Work Text:
Really, Greyson couldn't be happier for his boss. Zayne was sitting down, clipboard in hand and checking over the reports from the second quarter, glasses perched on his nose as usual, serene in his work and yet no doubt professional. Though Greyson can't help noticing the new addition; his free hand over his stomach.
It's barely past the first trimester, nothing to show yet, but Greyson is giddy all the same because Zayne finally has what he's been covertly wishing for. Disguised under layers upon layers of internalized self doubt that he can ever get someone interested enough in the first place. Zayne had wanted a child and this Greyson knew since Zayne first visited the hospital's neo-natal ward. How his gaze softens at the newborn babies and how they wave their balled fist in the air, getting used to the new found freedom of the outside world.
Later that same day, Zayne sighs and rubs at his then unbonded neck when he thought no one was looking. Greyson had known by then, the gesture only solidifying his belief. Nevertheless he prayed when he could for any of Zayne's wishes to come true. The young doctor certainly deserved all the good things life can give him.
Zayne hands him back the clipboard and tells Greyson that he'll be on break for 15 minutes. A suggestion he'd gotten from the mid wife since a male omega's pregnancy can be delicate to their body. Zayne had been reluctant to follow the suggestion, even bargaining "I'll settle for 10 minutes, it'd put me more at peace with my duty." before he lurches to the nearest bucket. The morning sickness reminded him of his current condition. Zayne relents to the 15 minutes in the end.
"Should I get you some tea?"
"No, you deserve a break as well, Greyson."
"Alright then. I'll knock on your door after 15."
"That will be appreciated. Thank you."
"No problem."
Greyson steps out of the office. A nurse rounded the corner and waved at him, marching his way but before she could get a word out, Greyson puts a finger to his lips and pointed at the door. The nurse nodded and asked him in a hushed tone if he wanted to join her for a snack.
Greyson nods and sets his timer for 14 minutes.
The snack was her treat. They had a nice conversation and parted earlier than the 14 minutes he'd set for himself. Passing the common patient area of the hospital, Greyson sees a familiar head of silver hair.
Red eyes found him in an instant.
"Ah, Dr. Greyson."
"Sylus." He nods at the alpha walking towards him, a bundled lunch box in one hand that he handed over without a word.
It's sweet how Sylus is following his mate's every word of not meeting him in the hospital. Even if it did include Greyson into the loop after the Onychinus leader got his contact (he won't ask how).
There is the risk of people misinterpreting the act but Sylus's tendency to display Zayne's bite mark on him as opposed to Greyson's non-existent one is a clear indicator of the opposite.
"Make sure he finishes it."
"He will." Greyson answers confidently.
Dr. Zayne always finishes his meals after his pregnancy is confirmed. Besides, it's from Sylus. Zayne would never admit it out loud but his mate's cooking is pretty damn good
Sylus nods, a proud smile on his face. "I'll see you next week, then. Thank you, Greyson." He turns around and walks out the less common route heading out the hospital. Not many know the face of the leader but he took precautions still.
Sylus's words caught up with him.
Next week
Ah, he did take the weekend off. His shift will probably be disastrous next week but he needs the time alone.
Everything around him is changing faster than his bones can catch up with. He might be 33, his mind can handle these new developments as life taking its course, but the habits he nursed since he's still a shadowing med-student days are harder to adjust.
He finds that allowing nothing to plague him helps with the shift. Greyson does use his allotted day-offs, indulged in them, but sometimes just a time alone with no pretense is the best cure. Plus his body appreciates the break.
The alarm sets off and Greyson makes his way back to Dr. Zayne's office. Once he's sure it has been 15 minutes, he knocks at the door and hears a soft and muffled "come in."
Zayne's face scrunched as he saw what Greyson was carrying.
"You don't have to, you know?"
Greyson sets the bundled lunch box on Zayne's table.
"But I want to, and it's no problem for me at all."
Which is true, most days he only handled mild cases — general patients. He still attends surgery but rarely as the lead and Greyson finds himself sort of grateful for that. His early days are filled with intensive surgeries back to back. Sometimes the shifts would be weeks on end before he can take a day off. And he's great at what he does. He might not be a super genius like Zayne, but Greyson can rightfully brag about his own skill as a doctor. Something he does when he can. Being a little vain is fine, as a rare treat.
Zayne scoffs. He undoes the bundle and unstacks the lunch box. The first tear is always some type of sweet treat, the second savory, and the last the rice. Sylus cooks mild flavoured dishes, making sure they don't have a strong smell lest it upsets Zayne's nose.
