The Advertisement (Chapters 8/?)

[Dye]

AwwwwWWWW phoenixxx

These two oh my GOD please ADMIT YOUR ATTRACTION (FOR REAL)

I'm actually so pumped to see Ethan catch Phoenix's cold and deal with his (possibly conflicting?) feelings about his own sneezes 🥹

[thesneezegoddes]

This is so hot and I love it ❤❤❤

[AntheaHolmes]

As with the previous chapters, I keep coming back to this story. It's so hot and sexy. Phoenix and Ethan are just perfect. I hope there are many more chapters to come. Really an excellent story and a super great chapter full of feelings and emotions. I'm also curious to see how Ethan will react if he catches the flu from Nix. Nix's sneezes were also enchanting and very, very sexy. I can understand Ethan very well.

[Catsgotyourtounge]

This just keeps getting  better and better!

[dwaekki]

I'm just here to keep this on the first page of original fiction 😭

[ichixshiro14]

On 11/23/2023 at 6:11 AM, secret19 said:

I second this! I also can’t wait to see how Ethan sneezes differ from Phoenix and how insistent he is on the stifling (I imagine quite insistent). Thank you so much for writing!!!! 

I third this!!! Your writing has me as boneless as Ethan after that fit 🤯🤯🤯 Thank you sooo much for continuing!!!

[Inducer]

As everyone else has already said...  this is beautiful and amazing.  I absolutely love your work and look forward to reading more.  Thank you for taking the time to create this wonderful story!

[AntheaHolmes]

This is just so good. I read it almost every day. Please continue! It's amazing!!! I need Nix and Ethan like oxygen! They are adorable and very sexy. 

[Not Telling]

@dwaekki I so love reading your comments. Thank you! And don't you worry, it has been in the cards from the start to get Ethan sneezing more. Truth be told, I'm sort of obsessed with his sneezing and have also been eager for more representation from him in that regard. But alas, as tempting as it was, I couldn't just skip ahead to that and miss out on everything else in between. haha I definitely don't think you're alone in having the caretaking aspects of the fetish appeal to you and definitely don't think it's weird. Well maybe we're all weird in our own right but that's alright, we can all be a little weird together, hence why we find ourselves here. 😉 As Moss from the beloved TV show IT Crowd says "I like being weird, weird's all I've got, that and my sweet style." ❤️ 

@Blackcat182 ❤️ Thank you!!

On 11/23/2023 at 7:11 AM, secret19 said:

I also can’t wait to see how Ethan sneezes differ from Phoenix and how insistent he is on the stifling (I imagine quite insistent). Thank you so much for writing!!!! 

@secret19 Well, history seems to indicate that you aren't wrong. 🤭 And thank you for your comment!!

@Autumn Awww, thank you so much for your kind and lengthy comment. I appreciate it so much! And thank you so much for your patience for this update, though I loathe to make y'all wait this long, sometimes it happens. And yes, you may have already seen me say it in my comment to Dwaekki but I too am captivated by Ethan's sneezes and definitely wouldn't miss an opportunity to see him getting sick. Hehe I hope you enjoy this next part, and it was worth the wait. ❤️ 

On 11/23/2023 at 12:35 PM, funbusej said:

I love that you don't leave them in a state of confusion and miscommunication for very long.  They are both intelligent, self-aware, and emotionally available men, that are quick to pick up on signs and clearly are adept at reading each other, very well.  So glad Nix made it through his speech with no embarrassing self-destruction...I always feel so bad in those situations, even though I enjoy it too...eek. 

@funbusej Yay!! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the last update. Agreed, sometimes angst is necessary to drive a specific type of story and I have a certain appreciation of it, that isn't what I wanted from this story. I actually wrote a version where he didn't make it through his speech before he fell apart just playing around with the different options of development but I found I preferred this version. 

@AntheaHolmes Many, many thanks to all your wonderful, sweet, lengthy and enthusiastic comments, they fill me with such warmth and happiness! ❤️ I'm totally with you, generally speaking my preference leans towards allergy sneezing as well but I too am rather in love with Nix's cold sneezing. 

On 11/23/2023 at 3:30 PM, AntheaHolmes said:

I would also love to see some kind of combined sneezing, like maybe he's still fighting this cold but then gets triggered by an allergen in addition. Maybe a dog or cat. I'm allergic to both, so, yeah, that would be amazing.

I had some initial trouble thinking about how I could incorporate this in a way that flowed with the story and was more or less realistic. After much deliberation I was actually inspired by an event that happened to me during my last stay at a hotel. I hope it is to your liking. 😉❤️ 

@thesneezyowl *blush* Thank you so much! ❤️ Most days, I can't say the same about my brain haha but I'll admit it has it's moments. 

@Privatedancer

On 11/24/2023 at 6:33 AM, Privatedancer said:

Happy Thanksgiving to us! I enjoyed three helpings of “The Advertisement”. The way they care so much for each other is sweeter than pumpkin pie, their passion saucy as gravy.  Ethan’s care taking of Phoenix is as tender as the perfectly cooked turkey. I’ll end it here before this post is cheesier than the best cheese ball:) 

I feast upon your comments more than any holiday dinner spread. Your comment fills me more than the carbs of stuffing, is more fulfilling than the perfect cranberry sauce, and makes me mushier than the most thoroughly mashed potatoes. 😉❤️ Thank you so much for your amazing and clever comment! 

@uwus and love Awww!!! Thank you! ❤️ I humbly and graciously accept your wonderful, smile inducing comment. And of course thank you for your kind patience between updates. It isn't my intent to have such long stints between updates though it does happen. As a heads up, I definitely found myself melting over this next chapter. Make of that what you will. 😉 haha 

@Dye 

On 11/24/2023 at 11:06 AM, Dye said:

These two oh my GOD please ADMIT YOUR ATTRACTION (FOR REAL)

They really are adorably of exasperatedly oblivious aren't they, but who doesn't love a good oblivious MC or two haha. 

@thesneezegoddes ❤️ I'm so glad that you're enjoying. 

@Catsgotyourtounge Awww, shucks! Thank you! ❤️ 

@ichixshiro14 

On 12/5/2023 at 12:01 AM, ichixshiro14 said:

I third this!!! Your writing has me as boneless as Ethan after that fit 🤯🤯🤯 Thank you sooo much for continuing!!!

I fourth it, or I guess technically I first it? haha Either way I'm right there with all of you that are eager to see more sneezing from Ethan. I've anxiously been anticipating them since I started this. 😉 And truly, thank you for your comment. 

@Inducer *Blush* Thank you for the sweet compliment! I am happy to create stories in this space thanks to all the thoughtfully crafted and beautiful comments people leave, so thank you for making this a very encouraging and welcoming place for writer's. ❤️ 

______________________________________________

Hello forum friends! Hope everyone is well! First and foremost, as always thank you so much for your astoundingly wonderful and kind comments and your engagement with this story! I want to wish anyone who's reading and celebrates a happy Hanukkah, and in case I don't update prior also a happy Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, Santa Lucia, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Yule, and holiday season. 

I am really excited about this next chapter and I hope that you love it as much as I do. So without any further ado I will let you get to what I know you really want to read and not my babbling. haha

______________________________________________

Chapter 4: Phoenix

I’m pulled out of my sleep cold and shivering, my entire body feels like a lead weight. The razor blades in my throat have turned to full on knives, butcher knives that scrape and stab and burn with every attempt to swallow. My head feels like a cement mixer is tumbling my insides to soup relentlessly. I can hardly breathe, my airways feel constricted and blocked by a huge pile of rubble. My ears ache from my inflamed sinuses. An all too familiar sensation grips me. I reach blindly for the tissue box pulling out a few just in time before I'm overtaken.

HhheEH'hh-Hh-HH-HHE'SssSSSST'tcCHiiUW!! HheH...HEH...HHh'H'H'HE'ssSSsSsST'CHhi'UW!! Hh...hhEe...HEh'Hhe'ssSsS'SSSStC-chhIeW!!

Lightning splices through my brain with every explosion. The pain throbbing behind my eyes.

HhheEH'hh...Hh'HH'HHE'SsSSsss'TCHiiUW!!

A groan escapes the barricade of my lips.

"Oh honey" a gentle voice whispers and I become aware of fingers threading through my hair. I try to pry my eyes open but they feel like they're weighed down by a ton of bricks. I manage a small crack and see a blurry vision of Ethan's face swimming in front of me.

"I'm going to sit you up so you can take more medicine and drink some tea." He explains.

I don't have the strength to protest, not that I would even if I did. He props me up against him, I lean against him letting him handle everything, trusting him to take care of me.

He hands me a cup of warm liquid which I obediently drink, the liquid soothing some of the raw burn in my throat.

"That's good" he encourages. "Now here, going to load you up with more medicine." He hands me a medicine cup, which I dutifully toss back into my mouth, swallowing the substance.

He places a cool washcloth on my forehead. "Let's see if we can bring down that fever, it's spiked to just below a hundred and four." He explains.

I nod slightly.

He leans down pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Get some rest darling, I'll be right here." He whispers.

It doesn't take long for the meds to kick in and the heavy black curtain of slumber to drop over me.

The next time I wake up I still feel a little achy, but my head doesn't hurt as bad and while I still feel stuffy the congestion has moved so I can at least breath from my nose at least a little bit. Ethan is still at my side, his fingers are lightly tracing patterns against my arm.

"Hey handsome." He says upon seeing my eyes open.

"Handsome is probably the last adjective to describe me right now I think" I say my voice strained and croaky and as if to punctuate the point I am thrown forward by an expected sneezing fit.

HEH’ssSS'SSst'CCHhhu

The first sneeze happened too quickly for me to be prepared but I immediately cover the successive sneezes.

HheHEh'TTsss'TSchu!....Ehh...HHeh...HEh...HEH'HEh'HE'sssssSSTCchiiuWW!! 'TsssSST'chiii'UWWW!..HhEh'TsTsschhiew'!

Hh’TtSch-TsTchiew-Mmptchu-EeHStchiuW-ESTCHew-Hh’ESTchiu

Oh fuck those rapid multiples are so dizzying and usually seem to be accompanied by a violent, teasing, final release.

HhhEEEHh…HhhAaH..Hhuhh..Hhh’Hh’HhEH’EESSSTttCHieW!

There it is.

Well between the medicine and now the copious amounts of sneezing I can tell that the congestion has dislodged some and I can feel liquid leaking out of one of my nostrils. I grimace in disgust but then I look up, my eyes connecting with the unique impossibly replicated cornflower blue of Ethan’s irises and see the flushed dreamy look on his face and don’t feel quite as self-conscious. 

I'm still adjusting to all these revelations about Ethan's fetish. I'm working against years of ingrained norms and social etiquette that would tell me that being a sickly sniffly sneezy mess is repulsive and that I should be doing everything in my power to prevent spreading my germs. My sneezes while sick aren’t much louder than my allergy induced ones, at least I don’t think so, but they are far more forceful and harsher in the way they escape my body like they’re escaping from my chest rather than just my sinuses, the difference is like trying to walk through water versus walking through sand. They’re also harder to control, having a tendency to stalk me like I'm helpless prey and pounce on me when I'm least suspecting or prepared for the attack, and they're definitely wetter like the damn germs are sentient and doing everything in their power to be passed around and rather than doing my best to prevent the spread, instead I’ve been actively and openly sneezing against Ethan and giving the germs exactly what they want, another body to infect, because at this point it’s almost a certainty that Ethan will in fact catch this.

I haven’t wanted Ethan to see my internal struggle surrounding this because I don’t want him to misinterpret and think that I am put out by his desires. While I think he embraces his fetish I also think he is embarrassed to reveal the extent of his desires and all ways in which sneezing brings him pleasure and to a degree fears rejection if he shares all the facets of his fetish with someone.

