Wishes--Secret Santa for Coffee Chicken Barista 5/5--COMPLETE!

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

Happy Holidays Coffee Chicken Barista! I have the distinct honor this year of being your Secret Santa and I have cooked up an original just for you.  (I know that's not usually my thing, but I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to try something different and stretch my brain.) I hope you like it.

Many thanks to @Juto and @Masking for helping me with this first part. I think this will end up being three parts total but who knows. Characters will take on a life of their own and I rather like these two boys.

I have written a little backstory for them and you can read or skip it. There is no sneezing in the backstory. 

Spoiler

Backstory--

            As far as Evan Kirsch was concerned, it was love at first sight on orientation day for medical school. Not usually shy and reserved, Evan could hardly croak out his name as the group introduced themselves, he was so taken with Alex Martin. He chose to stay as far away as possible from Alex during the team building activities; afraid he would do something stupid.

Besides, Alex was surrounded by the majority of the women of the class, and a few of the men. Everyone was attracted to his charming smile and sly, dry sense of humor. His classic good looks, trim build and wavy blond hair didn’t hurt either—not to mention those incredible eyes, one minute golden brown, and the next minute mossy green. Evan was sure he had no chance with the man.

He was horrified when he saw the pairings for cadaver lab for anatomy class. He and Alex were assigned to the same table, with Lacie Jackson and Cindy Liu. The women came to table already determined to be partners since they shared an apartment. That forced Evan and Alex to work together.

Slowly Evan began to relax around Alex and found he was completely smitten. Alex was kind and respectful. He suggested naming their cadaver (Edna) and thanked her formally at the end of each lab. His dry sense of humor had a slightly morbid slant to it, which frequently had their table giggling. As it neared midterms, Evan was comfortable enough with his partner to study together and have the occasional personal conversation. Still Evan was pining and at the end of anatomy days he went back to his studio apartment feeling elated and emotionally depleted. Evan couldn’t decide if he was in heaven or hell.

Little did he know Alex had become quite taken with his lab partner. Evan’s cheeky humor and generous spirit had made an impression. Evan always got his partner’s jokes and they were scarily in accord as they worked their side of the body. Alex also liked the way Evan’s dark hair tended to go in all directions. Warm, gentle brown eyes and a crooked smile added to his appeal. Alex tried to get Evan to open up a bit, but his lab partner tended to stick to school topics when they were together. Evan seemed to avoid Alex when they were in social situations. A smile and a wave, sometimes a brief greeting, and then Evan was gone.

Things changed just before the anatomy midterm. Drs. Singh and Klein provided a tea and coffee cart in the room adjacent to the anatomy lab, for the students spending extra time in the lab to study. The two young men were in the room taking a much-needed break when Alison Vance started chatting up Alex. She’d had her eye on him since the start, as Evan was painfully aware. The two had gone to dinner a few times, he knew. She was a frequent visitor to their table to examine their dissection progress. Her causal touches on Alex’s arm made Evan want to scream. 

Evan swallowed down the lump forming in his throat as he listened to her flirt with the man he held dear. To give them some privacy, Evan moved away. Even so he could still hear the conversation, and he tried to study the skeleton standing in the corner. Alison was rather obviously asking Alex out on a date, not a just friendly dinner.

He was on the verge of leaving the room when he overheard Alex rather firmly tell Alison; no he was not interested in a date. “Please don’t take it personally,” Alex said. “I am not interested in women.” Evan found a chair and sat. Somehow Alex managed to let her down gently for she left the room with a smile and a promise to have coffee later in the week.

Evan stared at his lab partner, who having watched Alison leave turned his gaze onto the dumb struck young man. As the song goes, Evan’s heart went, Boom! Alex gave a hesitant smile. “I guess you heard that.”

“Yes.” Evan managed to get out.

“I hope it doesn’t bother you that I am gay.”

“No.” Evan found his voice was a little stronger.

Alex looked relieved. “Good. I really like you and …”

“I like you too.” Evan couldn’t believe it. The words just came flying out of his mouth. Alex’s beautiful eyes widened with surprise. Oh God. In for a penny, in for a pound, thought Evan. He stood and walked over to Alex. “I hope it doesn’t bother you that I’m gay too and I really like you."

A huge smile broke across Alex’s face. “No, it doesn’t bother me at all.”