A loving smile makes its way to Zayne's face. Despite the initial complaints, he couldn't help feeling warm inside from the physical manifestation of his alpha's care. Sylus would never took him as weak, but being cared for by him sends pleasant shivers down his spine.
Greyson warms at the sight. Happy that Zayne was.
The rest of the day went peacefully. Greyson tended to his in-patients, some med-students shadowed him, and then a few checkups. Yvonne stayed close to Dr. Zayne for the rest of his shift.
5 p.m hits and Greyson was done packing his bag. A long time ago he carried a messenger, but the one sided weight was starting to do some damage to his preferred shoulder — the left one — so he stopped and went back to a nice backpack with better support. Some colleagues said that it made him look even younger than he is. Doesn't help that Dr. Joelle mentioned Greyson's baby-fat-cheeks despite being only a decade and a bit his senior.
She'd called that a charm of his, to which Greyson hadn't the heart but to chuckle at.
He waved at the nurses and doctors he passed as he walks out the hospital. Greyson preferred going home by walking, his apartment isn't that far anyway from the hospital. The walk helps him calm down and shake off the day as well.
Before that though, Greyson makes a stop at a supermarket. Buying himself some snacks; a pack of chocolate covered candy fruits, some savory dried beef, he still has last week's groceries — thankful that he bought more long lasting ones — so he just restocked some fresh produce. The in-house bakery was running a sale seeing as they're later in the day. Greyson manages to get a bag of mini pastries he considers pairing with tea or coffee, depending on his mood the next two days.
There's really not much fanfare after. He pays, walks the rest of the way home, greets the security guard on the post, and rides the elevator to his floor. There's only 4 units on his floor, he only knew 2 of his neighbours and rarely met them. He laments that fact but is also not the best at coming up with a good way to muster more than a short "hello" or "how was your day?"
Someday he tells himself. Someday.
Greyson enters the foyer. He takes off his shoes with his free hand, while the other one with groceries turns on the switch of the unit. Warm light pours from above him as he arranges his shoes with his foot by the door. He'll properly put them away later.
Inside was as he left it, an odd sentiment but Greyson was glad that it was. He takes off his bag on the couch, putting away his groceries and checking the full extent of what he has. A meal plan forming in his head for tomorrow as he grabs his backpack and enters his bedroom.
The slightly longer shower he took felt like he was finally home, unburdened. All that weight of the week washing down the drain even for just a couple of days. Picking the softest pyjama he has, Greyson goes back to the living room and turns on his TV. Switching channels until he found one he could drown out in the background as he peels an apple and cut it into slices, making himself a glass of warm milk, he considered whether or not to have an orange as well and shrugged taking one anyway.
Back on his couch with his snacks for the night, Greyson switches channels to find something he can pay half a mind to.
He finds a documentary that piqued his interest and leans forward, one arm on his knee as he listens to the narrator.
The apple is just ripe, not overly sweet and tart just the way he likes it. The warm milk soothes something deeper in him. Greyson leans back, sagging into the couch even more as his body relaxes and the last vestiges of the week finally finally falls off of him.
He'd arrived home at around 7. The apple is long gone and he's on the last slice of orange when he feels parched. Greyson finished the slice and walked back to his sink, placing the saucer he'd used but not the cup because he filled it with cold water, never mind the milk residue mixing in, and drank it in one go before washing both utensils.
It's 10.52 when he finally turns off the lights outside and slips under the covers. If it was a normal workday he would immediately charge his phone and go count sheep. But seeing that tomorrow isn't, Greyson indulges a little. Opening random feeds, watching random videos, making some status updates that wouldn't get him more than 15 likes (all from coworkers and friends he still kept in contact with).
Not much goes on in the life of a beta like him.
But Greyson wishes there's just more sometimes. It's not as if the life he's living now is unfulfilling, being a doctor has always been his dream, but it can be monotonous.
Picking up a hobby is a commitment he's not ready to have yet. Sure, his sister sent him a box of journaling supplies but it didn't take long to find out his lack of sense for art. Until now he only used the journal, plain and simple with no decorations, as just what it is to keep tabs on his work. The artsy tapes and stickers do come in handy for annotating and markings too.
Yvonne did offer to take a velvet flower making class together. Maybe he should ask her about it next time since he's not exactly in the mood to go out for this specific day off he got.