I certainly don’t want that, I want to show him unconditional acceptance, to make him feel confident about sharing this with a real partner in the future if he wants to. So while it’s been a little awkward and even embarrassing to sneeze freely around him in this condition I’ve been forcing myself to. I will admit though the sounds he emits and the flush it earns me when I do makes it more than worth it, even if I am deeply concerned about him becoming infected and feel more than a little repellent while like this. 

"Bless you." Ethan says leaning forward with a tissue to help clean me up placing a chaste kiss on my lips. "My assessment still stands, handsome. You couldn’t look any better to me.”

I feel a familiar heat sink into my cheeks.

"Well okay, if you were to re-enact that beach volleyball scene from Top Gun, all topless with your perfect golden skin and toned muscles dripping with beads of sweat, that might overshadow this current mussed and roughed up, fresh out of bed look you have going on, otherwise I maintain that you’re undeniably handsome just like this." Ethan says his eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Oh is that the look I'm sporting?" I ask amused.

"You look ravished and thoroughly fucked." He purrs.

I laugh though I can feel the blush thickening.

"The continuous vaguely sneezy countenance as part of the ensemble only adds to the appeal." Ethan adds his own blush perceptible but I love that he’s freely talking about his fetish.

I begin to laugh but it transforms part-way through to a building sneeze.

HhhaaH…HhhEehh..HhheEH’ESssSSSTttt’Chhiiuew

“I aim to please, though it certainly helps my case that my incessant sneezing doesn’t put you out. I'm glad you find me attractive regardless."

“You’ll always be attractive to me." He replies his eyes softening revealing a truth rather than just playful banter.

I’m so not equipped to handle statements like that in my current condition in fact I’m fairly certain that this isn’t a common virus after-all, it’s love sickness and hearing those kinds of things is just going to exacerbate my symptoms and prevent me from ever getting well, not when phrases like that come with so much potential and possibility and just causes that pesky good for nothing hope to latch onto my heart and gets inside my head.

"How are you feeling?” He asks drawing me from my thoughts.

"Better" I reply. “What time is it?”

“A little after 6.”

I sigh leaning back into the pillow it was later than I expected. I feel a pang of guilt knowing that Ethan has been here the entire time.

"Sorry for keeping you here."

"It’s not like you’ve detained me, Nix." He says softly his hand reaching for mine, linking our fingers. "I'm here because I’m happy to be with you."

No, you stupid, stupid heart don’t get carried away with that sentiment, it isn't what you want it to mean. The rational side of my brain and my heart need to have serious conversation to get better aligned.

Ethan reaches over turning on the bedside lamp. "Think you can manage some chicken noodle soup?"

I nod.

He smiles. “Great, I’ll be right back.”

Ethan returns a few minutes later with a bowl accompanied with a sandwich on a plate as he puts it in front of me the familiar nutty scent fills my nostrils, a smell that manages to break through the stuffiness.

“Is that peanut butter?” I ask.

Ethan nods “I know you like to dip it into your soup.”

It’s part of Ethan’s job to be observant and remember those details about me. He’s placed my lunch order enough to know that I do in fact regularly order a peanut butter sandwich when I get chicken noodle soup. It doesn’t mean anything more and I can’t assume that it does but tell that to my useless mushy heart. All it knows is it is an incredibly sweet gesture and it soars from it. When this is over I'm scheduling an appointment with a cardiologist and requesting a transplant. 

“Thank you.” I say accepting the bowl and the sandwich doing my best to ignore the stupid fluttering in my stomach but right as I put a spoonful in my mouth my illness comes to remind me who’s in charge. I sneeze violently though I keep my mouth shut I spew soup everywhere from my nose and a little still breaches my pursed lips.

I hastily place the food on the bedside table clamping my hands to my face before I sneeze again. My nose running all over my hands, the hot fluid pooling in my palms. How is it that the mess I sneezed out seems to be so much more than the bite I took. Ugh, this is so fucking gross. I’m so mortified, the shame burns through me. I have never felt more disgusting and revolting in my life. I want the ground to swallow me up. I want to run away and hide forever. I imagine even Ethan has his limits of appeal when it comes to his kink and surely this crosses them. But Ethan doesn't let me hide, he grabs my chin firmly lifting my face and looks directly at me, his expression not one of disgust but of concern and adoration. The tenderness in his eyes quite literally takes my breath away.

"Bless you" He whispers his voice almost reverent like it's a gift to witness me sneezing, some beautiful act and not something filthy. Which I suppose given his proclivities it is but I still can't wrap my head around him not being completely put off by me in this state. My allergy fits are one thing, but sneezing from a virus ridden germ infested state, where I have limited control over or ability to capture my sneezes as they’re more inclined to sneak up on me and the inherent nature of being ill making them a bit messier than usual, my body leaking fluids from my facial orifices like a damn sieve, is a whole different level of repulsive.

Ethan doesn’t even wince over my display, his lack of disgust appears totally genuine, and not that he’s just placating to my feelings because I’m sick. His gaze holds mine while he reaches for a tissue cleaning up my mess. The care and gentleness that he lavishes upon me is a salve to my soul, soothing and healing. But what's even more surprising is I let him.

It's definitely a new thing, allowing him, allowing anyone to care for me when I'm sick and in this state, revealing my vulnerability, exposing my weaker and frankly more disgusting moments. I'm used to taking care of myself, though I can’t recall the last time I actually took ill. Despite my allergy affliction, I am at least blessed with a superb immune system and rarely get sick so it’s not like I have had much occasion to receive this kind of treatment but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Andrew wouldn't have touched me with a ten foot pole like this. Despite its newness, it feels so right with Ethan. Like I'm meant to share this with him.

After, he gives me a soft smile and leans in giving me a sweet kiss. "Finish your soup, okay?"

I nod obediently and turn my attention back to the food, dipping the peanut butter sandwich into the broth.

Once I'm done with my meal Ethan re-ups my medication and tucks me back in bed, his fingers combing through my hair. The combination of the meds and his tender touches are a soporific lulling me back to sleep.

"Sweet dreams." I hear Ethan murmur before succumbing to unconsciousness.

The next time I wake up it's to a loud beeping fire alarm echoing around the room but also seems to be sounding across the entire hotel.

"What's happening?" I ask groggily glancing at the digital clock in the room the time reading 12:22AM.

"Not sure" Ethan responds, his fingers running soothingly through my hair.

After 10 minutes of the alarm going off a voice over the hotel room speaker explains that there has been a situation and all occupants on floors 1-5 need to evacuate. I groan because we're on floor 5.

"Come on, I've got you." Ethan says grabbing his wallet, his phone, and the blanket from the bed folding it up and placing it under his arm, before helping me up.

According to the loud speaker the elevators are still in service so I can't imagine that it's a fire. My head is throbbing and the lights in the hallway are harsh and the buzz of the alarm still blaring and general commotion of everyone exiting their room is not helping. As we board the elevator a women with a massive malamute looking dog squeezes on slotting next to Ethan and I. It gives a hearty shake sending plumes of fur into the air. My nose immediately tickles.

"Sorry he's shedding a lot right now" the woman apologizes.

"It's fine." I reply trying to hold my breath to avoid breathing in any more dog fur and the smell of dog musk.

More people file into the elevator, several more with furry friends. A man carrying a small fluffy Pomeranian stands next to me. Another person with a golden retriever on a leash boards the elevator and another woman who is carrying a white Persian cat over her shoulder stands near us, it's thick bushy tail flicking my nose. Jesus, did everyone on our floor travel with their pet? I try to subtly back up into the corner trying to create as much distance between the animals and I though it isn't really going to do much, being in such a confined and enclosed space. My eyes are already getting watery from the exposure and I can feel all the allergens clawing their way up my nose irritating my nasal passages. Ethan repositions himself so he’s at least now standing in the line of the fire of the feline allergy death floof-ball, sending me a sympathetic glance knowing full well what this is going to do to my sinuses.

We finally reach the lobby and make our way outside. Thankfully it isn’t raining like the previous day but the air is a bit moist and nippy and a chilling wind rustles through the surrounding trees, expediting the urge to sneeze. My sinuses are burning. I sniffle in an effort to try and keep the fit that I know is going to overthrow me from taking over just yet but instead it only seems to encourage the sensation and I know the release is imminent. Ethan guides me away from the mob of people that have already exited the building milling about leading me to an underground parking garage located across the street.

"We'll have a little more privacy here I think and we can watch the crowd and know when we're free to come back inside." He says wrapping the blanket around my shoulders. I nod only vaguely aware of what he's saying my entire focus centered on the building burning tickles radiating in my nose.

"Gonna-" I don't get to finish the announcement before a flurry of sneezes explode out of me. I bury my face into the blanket.

HHHEhh...HH'HE'ESSSSTCHhiiuW! Hheh-HEh'HHE'HHE'H'HE'ESsSSSSs'SSt'c'CHhiuww!

Hhh'Heh…Heh…..HEHE…HEh'Hhh'HH'HH'HEH'HHE'SSsssssST’Chhiiuww!!

Hh'HE'HH'HE'HH'HH'HEh'EHEssSssSSS’ChUuw!! Hhh'Hh...hhHE'E'HE'E'HE’SsSSSSSssSTCH'iiuW! Hhhh'T'chiew! HEh'H'HEhh-HH'HE'ssSsST’CHhhiew! HhEh'ESSSSTChiew...HhAHh'AssTChuiw

With the next sneeze, the air rushing out of my congested nose and mouth creates an embarrassing and undignified noise that's somewhere between a sneeze and a snort. My face heats up with humiliation.

Ethan as if sensing my mortification gently sits us down and wraps his arms around me drawing my face to his chest as if to shield me from any prying eyes. He cards his fingers through my hair. "That's it honey, just let it all out." I cling to him letting him anchor me.

HH'HEhh-HH'HE'HEssSSssssST'CH'huUuuW! HEH'TChiew'! HheH-HEH'HE'HE'HE'HE'sSSSssTCHhI'iuww! Hhh'Hhh'HH'HE'EsSSSST'ChhiuW! Hhh'He'HE'H'HE'SSSSSSSTChew Hhh'T't'sshie'EWww! HeH..Ehh..Hhah..Hh'ESsSTChuuuW!

HhEH’AssTchu.-Hhh’SsTch-MmmpTish-EsTtchuew-‘Estchiew-MmpTchew

HhEEh…HhhEh..HhaaH..Hh’Hh’HhhEH’ESssSTtCHiew!

Ethan rubs his hands up and down my back soothingly as the final sneeze erupts. "There you go, bless you."

I take a shaky inhale, unable to breathe through my nose, the irritating sensation of impending sneezes still there, induced by a combination of both all the animal allergens and my illness.

"I can't" I say my voice rough and raspy and nasally from the force of my sneezes. "Ss-still-"

HhEhh...HhhEEH..Hh'EsSssSS'TTtcHiew…HhhEEHhh’ESsSssTchu…Hhh’Hhh’Hhh’Hhh’HheEH’SssSSSTcchuuiew

"Feels like it's gg-ggon-g HhEEEHH gonna be a few more." I finally get out in between sets of sneezes. 

HhhEh..Hhahh..Hhh'ESsS'TChu...HhA’SsssTChew

"I know honey" He replies his hands finding my face bringing it back to his chest. I feel him press a kiss to the top of my head. "Let it all out handsome, don't worry about me, I got you."

"Thanks" I mutter before helplessly submitting to the barrage of sneeze still hitting me.

Hh'Heh'SsSSSSSTCHiuuW!

HEh'HEh'HH'HH'HH'HE'HHHE'HE'sSSSSsssSSSTCHIuWW!

Hhh'HhhEH...Hh'Hhheh'ESSsSSSSSSST'cCcHiiiIiuUww!

Heh...HE'EsSSSsTSssstTtCChHiuw! HheH'Ee'ES'sss'STSssST'CCchhhuw!!

