#dougie x felicity

[cursivebloodlines]

Closed starter for @thanaredreamtof

Working the late shift at the practice was not uncommon for the likes of Douglas Blackwood. Some nights were chaotic with emergencies, which he didn't mind because it kept him distracted from the confines of his own mind. Other times not so much. Either way, he was never short of work to do. Working nights made his job feel more rewarding; being open when a lot of veterinary practices were closed meant people could bring their beloved pets to him when they were desperate and had nowhere else to go. He adored his job, adored the animals he treated. They were cute and each had their own individual personalities - he never knew what to expect. And to see the difference he could make... it was everything. Sat in his desk chair, Dougie was typing up the notes from one of his consultations when he heard frantic knocking at the front door. At night, they kept it locked for security purposes as there weren't always many members of staff present. Immediately, he rushed up to his feet, practically sprinting out of his room, down the corridor, past the front desk, and over to the door. He quickly twisted the long and pulled the door open in a hurry, taken aback by the rain pouring outside. "Bloody hell, I didn't realise the weather out here was so awful." He looked at the person who stood before him and proceeded to step away from the door, ushering them in. "Please, come in before you get absolutely soaked," he said, shutting the door behind him. A warm, welcoming smile on his lips, though concern was etched on his features. "Follow me - I'll sort the reception/admin-ny stuff after," he added, heading to his consultation room without any further ado. He didn't want to spare any moment. "I'm so sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. Just thought the sooner we get this one into the room, the better," Dougie said politely, offering another small smile. "I'm Dr Blackwood but I'm not one for the formalities - so please call me Dougie. How can I help?" He often went by his first name because it felt more normal to him, and it just made things feel a little more comfortable for the people he dealt with, especially in their moments of distress for their beloved fur babies.

[cursivebloodlines]

The way Dougie was about to genuinely respond before he realised that was the whole point of pretending that biscuit-gate wasn't initiated by them. Their little secret. Silly man, always a bit delayed to a joke. Though, he could argue that it was quite late - and he was deprived of biscuits until now, that is. So he needed the energy boost. It wasn't a big deal anyway; he'd happily buy them back if their owner became miffed. Felicity's rambling was precious, and once again she reminded him of him. Such a random conversation topic to have and yet he kept up just fine. "You know what, you're absolutely right!" he said, eliciting a soft chuckle. "If it's bad for you and you're having a biscuit anyway then you may as well have the sugar. I know two wrongs don't equal a right but I'm hardly inclined to believe sugar and a biscuit or two will kill us. I think we'll be just fine," he teased slightly, grinning a little over at her. Now it was his turn to ramble and...did he even make any sense? Probably not. Doubtful. But he had a feeling that she could keep up. Or at least, that was what he hoped anyway.

Felicity's words were sweet and for some reason her kindness meant a lot to him. It didn't take a lot for Dougie to find any words of positivity nice or sweet. Having spent so long being told otherwise, years of being told how he wasn't enough essentially, he clung on to any positivity directed at him like a dog tethered to a bone. Even something as simple as I really hope whatever disruption it was wasn't too unkind to you. "To me, it was whatever, it was nothing. You know how things could be but...I think some of my friends might disagree with me on that one so the jury's out...but thank you, really. That's lovely of you to say." That was an understatement and he could already hear the voice of his friends at the back of his head telling him that losing your self-worth because of one person to the point where it affected you getting to where you want in life was indeed, very unkind. But he chose to ignore that. Was that already oversharing? Dougie wasn't sure. It's not like he wanted to get into specifics and he didn't want her to feel sorry for him by all means. He was just simply...doing what he always did. Talked too much. His brief moment of panic faded when she started talking about herself, he was always better at listening to other people instead of talking about himself. "An artist? Wow! That sounds amazing," Dougie said sincerely, giving her another warm smile. "What sort of things do you like to paint? A variety of things like people or landscapes or do you dabble in a bit of everything?" he asked out of interest, genuinely intrigued. He had never been remotely good at art but he wanted to. Instead, he enjoyed appreciating it from a distance.

Which, the thought was, perfect for Felicity's next question. His eyes widened, visibly impressed that her work was being displayed in a show. The rambles started again but he listened attentively, a smile crossing his lips as he said nothing until she was finished. She was sweet, creative, a rambler like him and not to mention she was pretty and - Dougie ought to stop letting his mind wander like that. "I'm not so good at the whole words thing either if it's any comfort," he replied first, eliciting a soft laugh though he wasn't laughing at her directly. "I like art, yeah. Art is everywhere, isn't it? Even the people who say they don't like art have to like it to some degree. Music, painting - like you - or writing, television, etc. Art is all around us always." Where did that come from? Bloody hell. "And I'd - I'd love to come and see your work displayed. if it's not a bother, of course, to get a ticket! I can always pay for my own if you can't... I - and it will be just the one for me. Unless you want me to find someone to drag along..." he offered, laughing quietly at the thought. "But thank you! For inviting me along. That's - I - that's really kind of you and I'd love to."

