Peach Perfume

[uwus and love]

Another one so soon? It is a luckily lucky week today. Many thanks for the update, for the cute little lavender sneezes, for the potential of a sneeze attack in which Emilia has to rescue him as he dies from embarrassment in front of his colleagues mayhaps? Or maybe I’m projecting. Either way, keep it up you wonderful wonderful sneeze deity. 

[rockbell]

absolutely loving this!! can't wait to see what happens next 🥰🥰

[Noseandtoes]

(A/N: Love you all).

 

Later that evening, Dr. Caldwell and Emilia found themselves tucked away in a secluded corner booth in a small, bar. Far from the fervor of the conference, the topics of conversation veering away from psychological theories and data, the pair reveled in their shared company that was purely for themselves.

            Emilia was glad about the way they were able to hide themselves away for an evening, away from the near constant stream of emails Dr. Caldwell was receiving, inquiring whether or not he would be at the exclusive brunch the following morning. Endless pings came up on his phone each with similar subject lines:

Dr. Raymond’s Brunch; James’s Gathering; Attendance Tomorrow?; Café Brunch?

He ended up turning off his phone entirely, intent on his attention being solely on Emilia this evening. He slid into the curve of the booth next to her, his thigh touching hers under the table. Was there an electric current in here?

            “Can I get you two started with a drink?” A pretty server glided by their table, taking out a small notepad, uncapping her pen with her mouth.

            Dr. Caldwell gestured to Emilia to order first. “A gin and tonic, please?”

            “Great, and for you, sir?”

            “Hmm, well, nothing carbonated…” he murmured, glancing briefly at Emilia. “One Manhattan, please.”

            “Sounds awesome, I’ll put those in for you guys right away.” The server strode away, and Dr. Caldwell allowed his eyes to wander back over Emilia’s face.

            Something in her eyes, something in the way she looked at him, felt warm, felt like the embodiment of a deep intimacy for which he had so longed. He felt the heat spread throughout his own body as she smiled at him, a glow seeming to touch her eyes. He silently thanked whatever stars had to have aligned all those months ago, yearly a near now, that led her to walk through his office door. Remembering, he took a deep breath, distinctly noting the lack of perfume she wore, not as his specific request, but at her own discretion, at her own desire to have him be as comfortable as possible. His heart swelled with more warmth. Her lack of perfumed aura, her attention to the feather pillows upon their first night in the hotel room, and her constant handkerchief expertise and attention…Dr. Caldwell was fraught with a tenderness for her that seemed to encompass his entire being.

            “This is a quaint little place,” Emilia commented, looking around.

            “I thought it might be a nice little place for me to take you,” he replied, feeling the rush of her expression as he said this.

            “Dr. Caldwell, this wouldn’t be a date would it?” She beamed with elation.

            He blushed. “Well, Ms. Bennett, I very much wanted to treat you to something that wasn’t office rooms and conference centers. Not that I particularly mind hotel rooms, given how you seem to kiss me in them...” He brushed his hand over his mouth as he relived the memory, an abundance of gentle kisses being shared between them this afternoon, practicing. Adjusting his tie momentarily, he cleared his throat.

            Emilia felt her cheeks burn and she looked down into her lap. “Hmm…well, we simply must thank the front desk when we check up for the error.” She glanced up at him before flicking her eyes back down. “At first I was nervous, of course I was.” She felt her heart rate pick up. “But…but then it became that there was no reason to be.”

            He remained silent, watching her.

            “I didn’t know…how you felt.” Here, she looked up at him and found his eyes boring into her. “I just mean, I know the positions we are both in.”

            He sighed deeply and placed a hand on top of hers. “I know,” he murmured. “I know.”

            “But I decided that…well, I mean…” She paused, seeming nervous.

            “What is it?” he prompted gently after a moment.

            Shaking her head, she found her eyes then wandering the vastness of his nose. “I decided that I simply couldn’t bear the thought of someone else, you know, helping you like I do. Or worse, the thought of someone just letting you…just letting you be untended.”

            His nose seemed to involuntarily flex at this. For a fleeting moment he wished they were back up in the hotel room with a bouquet of flowers at their disposal, just so he could show her just how much he needed her.

            “And furthermore,” she continued, “I decided that if you weren’t protesting…something must be right here, right?”

            He furrowed his brows and spoke in a husky whisper. “Emilia, I have never felt more right as I do now.” He squeezed her hand lightly.

            “Aaaaand, here we are.” The server placed two glasses on the table. “Would either of you like anything else at the moment?”

            “No, thank you, we’ll be alright for now,” he replied, not moving his hand from Emilia’s.

            She smiled at Dr. Caldwell and flitted away.

            “Not entirely accurate,” he continued, sliding over to Emilia to be joined at her hip. “At the moment, there is something else I would like…” Leaning his forehead into hers, he kissed her cheek before moving his lips to hers. “Well, two things,” he murmured.

            Emilia sighed into him as he pressed another kiss onto her. Feeling her heart racing, she did all she could to remain tethered to the earth. “You know, you really look beautiful tonight…” he murmured into her ear, his nose dangerously close to a swirl of her hair.

            She idly toyed with his tie. “You know how…dizzy you feel after a…sneezing fit?”

            He nodded.

            “That’s how you’re making me feel, Peter.”

            “Well, I’m flattered that I…can make you feel that way, Emilia.” He kissed her again, this time lingering a moment longer. “And know that, it’s not just…sneezing fits that get me dizzy…”

            Emilia laughed lightly.

            “As flustered as I get then, what your lips do to me seems to be unmatched.”

            She felt a ball of warmth form in her core.

            He sniffed.

            “Have you…” she paused, hesitating.

            “If you haven’t learned by now that there really isn’t anything you can’t ask me, I don’t know who has been holding my handkerchief. I don’t let just anyone see me when I…” he trailed off, color filling his cheeks.