Hh..Ehh...Heh'EE'SSssSSSSST'CCchiuW!! Hh'EHH'He'HH'HE'sSSsSSSSTCHuuW!! HhE'sSSSSSSTCHhiiuW!!! Hhhehh'HH'HE'H'Heh'Ee'HEssSS'SssSSSStSSSsTChiuww! HE's-SsSSSSSS'TTTTsssstCChiuww!! HEe'Hh'Hh'Hh’SSSSsSssS'ChieW!!

After what feels like a thousand more sneezes and countless blessings from Ethan the fit ends. "Fuck!" I slump into Ethan feeling weak and utterly spent from the violent fit. My sinuses are pounding and my throat raw. I snuggle in closer as a shiver passes through me.

Ethan places his hand to my forehead. "Oh Nix, I think your fever's spiked again."

"Feels like it." I respond hoarsely.

Ethan semi sits up to see over the parking garage barricade "Looks like it's still going to be a while" he says.

I can't stop the reactive moan from escaping. I feel depleted and exhausted wanting nothing more than to be back in the bed curled up comfortably next to Ethan and not out here in the brisk cold seated on cement.

"Here" Ethan whispers situating us so my head is in his lap, my body perpendicular to his, tucking in the blanket around me. I'm still trembling with cold but at it at least puts a barrier between me and the hard chilly pavement, even if it's a thin one. I nuzzle in closer, desperate for his warmth.

"Rest." He says his voice laced with concern and I feel his fingers passing through my hair again and despite the less than comfortable conditions, it doesn't take long before I'm out.

"Nix." I feel a soft touch to my cheek and a whisper of my name. "Wake up honey."

I drowsily blink awake the cobwebs of sleep not fully cleared before I sneeze.

HhEhh'EsSsssTChew...HhhEH'EssSSTCh-u…Hhh’SSsS’TChuiu

They sound weary even to my own ears and as I become more fully cognizant I realize, much to my dismay that the source with which I had been covering with was Ethan's shirt.

"Fuck, I'm sorry." I say, wincing and cringing in embarrassment.

"Don't trouble yourself with worrying about that Nix. It's fine." Ethan soothes his tone tender. "Come on, I think we can go back inside now."

Ethan helps me to my feet, his arms holding me tight around my waist as he guides us back to the hotel. My legs feel a bit wobbly and my head a little loopy. Thankfully the elevator is empty and there are no animals on the ride up.

The minute we're inside our room I collapse onto the bed, drowsy and fatigued from just that small amount of energy expenditure it took to get back to the room.

"Since we're up let's get you another dose of medication in you and then you can sleep the rest of the night with hopefully no more interruptions."

Ethan is quick to administer the meds and has me tucked into bed in a matter of minutes. He slots himself next to me wrapping his arm around my waist. Moving on impulse I tuck my own arm around his.

"Thanks for taking care of me, E." I murmur as I'm drifting off.

The last words I hear are Ethan's whispered "Always, Nix. Always."

I begin to stir but I'm in that limbo stage between waking and sleeping. That space where you're not quite conscious but you're not entirely asleep and you’re brain hasn’t entirely switched on and you’re in this almost trance-like state. So while I'm aware of the tickle that starts to form in my nose I don't quite comprehend its meaning until it’s too late.

HHhhE'HE'H'EHHE'E'HE'SsssSsTChiuUW!! HHhEh...HE'HE'he'HHEH’EsSSSSTTtt’ChhIUuu! HH'HE'HEH’HhhEEHh’ESSSss’TCChhi'UWww!! HhEH...HH'H’HH’HHeeh’HHeh’HHhuh’Haah’EsSSsTtttChew! Hhh….HhEEH’Hhh’HhhEh’EsssTTchiiew

"Bless you" Ethan's voice whispers and I feel a light caress on my face, I think it's his thumb brushing across my cheek but I’m barely conscious and feel too exhausted to open my eyes to confirm.

I just murmur a thank you pressing into the touch only realizing just then that I hadn’t taken any action to cover my sneezes. I cringe hoping at least I avoided hitting Ethan with the mist I was sure had accompanied the freely released ejections of air, though if our position is anything to go by I’m doubtful that he didn’t catch at least some of the result of my sneezing freely on his person. I mumble an apology but if he gives a response I don’t hear it having already fallen back asleep.

I'm roused a couple times throughout the rest of the night but Ethan is there with a gentle touch and hushed words, a glass of water, a tissue, or anything else I need. Each time he takes care of me with an unconditional gentleness and kindness. It tugs at my soul. How does Ethan expect me not to fall hopelessly in love with him when he's treating me like this? This feels so far beyond fake boyfriends, it even feels so far beyond his obligations to me as my PA. This feels like something else entirely and I can't stop myself from wondering if maybe it could be real, if maybe he could actually want me and not just as a fake boyfriend.

The next time I wake I see sunlight reflecting on the floor around the window curtains. My body aches and I feel completely wrecked, every joint sore, every muscle tender and heavy. My throat is so swollen and dry, it’s like trying to swallow around a basketball. My sinuses feel like they are full of lead and I can barely breathe through my nose and when I do the air whistles loudly and unpleasantly. I groan and try to stretch out my sore muscles only to discover that I am pinned. At first I can't make sense of what's holding me down and I try to pull away but whatever has hold of me is strong.

The fog clears from my brain and I realize that I am tangled in various limbs. Ethan my mind supplies and I feel a smile spread across my face. I love how we've been falling asleep together while here. Waking up to him spooning me, his warmth radiating into me, feels so right, so natural. Like something I want everyday for the rest of my life. Okay, well that thought shades the good feelings just a bit, knowing this has a vastly approaching expiration date and wishing we had more time.

"You okay?" Ethan mumbles, his voice heavy and laced with sleep, the gravelly tenor of his voice has a delicious shiver running up my spine.

"Yeah." I reply though it comes out as a strained whisper.

Ethan immediately picks up on my struggle.

"Oh, Nix, honey, your throat must be pretty sore."

I nod and try to clear it but that just seems to aggravate the situation and instead of clearing the swelling and irritation it only makes the pain worse and it triggers a sneeze.

HEEHHh'Ehh...HEh'sssSsSSSsTchCchiiuww!

I quickly cover my face with my hands as I sneeze again.

Hh...Ehh-Heh'EE'SSssSSSSST'CCchiuW! Hh'EHH'He'HH'HE'SssssSTCHew

HhEeeeHH'TSssssSTCHew...HEh'SsSSSS'TTTTsssstChiuww...HEH’Hhh’Hhh’ESSssstCChchhieW!!

I sniffle after the last sneeze, though the fit did little to move the heavy congestion in my nose.

"Bless you" Ethan whispers softly pressing a soft kiss to my temple.

"Sorry." I rasp.

Ethan shushes me. "You don't have anything to apologize for Nix."

So help me, I was really getting attached to him calling me that, the nickname made my stomach flutter. It was going to be dreadful when he started calling me Mr. Hathaway again. Yet again, I'm reminded of the limited time we have left like this. Speaking of, shit! We were supposed to be leaving later today but check-out was in-I glance at the tableside clock. 10 minutes. I jolt up.

"What, what is it?" Ethan asks.

"We have to check-out!" My frantic movement causing me to break out into a nasty sounding coughing fit.

Ethan chuckles gently pressing against my chest leaning me back into the pillow. "I already took care of it. I extended our stay through the weekend and our return flight to next Monday just to be sure to give you ample time to recover and I have re-scheduled all your meetings this week advising that you had urgent business in London to attend to."

I blink stunned. "That's...thank you."

Ethan smiles. "Well, it's my job both as your PA and as your boyfriend." He adds with a wink.

My heart clenches at his words, how easily the lie rolls off his tongue and how badly I wish it was real but I know it isn’t, know it can’t be, and it wouldn’t be fair to him to continue making him act as such even though we’re staying in London past initially planned.

"Well, since the summit concludes today I can at least alleviate you of the duty of acting as my boyfriend." It destroys me to say so but there really is no longer any valid excuse to maintain the façade.

Ethan's expression falls his lips turning down into a frown. "Yeah, I guess that's true." He responds his voice is quiet, almost hollow, like he’s as disappointed as am that this charade has run its course but I’m certain I must be projecting.

I try to swallow around the lump forming in my throat, my emotions threatening to well over.

"Is that—“he pauses clearing his throat his eyes darting from me to the bedspread "Is that what you want?" He asks his tone tentative and unsure.

I don't think it would be responsible of me to answer that question. By nature of my position saying yes could influence Ethan into continuing this silly arrangement even if he doesn't want to. But my heart, my fucking treacherous heart wants to say yes, wants to keep up this charade for as long as possible, even if it's only a few more days. The longer I balk, the more I see Ethan's face tighten, which in turn tightens the vise around my heart.  

"I'm not sure it would be appropriate given our dynamic for me to say what I want Ethan." I whisper. He visibly flinches and before I can continue he replies.

"Right of course Mr. Hathaway I shouldn't have asked. Forgive me." He stands from his spot next to me on the bed going to his suitcase packing the various articles of clothes that have wound up on the floor. "I'll see about making separate accommodations for myself for the remainder of the week. I imagine with the summit over today there will be more rooms available."

"Wait" I attempt to say but I'm overtaken by a dry hacking coughing fit. I sniff carefully which just brings upon a vastly building threat of a sneeze.

Hhhhhh...HhEh...Heh'EssssSSTCHiEW! HhEH....Hhh'HhhEHH'ESsSSSSSTCHEW...Hhh'EsssSSTCHUiiuWW! HEH...HEHhh…HhhEEh…Hhh’Hhhh’Hhhh

“Come on” I moan rubbing my nose in a circular pattern with my knuckle after what feels like a minute of hitching build-upy breathes without release trying to encourage the sneeze to come out.

HhEh..AaaaHhh..EeeHHH..Hhh’HhhEh’Hh’Hhh

EeSSSsSsssSSsSTChiiEW!

“Oh thank God.” I say when the sneeze finally comes.

"Bless you" Ethan says softly, his expression pained and torn like he doesn't know if he can or should walk away.

"Ss-ssss-HhhEHH-sorry"

'ESsSSTtttCHhhhiiuew....ESsSssSStTChiuUuW...HhhEEEHh…HhhAaH..Hhuhh..Hhh’Hh’HhEH’EESSSTttC’ieW! Ehh'HH'HEH'H'HE'sSSsS'tCHeiu... Hehh'HH'HHE'hH'HE'S'sssS'shhiew.. Eh'HEH'SST'chieww! Eh'HE'HE'HHE'sss'SSsST'chiew Eh...H'HE'HHHE'ESSS'CHEIU!! 'EstChiew! Hhh'HHE'SssssSTChiUW!

"Fuck, sorry." I say again.

"Nix." Ethan sighs softly, the sadness still laced in his voice, that forlorn frown still tugging at his lips but he comes back to the bed sitting next to me handing me a tissue.

"Thanks" I mumble as I blow my nose, wincing when it makes an awful honking sound. Before he can get up and walk away again I place my hand over his. His breath catches as his eyes meet mine searching. "In answer to your question, I have more to say if you’d give me the chance…." It's not quite a question but I pause. He nods.

"I was saying that I'm not sure I can answer that question because of my position and that I don't want my answer to unduly influence yours so I will leave it to you, what would you like to do?"

"Oh.” He expresses and maybe I imagine it but it seems as if a spark ignites behind his eyes, the first ray of sun that shines through after a storm. He pauses for only a few seconds or so but threads of anticipation twist and weave in my gut, my heart hammering from the suspense. I find I’m barely breathing as I hang in the balance waiting for what he’ll say.

“Well, we did agree that we act as each other's partners for the duration that we were in London." He says quietly, his face inching closer to mine.

Now it’s my turn for my breath to catch. "I suppose we did."

"I don't know about you but my word is my bond, I don't break my agreements easily." His face is now hardly an inch from mine, the proximity sending tingly sparks off my lips and I wonder if he also feels this electricity emanating between us.

"Me neither" I say, the words coming out as a breathy whisper.

"Well, then I should say we have our answer." He says before pressing his lips to mine bringing his hand to cup the back of my neck pulling me close. The kiss is sweet and gentle, chaste, but filled with so much emotion.