"What biscuits?" she joked as she took one from the pack, agreeing that she would keep this a secret from god knows who in the practice. "I like mine with a splash of milk too, and one sugar...I know it's bad for you but I think there's no point in not having the sugar, if you're going to have a biscuit anyways, and you can't not have a biscuit with tea so therefore you might as well have the sugar, you know?" she rambled as she took another sip. What was she saying? It made sense to her anyways.

"It does that sometimes doesn't it" she said when he remarked how life got in the way of his career at a certain point. "I really hope whatever disruption it was wan't too unkind to you" she said, the words falling out before she could really stop herself. For some reason she felt the heat rise to her cheeks when he asked her what did she do, she never was that comfortable talking about her art, even though putting yourself out there and talking about it was part of the business, but in a normal conversation like this where she wasn't trying to sell him a painting for her to pay her bills, she found herself stuttering a litte. "I am an artist actually...mostly paintings, it's uh...well it's been a lot better here in comparison to other places" this was for many reasons. There seemed to be an interest in art in this city, and galleries and exhibitions had been a lot more accomodating for 'new artists' than in previous places, and also she no longer had James who would have persuaded her to stop art as best he could. That it was a waste of time...

But that was in the past. "do you like art? because you know I am...well I have some paintings that are going to be featured in a show next week...it's not that big of a deal really, it's uhh...well it is kind of cool too but...anyways yeah it's on next friday night if you had any interest...maybe I could get you a ticket...or two...if you need a two ticket, i mean second ticket...like I said I deal with art...not so good on the whole words thing" she really was trying to stop herself from talking, but something about the handsome heroic vet made her words run like a river. It was also her way of seeing if he was already taken...if this crush would end there tonight.

[cursivebloodlines]

The replies I currently owe so far:

Dougie x Phoebe

Dougie x Felicity

Tessa x Mason

They’re half done in my drafts and I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to finish them tonight! My brain refuses to cooperate and I need some sleep. Rest assured, I’ll get them up tomorrow. <3

[cursivebloodlines]

Dougie smiled gently as he listened to Felicity talk about her paintings. It was nice, actually—her enthusiasm shone through as she described her work.. He could almost picture it in his mind: picture an old pubs, faces of some regulars, and endless scenes that seemed to tell stories all on their own. There was something very comforting about that, about capturing moments of life that others might walk past without a second thought. “That sounds incredible,” he said softly, his hands pausing for a moment as he looked up at her. “You’re painting life as it happens; real people, real places… it’s like you’re freezing those moments in time. I don’t think you should apologize at all for talking about it. I’d be nervous too if someone was operating on my dog, but honestly, I think it’s lovely hearing you talk about what you’re passionate about.” One of his favourite things about people was listening to them talk about their greatest loves, their hobbies, the things that make life worth living. He adores how animated they become, hearing the warmth and love in their words. It was everything.

As he continued to work, Dougie appreciated the way she tried to turn the focus back onto him. It was kind of her to say that his work was an art form too, though he didn’t entirely agree. Art was beautiful, crafted with love and care. Surgery and veterinary work, well… it was messy, stressful, and didn’t always end in a beautiful outcome. But the sentiment was nice. “I guess you’re right in some ways,” he mused with a small chuckle, a light flush rising to his cheeks. “There’s definitely a rhythm to it, a certain balance you have to keep. But you’re giving me too much credit. What you do—putting yourself out there with your art for the world to see—that’s the real bravery.”

He turned back to Rosie as she lay on the table, peaceful and relaxed despite the earlier ordeal. The broken leg was certainly an issue, but it could be fixed with a proper cast and care. Dougie was just glad she didn’t seem to be in too much pain. “She’s doing well,” he reassured Felicity as he gently stroked the dog’s fur. “She’s been an absolute trooper. We’ll need to get her leg in a cast, but nothing’s too serious. It’s just going to take some time for her to heal up fully. But I’m fairly optimistic that with some regular check ups and plenty of rest, she’s going to be just finel.” 

Dougie couldn’t help but feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of going to Felicity’s show. It sounded like she was so talented. Of course she was, if she didn’t have any talent then there wouldn’t be a show with her work! The fact that she wanted him there, even if they had just met, and he was merely the vet who treated her dog made him feel… well, special. “I’d love to go. It’d be an honour, truly. And I promise, no more talk of payments. I’ll accept the free ticket and count myself lucky,” he added with a grin. Though, he told himself he would find a way to make them even, so he could pay in other ways. Like what, he wasn’t sure, but he could figure that out.  The idea of seeing Felicity’s work in person, learning more about her… it stirred something inside him that he hadn’t felt in a while. What it was, he wasn’t sure yet, but maybe, just maybe, Dougie could figure it out as they went along.

