#dean potion permit

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References forrr future selfship slop

Solos under the cut

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I’m selfshipping/oc x canon shipping with a non romancable character from a game no one cares about so I have her all to myself so have my hcs for Dean and the chemist from beyond😛

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Dean and the Chemist from Beyond Chapter 3: Pineapples

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Im so sorry for not updating, I started playing stardew valley and got distracted lol. Also, I've somehow never gotten Dean in my clinic my entire playthrough of potperm… whyyyyyy……..

Chapters: 1 2

Every day, the Chemist would come by to make some small talk. They would appear out of nowhere, usually from behind, greet him, the two would make a bit of conversation, and they'd run off to do only the goddess knows what. He never knew when it would happen or where they would come from, most of the time. But it was a welcome interruption of his routines. Though he saw them going around and greeting everyone, so it wasn't all that special, he supposed. Despite his initial observations and the sudden appearances, he couldn't see much else too different about them compared to the average resident.

It was getting irritating. Knowing there's something wrong, but not being able to prove it. Especially when personal friendship started to muddy the waters of the investigation. He glanced at the bag of moon cloves on his desk. Those were the first they had given out, apparently. They got it from healing Russo, apparently, and they heard it was tradition to give moon cloves as a sign of friendship. He didn't tell them it was a bit taboo to admit you were regifting moon cloves, but he felt they were better off without him making them disappointed.

"Hey, Dean! Get over here!" He heard Derrek call him from outside his room. "One sec!" He called back. Thank god for Saturday, no need to do much work. He stepped out into the kitchen, seeing a box on the kitchen table and his very smiley-looking twin. "Good morning." He offered as a greeting. "What's with the box?" Derrek seemed to smile even more at the mention of it, scooping it up as if he'd won a prize. "You know how I said I wanted to get some more food from the south?"

"Oh, you got tomatoes?" Dean asked, sitting down at the table. "Better." Derrek smiles, letting the box thump back down in front of his brother for dramatic effect. "I got an exotic fruit from the tropics. Something that used to be so hard to get, nobles in the capital would rent them for profit!" He explained, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "Now, cause its the modern era, or whatever, we can get them a lot easier. And I got a great deal on one." He undoes the string around the box, opening it up to reveal a large, yellow, and spiny fruit with thick green leaves on the top.

Dean's eyebrow raised. "Is…is that a pineapple?" He asked tentatively, squinting a bit in confusion. "Aren't those like, a couple thousand gold? How on earth did you get the money for one?" Please don't say our utilities. Please don't say the inheritance. And PLEASE don't say you got it at full price. "Relax, man. I only had to pay 900. Been using my overtime to save up." Derrek explained. Oh, thank the goddess, he saved for it- wait, 900 gold?!

"Derreeek…" Dean groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What are we going to do with a 900 gold fruit?" He asked, exasperated. There was so much that could be done with that money… "Duh, eat it," Derrek said plainly. "Doyee." Dean huffed. "For that price, it better be the greatest thing I've ever tasted," he grumbled. But… exotic fruit, he may not get the chance to taste something like that again… "Fine. I'll take some. How do we get it open?"

"That depends. Can I use your cleaver?" Derrek asked, looking through the knife rack. "I mean, sure." Dean nodded, but did cringe at the idea of using it like Derrek probably would. Derrek snatched up the knife and the cutting board, placing the pineapple down on its side. "If I remember correctly, I think they…" He slammed the knife down near the leaf end of the fruit with a mighty thwack, taking another few cuts to fully get through. The inside was a very bright, almost artificial-looking yellow, and the juice began to leak onto the cutting board. Derrek moved to cut it in half, then in half again, then into quarters. "Think you eat 'em like cantaloupes or something like that."

He put some of the thick slices onto a plate, placing them in front of Dean. "Bone apple teeth. I'm gonna wash my hands, but ya can start eating." He said as he walked toward the bathroom. Dean, in the meantime, did his best to bite into it. The juices made his hands tingle, and the first bites on the middle corner were hard and a bit tasteless. But the bulk of it was actually quite tasty! Juicy, sweet, with a strange heat he hasn't felt in many fruits. It was spicy!

Okay, wow. A bit too spicy. Was all the food down closer to the equator this hot? His throat burned at the taste. Hell, his entire mouth and even his lips were starting to burn. His face was hot and itchy all of a sudden, and he felt like his heart was pounding in his chest. He tried to inhale, tried to get past the breath he found his body trying to hold, but he couldn't. His throat was starting to feel tight. He couldn't breathe. He felt his skin turning hot, and itchy spots sprouted up like weeds in an instant.

"Deh-" He tried to say, wheezing. "dehrekk…" He saw his brother coming out of the bathroom, scratching at red hands. "Hey, De-OHGODS." Derrek froze in place when he saw him, eyes filling with horror. "Doctor- doctor, get me-" Dean panted out, world around him beginning to spin. Black spots swirled in his vision, and he felt someone holding him. Light, then shadows, the wind, all blurring together as dark spots danced in his eyes.

He was moving, but he couldn't tell where. Not that it matters, since every neuron in his mind was screaming at him that he was dying. He was scratching at his throat, clawing at it as if it would let some breath in through the raw skin. His chest was tight, his body itched, his stomach ached, his limbs felt numb, and his face felt like it was on fire. He felt like he was going to die. And it would be such an embarrassing way to go, wouldn't it? Overexpensive tropical fruit.