A whimper escapes me which seems to awaken some carnal need in Ethan. In a swift motion he straddles me pressing me into the mattress. He deepens the kiss his tongue expertly exploring out the cavern of my mouth, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip before he draws it into his mouth sucking on it. The lusty gasp it produces triggers a sneeze.

"Ethan- HEeEH-" I begin to warn attempting to gently push him away but he holds firm and the sneeze is building too fast for me to take any action other than to try and turn my head as far away from him as our positions allow. "Gg-ggonna snn-snneEEEE'ESSssTtt'ChiiUuww!!"

Ethan gently grips my chin turning my face back towards him. "Don't turn away, I don't mind." He instructs before bringing his lips down on mine again.

The sneezes are coming at me too fast to protest, they hit me just as Ethan's mouth captures my own, muffling the sound and catching the spray. But he quickly releases me after a set of four maybe five more when he realizes I'm having trouble breathing.

"Shit, sorry, I uhhh got a little over-eager" he says a sweet blush blooming on his cheeks.

If he doesn't mind the almost assured possibility of getting sick from this, I'm certainly not going to complain about the additional kisses but all I can manage to say before another round of sneezes hits is "It's okay."

HheHEh'TTsss'TSchiew!....HH'HH'HHHHHE'H'HH'HEH'HHE'HHHE'sssssSSTCchiiu... 'TsssSST'chiii'UWWW!...HhEh'TsTsschhiew'! Hh’TtSch-TsTchiew-EeHStchiuW-ESTCHew-Hh’ESTchiu HhEEH...HhhAhh...HhhehH...Ehhh...Hh'HEsSsssT'Chhiiiuew-ESTSssST'CheW! HhEH‘ESsTCHieww!...HE'EsST'Chiew!

After the last sneeze subsides I groan. Ethan's hand finds there way to my face with a tissue, cleaning me off. "I think the sexy sneezy sick Phoenix Hathaway needs me to make him feel better."

"Mmmm, it does seem the least my boyfriend could do." I respond with a smile.

"The very least" Ethan agrees and kisses me again and for the rest of the day he makes good on that promise.

***

The next morning I'm feeling quite a bit better, my appetite that has been virtually non-existent the past few days has returned and when Ethan placed a warm bowl of oatmeal in front of me and a glass of orange juice I consumed them both eagerly. Additionally, my fever has gone down, I don't feel as fatigued and I'm breathing a little easier, though, with that, my nose is constantly dripping which has only increased the frequency of my sneezing. I swear, I've sneezed over a hundred times since waking up only a few hours ago.

Since I was feeling a little bit better I had attempted to open my laptop to begin responding to email which was promptly taken away from Ethan with the order that I was to rest and fully recover. I'd tried to protest, insisting that I was feeling fine and would take it easy but Ethan was having none of it the response I'd gotten was

"Nix, you've spent the better part of two days drastically ill, I won't have you setting yourself back because the moment you feel marginally better you decide to push yourself with work obligations and overdo it. I'll make sure I stay on top of your bookings and if absolutely insist I can read your emails aloud and we can draft responses together for me to send but you will not be lifting a finger you hear me?"

Which is why Ethan was now propped up against some pillows next to me with my laptop while he reads me my emails and I dictate my responses to him. I have to admit, despite my initial protest, I’m quite glad not to be the one in front of the computer. As the morning has gone on and the pressure in my sinuses has built I have developed quite the headache that was certainly to have been exacerbated by looking at a screen. I also find myself experiencing a little vertigo, also probably from my congested sinuses, and my eyes feel heavy and tired, so ultimately I’m glad to be able to lie down with my eyes closed while he does all the work, transcribing my responses. In addition to feeling grateful for the reprieve, I will freely own to the fact that I’m taking great pleasure in hearing his sexy dulcet voice recite my emails to me.

He's read me 3 emails thus far and we've responded to two. The other one was not high priority so I said we could return to it after going through the rest of my inbox. He’s in the process of reading the next email to me when he pauses mid-sentence.

"The what?" I prompt picking up the sentence where he left off.

When he doesn’t continue after another moment I open my eyes. "Ethan?" I begin to ask but his name dies on my tongue when I look at him. He has both hands cupped over his nose and mouth pinching his nostrils shut. His eyes are squeezed shut and I can see the expanse of his chest rising and falling rapidly through the fabric of his shirt. Out of politeness I realize I should look away but I’m enraptured and I can’t bring myself to tear my eyes free from the sight. Not but a moment later his entire body pitches forward. The only audible sound comes from the shaky exhale I hear through his cupped hands as he springs back upright.

His eyes open briefly before fluttering shut again as he falls forward with another sneeze, this time not totally stifled. I manage to hear the shaky inhale of the build-up, followed by a tiny ump like sound ending with a very quiet exhale. I am fascinated with Ethan's control when he sneezes and as before, I find myself wishing that there’s another but alas it’s just the two. He readjusts himself opening his eyes.

"Bless you." I say automatically, forgetting that a component of his fetish makes him not really like to sneeze in front of others and from that I've deduced means he's probably more than a little self-conscious about his sneezes and doesn't like them to be acknowledged if he does sneeze around anyone that might bare witness. I also figure he's probably extra self-conscious in front of me since I'm in the know.

Sure enough his cheeks blaze but he mutters a "thank you”, before picking up where he left off. Though my attention is not as focused as it had been. I find myself studying his face looking for any sign of a lingering tickle or dormant sneeze that might break free, but then feel a little weird about it and refocus my attention. That doesn’t last long when a sneeze of my own interrupts us. I bring the collar of my shirt over my face in preparation.

HhhEEhh'ESssTChiu...HhE..HhhEH..Hhh'Hh'Hh'EssSSSSTCccHiuew...Ehe...HhheEH..Hh'Hhh'EsssSSSSss'TttChew...

Hh'EsTchew-'STtChu-MmmpTishew-HEh'EsTchiu-Chew-HhhE'esTChiiu-AsTchu

Ugh I can feel the liquid dripping from my nose with those rapid fire explosions.

HhhAaaH'SsSSSTttT'CcchHiUEW!! HhEEH..HhhAhhh..Hhh'Hh'hh'HhEE'ESssSS'TttCHiiuew! Hh'hAah'HEssstCCHheww!!

When I’m done I’m hesitant to remove my shirt from my face afraid of the mess it will reveal.

"It's alright, I got you honey." Ethan says gently encouraging me to pull the shirt away. I sniff and rub my nose against the fabric hoping to catch anything horribly unbecoming but Ethan remains totally un-phased as he wipes off my nose with a tissue.

"Thanks" I croak when he’s through his ministrations.

"Maybe we should take a break." Ethan suggests.

"I'm fine. Please continue."

He scrutinizes me but after a moment of careful assessment he nods proceeding.

When I interrupt us for the third time with another sneezing fit Ethan decides it’s time to stop.

"We can return to that later if need be. For now let's get you loaded up with some medicine and rest. Your health is our number one priority, these responses can wait. Besides I set your auto-reply advising that your access to email was limited and that you would be responding as able but to allow till next week for you to reply.”

“You really are the best.”

“Only because you pay me so well.” He jokes with a wink.

I chuckle. “I pay you so well because I recognize that you’re best.”

“Aww Mr. Hathaway you know just how to talk to a guy, gross flattery will get you everywhere.” He says in a flirtatious manner but I see the pleased smile grace his lips.

We turn on the TV though I’m not really paying attention, more engrossed in the man I’m currently cuddled up against. He’s still propped against the pillows but he’s set aside my laptop giving me room to lie on him, my head is against his chest, my leg curled up and partially resting on his thigh.

He fiddles with my hair with one hand, his other is clasped in mine. Every once and awhile he brings my hand to his mouth kissing each of my knuckles. It turns me to a puddle every time. The action demonstrates such a sweet domesticity. As much as I have enjoyed the more salacious nature of what has transpired between us, it’s these tiny, seemingly inconsequential yet incredibly intimate gestures, the affectionate caresses, and soft almost secretive smiles that I will yearn for the most when this is all said and done.

The steady beat of his heart lulls me into an almost meditative consciousness. My mind wanders to all the moments I want to cherish, the memories I will revisit when we get back to New York and I'm alone. I will remember the feel of his breath on my skin, the way it felt against the nape of my neck or on the shell of my ear when he would whisper into it. I will remember how warm and comforting his embrace is, how it feels to be pressed up against his exquisite body. I will remember how soft his lips are, how they perfectly mold to mine. I will remember how wherever he touches sends little seismic waves that dance and ripple across my skin, causing my entire body to tremble and shake, earthquakes that vibrate in my bones. How his hands on me sparks and ignites and has me burning to ashes, but that gives me new life, reborn from the remnants of his touch.

My thoughts are disrupted when I feel his breathing change. The steady rhythmic rise and fall becoming chaotic and stilted.

I brace myself knowing what's about to come and feeling oddly exhilarated over it. Ethan sneezes, a near-silent jerk of his torso but with my lying on his upper body, I heard the air fill his lungs and the tiny mmp sound of the sneeze that resonated in his chest. Without so much of a breath following that release he sneezes again with a more audible, tiny squelching NgGnh like sound that escapes his lips.

Filled with a strong desire I tilt my head regarding Ethan with anticipatory interest as I take in his still sneezy visage. A light flush has bloomed on his cheeks, his eyes though aren’t completely shut in that moment are slightly unfocused, his lids heavy.  He’s slack-jawed, his mouth barely parted as he draws in more air as quietly as possible as he leads towards another sneeze. His nostrils are twitching and flaring as the urge builds. His eyes blink shut and his lips press together and another tiny NggnHh glugging type sound escapes him accompanied by a little squeak, his body lurching forward sending me with him.

As I live the sensation with him, I get the appeal, and I think I understand why Ethan likes when I sneeze against him. There is something vulnerable and intimate about him sneezing like this while we’re pressed together. There’s also, I realize, something erotically reminiscent in the physical act itself of sneezing against someone.

"Bless you" I murmur my tone husky and I don't think the extra rasp is a result of my illness. I'm a little concerned that he's sneezed so much in a manner of hours. Even though I realize that he mostly stifles and so it’s possible that he has sneezed around me more than I would have originally thought, I still don't think he sneezes that frequently and that leads me to think he's caught whatever I have. "You feeling alright?"

“I'm good, thanks" he says hastily, a blush still evident on his cheeks.

I'm not convinced though and I'm sure the skepticism is written all over my face. "Are you sure? You don't ordinarily sneeze so frequently."

Ethan swallows the flush growing darker on his face, obviously flustered by my comment. "It's nothing. Just a random tickle."

I'm not sure if I buy the excuse but I let it be for now, knowing that with his self-consciousness and discomfort with sneezing in front of other people I will have to address this delicately if I do decide to press the issue.

I must've dozed off after that because I'm awoken when my body jolts forward. It takes me a moment to orient myself tuning into the soft hitchy breathes coming from Ethan, the way his muscles are taut beneath me. He's trying desperately to hold back but his efforts are seemingly futile.

Three sneezes escape him, more audible than I've heard from him, increasing in severity, coming so fast it's as if they had been stacked on top of each other and all begging for release at once, one would emit and immediately turn into the next without so much as a pause much less room for a recovery breath making them seemingly harder to suppress.

’NgghH! Hh’nKxXT! Hhh’ngXktsSh!!

The first sneeze is intoned with that intense glugging noise, the second holds more of that higher pitched squeaking quality. The third though still tightly managed, I can tell got away from him. The inhale heavier and louder than previous sneezes and the ending more pronounced, a definite sneezy sound, because I'm now apparently the type of person that pays attention to every little detail of Ethan’s sneezes.

After that last sneeze he shakes his head erratically almost like the sneeze refused to be contained and since he was stifling them it was finding other ways to release its powerful force out of him. While I worry that if he really is getting sick it won’t do him good to keep sneezing in such a manner it is a sight it witness. There’s really no other word to describe him warring for whatever control he can manage against the persistent explosions other than sexy. Perhaps adorable applies too. Adorably sexy, that’s what it is.