            Her mouth twisted up into a small smile. “Have you always…had allergies like you do?” There was an insatiable curiosity in her that demanded to know every little detail.

            Dr. Caldwell felt his hand absentmindedly move to his nose, as though subconsciously trying to shield it from her. “I’ve always had them,” he began, now moving to brush lightly under his nostrils. “But they really have gotten worse over the years.”

            She nodded.

            “I’ve of course been to all the specialists, the doctors, trying to figure out why, but at the end of the day, I’m just given a prescription because it’s not like they can really cure it.” He looked at her, never failing to be astonished at her…astonishment.

            “Makes sense as to why those over-the-counter pills I caught you with didn’t do squat.”

            He chuckled, sniffing. “It’s true. Though I seem to be for the most part alright when I’m on the prescription formula, there will always be the times when it doesn’t help as much as it should or at all.”

            “Or if a stray feather happens to float your way,” she blurted out.

            “Oh…you had to say it, didn’t you?” His nose flushed, though he grinned at her.

            “So, even just the—”

            “—the mere mention of it…” he continued, shaking his head and running his finger generously under his nose. “It might not be entirely enough to do me in, but…well, as you can most likely observe, Emilia…” He wiggled his nose in slight irritation. “Ugh.” He brought his handkerchief to his nose and just swiped at it briefly before putting it away again.

            “Sorry for mentioning it,” she replied, her stomach feeling butterflies.

            He tilted his head down towards her. “No, you aren’t.” He had really come to know better.

            She nudged her thigh against his under the table.

            After a moment of silent sniffling, he ventured, “Well, what about you?”

            “Me?”

            He nodded. “How long have you had a…special attention to…this kind of thing?” As if on cue, his nostrils twitched.

            She blushed deeper than she ever had in his company.

            “Hey, it’s okay,” he said sensing her embarrassment. “You don’t have to talk about it, not yet if you don’t want to.”

            “It’s not that,” she said. “It’s more of… It’s always been a fascination.” She chose her words carefully. “But it never became…an obsession until…” She glanced at his protruding nose, still softly sniffling, each sniff moving it more and more.

            He nodded, and an odd pride swelled within him. It was much different than so many times in his life he spent embarrassed by the size of his nose and the allergies that accompanied it. How many times had he felt teased about it behind his back as a young adult? How many times had he wished he could will it down in size, even a little, just to avoid further taunting?

            Now…with the woman sitting in front of him, ogling in absolutely astonishing fascination, his nose, he thanked whatever divine force he has been begging to all those years that his wish had never been fulfilled.

            “And when I interviewed, it was motivated by a drive for academic advancement, career advancement, maybe leading to my own PhD one day,” she said. “But when I came home that night afterwards I found myself praying that you would choose me, even just to…observe you every day. Part of me didn’t care if I even got the position as the research assistant, I was just going to have to find a way to…keep close to you.”

            Dr. Caldwell’s nose quivered.

            “That’s selfish of me, I know,” she went on, “I know that. But I had just never seen someone that just…ticked every box.”

            His Adam’s apple bobbed.

            She continued in a rush, not wanting silence to make it awkward. “I mean, you’re one of the most well-known researchers in your field, incredibly smart, driven, disciplined, can give a lecture and write textbooks like it’s nobody’s business, and on top of all that, you had to be absolutely gorgeous too? I’m surprised you didn’t think I completely blew that interview. And of course, having worn the damned perfume, I was certain you were going to offer the position to someone else. I was sure I wasn’t even going to get an email telling me there was unfortunately another candidate you were moving forward with.”

            He felt himself melt as the word gorgeous passed her lips. He brushed a hand on her knee.

            “Emilia,” he finally said, “May I admit something to you now?” He rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. “I chose you because of the perfume. Well, maybe not the perfume itself, but…the way you handled everything after I…began having a fit.” He scrunched his nose at the memory of her perfume that had teased him more than once since.

            “What?” she asked in disbelief.

            “You were so…collected. The way you maintained yourself under such an unexpected outcome from me, showed me that you were able to handle what I would think to be high-stress, unexpected circumstances. Research can do that, throw you curveballs or unexpected unpleasantness; it can be frustrating, it can make you uncomfortable at times! But your demeanor, your ability to adapt to the changing environment told me everything I needed to know.” He paused. “Of course, I was horribly embarrassed to have reacted in such a way in front of you during the damned interview, but it really set the stage for who I thought you would be as a research assistant. And to top it all off…” He grinned at her. “Your resume was spectacular. I told you that then, and it’s still true. So really, Emilia, you ticked every box, right from the very first time your peach perfumed little self sat in a chair opposite of me.”

            Emilia felt tears forming in her eyes.

            “And now…” he continued, his eyes lingering over her lips. “There is not one moment… not one sneeze I would trade for any of the other candidates I interviewed. Some of them half-assed, I’ll admit, because after you I was pretty much decided.”

            Emilia could only remain silent, his words falling over her like a warm blanket.

            Dr. Caldwell too, was silent. His eyes roamed her face, one hand still on hers, the other now resting on her thigh. She felt the weight of his hand there and a rush coursed through her.

            “Maybe that’s partly why I wanted to take you out here tonight. I could have waited until we were back home, but some part of me needed you to know in some subtle way perhaps, needed you to understand that my feelings for you go beyond the academic, obviously,” he stole a glance at her lips again.  “But they also go beyond the…fun I think we have with each other. It’s more than the rush of you teasing a feather under my nose brings, more than the…physical thrill it brings.” He scrunched his nose at the feather mentioned again.

            Emilia placed her hand on top of the one that rested on her thigh. “I completely understand.”

            “And I’m so thrilled that you do. I just, I had to do something that showed you I don’t merely think of you as some kind of replaceable research assistant, or someone with whom I want to have a quick fix of adrenaline.” He brought a hand up to cradle her face. “You mean very much to me, Emilia.”