He felt like he was being placed on something soft, and some words were said that he didn't understand. His clothes were being loosened, a welcome reprieve for his lungs. Suddenly, something sharp was stuck into his leg. He yelped the best he could at the sudden pain, but a hand pushed him back down onto the soft surface. But, as if a curse was lifted, he could suddenly breathe again. The heat on his skin began to die, and the fire in his mouth subsided. His eyes slowly unblurred, and the colors that were sitting in front of him began to turn into full shapes, then forms, then people.

"Hey, Dean. :(" The Chemist's voice was soft. They smiled, but their voice sounded sad. No nicknames. They were wiping a warm towel on his cheek, and it felt so nice. "You feeling better? ono" They asked, brushing some of his hair out of their face. It took a moment before his throat felt less raw, and he was able to speak. "I- uh…" He coughed a bit as his body slowly adjusted to whatever was put inside it. "Y-yeah, a bit?" His mind was fogged, even if conscious. He felt awful, but much better than before.

"Oh, Dean, thank the goddess, you're okay." Derrek seemed to let out a deep sigh. "But seriously, the hell is happening?!" He growled, still scratching at hands covered in angry, red splotches. The Chemist quickly moved back towards Derrek, grabbing his hands to examine them. "I said, don't scratch 'em! >:( You said you were eating pineapple right before this started, right? :O" They asked. "Y-yeah? What was the pineapple laced or something?!" He demanded, gritting his teeth. "I swear to god, if that two-timing mail-order salesman tricked me-"

"No, no! o-o;" The Chemist said quickly. "Don't blame the salesman! :( It's allergies! Allergies!! @-@" Derrek blinked. "Allergies?" He repeated. "… That's it? Allergies?" He sounded suprisingly disappointed. "Yep! Based on your reactions and the effects you described, it seems like you're both allergic to pineapple. ^_^ It seems like it's really severe, too… 0-0' Thank goodness you got here fast, or else Dean might've died!! :((" Died?! Derrek spent 900 gold on a fruit that almost killed him?? "Speaking of which, I gotta get you guys something for those hives, they seem itchy! ^o^ I'll be back! :3"

The Chemist skittered off, leaving the other two in the Clinic. Silence hung in the air for a moment. Then, Derrek turned on his heel. "I'm gonna go see Matheo." He says curtly. "Huh?" Dean's eyes widened. "I'll be back, don't worry. I.." Derrek's expression hardened a bit. "I don't trust them." Dean blinked. "Then… why did you bring me here?" He asked, brows furrowing. "I only brought you here cause it was an emergency." He said quickly. "You weren't breathing well, and… this was closer." He looked down at the floor for a moment. "You coming?" Dean considered it for a moment, but right now, the idea of even raising his head from his pillow felt daunting. He shook his head. "I'll be back, and if he gives me anything, I'll bring it back." And then, Derrek ran off.

Dean was alone for a while. His arms still itched, but he did his best to keep from scratching. But soon, the door creaked open once more. Quick footsteps moved towards his side. ".. Where'd Derrek go? ',:/" The Chemist asked, eyes scanning the clinic. "Oh, uh… he left," Dean explained, voice a bit weak. "He… said he was gonna go see Matheo." The Chemist's expression soured, and the cold air of the clinic slowly seemed to heat. "Ugh, course… Now I gotta sell the rest… >:[" They grumbled, sitting down at the chair next to him. "He shouldn't have left you alone, either, but that's my fault for not telling him. :/"

They took off their gloves, revealing rough-looking hands. The black nails at the end of each finger looked sharp but well-trimmed, the skin around them darkened to almost black. A side effect of potion making..? "Huh? Wait, why shouldn't I be alone?" Dean asked as they were dipping their fingers into an unknown container. "Even if I treated you for the first reaction, it's possible you could have another reaction later, basically. >>" They explained, rubbing an herbal-smelling balm onto his hands. Wait, when did they take his gloves off? "But, ah… I think you got most of the pineapple out of your system. ^^'"

That'd explain the acrid taste in his mouth. "Ah." A lot of questions ran through Dean's mind. What was put in him? What was going to happen? Did he have to stay here long? (Honestly, he wasn't opposed to the idea. Let him stay close to see if he can notice anything long…) But instead, he said, "You seem… very serious when you work." The Chemist paused at that. Their hands slowed, thumbs pressing more deliberately into the balm as their eyes darted away. For a moment, they didn’t answer. The clinic was quiet except for the soft drag of their chair against the floor as they adjusted their posture.

“Mmm… I kinda have to be. >->” They said eventually. “Potions don’t forgive mistakes, even the small ones. :|” Their fingers were cold, frigid to the touch, and the herbal scent grew stronger as they worked it into his skin, easing the itch little by little. “And, especially, the body is so resilient, but really fragile! :( If I mess up the ratios, or use the wrong formulas, I might just make things worse… T-T" They sighed. "It'll just… prove everyone right, you know? u-u" Their voice was tight as they said it, heat replaced by cold and humidity. So, not just heat responded to their emotions, but humidity as well.

"I mean, I've heard good stuff about your clinic. They've said… you're fast in your potions and treat people well, so… I'd say you're doing good proving them wrong, right?" He suggested. They hummed. "Guess so… -_-; It just feels like everyone's watching me, waiting for me to mess up or betray the town or whatever, comparin' me to stupid Matheo… >:|" They grumbled, fingers digging into the balm. Their eyes suddenly went wide, seeming to catch themselves in something. "I'm sorry, you probably don't want to hear about this. :( I'm supposed to just be treating you, not dumping all of this… @_@" They 'sputtered' out. Dean had to keep reminding himself that they weren't speaking in a human tongue.