She nodded her head slowly as he described how his friends would disagree about the impact on Dougies life. It was curious, something told her that their habit to ramble was not the only thing they shared in common. There was a past there that Dougie's brightness seemed to have survived through.

"Well, I like painting everything, nature, cities, people, but mostly I love painting scenes, like one that sold recently was of this old man pub that's near my house, and all it's usual guests, or I did some of the park in town, and the people their with their dogs...so I am not really sure what you would call it...but I love painting's that kind of have a story to them...I'm sorry I don't usual talk this much..." she apologised, looking over to her dog on the table. "I think the adrenaline of everything that has happened has just brought it all on...when I get nervous I just...talk" she said sheepishly.

She admired how he spoke about how art was all around them, and she smiled. "Yeah, yeah it really is...but I mean what you do is an art in itself, not everyone can perform such operations and examinations...there's a skill and a performace to that as well" she said, watching him as he tended to her beloved pet. She couldn't help but smile when he said he would only need the one ticket, and to hide that delight she moved her cup to her lips again and took another sip of her tea. Catch yourself on, Felicity thought to herself, but he agreed, he agreed to come to her show, this guy who she'd only just met wanted to come to see her-her work. "No need to pay, I'll cover that...I'm allowed bring up to two guests free...and, well I don't really know many people who would be interested in going...so if you'd like to that would be great" she felt kind of awkward talking about it. Should she have invited him? Maybe that was coming on too strong...but still...she liked the idea of seeing him.

"How's...how's she doing?" she asked, gesturing to Rosie, who had behaved herself for the time she was on the table. Dougies presence also seemed to relax her.

[cursivebloodlines]

The fact Felicity never slapped him when he laughed at her - though not directly at her as he corrected himself before - was a blessing in itself. He'll take that as a win. The ultimate win would be little Rosie making it through the night and the days after but he was hopeful. And like he already said she was already doing so well. The smile on her face caused him to smile too... The more he realised Felicity had a lovely smile. A beautiful one, even... and he needed to focus on the bloody dog instead of how pretty she was. "You know I won't do anything less," Dougie promised, smile growing that little wider.

"Milk please, just a splash will do. And normally I would say no 'cause my mum reckons I'm already sweet enough but...she's not here and it's been a long day. The sugar will keep my energy boosted. So just the one... or maybe even half. And now I'm talking too much." He really did talk more than he had to...sometimes it pissed people off, them not wanting him to do more than examine his pet. Others loved it because it made them feel more comfortable, and their beloved furry friends too. It depended on the person yet. It was hard for him to find a balance between the two. But if she didn't mind then he wouldn't mind either.

'Get a grip of yourself, Doug,' he muttered under his breath as soon as she'd left the room. Back to concentrating on the dog, he made sure to give her loads of fuss and to complete his examination. Thankfully there didn't seem to be anything too serious apart from a broken leg perhaps, and shock from the whole ordeal. Like he stated before he would need to just run the formal tests for confirmation but for now he was quite pleased with how she was. Relieved that hopefully, he wouldn't be delivering bad news. It was too soon to tell but now he'd completed his examination he was more pleased with the potential outcome. "I can see you're well cared for and your mum loves you very much, doesn't she? You're one very lucky lassie," he spoke to the dog as though she would know whatever he was on about.

Dougie turned to face the door as he heard it open, a bright smile painted on his face as she walked in. With goodies, too. Of course, his face would light up over something as mundane as biscuits. "You've found the stash of sacred goods," he joked, emitting a lighthearted chuckle. "You're an angel, did you know that? I forgot about those. And you're right. I don't know whose they are, though I've been eyeing them up since yesterday...Can you keep a secret?" His smile shifted into more of a little grin. "If anyone comes looking for them, we'll deny all knowledge. Also, thank you. For the biscuits and the tea. How do you take yours, by the way?" He almost added 'for future reference' as though there would be a second opportunity... had to stop himself because what the fuck was he thinking?

Her question about his career made him smile - okay, so it was safe to keep talking. Her quick apology had him widening his eyes, shaking his head quickly. She really was like him, wasn't she? Again he let out a laugh because for the second time tonight, Felicity reminded him of him. It made her like her more from first impressions and whatnot. "No, no, you're absolutely fine," he assured her warmly. "I like to talk, probably too much but it helps me concentrate at the same time weirdly enough. So I don't mind. You can tell me to shut up at any point though, no offense will be taken I promise." Another laugh. "Oh, uh - a couple of years now, I think. I have been qualified for some time longer though, just..." Dougie trailed off, not wanting to instantly go delving into his past and dump his crap on someone who simply wanted her dog taken care of. "Life got in the way." And people. And, well...his own insecurities. "What do you do? Have I already asked that? I can't remember."

