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Swiss curses, kicking the ground out of frustration. A strangled whine of pain leaving him despite his best efforts to keep it down. Aether perks up from his spot on the couch, glancing in mild concern at Swiss who was in the kitchen. “Swiss? You alright?” The multi ghoul quickly tries to regain his composure. “Ah- yeah! I'm alright Aeth. Just ,,, stubbed my toe.” He adds a laugh at the end, hoping to sound more convincing.
Aether doesn't seem to fully buy it but shrugs it off as weird Swiss behaviour, going back to scrolling on his phone idly. The multi lets out a quiet relieved sigh, moving to go to his room. A sharp yelp of surprise leaves him when he goes to step but his knee bends backwards instead of staying straight. He barely catches himself, bracing against the counter for a moment, repeatedly applying and removing pressure on his knee to make sure it won't fold under his weight again.
The quintessence ghoul in the living room shuts off his phone and stuffs it in his pocket before making his way to the kitchen. Upon seeing the slightly shorter ghoul hissing under his breath and testing his leg, he sighs in sympathy. “Where are your braces?” Swiss' head snaps up, a growl leaving him. “I don't need them! Just . Give me a minute!” He says with aggravation, standing up straight with a glare.
Aether glares half-heartedly back, very prepared to deal with a stubborn ghoul. “You're in pain. If you don't let me grab the braces, I'm going to go fetch Cirrus. You don't want that, do you?” The defiant expression Swiss’ face wavers, but he steels himself. “You wouldn't! I'm fine, see?” He takes a step. To his credit, his legs seem to hold steady. .. against his credit, he winces as a bolt of pain zips up his right leg unwarranted.
The taller ghoul just sighs, taking out his phone and sending a quick text to Cirrus. The multi ghoul’s eyes widen and he tries to snatch the phone from Aether. “No!” He tries, pleading desperately. “Yes. Aaaand there. Sent.” The rhythm guitarist says with just a bit too much amusement in his tone.
Swiss deflates slightly, a loud whiny tone leaving him. “Noooo….” Aether smiles, seeing the signs of him slipping into a regressed headspace. “Awe, come here little one.” He says in a soothing tone, holding his arms open for a hug. Swiss looks torn between going to the comfort or pouting instead. Eventually, the sound of a hug is too alluring and he takes a step before falling into the bigger ghoul’s arms.
“There you go bambi. Let me and Cirrus care for you.” The multi ghoul lets out an upset whine. “No.. m s’posed to be big ‘n protect eve’yone. Can't do that if ‘m not big..” Aether just shushes him gently, swaying side to side to try and calm the upset ghoul in his arms. “We're alright. Let's focus on you for once, okay little dove?”
Cirrus enters the room before Swiss can respond. Despite his hesitation to letting himself slip, something in his brain still registers her as his caregiver. He perks up, a happy chirp leaving his mouth. “Mama!” He wiggles out of Aether’s arms, aiming to launch into Cirrus’ arms. He pauses, a look of confliction on his face when he sees she's carrying a few things. Knee braces with rotation locks, wrist brace with extra support, and something else he couldn't see well.
“No.” Swiss pouts, already upset. “Oh, come on little one. You know they're good for you and important. Don't want the owies getting to you!” The air ghoullette says softly, a baby talking tome slowly creeping into her voice. The multi crosses his arms and glares, hating how his body refuses to work with him. “Don't need! M fine. An’ it still hurts even with the thingies! Don’ make me… p’ease..”
Cirrus let's out a soft sound of sympathy. “I'm so sorry, my baby. But you know it has to happen.” She nods to Aether who gently holds Swiss so Cirrus can put the braces on. He whines, trying to wiggle out of the quint’s grasp. The ghoullette crouches, starting to secure the knee supports. When Swiss tries to gently kick her away, she stands up and makes him look her in the eye.
“Baby, kicking isn't nice. If you don't behave, I'll have to take away a bit of TV time.” She would never cut off all his entertainment, but even the threat of 5 minutes less TV was enough for the multi ghoul to relax and let her do what she had to. Aether coo's and gently praises Swiss for being so brave as they get him all set up.
Cirrus makes a gentle sound to get his attention after all the supports are secured. Swiss has slight tears in his eyes, the slight pain mixed with stubborness finally affecting him. The air ghoullette’s eyes soften with pity. “Look what I've got, little lune.” She shows off soft black gloves with little kitty paw pads on the hands. She slips them on over his hands, the larger size of the gloves able to fit over the braces.
His eyes light up a bit, hesitantly clapping his hands. The giggle and happy trill leaving him was relieving to the two caregivers, happy to see that he's returning back to the happy little one they know he can be. He bounces in place slightly, pouting when his movement is slightly restricted at his knees. “Alright little one, let's get you some TV time. Do you want to play with blocks too?”
Swiss pouts and shakes his head, taking Cirrus' hand and half stumbling, half walking to the living room. “Noooo. M wanna play wif uh.. da cars!” Aether smiles, watching them go to sit on the couch. Cirrus gets comfortable before beckoning for the multi to sit on her lap. He's a little heavy, but it's nothing she can't handle. Aether starts to grab a few snacks for them while the TV plays.
“Okay little dove, what do you want to wa-” “Paw Patrol!!!” Cirrus giggles as the excited little one on her lap. “P.. p’ease? Now! Want now! P’ease!” She smiles, turning the show on. “Of course! What a polite little baby, using his words so nice.” Swiss chirps happily, wrapping his arms around her neck and burying his face in her collar. He shifts so he can see the TV but is still happily snuggled against her. “‘Fank ‘ou mama.” “Of course, little lune. Anything for my little one.”