            Emilia blinked back more tears. “There’s that dizziness again,” she murmured.

            He smiled at her. “And I didn’t even sneeze yet,” he replied playfully.

            Emilia’s mind of course was snagged on the yet. She took up her neglected gin and tonic and took a sip.

            It was quiet for a few minutes as a gentle rain began outside, and they both watched as raindrops decorated the window of their little booth.

            She found herself leaning into his chest as they nursed their drinks, his arm comfortably over one of her shoulders. She could feel his heartbeat mirroring hers: a flutter of pulses coursing steadily through his body.

            “Will you excuse me if I run to the ladies’ room?” she asked, beginning to slide out of the booth. “This went right through me.”

            He chuckled. “I’ll order you another while you’re gone.”

            She smiled and slipped away.

            Dr. Caldwell couldn’t help his eyes wander over her as she fluttered away, the pencil skirt she had opted to wear hugging her, well, just perfectly. He felt his mouth water and he ran a hand through his hair as he took another gulp of his Manhattan. Ticked every box…

He pondered as he sipped, reveling in the conversation they had shared. He was glad. He was glad he had begun to share with her some of the deeper feelings he had for her. He was glad that she felt comfortable enough to share some of the more intimate details of herself with him. He was glad that she thought he was gorgeous, a statement that he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around, especially seeing her walk away in a perfectly fitted pencil skirt.

He was glad she was here with him, here in this city, here in this little bar, and there up their hotel room. He took a deep breath and stirred the ice cubes of his empty cocktail.

“How are we doing there, honey?” the waitress asked as she came over. She leaned over him, gathering the empty glasses into her hands. “Can I get you two another round?”

Dr. Caldwell began to answer in the affirmative when what smelled like…well not peach perfume, but some kind of perfume wafted up his nose. He flared his nostrils as the scent fluttered through him, something floral mixed with the distinct smell of cigarette smoke.

“Oh…” he wavered, feeling the tingle root itself deeply.

Mistaking the hitches he was trying to suppress as nods, the waitress said, “coming right up, honey.”

Of course, he thought in frustration. Of course.

“Hehh…hehhh…damn it,” he growled, doing what he could to tame it. But his nostrils had already begun widening in response to the waitress’s odd combination of flowery perfume and smoke.

The scent glided up his nose, and he began quivering. Scrubbing it with his embroidered P handkerchief that he also learned Emilia sewed for him, he felt his chest heaving.

“Hehhh…hehhh…hehhhhh…” He squeezed his nose between his fingers trying to crush the tickle before Emilia got back so they could finish their evening together. Of course, just as he was saying how much he wanted to take her out so he could show her that she meant more than the top floor suite fun…

He breathed in shakily, feeling the impending sneeze growing. Correction: he could feel the impending sneezes.

“I r-really…hehh...hate…p-puhh…hehhhh…perfume,” he shook, his nose enveloped by his handkerchief. Unless it was on Emilia, he amended internally. He massaged his nose, doing little if anything at all, to ease the itch. “Damnit.”

The waitress came back with the next round of drinks, setting them before Dr. Caldwell, unaware of the tickle she had inadvertently set off.

“Let me know when you need anything else,” she said, tapping the table with her pen.

He could only nod from within his handkerchief, feeling his nose quiver within it, not evening being able to manage a thank you.

“Hehh…hehhh…HEHHHH…! HAAAAAESSSSSCCHEWWW!!” he exploded, the sneeze only muffled slightly by the fabric.

Emilia was just pushing the door of the ladies’ room back open again when she heard it, clear across the room. Her stomach fluttered within her; her heart ran wild once again. She paused at the door and listened again.

“HAAAESSSCHEWWWW!!”

Oh dear…

She smiled inwardly to herself, thinking of what could have set Dr. Caldwell off. Quickening her gait to reach him faster, she heard him sneeze three more times on her way back to the booth. Keeping her face even, she approached the table.

His handkerchief was inches from his face, directly in the line of his colossal nostrils. They were flushed and red, the sides flaring out in an effort to expel the tickly irritant. She watched for a moment as he hitched helplessly, before his nose wiggled once more and he—

“HAAAAESSSSCHEWWWWW!! HAAAAESSSSSCHEWWWW!!!!”

“Bless you, Peter,” she answered softly to his sneeze, gliding back into the booth next to him.

“Ehhhh…Emilia…” he breathed, his voice ragged. “S-s-sorry…I—HAAAESSCHEWWWW!!”

“If you still have to apologize to me for sneezing,” she said gently, “I don’t know whose handkerchief I’ve been holding.” She stroked his hair.

“I-I—HAAAESSSCHEWWWWW!! HAAAESSSCHEWWWW!!” He caught each of his sneezes within the satin of the handkerchief, never leaving his face.

“Should I ask what—”

“—HAAAAESSSSCHEWWW!” She watched as he brushed at his nose, letting the fabric run under his nostrils. Mesmerizing little movements.

After a few shaky hitches, Dr. Caldwell lowered the handkerchief, his nose of course, an inflamed, shuddering appendage. He sniffed as he wiped his nose, little ughs escaping his throat.

“Perfume,” he was able to say at last, tucking away his handkerchief.

“I swear I’m not even wearing—”

He sniffed. “Not you, Emilia, dear. The waitress.”

“Oh?”

“Some kind of…hehhh…fragrant scent mixed with cigarette smoke.”

“Oh.” And as much as Emilia was glad she hadn’t set him off in public as she knew he despised, she still found herself…jealous? Jealous of someone else’s perfume making him sneeze. She internally scolded herself for how immature that was. But still…

He sat back in the booth, sipping his new Manhattan. “Just a small fit, we don’t have to leave or anything,” he reassured her, pushing her glass towards her.

Emilia arched an eyebrow at him and took a sip.

“I’m fine, Emilia,” he insisted. Still though, he sniffled.