Felicity only smiled when he apologised for laughing, she couldn’t blame him. Her words were making very little sense after all, but he seemed to have understood her. “Please just…try your best for my old girl…that would be more than enough” she said when he said that he’d make it up to. The thought of saying ‘hey why don’t you buy me a drink sometime’ came to mind and then she scolded herself. This was a life and death situation, or was it really? He seemed very capable…and calm…and dreamy.

Oh for the love of god, she thought to herself as she wandered down the hall to make them tea. “Milk and sugar?” She called as she found the teabags. She glanced over at the couch that he had referenced before and nodded her head to herself, that did seem like the type of place she could sleep…but then again after so many years of unrest in her life, constant moving, constant running it seemed, she was able to sleep just about anywhere.

She stood in the staff room for a few moments and waited for the kettle to boil. Her eyes drifted to the window and she could see the storm raging outside. The trees across the way were blowing in the wind and the rain was coming down heavy against the glass pane. She was never afraid during storms, only ever for Rosie. She took a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself after the last hour of panic. She suddenly felt exhausted, she’d had quite a day before anything had happened her dog, and now she was standing in a vets staff room making the lovely man a cup of tea.

She came back into the room and settled his mug on the nearest table to him. “I hope it’s okay I found these” she said and held up some biscuits she’d found in the staff room cupboard. “I hope their not your colleagues…but you can’t have tea without a biscuit…it’s a rule of thumb.” She’d loved in the UK up until her moms death, her accent still heavily present despite her years in the states now.

She watched as he worked, not wanting to disturb him. But she couldn’t help but want to talk to him, there was something about Dougie that she already liked, it was like a kindness that radiated from him. “How long have you been a vet?” She asked, leaning into the chair and taking a sip of her tea, and then hurriedly added, “or we don’t have to talk…sorry I get it if you need complete silence…I can totally shut up”

[cursivebloodlines]

Had roles have been reversed, Dougie was almost certain he would've been exactly how Felicity must have felt right at that moment. Asking him to be a miracle worker and a vet at the same time. He definitely could picture and hear the words come from his own mouth. It caused him to let out a light laugh, though he was quick to clear his throat and halt himself from saying anything else. With an apologetic look in his eyes, he rushed to speak, "Sorry. It's - I...I wasn't laughing at you, I promise..." He rambled, his cheeks tinted with a rosy colour. Of course, he would be one to make a fool out of himself in such a delicate time, in front of her in such an urgent time. "You um, just - sounds like something I'd say is all." A feeble smile graced his lips and he cleared his throat again. Oh, shut up, Dougie. "Anyway! I will try my best to be both. I have both my miracle worker and vet hats on tonight."

He understood completely why Felicity chose to stay here. If Dougie had a pet of his own, which he hoped to someday, he was sure he wouldn't want to leave their side either. "Of course that's okay," he assured her with a warm smile, looking back down at the dog as he continued on with his checks. "I'd imagine she'd want her mum with her, but wanted to give you the option just in case. I know for some, it's a bit too difficult for them. If it ever gets too much, you're more than welcome to head into reception or the waiting room, or heck- there's hardly anyone here. The staff room is fine if you need privacy or anything..." There were often times, the worst times when the animals needed to be put to sleep, it tore him to shreds when their owners couldn't be in the room with them during their final moments. He always tried to make it as easy and as comfortable for them. Undoubtedly it was the worst part of the job. However, with a bit of luck and hope, which Dougie had plenty of, he wouldn't need to worry about that happening tonight. He couldn't confirm completely but in his heart of hearts, he knew there was a chance for a happy ending. "The sofa in there's pretty good for a quick kip if you need it," he added at the end with another little smile of his. He just wanted Felicity to feel as comfortable as she could, given the circumstances.

Her compliment warmed his heart. It wasn't the first time someone had told him that but...it still made his heart swell. Made him feel like he was making a difference in the world, one poorly pet at a time. "Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. Really. It's a tough job but very rewarding," he said, voice filled with sincerity. The thunder made him jump out of his skin, to say the least. Loud noises always did make him skittish. He could understand why the poor doggo would've made a run for it, bless her heart. What was she saying again? Oh, yes, a drink. Was it the weather outside that momentarily distracted him or was it her? She was pretty... anyway. Moving on, Doug. "Oh, are you sure? I really don't mind, I can -" If he did then it would mean leaving Rosie for a moment and given what happened to her, he was a bit reluctant until he confirmed the extent of her wellbeing. "That would be lovely. Thank you, Felicity." Dougie quickly explained how to get to the room as best as he could. "If you get lost, just come back in here and I'll lead the way," he said with an airy chuckle. "You're the visitor here, I do feel bad you're making the drinks when it should be the other way around! Not the best hospitality 'round here, eh? But I'll make it up to you." What was he talking about? Who knew? Not even Douglas. "Aw don't mention it. I'm just happy to be useful to someone. We'll get through this, okay? She's doing so well already given what happened to her."