Wishes

 

 

 

 

“Is this seat taken?”

Evan looked up and smiled broadly. “I’m saving it for the most handsome man on campus.” His eyes twinkled as he gazed up at the tall, fair-haired young man who smirked back at him. “Oh look, that would be you.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “You’re ridiculous,” he said as he sat down at the large library table. He dropped his book bag and began getting out his books and notes.

“And you love it.” Evan beamed at his boyfriend.

“Ugh! It’s too early in the morning for this,” groused one of the two young women also at the table.

“You’re just jealous, Lacie,” Alex replied as he arranged his study materials.

“I snuck a coffee in for you.” Evan reached under the table and pulled out a Starbucks cup, handing it over.

“Thanks, Ev.”

“What? No kiss?”

Alex chuckled and leaned over giving Evan a light buss on the cheek. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“Only on the cheek? That’s a Venti Flat White.” Evan pretended to pout.

“We don’t want to shock our table mates.”

“True. You’re so considerate darling.”

“Okay, you two. Enough. We’ve got finals to prep for.” Lacie prompted.

“Oh give them another few minutes. They’re cute.” Cindy smiled at Evan and Alex making them both blush.

“You are a hopeless romantic.” Lacie muttered.

“Yup. But go ahead; quiz me on the bones of the hand.” She turned back to her anatomy partner and Lacie got out her diagrams.

Alex leaned over and whispered, “Sorry I was late.”

“No problem. I was just beginning to worry. Anything wrong?”

“I had a hard time getting going this morning.” Alex replied.

“We all have those days.” Evan rubbed Alex’s leg under the table. Alex smiled at Evan and turned to his notes. His hand rested on Evan’s and gave it a squeeze. Evan left his hand pleasantly sandwiched between Alex’s thigh and Alex’s hand. He hadn’t really considered the benefits to being left-handed until this moment, as he started back studying his notes. He could hardly believe he was sitting on the mezzanine of the Sci Li holding hands with Alex Martin.

The table settled into a quiet rhythm. Lacie and Cindy murmured to each other over their diagrams and cheat sheets. Evan and Alex were separately immersed in their notes. There was a low hum of voices from surrounding tables punctuated by occasional coughs and sniffles. Though as Evan thought about it, quite a few sniffles were coming from his right.

 

 

“Is that right?”

“Yes, 95% of the pancreas is made up of exocrine cells.” Cindy and Lacie had moved on to histology. “Now can you name the four major types of endocrine cells and the hormone they secrete?”

 

 

“K’tsch.” Alex ducked his face into his shoulder.

“Bless you.” Evan looked over at the hazel eyed, blond.

“Thanks,” muttered Alex and he sniffed.

 

 

“Wait a minute. Why aren’t the most common endocrine cells called alpha cells instead of beta cells?”

“No clue.”

 

 

Evan eyed his boyfriend’s profile, watching his nostrils flare. Alex took a breath and stifled three, no four, sneezes, then sighed.

“Bless you, again.”

“Sorry,” Alex sniffed again and got up. “Excuse me.”

 

 

“Is he okay?” Cindy asked after Alex left the table.

Evan shrugged, “I guess.” He went back to his notes tamping down the desire to follow the young man.

 

 

Alex stood in the bathroom, waiting. He held a wad of toilet tissue in one hand; the other fanned frantically in front of his face. “Ah… hah… hih…Kiih’TSCHOO! K’tschOO!” He blew his nose, wincing as the rough paper scraped his nose. Sniffing carefully he thought he was done. Ah, nope. “K’tsch, k’tsch, k’tsch… k’tscHOO!”

Throwing away the tissue he washed his hands and glanced in the mirror. His nose was turning pink and he looked a little pale. He tried looking at his throat, but the light was too dim and at the wrong angle. Sighing, Alex had to admit he was sick. The dry, scratchy feeling in his throat he awoke with had not gone away. His nose had been drippy all morning and now he was sneezing. He dried his hands and shoved some toilet tissue in his pocket. Alex left the bathroom, heading back to the table.

Going back to study was not what he wanted to do. He wanted to go home. Specifically, he wanted to go home with Evan and be coddled. His last boyfriend complained about Alex being clingy when he was sick. Well, he wasn’t going to make that mistake with Evan.