"Bless you baby" I murmur softly pressing a kiss to his cheek. He blushes giving me a bashful smile unable to look me directly in the eye, mumbling a quiet thanks.

We settle back in, but it's clear his nose hasn’t quite relented. He keeps rubbing at it and I can tell by the way he's pinching his nostrils together, holding his breath and the way his body is still rigid that he's struggling to hold back another fit.

I want to tell him that it's okay and that I understand why he’s trying to keep it in but I’m afraid if I address it that I would just make it worse, that mentioning it would only heighten his self-consciousness over his sneezing and possibly make him stop completely. Either that or hide, both options being the last things that I want.

After what is sure to have been 5 minutes of this, in what’s perhaps not a purely altruistic move, I shift so half of my body is on top of him, and my head is now at eye level with his and lean in to kiss him. The side of my nose brushing against his as I angle my head just right. While I did want him to sneeze for his own sake, it was mostly a selfish ploy, and just as I knew it would, it sends him over the edge. His eyes flutter shut, his lips part. I hear the soft intake of breath as his shoulders shudder, his body stiffens and before my lips can even graze his he hastily pushes me away turning his head.

The first sound is a violent squeak. He grips his nose in a painful looking pinch to try and stop the second but his body betrays him, forcing the second out with a forceful

Hh’Nght!

This is followed by a breathy exhale like all the power that would have gone into the sneeze had it not been contained is transferred to his breathe. The longer strands of his hair on the top of his head flop haphazardly into his eyes. I feel a bit guilty for having forced the situation, but watching him struggle needlessly was unbearable and I can't deny the state of my arousal over seeing him sneeze and reactively make another dive for his lips not even realizing that his fit isn't over.

"Nn-not ddoone" he warns against my lips but this time is only able to avoid sneezing on my face by pressing his nose into my shoulder.

’NGghH! Hh'NngGhK!  Hh'NggXTssh

After the final release he lets out another audible extended exhale into my neck and I am helpless to stop the needy moan that comes from the back of my throat.

"Bless you E." I say breathlessly before devouring his lips, uncaring if he’s done or not now because I need his lips on mine. He responds in kind and we are a frenzy of movement and passion, tongues exploring each other's mouths, hands roaming, fingers dancing, nails scraping. This kiss is both lustful and adoring in its ardor.

The sounds of our groans, whimpers and grunts mingle and echo off the walls around us. Our bodies rock and grind together, the friction driving us closer and closer to the precipice of pleasure.

"Nix" he whimpers my name part plea, part exaltation, and part warning as he pulls back clearly needing to sneeze but fighting against it. I continue to press kisses along his jawline, the tendons in his neck, and when I reach his earlobe I give it a little bite.

Ethan yelps in surprise and his limited control over the pending sneeze is lost, though he expertly silences the first several sneezes, the violence of the releases expressed only by the dip of his head and the judder of his shoulders.

The final sneeze comes out a struggling gasp seeming to neither provide relief nor terminate the powerful urge. His entire body writhes underneath me from the effort of containing the expulsion of air. He blinks several times and I can see his thick long eyelashes are damp from his watering eyes. His entire body begging for a release he won't give it. His body is not the only thing begging for him to surrender to the need, I find that I also very much want him to let go.

I decide not to voice that, uncertain he will take to brazen directness in this instance and knowing I need to handle his relationship with sneezing delicately. Additionally, I'm still reeling a bit from the fact that his sneezes are affecting me so. It was never something I paid much attention to before him. People sneeze, it’s a fact of being alive, I do more than most. I never saw it as anything more than what it was, a simple autonomic function, but after discovering Ethan's kink it's gotten into my head.

There’s this strange raw need and desire to see, hear and feel him sneeze, that extends far beyond mere curiosity or intrigue. I have become completely hypnotized with the way Ethan sneezes. The way they’re so controlled almost refined, but through the careful restraint how desperate, consuming, and urgent they are. Having now been afforded full view of his sneezing I find it even more pleasing than when I had seen him sneeze in the office.

My heart thunders in my chest, a tingling sensation that begins at the base of my spine, a pooling of warmth in my gut, and a coiling of lust that knots in my groin, at the first sign that he might sneeze. I feel an eager hungry desire watching the sensation slowly build and over-take him. How he fights to remain composed, his expression latent, not revealing the urge until moments before when it subsumes his carefully collected visage. When his control inevitably slips and the sneezes overpower him pushing their way to the surface unable to be masked, it is a captivating and enchanting sight. How his mouth hangs slightly open in anticipation, his nose twitches in preparation, how his eyebrows furrow, his nose scrunches, eyes going distant and then squeezing shut as the sneeze arises. How his cheeks and the tips of his ears fill with color as the sneezes race out of him. The way his body lurches forward in spastic movements as they escape. The little breathy inhales and sounds that come out when the sneezes are too much to beat into silence, not to mention the audible exhales that succeed his sneezes have me melting.

I’m not certain that sneezing as a whole affects me quite the same way it does Ethan, I'm not sure if the heightened awareness, nay gross interest, much less intoxicating arousal would extend to anyone else's sneezes but there is no denying that everything about Ethan’s sneezes thrills me.

"Bless you sweetie" I say in response to his last set of sneezes. "Are you certain you're alright?"

"Quite" he replies.

I bite my lip indecisively. It is quite obvious to me that he has caught whatever nasty bug I have but I don't know if directly pointing it out is the right approach. Then an idea hits. I get up going over to the arsenal of supplies Ethan had so kindly bought for me identifying the Neocitran apple cinnamon flavored extra strength cold and sinus relief pouches grabbing one, boiling some water pouring it into a cup and letting the powder dissolve in the water. After 10 minutes of pretending to drink it I say,

"I can't finish this, I'd hate for it to go to waste would you mind helping me?"

"Sure. Thank you."

I nod in acknowledgment. "I'm also getting a bit hungry, feel like splitting what's left of the chicken noodle soup with me?"

He nods and I grab the container of soup and 2 bowls. I split the remainder of the soup between the two bowls making sure to add a little extra to Ethan's bowl. As I return to the bed with the warm soup I see he has finished the drink and I smile to myself. It won't do anything by means of preventing his illness from progressing but it will hopefully ease some of his symptoms before they become too severe.

As we eat my own tickle surges forth with a vengeance, a reminder that even though I feel better I'm definitely not operating on all cylinders just yet.

Heh'hhhHEsssST'CHuiew! Hh'esstT'Cchiu!

Eh'h'HE'hh'EeESstT'Chiu!

HhhEH...Ehhh...HHEssSSSss'TcheW!!

In between sneezes I catch Ethan watching me with rapt attention and decide I feel at least well enough to have some fun. I sniff and rub my nose, a purposeful gesture more for show than the absent way I often rub nose when it gets tickly. I inhale shakily trying to egg on the next fit that hasn't fully actualized existing more as a mild burning sensation sitting at the bridge of my nose and am rewarded with a little whimper, I'm not even sure he's totally aware that he made such a noise.

Ethan’s totally enraptured, his face is flushed and he's biting his lip, his food forgotten, the spoon hanging limply from his hand as his gaze never leaves me.

I take his spoon and bowl out of his hands, observing, thankfully, that there are only a few spoonful’s left so I don’t feel too guilty about disrupting our lunch, and place them on the nightstand before pulling him on top of me. He goes easily with a little oof sound as his body makes contact with mine. He braces himself on his forearms on either side of me.

I bring his face to mine my lips a hair's breadth from his but the energy that crackles and sizzles between us gives the illusion that we're touching. "I'm going to sneeze." I whisper low and sultry another barely perceptible whimper leaves him. "What's your preference?"

"Wha-what?-" he stutters confused.

"How do you want me to sneeze?" I explain.

His eyes widen as he sucks in a sharp breath biting his lower lip as he casts me a hopelessly libidinous look. "I-" he begins, his eyes flicking back and forth between my eyes, my nose, and my mouth. The tip of his tongue darts out wetting his lips. "I uhh-" he trails off again, his gaze settling on my lips this time, his own part ever so slightly. "I want you to try to hold back, but only I can try to physically stop your sneezes, you're not allowed to use any self-method to prevent yourself from sneezing."

"As you wish." My inhales turn uncontrollably rapid as the sensation goes from mild to immediately urgent. "I reeallly HhaaAAA hhEEEH have to sne-snn-ssnEEEHHze" Instinctively I bring my hand to my face but Ethan catches it before it gets to my nose.

"What did I say about that?" He clucks.

"Sss-sso-ssoorrry" I scrunch my nose clenching my jaw tight but that does little to cease the insistent tickle. Just when I think I'm going to have submit Ethan brings a finger under my nose aggressively pushing upwards. The immediacy subsides but the need to sneeze doesn't completely dissolve immediately returning as soon as he removes his finger.

"E I'm gggoo-ggoo EEEHhhh hEEEHH-"

I'm not even able to finish my sentence the erratic hitching breathes completely taking over.

His finger comes back under my nose but it's too far along for it to be effective this time.

"Ccann't HhEEEHHH hhhhooOOOO hhold it"

He moves his hand so it's cupping my nose and he pinches my nose together forcefully. "You're doing so good Nix." He encourages.

I hold my breath trying to hold on as long as possible, but even with the pressure against my nose the sneeze feels imminently inevitable. "HhhaaRRdd" I whine.

"I know, keep trying handsome."

I do, for Ethan, we repeat the cycle a few more times, him pinching my nose until the tickle lessens, then returning as I reach the verge of sneezing again. My eyes are growing watery as I keep the sneezes at bay. It's strange giving up the control to stop my sneezes and having it be quite literally in Ethan's hands. I curl my hands in the bed sheets as resisting stepping in becomes increasingly harder the greater the urge to sneeze becomes.

As soon as he removes his hand from me for another time the sneeze flares to life. I press my tongue to the roof of my mouth clenching my teeth together but those attempts to stop the sneeze are too rudimentary to cease the desperate sneeze and the build-up returns with excessive power.

HhEEEHhh..EEeHHH...HhEh'HHH'HHH

Ethan squeezes my nose tight but this time it's to no avail. I release a strangled, but because he keeps my nostrils pinched shut, an unfortunately messy sneeze into his cupped hand.

Hh’GNnGT'SSSSCHIiieEW!!

Full-fledged tears are streaming down my face, I swipe them, trying to recover my control knowing I won't be as successful continuing to hold back now that I've sneezed once.

"Sso-HeeH sorry" I say already fighting against another vastly building sneeze.

He shakes his head "That was so fucking perfect Nix."

This time as the sneeze builds instead of bringing his hand to my nose to stop the sneeze, he kisses me with the desperation of a starved man. It doesn't really do much by means of assuaging the tickle, but it is a welcome distraction, his lips hungrily taking mine makes the impending sneeze seem less pressing.

The reprieve is only brief, the sneeze not to be thwarted for long surges forth, the urge mercilessly intensifying, a distraction even as good as Ethan's mouth is impossible to stop it.

"Nnn-nneEEHhhd to s-sneeze" I gasp unable to fend off the urge a moment longer.

"I know, but keep kissing me." He instructs.

I do my best to fulfill his request but I wouldn't say I'm kissing him anymore so much as my mouth is just haphazardly moving against his as the fittish uncontrollable explosions of air burst out of me

HhHMpTch-MmpTXT-HHh'Tiishew-SSTCheww-HhCH'HIEWW-EssTCH-Uh-Hhh'CH-MMpTXT-MmmppTChew

With my mouth otherwise pre-occupied I'm not able to contain the spray and end up baptizing Ethan's face with a fine mist of droplets that emerge from both my nose and my mouth.

Ethan gives a furtive moan that cuts through what would have been disgust and mortification over myself. "Oh fuck Nix, that's so hot. Jesus you're so damn sexy." He exclaims breathlessly as I continue to helplessly sneeze beneath him.

