#creaturedom

[creaturedom]

The Thurible

I can’t believe I had to actually sit down and do research for this incredibly self indulgent thing, I’m not religious LOL. @kazewohiita , this one goes out to you. To everyone else… My only warning is mess, let’s hop on the gross priest train X’D

“Father Izaak,” a voice fretted as charcoal so carefully clasped between tongs sparked under a fresh flame, “please, I can prepare that for you! I used to always help Reverend Father Tully with…” The nun’s voice trailed off as the name left her lips, a visible sadness flashing quick as the reddening charcoal as she looked away. It had been some time since the passing of their last priest, but she like many others of the church still found great sorrow in it.

This didn’t disturb the process by any means as the thurible closed gently, chain pinched between the father’s rich dark fingers to fan the flames within. He was a bit of a quiet man compared to the more open Father Tully; spiraled hair styled in a short afro, dark brown eyes that carried a certain warmth to them, not as tall as Tully, but broad shoulders that filled out his cassock nicely. Square jawed, a beautiful rounded nose, and the way he formed his words with each sentence…

“I like to do it myself. Makes me feel… More connected.” The priest explained, already shifting to hang it and gather the various scents to go inside. He paused to sniffle a bit, glancing over to her with that spark she had noticed earlier. It wasn’t uncommon for a new priest to be chosen beyond their walls by any means, though maybe due to their last priest being there so long she was feeling hesitant. Something about how he carried himself today seemed sluggish, but her thoughts snapped as he spoke again. “A few things will be done differently from this point on, Sister Margret, though I appreciate your offer. I’ll take it from here…” Though she hesitated the nun simply dipped her head and left the room, leaving the man to resume his work and methodically fill a mix of incense into the thurible.

In her absence he began to rub his knuckles against his septum, squinting as the fragrance began to flow in heavy clouds of smoke within the room and invade his reddening nostrils with a smirk. “That’ll do…”

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All stood to attention as music rose loud and true to the high ceiling above, the thurible swinging faithfully towards the pews with its swirling smoke. A few whispers were shared here and there as Father Izaak passed, some rather curious and others already passing rumors. Nothing too serious really, he’d been through this song and dance before. What Izaak was really focusing on was the sharp sniffling just barely buried beneath the echo of song all around them.

If one looked carefully enough they could see a tinge of redness around his nostrils, his upper lip carrying a light sheen to it. His eyes were beginning to grow red as well, and yet he continued to swing the thurible rhythmically, smiling warmly and nodding to those who met his eye. His nose felt like it was crackling with a heat intense enough to summon the devil itself, and yet he seemed excited as he got into position and handed off his rather precious tool.

As the air grew quiet and still he did his best not to clear his irritated throat as someone from the clergy stepped forward to introduce their new priest. His mind was starting to feel fuzzy and the cassock felt a bit too warm at the moment. And yet he still stood, smiling as the sensations grew worse, nearly missing his own name: Father Izaak Hartley. Nodding gratefully he stepped forward to the podium and looked to the crowd with a quiet but watery sniffle.

“Welcome, and thank you for joining us on this Sunday of celebration…” The priest breathed, wincing a bit when he swallowed back and found a sharp ping of pain. For the most part things were going smoothly, the crowd surprisingly gravitating towards his words and new style of preaching rather quickly. He was formal enough, but he liked to pace a bit, speak more with his hands, and pause to punctuate the meaning of his words a little more. On top of that the little jokes he managed to sneak passed the clergy got the crowd chuckling, and Izaak was quickly winning them over.

“In John 3:16, we learn that God so loved the world that he gave us his only son. What greater gift is there, and what does it mean for h-hihhm to…” His pacing stopped as his heart began to flutter. For a moment there was silence before his breath sagged, quickly dipping into both hands a harsh “hih’bTSCHhh!” Startled a few in the crowd offered him blessings, but by the look on his crumpling face it was too soon. “T-To give uHSTCHHH! H-Hih—tSCHhhoo!”

He didn’t mean to but a soft, savory moan escaped his lips, partially grateful it was harder to see how red his cheeks felt. “Whew, excuse me… Quite the entrance on the first day, huh?” A few chuckled so he waved his hand, his smile a bit more watery now that his system was rebelling against him. “… I have a question for you all. Doesn’t it feel good sometimes, to let go and be yourself…?” An unsure murmur arose, causing him to half chuckle and stifle a few coughs.

“I’m not talking about sins of the flesh or breaking any rules laid out by God, but rather the gift he gave you: yourself. Jesus took our sins to allow us to find ourselves, but most live in guilt for that which we will always inherently do. They each teach us every day how to be better people, it’s just a matter of how… Gh’tshxx!” He managed to stifle at the last minute, though it was wetter than he expected.

Sniffing thickly he swiped a quick hand under what he felt was a growing mess, spinning on his heel with a bit of flourish. “How we live by His word. Pleasure can take many forms, a delicious meal, the joy of being around one’s family, even… E-Even—huh’tSCHZZzew! Ugh, a good sneeze, am I right?” He grinned as laughter filled the room again. “Song of Solomon 4:7 states: ‘You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.’ So the danger of pleasure is not within your own body, or your own simple joys, it is in acts which affect yourself and others for the worse, beyond the call of God!”

This seemed to stir the crowd a bit, some of the older ones a bit thrown, but a few… A few he could see he had attention in a different way. A few eyes trailing as he so carelessly sniffed back and merely dabbed at his increasingly itchy nose with a handkerchief offered to him. If they chose to stare that was on them, but he wasn’t about to give up his own passionate remarks and certainly wasn’t going to step off the podium as a few mortified members of the clergy seemed to want him to.

Burying his nose his eyes screwed shut as he took a long, shuttering breath, a few tears slipping as he bobbed into the handkerchief with a few wet sneezes “HHEGTSCHH! H-Hih—HEHD’JSCHHhhew! HeH’JESCHHhh! Hah… O-One moment… A-Almost—! KhhH—! Hiih’tSCHHHhhoo!” It took everything in his power not to moan aloud as a visible shiver ripped through his body, crushing his nose with a squelch under the ruined handkerchief. Whether this was from a nasty set of chills or something more, hardly anyone could say. Though from the faces of members in the audience, there may have been some doubt as to whether or not they were fully honed in on his preaching.

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“The body of Christ…”

“Amen.”

“The body of Christ…”

“Amen.”

“The body of Christ…”

“A… Amen…”

Through it all the priest managed to stand strong, no one managing to shoo him off even as he seemed to grow worse. The crowd was oddly enamored with him, his presence magnetic and mystifying, after all who could compare to his style? Each careful motion and charming flash of a smile glued the people to their seats, and seeing that he still took it upon himself to still provide this service to the people. He found himself quite amused as some shyly cast their gazes away, others boldly meeting his weary eyes or even dropping a quick word of wellness.

Their focus helped them see past the glazed look in Father Izaak’s eye, the wet sheen of his upper lip combined with the mess he kept sniffling back and shaky exhales in a fruitless effort to keep his nose in line. If only everyone could be impressed so easily though. As soon as the Holy Communion ended and people began to shuffle out he was tugged roughly to the back, the church echoing with the heavy slam of one of its old wooden doors as older nun narrowed her eyes at the sniffling priest.

“You’re ill, Father?”

“No, I believe I’m Father Izaak…” Sister Margret didn’t seem to appreciate his joke, hanging the still smoking thurible on its proper stand. She was squawking about something or other as his eyes trailed ever so slowly back to the mischievous smoke behind her. He was always a little sensitive to such things, especially when he added a few extra things to make it smell nice and strong. A few extra scoops of myrrh in the frankincense, a little copal resin to really dig into the sinuses…

“… Father Izaak… Father Izaak!” He was snapped back to attention as she grabbed both of his shoulders, looking down to see an expression mixed with frustration and worry. “Are you listening? If you’re ill or feel under the weather you could have asked to preach next week, or at least asked someone to help lead! This is serious, you made a fool of yourself!”

“Really..? I thought they rather liked it…” He mused as he tried to bring a hand up to swipe at his nose though Sister Margret forced his arm down again. “Ah—careful—“

“That wasn’t at all professional, not at all gracious! If Reverend Father Tully was present he would have known to pace himself, or ask for help—!”

“—H-Help, wait, khhih—“

“Exactly! Is that so hard to ask, to plainly say out loud that you, the great Father, need—?”

“Hih—! Hih’tsCHHHhh! HeH’JESCHHhh—tschh, tSCHhh!” His head bobbed back up with a heavy sniffle, cracking an eye open to look once more to her. All things considered not the worst thing, but her clothes were certainly splattered and she was locked in shock. “… A tissue, Sister Margret? I would kindly like to ask to be r-released before I’m forced to give another bahpt… Baptishhiih…” Thankfully she got the hint, releasing him just in time to grab the soggy handkerchief again and bury a fit of wet sneezes, visibly darkening the delicate cloth in his hands.

When Izaak finally pulled back he was breathless, yet looked oddly at peace. As if God himself came down to offer a gentle blessing and a kiss to his warm forehead. Sister Margret muttered a bless you to the Father while he cleared his leaking nose. “… Do you remember what I said earlier?” Her head turned curiously to him as he neatly folded the handkerchief in his hands. “I said many things would change from here on out. While I respect the path laid out before me, I felt in this time of need the people of this church needed a true show of faith and dedication. A priest willing to be with them through thick and thin, to guide them without knowing each face, willing to put aside his own suffering… For the good of the people.”