He had no way of knowing it wasn't some sort of trick, a lie to get him emotionally invested. But… this was something he wanted to talk about for a while. "I feel the same. Er- sometimes." He admitted. "Whattt?! You seem so cool, tho! :O" They exclaimed, somehow seeming shocked by the concept. "You think I'm-" He shook his head quickly. "Well, yeah. I'm… not that great at being a police officer, especially compared to my brother, so… you know, I get… worried that people expect me not to do well in my job, you know?" He explained, trying to hop around his words a bit so he didn't sound as pathetic as he felt. He still felt pretty pathetic, but that's besides the point.

There was silence for a moment. "So… how do you deal with it? :[" They asked, looking at him expectantly. "Huh?" He blinked. "Like… you said sometimes, so… how do you, well.. stop thinking about it? :<" They asked. His mouth was left open for a moment, and then he closed it. He didn't have an answer. He just went silent, looking away. He didn't move. The Chemist didn't move. "… okay." They said quietly. He couldn't sense any specific emotion behind it. They went back to putting balm on his arms, cold hands quietly running over the itchy hives all over his hands.

Their hands moved up, and his heart rate spiked a bit. Their hand lingered around his wrist a second longer than necessary before pulling away and continuing to move up to where his sleeve had been rolled up. “Anyway,” The Chemist continued, rolling their shoulders as if shaking off the seriousness, “I’ll keep an eye on you a bit longer, cutie! :3" Something about the return of casual conversation made him feel relieved. "If anything feels weird, dizzy, floaty, itchy in places that shouldn’t itch, tell me right away. >:|” They said quickly. "Oh, and no more pineapple. :p"

Oh, right. Somehow, he'd forgotten about the whole allergy thing. "Oh, uh, you said I need to stay, cause of… another reaction?" He asked. "Oh! Yaya! :0" They exclaimed. "After Epira, the thing I injected into your thigh, is used on someone, they need to be monitored because of how anaphylaxis works. Sometimes, randomly, the body will let symptoms go away, and then… poof! They're back! ^_^ We don't really know why, but if it starts up again, you need to be watched." The humidity suddenly dissolved as they started talking about medicine again. Seemed like he had to keep them happy if he didn't want the sudden temperature changes to make him even more sick. "So… even if I feel better, I can get worse again?" He asked nervously. They nodded. "That's why I want you to stay overnight. unu If you notice how you felt earlier, call me so I can stop it before it gets really bad! :)"

"I… see. Okay. And, what do we do about the pineapple in our house?" He asked. "Mm.. I'd suggest you give it to someone who wants it! ^^ But I'd say don't touch it, this reaction was REAL bad, especially considering how Derrek reacted to the juices. >_>;" They explained. "But… you know, what if it's different for me?" He asked, tilting his head a bit. "I mean, I know identical twins aren't totally identical…?" He said tentatively, looking at them for confirmation. "Well, true! :) Your genes can be changed by things outside of the genes of your parents, but… You guys are close enough genetically, I'd say you should keep in mind both of your reactions if you try to eat that fruit again. >:(" That sounded like a very obvious warning, so he relented. "I got it, I got it!" He exclaimed, trying to get them off his case. "So… no eating pineapple, no touching pineapple, and… anything else you think I need to do?"

They hummed. "Well, I do have something for helping prevent allergies, but… technically, I'm not supposed to be using stuff from outside Moonbury… :/" They admitted, giving a nervous smile. "But! ^_^ If you don't say anything, I can give you some of the potion I use for my allergies! :D They help prevent allergic reactions before they start, or at least make them less bad, in case you're worried you might be exposed when you're out and about. Plus some extra Epiras if you want. :)" They offered. He nodded, but.. "What… are you allergic to?" He asked, a bit tentatively. Maybe more perspective on the whole… not human thing.

"Oh, pollen. :3" They said plainly. "Pollen?!" That was so… normal. "I thought you were outside cutting flowers all day?" He asked. They nodded quickly. "Thats what the potions for, silly! :P If I know I'm gonna be exposed to something, I drink a tablespoon of anti-allergy potion in the morning! :D" They explained enthusiastically. "Though my allergies just makes me real sneezy and itchy, honestly. :/ I don't know how effective it'll be for you, but better safe than sorry! ^_^"

He blinked at them, trying to go over the image in his head. Mysterious, not-entirely-human apothecary who's main weakness was, apparently, flowers. "…That’s it?" he asked slowly. They puffed their cheeks a little. "Hey! >:T Itchy eyes are really very inconvenient, and sneezing while holding a sickle is a workplace hazard! >:((" They huffed, then softened with a sheepish grin. "Honestly, pineapples and flowers are both kinda silly-sounding allergies. -w-" He relaxed despite himself, tension easing from his shoulders. “Okay,” He said at last, a small smile tugging at his mouth. “I’ll take the potion. And the Epiras. Better safe than sorry." He repeated. They beamed at that. "Exactly! ^_^ See? You’re getting the hang of this allergy thing already! :D"

For the first time in a little while, he let himself grin, and he could feel how they beamed when they felt satisfied with their work. Their work! "Uh… I'm not keeping you from anything… important, am I?" He asked, cringing at how long he's probably been here. "No! :O You're my patient, this is my work! :]" They exclaimed. "And, honestly… I haven't had a good conversation like this in a long while… ;^^" They admitted, looking away. Dean looked at his hands, at the balm on them. Well, no use to stop here if they've been talking long enough.

"So… what is a histamine?" He asked, and he could see how much they brightened when he asked.