“But what about when she comes back?” She couldn’t help hearing the annoyance in her voice.

He could hear it too. He shot a glance her way, amusement in his eyes.

“What if I begin sneezing again?” he countered.

Emilia felt herself blush as he said this.

“Well, then I suppose…” He shifted closer to her again to hold her chin with his thumb and index finger. His eyes lingered over her lips, desire welling inside of him. “You’ll just have to…” he trailed off as she took a deep breath and exhaled over him.

Dr. Caldwell tilted his head to kiss her, knowing she could feel his still slightly quivering nose against her cheek. His stomach too, quivered when he heard a light, though audible sigh escape her.

“You’ll just have to…” he murmured against her lips. “Tickle me.” And he kissed her again, his nose still twitching against her.

“Alright, how are we doing on round two?” The waitress appeared at the table again. “Oops, sorry you lovebirds,” she cooed. “Just let me know when I can get you anything else.”

Dr. Caldwell lifted his face to her, holding his breath. “Ju-juhh…just the bill, I think, please,” he managed.

“Absolutely.” As she walked away, Emilia could catch her glancing once over her shoulder at them before Dr. Caldwell pulled her into another deep kiss.

“Hehhh…hehhh…” he breathed as he pulled away.

But Emilia pulled him back again, wanting to experience what it felt like to have his nose protesting against the tickle, on the brink of a sneeze, right against her.

“Emilia…” he said, lips inches from hers. And he tightened a grip around her and sneezed, “HAAAAESSSSCHEWWWW” into the crook of his other arm.

She grinned as she leaned away, finishing off her second gin and tonic.

“Oh,” he muttered.

“Whenever you two are ready,” the waitress said pleasantly as she placed the bill on the table. “No rush.”

            Dr. Caldwell paid the bill and as they walked out of the bar into the cool, rainy night, he offered an arm to her. “Can I walk you back to your hotel, Ms. Bennett?”

            She smiled broadly as she took it.

            They walked back to the hotel arm in arm, and Emilia would every now and then glance up at Dr. Caldwell, who in turn, would look back down at her with a warm smile.

            The hotel suite offered sanctuary from the cool, rainy night outside.

            “I’m going to get changed for bed,” Emilia said softly, heading for the bathroom. She had just reached the doorway when she heard Dr. Caldwell’s voice.

            “Emilia?”

            She turned around, catching Dr. Caldwell’s infatuated expression.

            “Yes?”

            He sighed. “You really, really are beautiful.”

            She walked up to him and planted a soft, gentle kiss first on his lips, and then up to the tip of his oversized nose. “So are you.” And she pulled away as his nose twitched.

All changed and sleepy, Emilia eased into her side of the large mattress, and Dr. Caldwell into his. After a few silent moments, it was Dr. Caldwell who broke the tension.

            “May I…hold you tonight, Emilia?”

            “I would love that, Peter,” she murmured in reply.   

            And they centered themselves within the large, oversized bed, nestled comfortably up against each other, nothing having ever felt more right in their lives.

 

           “Oh, and Emilia?” he said after a few moments.

            “Yes?” she replied sleepily.

            He brought his lips to her ear. “Your perfume will always be my favorite.”

[AntheaHolmes]

Oh, I love their mutual feelings for eachother. It's almost domestic. Love that. And his sneezes... perfection! As always. So happy for the update as I'm sick with a cold right now and not feeling my best. 

[uwus and love]

God see? This is what I mean. Lil bit of embarrassment, sweetest caretaking, heartfelt, and of course the wonderfully desperate sneezes. Kudos to you, keep it up, and as always, many thanks for the wonderful dream-fulfilling stories I can live vicariously through. 

[Ariel]

Amazing as always! 
These two are just couple goals. 

[kiku]

@Noseandtoes Awwwww! 😍 I just love the description of his oversized, tickly nose with those huge nostrils, especially when it touched Emilia's cheek... So wonderful! And that sneezing fit that was triggered by the waitress' perfume was so vivid, I could actually hear it in my mind! 👍 Keep up the great work. 😊

[rockbell]

Love love love this!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[Noseandtoes]

(A/N: There he goes again).

 

            The night passed with Dr. Caldwell and Emilia carefully hugged against each other. His arm draped over the curve of her waist as his chest rose and fell against her back. Emilia, not wanting any sleep to be interrupted, tied her hair into a bun high above her head, far from the recesses of Dr. Caldwell’s sensitive nose.

            The alarm went off far too soon for either of them, and they were forced to separate themselves from the warm comfort of each other’s arms.

            “Morning,” Emilia murmured sleepily before flinching from her position.

            “Good morning, Emilia,” came the reply. Dr. Caldwell, a soft smile evident in his voice.

            “Sleep alright?”

            He brushed his hand along her arm, his heart still excitedly fluttering. “The best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long while.” He saw her cheeks widen into a smile. “And you?”

            Emilia turned over to face him. “Never slept better.” She let her eyes wander down to his partially exposed chest, his sleepwear consisting of a shallow V-neck t-shirt and sweatpants. Blushing, she drew her eyes back up to his. “What time does the exclusive brunch commence?”

            “James set it for 9:30, but knowing him he’ll be there at 9:00, preparing to greet and shake hands with anyone who happens to show up early.”

            “I’ll bet he can’t wait to shake your hand,” Emilia teased.

            Dr. Caldwell rolled his eyes. “He’s shaken it before, he knows what it feels like. It’s not the honor people think it is.”

            Emilia brushed her thumb against the top of his hand. “Don’t sell yourself short now, some people love the feeling of your hands.”

            Cradling her face in his hand, he leaned in and pressed a kiss onto her lips. “I prefer the feeling of something else.”

            “Too bad we can’t prolong the feeling.”

            He smiled as she rubbed his hand again. “And forego the brunch? James would never forgive me. Still…as tempting as it is…” He took up one of the hands she was occupied with and pressed a kiss onto the top of hers. “…my professional persona compels me otherwise.”

