, trying to lighten the mood. "its been a while since i drove a pickup!"

"c'mon maki, i wonder if they have any batman chew toys for the little guy," she told him softly, trying not to completely drag him from the room.

"hmm, maybe after so that we don't have to speed-eat it in the car. i don't think chocolate ice cream is the best to eat in a Pet store." she explained.

"Onyx is cool, its a rock. Charcoal or Coal, we could call him Coalie for short, or Charlie as a nickname." she added, "Forest, because of where he was found. Salem could be neat for like, spooky vibes. or like Obsidian or Orpheus or Hades since i know you like the Greek stuff. or Percy since the kid had black hair in the book, right? maybe Nico because of the other kid?" she offered.

"I was thinking we should name him Cerberus, like the three headed hell-hound from Greek Mythology?" He says, "But I also like Salem, Orpheus, or Angus"

"what if we do that thing where we write out all the names and like put treats on the papers and let him choose!! that could be neat. and we should get those dog buttons like on youtube and teach him how to talk and stuff," she added, carefully switching lanes.

"maybe some brushes since he has a long coat, and some nail care so he doesn't scratch up the floors." she adds.

Kaylee takes in a deep breath, chewing her lip a bit before speaking.

"i am... i am gonna be truthful here, Malaki, i'm worried that when he gets bigger my apartment wont be a good place for him," she explains softly. she glances to him for a second. "maybe we, and it wouldn't be immediate- but maybe we should talk about moving one day. we haven't discussed anything like that, but we should think about it. he's gonna be a big dog one day and he'll need a yard."

"if Andi comes to live with us, i'd be splitting costs with her. anesthesiologists get paid so much better than nurses which im gonna shut up about or i'm gonna start getting angry at the government again-" she rambled, "but anyways yeah, i just wanted to warn you and see how you'd feel about that. i know stability is usually good for foster kiddos who are used to moving around, so i wanted to like, preface it so it isn't a big surprise. ya know, talk about it,"

Kaylee pulled him into a hug as soon as she rounded the corner of the vehicle. Sweet Malaki had been through so much, she was going to do her best to stay that stable thing he needed.

she watched his behaviour, the boy acting close to a hummingbird on substances as he bounced from one thing to another. she knew that look. she knew it from the seven days of Armageddon when Malaki's prescription got delayed last month.

"what time do you usually take them?" she called, digging through her purse. "do you know if i still have your emergency stash?"

Kaylee set her purse down in the toddler holder of the cart, sifting through and playfully tossing a lollipop at Malaki's head as she searched.

"it's ten, but its prolly gonna be a long day, now c'mere i am not equipped to deal with unmedicated chaos demon Maki today." she pulled out a small hello-kitty pill case, waiving Malaki over. "taking adhd meds with red bull and a lollipop. i am a great influence on you."

"okay, one collar and one harness for now honey, put the rest back," she told him, choosing two from his hands and instructing him to replace the items where he found them.

there was a slight squabble over dog beds, toys, and bowls, but they eventually came to a compromise.

He puts the harness and the collar they decided on in the cart and continues shopping. As they walk he can feel his meds kick in and his brain quiets down. he didn't even realize how bad it had been until now. At least he had breakfast before he lost his appetite, the biggest downside of his meds.

"don't do that- we get money for those-" she reprimanded, putting out her hand to ask for the crushed can, stashing it in her purse.

they continued around the store for a little while before Malaki dashed off towards a costume section. his eyes were bright and excited. Kaylee sighed.

"kiddo- honeybee its July, there will be sales on costumes later sweetpea," she explained. "plus, we can stop by the fabric store later and get some stuff to get him a flannel batman comfort blankie, okay okay?" she compromised.

"how about we get that ice cream and drop this at the apartment, okay?" she asked him, "then we can go check back with Terri and the pup!"

They reached the checkouts and Kaylee made kind idle chatter to the clerk, tapping her debit and declining the bags. her and Malaki haphazardly piled everything into the backseat, not trusting the truck bed for such important purchases.

"you remember they said they're going to have to keep the puppy at the vet's overnight, right?" she asked him gently, glancing at him again as she turned the corner closer to the ice cream shop.

closed starter for @redwindchaser

---🦄--- ---🦄--- ---🦄---

The start of the day was bright and early as promised, Kaylee having to drag Malaki out of his curled up sleeping bag in the bathroom to get him in the car.

