2nd Drabble Challenge - beatlelover22

[sapphiremint]

Awwwh so so so cute. Augh I can never get enough Tony torture, yet your writing always seems to fill the voice. You are the best.

[Anonymouse]

Eeeheehee Only Tony would get so worked up over a little kid poking fun at him. Super cute.

[beatlelover22]

1 – Healing | 2 – Complicated | 3 – Making History | 4 – Rivalry | 5 – Unbreakable | 6 – Obsession | 7 – Eternity | 8 – Gateway | 9 – Death | 10 – Opportunities | 11 – 33% | 12 – Dead Wrong | 13 – Running Away | 14 – Judgement | 15 – Seeking Solace | 16 – Excuses | 17 – Vengeance | 18 – Love | 19 – Tears | 20 – Inspiration | 21 – Never Again | 22 – Online | 23 – Failure | 24 – Rebirth | 25 – Breaking Away | 26 – Forever and a Day | 27 – Lost and Found | 28 – Light | 29 – Dark | 30 – Faith | 31 – Colours | 32 – Exploration | 33 – Seeing Red | 34 – Shades of Grey | 35 – Forgotten | 36 – Dreamer | 37 – Mist | 38 – Burning | 39 – Out of Time | 40 – Knowing How | 41 – Fork in the Road | 42 – Start | 43 – Nature's Fury | 44 – At Peace | 45 – Heart Song | 46 – Reflection | 47 – Perfection | 48 – Everyday Magic | 49 – Umbrella | 50 – Party | 51 – Troubling Thoughts | 52 – Wind | 53 – Future | 54 – Health | 55 – Separation | 56 – Everything for You | 57 – Slow Down | 58 – Heart-felt Apology | 59 – Challenged | 60 – Exhaustion | 61 –Accuracy | 62 – Irregular Orbit | 63 – Cold Embrace | 64 – Frost | 65 – Moment in Time | 66 – Dangerous Territory | 67 – Boundaries | 68 – Unsettling | 69 –Shattered | 70 – Bitter | 71 – Silence | 72 – Weather | 73 – Pretence | 74 – Patience | 75 – Midnight | 76 – Shadows | 77 – Summer Haze |78–Memories| 79 – Change | 80 – Illogical | 81 – Only Human | 82 – A Place to Belong | 83 – Advantage | 84 – Breakfast | 85 – Echoes | 86 – Falling |87– Picking up the Pieces | 88 – Gunshot | 89 – Possession | 90 – Twilight | 91 – Nowhere | 92 – Nothing | 93 – Answers | 94 – Innocence | 95 –Simplicity | 96 –Reality | 97 – Acceptance | 98 – Lesson | 99 – Enthusiast | 100 – Game | 101 – Revelation

AN - For the lovely Sophie! <3 Again, thanks for all your reviews! If anyone's interested, there may be some Dexter in the near future because I haven't seen any fics? Like, at all?

40. "A Lovely Lecture"

Fandom: The Avengers

Characters/Pairings: Bruce Banner (The Hulk), Tony Stark (Iron Man),

Prompt: Never Again

Disclaimer: I don't own the previously mentioned fandom, quotes, plots, nor any of it's characters.

Bruce Banner realised about ten minutes in that he should have never, ever accepted the teaching opportunity. Him, giving lectures to aspiring students? A solid enough plan, sure. Him, attempting to lecture while suffering from the cold from Hell? Right, an excellent plan... if he was trying to make a fool of himself.

"Nuclear energy, as all of you know, is a very--" His breath caught and he furiously rubbed his nose, begging his nose not to betray him now. "--a very crucial form of energy that can be harvested easier than one would th-think." Damn it all to hell. Bruce shuffled awkwardly away from the microphone and sneezed into the crook of his arm. "Hih'ESHOO! Hahh... h-hehh! ISHOO!"

It seemed the entire lecture hall responded with an astounding "bless you!" The lecturer felt colour rise to his cheeks. He cleared his throat and continued, knowing full well that somewhere in the front row, Tony was staring at him.