            “An academic through and through,” she replied playfully.

            Untangling themselves, they slid out of bed, preparing to make themselves ready for the day.

            “Mind if I take a shower really quick? The lavender in my hair is starting to wear out.” Emilia winked at him.

            Caught off guard, Dr. Caldwell felt himself unexpectedly blush. Beginning to stutter out a reply, Emilia pulled the hair tie from the bun, letting her hair cascade down her shoulders, taking note of his eyes never leaving her. He suddenly felt the need to run his nose along the waves of her locks, just to banter with her regarding the supposed diminished scent of her shampoo. He scrunched his nose at the thought.

            Remembering the pleasant although tickly fragrance of her flowery hair, Dr. Caldwell sniffled. He stole a glance towards a handkerchief on the nightstand.

            “I’ll be right back,” she said turning.

            Emilia retreated into the bathroom where Dr. Caldwell heard the sound of the shower start. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he ran his hand through his hair as he sighed. “Goodness me,” he muttered to himself.

            Picking up his phone he was bombarded with an onslaught of texts and emails each the same subject as the day before: BRUNCH?

            Shaking his head he set the phone down again before beginning to ready himself. He tugged on his dress pants, buttoned up his shirt, and adjusted his tie before carefully tucking a fresh linen handkerchief into his breast pocket. Sniffling, he looked at himself in the mirror, taking note of the pinkish hue his nose was already beginning to take on.

            Pursing his lips, he dug into his luggage to pull out some of the prescription allergy medication he packed with him. Wiggling his nose as he examined the little bottle, he heard the water in the bathroom shut off as Emilia’s humming quietly reverberated against the tile. Looking back in the mirror at himself, he turned his head to each side, examining his nose and its color. He took his nose between his index finger and thumb, and gently tried to soothe it of any phantom itch that might be hiding within.

            Feeling subtle embarrassment as he was prone to do at the sight of his nose, he averted his eyes.

            She thinks it’s gorgeous, a small voice reminded him.

            He flared his nostrils in understated self-assurance, shaking his head once again in disbelief that Emilia could find what he had always disliked the most about himself, his best feature. Not only that, but she was obsessed with it. Chuckling quietly, he dropped the prescription bottle back into his luggage.

           

***

            The ride in the elevator down to the café was not nearly as private as it had been after they left the conference the previous day. Dr. Caldwell found himself needing to make small talk with various colleagues, some from the opposite end of the country, all wanting to say hello or introduce themselves for the first time. By the time they had reached the bottom floor, the elevator was buzzing with the hum of voices, all vying for Dr. Caldwell’s attention.

            “I’m so glad you were able to make it to the brunch this morning, Peter,” one colleague said.

            “It’s so good to have you joining us this morning,” said another.

            “Dr. Caldwell, may I introduce myself? My name is…” one new doctoral student of James’ said, reaching out a hand to shake Dr. Caldwell’s.

            Suffice it to say, getting off the elevator was a relief. Dr. Caldwell glanced down at Emilia, giving her a subtle grin in response to the pride that swelled in her face. She once again marveled at the recognition and attention he seemed to receive in any academic setting, a true testimony to his own renown brilliance.

            Standing at the entrance to the hotel’s café was of course, James, filling with elation as he spotted Dr. Caldwell walking in his direction.

            “So good of you to join us this morning, Peter,” he said, taking his hand in earnest with a firm handshake. “How are you feeling?”

            “Just fine, thank you,” he replied, though he’d be lying if he said there wasn’t some slight congestion. “Thank you for the invitation, James.”

            “Indeed, indeed! Of course. Those conferences can be too crowded and busy to speak to everyone you’d like. I organized this brunch for the opportunity for more independent discourse.”

            Dr. Caldwell nodded. “And a slimmed down question-and-answer portion, no doubt.” He smiled warmly. “My apologies again for my hurried exit yesterday.”

            James waved him off. “No apologies necessary. You’re here now, and I know that seems to be what matters most to everyone.”

            Emilia felt more warmth spread in her core, an unbridled proud feeling that she was sure would burst from her at any moment.

            “Speaking of,” James turned his head and called, “Jessica!” before waving a young woman over to him. “I’d like for you to meet one of my new doc students. She’s pursuing a specialty in mood disorders and was ecstatic when she learned she’d get to meet you at this conference.”

            “Very pleased to meet you again, Jessica,” Dr. Caldwell said shaking the hand of the young woman who introduced herself to him in the elevator. “You are in the best hands with Dr. Raymond.”

            “Thank you, sir.” The young woman—Jessica—replied, though it was clear in her face that she wished she was under his supervision instead. She seemed to glance between Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Raymond, no doubt comparing both of them in her mind and consistently coming to the conclusion that Dr. Caldwell was the superior choice.

            Emilia stood beside Dr. Caldwell and wondered if Jessica had applied to Dr. Caldwell’s university and didn’t get accepted. She didn’t recall Peter interviewing any potential doctoral students for his department.

            “On the subject of introductions, I am pleased to introduce Ms. Emilia Bennett, my research assistant.” Dr. Caldwell kept his face even as he presented her, finding it somewhat difficult to leave Emilia’s title as simple as that. The Holder of My Handkerchiefs; The Tickler of My Nose; The woman I care for more than deeply… All sorts of statements entered his mind, though he didn’t let his face betray the blossoming heat that accompanied the thoughts of her.

            “A pleasure, Ms. Bennett,” James said, shaking her head. “You have found yourself in a very coveted position, young lady.”

            Emilia smiled. “I am very lucky,” she stated simply, before reaching out to shake Jessica’s hand. For a moment she thought she saw her eyes narrowing at her. “I have learned so much.” She caught sight of Dr. Caldwell nodding stiffly. “And it is a pleasure assisting Dr. Caldwell where I can.” She heard the double meaning in her words as they left her lips and she knew Dr. Caldwell did too, as his Adam’s apple bobbed and his nose twitched as he sniffed.