Something shifted in the priest as he stepped forward to the nun below him, his smile still soft yet his stance more stern. “I won’t apologize for displaying my faith proudly, and for wanting to make as good an impression as possible. And from the look of that crowd, I’d say I did a rather nice job.” The nun diverted her gaze with a huff, making Izaak hoarsely chuckle. “I’ll do better in the future, Sister Margret. I can at least promise that much, though I…” His breath hitched again, a frantic hand raising to catch his dipping nose, only to find purchase in something firm but almost silky “Huh’tsSCHHmphf—! Gh’pmphf!”

“… Bless you, Father Izaak.” The nun lowered her own handkerchief from his quivering nose and sighed heavily. “There’s no time like the present. I understand you’ll be taking the former priest’s quarters in the courtyard?” Dazed, Father Izaak offered a small nod, managing to make her huff in amusement. “Very well, Father. I’ll ask someone to send you an extra blanket as well as prepare some food for you, while you settle in.”

“… Thank you, Sister Margret.”

“Don’t get used to it, I’m no mother hen.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it, Sister!” He playfully placed a hand on his chest, earning a short but true laugh from her. “Off to bed with you, we’ll take care of things from here.”

“Yes, Sister…” No better timing in his opinion. As he departed one last glance at the thurible was spared, smiling to himself as the last of the smoke seemed to billow out. “Thanks for the help, old friend.” He breathed to it, smirking as he reached both hands into his pockets and felt his fingertips brush against some ‘borrowed’ incense inside. With that he spun on his heel and made his way to his new quarters, the last of the smoke and embers dying with a harsh, wet sneeze echoing through the halls once more.

[creaturedom]

13 or 15 for father izaak please!! can’t pick!!

Honestly, why not both with a little narrative twist, at least from my usual style?

CW Priest and mess below the cut 🔥

13 and 15. Rain and Fever - Father Izaak

“Hih’tscHHHhhh!”

Seven.

“Hihh’BTSSCHhh!”

Eight.

“H-Hih… Ghihh—! Eh’tSCHHHhh—Hih’tschHHXxxt!”

Nine and ten? Your heart was racing as you stared outside at the shivering, soaked form of the new priest. Not long ago you sat captivated like the rest of them, drinking his words of passion and thrown through a loop to see just how shamelessly he powered through each wracking sneeze.

Out here the only thing that seemed to rival the downpour was the mess that sprayed from him, the end of the fit leaving him panting and visibly shaking in the cold. Why he’d be out there during the storm only God could know but you found yourself rushing to the doorway, and pausing as he lifted his head.

Though his skin was darker there was an aggressive redness to his leaking, flaring nostrils, his eyes glazed and puffy, yet that smile of his. That same smile he wore on stage that lit the room and fought against any doubts in the crowd’s mind, it still crept up despite the hoarse tone of his voice.

“Oh, hello there. I don’t… Don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure to meet directly yet…” He was breathless, sniffling uselessly at that which barely washed away in the heavy rain. Unable to think straight you took hold of his hand, pulling him back into the safety of the building, which only made him devolve into a wheezing chuckle.

“I’m sorry, have I worried you…? Seems I’ve made a few people up… Upset today…”

“Come closer, Father.”

“Pardon..?” What were you thinking? Swallowing back doubt you held out your hand expectedly, and though dazed Father Izaak lowered his head to press a hot cheek into your trembling hand.

“My goodness Father, you’re burning up!”

“That I… Ihihh…” A far more glazed look came to his features as his jaw slacked open against your palm, only a squeak managing to escape your throat as his head shot down to your clothes, your eyes widening as dark circles began to spread from the sudden, wet sneeze of the Father. He sniffled yet he only leaned further into your tense hand, those exhausted eyes staring wearily back into yours.

“B… B-Bless…. Bless you, Father Izaak….”

“… And with you, oh lamb of the Lord’s flock.” The way the phrase slipped almost felt sultry, goosebumps similar to his rising quickly as he unknowingly crushed a dripping sneeze against your palm, and too delirious to see both the mess he made and your own reddening cheeks. “Theeee Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… He m… Makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters, r… R-Restores my soul…” Sinking, why was he sinking?

In a swift motion you managed to brace the priest before he could collapse, the motion enough to jolt him into a small moment of clarity, but he couldn’t muster much beyond more scripture. “Father, where are your chambers? I… I-I can help you to them.” You insist, feeling your chest tighten with anxiety. Surely this was the clergy’s job, you didn’t know this man, and yet every time he spoke you felt yourself giving more and more into action, and repressed feelings.

Father Izaak wanted to protest, but it was clear he was quickly losing the battle, and eventually gestured towards where he was standing before. “Out… Out back. I was… Trying to go home.”

“Okay then,” you breathe as you hook your arm with his, “home it is, before you get in any more trouble. Father Tully’s old place..?” You catch more of a laugh this time as he leans into you, and you freeze in place at what you see. Beyond plush quivering lips it’s as if… As if there was a sharper row of teeth. A trick of the light, a strange angle surely, but you swear you…

Saw nothing. Your mind drifts as a weak hum, a low but gorgeous tune, manages to rise from his throat into your heart, and you feel yourself at ease again. Leaning deeper into his form than he had been earlier, and gazing with a sense of awe as he feverishly mumbled something about the lord providing help. You couldn’t quite keep up, but slowly you walked with him back into the downpour to his new home, as if you too were consumed by the terrible fever rising from his skin.

Who truly was Father Izaak Hartley, and why did the world dim the moment you both stepped inside..?

[creaturedom]

Trouble in Paradise

H/ome/stuck...? H/ome/stuck >w>

“Sit up.”

“C’bon ban…”

“That was not a request, sit up.” It’d been going on like this for what felt like hours. Cronus had come back to Kankri’s hive after some big commotion in one of the dream bubbles, huffing and puffing about how no one ever took his side when he was “clearly” trying to pal around with the others. 

Kankri had to remind that most of his actions were less than satisfactory when it came to that of comradery and the closeness Cronus craved. Which, in the end, was more than likely the reason Kurloz hip checked him into a flutterbeast bush. He’d come back covered head to toe in various little flowers and leaves, and being the good troll he was… Well, Kankri couldn’t quite turn him away. But, that meant he had to deal with the aftermath of it all. 

“Huhh’gGTSCHH—!” Kankri winced as Cronus curled in on himself, hands barely cupping over his face to catch that familiar, almost lavender colored mess. He could barely sniffle, but the mutant blood could see how his now purple rimmed gills flared and twitched helplessly, bits of ooze even coating them as if to soothe the burning sensation. “Good catch.” He sighed, merely rubbing the man’s shoulder as he groaned miserably. 

“While I at least understand the discomfort it may bring you to do so, the result will always be the same. You’ll never get it all out like that, and I certainly won’t go blabbering on to everyone about how the oh so independent and suave Cronus Ampora needed a little help from myself, as I’m sure you’re aware of how I would be ridiculed myself, even as an act of kindness. I admire your grit and respect your boundaries, but we have been together far too long for you not too—” His speech was cut short by a muffled fit of gasping, gills twitching against Kankri’s lap as Cronus sneezed wetly again “Hah’tschhhh—etschh! H-Hih—! Hih’pstchhh!”

“By the Empress, Cro…” Kankri’s expression softened as Cronus glanced at him with those big, watery eyes of his, the young man closing them briefly to cough a bit. “S—Sorry, Kanks…” The look the two shared was silent, but powerful enough to let Cronus know enough was enough. Sighing he shuffled upright, head hung low as he slowly removed his hands. The mess left was heavy, but at least Kankri’s handkerchief was pressed with care into his hands to allow Cronus some time to clean himself up and blow his nose. Though now came the more difficult part. 

“Take it off, come on now.” 

“C’mon Kanks I’ve done this before, you don’t have to.” 

“I want to… Besides, you always manage to miss something and come back for help anyways, so it’s best to just take care of it now, don’t you think?” Cronus couldn’t argue with him there, but he still gave him that ol’ kicked barkbeast look before eventually sighing and slipping off his steadily drenching shirt. Both the sides of his neck and ribs carried long, raking gills, currently soaked with purple mucus. It was always fascinating for Kankri to see this up close, no lowblood was ever allowed close enough to see the delicate frills and movements let alone trusted to help touch them, and yet here he was. Long, slender fingers caressed one of the lower ones testingly, forcing a shiver and visible twinge of both his nose and gills almost immediately from Cronus. “E—Easy babe, pluh… P-Please…” 

“Sorry, sorry…” He needed to be as delicate as possible. Excusing himself he left for a moment only to return with a wet rag and a small basin. Cronus, used to this routine, turned his back more comfortably to Kankri for the smaller troll to sit behind, straddling him more securely before getting to work. Kankri started at the base of his neck, using one hand to massage the gills just enough to get them to spread before wiping them with the wet cloth, doing his best not to stare when Cronus let out a shaky sigh. It took some time, but he eventually started to fish out bits of loose leaves and flowers trapped within, doing his best to mop up all the pollen, but knowing full well there were some things he needed to ride out alone. 

“Cronus, you feeling alright?” He asked as he moved to his right side, the highblood only able to manage a few shaky gasps and a nod. “Do your best to breathe steadily, we’re nearly finished.” 