"In fact, tw-twenty percent of our country's electricity is provided by n-nuhh... nuclear power plants." As soon as he began another sentence, the students in turn began feverishly note-taking. This isn't even the good stuff, he thought, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Anyone know why that n-number isn't h-hihh... um, excuse me, why it isn't higher?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, saying a silent pray to whatever god was listening that he wouldn't sneeze. "Okay, yes?" Bruce pointed to a boy in the second row who had raised his hand.

"People hear the word 'nuclear' and are afraid. It has a negative connotation due to the few nuclear power plant melt downs which occurred decades ago."

Bruce felt his eyes watering and knew it was inevitable. He pinched his nose shut, his head bobbing with each sneeze. "H-hihh'NNGT! Hap'SHH! Hh'NNCH!" His head spun and suddenly, Bruce felt light-headed. He stumbled away from the microphone, pinching the bridge of his nose. A hand on his back made him start.

"Annnnd that's about all the time Dr. Banner has today. Questions? No? Alright." Tony led him off the stage. "Nice going hot shot. Still feeling dizzy?"

Bruce shivered a bit and shook his head no.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Thad was hubiliating. I'b never doing thad agaid. Huhhh... SHOO!"

"Bless you, Big Guy. I'll drive." Tony offered, patting his friend on the back.

[darkness-is-the-light]

You always manage to brighten up my day with your drabbles. Thank you so very much for this. It is greatly appreciated.

[SpamKey]

Awww poor guy! I really love your drabbles, they're so adorable!

[Pyrus_Fangmon]

N'AWWWWWWW!!!! Bruce, honey bun! I wanna snuggle you!

[sapphiremint]

D'awwww Bruce, poor baby. Love love love science bros!!

[beatlelover22]

1 – Healing | 2 – Complicated | 3 – Making History | 4 – Rivalry | 5 – Unbreakable | 6 – Obsession | 7 – Eternity | 8 – Gateway | 9 – Death | 10 – Opportunities | 11 – 33% | 12 – Dead Wrong | 13 – Running Away | 14 – Judgement | 15 – Seeking Solace | 16 – Excuses | 17 – Vengeance | 18 – Love | 19 – Tears | 20 – Inspiration | 21 – Never Again | 22 – Online | 23 – Failure | 24 – Rebirth | 25 – Breaking Away | 26 – Forever and a Day | 27 – Lost and Found | 28 – Light | 29 – Dark | 30 – Faith | 31 – Colours | 32 – Exploration | 33 – Seeing Red | 34 – Shades of Grey | 35 – Forgotten | 36 – Dreamer | 37 – Mist | 38 – Burning | 39 – Out of Time | 40 – Knowing How | 41 – Fork in the Road | 42 – Start | 43 – Nature's Fury | 44 – At Peace | 45 – Heart Song | 46 – Reflection | 47 – Perfection | 48 – Everyday Magic | 49 – Umbrella | 50 – Party | 51 – Troubling Thoughts | 52 – Wind | 53 – Future | 54 – Health | 55 – Separation | 56 – Everything for You | 57 – Slow Down | 58 – Heart-felt Apology | 59 – Challenged | 60 – Exhaustion | 61 –Accuracy | 62 – Irregular Orbit | 63 – Cold Embrace | 64 – Frost | 65 – Moment in Time | 66 – Dangerous Territory | 67 – Boundaries | 68 – Unsettling | 69–Shattered | 70 – Bitter | 71 – Silence | 72 – Weather | 73 – Pretence | 74 – Patience | 75 – Midnight | 76 – Shadows | 77 – Summer Haze |78–Memories| 79 – Change | 80 – Illogical | 81 – Only Human | 82 – A Place to Belong | 83 – Advantage | 84 – Breakfast | 85 – Echoes | 86 – Falling |87– Picking up the Pieces | 88 – Gunshot | 89 – Possession | 90 – Twilight | 91 – Nowhere | 92 – Nothing | 93 – Answers | 94 – Innocence | 95–Simplicity | 96 –Reality | 97 – Acceptance | 98 – Lesson | 99 – Enthusiast | 100 – Game | 101 – Revelation

AN - Glad you all liked the Bruce one! He's honestly so sweet and such a nice character to torture. Speaking of, this one's kind of a test run (because I was thinking of doing a longer, actual fic) involving Dexter from, well, the television series Dexter. It's kinda old and I dunno if anyone on here has watched it or watches it currently but I love it so here goes nothing hahaha!