            “Well, let’s head inside and relax. A brunch filled with psychologists can still be relaxing, right?” James laughed.

            “Ladies first,” Dr. Caldwell murmured, letting Jessica enter followed by Emilia.

            Sitting at a large round table, Emilia found herself surrounded by various colleagues of Dr. Caldwell’s that she had seen yesterday, some in the audience and some on the panel. She found herself the subject of substantial attention, once word got around the table that Dr. Caldwell’s research assistant was also present. Various questions were posed to her, such as the length of time she had been working for him, the subject of their projects, and how long Dr. Caldwell’s grants would continue to pay for her assistance.

            “…grants usually only last two to three years, has he discussed your timeline? I have a few projects I’m leading that could use research assistants, and with your current stellar experience…” one colleague eagerly said to her.

            “…can’t tell you how disappointed I was to learn that he wasn’t taking doctoral students this cycle…I almost nearly put off my PhD acceptance to apply for your position, but I wanted to get into school right away…” another new doctoral student sighed, trying not to let his current supervisor hear.

            “…what is it like to work with him?”

            All types of questions were hurdled her way and Emilia did her best to answer as gracefully and professionally as she could, knowing her demeanor reflected not only on herself, but on Dr. Caldwell too. Her responses were eagerly listened to, each colleague smiling at Dr. Caldwell at Emilia’s positive feedback.

            Emilia too, never felt how true the concept of networking was. She had been at the brunch not even twenty minutes and already two or three of the other PhDs at the table were offering her a position in their labs should she be inclined to apply. She glanced up at Dr. Caldwell who gave her a quick wink before returning his attention to a Dr. Mary Jones, who was intent on discussing her new research design with him.

Dr. Caldwell was seated next to James on his left, and Emilia on his right. He felt her knee nudge his under the table and he cracked a small smile at their clandestineness. Emilia found herself trying not to get lost in thoughts that had absolutely nothing to do with psychological research and keep her attention on the discussions happening before her. After all, she was here in an academic capacity…

“…never season these eggs with enough pepper,” she heard James say, reaching for a large pepper grinder in front of him.

Emilia watched carefully as he turned the crank on the grinder several times over, coating his eggs in little black flecks of pepper. Her eyes moving to Dr. Caldwell, she saw him observing the same occurrence. She blushed when she saw his lips part and his nostrils widen in response to the sudden peppery assault.

Sniffling several times over, he drew out his handkerchief and rubbed his nose in it, a deep tickle beginning to prickle.

“Oh…excuse me,” he said, flushing as he carefully swiped under his nose.

Emilia caught sight of his widening nostrils, reddening and quivering with a tickle she knew would need to be satisfied by one means only. He flexed his nose before setting down his handkerchief, keeping it clenched in his fist instead of putting it back in his pocket.

Feeling her mouth run dry for good and bad reasons, she recognized this careful behavior as Dr. Caldwell trying to remain casual about the tickle in his nose, despite the inescapable itchiness it would soon take on. She knew he would try to keep it at bay as long as he could, avoiding having to excuse himself from the table in an embarrassing endeavor to conceal his countless sneezes.

He brushed under his nose with his finger, nonchalantly pressing against his septum. But the tickle, of course, would not be discouraged.

“Hehhh…” he hitched.

Emilia felt herself run hot in nervousness. His nose began twitching. His mouth remained parted and his eyes took on a pre-sneezy glaze that Emilia found so adorable, yet wished away in this particular moment.            

Sniffling, he began hitching again. “Hehh…hehhh…”

No one seemed to bat an eye yet.

“Hehhh…ehhhh…HEHHHH…!” He held his handkerchief hard against his nose and used both hands to catch his—

“—HAAAAAESSSSCHEWWW!! HAAAAAESSSSCHEWWWW!! HAAAEAAASCCHEWWWW!! Hehhh…HAAAAESSSCHEWWWWW!! Oh…” He sniffed.

Several bless yous went around the table, some surprised at the sudden outburst, others concerned.

Handkerchief still cocooning his nose, he felt himself burn bright red.

“Thank you, thank you…hehhh…thank you, excuse me,” he replied, wiping his nose.

Emilia felt her knee (having gone weak), nudging his again.

He looked down at her, his expression abashed. She offered him a small, yet encouraging smile, despite the twitching that was still present in his nose.

A few moments passed as the discussion continued, Dr. Caldwell sniffling in tickly agony.

“…and we need more research pertaining to community mental health if we are to—”

“—HAAAAAESSSSCHEWWWWW!!” Dr. Caldwell erupted once again.

“Bless you!” came once more from several attendees.

“Excuuuhhhhh…hehhh…HEHHHH…! HAAAAESSSCHEWWWW! Ugh…excuse me,” he breathed from behind his handkerchief. He glanced towards James’s plate once more, feeling like the fine pepper grounds may as well be inside his quavering nose.

“Excuse me,” he said again, wiggling his nose in despair. And while Emilia loved the magical little movements, she resented the awkwardness she knew Dr. Caldwell was feeling in this moment.

“It is that time of year,” one colleague laughed.

“Hehhh…hehhhhh…hehhhh…” he breathed, unable to help himself as the tickle swelled within his irritated and itchy nose.

Emilia wished she could help him; that she could take his handkerchief for him and let him relax while the sneezes exploded out of him, over and over again until he was relieved. She wished she could rub his sensitive nostrils gently with her fingers, feeling them widen and quiver under her care as he built up more and more to an impending sneeze. She wished she could rub his back and nuzzle into him for comfort as he reacted to his allergies, tracing her finger around his red-rimmed nostrils in an effort to coax out any hitchy, stuck sneezes that fought to come out.