Evan looked up and beamed at Alex as he took his seat. “Okay?”

“Yeah, sure.” Alex flashed a quick smile and went back to work.

Evan wasn’t convinced. Alex looked like he’d been rubbing his nose with sandpaper and his voice sounded nasally. He watched worriedly as his partner turned his head into his elbow.

“hihKtx, hihKtx, hihKtx, hihKtx.” Alex sighed and sniffled.

“Bless you.” Evan wanted to wrap his boyfriend up in a blanket, kiss that abused nose and feed him soup and honeyed tea. Evan settled for patting his darling on the knee. He’d been accused of being smothering in his last relationship. He wasn’t going to make that mistake with Alex. 

 

Edited January 8, 2017 by Sanguine Cheerful Worrier

[Hedgehog]

Sorry, SCW, I know, I should be patient and wait - so CCB could reply first, but...  This back-story is sooo sweet! And then you let the man become sick who was my "favorite to get sick" in mind.  And... he is in denial on top of it! Omg! Don't ever think again you couldn't write original stories, dear!

Spoiler

Just a question - how old are the two? Something about mid 20s?

 

[Sharkylemon]

WhOa this is such a cute story, please continue

[queenie]

Oh man I can't wait for how tender this misunderstanding and its eventual clarification will be!

[Juto]

EEEHHHHHH I was lucky enough to be treated to this a week's time ago and I've been (im)patiently waiting to see if people loved it as much as I did!!! And now it's finally here!!! 

I gotta say that building the tension and lighting the fuse to the inevitable FLUFF-BOMB by having them both put a lid on their caregiving/care-CRAVING desires makes my heart sparkle!!! Their monologues are so sweet and heartfelt yet so restrained because they're both really REALLY wanting to act normal and not screw anything up. The backstory is cute, the characters are wonderful and adorable and mmmmmm the brewing cold and sneezes  

GAAAHHHH IM ALREADY SHAKING WITH ANTICIPATION FOR THE NEXT PART!!! 

 

[Coffee Chicken Barista]

...........um.....this....I...but....

 

AAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS LITERALLY PERFECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! I THINK MY BRAIN HAS ACTUALLY BROKEN!!!!!!!!!!

 

And OMG! SCW IS MY SECRET SANTA! I'M SO HONORED! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I LOVE IT!

[Arty]

*swoons*

[Shamaël]

Oh it's great! I don't read much original fictions, perhaps I should... The backstory was really well-written and cute.

On 17/12/2016 at 2:19 PM, Sanguine Cheerful Worrier said:

Evan wanted to wrap his boyfriend up in a blanket, kiss that abused nose and feed him soup and honeyed tea. Evan settled for patting his darling on the knee. He’d been accused of being smothering in his last relationship. He wasn’t going to make that mistake with Alex.

I loved this part (misunderstanding, denial, false indifference = great!)

I can't wait for the next part!

[cally]

Well, I certainly hope these two sort themselves out, for both their sakes.  

I'm also greatly amused by one aspect of this story, and anyone who knows me in real life knows why.  

[missfemmefatale]

I really like this story so far. I think it's cute that they both are trying not to be too clingy or too smothering.

[hazyy]

Love love love! Great story with such sweet characters too! 

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Here comes part 2. Thank you every one for your comments and compliments. 

On December 17, 2016 at 6:38 PM, Coffee Chicken Barista said:

THIS IS LITERALLY PERFECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope it remains so. I am so happy you like it. Thank you!  

@hedgehog Thank you! I am glad I'm hitting all your buttons.  In answer to your question, the boys/men would be in their early to mid twenties. 

@Sharkylemon I can't leave you hanging. It's not my style.  

@queenie Thank you. I hope you continue to enjoy the story as it unfolds.  

 

On December 17, 2016 at 6:27 PM, Juto said:

GAAAHHHH IM ALREADY SHAKING WITH ANTICIPATION FOR THE NEXT PART!!! 

"I'll remove the cause, but not the symptom." 

On December 17, 2016 at 9:16 PM, ZombieArty22 said:

*swoons*

Did someone get her smelling salts? 

On December 18, 2016 at 10:31 AM, Aliena H. said:

I don't read much original fictions, perhaps I should...

There is some good stuff out there.  I'm glad you are enjoying mine. 