41. "Minor Interruptions"

Fandom: Dexter

Characters/Pairings: Dexter Morgan

Prompt: Tears

Disclaimer: I don't own the previously mentioned fandom, quotes, plots, nor any of it's characters.

"I just... I don't think I can do it." A woman choked back a sob as others around her nodded.

Dexter sighed. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was somebody shedding some crocodile tears merely for sympathetic glances. He was only at this AA meeting to get information on a suspect anyway.

He sniffled a bit as the teary-eyed blonde went on. There was something in the room tickling his nose and he need to find the source, fast. The point was to sit through the meeting and go unnoticed, not--

"Huh'ESHOO!" The first sneeze caught him off guard. It was loud and harsh, causing a few people to jump in their plastic chairs. He held up an apologetic hand. "Um, excuse me. Ahem. Sorry." So much for not getting any attention. He could feel the colour rising to his cheeks and ears. Perfect.

God, this itch though. His eyes darted across the room, looking for any suspicious allergens. Honestly, it was probably just bad luck and even worse timing. Right on cue, his breath caught and he pitched forward, this time barely managing to stifle. "Hep'GNN!" A few people murmured blessings but he wasn't finished. "H-hhih... hih'IXXT! Nn'CHH!" They were getting faster and more desperate; not a good sign. Dexter vaguely wondered how the crying woman could keep her act up through all this. He knew she was guilty. She had to be.

"After I lost my husband, things just seemed to get worse and worse." she continued, sniffling.

Whoop, there it is. That glint in her eye, just after she mentioned the husband. Dexter smirked. She was a proud one.

Suddenly, he involuntarily gasped, the tickle hitting him full force. He felt his own eyes getting watery and tried to stop his breath from hitching. "Hihh... hi-iih! Huh..." That was it, time to go. He could always come back later. Dexter cupped a hand over his mouth and the fit began, just as he was heading for the door. "Hh'SHH! Ahhh... hahhH! Nn'SHHP! Hur'ESHHT! Hahhh... hah'SHHOO!"

The last one was loud and embarrassing. He could hardly see through his watery eyes and managed to hit the door frame on the way out. So much for laying low.

[Pyrus_Fangmon]

Whoop, there it is.

Raise the roof! Sorry I couldn't resist

This was very interesting. I may look into it

[karajn]

You're soooooooo amazing! If you could, would you do a teen wolf one with Liam sick and Scott and Stiles taking care of him? Your writing is always on point

[beatlelover22]

Whoop, there it is.

Raise the roof! Sorry I couldn't resist

This was very interesting. I may look into it

Yay! It's a fantastic show; I'd recommend it in a heartbeat!

You're soooooooo amazing! If you could, would you do a teen wolf one with Liam sick and Scott and Stiles taking care of him? Your writing is always on point

Of course, I'll do my best

[beatlelover22]