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Dean and the Chemist from Beyond Chapter 2: Sweetbuns

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

CW for: Body image issues, various implied things

Chapters: 1 3

A couple of days passed. The chemist went mostly unseen by the populace, outside of a few people who talked with them. But finally, Rue was up and walking. She was automatically swarmed, of course. Everyone was nervous about her health, examining her as soon as they saw her, asking as many questions as they could. Was she alright? She needed to rest her voice, but yes. Had Matheo saved her? No.

"The chemist healed me!"

News spread fast, of course. How? How, when it's been weeks since Matheo took Rue in, only now, when they brought a chemist from the capital, was she alright? There had to be some sort of trick to it, right? But no, Rue insisted up and down that they were nothing but kind and gentle. Myer and Mariele both said the same. The same distrust still lingered, of course, but people seemed to be a bit more willing to continue a conversation with them.

Dean was on patrol once more, but his legs were tired. He'd spent last night continuing to borrow whatever books he could, and returning those he'd promised to do. It felt like he was studying for exams again, but this was important. If he had any chance of figuring out what was wrong here, he had to cover all his bases. He felt like he had already read every book on the paranormal that existed in Moonbury, but still, none of it fit. Sure, they helped Rue, but what if it was a ruse? Some plan to get the trust of the populace? He wouldn't fall for it.

"Hiiii! :DDD" That same greeting jolted him out of his thoughts as a familiar, unfamiliar figure came barging its way towards him. "Ah- H-hello." He stood up straight, giving a serious face. Can't let the suspect know you're investigating them just yet. "I… don't think we've been properly introduced." They shake their head. "We haven't!! :O I've been seeing you everywhere, cutie, but I don't think I ever got your name… :/" Again with the "cute" thing?? They're talking to him as if the two of them are old friends!

He pauses a second too long before holding out a hand. "Well… I'm Dean. I'm a police officer here in Moonbury." Might as well be polite. They took it firmly, shaking vigorously. Thank god for his gloves, otherwise they'd be feeling how sweaty his palms were underneath. "Ohhh, nice to meet you! :D I already said my name, but you can just call me the Chemist! :)" They said cheerfully. Again, so weirdly peppy! If it wasn't for that goofy smile, he'd assume they were just being a tryhard.

Dean's mind blanked. Crap, he's terrible at conversation. Come on, say the first thing that comes to mind… "D-did you bring any snacks from the capital?" He asked quickly, then immediately cringed at his own words. God, why, you idiot, that's a terrible first impression, they'll already think you're a- They let out a small giggle, or an approximation of the sound. "Duh, who wouldn't? :P I think I might have some sweetbuns in my bag, hold on… ^_^" They hum, shuffling through their bag. They finally take a small bag out, opening it up. There are a few small pastries in there, seeming glazed.

Ah… Dean couldn't help but drool a bit. He'd barely eaten breakfast, Derrek was getting on his ass about eating too much at once, and he didn't want to fight. "Please let me have some!" He says quickly, once again feeling even more self-conscious of his enthusiasm. "Okiii! ^_^" They smile. "Just warning ya, they might be kinda stale. :/" They say with a slight frown. "That's fine. D-don't tell my twin brother, Derrek, though." The Chemist nods, handing the round bun over.

He took a bite, and it was delicious. Despite being slightly stale, it was honey-sweet, still fluffy, and yes, glazed. He feels a bit guilty, so greedy as to take someone else's food, but the Chemist doesn't seem to mind at all. "Who's your brother? :O Don't think I've seen him… -o-" They asked, tilting their head. "Oh, we're identical twins," Dean explains. " We're the only ones besides Osman on the police force; we're kinda hard to miss." He chuckles. Osman's outfit is much more elaborate than theirs, so they're easy to distinguish on that front. "He pretty much looks like me, except…" He hesitates. More trim? More toned? More handsome? More disciplined? Better than me? ".. Thinner." He finally settles on. "Ohhhh, him. :/" The Chemist frowns slightly. "He's rude. >:(" They said bluntly. Dean couldn't help but let out a snort at the remark. "Yeah, he is. But he's… eh, kinda nice when you get to know him."

"Whateverrr, -_-" They frowned. "Talking bout watching "every move I make", like he's some super detective. :/" They rolled their eyes. Dean felt like he'd been caught for a moment, even with zero suspicion on him, himself. Better keep the investigation subtle, then. "I don't like people with big egos. >:p" They huff. "I agree, but I kinda gotta tolerate him, anyway." He does own his house, after all.

The dog standing by the Chemist's side barks, whining and pulling at their glove. "Ohhh, do you want a little snack, Cheeseburger? ^w^" They coo, bending down and searching through their bag again. Cheeseburger? What? "Cheeseburger?" Dean repeats. "Is that the name of your dog?" Great question, smartass. They nod anyway. "Mhmm! :D" They pull out a mushroom, handing the fungus over to the shaggy white pooch. Should dogs be eating mushrooms? Dean doesn't know, but if the dog is associating with them, he probably isn't very normal either. He seemed happy, stubby tail wagging along.

"I should get going! :)" They say with a smile. "I got a lotta people to introduce myself to, I've been so busy this week! @-@" They wave. "I'll see ya later, cutie! :3" They smile, hopping off into a run. "B-bye!" He waves back. Cutie. That pet name again. They weren't flirting with him, right? No, no, they couldn't be. People don't flirt with him on purpose. Helene flirts with him sometimes, but she isn't serious. She's just like that. That's what it is. The Chemist is just like that. It's like how Hannah calls everyone sugar; they just call everyone cutie like that.