They made a very quick stop for breakfast, Kaylee getting an iced coffee and begrudgingly getting Malaki a redbull. energy drinks and donuts for breakfast wasn't the healthiest, but it was quick.

"healthcare is not for the faint of heart," she added. "okay, get the hellhound, lets go talk to the legless lesbian."

"umm, i think i bought it that way. i have a few of them," she mentioned, shrugging. "some of them are real cute honestly, i should wear them more often." she added.

He stopped in her tracks, the pup whining.

She gave a side eye to the dog who's ears bounced along with him as he bounded up the grass. "if this little fella eats my good shoes then he will be sleeping in the bathroom."

"He won't eat shoes, I'll train him well!!" he promises. When they get to the door he pauses, he was a little anxious but nodded, "Yeah I can do that!"

"i actually live in the building back there," she pointed behind her to a guest house, "everybody always comes up to the main building, i must have forgotten to let you know where to find me,"

She looked down to the puppy in front of her, Kaylee and Malaki holding him back from jumping. Zeus came up, allowing the pup to sniff him before nipping at his ear gently, causing the little floof to back off.

"Zeus works with training puppies, take a look for yourself," she gestured to the puppy who was now sitting calmly watching the four of them. "Zeus is trained to correct, not to hurt. trust me if i thought Zeus was going to attack i would have thrown him into the cow pasture before he could touch the little guy," she mentioned.

"its okay kiddo, Terri knows what she's doing, you know this." she insisted.

Kaylee followed Terri and Zeus to the pickup truck, helping Malaki into the back with Zeus and the puppy before climbing into the passenger seat.

she could feel the tension with Malaki, offering a supportive look back at him as he continued to seem mistrusting of the woman driving.

"okay Maki, we're one step closer to getting this little guy checked out, how are we feeling?"

He climbs in and sets the small ball of fur onto his lap.

He pets the puppy, watching as he wags his tail happily and yips, “I’m nervous, what if something is seriously wrong with him!”

"i'm going to be honest with you kiddo, he's in rough shape. you said you found him in the park?" she asks him. "hes real thin, and theres a good chance he's got fleas. i'm worried he might have eaten something he shouldnt have to try to help his hunger, he may need abdominal surgery if he has non-digestible trash in his belly."

Kaylee dashed from her seat in front to the back, pulling in Malaki to her side as she buckled herself into the other open seat.

"i know honey, it's not fair. but we're going to do the best we can to get him healthy, okay?" she rubbed his back, Terri pulling back out into traffic. "we're going to do all we can, Terri's sanctuary covers vet bills of rescues, she's gonna help us get him feeling better, okay?"

Kaylee knew there was some of this reaction coming not out from the dog, but things Malaki had struggled through. He too was homeless, probably spending many hungry nights. he was very underweight when he had arrived on her doorstep.

"none of this was fair, but he's got a good crew of support who are going to give him a great home and get him well, alright?"

She gave him a gentle squeeze, giggling slightly when the puppy jumped up to lick the tear trails from Malaki's face.

she wasn't exactly sure of the history between the two in her back seat, and why the kid who had snapped at her earlier was currently sobbing into the nurse's arms, but she thought it best not to pry. her leg clicked as she moved it to prepare to get out of the truck, you never know what people are going through.

She let everyone out of the car, Zeus jumping down with the handle of his lead already in his mouth to give to her.

the clerk at the desk greeted Terri like an old friend.

"got that little stray i told you about," she explained, gesturing to the puppy who was now very nervously walking beside Malaki and Kaylee, tail between his legs.

they were told to have a seat in the waiting area until their appointment.

He thought it was a little weird how this street pup was so scared of the vet, but he assumed it was some sense that dogs had that he didn't. As they get inside he looks around, reaching down to pet the black fur.

she hooked her arm around Malaki's neck, pulling him in to ruffle his hair a little and letting him go. she barely held herself together. seeing just a few minutes ago how scared the poor boy still was, how he still seemed to be afraid he'd end up on the streets.

