Dynamic Patrol: Gel Squad! Episode II

Chapter 8: Irritable

Tommy, Cal, and Bodi(whose feet were still off the ground) entered medical and were greeted by Narr, who was at the front desk. "Afternoon, Chief." Tommy added that it was the proper way to address her anyway, and he might've been on 'extended leave' from the Patrol, but he recognized protocol. "Afternoon, Sir! I assume you're here to see Kai." Tommy nodded; Narr was spot on; she knew that when Bodi was along, she had to implore unique tactics, "I have something for you!" She reached under her desk and pulled out a big bowl of-- "Candy!" Bodi screeched. He wriggled out of Cal's arms like a crocodile performing a death roll, and Cal dropped him. "Woah, are you okay? You... fell kind of hard right there." Cal asked, but Bodi was on all fours as he scurried to Narr's desk and shoved his hands into the bowl. Tommy grimaced; he still found the concept of eating disgusting, but there was no question that Bodi was the 'odd one' who ate food. They still had pancakes left over from that time the Trinity transferred 19 crates of the gunk just for Bodi.

Bodi returned with two lollipops in his mouth, a bunch of other treats stuffed into his pockets, and utility belt like it was the last of it on Omeocoon(because it probably was). The bowl was raided, save for what Bodi considered to be gross: peppermints, licorice, and those strawberry hard candies that one would get from their grandparents' place, even though his ability to taste was relatively limited compared to a G2. "Where did you get that stuff?" Tommy asked Narr, who was pleased that her bowl was almost empty. "I did some sightseeing in the cargo bay. It's amazing what those contracted workers leave behind. And it went untouched because no one here has a drive to eat." Narr's eyes smiled as she watched Bodi happily munching on his newfound treasures. "Yeah, it's like a goldmine down there sometimes. You never know what you'll find."

Tommy chuckled, shaking his head at Bodi's enthusiasm for candy. "Well, thanks for the snacks, Narr. I'm sure Bodi appreciates it." Tommy increased his volume to ensure Bodi heard that last part; he went back to talk to Cal when he turned around, his face and hands much stickier and more chocolatey than before. "Thank you!" He said happily, "You're welcome." Narr chuckled and embraced Bodi's gratefulness with a bow. Cal's gaze lingered on Bodi to ensure he was okay after the fall. Bodi and Cal joined Tommy back near the desk, "I love this stuff!" He exclaimed, his eyes shining with delight. Narr chuckled, delighted by Bodi's joy. "I can see that! Well, enjoy your treats, Bodi. Kai is in room two. He's been asking for you. He's ready to go today, actually, and he's itching to leave. So if you want to take him, that's fine too."

"Well... I'm sure he was thrilled to hear that. Where's... Cam?" Tommy replied, "He's sleeping... if that's the right term." Narr speculated, Tommy nodded, that was an acceptable term. "Too bad, I wanted to check up on him. See how our newest 'rehouse' is doing." Tommy was referring to the Kieran side of Cam. It'd been two years, and still, Tommy wouldn't let it go. "He's doing his best," Narr added under her breath with a nervous chuckle, but of course, Tommy was poking fun; at least, she tried to bush it off as poking fun, "I was just kidding." Tommy smiled blankly, with no emotion at all; it was clear that he was not being a funny guy at all. Cal furrowed his eyebrows and looked at the squirrel with concern, "No... you... weren't?" He said abruptly, and this paused the room. With the fear of being under a microscope, he dismissed the situation and moved toward room two; he was done wasting time talking to Narr.

Cal and Bodi followed and couldn't help but smile at Bodi's excitement as they walked. "You're the only person on the station that likes that stuff, you know that?" Bodi nodded enthusiastically, his pockets bulging with sweets. "Yep! And I'm gonna eat all of it!" Cal laughed again, shaking his head as they reached room two and entered to find Kai packing what little luggage he'd accumulated from his travels as an ex-adventurer. Bodi did not hesitate to tackle Kai with a ginormous hug. Kai grunted. He tried not to reveal that his entire body ached in pain as soon as Bodi came in for that hug. "Careful... I haven't been approved for Bode hugs just yet." Kai returned the gesture, hugging his younger brother like he hadn't seen him in decades. Bodi eagerly showed off his candy haul to Kai. Tommy couldn't help but feel grateful for the small moments of joy that brightened their lives, even amid uncertainty. Kai watched as Bodi and Cal entered the room. "Oh! I want you to meet someone!" Bodi pulled himself out of Kai's embrace and dragged Cal by his wrist, "This Cal! Tommy's boyfriend!"