Spurned by an overwhelming desire for him to attain ultimate pleasure I cant my hips up into him.

He gives a guttural groan and responds by moving his hips against me in a rhythmic pulse. The friction is exquisite producing a low moan of my own that quickly turns into a sneeze. Ethan places a splayed hand on my chest as he continues to frenetically grind against me completely unbidden, with reckless abandon, owning and taking his gratification, exactly as I want him to.

HhehEH...HhEhh'HEss'T'Chiuuww!! Ah'HhHEh'h'ESST'ChhhhiUWWW! Hhh'HHEh'EH'sSsSSsssTCchiieW! AH'EHH'Ssstcchiiieww!!

He's babbling incoherencies now, a litany of moans and groans falling from his lips. A bead of sweat gathers at his brow. His cheeks glistening with a sweaty sheen. His striking blue eyes are encapsulated by the widened black of his pupils, his hair is sexily rumpled, his already plump lips looking a little raw and swollen from the force with which our mouths have been ravaging one another's. Michelangelo himself could not sculpt a more exquisite specimen. I stroke his cheek affectionately. "You're so stunning E."

His breath leaves him in erratic puffs that fan across my mouth and nose, tickling my sensitive nose anew.

HhhEhh...EeeHh...HhEH...Hhh'Hhh'Hhh'hhhEH'ESssSsSS'TtttttChhiiiuuuuw!!

I sneeze explosively into his clavicle near his neck. Ethan's hips stutter and he gives a convulsive cry before yelling out my name and collapsing into me. While he collects himself I run a soothing hand up and down his back, tracing the lines of his spine, my finger gliding over the indents of the protruding vertebrae, his muscles subtly flexing beneath my touch.

"God, I think I need a nap." He mumbles after a few minutes with a chuckle, the hot air of his words hitting the crook of my neck.

"Maybe we should get you in the shower first." I reply with a chuckle of my own.

He blushes. "Right." He nods rolling off me. I follow him into the bathroom stripping him of his clothes. He does the same to me. I turn on the water and step under the stream, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him flush to me, his back to my chest. He whimpers as my arousal takes residence in the cleft of his cheeks but I'm not seeking resolution for my state, merely comfort and closeness.

I press soft kisses into the nape of his neck. He sighs contentedly leaning his head back onto my shoulder his eyes closed a look of bliss on his face. I smile against his neck. I reach for the bottle of soap squeezing a generous amount in my hand. I begin to lather him with the suds massaging his shoulders and back as I work the soap into his skin. I use this as much as an opportunity to clean him as an opportunity to admire, caress, and cherish him. He relaxes into my touch and I take my time working the lather along the lines of his lean, lithe muscles that although don't quite have the definition of my own are still obviously toned. I trace along the planes of his pectoral muscles, the contours of his stomach, drifting to his lats, the curves of his ass, the expanse of his thighs, the bulge of his calves. As I rise back up from the shower floor I leave a trail of kisses from his ankle all the way up till I reach his lips placing a gentle chaste kiss there as well.

"All done." I murmur against his lips. He hums and leans in capturing my lips with his own. His kisses are unhurried and gentle, soft caresses of his mouth against mine. Our kisses are not the desperate, urgent, needy ones we exchanged earlier. These are tender, soft, and sweet. They convey an unspoken depth of emotion and devotion that words could not.

"Your turn" he says grabbing the soap and lathering it between his hands.

He starts the same way I did, his hands gently kneading my muscles as he washes me. I'm a bit ticklish so as he reaches my side I can't help but squirm a little. He chuckles his fingers dancing over my ribs, a devious smile spreading across his lips. "You're ticklish aren't you?"

"I wouldn’t say that per se, I just didn't expect it" I hedge.

"Hmm" he muses. "Well if you're not ticklish, then I don't see a problem if I do this." His fingers begin skittering along my side again. I twist away a tiny giggle escaping me. "Or this" he runs his fingers up my rib cage, the light touch causing my muscles to clench involuntarily, his fingers dancing back down towards my hip bone. My body instinctively moves away from the touch.

"Nooo" I plead.

"But you're not ticklish." He teases his fingers brushing along the bottom of my ribs sending me into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. "Oh my god!! Stop, please."

He moves his hands away instantly though the sparkle of mischief still twinkles in his eye continuing his downward trend on my body, down one leg and then back up the other, careful this time to avoid tickling me as he washes the other side of my ribs.

"You have no idea how many fantasies I've had about touching these." He says curling his hand around my bicep before trailing along the outline of my deltoid and trap muscles. "These too." His hands come down over my pecs, his fingers grazing my nipples. My breath stutters and my knees buckle a little but he holds me steady leaning in to my ear whispering huskily "And especially this." His hand glides over the expanse of my abs, his finger following the V-shape that leads towards my pelvic region.

"And how does the real thing compare?" I ask my tone unintentionally husky.

I meant the question to be teasing and playful but he changes the score. Pulling me closer, his hand coming up to my face cupping my cheek, the other wrapping around me to rest on the small of my back. He presses a soft kiss to my lips. "Even my most cherished fantasies don't hold a candle to you Nix. Nothing I could ever dream up would ever compare to the real thing."

I think I've forgotten how to breathe. The weight of his words hangs in the air. We stare into each other’s eyes the connection electric, the intensity palpable. I swallow thickly and he watches the movement, his eyes following the bobbing of my Adam's apple. I'm not sure how much longer we stand there under the running water, our bodies pressed together, arms wrapped around each other, but it's long enough that the water turns tepid.

We break apart shutting off the shower. I grab him a towel off the rack wrapping it around him. I wrap myself in one and we move back into the bedroom. I watch him as he slips back into a pair of lounge pants and a t-shirt. Something has definitely shifted between us. Everything is charged with this intimacy that is too profound to be fake.

We slide under the covers, both of us facing each other. I attempt to draw Ethan closer but he stops me, shakily grasping at my shoulder.

"Ww-wwait" he stammers.

His brow creases, the pace of his breath turning rapid and shallow. He turns to the side, his body jerking with 2 nearly silent sneezes. He waits a couple of moments before turning back to me but then his breath turns erratic again, his chest expanding and contracting in an irregular pattern, his torso flinching with a tightly contained

’NGgKt!

2 more forcefully stifled sneezes follow in rapid succession with distinct sharp inhales and that same sort of pinched glugging type sound that I sort of really adore.

Hhh’NnnGghh! Hh’NGghHT!

There is an almost frantic desperation contained within the fit that makes me feel a little weak in the knees and boneless. My excitement evident by the way I’m now filling out my sweats and I'm rather regretting not achieving a finish earlier. Ethan blinks multiple times looking a little dazed and unfocused, his cheeks bright pink.

"Bless you" I whisper.

He smiles at me softly, providing an embarrassed and shy thanks, his cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of pink, his gaze averting.

"Come here baby." I coax and he snuggles up to me resting his head into my chest his body relaxing into mine, though, my standing at attention, eager and ready to blow doesn’t miss his attention.

“I can take care of that.” He says all enticingly seductive with a tiny sniff and I wonder if he realizes that the situation I’m currently sporting is from his sneezing specifically or if he’s just assumed it’s my lingering arousal from earlier.

I press a kiss into his temple. "I’m alright" I say quietly.

"Mm" he murmurs sleepily “hardly seems fair for to you.” He says through a yawn, clearly exhausted and needing the aforementioned nap.

I chuckle. “Maybe later sweetie. For now you should sleep.”

By his respiration rate that has already slowing and evened out I can tell he’s near drifting off anyways. “M’kay” he wedges himself closer to me like he’s seeking for every part of himself to touch me. I lie there for several minutes stroking his hair. Just when I think he's completely slipped from consciousness he mumbles "love you.”

I freeze. It was probably some kind mistake said from a sated and sleep addled brain, a drowsy statement or something said in a dreamy barely conscious state that I can’t even be sure was directed at me. He’s probably not even fully aware that he said anything and I would place money over him having no recollection of this when he wakes. I can’t hold him to the things he says when he's this close to passing out, just as I can’t read too much into it but the possibility that at least some part of his mind did mean it makes my pulse dance, my chest bloom with new life, and gives my heart wings that beat wildly.

~TBC~

Edited December 22, 2023 by Not Telling
Spelling error

[dwaekki]

You're going to kill me I swear 😭😭 you have no idea how crazy this story drives me EVERY TIME. I was literally squirming when Ethan sneezed for the first time and the way you used Nix to describe every little sound and movement was incredible! I am now officially the number 1 Ethan sneeze fan and no one can take that title from me. I'm not going to sleep whilst I wait for the next chapter! Ethan having a cold is all I could ever wish for and the fact that he sneezes in mini STIFLED fits is the best thing EVER. As a stifled sneeze obsessor, you've defeated me. Also, the way Ethan tries so hard to fight it and deny his illness is so cute even if it makes me feel bad for him 😭😭. I loved reading Nix's inner conflict on approaching him about it, and his incessant habit of blessing Ethan even if he's embarrassed. I can't wait to see so much more of both  Ethan and Nix's struggles next time, I'm on the edge of my seat every line I read, waiting for either of them to sneeze again haha, the way Ethan fights it so hard every time is incredible. I'm so conflicted on whether I want him to lose the battle and have to release (and then experience the aftermath that follows because of his insecurity and maybe panic about losing control) or if I want him to keep stifling forever! I'll never get sick of stifles so I'm sorry if Phoenix tries to reassure Ethan and get him to stop, I hope he never does (at least not fully-he should really look after himself, bless him). There's way too much to say, especially because if I comment now I'll have to wait, sadly reading others comments whilst waiting for your updates, however I just lastly wanted to say YES NIX SAID I LOVE YOU!!! I hope this progresses so much further, the did basically admit to wanting to be boyfriends now soooo.... I'll keep my fingers crossed. You have no idea how happy I was when I opened this site just to check for any updates before I slept and I got this notification from you, it really makes my whole week to read your incredible chapters. I've basically written my own chapter here but you best bet I'll be back every day hoping that there's more 😭😭 thank you for this, I'll be waiting for many more chapters, emotions and stifles to come ❤️

[Dye]

I don't have a lot of good words for this so I will just.

 

YEEEAAAHHH HE DID IT!! WE HAVE  ETHAN SNEEZES, FOLKS!!!

[secret19]

I am also at a loss for words. But safe to say best update so far. *wipes drool from chin*

[funbusej]

OHDAMNOHDAMNOHDAMN!!!!  That fit in the parking ramp took me OUT!!!!  The caretaking aspect of this story is SUCH an added perk.  I am just so into this couple.  Like I loved River and Jamie, sooooo much.  But Ethan and Nix?!  Yeah, they are it for me.  No one is touching their rank at the top of my favorite couple list...I am intrigued by Phoenix seeming to have the fetish, but only with Ethan.  It's not something I had heard about before, but I totally believe it could be a thing...

Edited December 10, 2023 by funbusej

[AntheaHolmes]

9 hours ago, Not Telling said:

@dwaekki I so love reading your comments. Thank you! And don't you worry, it has been in the cards from the start to get Ethan sneezing more. Truth be told, I'm sort of obsessed with his sneezing and have also been eager for more representation from him in that regard. But alas, as tempting as it was, I couldn't just skip ahead to that and miss out on everything else in between. haha I definitely don't think you're alone in having the caretaking aspects of the fetish appeal to you and definitely don't think it's weird. Well maybe we're all weird in our own right but that's alright, we can all be a little weird together, hence why we find ourselves here. 😉 As Moss from the beloved TV show IT Crowd says "I like being weird, weird's all I've got, that and my sweet style." ❤️ 

@Blackcat182 ❤️ Thank you!!

@secret19 Well, history seems to indicate that you aren't wrong. 🤭 And thank you for your comment!!