"I can tell you now he's gonna have to go on a specialty diet, something to build him back up 'cause if you can see here," she pauses to let the two touch the poor nervous dog's ribs, "he's skin and bones right now."

"he seems to have heathy teeth and be decently hydrated, though he's just a puppy," She explained, "he's going to need to be neutered, and they'll probably want to give him his shots, do some bloodwork, and maybe some explorative x-rays to make sure there's no blockages in his belly."

Terri wasn't great with kids, hoping Kaylee's presence would help keep poor Malaki calm. she really didn't want to watch him sob or lash out again.

"i've seen animals come in much worse than this guy. he doesn't seem to have any injuries or worms, which is good." she reassured him, "he's a hearty breed, i trust he'll be doing just fine with some good care. if you want, you two can go out and take a breather and i'll handle the Vet. but if you wanna be here, that's alright. i can just tell you might need a moment." she offered.

she knelt down, giving Zeus some gentle pets on the head. "you're being a very good boy, Zeus." she assured. "here Maki, give the sweetie a little love, he noticed you're a little nervous, pickle."

Kaylee stayed, Zeus giving her a gentle nudge. "yes honey i am a little upset, my tummy hurts, such a smart boy," she praised.

soon enough, the Vet came in to examine the puppy, the name having been put down as just 'Gweniviere stray,' in accordance to Kaylee's last name.

Kaylee watched quietly as Terri and the Vet, rehashing what she had looked over before the Vet did her own inspection.

when Malaki's expression didn't change, she gripped the table hard and knelt down, stabilizing herself with the wall. she looked up at malaki with the gentlest smile she could muster.

"oooh, another Kay and Kiddo adventure!" she cheered, trying to lighten the mood. "its been a while since i drove a pickup!"

"c'mon maki, i wonder if they have any batman chew toys for the little guy," she told him softly, trying not to completely drag him from the room.

"hmm, maybe after so that we don't have to speed-eat it in the car. i don't think chocolate ice cream is the best to eat in a Pet store." she explained.

"Onyx is cool, its a rock. Charcoal or Coal, we could call him Coalie for short, or Charlie as a nickname." she added, "Forest, because of where he was found. Salem could be neat for like, spooky vibes. or like Obsidian or Orpheus or Hades since i know you like the Greek stuff. or Percy since the kid had black hair in the book, right? maybe Nico because of the other kid?" she offered.

"I was thinking we should name him Cerberus, like the three headed hell-hound from Greek Mythology?" He says, "But I also like Salem, Orpheus, or Angus"

"what if we do that thing where we write out all the names and like put treats on the papers and let him choose!! that could be neat. and we should get those dog buttons like on youtube and teach him how to talk and stuff," she added, carefully switching lanes.

"maybe some brushes since he has a long coat, and some nail care so he doesn't scratch up the floors." she adds.

Kaylee takes in a deep breath, chewing her lip a bit before speaking.

"i am... i am gonna be truthful here, Malaki, i'm worried that when he gets bigger my apartment wont be a good place for him," she explains softly. she glances to him for a second. "maybe we, and it wouldn't be immediate- but maybe we should talk about moving one day. we haven't discussed anything like that, but we should think about it. he's gonna be a big dog one day and he'll need a yard."

"if Andi comes to live with us, i'd be splitting costs with her. anesthesiologists get paid so much better than nurses which im gonna shut up about or i'm gonna start getting angry at the government again-" she rambled, "but anyways yeah, i just wanted to warn you and see how you'd feel about that. i know stability is usually good for foster kiddos who are used to moving around, so i wanted to like, preface it so it isn't a big surprise. ya know, talk about it,"

Kaylee pulled him into a hug as soon as she rounded the corner of the vehicle. Sweet Malaki had been through so much, she was going to do her best to stay that stable thing he needed.

she watched his behaviour, the boy acting close to a hummingbird on substances as he bounced from one thing to another. she knew that look. she knew it from the seven days of Armageddon when Malaki's prescription got delayed last month.

"what time do you usually take them?" she called, digging through her purse. "do you know if i still have your emergency stash?"

Kaylee set her purse down in the toddler holder of the cart, sifting through and playfully tossing a lollipop at Malaki's head as she searched.