Anyways, not a lot of information to be gathered from that interaction. He knew the name of their dog, and that they didn't like people with big egos. Maybe there was some evidence towards their bag being magic, who knows how long the pastries have been in there… but getting closer to them, that was a good step. If they were friendly, he could get more information. More information means more opportunities to see whatever other oddities they have.

He stared at the sweetbun in his hands, vaguely remembering something about not accepting food from the fae. Ah well. "I'm already cursed if I've gotten this far into it." He thought as he popped the rest of the half-eaten sweet into his mouth.

After that, his day went on as usual. The same paperwork, the same people. Derrek was doing the real work, while he sat to the side, being useless. Every day, same as it ever was. It's been grating for a long, long time, but it's a living. He spotted the Chemist again while he was eating his sandwich on his bench, and they seemed to stand close by for a bit too long before running off again. …Huh. There's another weird thing about them. They had a staring problem.

He remembers, a bit belatedly, that he really should stop by the farmhouse to get some groceries tomorrow… ugh, he has to make dinner tonight, right? Dean is always leaving work early, letting his brother pick up the slack, of course. All he can do to make it right is to cook himself something before he gets home… but god, he's felt so tired lately. He doesn't even know if he'd have the energy to do it. Lazy, lazy, lazy.

As soon as it hit 16:50, it was time for him to get to work. He took off and hung up his uniform, changing into a t-shirt and sweatpants to avoid getting anything important stained. Fish and potatoes were always a good bet, even if there was a very high chance Derrek would forgo the sides entirely.

He baked the fish in the pan with some butter and garlic, boiled the potatoes with a bit of salt, and added some extra vegetables to the side to add a bit of extra color. A nap to take the edge off while everything was cooking. Healthy-ish, he supposed. "Better than any of the other crap I’ve eaten today." And a couple of pats of butter wouldn’t hurt. He was pretty proud of himself. In all honesty, he made something good!

It was quiet in the house. A bit too quiet, some days. It was Derrek’s house, technically. He was the one who got it in the will; he was the one who owned it. But the two of them shared it. It was a nice little place, in his opinion. Dean got the smaller bedroom, while Derrek got the master bedroom. It was as close to fair as possible. 

As Dean ate, he couldn’t stop thinking. His mind drifted. The Chemist… they really did seem quite nice. No, no… "It has to be some sort of trick. No one’s that nice." He thought. But… there was no lie he could see. Their smile matched their eyes, wide and bright. They couldn’t be undead, with the warmth coming from their body felt even through two pairs of gloves. Besides the strange pupils and how they sounded, they acted… normal. Overenthusiastic, but… normal. Human.

They couldn’t be normal. He couldn’t brush anything off. There had to be something else they were hiding. He mulled over their features. Their eyes were too wide. The downturn was almost exaggerated. Their eyeballs themselves so shiny they seemed more like plastic than flesh and blood. Their hair looked normal, but it seemed almost too perfect. The freckles… they had to be makeup, right? The star shape looks completely unnatural. The pupils were definitely not human, and they didn’t match any other animals he’s seen. And gods, what was with them and the cold? Every time they came close, it felt like the air around Dean went frigid, as if he stepped out of the sun and into a meat cooler.

Maybe they were a spirit, possessing some poor sap's body? But why? What reason would they have for doing so? What reason would they have for coming here in the first place? To join the medical association, then come somewhere that despises them so? To help, be friendly, and follow along with whatever the populace needed?

Was it the sake of benevolence, or was it… an opportunity? 

He realized he was done with his food. It wasn’t as filling as he’d expected, but he really needed to control his portions. He could just eat and get rid of it later…! No, no. He needs to be disciplined. His brother is disciplined, and so should he be.

His stomach hurt.

He was sitting on the couch, writing all his observations down in the small notebook he’d found in his library, when the door opened. His head immediately, heartbeat picking up unexpectedly when he realized what it was. "Oh, Derrek. You’re home early."

Derrek huffed a reply. "Osman said I needed to go home and 'get a good night's rest' for once. Buncha shit…" he groaned. He did spend a lot of overtime at the police station. Usually, Dean wouldn’t hear him come home until midnight and wouldn’t see him until he walked into the station. "What did ya make?" He asked.

"Oh." Dean blinked. "Uh.. I made some fish and potatoes-" He tried to say. "Potatoes?" Derrek scoffed. "I told you, ya gotta cut down on making carbs, man. ‘Specially cause I can’t be eating them, either." He quickly pointed out. Dean could say he’s lucky he made him anything at all, but he didn’t feel like fighting tonight. "They’re in the icebox." He tries to smile. "How was your-"

"Yknow," Derrek started, taking the plate of fish out of the fridge and slapping one on the plate. "It’d be nice if you stayed in the office a bit longer. I still have a lotta shit I need to sort through tomorrow morning." He sat back on the couch and started eating the fish cold. "Glad you didn’t fry it this time, by the way." He hums in a half-compliment. "The cooking oil you usually use makes me feel all greasy. Too much salt, though."

"Oh, hah, yeah." Dean chuckled, trying to brush it off. "I’m trying to find some good alternatives." Derrek hums. "You know what we need? Olive oil. It’s what they use down south, and I’ve heard the dudes down there are super ripped." He started. "Tanned, huge pecs, getting all the ladies…" He smiled a bit. "All on a diet of olive oil, fish, tomatoes, soft cheeses, or something like that. Only problem is we need to get half of that stuff imported…" He hummed. 