On December 18, 2016 at 2:31 PM, cally said:

I'm also greatly amused by one aspect of this story

On December 18, 2016 at 3:00 PM, YunoGasai said:

I really like this story so far. I think it's cute that they both are trying not to be too clingy or too smothering.

Thank you. I like happy endings so it will all get sorted out in the end.  

On December 18, 2016 at 11:07 PM, hazyy said:

Love love love! Great story with such sweet characters too! 

Aw, thank you. I think they are sweet too.  

 

Part 2

 

 

            “Alex?” Evan knocked again on his boyfriend’s apartment door. No answer. He pulled out his phone and tried calling his lab partner’s number again. “C’mon. Pick up,” muttered the frustrated med student. Instead it went straight to voice mail. Evan hung up; he’d already left a couple of messages. He was leaning against the door wondering what to do next, when the door gave way and Evan stumbled inside Alex’s apartment.

            “Alex?” Evan called out. “It’s Evan.” Shutting the door, he made his way from the foyer to the open living/dining area. He nearly tripped over Alex’s book bag as it lay on the floor. Shaking his head, Evan picked it up and sat it on the coffee table. The usual clutter lay all around. It didn’t appear as if anything was more out of place than normal. Evan glanced toward the bathroom and saw the lights were off and the door ajar. Evan took his book bag from his shoulder and set it next to Alex’s. He held his phone as he approached his boyfriend’s bedroom. “Babe?” Evan slipped through the door.

            A trail of clothes led to the bed. There was a small sea of tissues on the floor. Alex lay asleep; his mouth open, snoring. Blond curls were matted on his forehead. His nose was no longer pink, but cherry red matching the hot spots on his cheeks. “Oh, babe,” Evan murmured.

            He knew it. He just knew it. All day yesterday Alex sniffled and sneezed and coughed. The whole time saying he was fine. “It’s just the dry heat bothering my sinuses. Boy, the preservatives are really strong today. Sorry, my throat is really dry. Lunch must’ve been very salty.”

            Evan left the bedroom. Oh, he wanted to go in and stroke Alex’s forehead and lay kisses on those red cheeks. Nope. Like yesterday he held back his desire to mother hen his boyfriend. Instead he headed to the kitchen. His plan was to channel this energy into something practical and less likely to be viewed as smothering.

            Checking the fridge he found a partial container of orange juice, a half dozen eggs and a jar of olives. There was bread on the counter and a can of soup, a jar of peanut butter, instant oatmeal packets and a box of protein bars in the cabinets. Evan thought he might be able to put together a basket for Chopped! but not much else.

            The chime of his cell phone tore Evan’s thoughts away from the poorly stocked kitchen. Looking down at the text he grimaced.

 

            * Where are you two? Or do I not want to know? –LJ *

            * Sorry. Al’s sick. –EK *

            * Finally admitted it, did he? –LJ *

            * Not exactly. But I don’t think he’ll be leaving the apartment today. –EK *

            * Tell him I said feel better soon. Y’all need anything? –LJ *

            * No, I’ve got it under control. –EK *

            * Yeah, I bet you do. –LJ *

 

            Like most first year med students, Alex didn’t live far from campus. Evan knew he could run to the nearby convenience store for essentials. He checked his wallet and went looking for Alex’s keys.

            Alex’s book bag had his phone charger (which explained the unanswered calls), but no keys. Evan figured everything must be in Alex’s jeans pockets. Going back to the bedroom he found Alex’s jeans in a heap and quickly located the keys and the completely dead phone. Evan carefully plugged in the phone to charge, leaving it on the nightstand. Looking down at his boyfriend, Evan gave in to the urge to brush the curls off of Alex’s forehead. The blonde’s flushed skin felt warm. Evan frowned a bit and reluctantly withdrew his hand. He gathered up the used tissues and went to the bathroom to throw them away and wash his hands. He brought back a cup of water and left for his errands.

            Ten minutes later Alex awoke with a groan. His head ached, his mouth was dry and he was miserably congested. Sniffling he sat up, feeling woozy from the position change. He gratefully drank from the cup, surprised by how fresh the water tasted. Coughing harshly he climbed out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. Urgent needs met, Alex went back to the bedroom. Looking at his phone he saw the time and the missed texts and phone calls. He groaned again.

