💉･:*+.𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀.:+🐛

3. ❤︎☂Warmth Between the Raindrops☂❤︎

FANFIC BASED OFF OF C.AI SCENERIO BETWEEN THEM OK BEAR WITH ME !!! ENJOY

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The rain poured relentlessly as Marri Sweet trudged down the quiet neighborhood street, almost swallowed by the growing storm. Each step sent a chill through her as her shoes squelched loudly in the gathering puddles, water creeping into the soles and soaking her stockings. Her nurse's uniform, damp and heavy, clung uncomfortably to her blue skin, its once-crisp white now streaked with specks of mud and rain.

The accident she had tended to earlier had been more serious and taking a lot more time than she anticipated, a neighbour had fallen from a tree, god only knows why they were even up there to start with, requiring stitches and hours of delicate care. Marri had stayed long after her work was done, offering a bit of reassurance and checking to see if they were good to go, as well as some light scolding from her, as was her way. By the time she skipped along home to her clinic, the clouds was already well underway, and the umbrella she was supposed to carry with her this day had been forgotten in her hurry to the scene.

Her breath came in faint puffs as the rain cooled the night air further, her dark navy bangs plastered against her forehead aswell as the rest on the back of her neck. She squinted into the downpour, her heart sinking as she realized how far she still had to go. The cobbled streets of the neighborhood swell as chalk drawings washing away gleamed under flickering lights, but they offered no comfort.

"Ah, zut... What a fool I am," she muttered under her breath, her thick accent laced with frustration. "Why did I not zink to bring my umbrella? Marri, you dunce..."

The storm seemed to answer with a clap of thunder, making her jump and hug herself tighter. Her arms ached from carrying her medical bag, and the idea of making it home began to feel impossible. The cold seeped through her, settling deep into her stuffing, and her sharp teeth chattered despite her best efforts to stay composed.

As she shuffled forward, her gaze darted around for shelter. Houses with warmly lit windows, but she hesitated to knock. Her neighbours had to be busy, last thing she wants is for her patients to see her like this; surely they didn't need a dripping nurse tracking water across their rugs.

And then she saw it, a warm, golden glow spilling out from a familiar storefront right ahead. The sign above the door swung with the wind, illuminated by the streetlight: 'Howdy's Place'.

Her heart lifted at the sight, a small spark of hope flickering amidst the now storm. The shop was always open, rare to see it closed, its owner, ever-reliable and kind (in her eyes at least), and tonight was no exception. She quickened her pace, her shoes sloshing noisily, until she reached the door. With a trembling hand, she pushed it open, the bell above jingling faintly against the sound of rain.

Inside, the world felt instantly warmer. The scent of freshness from the produce aisles. Rows of colorful wares lined the shelves, illuminated by the soft glow of the ceiling lamps. Marri stepped in hesitantly, dripping water onto the mat. She glanced around, her cheeks purple with embarrassment as she realized just how drenched she was.

"Well, howdy-do there, neighbor!"

The cheerful voice made her jump slightly, and she turned to see Howdy Pillar behind the counter. His towering form was unmistakable, his four arms all busy with different tasks, restocking shelves, wiping down the counter, and adjusting a display. His grin lit up his face as he saw her, his antennae perking up as he noticed her state.

"Landsakes, Nurse Marri! Y'look like a catfish that jumped right outta the pond!" he exclaimed, setting everything down at once to give her his full attention. "What're ya doin' out in this storm like this?"