Foreign Allergen (Star Wars Jedi OC, M)

[perennialsoft]

On a diplomatic trip to another planet, Jas encounters plants his body isn’t prepared to handle.

 

This is about two OCs in the Star Wars universe: Seela, a Twi’lek, and Jas, a Human. Both are Jedi. No knowledge of the universe is needed to read this fic; just know that the two characters are on a diplomatic mission, Jas is human, and Seela is not.

 

-

 

“Well, that could have gone better,” Seela says once they’re alone in their guest quarters.

 

Jas glares at her over his handkerchief. He has yet to remove it from his face, and he holds it like it’s the difference between life and death. “I hate you,” he rasps.

 

Seela doesn’t take it personally. “They didn’t seem too surprised, at least. I think they’re used to Humans reacting to their plantlife like that, actually. They seemed prepared enough.”

 

“Then why the k-kark didn’t they–hh–they–Eh’tshiEW!⁠—say s-something before we–heh–he’tCHIEW!”

 

Seela charitably steadies him as he stumbles and helps him find the couch. She pats his shoulder. “There, there,” she says as he unsuccessfully attempts to blow his nose. “It’s not your fault you’re a pathetic, weak Human. I’m sure you haven’t completely ruined negotiations with your grossness.” He swipes at her half-heartedly, and she dances away with a laugh.

 

“Not what I’m concerned about,” he grunts, burying his face further into the handkerchief. His attempted blow makes an awkward squelching sound, and he groans. Seela shudders and leaves to explore the suite.

 

She discovers two bedrooms–unnecessary, since they've bunked together since their creche says, but appreciated given Jas’ current state–with a shared ‘fresher attached. She tests out both beds and finds them rather stiff, which makes sense since their hosts are rather heavier than Humans or Twi’leks. She’s just glad their guest rooms have beds; they don’t always get that luxury on diplomatic missions.

 

When she returns to the main room, Jas is sneezing again. He’s hunched in on himself, elbows braced on his knees. He’s still using the same handkerchief. So gross.

 

“That handkerchief really is disgusting,” she comments, leaning against the door frame. He flinches, a sign of just how distracted he is, but doesn’t look up. “I don’t see why you can’t use the disposable stuff; it’s so much more sanitary.”

 

“Et’CHOO! Eh-eh’t-CHIEWW!” He finally deigns to glare up at her. His eyes and cheeks are red–signs of irritation or illness, on humans. “Because there’s s-so many of those lying around,” he says nastily, voice heavy with congestion. 

 

Seela smiles and tosses a package at him. He snatches it out of the air with his free hand even as he sneezes again. When he comes up for air, he examines the box suspiciously. “That comeback would work better if there weren’t tissues in the ‘fresher,” Seela says.

 

He looks up in surprise, then tears open the package one-handedly to reveal rows of tissues. He quickly trades out his handkerchief; before she looks away, Seela catches a glimpse of the mess behind the cloth. She focuses on the wall and grimaces as he blows his nose harshly. “Het’CHIEW! Hi’skEW! E’TCHOO!” He takes a strangled breath. “HIIT”skhhIEW!” He finally manages a productive blow after that, and when the noise stops Seela turns back. He’s even more hunched, eyes closed and face weary. A fresh tissue is pressed to his nose, like he’s expecting another sneeze at any moment. 

 

“You really are pathetic,” she sighs, then bridges the distance between them and halls him up. He obediently shuffles along as she pulls him to the ‘fresher. “Come on, there are water showers, and they look like they can go hot. There’s time to clean up before you’re expected to play translator.”

 

“Jedi are s’posed to be king,” he says roughly, as if he hadn’t laughed when she fell down a ditch two missions back. She purposefully jostles him as she opens the ‘fresher door, and he groans. “Any chance these people h–hi’CHIEW!⁠—have anti-h-histamines?”

 

Seela helps him lean against the wall and doesn’t step away until he’s steady. “I doubt they’ve got anything for Humans, and I have no idea how to speak to them, but I’ll try.” She pauses to allow him another sneeze. “I’ll put some fresh robes on your bed; don’t get them all snotty like this pair.”

 

He grumbles but nods. “Tea, too?” he asks hopefully.

 

She rolls her eyes. “I’ll see what I can do.” She pauses, then rubs his hair affectionately. “Get cleaned up. Can’t have the translator useless for negotiations.” He grunts in acknowledgement, already looking like he was gearing up for another sneeze, and she leaves before she has to witness anything more. Why did she have to end up with a Human as her partner? Twi’lek were so much sturdier…

[SterlingSilver]

Aw, this is so charming!! I love pairs where one is human and another is not. It's really cute when there are comments about humans being weak or prone to illness / allergies, etc 😄💗 The banter between them feels natural and fun; I can sense the history between the two of them. Their personalities play off one another really well too ✨ And the sneeze spellings?? Chef's KISS! Really loved this little scene! 

Thanks so much for sharing!

[solitaire-au]

Aww, how did I not see this before?

This was so cute. And if you’re inclined to write more, I would like to see where this goes.