“E—Easier said than done, Chief.” He rasped with a bit of a smile. Kankri nearly rolled his eyes, though he quickly pulled back when one of the gills snapped onto the rag suddenly “HUH—IptSHHhxxx-! Tsch, tsch, tSCH!” Cronus pulled back from the soaked handkerchief with a thick sniffle, the rag once trapped now slipping to reveal it too was lost to the same fate. “Oh dear… Do you need a break, was that too rough?” 

“D-Do, course dot…” Cronus winced at the sound of his voice, attempting to blow his nose to clear it some, but to no avail. “T… Tibe for the worse bit?” 

“I’m afraid so… I’ll be as gentle as possible, I promise.” It’s like Cronus had said: easier said than done. He was already sensitive enough around the gills, but nothing compared to the ones along his sides. Maybe it’s because they were the main part of his respiratory system, but the slightest touch could sometimes send him over the edge, and required more breathable and soft fabrics to keep in line. They were already fluttering and caked with mucus, perhaps even more flushed than his face and neck when Kankri brought the freshly rinsed rag to them. “On the count of three, ready? One… Two…” He waited for Cronus to squeeze his eyes shut before proceeding as he had before. 

Light, almost teasing strokes more to the edges this time, whispering soft notes of encouragement as Cronus hitched and held his head back. For the seadweller it was a mixture of pleasure and agony, like having one’s horns pulled when they weren’t looking. He was doing his best to keep his panting at least to a minimum, but with how much deeper Kankri’s hands had to plunge he could already feel his eyes streaming from the irritation. “Kuh—K-Kadkri I—I-I cad’t—!”

“Please, just a little longer, I think…” 

“D-Do, do I—I’ve godda—godda—!”

“It’s jammed, just one more..!” It took everything in him not to just start ripping the flaps apart to keep digging, but Kankri was rushing as fast as he could, hands fighting against the contracting gills as they nearly forced the irritants further into Cronus’ body. And then, he felt it: the last vine. Breath catching in his throat Kankri wrapped it around his fingers and pulled with all his might, catching it over and over with each hand as it threatened to tear and wriggled against the inner walls. Cronus was gasping for breath, eyes welled shut and face streaming, and as voices for him seemed to grow distant he felt a distinct pop and triumphant sound before he snapped forward with a violent force. 

“Huh’ehtsCHHH! Hih’tpbtch! Tsch, tsch, tsch—tSCH-TSCH!” He couldn’t catch his breath, couldn’t think straight as over and over he bobbed, feeling his gills grow slick and a pressure around his midsection grow with each harsh sneeze. He must have been going for a while, because once he was done he felt limp and dizzy, hesitant to move his hands until he was sure the tickle was gone. 

“Cronus?” The voice made him flinch as he looked back, guilt immediately rushing through his system. Though Kankri had rolled up his sleeves it seemed his beloved sweater couldn’t fully escape the inevitable, dark wet splotches located around the arms and sides, but that seemed to be the least of Kankri’s worries. With a quick rinse of his hands he reached up and smoothed out his matesprite’s now disheveled hair, wiping away whatever tear remained and offering a worried but caring smile. “That better, do you feel anything? I think I got everything, but you feeling better, can I get you anything..?” 

The violetblood shook his head, leaning into Kankri’s soothing touch with a purr that radiated through his entire body. Kankri offered him a kiss to his forehead, pressing his own against it afterwards with a bit of a chuckle. “Maybe that’ll teach you to stop picking and prodding at everyone’s social status, hm? Oh Cro… I’m just… I’m thankful I was able to help in some way. How about we get you washed up, hop in the recuperacoon, and just put the day behind us, hm? How does that sound?” 

Despite the glazed look in his eye Cronus managed a smirk, his canines flashing as he leaned a bit closer. “Ya gonna join me for a lil while chief, or..?” Face flushed, Kankri shoved his face back gently, chuckling at the small whine escaping from Cronus’ throat. “Rinse off first, Moobeast-Boy, then we’ll talk.”

[creaturedom]

Crackling Light [Part 1]

Part One (Here) | Part Two

Okay, time to get back to my fics lol. Been running from this for a while cause of personal stuff, but feeling low and hoping this’ll raise my spirits and kinda help me back into the community here! Hope you enjoy my DnD oc’s, not too much sneezing for this start, but hey that’s what multiparts are for 🧡

Plip… Plop… Plip… Plop…

Illuminated by the dim light of the fire, the large form of the blue dragonborn winced with each gentle drop of water from the stalactites high above their heads. It had been hours since he rushed inside with the human currently stoking the fire, and yet still no sign of their aggressor.

Ravomorn Hegrax, the prodigal son. He was powerfully built, long white horns curving back behind his head above a shower of smooth blue tendrils and a few smaller spikes lining his jawline. Currently, his stomach was wrapped tight with makeshift bandages, and despite a long scar crossing diagonally from his forehead across to his right cheek he surprisingly didn’t have many scars to speak of. A barbarian turned part-time performer… Oh how his ancestors must have been twisting in their graves.

Beside him was Nenna Vuz, a tan skinned woman with bright green eyes and tight chocolate curls, which she often tied back the top layer of to keep out of her face. Though quite shy and soft spoken the short human had found herself gravitating towards him back at the tavern they once worked, uncovering a surprisingly tender side to the intimidating Dragonborn during work. Normally she was the more positive of the two, calming him with sweet nothings and grounding methods, but as Nenna stared into the flames it was clear even she was at her limit.

“We’re running low…” She murmured under her breath, forcing her hand to steady as she poked at the dying embers. “D—Did you gather any more? Perhaps we…” Nenna paused as she noticed her partner tense, shifting to gaze into her eyes with his own purple ones. “That was… All I could manage.” He admitted softly. “But—I’ll get more. I can get more, I just—“

“No!” Her squeak managed to catch them both off guard, the human quick to look away and cover her mouth. He could see how her body trembled, how fear danced in her watery eyes. “N-No, no no, what if they’re out there? What if they’re still looking..? And if they see you, what then?” Ravomorn frowned, forcing himself to reach out and place his hand on her thigh. “Easy, easy Nenny, that won’t happen. I don’t want you to go workin’ yourself up, and some firewood won’t kill us…”

“You know how Charlie is. You know he won’t stop until we’re… W-We’re…” His expression softened as he saw tears finally spill down her freckled cheeks, quick to tug at her until she finally caved and curled against his chest. The Dragonborn whispered softly to her, stroking the human’s bouncy hair gently and nuzzling against the crown of her head. “Baby, stop. He won’t find jackshit, you hear me? I didn’t let him hurt you at the tavern, I’m not gonna let him get you out here—”

“Yeah? A-And where has that gotten us? He tried to skin you on stage, he sent h-his goons, I just…” Nenna buried herself further with a heavy sob, shaking her head against his chest. Ravomorn thought back to when they first met, how he nearly tripped over himself at the sight of her. Miss Vuz, once Charlie’s star and prized jewel of The Glistening Pearl. He never meant to get mixed up with her, especially with how Charlie had acted around her, but there was a natural chemistry between the Dragonborn and human that couldn’t be ignored. He could listen to her talk for hours about everything, and Charlie… Well, the bastard was lucky all he got was a zap into the band equipment when Ravomorn caught him manhandling Nenna. Which, of course, brought them here now… And yet he still held her closer.

“Nenny, listen… He’s never gonna hurt you again. Not as long as I’m around…” Ravomorn murmured as he pressed a kiss into her forehead. “You’ve got me and I’ve got you, remember? Closer than the moon and the sea, and stronger than any hurricane. I’d give up everything if it meant you’d be safe, and I’m not gonna let him so much as catch a glimpse of you when we bounce. We just need to wait this out a little longer, understand? Tomorrow morning, bright and early, the two of us’ll be on a boat to Furnuu, and we never, ever have to worry about him again. But you have to trust me…” He pressed, pulling the human’s chin up gently to look her in the eye again. “Promise you’ll trust me, baby…”

Though her breath still snagged in her throat she nodded softly, earning a tired smile and a soft kiss on the lips. “I promise Rav, I do…” Just one night. One night of this nightmare, and the two would be off to their new lives… Their true happily ever after. That’s what she told herself as they nestled close for the night as the last of the embers flickered out.

————————

Nenna woke in a bit of a daze the next morning, light barely kissing the earth and not a bird within earshot. They’d been in the cave long enough she’d grown used to the damp and freezing stone all around them, so why did she feel… Overheated? The cloaks they’d fashioned into makeshift blankets weren’t thick enough to keep much in, and as far as she saw even they’d been a little scattered that morning.

Shifting carefully out of Ravomorn’s arms she rubbed her face some, relaxing as the cool air brushed over her skin. But, the heat wasn’t completely gone yet. In fact, it felt like it was radiating rather close. A bit more alert now she glanced down at her sleeping partner, noticing the tight wrinkle of his expression and how tightly he curled in on himself. Normally he was sprawled out or murmuring, but this time it looked like he was trying to curl up and be as small as possible.

“Rav?” Nenna leaned in and stroked his forehead in an effort to comfort him, but what she found shocked her to her system. The intense heat, the sweatiness of his brow, and how he unconsciously winced to her cool touch made her skin prickle with anxiety. “Rav? Rav, honey, wake up, please…” The bard begged, cupping his cerulean cheeks as his expression tightened further. And then, she saw it: unfocused and glossy eyes.