"thank you" she replied when he complimented her name. His calmness eased some of her nerves, but they only crept back up when he explained that he couldn't make her any promises about her dog..."of course you can't...I understand, you're a vet, not a miriacle worker but if you could try and be both for this one dog that would be amazing" she couldn't believe the amount of gibberish that was coming from her mouth, but after having lost her mom, her dad, and basically everyone in both her old life and new, she couldn't face losing her Rosie.

"I'll umm...yeah maybe, maybe that would be good..." she said as he suggested that she could go home and rest, "but you know I think I'm too anxious, I probably wouldn't sleep knowing she's here...if it's okay I would just wait here..." she said, unsure if she could stomach being in the same room as her injured dog, but knew she couldn't possibly drive away either. "It's really admirable what you do" she said suddenly, lost in her own thought about how brave this guy seemed to be in the fact of sad animals.

"I can make it...if you just point me where to...and I can make you one too..." she said as he suggested a hot drink. "I would offer to go pick us up something but it's uhh..." just as she said it there was a crash of thunder outside. "She got spooked from the thunder and ran out onto the road..." Felicity said as she pointed outside. "you do what ever you need to do...Dougie" she said, smiling a little as she said his name. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this"

[cursivebloodlines]

"Fel. Licity. Felicity, so many options. A lovely name, by the way. And uh, likewise - nice to meet you too, would've been nicer in different circumstances, I agree," said Dougie with a light chuckle, an attempt to diffuse the panic and worry she must have been feeling at that moment. Of course, his priority was the patient, a gorgeous golden retriever on the table but he knew precisely how scary the situation must have been for her. And he was often told how his calming nature (despite being a highly anxious person 90% of the time) made people who were so profusely worried about their beloved pets, that little bit reassured.

His attention diverted to the dog on the table, a frown etched onto his face as he gingerly stroked her head. "Someone's been a brave girl tonight, haven't they?" he murmured softly to the injured dog, his heart-tugging at their sad eyes and whimpers. Dougie examined her carefully, being as delicate as he could with his touch so as to not cause her further pain. He lifted his head, looking over at Felicity when she asked about her and informed him on what happened. "I don't want to make any promises, just in case..." Dougie explained kindly; this was something he learned early on in his career. Making promises when he didn't know 100%. "But...what I can promise is that I will do everything in my power to make sure we have the best possible outcome, okay? No stone gets left unturned." And he meant every word of that.

"Clearly, she's in some pain but I'll give her some medicine to relieve that. As for her leg, I think that's the primary issue - it may be broken but I would like to complete some X-Rays just to make sure. And if it's okay with you, I'd like to run some other tests, bloods, and the likes, just to make sure I haven't missed anything." Had to be on the safe side. "Meanwhile, you're more than welcome to stay here and keep her company, or you can go home and come back when you've had some rest." He figured she might choose the former but he wanted to give her the option just in case. Everyone reacted differently in these sorts of situations, and that was fine. "You must be cold from the weather outside. Would you like a hot drink to warm you up?"

Felicity could feel her heart beating in her ears which she was sure it wasn’t meant to be doing. Panic had completely over taken the red head when her beloved dog had been hit by a car that night. She drove the whining Rosie as quickly as she could to the vets, probably running three red lights, and when they got there she carried her golden retriever in her arms up the steps to the practice, completely ignoring the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, on her.

Relief flooded her as she saw the vet. “Thank you thank you” she said and followed him into the room. “Dougie…hi, hi it’s nice to meet you, well not really, well I mean it is but not in this circumstance” she said as she laid her dog on the table. She started ringing her hands together, her mind going everywhere. “I’m Felicity, some people call me that or Fel or Licity, really which ever half of the name you prefer, or the full Felicity works too I really don’t mind” she said as she pushed some of the wet hair out of her face. “Is she going to be okay? She was hit by a car this evening…she’s been crying the whole time and her leg is…well it’s limp and I really don’t know…” the words were all toppling out one on top of the other as she watched him and her dog. She couldn’t lose her, she was all she had left.

[thanaredreamtof]

She nodded her head slowly as he described how his friends would disagree about the impact on Dougies life. It was curious, something told her that their habit to ramble was not the only thing they shared in common. There was a past there that Dougie's brightness seemed to have survived through.

"Well, I like painting everything, nature, cities, people, but mostly I love painting scenes, like one that sold recently was of this old man pub that's near my house, and all it's usual guests, or I did some of the park in town, and the people their with their dogs...so I am not really sure what you would call it...but I love painting's that kind of have a story to them...I'm sorry I don't usual talk this much..." she apologised, looking over to her dog on the table. "I think the adrenaline of everything that has happened has just brought it all on...when I get nervous I just...talk" she said sheepishly.