Dean nodded along. He just wanted to go to bed, to pretend he didn’t exist for a little while. To not listen to whatever new health fad Derrek wanted to ramble about, and what new flaw of Dean's he thought he could fix. But he had to keep listening while Derrek was in the room. "You know, maybe we can talk Reyner into growing tomatoes or something." He suggests. "Might be good to get some more vegetables in the house in general. Better than leaving stuff around for us to stuff our faces without thinking. ‘Specially you. Every time I get some cool snacks, it’s down your gullet within the hour." He says with a chuckle. Dean looked away.

"I swear, you're like a black hole when it comes to snacks," Derrek rolled on without pausing. "Honestly, though, you’d probably feel way better if you ate like… actual food when you're getting a quick bite, as I do," he said, casual as anything. "Not that mystery stuff you default to when you’re tired. Which is, y’know. Most of the time. Though I wouldn't exactly call any of your bites small," He laughed. "Maybe if you got something nutritious in your system every meal of the day, then you'd quit crashing and wake up at a more reasonable hour." Dean frowned. "I'm the one making your food, you know," He finally pointed out. "Yeah, fatass, and I only eat some of it cause you make way too much, and half of it's junk." Derrek snorted. "I honestly think you make more than I need so that you can take the leftovers for yourself." Dean stared down at his hands, at himself. He felt bile rising in his throat.

"I'm going to bed." He said quickly, standing up. "Eh? Oh, sure, go ahead." Derrek shrugged. "I'll probably turn in a bit, too." He said between a mouthful of fish. "By the way, how's your 'investigation' on the chemist going?" He teased. "Fine," Dean mumbled. "Well, if you need anything else to put in your notebook-" Derrek started, taking the notebook off the coffee table. Dean quickly snatched it out of his hands before he got the chance to look. Derrek huffed. "Sheesh. I was gonna say you can put that they've got a pissy attitude."

Huh? "No, they don't." Dean quickly went into the defensive. Derrek frowned. "Usually, someone without a pissy attitude would speak to a police officer with respect. They stuck their tongue out at me when I informed them they needed to keep their record clean." He complained. "Honestly, I'm on your side. They seem suspicious. Not a single 'yes, sir' from that one." He said with a wave of his hand. "Maybe you should try to talk to them like a person, first," Dean muttered under his breath. Derrek didn't seem to hear him.

Dean shuffled into his room. He kept his eyes low as best he could, but they couldn't help but trail towards the mirror in the far corner. Forcing him to see himself. It was hard not to look, especially when something so inadequate was staring back. He stared at his figure, at himself. The stubborn fat that covered his features, the lack of muscles on his arms, the acne that marred his forehead, his double chin. Every little thing, every small flaw, each more glaring by the moment. Derrek was right. He looked disgusting, all because he couldn't control how he ate. Because half the time, he couldn't bite the bullet and get rid of it all. He needed to look better, needed to act better, needed to be better.

He thought of the chemist. The sweetbun that they gave him. Why would they give him that?! They knew he wouldn't be able to resist. They had to, look at him! They had to know. They probably laughed when they left, chattering to whoever would listen about how he was such a glutton that he basically ate their pastries right out of their hand.

He frowned. That didn't seem right at all. They didn't seem like the type to do that, somehow. He didn't know why he thought that. But he did. No, no, they absolutely would. He knew people. He knew people found him fun to poke at as soon as he had his back turned. They must have been influencing him somehow. He scribbled the idea in his notebook. _"Mind manipulation?"_ He stared at the words for a second before he sighed and put his notebook on the nightstand.

He pulled the blankets over his head and tried to sleep.

[psi-spectacular]

Dean and the Chemist from Beyond, Chapter 1: A Fresh Face

https://archiveofourown.org/works/78299721

There's a new chemist in town, after years of distrust and distance from the medical association. But there's something... off about them. Something odd, something otherworldly. Dean doesn't trust them, but not in the same way as the others in Moonbury. They don't seem human, and he's determined to find out why. The Chemist, however, seems very eager to trust him. And get in his face. Incredibly enthusiastic about being stuck in a town that hates them, they're ready to help anyone who comes their way. Especially a certain police officer they keep calling "cutie :3". (Also, an expansion on Dean's character and a hypothetical romance route. With all the weird stuff the chemist does in game having a lore reason.)

Wahhh this is a fic ive wanted to work on ever since I finished the game! I absolutely adore Dean specifically so here's something about him and a cheery, spooky chemist!!

Chapters: 2 3

Full chapter under the cut:

"Did you hear?"

"A chemist?! Why would he bring a chemist into town?"

"After everything the medical association has done…"

"From the Capital, no less!"

"What is Myer thinking?"

News spread quickly in Moonbury, and rumors even more quickly. After all, in a town of only 33 people, it only took telling one person for something to reach everyone's ears. Dean had lived here all his life, so he knew not to always believe the words flying around, but somehow… this, this was true. Myer had announced it the day before, in front of the entire town. There was no room for error on the most important front. And now, everyone was gathering in the Tavern, waiting for their arrival.

"I really don't get what Myer thought would happen." Derrek huffed, leaning on the wall of the tavern next to Dean. "Shouldn't you be on patrol?" Dean asked, looking up from his root beer. "Shouldn't you?" Derrek retorted. "Instead, you're slacking off in the tavern and guzzling down alcohol." He chided, elbowing Dean's side. "I-I'm on my 15! Give me a break!" He sputtered, sticking his tongue out. "And anyway, I wanted to get a seat before the entire place got crowded. The root beers are just a bonus."