1 – Healing | 2 – Complicated | 3 – Making History | 4 – Rivalry | 5 – Unbreakable | 6 – Obsession | 7 – Eternity | 8 – Gateway | 9 – Death | 10 – Opportunities | 11 – 33% | 12 – Dead Wrong | 13 – Running Away | 14 – Judgement | 15 – Seeking Solace | 16 – Excuses | 17 – Vengeance | 18 – Love | 19 – Tears | 20 – Inspiration | 21 – Never Again | 22 – Online | 23 – Failure | 24 – Rebirth | 25 – Breaking Away | 26 – Forever and a Day | 27 – Lost and Found | 28 – Light | 29 – Dark | 30 – Faith | 31 – Colours | 32 – Exploration | 33 – Seeing Red | 34 – Shades of Grey | 35 – Forgotten | 36 – Dreamer | 37 – Mist | 38 – Burning | 39 – Out of Time | 40 – Knowing How | 41 – Fork in the Road | 42 – Start | 43 – Nature's Fury | 44 – At Peace | 45 – Heart Song | 46 – Reflection | 47 – Perfection | 48 – Everyday Magic | 49 – Umbrella | 50 – Party | 51 – Troubling Thoughts | 52 – Wind | 53 – Future | 54 – Health | 55 – Separation | 56 – Everything for You | 57 – Slow Down | 58 – Heart-felt Apology | 59 – Challenged | 60 – Exhaustion | 61 –Accuracy | 62 – Irregular Orbit | 63 – Cold Embrace | 64 – Frost | 65 – Moment in Time | 66 – Dangerous Territory | 67 – Boundaries | 68 – Unsettling | 69–Shattered | 70 – Bitter | 71 – Silence | 72 – Weather | 73 – Pretence | 74 – Patience | 75 – Midnight | 76 – Shadows | 77 – Summer Haze |78–Memories| 79 – Change | 80 – Illogical | 81 – Only Human | 82 – A Place to Belong | 83 – Advantage | 84 – Breakfast | 85 – Echoes | 86 – Falling |87– Picking up the Pieces | 88 – Gunshot | 89 – Possession | 90 – Twilight | 91 – Nowhere | 92 – Nothing | 93 – Answers | 94 – Innocence | 95–Simplicity | 96 –Reality | 97 – Acceptance | 98 – Lesson | 99 – Enthusiast | 100 – Game | 101 – Revelation

AN - This one is for karajn. Hope it's okay!

42. "The Baby of the Pack"

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Characters/Pairings: Liam Dunbar, Scott McCall, Stiles Stilinski

Prompt: Burning

Disclaimer: I don't own the previously mentioned fandom, quotes, plots, nor any of it's characters.

"Shit, he's burning up!" Scott yanked his hand away from Liam's forehead so Stiles could feel.

"Jeez, you're right." They easily lifted him onto Scott's bed and sighed. "What should we do? You think it's his first cold as a wolf?"

Scott shrugged. "I dunno. We should probably camp out here and watch him though, just in case."

"Okay. I'll grab some extra blankets and--"

"Hh'HETSCHOO!" The body on Scott's bed let out a harsh sneeze, followed by another. "Huh'SCHOO!"

Stiles jumped upon hearing the sound. "Jesus! Who knew a baby wolf could sneeze so--"

"Heh'ETSHCH!"

By the third sneeze, Scott was leaning over Liam, observing his features. He felt his forehead again and sat back. "Hey. Liam?" The smaller werewolf groaned lightly and swiped at his nose. "H-hey." he stammered, shivering. "I'm s-sorry about all this, I can l-leave if you wahhhh... w-want."

Scott shook his head. "No way, man. You need to rest where we can keep an eye on you." Stiles nodded in agreement.

"You want some, uh, soup or something?" Stiles asked, trying to be helpful.

Liam shook his head. "Not hungry. Just-- nn'ARSCHH!" He sniffled, face turning red. "Jusd ub, cold."

"Okay, okay." Stiles located a fleece blanket and offered it to the smaller boy who smiled in gratitude.

"Th-thags." He faced Scott again. "Ad thags f-for you kdow, lettig be crash here."

"Of course." Scott replied, a great sense of pride for his friends blooming in his chest.

[Pyrus_Fangmon]

Liam!!!!! Babycakes! This was adorable!

You just keep nailing personalities. I envy you till no end

[VividBubbles!]

*squeals* Yay! A Teen Wolf drabble!

I'm melting right now. I can't even express how much I love this. I didn't even realize I had so many feelings for Liam, but your drabble has made me just want to hug him as tight as I can forever and ever. He's just so adorable! If there's any chance that you could write some more Teen Wolf, I'd absolutely worship the ground you walk on. But anyway, I love your drabbles, beatlelover! Thanks so much for sharing them!

[beatlelover22]

Liam!!!!! Babycakes! This was adorable!

You just keep nailing personalities. I envy you till no end

Thanks dude! I try

*squeals* Yay! A Teen Wolf drabble!