One could blame the rude awakening for such a thing, but she knew him far better than that. Dark circles were forming under red, unfocused eyes, the bob is his head was far too slow, and as he rasped a response, she could swear her heart shattered. “N…. Nenny…? Wha’s… What’s goin on..?” As she dipped to kiss his scaly forehead comfortingly the only result was another taste of that rising heat and a bit of a flinch from him. “Ravi, baby, can you lay back please?”

Oh, why did he have to give her those soft confused eyes of his? It wasn’t like she was yelling, so why did it make her heart ache all the same? With some effort she managed to lay him back, quick to go back to the wound she tended to the night before. Her magic wasn’t nearly strong enough to heal the amount of damage he received, but it was all she had left before this was resorted to. Could it have..? Hands shook, a lump rose in her throat, and as she peeled back the bandages…

Oh. They’d actually closed rather nicely. A little swollen maybe, darker in areas too, but no clearer sign of infection… No, maybe something more internal? “N-Nenny…? M’not…” She cut him off with a soft hum, energy surrounding the wound in a flash of pink light, swirling within and soon sealing it even tighter; but again it hardly changed. Maybe if she found some herbs, or put alcohol on it—did they even think to bring any in case of emergency—?

“H-Hah….” She paused, glancing over to his face again. Once more his expression was strained, but it was different this time, more scrunched around that long snout of his and maw hanging open as if struggling to find his words. His nostrils were starting to grow a bit pink with each huff and snort, those tired eyes tightly shut as his maw opened wider and wider until…

“Hah—H-Hah-! G’ttTXXchhHHhh!” Even as he tried to stifle it with a tight clamp of his hands she could see how little bolts of lightning leaked through his fingers, and worse still the immediate wince from his abdomen. But, she knew him. Normally a couple here and there, but when he started to work himself up like that— “G’txXXCH!” —it was more than any goons or risky wounds.

“Ravi, don’t!” Back to his head again she cradled it into her lap, much to his clear protest. The weather was too clear to let this slide, but it couldn’t be bounce about in the cave, and she couldn’t let this build into what it wanted to be. “Baby, I’m sorry..” Was all she could manage before she did what she knew he regretted discovering with her. Long nails starting from his forehead, slowly snaking down his snout and tracing the tight, trembling wrinkles of it. Helpless to the burning tickle that rose his mouth opened wide again, crackling blue energy clearly building at the back of his throat while ticklish tears poured from his eyes. Down the river, through the sea, until she found… The spot right between his two large nostrils, a dimple straight to the back of them. It was game over for her dear love.

With one last desperate hitch she positioned his head to the mouth of the cave and braced herself “G-Guh—HaAAaah—! Guh’tssSSCHHOOooo!” Like a loaded rifle she held right with the recoil of his head, lightning sparking forth in a powerful arc about thirty feet out, each inch of the cave bathed in that gorgeous bluish white light. Even as he panted in her arms the amount of electricity that still danced around his face made her heart skip a beat at its natural beauty, but the worst of the fit was over. He could only manage to use that once a day, and now that it was spent they were safe another day. But, that just left…

“M’sorry…” A sadly bigger problem. “Bless you Sweets, bless you…” Nenna cooed to Ravomorn, stroking back a few loose tendrils while he caught his breath. “W-We’re not goin anywhere today, understand? Baby, you’re burning up something awful…” Even now he couldn’t put up a fight, just staring up at her with those sad glossy eyes of his. It took every ounce of strength to bite her lip and glance away before he could bring tears to her eyes. It was her fault, she saw the cave in the middle of the night, she was the one too exhausted to move another step, and through it all he pushed and strained, and this was his fate?

“Nenny, I can keep goin…” How selfish could she be for him to still be dotting on her like this, reaching up to hold her trembling face. But still she pulled away, shaking her head quickly. “Y—You’re just gonna get worse! The ferry’s still a day’s walk out, maybe even longer with sneaking around, we can’t—”

“Afford t… To wait long…” As much as he didn’t want to worry her, she knew just as well as him how important it was to catch it before it left the port. Maybe a good week or so until the next one came, no guarantees on how long it may need to stay in for last minute maintenance, they’d be sitting ducks. So he put on his best smile, nudged his little worrywart so sweetly with his head, clearing his throat before daring to speak again, though it only helped a bit. “J… Just a lil weary Nenna, I’ll be right as rain before you know it. The fresh air’ll do me just fine, you’ll see…”

“Ravi, you’ve got a fever—”

“—I’ll keep a wet cloth on the back of my neck—”

“—and the rest, how you gonna manage to walk there?”

“I’ll just… I’ll do it. I can do it.”

“It’s not about whether you’re strong enough to keep pushing, it’s about pushing too hard, it’s the risk of getting even worse!” He could always count on her to care so tenderly and passionately for him. Still, he shook his head and forced himself upright. Steady, steady hands, he needed to remain steady as he held her shoulders, forcing his head not to bob like it wanted as he looked her in the eyes. “I will personally strap myself down in the bunk, and guzzle nothing but hot soup and that terrible, terrible herbal tea you love so much.” A betrayal of her fears, he could see, a stifled laugh and glance away. He managed to crack her, just a little.

“We gotta hurry, and you gotta trust me. Everything’s gonna be alright, but you’ve gotta trust me…”

————————

Oh, he was regretting every step. They must have been walking for a good two hours now, sneaking around foliage and dodging just about every passing cart or guard they saw. It was bad enough to walk the main road by foot, but the fact they needed to take the path around it was agonizing even by regular circumstances.

The cool rag he’d promised had grown useless within the first half, and lopped off in secret by the last. His head still felt like it was swimming, and worse still his stupid nose was twitching and dripping all over the place. It was a miracle he’d used his breath weapon so quickly, but with each sneeze little bits of electricity still bounced from his overheating skin, and while not dangerous it was pretty annoying and embarrassing for him. Just a little longer, he kept telling himself, just a few more steps… But how could he keep going with the terrible pounding in his head?

“Ravi…?” Oh. That’s how. His heart always fluttered when he heard her speak his nickname so softly, even more tender and careful in this moment. He sniffled and scrubbed at his snout with the back of his wrist, forcing a big smile for her. “R—Right as rain! You holdin up okay?”

“Yes, but… Maybe you’re feeling up for a little break? Surely at least sitting down a couple minutes won’t waste too much time, will it?” Ravomorn’s knees nearly buckled at the notion alone, but hard headed as ever he shook his head roughly. Ugh, maybe a bit too rough with how the world swirled after. “Nope, we’ve lost enough daylight as it is. Let’s keep going, we’ll rest…” Oh no, not again. His eyes rolled as his breath sagged again, quick to whip his head to the side as his body snapped with another wet double “Huh’tSCHHhoo! Hah—Rah’tschHHHHhhah! Guh, s’cuse me… I-In another hour or so…” The sneezing was putting too much strain over the mostly healed wound, and it was getting harder and harder not to yelp whenever those sneezes slipped.

“Ravi, I don’t like the sound of those sneezes, aren’t you exhausted? At least let me check your temperature—”

“Nenna.” They both stopped in a mix of shock and attention. He would never dare raise his voice at her, but when he was firm it was easy enough to quiet any room. Sighing he forced his body to relax, those glossy eyes meeting her worried ones once more. “… I feel fine. Another hour, we’ll take a few minutes to catch our breath. Until then though, we… We need to keep moving.” She stared at him for a long time, clutching at a necklace he himself gave her a couple years back. A silver songbird wrapped in a flowing, rose-gold ribbon, now perhaps one of her only comforts on this long road to freedom.

Finally she sighed, dropping her gaze and holding that bird in both hands as she continued on ahead “Ravomorn Hegrax, you better live up to your promise.” A sigh of relief escaped him before he followed on. “Another hour, tops. We’ll rest at the split in the path, then…”

“… Then what? Have some magical tea party, you get better in a pinch, and we’re whisked away by some big dragon?” Nenna sighed again, gaze now lifting skyward. “I… I do trust you, I’m sorry Ravi. I’m just tired myself... I love every ounce of you, but you worry me to my core sometimes, and it’s not about being the biggest, toughest guy alive! I don’t need you to be tough. I don’t need some meathead who thinks he has to protect me every time someone so much as coughs twenty feet away, I need you. That sweet, caring, gentle boy who asked me how my day was. Who looked me in the eye not as some obsessed fan, but someone who knew I needed a friend more than anything. You’re strong in such a genuine and unique way, and I love you so much for it. I mean what kind of barbarian covers up and apologizes for each and every little sneeze or cough, or fumbles over himself to learn an instrument just so he can watch you sing your little songs on the big stage huh?” The last part made herself giggle, but when no response came from him her brief gushing faded to a somber frown.

“… I love you, and I love and trust in us. But you have to meet me in the middle here Ravi… Can you promise to trust me a little more and speak up when you need help?” Still nothing. Not a grunt or sniffle, not… Not a footstep. Confused she turned around to find him a few feet off, staring at seemingly nothing. “… R… Ravi?”

A brief moment of recognition, a little glimmer in those eyes. True to his nature a small delirious smile arose, but even that wavered the dragonborn spoke back. “… Nenny… I… I don’t f-feel so…” a solid thump, a terrified scream.

Ravomorn Hegrax had collapsed.

[creaturedom]

27 for Beto…? 🥺

BETO, MY BELOVED?