 

            * Sorry. I overslept. I can be there in 5 min. –AM *

 

He grabbed what turned out to be the last tissue and blew. The vibrations made his sinuses tingle. “KihTSCHOO! KihTSCHOO! … KihTSCHOO! Ugh!” Alex sniffed and wiped his nose with the last dry corner. He dropped it on the bedside table and went back to the bathroom for toilet paper, sneezing again twice on the way. “KihTSCHOO! KIhTSCHOO!” He blew his nose again in the bathroom and washed his hands and face.  A chill hit the ill man and he made a beeline for his bed, stopped only by his phone chiming.

 

*It’s fine. Go back to bed. I’ll be back in 15 min. –EK *

 

Sighing with relief Alex crawled into bed, burrowing his shivering body under the warm blankets. As he dropped off to sleep again the words of Evan’s text floated through his brain. They didn’t make sense. I’ll be back? Whatever, Evan was coming.

[Hedgehog]

Awww, SCW, this was sweet. And I can understand Evan's wish to stroke and kiss Alex' hot forehead and cheeks very well. 

[Arty]

I cant even smell right now so smelling salts what? Lol. Awww poor thing. All sick. But Alex has Evan to care for him. 

[Coffee Chicken Barista]

I don't think my heart can fully handle how cute this is!

[cally]

 Someone certainly sounds terribly miserable.  I hope Evan is back soon.  

[Shamaël]

Oh, I missed this!!! This was really cute! Still love the texts story, even if it's just f small part of it.

Hopefully Evan will come back soon...?

[Juto]

*whines with fluff longing* ((sorry i don't do 'wait' very well))  

To see Evan rein back his urge to mother hen his boyfriend and smother him in fluffy caretaking hurts me heart  but it's you so I know the fluff will be worth the wait  

This is still so sweet!!!!! Love it. 

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

So first off there will be more than 3 parts. Yeah, I know... I can hear the groans of agony all the way over here. Those two are taking their time getting their act together. And, hey, you don't want to rush true love. 

Thank you every one who has commented and read. 

@hedgehog and @Juto Poor Evan having to hold back all that affection. There will be more of that.  Evil, I know.

@Aliena H. and @cally Yes, Evan comes back very soon; right now in fact. I really couldn't keep him away. 

@Arty I'm sorry you can't smell anything right now. But at least you are conscious for the next part.  

@Coffee Chicken Barista I am so happy you are enjoying your SS story. It is just going to get fluffier. 

Part 3

 

 

            Alex was still asleep when Evan returned. The brown-eyed med student headed straight to the kitchen to put away the soup he had scored from Elsie’s Diner. He wasn’t sure why but Elsie had a soft spot for him and Alex. After his trip to Store 24 (should’ve been Store 19), he stopped there for a sandwich and coffee, and to fill in Elsie as to why Alex didn’t show for breakfast. Elsie loaded him up with her homemade chicken noodle soup and a couple slices of lemon meringue pie. Evan put ginger ale and milk in the fridge and left the box of tea on the counter along with the lemon and honey (also from Elsie). He lined up the assortment of cold medications he’d procured along the breakfast bar.  Evan stood in the kitchen, looked toward the bedroom door and, taking a deep breath (as well as a box of tissues), he headed for Alex’s room.

            Standing in the doorway he watched his boyfriend for a few seconds. Alex’s breathing was still very congested and Evan noted the tissue box appeared empty. Bemused he replaced it with a box he’d brought with him and smiled wistfully at his sleeping darling. “You should’ve just said you didn’t feel good,” Evan whispered. “I’d take care of you.” He left the room before he got too mushy.

            Evan was undecided what to do next. He thought about leaving, but he’d told Alex he would be back. He didn’t want Alex to wake up wondering where his boyfriend was. He should stay, he thought, until Alex awoke and make sure the ill young man got something to eat and drink. And take some medication. And, well, get him anything else he might need. That wouldn’t be too smothering, would it?

            Evan made himself comfortable on the couch. It was quiet enough to study here. No noise really, except Alex’s snores and sniffles. That wouldn’t distract him, much. Pulling out his histology notes and his iPad the dark eyed med student began to review slides.