I'm melting right now. I can't even express how much I love this. I didn't even realize I had so many feelings for Liam, but your drabble has made me just want to hug him as tight as I can forever and ever. He's just so adorable! If there's any chance that you could write some more Teen Wolf, I'd absolutely worship the ground you walk on. But anyway, I love your drabbles, beatlelover! Thanks so much for sharing them!

Awww thanks! I'd love love to! You guys' reviews made my day!

[karajn]

So cute! As always you amaze me with your writing!

[beatlelover22]

1 – Healing | 2 – Complicated | 3 – Making History | 4 – Rivalry | 5 – Unbreakable | 6 – Obsession | 7 – Eternity | 8 – Gateway | 9 – Death | 10 – Opportunities | 11 – 33% | 12 – Dead Wrong | 13 – Running Away | 14 – Judgement | 15 – Seeking Solace | 16 – Excuses | 17 – Vengeance | 18 – Love | 19 – Tears | 20 – Inspiration | 21 – Never Again | 22 – Online | 23 – Failure | 24 – Rebirth | 25 – Breaking Away | 26 – Forever and a Day | 27 – Lost and Found | 28 – Light | 29 – Dark | 30 – Faith | 31 – Colours | 32 – Exploration | 33 – Seeing Red | 34 – Shades of Grey | 35 – Forgotten | 36 – Dreamer | 37 – Mist | 38 – Burning | 39 – Out of Time | 40 – Knowing How | 41 – Fork in the Road | 42 – Start | 43 – Nature's Fury | 44 – At Peace | 45 – Heart Song | 46 – Reflection | 47 – Perfection | 48 – Everyday Magic | 49 – Umbrella | 50 – Party | 51 – Troubling Thoughts | 52 – Wind | 53 – Future | 54 – Health | 55 – Separation | 56 – Everything for You | 57 – Slow Down | 58 – Heart-felt Apology | 59 – Challenged | 60 – Exhaustion | 61 –Accuracy | 62 – Irregular Orbit | 63 – Cold Embrace | 64 – Frost | 65 – Moment in Time | 66 – Dangerous Territory | 67 – Boundaries | 68 – Unsettling | 69–Shattered | 70 – Bitter | 71 – Silence | 72 – Weather | 73 – Pretence | 74 – Patience | 75 – Midnight | 76 – Shadows | 77 – Summer Haze |78–Memories| 79 – Change | 80 – Illogical | 81 – Only Human | 82 – A Place to Belong | 83 – Advantage | 84 – Breakfast | 85 – Echoes | 86 – Falling |87– Picking up the Pieces | 88 – Gunshot | 89 – Possession | 90 – Twilight | 91 – Nowhere | 92 – Nothing | 93 – Answers | 94 – Innocence | 95–Simplicity | 96 –Reality | 97 – Acceptance | 98 – Lesson | 99 – Enthusiast | 100 – Game | 101 – Revelation

AN - Here's another Dexter one even though nobody watches it because I'm in a serial killer mood haha.

43. "Revenge is Sweet"

Fandom: Dexter

Characters/Pairings: Dexter Morgan, James Doakes

Prompt: Party

Disclaimer: I don't own the previously mentioned fandom, quotes, plots, nor any of it's characters.

Dexter Morgan had been suffering through his cold for two days before he finally caved and decided to stop at a pharmacy after work. He'd had a killer headache all day and with every sneeze, he felt like his head would explode. It definitely was a doozy and something he'd rather take care of by himself.

He pulled into the CVS parking lot, eyes already tearing up. His nostrils flared and he braced himself, hands still on the steering wheel. "Hehh... eh'GGNT! Hur'ESHH!" Dexter groaned lightly as his headache multiplied ten-fold. The blood splatter specialist sniffled and brought his wrist to his nose, debating whether or not he should grab a tissue. Tired and frustrated, he snatched a tissue from the box and clamped it to his nose. As soon as he stumbled out of the car, Sergeant Doakes was waiting for him, arms crossed and smirking. Dexter cursed under his breath.

"Whad do you want?" he snapped, locking the car.

Doakes grinned. "Aw, is somebody not feeling good?"

Dexter rolled his eyes and started for the door, breath already hitching wildly. "H-hhihh... hih'TCHH! AH'TCHH!"