@Autumn Awww, thank you so much for your kind and lengthy comment. I appreciate it so much! And thank you so much for your patience for this update, though I loathe to make y'all wait this long, sometimes it happens. And yes, you may have already seen me say it in my comment to Dwaekki but I too am captivated by Ethan's sneezes and definitely wouldn't miss an opportunity to see him getting sick. Hehe I hope you enjoy this next part, and it was worth the wait. ❤️ 

@funbusej Yay!! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the last update. Agreed, sometimes angst is necessary to drive a specific type of story and I have a certain appreciation of it, that isn't what I wanted from this story. I actually wrote a version where he didn't make it through his speech before he fell apart just playing around with the different options of development but I found I preferred this version. 

@AntheaHolmes Many, many thanks to all your wonderful, sweet, lengthy and enthusiastic comments, they fill me with such warmth and happiness! ❤️ I'm totally with you, generally speaking my preference leans towards allergy sneezing as well but I too am rather in love with Nix's cold sneezing. 

I had some initial trouble thinking about how I could incorporate this in a way that flowed with the story and was more or less realistic. After much deliberation I was actually inspired by an event that happened to me during my last stay at a hotel. I hope it is to your liking. 😉❤️ 

@thesneezyowl *blush* Thank you so much! ❤️ Most days, I can't say the same about my brain haha but I'll admit it has it's moments. 

@Privatedancer

I feast upon your comments more than any holiday dinner spread. Your comment fills me more than the carbs of stuffing, is more fulfilling than the perfect cranberry sauce, and makes me mushier than the most thoroughly mashed potatoes. 😉❤️ Thank you so much for your amazing and clever comment! 

@uwus and love Awww!!! Thank you! ❤️ I humbly and graciously accept your wonderful, smile inducing comment. And of course thank you for your kind patience between updates. It isn't my intent to have such long stints between updates though it does happen. As a heads up, I definitely found myself melting over this next chapter. Make of that what you will. 😉 haha 

@Dye 

They really are adorably of exasperatedly oblivious aren't they, but who doesn't love a good oblivious MC or two haha. 

@thesneezegoddes ❤️ I'm so glad that you're enjoying. 

@Catsgotyourtounge Awww, shucks! Thank you! ❤️ 

@ichixshiro14 

I fourth it, or I guess technically I first it? haha Either way I'm right there with all of you that are eager to see more sneezing from Ethan. I've anxiously been anticipating them since I started this. 😉 And truly, thank you for your comment. 

@Inducer *Blush* Thank you for the sweet compliment! I am happy to create stories in this space thanks to all the thoughtfully crafted and beautiful comments people leave, so thank you for making this a very encouraging and welcoming place for writer's. ❤️ 

______________________________________________

Hello forum friends! Hope everyone is well! First and foremost, as always thank you so much for your astoundingly wonderful and kind comments and your engagement with this story! I want to wish anyone who's reading and celebrates a happy Hanukkah, and in case I don't update prior also a happy Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, Santa Lucia, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Yule, and holiday season. 

I am really excited about this next chapter and I hope that you love it as much as I do. So without any further ado I will let you get to what I know you really want to read and not my babbling. haha

______________________________________________

Chapter 4: Phoenix

I’m pulled out of my sleep cold and shivering, my entire body feels like a lead weight. The razor blades in my throat have turned to full on knives, butcher knives that scrape and stab and burn with every attempt to swallow. My head feels like a cement mixer is tumbling my insides to soup relentlessly. I can hardly breathe, my airways feel constricted and blocked by a huge pile of rubble. My ears ache from my inflamed sinuses. An all too familiar sensation grips me. I reach blindly for the tissue box pulling out a few just in time before I'm overtaken.

HhheEH'hh-Hh-HH-HHE'SssSSSST'tcCHiiUW!! HheH-HEH...HHh'H'H'HE'ssSSsSsST'CHhi'UW!! Hh-hhEe-HEh'Hhe'ssSsS'SSSStC-cCH'chhI'iuWW!!

Lightning splices through my brain with every explosion. The pain throbbing behind my eyes.

HhheEH'hh-Hh-HH-HHE'ss's'S'sss'ST'tcCHiiUW!!

A groan escapes the barricade of my lips.

"Oh honey" a gentle voice whispers and I become aware of fingers threading through my hair. I try to pry my eyes open but they feel like they're weighed down by a ton of bricks. I manage a small crack and see a blurry vision of Ethan's face swimming in front of me.

"I'm going to sit you up so you can take more medicine and drink some tea." He explains.

I don't have the strength to protest, not that I would even if I did. He props me up against him, I lean against him letting him handle everything, trusting him to take care of me.

He hands me a cup of warm liquid which I obediently drink, the liquid soothing some of the raw burn in my throat.

"That's good" he encourages. "Now here, going to load you up with more medicine." He hands me a medicine cup, which I dutifully toss back into my mouth, swallowing the substance.

He places a cool washcloth on my forehead. "Let's see if we can bring down that fever, it's spiked to just below a hundred and four." He explains.

I nod slightly.

He leans down pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Get some rest darling, I'll be right here." He whispers.

It doesn't take long for the meds to kick in and the heavy black curtain of slumber to drop over me.

The next time I wake up I still feel a little achy, but my head doesn't hurt as bad and while I still feel stuffy the congestion has moved so I can at least breath from my nose at least a little bit. Ethan is still at my side, his fingers are lightly tracing patterns against my arm.

"Hey handsome." He says upon seeing my eyes open.

"Handsome is probably the last adjective to describe me right now I think" I say my voice strained and croaky and as if to punctuate the point I am thrown forward by an expected sneezing fit.

HEH’ssSS'SSst'CCHhhu

The first sneeze happened too quickly for me to be prepared but I immediately cover the successive sneezes.

HheHEh'TTsss'TSchu!....H'HE'HH'HHHE'H'HH'HHHHHE'H'HH'HEH'HHE'HHHE'sssssSSTCchiiuWW!! 'TsssSST'chiii'UWWW!..HhEh'TsTsschhiew'!

Hh’TtSch-TsTchiew-Mmptchu-EeHStchiuW-ESTCHew-Hh’ESTchiu

Oh fuck those rapid multiples are so dizzying and usually seem to be accompanied by a violent, teasing, final release.

HhhEEEHh…HhhAaH..Hhuhh..Hhh’Hh’HhEH’EESSSTttC’CChieW!

There it is.

Well between the medicine and now the copious amounts of sneezing I can tell that the congestion has dislodged some and I can feel liquid leaking out of one of my nostrils. I grimace in disgust but then I look up, my eyes connecting with the unique impossibly replicated cornflower blue of Ethan’s irises and see the flushed dreamy look on his face and don’t feel quite as self-conscious. 

I'm still adjusting to all these revelations about Ethan's fetish. I'm working against years of ingrained norms and social etiquette that would tell me that being a sickly sniffly sneezy mess is repulsive and that I should be doing everything in my power to prevent spreading my germs. My sneezes while sick aren’t much louder than my allergy induced ones, at least I don’t think so, but they are far more forceful and harsher in the way they escape my body like they’re escaping from my chest rather than just my sinuses, the difference is like trying to walk through water versus walking through sand. They’re also harder to control, having a tendency to stalk me like I'm helpless prey and pounce on me when I'm least suspecting or prepared for the attack, and they're definitely wetter like the damn germs are sentient and doing everything in their power to be passed around and rather than doing my best to prevent the spread, instead I’ve been actively and openly sneezing against Ethan and giving the germs exactly what they want, another body to infect, because at this point it’s almost a certainty that Ethan will in fact catch this.

I haven’t wanted Ethan to see my internal struggle surrounding this because I don’t want him to misinterpret and think that I am put out by his desires. While I think he embraces his fetish I also think he is embarrassed to reveal the extent of his desires and all ways in which sneezing brings him pleasure and to a degree fears rejection if he shares all the facets of his fetish with someone.

I certainly don’t want that, I want to show him unconditional acceptance, to make him feel confident about sharing this with a real partner in the future if he wants to. So while it’s been a little awkward and even embarrassing to sneeze freely around him in this condition I’ve been forcing myself to. I will admit though the sounds he emits and the flush it earns me when I do makes it more than worth it, even if I am deeply concerned about him becoming infected and feel more than a little repellent while like this. 

"Bless you." Ethan says leaning forward with a tissue to help clean me up placing a chaste kiss on my lips. "My assessment still stands, handsome. You couldn’t look any better to me.”

I feel a familiar heat sink into my cheeks.

"Well okay, if you were to re-enact that beach volleyball scene from Top Gun, all topless with your perfect golden skin and toned muscles dripping with beads of sweat, that might overshadow this current mussed and roughed up, fresh out of bed look you have going on, otherwise I maintain that you’re undeniably handsome just like this." Ethan says his eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Oh is that the look I'm sporting?" I ask amused.

"You look ravished and thoroughly fucked." He purrs.

I laugh though I can feel the blush thickening.

"The continuous vaguely sneezy countenance as part of the ensemble only adds to the appeal." Ethan adds his own blush perceptible but I love that he’s freely talking about his fetish.

I begin to laugh but it transforms part-way through to a building sneeze.

HhhaaH…HhhEehh..HhheEH’ESssSSSTttt’Chhiiuew

“I aim to please, though it certainly helps my case that my incessant sneezing doesn’t put you out. I'm glad you find me attractive regardless."

“You’ll always be attractive to me." He replies his eyes softening revealing a truth rather than just playful banter.

I’m so not equipped to handle statements like that in my current condition in fact I’m fairly certain that this isn’t a common virus after-all, it’s love sickness and hearing those kinds of things is just going to exacerbate my symptoms and prevent me from ever getting well, not when phrases like that come with so much potential and possibility and just causes that pesky good for nothing hope to latch onto my heart and gets inside my head.

"How are you feeling?” He asks drawing me from my thoughts.

"Better" I reply. “What time is it?”

“A little after 6.”

I sigh leaning back into the pillow it was later than I expected. I feel a pang of guilt knowing that Ethan has been here the entire time.

"Sorry for keeping you here."

"It’s not like you’ve detained me, Nix." He says softly his hand reaching for mine, linking our fingers. "I'm here because I’m happy to be with you."

No, you stupid, stupid heart don’t get carried away with that sentiment, it isn't what you want it to mean. The rational side of my brain and my heart need to have serious conversation to get better aligned.

Ethan reaches over turning on the bedside lamp. "Think you can manage some chicken noodle soup?"

I nod.

He smiles. “Great, I’ll be right back.”

Ethan returns a few minutes later with a bowl accompanied with a sandwich on a plate as he puts it in front of me the familiar nutty scent fills my nostrils, a smell that manages to break through the stuffiness.

“Is that peanut butter?” I ask.

Ethan nods “I know you like to dip it into your soup.”

It’s part of Ethan’s job to be observant and remember those details about me. He’s placed my lunch order enough to know that I do in fact regularly order a peanut butter sandwich when I get chicken noodle soup. It doesn’t mean anything more and I can’t assume that it does but tell that to my useless mushy heart. All it knows is it is an incredibly sweet gesture and it soars from it. When this is over I'm scheduling an appointment with a cardiologist and requesting a transplant. 

“Thank you.” I say accepting the bowl and the sandwich doing my best to ignore the stupid fluttering in my stomach but right as I put a spoonful in my mouth my illness comes to remind me who’s in charge. I sneeze violently though I keep my mouth shut I spew soup everywhere from my nose and a little still breaches my pursed lips.

I hastily place the food on the bedside table clamping my hands to my face before I sneeze again. My nose running all over my hands, the hot fluid pooling in my palms. How is it that the mess I sneezed out seems to be so much more than the bite I took. Ugh, this is so fucking gross. I’m so mortified, the shame burns through me. I have never felt more disgusting and revolting in my life. I want the ground to swallow me up. I want to run away and hide forever. I imagine even Ethan has his limits of appeal when it comes to his kink and surely this crosses them. But Ethan doesn't let me hide, he grabs my chin firmly lifting my face and looks directly at me, his expression not one of disgust but of concern and adoration. The tenderness in his eyes quite literally takes my breath away.