"it's ten, but its prolly gonna be a long day, now c'mere i am not equipped to deal with unmedicated chaos demon Maki today." she pulled out a small hello-kitty pill case, waiving Malaki over. "taking adhd meds with red bull and a lollipop. i am a great influence on you."

"okay, one collar and one harness for now honey, put the rest back," she told him, choosing two from his hands and instructing him to replace the items where he found them.

there was a slight squabble over dog beds, toys, and bowls, but they eventually came to a compromise.

He puts the harness and the collar they decided on in the cart and continues shopping. As they walk he can feel his meds kick in and his brain quiets down. he didn't even realize how bad it had been until now. At least he had breakfast before he lost his appetite, the biggest downside of his meds.

"don't do that- we get money for those-" she reprimanded, putting out her hand to ask for the crushed can, stashing it in her purse.

they continued around the store for a little while before Malaki dashed off towards a costume section. his eyes were bright and excited. Kaylee sighed.

"kiddo- honeybee its July, there will be sales on costumes later sweetpea," she explained. "plus, we can stop by the fabric store later and get some stuff to get him a flannel batman comfort blankie, okay okay?" she compromised.

"how about we get that ice cream and drop this at the apartment, okay?" she asked him, "then we can go check back with Terri and the pup!"

They reached the checkouts and Kaylee made kind idle chatter to the clerk, tapping her debit and declining the bags. her and Malaki haphazardly piled everything into the backseat, not trusting the truck bed for such important purchases.

"you remember they said they're going to have to keep the puppy at the vet's overnight, right?" she asked him gently, glancing at him again as she turned the corner closer to the ice cream shop.

closed starter for @redwindchaser

---🦄--- ---🦄--- ---🦄---

The start of the day was bright and early as promised, Kaylee having to drag Malaki out of his curled up sleeping bag in the bathroom to get him in the car.

They made a very quick stop for breakfast, Kaylee getting an iced coffee and begrudgingly getting Malaki a redbull. energy drinks and donuts for breakfast wasn't the healthiest, but it was quick.

"healthcare is not for the faint of heart," she added. "okay, get the hellhound, lets go talk to the legless lesbian."

"umm, i think i bought it that way. i have a few of them," she mentioned, shrugging. "some of them are real cute honestly, i should wear them more often." she added.

He stopped in her tracks, the pup whining.

She gave a side eye to the dog who's ears bounced along with him as he bounded up the grass. "if this little fella eats my good shoes then he will be sleeping in the bathroom."

"He won't eat shoes, I'll train him well!!" he promises. When they get to the door he pauses, he was a little anxious but nodded, "Yeah I can do that!"

"i actually live in the building back there," she pointed behind her to a guest house, "everybody always comes up to the main building, i must have forgotten to let you know where to find me,"

She looked down to the puppy in front of her, Kaylee and Malaki holding him back from jumping. Zeus came up, allowing the pup to sniff him before nipping at his ear gently, causing the little floof to back off.

"Zeus works with training puppies, take a look for yourself," she gestured to the puppy who was now sitting calmly watching the four of them. "Zeus is trained to correct, not to hurt. trust me if i thought Zeus was going to attack i would have thrown him into the cow pasture before he could touch the little guy," she mentioned.

"its okay kiddo, Terri knows what she's doing, you know this." she insisted.

Kaylee followed Terri and Zeus to the pickup truck, helping Malaki into the back with Zeus and the puppy before climbing into the passenger seat.

she could feel the tension with Malaki, offering a supportive look back at him as he continued to seem mistrusting of the woman driving.

"okay Maki, we're one step closer to getting this little guy checked out, how are we feeling?"

He climbs in and sets the small ball of fur onto his lap.

He pets the puppy, watching as he wags his tail happily and yips, “I’m nervous, what if something is seriously wrong with him!”

"i'm going to be honest with you kiddo, he's in rough shape. you said you found him in the park?" she asks him. "hes real thin, and theres a good chance he's got fleas. i'm worried he might have eaten something he shouldnt have to try to help his hunger, he may need abdominal surgery if he has non-digestible trash in his belly."

Kaylee dashed from her seat in front to the back, pulling in Malaki to her side as she buckled herself into the other open seat.

