Chapter Text
Opening the door, Carlos sighed. He knew he didn't have much room in his treehouse (after all, he never expected much company, and even when Ryder and the pups comes to visit, they usually bring their tents), but he also knew there was no way he was going to let Ace sleep on the floor. Guess the hammock's going have to do. He thought, and walked over to the hammock. He slowly put Ace down into it, and just when he pulled away, Ace let out a soft groan, slightly moving towards Carlos, but otherwise, laid still. Carlos couldn't help but blush.
"Carlos? Come in, Carlos. Is everything alright?" Carlos blinked when he realized that Ryder was calling him through his pup pad. Quickly, the forest ranger picked up the pad and answered it.
"Hey Ryder. Sorry for not getting back to you." He said.
"It's fine, Carlos. Did you figure out what happened yet?" Ryder asked. Carlos nodded.
"Yeah, it was Ace Sorensen. I think her plane crashed." He said, looking over at the girl, who was still knocked out.
"Is she hurt?"
"Don't know. I think she has some minor injuries, nothing I can't treat. Her plane, however, I might need a hand or two. Think you and pups can come and help us out?" Carlos asked. Ryder smiled.
"Of course! No job is too big, no pup is too small! Just hang on tight and we should be there by early morning." With that, Ryder ended the transmission. Putting the pad away, Carlos decided now was the time for him to check on Ace and her injuries, if sustained. Walking closer, he held his breath.
"Okay," He muttered to himself. "I'm going to physically touch Ace and make sure she doesn't have any broken bones. I can do this." With that, Carlos slowly inched his hand down onto her shoulder, stopping short when he heard her hum, before continuing, his face red. You can do this, Carlos! She's not awake, so she can't claim you as a pervert! He thought, feeling the bone in her arms. Not feeling anything, nor hearing her groan in pain, Carlos could safely assume she didn't break her bone. Next, he decided to take off her headwear, and he gulped. I have never seen Ace without her helmet before. He thought, taking off her helmet and letting the soft, orange, locks flutter briefly. To him, Ace looked like sleeping beauty, and he blushed once more.
Get a grip! Ace is probably injured and you're creeping yourself, let alone her, out! His thoughts screamed, and Carlos shook his head. Blue eyes narrowed in determination, Carlos decided now wasn't the time for fanboying, and went about actually checking Ace's health. Once it was clear that the only damage Ace has taken was to the head, and even that was minor, Carlos sighed as he placed a small wrapping on the scar of her forehead. Done, Carlos sank into his seat near his computer desk. There. That wasn't so hard. He thought, eyeing her.
Ace was perfectly still, and if it wasn't for the fact that her chest was moving, Carlos would have assumed she wasn't breathing. Speaking of chest, I couldn't help but notice a slight lump forming there. Carlos blushed and shook his head.
For a ten year old, Ace was developing quite fast, faster than he expected any ten year old would.
Stop it, the thoughts in his head snapped. Don't be a pervert! Ace is in trouble, and you're just noticing her...figure. Really? Carlos, I know being in a forest alone is probably lonely, but for god's sake, get your game together! Carlos sighed.
"Guess I'll just have to wait until Ryder gets here..." He muttered, yawning and rubbing his eye. It's been a long day, and after everything that's happen, the ranger wouldn't mind taking a nap or so. Yawing again, Carlos placed his head on the desk and slowly, eventually, drifted off to sleep.