It could be fun. He'd read about it after Yvonne told him and the place she suggested has teachers that guide them through the process. Yeah, he can do that.
Greyson opens his messages to Yvonne.
Yvonne
Is that offer for the velvet flower class still open?
Greyson doesn't expect an immediate answer, so he switches to scrolling down his feed again.
A pop up notification came in a few minutes later.
Of course! Do you have time next week?
Dunno
Maybe not since im taking this weekend off
Well, we have to make a reservation so I'll tell you my off days next week
Praying that we lined up
*Laughing sticker*
Praying too. I'll tell you as soon as I get the info.
Okkkkk
Sleep well doc!
It's late!
And you're still up too
*Side eye sticker*
*Stabbing duck sticker*
I just got home
You left me hours ago
I can stay up as long as I want
*Mocking sticker*
*Mocking sticker*
Good night
Good night!
*Sleeping duck sticker*
Greyson giggled at the conversation. Scrolling back up to the first message he sent and re-read the whole thing. It's silly how it warms him doing it.
It's easy to make himself happy, it's hard to keep it that way.
Greyson sighs. Thinking about it does an effective job at pulling the ugly thoughts to the surface.
Digging the heel of his palm to his eyes, Greyson drags it in a circle with a bit of pressure to distract him from the rapidly rising memories. Most of his days are work and going home late, simple meals - instant ones, precooked ones. Sometimes he'd find himself hooked on a show or a book and those did make his days better, but it's still not enough.
Greyson flips over, on his stomach, grunts into the pillow. His eyes burn and his mind still remembers. He knew better, but he's not ready to face it yet.
It's tiring.
His bedside clock reads 11.56.
With a last sigh, Greyson pulls his blanket up to his nose, burrowing into it and forcing his eyes closed. Sleep didn't come easy, but when it does Greyson hopes for a peaceful one.
Saturday was filled with chores; cleaning, laundry, polishing his shoes, etc. Greyson checked his annual schedule and found that he needs to call for air conditioner cleaning service next week so he set up the appointment with his regular one and informed the apartment's security and management since he might not be there when the service arrived.
He packed his dirty laundry next, going down to the first floor and went to the apartment's in-ground laundry service. They have a discount for residents living there and deliver to the unit as well. This time, Greyson can pick it up when they're done tomorrow.
"We'll inform you through text for the pick up time."
"Thank you." He nods at the man.
A part of him wanted to check out the convenience store nearby, just a small visit, but he knew that he'll come out of there with a few things he doesn't really need. Not that small indulgences are bad, Greyson just knew he'll buy something that has no rhyme or reason and he merely did it because he wanted to.
He checks his phone as he walks to the elevator. There's a few messages from the hospital's group chat, schedules, shifts, and what not. The nurse group he's in was also buzzing, mainly because of a nearby cafe's dessert promo. He did a quick read of both. A small smile formed as he entered the elevator and clicked for his floor. Yvonne texted him a bit about what's been going on today.
Yvonne still got the chills at the Onychinus leader when she had to meet him to hand over Zayne's lunch. Greyson sends her a laughing sticker at that.
You'll get used to it soon
*cute smiling duck sticker*
No I won't!
Come back here!
*stabbing duck sticker*
Greyson laughs at the response.
The elevator dinged and he got out. Going back to his chat history there's a little somber feeling cloying in his chest as he sees the names on the screen.
On top it was the groups, which he doesn't reply to right now, Yvonne, and then the apartment manager, security, and AC service.
Below that is from a franchise advertising their new deals and a coupon code. Slightly out of the bottom of the screen is Sylus, which brought him a sense of wonderment as the fact that the Onychinus leader has his number, personally contacts him, and they regularly meet up for a few minutes a few days a week to hand over lunch boxes. Odd how life goes sometimes but he can't help feeling that at least there's a sense of camaraderie between the two of them.
Entering his apartment unit, Greyson saw how... empty it is now. He can start on preparing lunch, but he's not really in the mood to make a big meal, just something enough for himself with minimal prep.
He settled on fruit and a bag of chocolate covered gummies he bought last night, pouring a glass of cold water as companion. Greyson remembered buying a book last month he hadn't had the chance to read yet.
He found it tucked between thicker ones in the coffee table drawer. Again, he turns on the TV and drones out the noise of some gameshow program as he reads and enjoys his snacks.
