#mouseymusings

So imagine your surprise when after you've been living successfully alone for the first time with a human in thier one bed apartment that when you get sick and haven't been able to borrow in a while...

There is a voice at your mouse hole.

"Hey uh...I know I'm probably not supposed to notice you and all but you haven't taken the Cheerios I left out for you like usual and I heard what sounded like coughing so...Are you alright? Can I get you some cold meds? Anything at all? I'm honestly worried, little buddy."

There is fear to begin with. How long had this bean known you were there?

And if so, how long had they played along and let you keep borrowing without interference?

You respond with a cough. You feel the floor shake as they get up and leave a moment, then watch a massive finger gently push a bottle cap full of water into the mouse hole.

"You sound awful, little guy. I know I'm probably horrifying to be around since I'm like bajillion times your size but seriously, let me know what I can do."

You don't ever verbally respond for the first while, but the human is persistent. They bring you carefully measured cough syrup, enough that you can take a bit and actually get some sleep. They bring warm tea, a few crumbs of their own dinner, even hot broth. The latest item is a teeny tiny plush toy frog and blanket, handmade with crude stitching. The blanket is so soft and the new toy a welcome friend.

"Thank you."

You say.

There is a pause, and you can hear the human shift.

"Any time." They reply.

The human sounds a bit flustered, like they might be blushing.

"I'm so sorry."

Their voice rumbles through you and you are hugged gently to thier chest. You sob, because that's all you can do.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

And up. And up.

Most of the time, you forget how massive your friend is until times like this, when you feel like a speck in comparison. Every sound they make echoes. Every breath is visible, every tiny movement. They are a living landmass and you are at their mercy.

But before any sense of inferiority or instinctive fear can settle in, your friend glances down at you and smiles. It's not the patronizing smile of an owner to a pet but one of genuine fondness for an equal.

How about disowned? I'm your dad now.

Do your parents suck eggs? Cool, I'm your dad now.

Are you an adult having a bad time navigating the world? Neat! I'm your dad now.

I am now your huge dad. You can sit in my hand and I will ask you about your new hobby before we go get icecream. I will tell you puns and there is no escape. I will wear socks with sandals.

Husband's snuggling.

Bramble (he/they) is mine