She admired how he spoke about how art was all around them, and she smiled. "Yeah, yeah it really is...but I mean what you do is an art in itself, not everyone can perform such operations and examinations...there's a skill and a performace to that as well" she said, watching him as he tended to her beloved pet. She couldn't help but smile when he said he would only need the one ticket, and to hide that delight she moved her cup to her lips again and took another sip of her tea. Catch yourself on, Felicity thought to herself, but he agreed, he agreed to come to her show, this guy who she'd only just met wanted to come to see her-her work. "No need to pay, I'll cover that...I'm allowed bring up to two guests free...and, well I don't really know many people who would be interested in going...so if you'd like to that would be great" she felt kind of awkward talking about it. Should she have invited him? Maybe that was coming on too strong...but still...she liked the idea of seeing him.

"How's...how's she doing?" she asked, gesturing to Rosie, who had behaved herself for the time she was on the table. Dougies presence also seemed to relax her.

The way Dougie was about to genuinely respond before he realised that was the whole point of pretending that biscuit-gate wasn't initiated by them. Their little secret. Silly man, always a bit delayed to a joke. Though, he could argue that it was quite late - and he was deprived of biscuits until now, that is. So he needed the energy boost. It wasn't a big deal anyway; he'd happily buy them back if their owner became miffed. Felicity's rambling was precious, and once again she reminded him of him. Such a random conversation topic to have and yet he kept up just fine. "You know what, you're absolutely right!" he said, eliciting a soft chuckle. "If it's bad for you and you're having a biscuit anyway then you may as well have the sugar. I know two wrongs don't equal a right but I'm hardly inclined to believe sugar and a biscuit or two will kill us. I think we'll be just fine," he teased slightly, grinning a little over at her. Now it was his turn to ramble and...did he even make any sense? Probably not. Doubtful. But he had a feeling that she could keep up. Or at least, that was what he hoped anyway.

Felicity's words were sweet and for some reason her kindness meant a lot to him. It didn't take a lot for Dougie to find any words of positivity nice or sweet. Having spent so long being told otherwise, years of being told how he wasn't enough essentially, he clung on to any positivity directed at him like a dog tethered to a bone. Even something as simple as I really hope whatever disruption it was wasn't too unkind to you. "To me, it was whatever, it was nothing. You know how things could be but...I think some of my friends might disagree with me on that one so the jury's out...but thank you, really. That's lovely of you to say." That was an understatement and he could already hear the voice of his friends at the back of his head telling him that losing your self-worth because of one person to the point where it affected you getting to where you want in life was indeed, very unkind. But he chose to ignore that. Was that already oversharing? Dougie wasn't sure. It's not like he wanted to get into specifics and he didn't want her to feel sorry for him by all means. He was just simply...doing what he always did. Talked too much. His brief moment of panic faded when she started talking about herself, he was always better at listening to other people instead of talking about himself. "An artist? Wow! That sounds amazing," Dougie said sincerely, giving her another warm smile. "What sort of things do you like to paint? A variety of things like people or landscapes or do you dabble in a bit of everything?" he asked out of interest, genuinely intrigued. He had never been remotely good at art but he wanted to. Instead, he enjoyed appreciating it from a distance.

Which, the thought was, perfect for Felicity's next question. His eyes widened, visibly impressed that her work was being displayed in a show. The rambles started again but he listened attentively, a smile crossing his lips as he said nothing until she was finished. She was sweet, creative, a rambler like him and not to mention she was pretty and - Dougie ought to stop letting his mind wander like that. "I'm not so good at the whole words thing either if it's any comfort," he replied first, eliciting a soft laugh though he wasn't laughing at her directly. "I like art, yeah. Art is everywhere, isn't it? Even the people who say they don't like art have to like it to some degree. Music, painting - like you - or writing, television, etc. Art is all around us always." Where did that come from? Bloody hell. "And I'd - I'd love to come and see your work displayed. if it's not a bother, of course, to get a ticket! I can always pay for my own if you can't... I - and it will be just the one for me. Unless you want me to find someone to drag along..." he offered, laughing quietly at the thought. "But thank you! For inviting me along. That's - I - that's really kind of you and I'd love to."

[thanaredreamtof]

Felicity only smiled when he apologised for laughing, she couldn’t blame him. Her words were making very little sense after all, but he seemed to have understood her. “Please just…try your best for my old girl…that would be more than enough” she said when he said that he’d make it up to. The thought of saying ‘hey why don’t you buy me a drink sometime’ came to mind and then she scolded herself. This was a life and death situation, or was it really? He seemed very capable…and calm…and dreamy.

Oh for the love of god, she thought to herself as she wandered down the hall to make them tea. “Milk and sugar?” She called as she found the teabags. She glanced over at the couch that he had referenced before and nodded her head to herself, that did seem like the type of place she could sleep…but then again after so many years of unrest in her life, constant moving, constant running it seemed, she was able to sleep just about anywhere.

