A/N: I am so sorry for not updating. I forgot about this fic for a bit and I just realized that I've left loads of people hanging by leaving it like this. I will continue to update it! Seeing Finding Dory again gave me some inspiration. This chapter has a lot of Crush in it, since he's one of my favorite characetrs to write aside from Marlin lol

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Marlin was out of the hospital after a few days. Crush picked up him since the doctors forbade him to drive due to all the medication he had taken. Crush rolled down the windows of his old truck and gave yell. "Yeah! The wind's on our side!"

"We're in a truck, not a boat," Marlin said, feeling carsick.

"I oughta take Squirt out for a sail! What do you think about Nemo coming along? I'd say it would do him good!"

Marlin nodded. "Fine, fine."

Crush stepped on the gas pedal as gave a hearty yell. Marlin clutched his stomach and gave a groan. He felt dizzy as the wind blew into his face from his window. "Totally sick!"

"I know, isn't it great?"

Marlin shut his eyes. "No! I'm gonna be totally sick!"

Crush frowned and glanced at Marlin as he grew pale. "Hey, dude, if you're gonna hurl, do me a solid. Stick your head out of the window and go for distance! No, really, though. This is my dad's old truck, okay? I just got it waxed."

They arrived at Marlin's apartment before Marlin could actually get sick. Crush parked and hummed aloud as he took out his own key to the apartment. Marlin grimaced as he followed behind. "How'd you get a key to my apartment?"

"Oh, you left yours lying around and I thought I should get a copy. Makes sense, right? We're like brothers," Crush replied as he walked inside.

Marlin just shook his head as he followed. Nemo rushed towards him and gave him a big hug. "Dad! You're back!"

Crush reappeared in the living room with a can of root beer in his hand. "Cheers to the jellyman."

Marlin hugged Nemo and lifted him off the floor. "You're going to be with Crush and Squirt today. I have to rest a bit. Get used to being back home."

Nemo smiled wide. "Cool! I'll get my swimsuit!"

He hurried off as Crush offered Marlin a sip of his rootbeer. "I'll pass. I think I'll just have some water."

Crush gave him a huge slap on the back. "On it! You just relax on that couch. I'll be in charge of the house."

"Oh, joy."

With a large exhale, Marlin slumped on the couch and stared at the ceiling. Nemo's little feet rapidly ran across the living room as he had a beach bag and an orange towel in his hand. "I'm ready!"

Crush tossed Marlin a water bottle and grabbed his car keys. "Alright, little dude. Let us go off into the sunset and grab some waves!"

Marlin sat up as Nemo gave him a goodbye hug. "No big waves. Understand?"

Nemo nodded. "Yeah, Dad. Bye!"

Crush gave him a salute. "Farewell, my dude. I'll bring him back sooner than you know it."

"Just take care of him. I'll probably call later."

When the door closed, Marlin closed his eyes. Finally. Peace and quiet. He got up from the couch and entered the kitchen. He just stood there. His eyes scanned the kitchen as he recalled certain memories. The first time he had to make dinner for himself. The first time he had to cook something for Nemo. He rubbed his eyes and gave a sigh. A knock at the door made him groan. He thought not to answer it, but gave in.

"Dory?"

"Marlin! I heard you were let out! Why didn't you tell me?"

He blinked. "Well, I...kinda just wanted-"

"Are you still sick? Do you have a headache?"

"No."

"Are you woozy?"

"No."

"How many fingers am I holding up?"

She held up three fingers. "Three."

"Right! You're okay! How's Nemo? Is he here?"

"Dory?"

"Uh-huh?"

Marlin gave a small sigh. "Do you think...I don't want to be rude, but I'm exhausted and I really-"

Dory gasped. "Oh! Oh, right. Sorry."

He closed his eyes with relief. "Great. Thank you for understanding. I'll-"

"You need to relax!"

She led him inside and he groaned. Closing the door, she led him to the couch and sat him down. He just went with it. He was exhausted and didn't any strength in him to argue with her. She patted his back. "Here, you just sit here. You need anything? A tea?"

"Dory?"

"Yeah, what?"

He sighed, deeply. "Can you just do me a favor and...get me a tea?"

Anything to get her to stop talking. She jumped up and warmed up a tea for him. He sat on the couch as she heated it up. Humming to herself, she watched as the microwave moved the cup from side to side. When it finally finished, she grabbed the cup and gasped when she saw Marlin sleeping on the couch. She placed the tea on the coffee table in front of him and smiled. He looked exhausted with his hair a bit messy and circles under his eyes. She put a hand on his shoulder and stared at him for a moment. Gently, she stroked his hair and hummed quietly.

Then, she slowly leaned towards him and kissed his cheek. It was short. She stood up straight and decided to leave him alone. With a small smile, she left. Marlin's eyes opened and he sat up, feeling his cheek. He eyed a photo of him and his former wife on the wall. His eyes lowered as his mind jumbled.

"Oh, Coral...what am I doing?"