Recovery Sweets

“Let’s see, do I have everything ready?” Fatima asks herself, looking over the multiple trays sitting on the counter, tail swaying behind her as she grabs her list off the table, glancing at it then at the snacks, double checking just in case.

“I wonder if I baked too many…” She says, tapping her chin and tilting her head curiously.

As Fatima was placing the wrappings over the food, “When you said you needed help, this wasn’t what I was expecting.” A familiar voice says.

Fatima jumped and whirled around, “Murmur, Ilar you scared me to death!” She exclaimed, taking a deep breath.  “When did you get here?” She asks, turning to wrap the last tray.

Ilar laughs softly. “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I arrived a moment ago. So, I just got here.” He says, making his way over to the trays, looking them over.

“Don’t you think it would’ve been better to just put these in a basket?” He asked, picking one up.

“Oh no. No, no. It’s much better to put them in a tray so the patients can grab one quickly. In a basket they have to be stacked on top of each other.” Fatima replied, grabbing one of the trays as well.

“How many different kinds of sweets did you bake? You have far more trays than I expected.” Ilar asks, heading out of the house towards his sports car.

Fatima’s eye brows furrowed for a moment, “About four different kinds. A dozen each!” She added, smiling widely, clearly proud of herself as she set the tray on the backseat.

“Hey! Are you guys here to donate blood?” A succubun wearing a doctor’s coat asked, seeing Ilar and Fatima enter.

Ilar shook his head and lifted the tray. “No, I’m here to deliver these for her. I donated blood earlier.” He replied.

“Oh! Sorry. Well then, if you’re here to donate sweets then let me show you to the cafeteria. Follow me please.” She said, beginning to walk off.

“Wait! We have two more trays outside in the car, is there anyone else you can spare to help us bring them in too so we don’t have to go back and forth?” Fatima asked, looking around and realizing that the hospital was packed.

The pink and green succubun stopped for a moment and looked around. 

“Oh sure! I think a few of the other nurses and doctors are taking a break right now, if you tell me the color of the car I can send some out to grab them for you.” She replied, smiling softly.

“It’s a dark blue and white streaked sports car. It should be unlocked.” Ilar replied.

“Very well, give me a moment.” The doctor said, looking around before running over to a group of doctors and relaying the message before returning. 

“They said they’d be glad to help! They’ll meet us in the cafeteria once they have them. Now then, please follow me this way.” She says, leading them through the hospital.

“Let’s see if I can find somewhere for you guys to put these.” The doctor said, looking around the packed cafeteria. 

The smell of delicious baked goods wafted through the air, possibly making anyone who smelled it very hungry, especially after donating blood.

“Ah! You can place the trays right here on this table.” The succubun says, stepping aside. 

“All you have to do is make sure everybody who comes in gets a snack. 

Some of them will be able to come get some themselves but others will probably be too woozy so, just keep an eye on them and help them find a seat if they look like they’re about to fall over.” The doctor explained.

“Very well, we’ll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for your help.” Fatima says, curtsying.

“Oh, don’t mention it. Make sure you don’t forget to take your trays with you when you leave.” She says, waving to them.

“So, are you going to stay and help?” Fatima asks, carefully removing the wrappings from the tray, humming softly to herself. 

“I wasn’t planning to, no. But, if you need an extra pair of hands.” Ilar replied.

“I do, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to bother everybody else, they look busy. However, if you have somewhere to be, I can always just call you when I’m ready to go.” Fatima says, scanning the room.

“Not any place in particular. The brothel’s still closed until everything going on in Burrowgatory is sorted out. Let me just go and lock my car and I’ll come back to help you.” Ilar replies, reaching out and gently patting Fatima’s head before leaving.

As Ilar was leaving, Fatima noticed someone coming in who looked a bit tired. 

Quickly she made her way over and helped the bun stand, moving them to the nearest chair.

“Are you alright?” She asked, looking the succubun over.

“I’m alright. Just tired. Never gave blood before. Didn’t expect to get so dizzy after. Not immediately anyway. I heard it can happen but… damn.” The bun said, leaning back in the chair.

“Wait here, I’ll go get you something to eat, just relax okay?” Fatima says, quickly making her way over to the table and grabbing one of her baked goods.

“Hey wait! Give them this too. It’s a sweet berry juice.” Someone said, quickly making their way over and handing Fatima a cup. “Tell them to drink it slowly.”

Fatima nods and takes the cup, returning to the patient. 

“Here you go. Some sweet juice and a chocolate donut filled with jelly.” Fatima says. “Oh and the bun who gave me the juice said to drink it slowly.” 

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” The bun says, carefully taking both into their paws, taking a bite of the donut then a sip of the juice, their eyes widening.

“Wow, this donut is delicious.” They complimented, taking another bite as their tail swayed behind them.

Fatima giggled softly and smiled, “I’m so glad you like it! I made it myself.” She proudly proclaimed.

Amidst Ilar’s return, he noticed that Fatima was flitting around the cafeteria, passing out baked goods and drinks to as many patients as she could, along with the other volunteers.

Chuckling softly, he made his way over and took the snack she was holding out of her hand, along with the cup.

“So, who are these going to?” Ilar asks, laughing softly at Fatima’s expression.

“You really have to stop sneaking up on me like that! What if I bumped into you?!” Fatima exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips and staring at him pointedly. 

Ilar simply grinned, “Sorry. Couldn’t help it. You looked like you were busy.” He replied, chuckling softly when he heard Fatima scoff. “Now, who are these going to?”

Fatima crossed her arms and stared at him, sighing. 

“To the patient over there.” She said, pointing to a volunteer laying back in their chair at a nearby table. 

“Tell them to drink slowly and that they’re welcome to seconds if they want. The kitchen’s stocked with baked sweets today.” She added.

Ilar glanced in the direction Fatima was pointing and nodded, making his way over.

After a few hours, Fatima and Ilar sit at one of the empty tables and sigh. 

“These are for you two. Thanks for all the help today.” One of the other volunteer bun said, handing them some sweet rolls and juice.

“Thanks.” Fatima and Ilar reply, taking the items from the succubun and digging in.

“So, what’s your plan for the rest of the day?” Fatima asks, glancing at Ilar as she takes a bite of the roll.

“Most likely stay home and relax. Play some board games, watch a few movies. Mimic’s making dinner tonight.” Ilar replied, digging into his own food.

“You’re more than welcome to come over and hang out, you know?” He added, looking at Fatima.

“Are you sure? It sounds like you guys are going to be having a date night together. I wouldn’t wish to intrude.” Fatima says, frowning.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Besides, I figured it’d be better than going back to the church. You’re more than welcome to sleep over too. As long as you don’t mind the noise.” Ilar says, winking at her.

Fatima blinks a few times then blushes deeply, shaking her head. “I…I don’t mind. A-as long as you and Mimic are alright with me staying over for a bit, that is.” She says, taking a sip of her juice.

“We don’t mind. You can bring your Imps too if you want. They can have a playdate with ours.” Ilar offered.

“Well, alright. If you’re certain. I would love to stay over and hang out with you guys.” Fatima says, smiling softly.

“Bye you guys! Thanks again for your help!” One of the nurses exclaimed, waving goodbye to the pair as they made their way out of the hospital with Fatima’s trays.