She stood in the staff room for a few moments and waited for the kettle to boil. Her eyes drifted to the window and she could see the storm raging outside. The trees across the way were blowing in the wind and the rain was coming down heavy against the glass pane. She was never afraid during storms, only ever for Rosie. She took a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself after the last hour of panic. She suddenly felt exhausted, she’d had quite a day before anything had happened her dog, and now she was standing in a vets staff room making the lovely man a cup of tea.

She came back into the room and settled his mug on the nearest table to him. “I hope it’s okay I found these” she said and held up some biscuits she’d found in the staff room cupboard. “I hope their not your colleagues…but you can’t have tea without a biscuit…it’s a rule of thumb.” She’d loved in the UK up until her moms death, her accent still heavily present despite her years in the states now.

She watched as he worked, not wanting to disturb him. But she couldn’t help but want to talk to him, there was something about Dougie that she already liked, it was like a kindness that radiated from him. “How long have you been a vet?” She asked, leaning into the chair and taking a sip of her tea, and then hurriedly added, “or we don’t have to talk…sorry I get it if you need complete silence…I can totally shut up”

Had roles have been reversed, Dougie was almost certain he would've been exactly how Felicity must have felt right at that moment. Asking him to be a miracle worker and a vet at the same time. He definitely could picture and hear the words come from his own mouth. It caused him to let out a light laugh, though he was quick to clear his throat and halt himself from saying anything else. With an apologetic look in his eyes, he rushed to speak, "Sorry. It's - I...I wasn't laughing at you, I promise..." He rambled, his cheeks tinted with a rosy colour. Of course, he would be one to make a fool out of himself in such a delicate time, in front of her in such an urgent time. "You um, just - sounds like something I'd say is all." A feeble smile graced his lips and he cleared his throat again. Oh, shut up, Dougie. "Anyway! I will try my best to be both. I have both my miracle worker and vet hats on tonight."

He understood completely why Felicity chose to stay here. If Dougie had a pet of his own, which he hoped to someday, he was sure he wouldn't want to leave their side either. "Of course that's okay," he assured her with a warm smile, looking back down at the dog as he continued on with his checks. "I'd imagine she'd want her mum with her, but wanted to give you the option just in case. I know for some, it's a bit too difficult for them. If it ever gets too much, you're more than welcome to head into reception or the waiting room, or heck- there's hardly anyone here. The staff room is fine if you need privacy or anything..." There were often times, the worst times when the animals needed to be put to sleep, it tore him to shreds when their owners couldn't be in the room with them during their final moments. He always tried to make it as easy and as comfortable for them. Undoubtedly it was the worst part of the job. However, with a bit of luck and hope, which Dougie had plenty of, he wouldn't need to worry about that happening tonight. He couldn't confirm completely but in his heart of hearts, he knew there was a chance for a happy ending. "The sofa in there's pretty good for a quick kip if you need it," he added at the end with another little smile of his. He just wanted Felicity to feel as comfortable as she could, given the circumstances.

Her compliment warmed his heart. It wasn't the first time someone had told him that but...it still made his heart swell. Made him feel like he was making a difference in the world, one poorly pet at a time. "Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. Really. It's a tough job but very rewarding," he said, voice filled with sincerity. The thunder made him jump out of his skin, to say the least. Loud noises always did make him skittish. He could understand why the poor doggo would've made a run for it, bless her heart. What was she saying again? Oh, yes, a drink. Was it the weather outside that momentarily distracted him or was it her? She was pretty... anyway. Moving on, Doug. "Oh, are you sure? I really don't mind, I can -" If he did then it would mean leaving Rosie for a moment and given what happened to her, he was a bit reluctant until he confirmed the extent of her wellbeing. "That would be lovely. Thank you, Felicity." Dougie quickly explained how to get to the room as best as he could. "If you get lost, just come back in here and I'll lead the way," he said with an airy chuckle. "You're the visitor here, I do feel bad you're making the drinks when it should be the other way around! Not the best hospitality 'round here, eh? But I'll make it up to you." What was he talking about? Who knew? Not even Douglas. "Aw don't mention it. I'm just happy to be useful to someone. We'll get through this, okay? She's doing so well already given what happened to her."

[thanaredreamtof]

"thank you" she replied when he complimented her name. His calmness eased some of her nerves, but they only crept back up when he explained that he couldn't make her any promises about her dog..."of course you can't...I understand, you're a vet, not a miriacle worker but if you could try and be both for this one dog that would be amazing" she couldn't believe the amount of gibberish that was coming from her mouth, but after having lost her mom, her dad, and basically everyone in both her old life and new, she couldn't face losing her Rosie.

"I'll umm...yeah maybe, maybe that would be good..." she said as he suggested that she could go home and rest, "but you know I think I'm too anxious, I probably wouldn't sleep knowing she's here...if it's okay I would just wait here..." she said, unsure if she could stomach being in the same room as her injured dog, but knew she couldn't possibly drive away either. "It's really admirable what you do" she said suddenly, lost in her own thought about how brave this guy seemed to be in the fact of sad animals.