Derrek finally sat down next to his brother, watching as the other villagers began to file in. "Anyways, as I was saying.. I don't get what Myer thought would happen. After everything those old chemists did to hurt us… he of all people should know this doesn't make sense." He grumbles, before he pauses. "You know why Myer's bringing in the chemist, right?" He says in a lower voice, whispering to keep others from hearing. Dean shook his head. "Matheo's been trying to heal… whatever Rue has for days, but apparently, it hasn't worked. He's desperate, and Matheo's useless. I've heard some chatter that it might be something with her blood."

"Maybe it's her brain," Dean suggested. "She knocked her head with one of the giant books Xiao keeps giving her, and she got a concussion."

"Maybe her lungs? Inhaled a seed while gardening and now there's a flower growing in there."

"Like that one weird romance book? Hana-something?"

"Stop being a nerd, Dean."

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize so much. Anyways, another theory I have is that maybe it was a demonic ritual gone wrong. She tried to sacrifice herself to a demon, and now she's possessed, and that's why they haven't said what it is."

"Maybe it's a new type of fungus, and now shes got mushrooms growing all over her."

"Maybe it's a brain-controlling fungus, and now shes a zombie."

"O-or… she's, uh…"

"A slime?"

"Yeah! A slime ate her cause her perfume smelled like flowers, but spat her out 'cause tasted awful."

The two brothers looked at each other before both burst out laughing. "Nahhh, no way it's anything like that." Derrek laughed. "She probably just got a bad bruise, and Myer's freaking out over his "pwecious pwincess" being injured." He said with a smile, taking a sip from Dean's beer while his eyes weren't trained on it. "Yeah, but I bet if we told anyone that she's possessed, they'd run with it- heyy…" Dean's eyes widened at his twin brother. "H-hey, give it back! Weren't you just chiding me about drinking alcohol on the job?" He huffed. Derrek smirked. "Yeah, but it's your money, not mine."

Before the two could begin to tussle over the drink, the door opened. A hush fell over the tavern as all eyes trained on the door. Myer walked in, followed by his wife, followed by… someone unfamiliar. Dean could swear the temperature of the room dropped a degree or two as soon as they walked in. They had short, black hair with spiky bangs that bobbed as they walked. Their skin was golden, dotted with freckles that almost seemed to be star-shaped if Dean looked close enough. He could swear their ears looked slightly pointed, and they had downturned eyes that were possibly the most vibrant green color Dean had ever seen. They had a small stubble, a few wisps on their chin, along with the start of a mustache. He couldn't tell if they were male or female, but they had a curved, muscular yet chubby body and… well, two quite large things he really shouldn't stare at, and that forced him to look at their clothes instead. A magenta-red shirt, black pants, boots, a large bag, leather gloves that almost looked clawed, and the most prominent thing that made them stand out against the crowd. The cyan poncho and cape around their shoulders, the tell-tale mark of a chemist.

As they walked in, they looked straight at him with an intense stare that seemed to pierce straight through him as soon as they looked his way. (Hey, were pupils meant to look… oblong?) His heart skipped a beat, but he couldn't tell if it was from fluster or fear. They were quite pretty, but something about them... it put him off. The others seemed to simply distrust them because they were a chemist, part of the medical association they despised so much. But there was something else wrong about them, something he didn't like. They gave him a friendly smile as they walked towards the bar, following along with Myer, and his eyes couldn't help but track him. As they moved, he slowly realized his jaw was slack, and he felt his face redden as he quickly sat back down and shut his mouth.

"Good evening, everyone," Myers' voice filled the room. Derrek motioned for Dean to follow, and the two stood up and walked to the back of the crowd. The top part was full, but they still could see the stranger a bit. "We've come together tonight to welcome a guest." He motioned towards the chemist, and they seemed to smile even wider. "Please allow me to introduce…" He paused. "What was your name again?" He asked. "Hi there!! :D" They said with a smile, waving a hand. Well.. "Said" was an overstatement. Their voice sounded like garbage noise spoken through a megaphone, though somehow smooth. It was like they were speaking a completely different language, but somehow everyone understood."My name is-" They said… something that Dean didn't catch. "I'm gonna be your new chemist!! :)" They cheered, posing and giving a peace sign with their fingers.

".. Well," Myer hesitated. "Yes, that they are. They are a chemist sent by the medical association. As you're all aware, our daughter has been sick for a long time. My wife and I have been trying to find a cure for her illness. With that in mind, we sought assistance from the capital." He explained. "I hope you all will give them a warm welcome." With that, distrustful chatter immediately began, wary and unconvinced. All things Dean had heard over and over all day. But.. of all things, why were they not discussing how strange THEY were? Were they just… playing along with the strange language? The lack of a name?

Mariele's voice cut through the chatter like a hot knife through butter. "Now, Now! Won't anyone make a newcomer feel welcome?"She chided, scolding the group of villagers like a class of children. "Please forgive us, everyone is just a bit excited," Myer said with a hush. "Now, if you'd like me to, I'll show you to your quarters. Is there anything you'd like to say before we leave?" The Chemist nodded. "OH yeah! O," They said quickly. "Before anyone gets confused, I'm not a boy or a girl! You'll refer to me as Chemist and Chemist alone!! >:P" When their joke falls a bit flat, they finally say, "… Or you can say they, that's fine too. '>_>"

The three quickly shuffled out, and with their departure, the rest either filtered out or stayed to get their dinner. "Well, I guess that's over.." Derrek huffed. "You two." Osman's voice made both their hackles rise. Crap. "Didn't I say you two should be on patrol?" Dean froze, standing up stiffly. "S-sorry, sir! We just wanted to see the chemist!" He explained quickly. Derrek nodded. Osman looked like he was about to scold them, but stopped. "Well… I suppose I'm doing the same thing." He admits. "Get back to work, boys." They nod, scrambling back out onto the street.