            An hour went by before Evan began to hear signs of life from the bedroom. It started with a groan. Then a short bout of coughing followed by another groan. The sound of objects being pushed around preceded a long, gurgling nose blow. Convinced Alex was actually awake, Evan moved off the sofa and to the bedroom. He found Alex sitting up in bed, tissues in one hand and the other fanning his face. His beautiful eyes squeezed shut and his chest and shoulders jerked with his hitching breaths.

            “Hih… Hah… Heh… Huh…”

            “Bless you.” Evan spoke preemptively.

            Alex’s hazel eyes flew open and the need to sneeze was suddenly gone. He dropped his hands to his lap and stared at the dark haired man leaning against his bedroom doorjamb.

            “Evan? What are doing here?” Alex’s voice was stuffy and congested. Evan suppressed a smile on hearing his name come out as ‘Eban’.

            “You didn’t show for breakfast; you didn’t answer my calls or texts. I could tell you didn’t feel well yesterday, so I got worried and came over to check on you.” Evan moved into the room and came to sit on the edge of the bed.  “Your door was unlocked; your phone completely dead and you,” Evan smiled fondly at the sleep rumpled blond. “You were out like a light.”

            “I’m sorry.” Alex flushed, somehow his cheeks managed to get redder.

            “I told you. It’s fine.” Evan frowned slightly. “You don’t remember the text exchange?”

            Alex shook his head. “Not really. I…” He suddenly turned away and pressed his wrist to his nose. “N’kchx, n’kchx, n’kchx, n’kchx… Ow.”

            “Aw, bless you.”

            Alex sniffled then remembered he had a tissue in his hand. “Thanks,” he muttered as he tended his nose. “I thought I dreamed it.” Alex sniffed again.  “How long have you been here?”

            “Mmm… Hour and fifteen? Hour and a half?” Evan hazarded.

            “You didn’t need to do that.” Alex was secretly pleased, but didn’t want to say so.

            Evan shrugged. “I got some studying in. Go ahead; ask me about erythropoiesis.”

Alex smiled and blew his nose again. “Ugh. Sorry… again.”

“You don’t need to apologize, babe.” Evan lay his hand on Alex’s leg.

Silence fell between them and as it continued it began to feel awkward. Alex stared at the balls of tissues in his lap, looking miserable. Evan wanted to reach out and pull this ill young man into his arms. A sniffle prompted him to speak. “You need anything? I got meds and soup and tea and…” He trailed off realizing he was probably overwhelming his boyfriend. Too much, he scolded himself, lay off.

Alex looked up. “You did?”

“Ah… yeah.” Evan confessed sheepishly. Nervous, he ran a hand through his dark hair causing it to spike in odd directions. “I wanted to make sure you had what you needed,” he tried to explain.

“Thank you.” Alex’s smile relaxed Evan. “I’m actually pretty hungry.”

“I’ve got soup and pie from Elsie. You want me to bring it to you here?” Evan offered.

Alex chuckled. “No, I think I can make it to the breakfast bar. I only have a cold. I didn’t break my leg.”

Evan blushed and hurriedly stood. “I’ll get it ready,” he mumbled and quickly left the room.

Alex watched his boyfriend leave feeling a little confused. It had seemed Evan had wanted to fuss over him there for a few minutes, but now… Alex sighed, grabbed more tissues and blew his nose again. Yuck! His nose felt so itchy and tickly. He gently massaged his nostrils with tissue-covered fingers hoping to relieve the sensation.

“Hih… hih… HihK’TSCHOO! Kih’SCHOO! …Kih’TSCHOO!” He didn’t stifle this time, since last time was so painful.

“Bless you, babe!” Evan called out from the kitchen area.

Alex flushed. He hadn’t meant for them to be so loud and he could feel more coming. “N’hihktx, n’hihktx, n’hihktx…n’hihktx.” He whimpered then sighed. His head ached and he felt a touch dizzy, but at least he wasn’t waking the dead. After a moment he climbed out of bed and pulled on a sweatshirt and some sweatpants. He shuffled out of the bedroom and to the bathroom.

            

[Hedgehog]

ah... no, they keep up with their stupid missunderstanding. Poor boys - one only wanting to fuss the other only wanting to be fussed over - they are the perfect couple and have no idea!

46 minutes ago, Sanguine Cheerful Worrier said:

I can hear the groans of agony all the way over here.