It’s been far too long for one of my favorite boys, so anything for you Anon 🧡

27. Reading Together - Beto and Lucas

It’d been a rather long day at work. While Beto always loved helping out where he could the day just felt like it dragged on so much longer than it should have, and it didn’t help that he’d picked up more shifts the week before to help out the new employees gaining their footing. For any other man this would have been Hell to wake up and repeat all week, but the now drained man had a little trick up his sleeve for motivation.

“Beto, welcome home!” His heart always skipped a beat when he heard that familiar voice. Rounding the corner the shorter, brightly smiling Lu greeted the weary man with a gentle kiss on the lips. How long had they been together now, a few months? They got on like a house on fire, and while they hadn’t moved in together yet, it felt like it with how often Lu came over. “You ready to read more, I’ve been dying to see your reaction for the next chapter!”

Beto chuckled at that, sniffing back a bit as he playfully bumped Lucas’ forehead with his own. “You wouldn’t have to die if you just let me watch the movie with you instead, but if you’re promising cuddles and dual voice acting, theeen…” Lucas only smiled wider, leading Beto by the hand as he allowed himself to be taken to the bedroom.

Everyone got a chance to dress in their finest pj’s before hopping in, Lucas nestled into Beto’s side and propping up his rather bent but well loved copy of The Hobbit. Beto lazily put an arm around his shoulders as they began to read aloud together, something they started doing together a few months back. Started as a jab at the little mumbling Beto noticed when Lucas would get to more exciting parts, but the two quickly set into a routine, and now here they were. Though tonight it seemed Beto was a lot more out of focus.

Quiet sniffling and pawing at his face was making it hard to keep up with the lines on the page. His eyes felt rather puffy and the longer he tried to focus, the more he noticed a dull throbbing sensation in his head. Had he not taken enough breaks, running around with this constant brain fog all day? He perked up when he realized his boyfriend was staring, clearing his throat as he skimmed for whatever voice he needed to use. “Go back? No, not good at all! Sideways? I-Imposs…” Beto’s voice wavered as he drew a shaky breath, turning his head quickly to the side.

“I-Ihh— hihh, hih—Hih’ktsschxx! Hihh….. hITSCHHH! Ghuhh… S’cuse me, um: i-impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” Lucas blinked a bit owlishly but offered a gentle pat to his chest. “Geez, you been holding that in all day? Bless you babe.”

“Hah, maybe a bit. Where were we..?” He asked with a more watery sniffle, making the other pause but continue with his narration. Beto could feel the dull buzzing rising to a more fiery burn in his nose as he imagined the cold tunnels of the underground, the drip of water off in the distance and just how much Bilbo’s own head must have been swirling with questions as he once more drew a shaky breath.

“Gtschhhh! Huh’tschhhh!”

“Bless you! Those… Sounded rougher than usual, are you feeling okay?” Beto tried to nod but his nostrils were growing pink with irritation, his eyes screwing shut as he rocked with another set of powerful sneezes, three this time, leaving him with soft panting and a sympathetic hand rubbing at his chest. He watched in a daze as Lucas took the time to put the book down and feel at his skin, leaning in to the cool touch of his hands with an unconscious sigh. “You don’t feel warm, that’s good, but you’re looking a little pale… You doing okay babe?”

“Y-Yeah, yeah, just a little worn out. We put up some new decorations before opening today, so maybe the dust j-just… Hah, I feel fine, what’s next? S-Something bout him seeing a l-lake, or…” Beto was lying, and it felt like his nose was punishing him for it. Sucking in another breath he put his head to the side again, gasping for air before exploding with “H-Huh’pTSCHhhh! Hih’tschHHhhh! Tsch, tsch, tSCHhh! H-Hah—! H’PTSCHHhhh!!” That managed to get his boyfriend to sit up again, now encouraging the more limp and panting Beto to do the same. He could feel the other squeezing him as a few more sneezes ripped out, eventually leaving the waiter limp and dripping in Lucas’ grasp.

“Oh hun, I think you caught something real nasty…”

“Lu I’b fide…” Beto winced as the stuffiness reared its ugly head, reluctantly accepting a few tissues offered from the now stern looking man beside him. “Nope, that tears it. I knew you were more sluggish this morning, I should have said something sooner! Poor thing, have you been feeling bad all day?” Ugh, his hand felt so nice brushing back the curls that bounced over his forehead, Beto couldn’t help but lean in to the comfort of it and close his eyes. “Kidda, but I… I thought I was just ready for the weekedd.” He croaked, the sympathetic hands cupping his cheeks with a sigh. “Now do I sound nagging for questioning the overtime? You’ve been working yourself to the bone… I love you, but I think it’s time to admit defeat.”

Beto looked mortified, but soon he found himself nodding, a bit of tears building at the corners of his eyes. Seeing this Lucas’ features softened significantly, peppering Beto’s face with gentle kisses. “Shhh, it’s okay, nothing to feel bad about. I’ll call Valencia in a bit to let her know, but you want anything? Some medicine, more tissues, maybe order some…” At first it looked like Beto was zoning out, but following his gaze the other soon found it was a look of longing and exhaustion, leaving him to chuckle softly.

“… You want me to read to you instead, help lull you to sleep?”

“Wha..? B-But it’s your favorite, I dod’t wadda sleep through it!”

“Which means I’ve read it a million times. I’ll stop the second you doze, cross my heart, so long as you lay back down and let me work my magic. Sound fair?” His question was answered with a thick sniffle and another sneeze, but like a white flag to the wind he simply nodded and got back into position. This time the shorter man settled a bit higher to let Beto rest his head on his chest before continuing, the rumble with each new voice and narration putting that lazy smile back on Beto’s face.

“I love your voices best, Lu…”

[creaturedom]

Dinner Rush

Listen, listen, I’ve had these OCs and this idea in my head for a while, now y’all gotta deal with them. Forgive me for the length I just got real excited about it 🧡

————————————————————-

It was a warm evening, the streets packed with cars glistening under street lamps and people wandering about with friends, all with wide eyes and rolling laughter. Now that summer had rolled along this beach town was filled with tourists, all eager to get away from their mundane cities and live life to the fullest. Which, in Beto’s case, meant it was a full house at the restaurant.

Beto was a slender man with short, curly brown hair with some lighter brown highlights to it, while along his jawline he kept a nicely maintained scruff of hair against tanned skin. His eyes were a darker brown, but they seemed to have a certain glint of color whenever exposed to the light. He was never one to openly complain or make a fuss out of things, and overall most liked him for his calm demeanor and almost lazy smile. Always quick to fulfill everyone’s needs and eager to ensure things went smoothly, lest his manager Valencia catch wind of a table meltdown or employee scuffle. Normally he would have been left to greet customers and show them to their tables, but he found himself blinking in surprise as Valencia shoo’d him from the front counter.

“Gina just jumped ship, I need you to serve up top tonight.”

“What..?” He put aside the menus he was holding, but before he could ask more the manager waved her hands dismissively.

“Bitch said something about her gerbil, ran off crying like usual, don’t have time to be pissed about it! Can I count on you? Please, I can’t afford to lose anyone else tonight.” He scanned the worried look on the woman’s face and gave his usual lazy smile, rolling up his sleeves as he spoke.

“I won’t let you down, Val.” This calmed her down enough to smile at least before she shoved a notebook and pen into his hands and shoo’d him along. “Keep service quick, we’ve already got a big party seated up there so good luck!” And with that he gave her a polite wave and made his way upstairs.

Much to his delight, the top floor was already brightly lit by the hanging lights around the parameter. Each season the restaurant took great strides in giving the rooftop a different theme, complete with heaters in case it got too cold, and nice decor to give things a splash of color. This season, he found himself staring in awe at large flower arrangements, filled with things like Chrysanthemums and Sweet Peas, as well as others that he couldn’t recall seeing before. Their petals shook with a gentle breeze, and he found himself closing his eyes with a soft sniff to take in the aroma around him. Simply gorgeous... But, he had a job to do, and he could already see the large table waving him down. With a smile he strode over, the smell of the flowers hitting him much better now that he was closer.

“Buenas noches, and welcome to La Fuente! I’ll be your server tonight, you can call me Beto. Is there anything I can get you guys started with..?” He looked over the eager faces with his usual smile and began writing down each drink order. As he listened though he found himself sniffling lightly, a curious tickle appearing in his nose. He wiggled it a bit in hopes it would pass, but it was steadily becoming a prickle, and a distracting one at that. “Ah, pardon, what was that..?” He asked with a scrubbing of his nose.

“Are the sangrias any good?” He glanced over to a man sitting at the end of the table, short red hair cropped and styled into a neat fohawk and thick eyebrows raised slightly to punctuate the question. He couldn’t help but notice the deep blue in his eyes and the more square jaw, he was quite handsome. Beto smiled back despite another sniffle and nodded “Y—Yes, the kitchen just got a new wine and it’s to die for, fresh pears, some grapes, crih... Crisp...” With no more warning than a finger raised he hid his face behind the long notebook and dipped back with a loud “ghhTSHhh!”

Quick to recover he popped back up with a soft laugh and smile, waving the notebook in front of his face “‘Scuse me! Crisp pink lady apples, I just saw them come in today.” The man seemed to be interested, but he lingered a moment before nodding and popping up the menu again.

