To Thine Heart be True
Zarda summoned Oridian to join him in his room. Without saying a word, his eyes conveyed a silent invitation for her to lie beside him. Following closely behind was Nurse Sandy, carrying two IV bags filled with liquid sustenance, essential for replenishing Zarda's depleted electrolytes. As the couple nestled against one another, Sandy worked quietly nearby. Zarda pressed a soft kiss to Oridian's forehead, a familiar gesture, and gently rubbed her arms, sending delightful chills coursing through her. He chuckled at the unexpected arrival of the raised bumps.
"Are you feeling cold, my love?" he asked with a playful tone. "Let me wrap you up and keep you warm. I love you, Oridian. If I don't survive this loss of my partial lives, will you promise me one thing?" he inquired, his expression turning serious.
Oridian wasn't comfortable with the conversation about death and loss; even Sandy let out a small gasp at the idea of him dying. She swiftly interjected before Oridian could respond.
"Now, let me make this clear: you won't be dying on my watch. Things aren't that dire unless you know something I don't. So put that thought aside and relax, because I'm looking after you, and your love is here to ensure everything goes smoothly. I'll return later with some refills," Sandy stated firmly.
Zarda held Oridian close, glancing over at Sandy to offer her a friendly salute before she departed. Turning back to gaze into his lover's eyes, he continued what he had been saying earlier, "I need you to find Natia and our little one and share with them how deeply I love and miss them. Then, please seek out Delilah and convey my apologies for leaving her and the baby on their own. And most importantly, remind yourself every day how passionately I have loved you, how you've transformed my world, and how I couldn't bear to breathe without you. I love you to the ends of the earth." With that, he leaned down to kiss her softly.
With everything he had inside him, he poured his love into Oridian. Their gentle kisses deepened into something more passionate as they began to undress each other. Oridian's tender touch ignited an energy within Zarda that he hadn't experienced since before Elohim's departure. She climbed onto his lap, her fingers tracing the contours of his chest, lingering on his pecs and nipples. Leaning in, she gifted him a long kiss that sparked a fervent response from him. He felt a heat and energy that compelled him to take their love to the next level without hesitation. His manhood's desire pulsed, longing for more. Her low pants of pleasurable moans enticed him further. They made love with a softness and tenderness that felt more profound than ever before. The passion had subsided for the moment, leaving them breathless and spent as they reclined, bare and vulnerable, on his bed. Zarda turned to pull Oridian closer, reluctantly releasing his warmth to reach for the blanket tangled at their feet. Once she draped it over them, the embrace felt even cozier in her return. They lay in peaceful silence, free from interruptions, as Sandy had firmly instructed everyone to keep their distance to allow them some rest. However, Sandy herself had been eager to talk to Osborn since her conversation with Zarda; she was curious if he would welcome her assistance. It was clear to her that he still appeared quite weak and was in the process of recovery. She knew he needed her or at least she hoped.
For the first time in her life, Sandy felt quite shy around Osborn. Gathering her courage, she spoke up, "Osborn, could we talk in your room, if that's alright? I also realized I need to check your vitals. What do you think?"
Osborn embraced every suggestion Sandy offered, extending his large hand for her to guide him. She beamed up at him, thrilled to finally share what had been weighing on her heart. This moment felt perfect for revealing her true feelings. Moving steady inside his room Sandy ordered Osborn over to his bed. He chuckled at the fact he did anything she commanded of him. Osborn rested back on two large pillows and waited for her to near him. He took notice to her eyes how they sparkled more than usual, and that her cheeks were quite flushed. He began to fidget a bit more nervous. In his mind replaying his conversation with Zarda made him begin to blush. Sandy moved his equipment around, then she placed a fresh IV into place, one she had stored up for the next refill. Making quick work she hesitantly grabbed for his muscular forearm into her petite hands. They were trembling a bit, but not too much where she couldn't fulfill her job. Her touch was amazing Osborn thought to himself. He could handle feeling it more often if possible. Osborn stared at her waiting to see if she would speak first. Seeing that she was nervously fumbling more than usual, he spoke up instead.
"You wanted to speak to me about something?" he questioned.
Timidly she smiled batting her long eyelashes. She turned away from him, pretending to be looking for more materials. Osborn noticing her distraction reached out tapping her shoulder. His sudden touch caused her spin back around towards him. Her face looking down now. Osborn took a hold of her hand into his warm palm. She looked up at him finding his smile charming to stare upon. His hazelnut eyes were kind and inviting.
"Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have been a very special part of my life. I'm just Happy they chose you as my nurse and not Rez." he said lightly laughing, his words always made the mood feel more humorous and uplifted.