"i know honey, it's not fair. but we're going to do the best we can to get him healthy, okay?" she rubbed his back, Terri pulling back out into traffic. "we're going to do all we can, Terri's sanctuary covers vet bills of rescues, she's gonna help us get him feeling better, okay?"

Kaylee knew there was some of this reaction coming not out from the dog, but things Malaki had struggled through. He too was homeless, probably spending many hungry nights. he was very underweight when he had arrived on her doorstep.

"none of this was fair, but he's got a good crew of support who are going to give him a great home and get him well, alright?"

She gave him a gentle squeeze, giggling slightly when the puppy jumped up to lick the tear trails from Malaki's face.

she wasn't exactly sure of the history between the two in her back seat, and why the kid who had snapped at her earlier was currently sobbing into the nurse's arms, but she thought it best not to pry. her leg clicked as she moved it to prepare to get out of the truck, you never know what people are going through.

She let everyone out of the car, Zeus jumping down with the handle of his lead already in his mouth to give to her.

the clerk at the desk greeted Terri like an old friend.

"got that little stray i told you about," she explained, gesturing to the puppy who was now very nervously walking beside Malaki and Kaylee, tail between his legs.

they were told to have a seat in the waiting area until their appointment.

He thought it was a little weird how this street pup was so scared of the vet, but he assumed it was some sense that dogs had that he didn't. As they get inside he looks around, reaching down to pet the black fur.

she hooked her arm around Malaki's neck, pulling him in to ruffle his hair a little and letting him go. she barely held herself together. seeing just a few minutes ago how scared the poor boy still was, how he still seemed to be afraid he'd end up on the streets.

"I can tell you now he's gonna have to go on a specialty diet, something to build him back up 'cause if you can see here," she pauses to let the two touch the poor nervous dog's ribs, "he's skin and bones right now."

"he seems to have heathy teeth and be decently hydrated, though he's just a puppy," She explained, "he's going to need to be neutered, and they'll probably want to give him his shots, do some bloodwork, and maybe some explorative x-rays to make sure there's no blockages in his belly."

Terri wasn't great with kids, hoping Kaylee's presence would help keep poor Malaki calm. she really didn't want to watch him sob or lash out again.

"i've seen animals come in much worse than this guy. he doesn't seem to have any injuries or worms, which is good." she reassured him, "he's a hearty breed, i trust he'll be doing just fine with some good care. if you want, you two can go out and take a breather and i'll handle the Vet. but if you wanna be here, that's alright. i can just tell you might need a moment." she offered.

she knelt down, giving Zeus some gentle pets on the head. "you're being a very good boy, Zeus." she assured. "here Maki, give the sweetie a little love, he noticed you're a little nervous, pickle."

Kaylee stayed, Zeus giving her a gentle nudge. "yes honey i am a little upset, my tummy hurts, such a smart boy," she praised.

soon enough, the Vet came in to examine the puppy, the name having been put down as just 'Gweniviere stray,' in accordance to Kaylee's last name.

Kaylee watched quietly as Terri and the Vet, rehashing what she had looked over before the Vet did her own inspection.

when Malaki's expression didn't change, she gripped the table hard and knelt down, stabilizing herself with the wall. she looked up at malaki with the gentlest smile she could muster.

"oooh, another Kay and Kiddo adventure!" she cheered, trying to lighten the mood. "its been a while since i drove a pickup!"

"c'mon maki, i wonder if they have any batman chew toys for the little guy," she told him softly, trying not to completely drag him from the room.

"hmm, maybe after so that we don't have to speed-eat it in the car. i don't think chocolate ice cream is the best to eat in a Pet store." she explained.

"Onyx is cool, its a rock. Charcoal or Coal, we could call him Coalie for short, or Charlie as a nickname." she added, "Forest, because of where he was found. Salem could be neat for like, spooky vibes. or like Obsidian or Orpheus or Hades since i know you like the Greek stuff. or Percy since the kid had black hair in the book, right? maybe Nico because of the other kid?" she offered.

"I was thinking we should name him Cerberus, like the three headed hell-hound from Greek Mythology?" He says, "But I also like Salem, Orpheus, or Angus"

"what if we do that thing where we write out all the names and like put treats on the papers and let him choose!! that could be neat. and we should get those dog buttons like on youtube and teach him how to talk and stuff," she added, carefully switching lanes.