"I can make it...if you just point me where to...and I can make you one too..." she said as he suggested a hot drink. "I would offer to go pick us up something but it's uhh..." just as she said it there was a crash of thunder outside. "She got spooked from the thunder and ran out onto the road..." Felicity said as she pointed outside. "you do what ever you need to do...Dougie" she said, smiling a little as she said his name. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this"

"Fel. Licity. Felicity, so many options. A lovely name, by the way. And uh, likewise - nice to meet you too, would've been nicer in different circumstances, I agree," said Dougie with a light chuckle, an attempt to diffuse the panic and worry she must have been feeling at that moment. Of course, his priority was the patient, a gorgeous golden retriever on the table but he knew precisely how scary the situation must have been for her. And he was often told how his calming nature (despite being a highly anxious person 90% of the time) made people who were so profusely worried about their beloved pets, that little bit reassured.

His attention diverted to the dog on the table, a frown etched onto his face as he gingerly stroked her head. "Someone's been a brave girl tonight, haven't they?" he murmured softly to the injured dog, his heart-tugging at their sad eyes and whimpers. Dougie examined her carefully, being as delicate as he could with his touch so as to not cause her further pain. He lifted his head, looking over at Felicity when she asked about her and informed him on what happened. "I don't want to make any promises, just in case..." Dougie explained kindly; this was something he learned early on in his career. Making promises when he didn't know 100%. "But...what I can promise is that I will do everything in my power to make sure we have the best possible outcome, okay? No stone gets left unturned." And he meant every word of that.

"Clearly, she's in some pain but I'll give her some medicine to relieve that. As for her leg, I think that's the primary issue - it may be broken but I would like to complete some X-Rays just to make sure. And if it's okay with you, I'd like to run some other tests, bloods, and the likes, just to make sure I haven't missed anything." Had to be on the safe side. "Meanwhile, you're more than welcome to stay here and keep her company, or you can go home and come back when you've had some rest." He figured she might choose the former but he wanted to give her the option just in case. Everyone reacted differently in these sorts of situations, and that was fine. "You must be cold from the weather outside. Would you like a hot drink to warm you up?"

[thanaredreamtof]

Felicity could feel her heart beating in her ears which she was sure it wasn’t meant to be doing. Panic had completely over taken the red head when her beloved dog had been hit by a car that night. She drove the whining Rosie as quickly as she could to the vets, probably running three red lights, and when they got there she carried her golden retriever in her arms up the steps to the practice, completely ignoring the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, on her.

Relief flooded her as she saw the vet. “Thank you thank you” she said and followed him into the room. “Dougie…hi, hi it’s nice to meet you, well not really, well I mean it is but not in this circumstance” she said as she laid her dog on the table. She started ringing her hands together, her mind going everywhere. “I’m Felicity, some people call me that or Fel or Licity, really which ever half of the name you prefer, or the full Felicity works too I really don’t mind” she said as she pushed some of the wet hair out of her face. “Is she going to be okay? She was hit by a car this evening…she’s been crying the whole time and her leg is…well it’s limp and I really don’t know…” the words were all toppling out one on top of the other as she watched him and her dog. She couldn’t lose her, she was all she had left.

Closed starter for @thanaredreamtof

Working the late shift at the practice was not uncommon for the likes of Douglas Blackwood. Some nights were chaotic with emergencies, which he didn't mind because it kept him distracted from the confines of his own mind. Other times not so much. Either way, he was never short of work to do. Working nights made his job feel more rewarding; being open when a lot of veterinary practices were closed meant people could bring their beloved pets to him when they were desperate and had nowhere else to go. He adored his job, adored the animals he treated. They were cute and each had their own individual personalities - he never knew what to expect. And to see the difference he could make... it was everything. Sat in his desk chair, Dougie was typing up the notes from one of his consultations when he heard frantic knocking at the front door. At night, they kept it locked for security purposes as there weren't always many members of staff present. Immediately, he rushed up to his feet, practically sprinting out of his room, down the corridor, past the front desk, and over to the door. He quickly twisted the long and pulled the door open in a hurry, taken aback by the rain pouring outside. "Bloody hell, I didn't realise the weather out here was so awful." He looked at the person who stood before him and proceeded to step away from the door, ushering them in. "Please, come in before you get absolutely soaked," he said, shutting the door behind him. A warm, welcoming smile on his lips, though concern was etched on his features. "Follow me - I'll sort the reception/admin-ny stuff after," he added, heading to his consultation room without any further ado. He didn't want to spare any moment. "I'm so sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. Just thought the sooner we get this one into the room, the better," Dougie said politely, offering another small smile. "I'm Dr Blackwood but I'm not one for the formalities - so please call me Dougie. How can I help?" He often went by his first name because it felt more normal to him, and it just made things feel a little more comfortable for the people he dealt with, especially in their moments of distress for their beloved fur babies.