“Yeah, sounds good, I’ll take that. And bless...” Beto beamed at this and dipped his head respectfully “Thank you, and I’m sure you’re gonna love it! Now, anyone decide on appetizers, or entrees? We have a few new specials..” Beto swung himself back into the usual routine pretty cleanly in his opinion, but the tickle wasn’t going away just yet. He would start listing off some ingredients or answering a question and in between his breath would start hitching lightly while a glazed look in his eye set in. Worst still he couldn’t help feeling self conscious, a couple of them were exchanging looks, but none were really staring like the man across the table. Not that he could blame him, but he couldn’t really control it, and eventually he dipped behind a menu like he’d done before “H-Hih-! Gtschhhh! Hih’ktsschxx! Hihh..... S-So sorrhITSCHHH!” A few people at the table winced sympathetically and offered a few blessings, but he didn’t have the heart to look them in the eye. An embarrassed blush was appearing on his cheeks, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what was overwhelming him. “I-I’ll get right on this, I’m so sorry.”

He rushed downstairs and placed the ticket on the counter, scrambling into the kitchen despite some confused squawking from coworkers. He ripped a few paper towels off and rushed into a corner near the oven, body shuttering with a sharp gasp as he buried his face deep into the rough material “Huh’Resshh! Hah—Esshhh- kshh!”

“Hey, hey, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” The sous-chef grabbed him by the collar to tell him off, but his face only buried deeper into the paper towels, tears starting to spill from now red rimmed eyes “Huh’tschhhh! Hah-! Esshhhh! Heh’tschhhh!”

Some of the line chefs paused to check out the display before them, all murmuring something about what was going on and some questioning if he was alright. But the man holding him was scowling, and called overhead “Val, get his ass out of the kitchen!”

“What?” The manager stormed in just in time to see two more sneezes rip through Beto, wincing a bit when he finally raised his face enough to show how flushed it was “What the fuck- did you come to work sick? What’s wrong with you, you said you could handle things!”

His mouth gapped, but he lost this battle before it could even begin “I-I—I’b dot—gUH’TSCHHhhh!!” Just barely he shoved his face into the paper towels, and the sous-chef was quick to shove the waiter in her direction. Valencia was less than pleased, but she at least took him by the shoulders and guided him to the employee restroom, shouting over his sneezing to get back to work.

Once inside she waited for him to let out one more sneeze before taking his face in her hands, feeling against his cheeks, forehead, and neck “Okay, no fever, not clammy yet... Your eyes are looking a little puffy though, ugh. Why the fuck didn’t you call in sick?” In all honesty, it broke his heart she would even ask that. He had felt just fine beforehand, she saw he was fine! Holding up a finger to pause this conversation he looked away to blow his nose, wincing as the paper scraped against the sides of his reddened nostrils and a pressure built under his eyes.

“M’not sick,” he insisted “I was doing fine and then all of a s-suhhh... Sudden my nose started to t-tihhih— tickle...”

“Then are you getting sick, do I need to send you home?” Her words were sharp, but there was a clear worry in her eyes as she looked over him. These two had been working together for years, she knew this wasn’t like him “What set you off?”

“I... I don’t know...” Beto admitted, deflating with a light sniffle “Please, whatever it is, don’t send me home yet. I can finish at least a c—couple-” he raised the paper towels once more, but when nothing came he let out a shaken sigh “Just a few more tables... Please, it’s packed tonight. I can’t strand you with this.”

He could see it on her face. A genuine flash of worry, anger, and consideration. So much was going through Valencia’s mind, and the most he could do was look to her pleadingly. When she finally spoke again it was with a heavy sigh and a pointed finger pressed against his chest “You get a few more tables. I’ll help out up top where I can, but if you can’t get this under control I’m sending you straight home. If for a second you feel about ready to drop, you tell me and head right home. Understood?”

His face managed to light up, and with a nod in agreement to her, she merely patted his shoulder and walked out. Alright, if he was gonna stay, he needed to get cleaned up first.

————————————————————-

At first things were looking up. After a quick wash of his face and another nose blow he was back to serve his previous tables and greet new customers. At the table where it all began, a few of the guests asked if he was feeling alright, to which he assured it was only a mild tickle and apologized. But, there was two things he couldn’t shake.

The first was a low buzzing sensation in the back of his sinuses. He managed to get it together in the bathroom and even stave off the tickle, but the longer he was up here the more he was feeling it build. And the other, was the gaze of the blue eyed guest. Every now and again while serving drinks and bringing food they would happen to catch a glimpse of one another, always when Beto least expected it.

When he rubbed his nose, when he was sniffling under the cover of chatter, there was the man’s eyes again. They didn’t feel judgemental by any means, but there was something there as they would both glance away rather quickly. What a mess he must have looked...

“Excuse me, sir?” Beto’s attention snapped back to said table and, much to his dread, it was the blue eyed man again. Beto’s cheeks carried a light blush as it caught him off guard, but he quickly shook it off to be near him with the usual lazy smile.

“Yes, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Maybe, but um, seems a little silly.” The waiter tilted his head at this but merely grinned, internally cursing as he felt the tickle slowly build further “N... Nonsense sir, your comfort is our priority. Another drink maybe, some sides..?”

“No, no, I.. I was curious about these.” The pale man reached over to one of the smaller flower arrangements on the table, holding it up to the other “Any idea what these are called?”

“Oh! They’re quite beautiful, aren’t they? Let’s see, ah... Chrysanthemums, a little Sweet Pea, which I always think would look like actual peas, but they’re just pretty flowers?” Beto chuckled at this and pointed to a few others “For sure sunflowhh... S-Sunflowers, but I don’t...” Oh no, not again. He tried to sniff sharply, but the fragrance of the flowers only seemed to make it worse. The customer, on the other hand, filled in the blank.

“Yeah, I’m trying to figure out these ones,” he pointed to a few more vibrant flowers, a deep burgandy and orange “At first I thought they were Zinnias, but the way the petals fall they’re so much closer... They’re all over the place, but I can’t say I’ve seen them before.” As he man looked back to his waiter he blinked calmly, watching as Beto hid the lower half of his face behind his notebook and watery eyes screwed shut.

“Th—They’re gorgeous, but I c-can’t... Can’t-!” With a sharp gasp he bent to the side, trying desperately to stifle “HIH’TXxxx! G’htsxx! H-Hih... Hah-! Huuh’tschhhh!” He tried to look back to the man to apologize, but the oberwhelming smell and sharp tickle threw off all concentration, and he was helpless to do more than double over again, catching his face in the crook of his elbow as two sudden, wet sneezes burst from him “Hih’pTSCHHhh! E’TSCHhh..!”

The sneezes left his ears ringing, he could hardly hear the sympathetic blessings offered from the table over the crowd’s usual chatter. Unsure what else to do he simple rushed off from the table, going to the closest restroom he could to ride out the fit.

The first sneeze struck just as he opened the door, then again half way in, and ended with him desperately clinging to a sink as they continued to tumble through his system. His eyes stung, he could hardly catch his breath between harsh sneezes, but worst of all, he knew deep down this was it. He had to admit something was wrong, and his manager would find out any minute. As he blindly reached for paper towels to wipe the mess now dripping from his nostrils, the door swung open with a slight squeak. Oh, wonderful.

But there was no disgusted noise, at least not that he noticed as he gave a gurgling blow into the rough paper. Instead, he was met with a firm hand on his shoulder, and what sounded like a rattling bottle.

“I’m sorry, I can’t take it anymore.” Confused, Beto wiped his eyes, seeing before him a clear bottle filled with long white pills. Blinking softly he looked up, far too drained to do more than stare in a daze at the one who offered them. The man with the red fohawk and bright blue eyes. Only this time, they were much softer, full of a sympathy he never would have expected from a stranger “I promised my sister I wouldn’t say anything, but you’re really dying out there. I was hoping you’d give up and take a break, but... Now I just figure you don’t know what you’re dealing with.”

“Wha..?” Beto took the pills from the man and scrubbed his eyes to get a better look at them. Off-brand antihistamines. At first he opened his mouth to question it, but as realization struck, it closed again. Though the man merely smirked, a bit playfully, and continued.

“Allergies, Einstein. From the look of it, bad ones at that...”

“I... I don’t understand, I‘ve never hahh... Ngh, had allergies..”

“Actually,” he corrected “you just didn’t know you did. It’s cool man, I’ve got some bad allergies myself, so I assumed you just didn’t want to admit to it. But turns out you’re just dealing with a flower you haven’t had the pleasure of smelling yet...” As if out is sympathy the man scratched the side of his own nose, sniffing a bit with a chuckle.

“I doped myself up long before I got here, but I don’t mind sharing with a guy in need...” There was a certain relief to hearing the other say that. If it was allergies it could be cured, the endless sneezing could stop. Not hesitating a moment he took out a couple pills out and downed them, using the sink to get some water and grimacing at the taste. After, he turned to the man with a relieved sigh and handed him back the bottle.

“Sir, I can’t thank you enough. Can I get you a free drink, maybe your meal on the house? I feel awful f-for hhh... How I’ve been all night..” The man smiled at Beto and shook his head, pocketing the precious pills in his jacket. “No way, I just wanted to help a good guy out. And you’ve been holding up great all evening, it was just my dumbass that pushed you over the edge.”

The two of them laughed at this, though Beto’s was a bit hoarse at this point. As things settled though the man paused, putting a hand on his shoulder again “Though... I wouldn’t complain if I maybe got one thing...” His attention caught, Beto straightened up a bit.

“And... What would that be, sir?”