"maybe some brushes since he has a long coat, and some nail care so he doesn't scratch up the floors." she adds.

Kaylee takes in a deep breath, chewing her lip a bit before speaking.

"i am... i am gonna be truthful here, Malaki, i'm worried that when he gets bigger my apartment wont be a good place for him," she explains softly. she glances to him for a second. "maybe we, and it wouldn't be immediate- but maybe we should talk about moving one day. we haven't discussed anything like that, but we should think about it. he's gonna be a big dog one day and he'll need a yard."

"if Andi comes to live with us, i'd be splitting costs with her. anesthesiologists get paid so much better than nurses which im gonna shut up about or i'm gonna start getting angry at the government again-" she rambled, "but anyways yeah, i just wanted to warn you and see how you'd feel about that. i know stability is usually good for foster kiddos who are used to moving around, so i wanted to like, preface it so it isn't a big surprise. ya know, talk about it,"

Kaylee pulled him into a hug as soon as she rounded the corner of the vehicle. Sweet Malaki had been through so much, she was going to do her best to stay that stable thing he needed.

she watched his behaviour, the boy acting close to a hummingbird on substances as he bounced from one thing to another. she knew that look. she knew it from the seven days of Armageddon when Malaki's prescription got delayed last month.

"what time do you usually take them?" she called, digging through her purse. "do you know if i still have your emergency stash?"

Kaylee set her purse down in the toddler holder of the cart, sifting through and playfully tossing a lollipop at Malaki's head as she searched.

"it's ten, but its prolly gonna be a long day, now c'mere i am not equipped to deal with unmedicated chaos demon Maki today." she pulled out a small hello-kitty pill case, waiving Malaki over. "taking adhd meds with red bull and a lollipop. i am a great influence on you."

"okay, one collar and one harness for now honey, put the rest back," she told him, choosing two from his hands and instructing him to replace the items where he found them.

there was a slight squabble over dog beds, toys, and bowls, but they eventually came to a compromise.

He puts the harness and the collar they decided on in the cart and continues shopping. As they walk he can feel his meds kick in and his brain quiets down. he didn't even realize how bad it had been until now. At least he had breakfast before he lost his appetite, the biggest downside of his meds.

"don't do that- we get money for those-" she reprimanded, putting out her hand to ask for the crushed can, stashing it in her purse.

they continued around the store for a little while before Malaki dashed off towards a costume section. his eyes were bright and excited. Kaylee sighed.

"kiddo- honeybee its July, there will be sales on costumes later sweetpea," she explained. "plus, we can stop by the fabric store later and get some stuff to get him a flannel batman comfort blankie, okay okay?" she compromised.

"how about we get that ice cream and drop this at the apartment, okay?" she asked him, "then we can go check back with Terri and the pup!"

They reached the checkouts and Kaylee made kind idle chatter to the clerk, tapping her debit and declining the bags. her and Malaki haphazardly piled everything into the backseat, not trusting the truck bed for such important purchases.

closed starter for @redwindchaser

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The start of the day was bright and early as promised, Kaylee having to drag Malaki out of his curled up sleeping bag in the bathroom to get him in the car.

They made a very quick stop for breakfast, Kaylee getting an iced coffee and begrudgingly getting Malaki a redbull. energy drinks and donuts for breakfast wasn't the healthiest, but it was quick.

"healthcare is not for the faint of heart," she added. "okay, get the hellhound, lets go talk to the legless lesbian."

"umm, i think i bought it that way. i have a few of them," she mentioned, shrugging. "some of them are real cute honestly, i should wear them more often." she added.

He stopped in her tracks, the pup whining.

She gave a side eye to the dog who's ears bounced along with him as he bounded up the grass. "if this little fella eats my good shoes then he will be sleeping in the bathroom."

"He won't eat shoes, I'll train him well!!" he promises. When they get to the door he pauses, he was a little anxious but nodded, "Yeah I can do that!"

"i actually live in the building back there," she pointed behind her to a guest house, "everybody always comes up to the main building, i must have forgotten to let you know where to find me,"

She looked down to the puppy in front of her, Kaylee and Malaki holding him back from jumping. Zeus came up, allowing the pup to sniff him before nipping at his ear gently, causing the little floof to back off.