"Bless you!"

"Oh, shud the hell ub. Ad stop fuckig tailig be." Dexter spoke through the tissue, making a beeline for the cold and flu medicines.

Doakes stopped and watching him survey the choices. "What, and miss the party? Nah, man."

Tissue still around his trembling nose, Dexter let out a gurgling blow, clearing his nose. As soon as he could breathe again, the tickle hit him full force and he snapped forward again. "Eh'SHHH! Nnhh... hh'XXXSH!"

The sergeant chuckled. "So you always sneeze in two's?"

Dexter ignored him and grabbed a bottle of NyQuil that looked promising. "While you're sdill here, you wadda pay for this?"

"I'd rather watch you suffer, pyscho."

"S-suid yourself." Dexter said, breath catching. "Hahhh... ah'SHOO! Hur'ESHHOO!"

"Aw, shit man!" the other man jumped away from him, wiping at his face.

"Oh, I'b sorry." Sarcasm dripped from his voice. "I didn't ged you, did I?"

[Pyrus_Fangmon]

Nyeheheheheh~

Perfect

[Evilduckling108]

Well I'm obviously a little late to the party but wow those Agent Carter drabbles were amazing! So cute especially with Sousa trying to help and Angie being so caring and basically what I'm saying is they are absolutely perfect!!

[snowshie]

Oh man, I just finished a rewatch of Dexter, so those two drabbles could not have been timed more perfectly. I was always hoping to see a sick Dexter - love these!

[Sharpie]

Okay, can I just freak out in the corner here? These are so cute. Aaaaannnnddd not to mention that you brought back Newsies and The Breakfast Club. I literally dissolved when I saw those two. Same goes for Pushing Diases, Dexter 'n Daredevil. You are honestly killing me with these.

[SpookyBoi]

^{penny dreadful? Victor Frankenstein?}

[sneezewuv]

The Dexter ones are soooo good. I've just finished season two of Dexter and I love it so much.

These are amazing! Great job! :3

[Winged]

Ahh I always love your drabbles! You write some great Avengers fic (I especially loved the one with Steve and Natasha), as well as Agent Carter! It's always fun to see more Agent Carter on here

And DEXTER, I am so excited to see these I just had to post a reply. It's one of my all-time favorite shows and there isn't a whole lot on here for it! Would you want to write one in the future for Deb, maybe she's sick and Dexter is trying to take care of her? She's the absolute best.

[beatlelover22]

1 – Healing | 2 – Complicated | 3 – Making History | 4 – Rivalry | 5 – Unbreakable | 6 – Obsession | 7 – Eternity | 8 – Gateway | 9 – Death | 10 – Opportunities | 11 – 33% | 12 – Dead Wrong | 13 – Running Away | 14 – Judgement | 15 – Seeking Solace | 16 – Excuses | 17 – Vengeance | 18 – Love | 19 – Tears | 20 – Inspiration | 21 – Never Again | 22 – Online | 23 – Failure | 24 – Rebirth | 25 – Breaking Away | 26 – Forever and a Day | 27 – Lost and Found | 28 – Light | 29 – Dark | 30 – Faith | 31 – Colours | 32 – Exploration | 33 – Seeing Red | 34 – Shades of Grey | 35 – Forgotten | 36 – Dreamer | 37 – Mist | 38 – Burning | 39 – Out of Time | 40 – Knowing How | 41 – Fork in the Road | 42 – Start | 43 – Nature's Fury | 44 – At Peace | 45 – Heart Song | 46 – Reflection | 47 – Perfection | 48 – Everyday Magic | 49 – Umbrella | 50 – Party | 51 – Troubling Thoughts | 52 – Wind | 53 – Future | 54 – Health | 55 – Separation | 56 – Everything for You | 57 – Slow Down | 58 – Heart-felt Apology | 59 – Challenged | 60 – Exhaustion | 61 –Accuracy | 62 – Irregular Orbit | 63 – Cold Embrace | 64 – Frost | 65 – Moment in Time | 66 – Dangerous Territory | 67 – Boundaries | 68 – Unsettling | 69–Shattered | 70 – Bitter | 71 – Silence | 72 – Weather | 73 – Pretence | 74 – Patience | 75 – Midnight | 76 – Shadows | 77 – Summer Haze |78–Memories| 79 – Change | 80 – Illogical | 81 – Only Human | 82 – A Place to Belong | 83 – Advantage | 84 – Breakfast | 85 – Echoes | 86 – Falling |87– Picking up the Pieces | 88 – Gunshot | 89 – Possession | 90 – Twilight | 91 – Nowhere | 92 – Nothing | 93 – Answers | 94 – Innocence | 95–Simplicity | 96 –Reality | 97 – Acceptance | 98 – Lesson | 99 – Enthusiast | 100 – Game | 101 – Revelation