“... Your number, maybe?” There was a long silence that hung in the room. At first the other man felt it was due to it being a ridiculous request, but as he saw Beto’s already red face grow redder, he knew it just needed a moment to process.

“... W... We can... Trade...” Oh god, was that stupid? It felt a little stupid as Beto watched the man snort out a laugh, but when he took the notbook from his hands and started writing, suddenly everything shifted. The two of them wrote on the same piece of paper, Beto being careful to rip off his number and hand it over to the kind man.

“I guess I’ll be seeing you around then, Beto..” The waiter’s knees felt weak as the man smiled, god he smiled with his eyes, they just lit up the whole room in such a quick moment.

“W—Wait, what’s your name?” He called right as the man reached the door, another pause before he came back with that smile. He wasn’t taller than Beto, but in this moment the waiter felt like they were on the same level as his heart skipped a beat.

“Lucas Beckett. Everyone calls me Lu though.”

“... B... Beto Perez...” The two of them stood there grinning for a while, and when satifsied Lu nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets, already turning for the door “I’ll see you around, Beto. Let me know when your schedule is free, alright?”

“Sure thing..” And just like that the handsome man was gone. He needed a bit to blow his nose and wipe up his face, but there was a new excitement in his body that he couldn’t describe. Mr. Lucas Beckett... Beto’s mind was swimming with ideas about him, and for a moment he wondered if it really happened, if the man was truly thinking of him like that.

“Hih’tSCHHhhhh!”

Apparently so.

[creaturedom]

Keep Close

Time to sprinkle in superpowered OCs I’ve had for years, oopsies. 🧡

———————————————-

A shrill siren echoed through the night as two young men barreled deep into the dark woods, the sound of barking and shouting trailed behind them. Dragging his shorter compatriot behind him, Donovan Blackburn looked around frantically for a good place to hide. He was an averaged sized man with short brunette hair and piercing yellow eyes that seemed to glow against the vacant darkness. He wore a hospital gown and cursed under his breath as he slipped on some brambles, but he kept going for both of their sakes.

Drug behind him was a younger man named Hayes, a bit shorter and pudgy in comparison, but wearing the same garb. His hair twisted in tight yellow curls with deep brown eyes that kept bouncing back and forth to see what was coming after them.

“Keep close,” Donovan hissed back at him, “We can’t stop now, just stay with me a little longer!” Though terrified and biting back shriek of pain as his feet scrambled across some loose bramble, Hayes squeezed the others hand tight and pushed on further.

The night was damp with a thick chill as the fog started to roll in, fall no doubt clutching the heart of the forest. With every step came the noisy stamp of wet leaves and mud from each party, and even the taller boy was having trouble keeping calm. But he wasn’t going back. No, he could never go back to that place, and he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if Hayes was abandoned there too.. He squeezed the others hand again and took a sudden dive to the right.

A startled scream was muffled as he put a hand over Hayes’ mouth and started to drag them low into the twisting roots of a fallen log. The footsteps were still gaining, but both needed a moment to rest and get their act together. Panting heavily Donovan looked to Hayes and held his cheeks in his hands, a serious yet tender look as he examined his companion’s face.

“You good, still with me?” He could feel tears start to pour down the others face, but Hayes drew a shaken breath and put his hands over one if Donovan’s, cupping it as he nestled into his touch.

“I-I—I’m okay, they didn’t hurt me. A-Ah...” Hayes tucked his legs closer as a sharp sting now rose. Neither couldn’t see it clearly, but it was more than apparent they were both bleeding. It’s just that Hayes had quite the softer skin in comparison, and he was shaking like a leaf.

It broke the others heart to see him like this. It was his idea to leave the facility for the sake of finding life on the outside, and he knew Hayes had never stepped foot out into even the courtyard. But the two of them were too close to give up just yet. Donovan remembered how fiercely he fought to try and get outside again the first time he was carted into the facility, practically feral and tearing into just about any scientist who tried to get close. And then there was Hayes.

Sweet, worried Hayes, with those big curious eyes and gentle touch. Reassuring, warm, and kind even to the likes of him. They’d determined that Donovan needed someone to lower his hostility and hopefully calm him enough to run the tests they so desperately desired. And who better to do that then their number one lab rat, so trusting in their ways and never once questioning what grass was like, let alone begging to see it.

Everything was so different now.

Hayes felt a familiar, fuzzy touch as the hand he held to started to expand. Much to his delight Donovan had shifted it to what he’d learned was a bear’s arm, and held the warm fur to his shivering form as the steps drew closer.

“Just a little longer,” Donovan murmured “Stay low, stay quiet, and just keep close to me..” Hayes nodded quietly and leaned against the back of the log with Donovan’s arm still in his grasp, shutting his eyes tight while the other kept watch. This was nothing like the stories he’d told Hayes prior to the chase, no open fields, no bright blue sky... Then again they did break out in the dead of night, but he was hoping the outside would be much less terrifying. And the smells, they were all so strange.

Hayes started to pick up the moist smell of cool fog and damp leaves, it felt like he liked those. Mixed with the coppery smell of blood it wasn’t the best, but it didn’t compare to something else. There was a weirdly... Musty smell inside of the log. Not quite like a stuffy room, but close in how it caught his attention. The log was covered in moss, dirt, little mushrooms, all of which he wasn’t sure he’d seen outside of books. The moss was cool to the touch, a bit spongy at that with the water they held. The dirt, though damp in most areas, kinda floated all over, but it was also mixed with some other particals he just wasn’t sure of. But weirder still was how it was getting increasingly hard to breathe.

Hayes was more accustomed to the whirr of a constant air duct and sterilized facility. Everything he asked for was provided after a thorough wipe down and dusting, so he couldn’t recall ever having this strange, itchy feeling. He tried to sniffle and scrub his nose quietly, but it felt like the more he prodded, the itchier it got. Didn’t help when he tried to massage it, as he felt his hands were covered in something granular and flakey.

“D... Donnie..?” He panted softly, earning a sharp shushing. The search party was closer now, their voices just barely heard over the barking of their dogs. “D-Donnie, I don’t... I cahh..” Hayes felt the other shift towards him, but his head bobbed down toward the fur with an itchy “Htschh! Hah... Ghtxsh!”

The sneezes were soft and caught the both of them off guard. Thankfully not booming, but it was clear they weren’t stopping based on how quick Hayes’ breath was becoming “D-Donnie I do’hhgtsh! Feel s—so g—tschh, tschh!”

“Fuck, no no no, stop!” Desperate, both arms shifted back to to their normal form so he could pinch Hayes’ nose shut. The other squeaked pitifully, but it wasn’t quite enough to stop what was building. Again his head dipped, curls bouncing as his body now released sharp stiffles “Gh’tsxx, hhtsxx, hNNGtxxx!”

There was a misstep outside, a brief pause “Hayes please, you have to hold it,” He begged as the steps began picking up pace again “You can’t do this, not right now!”

A brief flash of light came into the log to flash those big eyes again, now full of tears and face reddening from whatever allergens were lurking here. But, the light also revealed they were looking eye to eye, not Donovan down to the other. And as another sneeze was stifled against pinched fingers, he now felt why.

Hayes was starting to float.

He could feel it in how his nose twisted up and out of his grasp, just in time for Hayes to bump into the top of the log and bring down whatever thick dust and grime still clung to it. The two of them struggled to keep coughing to a minimum, but it was already too late. Hayes was back to much sharper gasps, nostrils flaring and eyes welded shut against the sharp tickle.

“H-Huh—ghtshh! Hah’tschh—tschh!” Hayes curled into a ball as his body fully pressed against the top and the log creaking softly as it lifted to some degree. He was ready to keep sneezing, but Donovan snatched him and did his best to drag the other to his level again, holding him close to his chest while trying to scramble further back in the log. There seemed to be a thicker root system on the other side that was keeping this half of the log from rising too high, but he had no idea what to do with his floating compatriot.

“Donnie..” Hayes choked, unsure if he was crying from the sneezing or out of fear. The most Donovan could do was wrap his arms around him and hold him close, tucking his forehead against his collar bone with the lower half of Hayes body just awkwardly floated up.

“We’re never going back, you hear me? I’m not letting them lock us away again...” Combatting the weight he fully shifted into a bear, a tighter squeeze in their new spot, but enough to at least keep the both of them more securely grounded. The search party came closer to their hiding spot, dogs snarling and sniffing about to try and find these two.

“Hayes, Donovan...” the familiar, sickly sweet voice struck their ears clearly. Dr. Williams, a renowned researcher with light brown curly hair twisted back in a messy bun was wandering the damp forest with her team. “This is silly! I would have expected this much from Donovan, but Hayes..? Darling, it’s all just a trick. You’re both so much safer back home, do you know what they do to people like you on the outside?”

She snapped her slender fingers, signaling for the dog handlers to fan out, all stepping much more carefully “We’re studying for the greater good! To help society understand, and better yet, grow with you two! They’re not ready for powers as extraordinary as yours, nor are they worthy of understanding it. You’re not welcome on the outside my dear boys, that’s unfortunately the truth of the matter...” Her attention was caught by the creak of something, like wood straining, and possibly a breath. Smiling she tried to get closer to an old tree, hand ready to grasp a baton at her side.

“You think you’re both so clever, but you don’t even see the consiquences. How will you survive? How will you blend into society again, if you can even get that close?” In a flash she raised the baton and rounded the corner, only to find a buck staring wide eyed into the light. Big, black eyes. She scowled upon the discovery.

