#is this also me trying to trick myself into eating heathier? perhaps

[kay-selfships]

so i'm someone that bruises relatively easily and i've been getting a lot of them from work recently (it's a tad more labor intensive than my other jobs, but i'm getting paid a lot more so worth it tbh) but it's still annoying so i wrote a lil drabble about it lol

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Going inside after an extended period of braving the chill of Dragonspine was always an extremely relieving feeling. Kay never quite dealt with the cold the best, but she was always willing to do so if it meant she was able to spend a little more time with her lover while he worked on his experiments. Sure, she never did much more than fetch the odd ingredient or two, but she knew they both appreciated the company. Plus, she also thought she provided adequate moral support regardless.

Once inside, the adventurer slipped off the large coat she was wearing to shield from the cold, letting out a silent yawn and stretching herself out. However, she was keenly aware of an observant, analytical gaze on her while she did so. She turned, about to make a flirtatious and witty comment about catching his gaze on her while she undressed, though Albedo beat her to it by speaking up first.

“...Have you gotten into any fights recently?” His tone was quiet and careful, his expression matching, eyebrows furrowed like they always did when he was focusing on any complex alchemical equation for a bit too long. Kay’s own expression quickly dropped from flirtatious to confused, glancing around herself a little in an attempt to figure out what prompted such a question. 

“Mmmm…I don’t think so? There was one incident with some treasure hoarders, but that was weeks ago. They were dealt with pretty easily though.” She added with a certain pride in her voice, clearly happy with how much her combat skills have improved. Her tone then became more serious once more as she returned to his original question. “Why do you ask?” 

“…Bruises.” He said simply, and Kay was now able to follow his gaze to her newly exposed arms. Surely enough, there were quite a few of the black and blue marks decorating them. “That’s not all. I noticed some on your legs earlier as well. While adventuring often results in some scrapes or bumps…this amount seems a little higher than normal…” By his cadence and the general nature of the man, he very much seemed in ‘analytical mode,’ leaving Kay defenseless to interject even if she wanted to. “As a vegetarian, you do have more risk of developing anemia, or developing bruises in general. Though…I don’t believe you’ve ever had this many at a time before. Which is why I asked.” He finished, looking at her expectantly.

“I promise I haven’t gotten these from any fights. Would you believe me if I said I was just that clumsy?” Kay asked sheepishly, a weak smile appearing on her face. After a moment of contemplation, Albedo sighed and nodded.

“It…is a plausible explanation. Even then, it’s still not…good that you’re getting such bruises just from living your life. It makes me…” He paused for another moment, as if trying to decipher the exact name for the emotion he was feeling. “…concerned. You’re likely still iron deficient, have you been eating enough leafy greens, beans, or eggs?” Kay tried to conceal the guilt that likely immediately appeared on her expression, but by the look on his face, he got his answer. He clicked his tongue, and Kay braced herself for a lecture or hearing how he was disappointed in her. However, neither came as he drifted a bit closer to her and took her hand gently. “I am only concerned for your health, you’re only human after all. I will remind you when I can, but can you promise me to try to take care of yourself better as well?” Kay released a breath, her heart rate slowing as she processed that he wasn’t upset with her.

“I promise. As long as you do too, Mr. ‘Sometimes Forgets to Eat at All When Focusing on His Experiments.’” She replied, causing him to let out a defeated chuckle. 

“Right…I have no defense for that. I suppose we’ll simply have to look out for each other, yes?” Kay’s eyes practically lit up at his words, proceeding to throw both of her arms around him and squeezing. He seemed to be thrown off for a moment by the sudden action, but quickly regained balance, allowing the momentum to spin them around once before remaining still. 

“It’s a deal!” She agreed, burying her face against the crook of his neck. 

“In the meantime…” He began, taking her arm and pressing his lips against one of the bruises on it, though being sure not to apply enough pressure to cause any pain. “I suppose I will just have to kiss them until they’re better.”