AN - Hey y'all! I've been gone for a few months, however, I just recently got accepted into the university of my dreams so I'll most likely be on here for more time, now that I have it! Anyway, I recently started watching Salem so what better way to come back than with a drabble? Okay, I can think of better ways. Whatever. Hope you guys enjoy! If there are other Salem viewers, I might right another drabble about Mary Sibley.

44. "What Ails You?"
Fandom: Salem
Characters/Pairings: John Alden, Anne Hale
Prompt: Running Away
Disclaimer: I don't own the previously mentioned fandom, quotes, plots, nor any of it's characters.

"What ails you, Miss Hale? You seem... upset." John noted as he watched on, curious. Women had always been a mystery to him, now even more so as the young Anne Hale paced back and forth.

"I'm not!" she shot back. John's eyebrows twitched at the sudden noise. Unfortunately, his nose was doing the same. "Huh'ESCHHUH!" After another quick exhalation, he snapped forward again. "Hurr'ESHHOO!" He glanced back up at Anne, who was watching him. "Pardon me."

She smirked. "And what ails you, Mister Alden?"

A scoff escaped his lips. "Absolutely nothing." At this, he desperately wanted to itch his still-twitching nose, but decided against it. "I'm not the one who can't seem to stop moving."

Anne blushed and paused her step. "I'm just a bit antsy, that is all."

John laughed, a quiet chuckle that turned into a harsh cough. He turned away from her and discreetly gave his nose a rub. He cleared his throat and turned back to face her. "Something bothers you." After a second of consideration, a smile played at his lips. "Actually, I might know the cause of your troubles."

Without her realising it, her hands flew to her hips in an almost defensive position. "Is that so?"

"It's..." he trailed off, eyes watering. In an effort to speak before he sneezed, the words "yourfather" were said as one. John turned aside and cupped a hand around his mouth and nose, muffling the sneeze somewhat. "Hup'SHOO! Hahh... har'ASHHOO!"

"My goodness!" Anne exclaimed, then mentally scolding herself for the childish exclamation. "God bless you."

He shook his head, as if to clear it, and continued. "Pardon. Is id your father?"

Anne considered lying, then figured it didn't really matter. "Yes. He's absolutely insufferable. He thinks he knows better than I, when it is apparent he does not!"

A hoarse laugh escaped John's lungs. "Adde, all fathers are like thad, especially if they habe d-dahhh... d-daughders."

"I'm considering running away."

For a second, John couldn't tell if he was going to laugh or sneeze again. When his eyes started watering, he assumed the position. "Excuse b-be-- huh'RESHHOO! Hahh... ahhh... ahH! Ah'SHHUPP!" The last was a failed stifle, and it clouded his head once more. He let out a light groan and rubbed his unshaven face.

"God bless! John, are you feeling--" she reached up to touch him and he instinctively recoiled.

"I'b fide, thag you." He blinked away the itchy tears and sniffled. "Adyway, your father is a difficult ban to reckond with. Led him be, and he'll see reasod, I'b sure. He isd't s-stupid." He stuttered on the last word, determined not to sneeze again, and quickly pressed up against his quivering nose with a forefinger. "I should be gettig od, I'b god... th-thigs to do."

"Of course." Anne replied. "Take care of that head cold."

John scoffed. "Whad head code?" Although Anne was positive she heard him muffle another sneeze into his coat as he walked away.