He's halfway through the book when his clock hits 1 in the afternoon. Greyson stretches. He's not that tired but he's not keen on staying awake either. So he cleans up the living room and washes the dishes before going to bed for a short nap.
Short apparently is an unreliable measurement of time because its 7.38 in the evening when he wakes up. Groggy but refreshed, which is then taken away once he sees the numbers on his bedside clock.
Greyson grunts.
Late for dinner
But he's determined to make himself a real meal this time. A few wilting vegetables and frozen meat chunks later he has himself a stir-fry and soup. The hearty meal almost made him forget about his over-nap — almost because he sees that it's 9.49 when he finishes washing the dishes.
A whole day gone
He mutters to himself. Feeling a little unproductive and guilty for not spending his time better than just napping. Greyson knows that it is his day-off, that he's supposed to take a break, but his routine of being busy — doing something, anything — is hard to break.
Back in his bed, Greyson takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. No use crying over lost time but he just couldn't help doing it anyway.
There's no new private messages. The groups are bustling but he still has no urge to reply to any of them.
His eyes droop and Greyson places his phone on the bedside table. He tucks his blanket up to his nose as usual and snuggles further into the bed like it was a cozy nest, which it is, and falls asleep in a seconds.
Sunday comes with small changes, not much but it helps from the monotony. He cleans (wipes the tables, kitchen aisles, windows), then makes breakfast and eats it on the balcony, enjoying the morning breeze and the slowly rising sun's warmth as he chews on his noodles slowly.
The laundromat texted that his clothes are done at 1. The day goes by uneventfully after. Greyson sat in his living room again, properly watching the TV this time, some weekend kids cartoon program he finds himself enjoying.
It was shaping up to be a slow day. He figured he could go to sleep early and earn himself more than the recommended 8 hours before going to work early tomorrow.
It's 4 when his phone rang. Dr. Cooper's name flashing on the screen.
"Greyson?"
There's no panicked tone, thank god.
"Yes?"
"We need you back here for a briefing. Far Space suddenly contacted us for an emergency health check-up for some of their officers."
"Farspace? The fleet?"
"Who else? But management agreed to give you a day off next week to make up for this one."
Greyson sighs. They really wanted him there, "I don't have a choice, do I?"
A sympathetic laugh came from the other side "I wish you did."
He rolls over on the couch, eyes to the ceiling. Stretching his hand to the air, Greyson flicks his wrist so and so as he mulls over his thoughts.
"Is there a place I can sleep there?"
"The nurse quarters are always open for you, Greyson. Breakfast tomorrow is braised pork, I'll save you a portion if you overslept." Well that's a hard bargain.
"I'll be there in an hour."
"Alright. Thank you so much for this."
The words pulled a chuckle out of him, "It's my duty as a doctor."
Somehow, Greyson can see the head shake Cooper is doing. The call cuts after they said goodbyes and Greyson wastes no time to get himself ready. Cutting his shower short and taking time to pack his overnight bag for the hospital, picking out some more comfortable work wear in case he has to stay for more than a day.
If he had a car, he could just store it in the baggage but he sees no need for it when the hospital is within walkable distance from his apartment. And he could just take the city bus if he wants to get there faster — which is what he chose to do today.
The bus was packed but the ride was quiet. A child giggled a few seats behind him. Greyson closes his eyes for a moment, leaning back into the head rest as the city lights pass, one by one starting to lighten up the street.
Yvonne waved at him from the receptionist table. “Dr. Cooper's in meeting room 6, second floor.” She turned around and gave him a paper bag, “muffins and coffee, my treat.”
The gesture warmed something in him. Greyson mutters a thank you to her and speed walks to the meeting room.
It was a couple of small blueberry and chocolate muffins. The warm latte helped him settle as he took a seat, Dr. Cooper's presentation ready to go.
“Good evening, everyone. Sorry to call you on such short notice on a Sunday.” A pointed look at Greyson, “but we have a sudden request from the Farspace Fleet as I’ve informed you through messages and calls. I will be briefing you with the details…”
The meeting lasted for half an hour. Most of the procedures they requested are standard, but it's the method of document delivery and verification that dragged it. Each of the doctors are assigned a number of officers.
Greyson went to his office and looked over the list of names he's given. Other than the Colonel's name giving a slight heart attack, Greyson doesn't see an issue with it.
He sighs, slumping to his table, debating whether or not to take Cooper up on his offer on the nurse quarters now. But he sets an alarm for an hour, he needs time to think it over.