"Zeus works with training puppies, take a look for yourself," she gestured to the puppy who was now sitting calmly watching the four of them. "Zeus is trained to correct, not to hurt. trust me if i thought Zeus was going to attack i would have thrown him into the cow pasture before he could touch the little guy," she mentioned.

"its okay kiddo, Terri knows what she's doing, you know this." she insisted.

Kaylee followed Terri and Zeus to the pickup truck, helping Malaki into the back with Zeus and the puppy before climbing into the passenger seat.

she could feel the tension with Malaki, offering a supportive look back at him as he continued to seem mistrusting of the woman driving.

"okay Maki, we're one step closer to getting this little guy checked out, how are we feeling?"

He climbs in and sets the small ball of fur onto his lap.

He pets the puppy, watching as he wags his tail happily and yips, “I’m nervous, what if something is seriously wrong with him!”

"i'm going to be honest with you kiddo, he's in rough shape. you said you found him in the park?" she asks him. "hes real thin, and theres a good chance he's got fleas. i'm worried he might have eaten something he shouldnt have to try to help his hunger, he may need abdominal surgery if he has non-digestible trash in his belly."

Kaylee dashed from her seat in front to the back, pulling in Malaki to her side as she buckled herself into the other open seat.

"i know honey, it's not fair. but we're going to do the best we can to get him healthy, okay?" she rubbed his back, Terri pulling back out into traffic. "we're going to do all we can, Terri's sanctuary covers vet bills of rescues, she's gonna help us get him feeling better, okay?"

Kaylee knew there was some of this reaction coming not out from the dog, but things Malaki had struggled through. He too was homeless, probably spending many hungry nights. he was very underweight when he had arrived on her doorstep.

"none of this was fair, but he's got a good crew of support who are going to give him a great home and get him well, alright?"

She gave him a gentle squeeze, giggling slightly when the puppy jumped up to lick the tear trails from Malaki's face.

she wasn't exactly sure of the history between the two in her back seat, and why the kid who had snapped at her earlier was currently sobbing into the nurse's arms, but she thought it best not to pry. her leg clicked as she moved it to prepare to get out of the truck, you never know what people are going through.

She let everyone out of the car, Zeus jumping down with the handle of his lead already in his mouth to give to her.

the clerk at the desk greeted Terri like an old friend.

"got that little stray i told you about," she explained, gesturing to the puppy who was now very nervously walking beside Malaki and Kaylee, tail between his legs.

they were told to have a seat in the waiting area until their appointment.

He thought it was a little weird how this street pup was so scared of the vet, but he assumed it was some sense that dogs had that he didn't. As they get inside he looks around, reaching down to pet the black fur.

she hooked her arm around Malaki's neck, pulling him in to ruffle his hair a little and letting him go. she barely held herself together. seeing just a few minutes ago how scared the poor boy still was, how he still seemed to be afraid he'd end up on the streets.

"I can tell you now he's gonna have to go on a specialty diet, something to build him back up 'cause if you can see here," she pauses to let the two touch the poor nervous dog's ribs, "he's skin and bones right now."

"he seems to have heathy teeth and be decently hydrated, though he's just a puppy," She explained, "he's going to need to be neutered, and they'll probably want to give him his shots, do some bloodwork, and maybe some explorative x-rays to make sure there's no blockages in his belly."

Terri wasn't great with kids, hoping Kaylee's presence would help keep poor Malaki calm. she really didn't want to watch him sob or lash out again.

"i've seen animals come in much worse than this guy. he doesn't seem to have any injuries or worms, which is good." she reassured him, "he's a hearty breed, i trust he'll be doing just fine with some good care. if you want, you two can go out and take a breather and i'll handle the Vet. but if you wanna be here, that's alright. i can just tell you might need a moment." she offered.

she knelt down, giving Zeus some gentle pets on the head. "you're being a very good boy, Zeus." she assured. "here Maki, give the sweetie a little love, he noticed you're a little nervous, pickle."