Do you? That's strange because all I can hear are screams of excitement as everyone is happy there will be more than 3 parts about this cute couple! 

[Shamaël]

5 hours ago, Sanguine Cheerful Worrier said:

An hour went by before Evan began to hear signs of life from the bedroom. It started with a groan. Then a short bout of coughing followed by another groan. The sound of objects being pushed around preceded a long, gurgling nose blow.

Okay, that was a great start... I love sniffles/coughing/blowing sounds before the sneezing actually appears in a story...

5 hours ago, Sanguine Cheerful Worrier said:

“Hih… Hah… Heh… Huh…”

            “Bless you.” Evan spoke preemptively.

            Alex’s hazel eyes flew open and the need to sneeze was suddenly gone.

I don't know why, but this kind of situation always work with me... Waiting for the sneeze is almost as important as actually seeing or hearing someone sneezing.

That was cute as always!!!

 

[Arty]

I swear they are adorable!!!

[Coffee Chicken Barista]

THE FLUFF! THE LOVE! THE AWKWARD! THE LOVE! THE CUTENESS! THE LOVE!!!!!!

AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

[AngelEyes]

Awww, this is so cute!

[Subtly Clashing Wishes]

Thank you everyone for being so supportive. I am happy there seems to be no protestations about this lingering on a little longer.  I do want to finish up by next week though.

@Coffee Chicken Barista The fluff and awkward continues. 

@hedgehog They are the perfect couple, aren't they?

@Aliena H. That is good to know. (Filing information away for future use)

@Arty & @AngelEyes More cute and adorable on the way.

Part 4

 

                  Evan silently berated himself as he warmed up the soup. “You idiot. Who wants to eat soup in bed?” he muttered. He started water for tea and put bread in the toaster. Hearing Alex sneeze in the next room he called out a blessing. Evan couldn’t help but smile at the memory of the blond sitting in bed waving his hand in front of his face as he tried to coax out a sneeze. That man was too cute sometimes. He was buttering the toast (thank you Elsie for the butter) as Alex seated himself on one of the bar stools.

                  Alex leaned his head on his hand and smiled at Evan moving about the kitchenette. It made him feel better seeing his boyfriend fixing his meal. “What’s for lunch?”

                  Evan didn’t look up as he moved on to check the soup. “Well, I’ve got Elsie’s chicken noodle, buttered toast and a slice of lemon merengue pie.”

                  “Ooh…”

                  “You have your choice of water, tea, ginger ale or orange juice for to drink.”

                  “I think I’ll have ginger ale with lunch and save the tea and pie for later.”

                  Evan poured a glass of ginger ale and brought it to the sniffling, young man. “Hey, I wondered where my sweatshirt go to.”

                  Alex looked down. “Oh, I thought you knew you left it. You don’t mind, do you?” A small shiver ran through his body.

                  “Nah, fits you better. It’s too tight across my chest.”

                  “I like it when things are tight across your chest,” Alex flirted.

                   "I like it when you are across my chest.” Evan flirted back. Alex snickered and started to reach for the ginger ale. “Oh, hold on.” Evan touched Alex’s hand to stop him. “You need a temp before you drink that.”

                  “I don’t have a thermometer.”

                  “Yeah, you do.” Evan brandished a brand new thermometer.

                  Alex rolled his eyes. He started to say something, but his breath hitched and he turned away pressing his wrist to his nose. “N’hihktx, N’hihktx, N’hihktx, N’hihktchoo.” A little groan escaped after the last sneeze. It was getting harder to stifle his sneezes.

                  “Bless you.” Evan frowned on hearing the groan, but did not remark on it. He pulled out a box of tissues from the supplies he’d bought and opened it, offering them to his sneezy boyfriend.

                  “Thanks. You are a regular Boy Scout.” He took a few tissues and rubbed his reddening nose grimacing.

                  “Eagle Scout, I’ll have you know. Now open up.” Evan activated the thermometer as Alex leaned forward over the bar with his mouth slightly open. Slipping the thermometer into his boyfriend’s mouth he gave the ill young man a quick kiss on his warm, red cheek. He quickly turned away to ladle out the soup.

                  Almost as soon as the instrument rested under his tongue, Alex felt the urge to sneeze again. He sat back on the bar stool and sniffed, then pinched his nose shut hoping to stop the irritating tickle. He wiggled his nose with his fingers, but the tingle intensified sharply. The thermometer beeped and Evan turned.