But instead, she was forced to sit silently and watch in tremendous dismay as Dr. Caldwell had an allergic reaction to the over-peppering of his colleague’s breakfast. Here, she could not simply drag him away from the table, excusing Dr. Caldwell on her own accord; this was not her place, surrounded by so many people who would see something odd about a research assistant speaking on behalf of her supervisor and making decisions to leave the table for him.

Emilia silently prayed he would excuse himself, though she was unsure he would given that he already excused himself early yesterday.

“Hehhh…hehhhh…hehhhhhh…”

Emilia could practically hear the begging tickle in his nose, feathering its way around his nasal cavity, wreaking allergic havoc. He continued holding his handkerchief securely under his bulging nose, doing his best to address the person speaking to him with earnest attention. She found herself blushing as he held a shaky finger up to whomever was speaking so that he could sneeze.

“HEHHHH…HAAAAAAESSSSSCHEWWWWWWW!! Oh, goodness,” he’d mutter as his face burned with color as red as his peppery nose. “My…m-my…HAAAAESSSSCHEWWWW!!!” He flexed his nose. “My apologies…” he muttered, abashed.

“Whew, something really must have gotten to you!” another colleague commented, amused.

“Ahhhhll…ahhhhhller…” he tried. “HAAAAAAESSSCHEWWWWWW!! Allergies,” he admitted reluctantly.

His colleagues nodded in understanding, though it did nothing to help any of the discomfort he felt at sneezing so much in front of a crowd. Dr. Caldwell glanced towards James and his over-seasoned breakfast, internally cursing him for being the reason that he, twice now, was the reason so much attention was on him in the middle of a sneezing fit.  

His nostrils quivered once more. “HAAAAAESSSCHEWWWWW!!”

Emilia fought the urge to put a hand on his shoulder. Dr. Caldwell too, found himself nearly turning to face Emilia for help, desperate to have his poor nose in her hands, but stopped himself sharply, remembering where they were.

“Ugh…” he sniffled largely. He dabbed at the corners of his nose delicately as he continued flexing his great nostrils.

Finally, after an agonizing amount of time had passed, James pushed his empty plate away from him, no longer full of the peppery mountain he created.

“Hehhhhh…” he continued to breathe shakily.

“Well, I must say, this was quite the pleasurable experience, having brunch and discourse with all of you this morning,” James said, standing up and clasping his hands together. “Perhaps this will be an annual after-conference tradition we start.”

Dr. Caldwell nodded along with his colleagues, still under the influence of the tickle in his nose.

“We have the table reserved for a few more minutes, if anyone would like to stay and chat a moment more,” James said.

Preparing to stand up and excuse himself, Dr. Caldwell finished wiping his nose and tucked his handkerchief away. Making bleary eye contact with Emilia, who had by this point transformed into a puddle of pleasure and pain, he smoothed his hair into place and stood up.

Impatient to be in a zone where he could have all the breathless, sneezy fits he (and Emilia) wanted, it took all his strength to not grab her hand and escape into the stairwell to avoid more of the colleague crowd. He wrinkled his nose in itchy response.

“Dr. Caldwell, may I have a private word?” Jessica approached him, looking over her shoulder at James as he embroiled himself in another conversation.

Absolutely not, Dr. Caldwell thought to himself. But instead, he turned to Emilia. “Just one moment, Ms. B-Behhhh…HAAAAESSSSCHEWWW!!” he sneezed. “Just one moment Ms. Bennett.”

And Emilia watched nervously as he and Jessica moved closer to the exit of the café, away from the table full of his colleagues.

“How many I help you, Ms…?”

“Watson, Jessica Watson.”

Dr. Caldwell sniffled. “How may I help you, Ms. Watson?”

Jessica looked up at him looking down at her over his nose, once again buried in soft linen. “Well, I don’t mean to be out of line, first and foremost,” she began, “But I just had to seize this opportunity to speak with you in person. I don’t know when you and I will be in the same area again.”

“Hehhh…” he muffled, “Yes?”

“I know that I inquired your university as to their PhD program, and I know I sent a hard-copy and a PDF of my resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation to your university email.”

He nodded, furrowing his brow.

“I completely understand you aren’t taking PhD students in a supervisory role, but I had to ask you if there was any other position you need filled right now,” she paused as Dr. Caldwell’s eyes squeezed shut.

“HAAAAESSSCHEWWWW!! Oh, excuse me, excuse me.” He rubbed his nose, glancing at Emilia, knowing she was watching them.

“That’s alright… Well, I was wondering if there is any other position you need filled, or any role I can take on under your guidance, or if you’d consider taking me on as a transfer student into your department, just me, not an entire cohort. Dr. Raymond is a wonderful supervisor, but I feel I could really prosper and grow more as a professional under your supervision.” Jessica looked at him in anticipation,

Dr. Caldwell stared back at her, his brow still furrowed. He tucked away his handkerchief as the tickle waned for a moment.

“Yes, I did receive all your documents,” he began, adjusting his glasses. “And while your resume and letters of recommendation are wonderful and achievements you should be very proud of, I’m afraid I am not in the position to, nor am I interested in supervising any doctoral students this year.”

Jessica’s mouth hardened into a line.

“My time is entirely taken up by my research projects, those for which I have already filled my research assistant position.” At this, he looked back towards Emilia, who had since gotten into a conversation with another colleague.

“Dr. Caldwell,” Jessica tried again, “I would be so so grateful if you would just consider…”

Dr. Caldwell was stunned by her persistence.

“Let me tell you something,” he said, his patience wearing thin. “Dr. James Raymond is one of the finest psychologists in our field. You have everything to gain by being under his supervision and instruction.” He felt a tickle prickle in his nose again, and his nose flushed. “And need I remind you…hehhhhh…” he breathed. “That you were accepted into his cohort? Hehhh…hehhhhh…one moment…Ms…Watson…hehhhhh…hehhhhh…HAAAAAESSSSSCHEWWWW!!” Several glances looked in their direction, Emilia included.