The night is nice in Moonbury. Without all the lights of the city, the stars shine bright. But all Dean can think about is what they saw. What the felt?The chill that ran through him as soon as they walked in. "Does the new Chemist seem… off to you?" He asks as the two walk towards the police station. "Yeah, they looked like they blinked sideways." Derrek joked. "I'm serious! I don't know what it is, but something seems weird." Dean insisted.

"Probably on drugs." Derrek shrugged. "No one's that chipper at a time like this on a Sunday in a place that hates chemists without being on drugs." Dean's eyes widened. "I said to be serious!" He scoffed. "I am being serious! You remember when we were in the academy?" He starts. "I'd rather not think about the aca-" Dean tries to say, but Derrek continues. "Busts on chemistry students happened all the time! I mean, when you mix university students and the ability to make whatever treatment you want out of nothing, it's bound to happen. But they were usually using some modification of Thunder Kiss and not… whatever they're on." He said firmly. "Maybe you're just thinking simply." Dean huffs. "Wow, I'm thinking simply? Unlike you, Mister Genius?" He joked, poking Dean's cheek. "S-shut up.. I just think they're up to something. I want to keep an eye on them."

Derrek raised an eyebrow. "You, of all people, think you're gonna investigate something?" He scoffs. "Y-yeah! I'm a police officer, just like you. And, I have enough reasonable suspicion to at least keep an eye on them." Dean sputtered, shrinking a bit under Derrek's gaze. Slowly, Derrek smiled. "Ohhhh, I see. It's because you're 'suspicious'." He made air quotes with his hands. "Are you sure it's not cause you have a crush on the new chemist?" He said with a smile.

Dean's face immediately flushed at the insinuation. "Wh- No, I don't!" He yelped, face turning pink. "Please, you were looking at them like Kipps looks at a piece of fresh fish. You were all, 'duuhhh.'" Derrek made his face go slack, imitating Dean's expression a few minutes before. "Was not!" Dean's face was shifting from pink to red, and that made Derrek start cackling. "C'moooon, ya don't gotta deny it! Just be honest!" He said, punching him in the side. "Yeah, unlike me, you're not thinking simply, cause you're thinking with a different head than the one on your shoulders."

"L-look, I know something's up. Even if you can't see it, I do." Dean insists. "And I'm going to figure it out." Dean looked over at the worn-down, potion-shaped house, seeing the Chemist walking through the door. There was something wrong. He knew it. And he was going to prove it.

Dean spent the night reading. Looking through old holy books, encyclopedias about dark creatures and cryptids of different cultures borrowed from Victor, descriptions of mythical beasts of old from Xiao. So many little traits seemed to add up, but nothing seemed to exactly match everything. A shapeshifter, taking on the original chemist's appearance? Some sort of fae, who's made their way here through deals and tricks? A witch? A jinn? A demon? A puca? A yaouguai? None of it made complete sense. He had to keep an eye on them, he supposed. He needed to track down more symptoms.

The next morning came, and an air of tension enveloped the village. The new chemist had been spotted heading towards Meadow Range with the rangers, and of course, people were whispering. It was reasonable, in Dean's eyes. Much of the species in the area had been eradicated by chemists, from what he's heard. But the chemist themself wasn't anywhere to be seen, for a bit. The next time Dean manages to spot them, they're running through the street, heels of their shoes clicking against the stone road. Huh, they're fast… a bit too fast.

Dean stops before they ram head-on, and it seems like the chemist does the same. "O!! Hi there! :D" They exclaim, just as chipper as they were the day they came in. They hold their hand out to be shaken. Dean does not take it. If they're some sort of dealmaker, he doesn't want to get caught up in anything through clever words. He huffed, stepping back a bit. "You'd better tread carefully." He warns. "We're watching you." He does his best to be as stern as possible, but his words falter a bit when those eyes train on him again.

They walk a bit closer. Seeing them this close, it's much easier to see their features. And even more things off-putting about them. Their pupils weren't only oval, they were pointed. Almost like a diamond, but much thinner. They gave him a smile with all their teeth, and goodness. Large canines that looked more like adog'ss, with the other teeth matching in sharpness. The temperature dips, and Dean can feel his heart start to pound. The same as last time. In the same way, the temperature dropped as soon as they walked into the tavern. Once is a coincidence, twice is a pattern.

What were they going to do to him? They were just getting closer, and Dean was backing away. "Uh- Stand back, uhm,.." he thought for a second. Neither Miss nor Mister would be good… ".. Chemist." Did whatever they did not have a concept of personal space? Dean couldn't tell if they were breathing or not, but he could almost feel his cheeks getting hotter. They had very full lashes too, Gods save him.

"You're cute. :3" They say with a grin, dark eyeshadow seeming to sparkle in the sun when they say it. That makes Dean pause. What. What. What. What did they just say?? He felt his cheek turn pink. He can't ask what the hell that's about before they run towards the town hall, disappearing behind the door.

He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He held a hand to his cheek, feeling how hot it was. Crap. He turned away, swiveling on his heel and walking the other direction. Some investigator he was.

[psi-spectacular]

im going through something. wokey d chemist and dean selfship