Kaylee stayed, Zeus giving her a gentle nudge. "yes honey i am a little upset, my tummy hurts, such a smart boy," she praised.

soon enough, the Vet came in to examine the puppy, the name having been put down as just 'Gweniviere stray,' in accordance to Kaylee's last name.

Kaylee watched quietly as Terri and the Vet, rehashing what she had looked over before the Vet did her own inspection.

when Malaki's expression didn't change, she gripped the table hard and knelt down, stabilizing herself with the wall. she looked up at malaki with the gentlest smile she could muster.

"oooh, another Kay and Kiddo adventure!" she cheered, trying to lighten the mood. "its been a while since i drove a pickup!"

"c'mon maki, i wonder if they have any batman chew toys for the little guy," she told him softly, trying not to completely drag him from the room.

"hmm, maybe after so that we don't have to speed-eat it in the car. i don't think chocolate ice cream is the best to eat in a Pet store." she explained.

"Onyx is cool, its a rock. Charcoal or Coal, we could call him Coalie for short, or Charlie as a nickname." she added, "Forest, because of where he was found. Salem could be neat for like, spooky vibes. or like Obsidian or Orpheus or Hades since i know you like the Greek stuff. or Percy since the kid had black hair in the book, right? maybe Nico because of the other kid?" she offered.

"I was thinking we should name him Cerberus, like the three headed hell-hound from Greek Mythology?" He says, "But I also like Salem, Orpheus, or Angus"

"what if we do that thing where we write out all the names and like put treats on the papers and let him choose!! that could be neat. and we should get those dog buttons like on youtube and teach him how to talk and stuff," she added, carefully switching lanes.

"maybe some brushes since he has a long coat, and some nail care so he doesn't scratch up the floors." she adds.

Kaylee takes in a deep breath, chewing her lip a bit before speaking.

"i am... i am gonna be truthful here, Malaki, i'm worried that when he gets bigger my apartment wont be a good place for him," she explains softly. she glances to him for a second. "maybe we, and it wouldn't be immediate- but maybe we should talk about moving one day. we haven't discussed anything like that, but we should think about it. he's gonna be a big dog one day and he'll need a yard."

"if Andi comes to live with us, i'd be splitting costs with her. anesthesiologists get paid so much better than nurses which im gonna shut up about or i'm gonna start getting angry at the government again-" she rambled, "but anyways yeah, i just wanted to warn you and see how you'd feel about that. i know stability is usually good for foster kiddos who are used to moving around, so i wanted to like, preface it so it isn't a big surprise. ya know, talk about it,"

Kaylee pulled him into a hug as soon as she rounded the corner of the vehicle. Sweet Malaki had been through so much, she was going to do her best to stay that stable thing he needed.

she watched his behaviour, the boy acting close to a hummingbird on substances as he bounced from one thing to another. she knew that look. she knew it from the seven days of Armageddon when Malaki's prescription got delayed last month.

"what time do you usually take them?" she called, digging through her purse. "do you know if i still have your emergency stash?"

Kaylee set her purse down in the toddler holder of the cart, sifting through and playfully tossing a lollipop at Malaki's head as she searched.

"it's ten, but its prolly gonna be a long day, now c'mere i am not equipped to deal with unmedicated chaos demon Maki today." she pulled out a small hello-kitty pill case, waiving Malaki over. "taking adhd meds with red bull and a lollipop. i am a great influence on you."

"okay, one collar and one harness for now honey, put the rest back," she told him, choosing two from his hands and instructing him to replace the items where he found them.

there was a slight squabble over dog beds, toys, and bowls, but they eventually came to a compromise.

He puts the harness and the collar they decided on in the cart and continues shopping. As they walk he can feel his meds kick in and his brain quiets down. he didn't even realize how bad it had been until now. At least he had breakfast before he lost his appetite, the biggest downside of his meds.

"don't do that- we get money for those-" she reprimanded, putting out her hand to ask for the crushed can, stashing it in her purse.

they continued around the store for a little while before Malaki dashed off towards a costume section. his eyes were bright and excited. Kaylee sighed.

"kiddo- honeybee its July, there will be sales on costumes later sweetpea," she explained. "plus, we can stop by the fabric store later and get some stuff to get him a flannel batman comfort blankie, okay okay?" she compromised.