She saw his face burn with more embarrassment.

“You were accepted into his cohort,” he repeated, the congestion evident in his voice. “Which is more than most people who apply to PhD programs can say.”

Jessica was silent.

“And furthermore,” he sniffled. “I must tell you that I find it very unprofessional to approach me and speak to me about this with your supervisor in the same room.” He held a knuckle under his nose. “Dr. Raymond is more than qualified to train you in your program, and does not deserve the disservice you are doing him by broaching this topic with me. Excuse me again,” he held a finger up. “HAAAAAESSSSCCCCHEWWWWW!! Goodness…”

“I apologize, Dr. Caldwell, thank you for your time.” Jessica’s face was just as red as his as she quickly scurried away, back to Dr. Raymond with whom she was stuck.

Swiping the handkerchief under his nose, he shook his head in disbelief.

Emilia wandered away from the crowd, reaching Dr. Caldwell in a reddened, quivery state. “I heard that,” she murmured, not looking in Jessica’s direction.

“Unbelievably unprofessional,” he muttered. “Although some would think I’m just as bad, sneezing and sneezing like mad all throughout that discussion.” He scrunched his nose.

Emilia blushed, trying not to seem too distracted by it. “I think they understood,” she said as they began walking out of the café.

“Well, my research assistant,” he said, holding the stairwell door open for her. “It will be a hike up to the fourth floor, but I think I’d rather muffle a sneeze into a handkerchief in an empty stairwell than an elevator full of people.” He sniffled.

Emilia’s heart thrummed within her as she felt the stairwell door close behind them and they began to climb the steps.

“In fact…hehhhhh…I think I….I’m…hehhhh…already…g-going to…sn-snee…sneeze…aghhhhhhaiiiiin…” He fished out his handkerchief and handed it to Emilia.

“Are you sure?” she asked, knowing they were only halfway to their floor.

Dr. Caldwell though, nodded and raised his red-rimmed, quivering nostrils to her, on the brink of a sneeze. Pausing in between floors, Emilia held the handkerchief under his nose as his nostrils continued widening and reddening.

“You’ll have to really try and muffle it,” she cooed, her fingers rubbing delicate little circles between each of his nostrils. “This stairwell, while empty, is echoey.”

“Hehhhh…hehhhh…HEHHHHH…HEHHHHH…” Emilia traced a corner of the handkerchief just within the edge of his nostril.

“HAAAAAAEEEEEESSSCCHHHHEWWWWW!!” he sneezed. He sneezed and despite the handkerchief firmly against his nose, it reverberated off the walls of the stairwell, making Dr. Caldwell flush.

“I told you,” she murmured, still rubbing his nose post-sneeze.

“Well,” he said, adjusting his glasses again, “you simply just tickle them out of me that way.” He blushed. “Especially when it’s already been tickled into sneezes by a mountain of pepper…” He rolled his eyes.

Emilia laughed lightly. “Pepper too…going on the list.”

“Doesn’t everything?”

After a moment of Emilia’s continuous massaging of his nose, he sniffed and wiggled it, still loving the way Emilia doted on it.

“Come on,” he said gently, taking her hand freely in the empty stairwell. “As often as I’d like you to…hold my nose, I’d also like for me to hold your hand.”

Continuing to climb, Emilia squeezed his hand in hers. “So, the conference is over, the exclusive brunch has ended, and we have the whole day in this city before we are due to get back home tomorrow,” she said. “What would you like to do?”

Dr. Caldwell paused and held her to him, suddenly feeling her body pressed against his in a way that made his mind grow faint. He suddenly kissed her like he’d never be able to do it again, before pulling back and taking a deep breath. He nudged his nose against hers for a moment before offering it to her for Emilia to kiss. She gently kissed the tip of his nose, still irritated and red, still slightly twitching and wiggling.

            “What would I like to do…hmmm… I have some ideas.”

[AntheaHolmes]

AMAZING as always. His quivering, red, itchy nose, his massive sneezing fit. The way he thinks about Emilia. A dream. I like that he put the other student into her place by being unprofessional. It's so Peter-like. Would love to see some pet-allergy sneezes, if I may wish for some. They must be especially itchy. Mine are. 😁 So happy to wake up to another brilliant chapter. These two have a special place in my heart. 

[Catsgotyourtounge]

Omg this is absolutely amazing!

[uwus and love]

The desperate way he wants her to help but can’t. The unavoidable allergic sneezes that he can’t help but let out. The embarrassment even while knowing Emilia can help him feel so much better in seconds. I cannot with this story and I thank whatever higher power or just sheer dumb luck that I’ve come across this beautifully written masterpiece. 

 

I await the next installment with more excitement than you could possibly know 

[thesneezyowl]

I’m just catching up! I didn’t think I could love these 2 any more,  but with each new installment I fall deeper and deeper. Just 🤌🏻🤌🏻

[rockbell]

excuse me while I melt into a puddle 🥰

[SnzDreams]

I don’t often keep up with original fiction on here, but this one definitely hooked me. Every update feels fresh and carries good development and movement in the plot, but the scenario and writing always manages to feel indulgent every time. 😍 Emilia has it so good ahaha, keep it up! 

[snzlover.flower.pollen]

this is adorable!

i love how descirptive it is

maybe we can have emilia sneezing next?

[kiku]

@Noseandtoes Oooohh, another great chapter! 😍 Emilia touching her beloved Dr. Caldwell's big sneezy nose is such a pleasure to read! 👍

[Ariel]

Love it love it love it! 
 

you know what would be super fun 

Peter finally having that possible midnight fit by accidentally getting tickled by Emilias hair while they are cuddling during their last night at the hotel 🙊

[Sneeziestofthemall]

I absolutely love this fic 😍 it’s really one of the best ones out there

[Cleopatra]

It is still one of my favorite stories ever. Thank you so much for continuing😍