            "Hhnng'KihhtCHOO!"

The thermometer flew out of his mouth and clattered on the floor at Evan’s feet. Alex belatedly clapped his hand over his mouth still holding his nose. His whole face now bright red and his hazel eyes now wide, he stared at Evan.

The dark eyed med student looked down at the instrument and back up at his embarrassed boyfriend. He bit his lips trying not to laugh. “Um… Bless you.” A small snigger escaped and then a chuckle.

Alex watched Evan’s eyes as surprise, then merriment shone through and he couldn’t stop the giggle that trickled out from behind his hand. Hearing that tipped Evan over the edge; he let out a full laugh as he bent down to retrieve the thermometer.  Alex began laughing now as well.

                  “Oh my God! I can’t believe I did that.” Alex sighed as they got some control back. He sniffled, cleared his throat and coughed.

                  “That was brilliant! Can you do it again? Because I would love to post that on YouTube.”

                  “Oh piss off,” Alex replied good-naturedly.

                  Evan served the soup, still chuckling, and then took a look at the reading on the thermometer. “Oh babe. You need some acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your temp is 100.1 F”

                  “Whatever you recommend, Dr. K.” Alex started to eat his soup.

                  “Hmm…” Evan started to look through the bottles on the counter. “Congestion, fever, some coughing… Sore throat?” Evan glanced over at the patient catching him as he was swallowing some soup. Alex winced as it went down. “That would be a ‘yes’ then. And sneezing? Most definitely.” Alex felt his cheeks flush again as Evan flashed a cheeky grin at him. “I think this multi-symptom one will do nicely for you.” He popped out a couple of tablets and passed them over.

                  Alex swallowed them down, and asked, “Aren’t you hungry?”

                  “No, I had a sandwich about an hour ago.”

                  Alex nodded and went back to his soup. He dunked the toast making it soggy and Evan shook his head.

                  “So… do you have plans to meet up with Lacie and Cindy this afternoon?” Alex asked after a few more bites. Please say no, please say no, he thought.

                  “Ah…no. I thought I’d stay here, with you.” Oh, crap. I should have had plans, Evan wailed internally. “I mean, if you want me too.”

                  Alex’s heart soared, but he remained cool and studied his soup as he took another bite. “You don’t have to. I’ll be okay.” He sniffled a bit. The soup was making his nose run and tickle, but, boy, it felt good on his throat and in his stomach.

                  Evan’s heart sank. He was sure he was about to be told to leave. “If you want to be alone, I can…”

                  Mayday! Mayday! Alex looked up and his hazel eyes bored into Evan’s dark eyes. “No, I don’t want to be alone.” Heart pounding, he was afraid he’d pushed too much.

                  Evan smiled, as relief washed through him. “Okay, then, I’ll stay.” Alex returned the smile and they gazed at each other, unbeknownst to them each wishing for the same thing.

                  Alex sniffled again.

                  “Here, babe.” Evan pulled a few tissues. “Blow your nose. Hot soup always makes my nose run when I have a cold. I can see it has the same effect on you.”

                  Alex knew other people might have felt embarrassed to be told to blow their nose, but he just felt cared for and loved. He accepted the tissues and turned away slightly to give his nose a good blow. Already irritated and sensitive from the cold and the soup, the act of blowing his nose tipped it over the edge. “N’hihktx, N’hihktx, N’hihktx, N’hihktx.” Alex sat still for a moment or two, letting the dizziness recede.

                  “Bless you, Al.” Evan fretted as it took a few moments for his boyfriend to recover. “Better?” he asked as Alex raised his head from the tissues. Alex sniffed and nodded; leaving the tissues in the pile that was growing next to him on the counter. “Your poor nose. It is getting raw by the minute. I should have gotten some moisturizer.”

                  Alex finished his soup. “I think I have some in the bathroom.”

                  “You want me to get it?”

                  “No, I can do it.” Alex stood and wavered slightly.

                  “You sure? You look a bit wobbly.”

                  “Yeah. I’m good.” Alex appeared steadier as he headed to the bathroom. Evan cleared the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. He was wiping down the counter top when he heard a crash from the bathroom.