"Osborn, I like you and I wanted to keep caring for your needs, if you would like that? Zarda and I spoke, and it seems I have more feelings for you than I thought, and I enjoy spending time with you, but I'm sure you're not interested in a mouse hybrid like me." Sandy blurted out her feelings all at once.
Osborn was surprised; he had no clue she had these feelings for him. Relief washed over him, realizing she felt the same way. Now, it was his turn to calm her nerves by expressing his own feelings. He held her small hand in his, placing his other hand on top and gently tracing her fingers with his.
"I'm really relieved to hear you share your feelings. Zarda and I had a private conversation about you, too. I shared with him how much I enjoy the time we spend together and how I think you're the most beautiful being I've ever seen. Here I am, like a big, scared bear, worried that you might not feel the same way because of my size and that I'm not quite your type. But if you're willing to accept me, I would be more than happy to be with you. I truly value the bond we have formed. I also want to thank you for taking care of me while I've been in hibernation. You and Zarda are a blessing in my life. I like you too, Sandy," he said gently.
Both relieved and overjoyed, they embraced each other warmly for a long moment. Neither Sandy nor Osborn wanted to part ways. He cradled her petite frame with his large hands, pulling her even closer against his chest. She could hear his steady breathing and felt the rhythm of his heartbeat, a comforting presence. One of the perks of being a nurse was knowing that their loved ones were well taken care of. Osborn carried the sweet scent of her hair, reminiscent of berries and honey—his favorite treats. Suddenly, a low growl from his stomach echoed, signaling that it was time for lunch. Without a second thought, she gently pushed away and offered to get him something to eat. She took off hurriedly to fulfill his request, ensuring she ordered meals for Zarda and Oridian as well. With two patients and one beloved companion to care for, she had a busy afternoon ahead. Upon her return, she was assisted in carrying Zarda's and Oridian's trays. They headed first to Osborn's room, where Sandy presented him with a delicious plate of beef tacos, rice, and beans, accompanied by chips, guacamole, and a slice of cheesecake. She remembered to include sweet tea for him to enjoy. After leaving the meal for him, she quickly made her way to deliver Zarda's food. She knocked softly before entering, relieved to find that both were dressed and engrossed in a book about the desert while resting in the bed.
"Special delivery! I brought lunch for both of you, and it's time to check your vitals again," said Sandy.
"Thanks, Sandy, that's so kind of you! I don't want to spoil your excitement, but Oridian just assessed my vitals, and it turns out I'm perfectly fine according to her." He said with a playful, teasing tone.
The room filled with laughter from both Zarda and Oridian. Sandy on the other hand, only gave an awkward glare back. She moved to quickly to check his IV bag and his heart rate.
"I must say, she checked your vitals. Wow, your heart is racing—much better than when you first arrived. You looked close to death then, now you seem more alert and livelier. See? I told you that under my care, you wouldn't be in danger of dying. Though, if you both continue with what happened earlier, Oridian might be the one pushing you toward an early grave with all that overexertion. So, just relax, if you can, alright?" Sandy responded.
Just then Oridian caught a waft of the beans and began to get sick to her stomach. She gagged, placing her hand quickly over her mouth she paused as did Zarda and Sandy. They looked at her with a concerned stare. Suddenly it hit Sandy, Oridian was expecting. She had seen some earlier signs, but this confirmed. No one just get ill at the smell of food unless they have another being inside. The rate Zarda and her had been going at each other it was possible. Oridian moved off the bed and ran to the bathroom. Sandy stood smiling from ear to ear at Zarda. He looked at her oddly and confused.
"Congrats Zarda, looks like you'll be a father soon." she replied.
Zarda's mouth dropped wide open, he knew it was any day now that could be a possibility, but to think a father for the third time was an amazing feeling. He made a vow with himself to not be separated from Oridian for his birth and he planned to keep this vow.
"How can you possibly know that?" asked Zarda. Sandy reached out and slapped Zarda's arm. She gave him one of those looks only a mother gives to their kids for asking a dumb question.
"Hello, I'm a nurse. Did you forget? I can recognize the early signs of pregnancy. Just think back to the first time you were intimate, then count the time since then, and you'll have your answer. Need I say more? You're welcome," she replied.
Sandy was right, it had been several months, enough to indicate the first trimester. He was so thrilled that he couldn't contain himself. He pushed the food tray aside and rushed into the bathroom, wrapping Oridian in his embrace.
"Congratulations, Mama," Zarda said kissing all over her. Oridian's eyes widened in disbelief. Happy to see how excited Zarda was. She couldn't bring herself to speak, fearing she might throw up all over him.
Meanwhile, Sandy stood with her hand on her hip and said, "I've gone from one patient to two, and now I'm on my third. Just add her care to my list!" She said this with enthusiasm.