Meanwhile, Hayes was only growing worse. Donovan could feel his muffled breaths growing more labored and desperate, moisture seeping through his thick fur as they listened to the Doctor monologue. He could hardly catch his breath, but he was struggling so hard against it to comply with Donovan’s sharp command. He let out a small chuff, nuzzling the other man in his arms and looking quietly around for something, anything to help. And then he found it.

It wasn’t the most secure thing, but he found there was lower branches from the tree they hid under that looked flexible. Upon grabbing some he bit them off at the base and shifted back, letting Hayes bump against the root system again while he testingly tugged and twisted them together “Cover your mouth, I’ve got an idea...” Once he was sure the bundle was thick enough he tied it around one of Hayes wrists and held on to the other side, shifting back to a bear with the branches in his muzzle.

Hayes was terribly confused by this until Donovan suddenly ducked out careful to drag his chubbier companion out with him. Like a balloon Hayes floated overhead, staring with wide eyes at a the beast that tugged him along while they now stepped further into the forest. He was grinning at Donovan’s cleverness, but the grin soon melted and he was back to holding his hands over his mouth and nose.

His sinuses felt like they were on fire and wouldn’t stop buzzing, helpless to relieve it beyond rough rubbing and sharp pinches. Though out of the log it was still hard for Hayes to get his breathing under control, and it was clear he was losing the battle quickly. His lip trembled to try and warn Donovan, but finding it was too late he simply cupped his hands over his face and stiffled a few sharper sneezes “Hnghtschh! Huh’tschhoo! K’tschh!”

The warning look in those bright yellow yes made Hayes wince, but it softened quick. Just a little longer, just a little bit more, he had to believe this was true.. And so they continued into the cold night, shouts turning distant with time and Hayes even floating lower after a while. Once he was stumbling on the ground again Donovan changed back to grab the others grimy face, smiling despite the anxiety that bit at his insides “A-Are you okay? Are you seriously okay?”

“I’m fine..” Hayes tried to assure him, fresh tears sliding down his reddened cheeks “Donnie I’m so sorry, I-I couldn’t stop, I... Hiiih-!” This time Donovan was at least faster to wrap his arms around the other before the sneezing struck “Huh’tsch, hah’tschh! H-Huh... Hah—tSCHHOoo!” The last one made the two of them hop off the ground a moment with great force, but their combined weight made them sink again.

Fondly he kissed the others cheeks and did his best to wipe off the dirt that remained on both of them as best he could “You did fine, everything’s fine now and we don’t have to worry about them ever again. Hayes, we’re out..” With Hayes now hovering it made it a lot easier for Donovan to hug him close for a quick twirl, earning a squeak and exhausted laugh. “This is just the beginning, babe. First night or so are gonna be rough, but I promise the outside is better than anything they’ve ever done.”

Hayes smiled at that, finding some ease in floating down again to kiss the taller man “I know. I’d go anywhere with you...” The two shared a gentle kiss, though Hayes moved away to sneeze again, groaning and sniffling thickly. Donovan tore his own tattered gown to offer to the other, who winced as soon as he gave a gurgling blow. “Let’s go find somewhere to hole up for the night. The last thing we need is for you to catch a cold..”

[creaturedom]

Chill in the Air

Time to get back on track with fics!

Gonna be taking requests soon, but wanted to warm up with my boys 🧡

—————-

“Morgan, get back inside.”

The detective heaved a heavy sigh through his nose, a long stream of steam billowing out in front of him. A week. They had a week to unravel this missing person’s case, and they’d just barely scratched the surface.

“Morgan..” His currently exasperated partner, Detective Marcelo Corva, was standing behind him in the victim’s doorway. The temperature had dropped considerably since they entered the scene a couple hours prior, but it was to be expected with the recent cold fronts blowing into LA. And, as usual, only one of them seemed prepared for it.

Morgan was wearing a light sweater, looking over the railing of the apartment to the cityscape beyond. He just couldn’t wrap his head around the current suspect’s motivation. If she was truly responsible, how could she have carried her victims so far from the apartment complex without being seen? The detective sniffled against a cool breeze, scrubbing his chilled nose against the cuff of his sleeve.

“I need a minute.”

“Can’t you take it in here? C’mon man, you’ve been working yourself to the bone, at least fill me in on what’s going inside that head of yours.” Morgan scowled at that, not turning to meet his partner’s irritated gaze.

“Wouldn’t kill you to come out here.”

“It also wouldn’t kill you to get your ass in here!” Corva tucked his gloved hands into his jacket pockets, shivering lightly as the temperature started creeping up on him “It’s freezing out, you seriously gonna pout all by yourself instead of help me in here?”

Morgan felt a dull pounding in the back of his skull as he turned with a hiss to Corva “What’s left in there? We’ve found no motivation, no weapon, the most we’ve got is a name and even then what the fuck is left?” Though taken back by the snap Corva narrowed his eyes at the other.

“All the more reason to be more thorough. I know there’s something here, the least you can do is humor me here. Take a breath, come back inside-“

“—There’s nothing in there,” Morgan screeched “get your head out of your ass! You think if we turn over another shoe we’ll find a knife? How about a lock of the suspect’s hair, or a little note with their social security on it?” He stepped closer, sniffling sharply as he continued “You’re digging for something more, but there’s nothing here! Admit it, it’s a dead end!” It wasn’t like Morgan to be so impatient and snappy, but he couldn’t take another second looking aimlessly in one place. Not while there was still so much to find, in so little a time frame. But, something was still keeping Corva from seeing ya to eye with him.

As the shorter man huffed and puffed in front of him, Corva squinted suspiciously at his features. How long had his nostrils been rimmed with pink? And his eyes looked almost sunken in, tired with a strange spark to them. There wasn’t much spirit to his movements at that, despite his outburst, and it took Corva a few moments before he could breathe a much calmer response “... We need to take this conversation inside.”

“You’re not listening!”

“Oh I’m listening, I’m listening to every rasp and sniffle you throw my way. Or did you mean your hissy fit?” Morgan threw him a confused look, but the other continued “Morgan, I’m not gonna say it again. Come back inside. Dead end or not, at least come in for a break...” This only made Morgan’s blood boil. He shoved the others shoulder with another hiss “Break? A break? I don’t need a break, I need answers, and we’re wasting time here! We can’t just wait around-!”

And then, a startled silence. Corva reached out and pressed a finger roughly against the tip of Morgan’s nose and was waiting with his arms crossed against his chest. Morgan looked about ready to snap again, but his eyes started to flutter softly, an already pink nose scrunching as a low buzzing grew in his nose “Whh... We c-cahh... C-Can’t... Hih-!” Quick to pinch his nose shut Morgan’s head bobbed down suddenly.

“H-H’ptschxxx! W-Wait—! ghtschh, hih’txxx! Ghtxxx!” Corva sighed and grabbed his partner’s collar as Morgan’s mouth gaped with laboring gasps, dragging him inside just in time for the fit to resume “HUP’TSChhh! Tsch, tschh, tschHHhh-! Huh... H-Huh— gTSCHHhhoo!” Morgan muttered a curse under his breath as the sneeze slipped fully, but with the force building in his sinuses he knew this was a losing battle. Corva shut the door and stepped closer to his partner, at least offering a sympathetic hand as Morgan rode out this sudden fit. He looked so helpless just gasping, eyes streaming and nose glowing redder seemingly with each sneeze. It made Corva feel awful for what he did, but it was oddly satisfying as well considering what an asshole Morgan had been all day.

“Hiih’tschoo! Huh’tshhh! H-Hih, G’TSCHhhhuh..!” Panting, Morgan looked up in a haze. The room was far warmer, but his body felt heavy and off balanced. Even as he straightened up things just felt so off center, like he was standing on an incline “... Grant?” He blinked blearily at his partner and sniffled wetly, far too aware of the mess that lurked behind his trembling hands. Corva grabbed ahold of him again and made him sit on a nearby stool, already taking off his glove and feeling the back of his neck “Hmm... You’re definitely warm... Shit, you holding up alright?”

At least he had enough experience with his sneezier counterpart to carry around a pack of tissues. He handed it over as usual and waited for Morgan to regain some composure “Ughh... Feel like I got a couch dropped on me...” Corva huffed with amusement, patting his shoulder reassuringly “You look like it... Listen, we’re gonna figure this out. You’re right about wasting time, but we’re not gonna get anywhere like this. Let’s head back to your apartment, at least get a couple hours of rest, and see what we can do in the morning?”

Morgan visibly tensed, to which Corva quickly added “We’re not going to give up. There’s still a few more days to go, but we’re not gonna be able to find anything else if you completely run yourself down. And we’re certainly not gonna let Wilson’s crew catch wind of this.” He pressed with a playful grin.

This managed to coax a tired smile from Morgan who nodded wearily “One power nap... Th-That’s it you hih... H-Hhhh..” his mouth gaps with a few rough hitches, but sadly a shaken sigh is all that escapes. Corva hesitates, but after a moment he presses his partner’s nose again, watching as the reddened nostrils flared wildly again before being buried deep in a wad of tissues “Hetchxx! Huhtschxxx! HIH’KSCHhhh! Guhh...”

Chuckling Corva puts an arm over his shoulders and rubs his arm “Yeah, yeah, I know the drill...”