Work Text:
Sun shining brightly through the windows, Arthur Kirkland stared out into the parking lot of the local veterinary clinic. This particular vet being one that was out in the countryside, most of their visits were from farmers with their livestock, or herding animals, but they got their fair share of house pets as well. It seemed that today was especially slow, for the moment, but Arthur knew it was only a matter of time. The first scheduled appointment of the day wasn’t for another hour yet, and someone always, without fail, came in around half an hour to fifteen minutes before that appointment with a walk in checkup of some kind.
Minutes ticked by, allowing Arthur the time to organize the files on his desk as he awaited his first patient. From his office, he could see the front desk workers chattering away, not a care in the world until the front door opens with a jingle. His own eyes went to the source of the noise, a slight smile on his lips as he saw his first appointment of the day arriving, early as usual. Ludwig and his husband, Feliciano, came waltzing in the door with their tiger striped cat, Mitzi. That cat was always such a delight to work with for him, such a nice temperament, even around other animals. Which was good, as it looked like the couple’s appointment today was actually for their new puppy. Mitzi was calmly licking her paws as she lay across Feliciano’s shoulders, her calm demeanor such a contrast to his bubbly personality. Seems she took more after Ludwig in that regard.
Well then, now that they had arrived, he may as well get their room all set up and prepared-
The front door jingled again, signaling a new arrival. Arthur should have guessed that someone would arrive, it was like clockwork most days. A familiar voice grabbed his attention immediately, which had his heart beating twice as fast in his chest. To be sure, Arthur opened the door to take a peek at the waiting room, and sure enough, the object of his hidden affections was standing very clearly at the front desk, though he was looking a mite more disheveled than usual. It didn’t take long for Arthur to discover the source of the man’s distress, as he beheld the animal being cradled in said man’s arms.
Alfred Jones, one of the local farmers, was looking an absolute mess, and was carrying an injured dog in his arms. As much as Arthur wanted to comfort Alfred, his love for animals and his job took over immediately, his quick footsteps catching the farmer’s attention as he rushed from the back room into the waiting area.
Taking in the state of the injured animal, Arthur breathed out, gesturing for Alfred to follow him to the examination room, his assistant close behind them both. Once they were in a sterile area, Arthur began his work, eyes going to Alfred’s briefly as he spoke.
“What happened?”
Composure slipping fast it seemed, Alfred gave his answer as best as he could. “I really don’t know I just- one minute she was at my side and the next- I didn’t even see them coming, but she just got under their hooves- oh my god, I should have made sure-”
“Mr. Jones, please calm down. Biddy is in good hands.”
Alfred looked as if he had already been crying on his way over here, and Arthur hoped that he could soothe those fears, but for now he had an important job to do. Focused on his work, Arthur was already cleaning up open wounds and taking steps to ensure Biddy wasn’t in any pain. Poor dear was shaken up, but at least she was still breathing.
Ludwig would have to wait a while for his appointment.
In the end, it took several hours, as well as calling in Antonio from his day off, but they managed to stabilize Biddy’s condition, as well as take care of all the regularly scheduled appointments that day. Blessedly, she only appeared to have some broken bones, though Arthur wanted to keep her in observation for a while.
Stepping out from the back, he found Alfred still in the waiting room, the man looking even more ruffled than before. Taking a deep breath to steel himself, Arthur stepped forward, taking a seat next to Alfred on the waiting room bench. It was silent for a few minutes, neither of them speaking until Alfred’s voice came out, quieter than Arthur was used to hearing him.
“Is she gonna be okay?”
The heartbreak in Alfred’s voice was enough to make Arthur want to just give in and hold him until the pain was gone, but he had to be professional about this. His smile was small and polite, words leaving his lips easily.
“She’s stable, but we are going to keep her under observation for a few nights. However, I do believe she will be alright.”
The light in Alfred’s bright blue eyes when Arthur spoke those words was enough to cut straight into his heart. Before he knew it, Alfred had pulled him into a tight bear hug, lifting Arthur clean off the couch. Arthur almost protested, but instead simply allowed Alfred to get this out of his system. It was sweet, really, Arthur mused as he just relished in the feelings. It felt as though those few seconds had spread into an eternity, and Arthur tried to contain his feelings of disappointment when the hold was relinquished. The sheepish look on Alfred’s face was worth it, however, as fingers raked their way through his golden hair.
“Sorry, guess I’m a bit of a mess right now, huh? I was just so damn worried for Biddy...” Alfred laughed, and Arthur couldn’t help but smile at that sound.
That was the Alfred he was used to seeing. Arthur understood how he felt too, as he was likely a mess after so long in the clinic as well.
“I believe we could both do with a good night’s rest, Mr. Jones-”
“Alfred. You can call me Alfred, yanno? I don’t mind.” An easygoing smile slid onto Alfred’s face, though he still seemed a little shaky from this whole ordeal, “Thanks for takin such good care of her. I know ya’ll always been good to us, Dr. Kirkland.”
“Just Arthur is fine. It’s after hours.” Arthur’s cheeks were a little pink, but he hid it well, swapping right back to professional mode. “Yes, well, Biddy will be in our care for a while yet. I will give you a call if her condition changes, and hopefully she will be prepared to go home with you very soon.”
“So when she’s at home, will you just come see her like ya do my horses for the home visits? I wouldn’t mind havin ya stay for lunch too sometime. As a thank you, of course.”
The way Alfred smiled after saying that had Arthur’s pulse through the roof once more. Damn this man and his seemingly innocent offers.
“We’ll see.” Arthur responded, returning Alfred’s smile as he ushered the man to the front door. “Goodnight... Alfred.”
“Goodnight, Arthur.”