"Bless you" He whispers his voice almost reverent like it's a gift to witness me sneezing, some beautiful act and not something filthy. Which I suppose given his proclivities it is but I still can't wrap my head around him not being completely put off by me in this state. My allergy fits are one thing, but sneezing from a virus ridden germ infested state, where I have limited control over or ability to capture my sneezes as they’re more inclined to sneak up on me and the inherent nature of being ill making them a bit messier than usual, my body leaking fluids from my facial orifices like a damn sieve, is a whole different level of repulsive.

Ethan doesn’t even wince over my display, his lack of disgust appears totally genuine, and not that he’s just placating to my feelings because I’m sick. His gaze holds mine while he reaches for a tissue cleaning up my mess. The care and gentleness that he lavishes upon me is a salve to my soul, soothing and healing. But what's even more surprising is I let him.

It's definitely a new thing, allowing him, allowing anyone to care for me when I'm sick and in this state, revealing my vulnerability, exposing my weaker and frankly more disgusting moments. I'm used to taking care of myself, though I can’t recall the last time I actually took ill. Despite my allergy affliction, I am at least blessed with a superb immune system and rarely get sick so it’s not like I have had much occasion to receive this kind of treatment but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Andrew wouldn't have touched me with a ten foot pole like this. Despite its newness, it feels so right with Ethan. Like I'm meant to share this with him.

After, he gives me a soft smile and leans in giving me a sweet kiss. "Finish your soup, okay?"

I nod obediently and turn my attention back to the food, dipping the peanut butter sandwich into the broth.

Once I'm done with my meal Ethan re-ups my medication and tucks me back in bed, his fingers combing through my hair. The combination of the meds and his tender touches are a soporific lulling me back to sleep.

"Sweet dreams." I hear Ethan murmur before succumbing to unconsciousness.

The next time I wake up it's to a loud beeping fire alarm echoing around the room but also seems to be sounding across the entire hotel.

"What's happening?" I ask groggily glancing at the digital clock in the room the time reading 12:22AM.

"Not sure" Ethan responds, his fingers running soothingly through my hair.

After 10 minutes of the alarm going off a voice over the hotel room speaker explains that there has been a situation and all occupants on floors 1-5 need to evacuate. I groan because we're on floor 5.

"Come on, I've got you." Ethan says grabbing his wallet, his phone, and the blanket from the bed folding it up and placing it under his arm, before helping me up.

According to the loud speaker the elevators are still in service so I can't imagine that it's a fire. My head is throbbing and the lights in the hallway are harsh and the buzz of the alarm still blaring and general commotion of everyone exiting their room is not helping. As we board the elevator a women with a massive malamute looking dog squeezes on slotting next to Ethan and I. It gives a hearty shake sending plumes of fur into the air. My nose immediately tickles.

"Sorry he's shedding a lot right now" the woman apologizes.

"It's fine." I reply trying to hold my breath to avoid breathing in any more dog fur and the smell of dog musk.

More people file into the elevator, several more with furry friends. A man carrying a small fluffy Pomeranian stands next to me. Another person with a golden retriever on a leash boards the elevator and another woman who is carrying a white Persian cat over her shoulder stands near us, it's thick bushy tail flicking my nose. Jesus, did everyone on our floor travel with their pet? I try to subtly back up into the corner trying to create as much distance between the animals and I though it isn't really going to do much, being in such a confined and enclosed space. My eyes are already getting watery from the exposure and I can feel all the allergens clawing their way up my nose irritating my nasal passages. Ethan repositions himself so he’s at least now standing in the line of the fire of the feline allergy death floof-ball, sending me a sympathetic glance knowing full well what this is going to do to my sinuses.

We finally reach the lobby and make our way outside. Thankfully it isn’t raining like the previous day but the air is a bit moist and nippy and a chilling wind rustles through the surrounding trees, expediting the urge to sneeze. My sinuses are burning. I sniffle in an effort to try and keep the fit that I know is going to overthrow me from taking over just yet but instead it only seems to encourage the sensation and I know the release is imminent. Ethan guides me away from the mob of people that have already exited the building milling about leading me to an underground parking garage located across the street.

"We'll have a little more privacy here I think and we can watch the crowd and know when we're free to come back inside." He says wrapping the blanket around my shoulders. I nod only vaguely aware of what he's saying my entire focus centered on the building burning tickles radiating in my nose.

"Gonna-" I don't get to finish the announcement before a flurry of sneezes explode out of me. I bury my face into the blanket.

HHHEhh...HH'HEH'EH-HE'ESSs'SS'SStt'CHhii'UuuUuWW! Hheh-HEh'HHE'HHE'H'HE'ESsSSSSs'SSt'c'CHhiuww!

Hhh'Heh…Heh…..HEHE…HEh'Hhh'HH'HHHE'H'HE'HEH'HH'HHE'SSsssssST’Chhiiuww!!

Hh'HE'HH'HE'HH'HH'HEh'EHEssSssSSS’ChUuw!! Hhh'Hh...hhHE'E'HE'E'HE’SsSSSSSssSTCH'iiuW! Hhhh'T'chiew! HEh'H'HEhh-HH'HE'ssSsST’CHhhiew! HhEh'ESSSSTChiew...HhAHh'AssTChuiw

With the next sneeze, the air rushing out of my congested nose and mouth creates an embarrassing and undignified noise that's somewhere between a sneeze and a snort. My face heats up with humiliation.

Ethan as if sensing my mortification gently sits us down and wraps his arms around me drawing my face to his chest as if to shield me from any prying eyes. He cards his fingers through my hair. "That's it honey, just let it all out." I cling to him letting him anchor me.

HH'HEhh-HH'HE'HEssSSssssST'CH'huUuuW! HEH'TChiew'! HheH-HEH'HE'HE'HE'HE'sSSSssTCHhI'iuww! Hhh'Hhh-HH'HE'H'H-HE'HE'HH'HHE'E'SssSSSST'Chhi'uW! Hhh'He'HE'H'HE'SSSSSSSTChew Hhh'T't'sshie'EWww! Hh'H'H-HE'HE'HE'HE'H'HHhh….ESsSTChuuuW!

HhEH’AssTchu.-Hhh’SsTch-MmmpTish-EsTtchuew-‘Estchiew-MmpTchew

HhEEh…HhhEh..HhaaH..Hh’Hh’HhhEH’ESssSSSTtTTCccHiew!

Ethan rubs his hands up and down my back soothingly as the final sneeze erupts. "There you go, bless you."

I take a shaky inhale, unable to breathe through my nose, the irritating sensation of impending sneezes still there, induced by a combination of both all the animal allergens and my illness.

"I can't" I say my voice rough and raspy and nasally from the force of my sneezes. "Ss-still-"

HhEhh...HhhEEH..Hh'EsSssSS'TTtcHiew…HhhEEHhh’ESsSssTchu…Hhh’Hhh’Hhh’Hhh’HheEH’SssSSSTcchuuiew

"Feels like it's gg-ggon-g HhEEEHH gonna be a few more." I finally get out in between sets of sneezes. 

HhhEh..Hhahh..Hhh'ESsS'TChu...HhA’SsssTChew

"I know honey" He replies his hands finding my face bringing it back to his chest. I feel him press a kiss to the top of my head. "Let it all out handsome, don't worry about me, I got you."

"Thanks" I mutter before helplessly submitting to the barrage of sneeze still hitting me.

Hh'Heh'SsSSSSSSSSSST'CC'hhiuuW!

HEh'H'HEh'HH'HH'HH'HE'HHHE'HE'sSSSSsssSSSSSSSSSSTCHIuWW!

Hhh'H'H'H'H'HHE'HH'HE'HE'HH'HHHE'HH'HHHE'ESSsSSSSSSST'cCcHiiiIiuUww!

Hh-h-hh-HE'EsSSSsTSssstTtCChHiuw! HheH'Ee'ES'sss'STSssST'CCchhhuw!!

Hh'Ehh-Heh'EE'SSssSSSSST'CCchiuW!! Hh'EHH'He'HH'HE'sSSsSSSSTCHuuW!! HhE's-sSSSSSSSTCHhHiiuW!!! Hhhehh'HH'HE'H'Heh'Ee'HEssSS'SssSSSStSSSsTCH'C'hi'uww! HE's-SsSSSSSS'TTTTsssstCChchhi'iuww!! HEe-EE'EEeHh’SSSSssSSssSSssS’TTChieW!!

After what feels like a thousand more sneezes and countless blessings from Ethan the fit ends. "Fuck!" I slump into Ethan feeling weak and utterly spent from the violent fit. My sinuses are pounding and my throat raw. I snuggle in closer as a shiver passes through me.

Ethan places his hand to my forehead. "Oh Nix, I think your fever's spiked again."

"Feels like it." I respond hoarsely.

Ethan semi sits up to see over the parking garage barricade "Looks like it's still going to be a while" he says.

I can't stop the reactive moan from escaping. I feel depleted and exhausted wanting nothing more than to be back in the bed curled up comfortably next to Ethan and not out here in the brisk cold seated on cement.

"Here" Ethan whispers situating us so my head is in his lap, my body perpendicular to his, tucking in the blanket around me. I'm still trembling with cold but at it at least puts a barrier between me and the hard chilly pavement, even if it's a thin one. I nuzzle in closer, desperate for his warmth.

"Rest." He says his voice laced with concern and I feel his fingers passing through my hair again and despite the less than comfortable conditions, it doesn't take long before I'm out.

"Nix." I feel a soft touch to my cheek and a whisper of my name. "Wake up honey."

I drowsily blink awake the cobwebs of sleep not fully cleared before I sneeze.

HhEhh'EsSsssTChew...HhhEH'EssSSTCh-u…Hhh’SSsS’TChuiu

They sound weary even to my own ears and as I become more fully cognizant I realize, much to my dismay that the source with which I had been covering with was Ethan's shirt.

"Fuck, I'm sorry." I say, wincing and cringing in embarrassment.

"Don't trouble yourself with worrying about that Nix. It's fine." Ethan soothes his tone tender. "Come on, I think we can go back inside now."

Ethan helps me to my feet, his arms holding me tight around my waist as he guides us back to the hotel. My legs feel a bit wobbly and my head a little loopy. Thankfully the elevator is empty and there are no animals on the ride up.

The minute we're inside our room I collapse onto the bed, drowsy and fatigued from just that small amount of energy expenditure it took to get back to the room.

"Since we're up let's get you another dose of medication in you and then you can sleep the rest of the night with hopefully no more interruptions."

Ethan is quick to administer the meds and has me tucked into bed in a matter of minutes. He slots himself next to me wrapping his arm around my waist. Moving on impulse I tuck my own arm around his.

"Thanks for taking care of me, E." I murmur as I'm drifting off.

The last words I hear are Ethan's whispered "Always, Nix. Always."

I begin to stir but I'm in that limbo stage between waking and sleeping. That space where you're not quite conscious but you're not entirely asleep and you’re brain hasn’t entirely switched on and you’re in this almost trance-like state. So while I'm aware of the tickle that starts to form in my nose I don't quite comprehend its meaning until it’s too late.

HHhhE'HE'H'EHHE'E'HE'SsssSsTChiuUW!! HHhEh...HE'HE'he'HHEH’EsSSSSTTtt’CChhIIUuu! HH'HE'HEH’HhhEEHh’ESSSss’TCChhi'UWww!! HhEH...HH'H’HH’HHeeh’HHeh’HHhuh’Haah’EsSSsTtttChew! Hhh….HhEEH’Hhh’HhhEh’EsssTTchiiew

"Bless you" Ethan's voice whispers and I feel a light caress on my face, I think it's his thumb brushing across my cheek but I’m barely conscious and feel too exhausted to open my eyes to confirm.

I just murmur a thank you pressing into the touch only realizing just then that I hadn’t taken any action to cover my sneezes. I cringe hoping at least I avoided hitting Ethan with the mist I was sure had accompanied the freely released ejections of air, though if our position is anything to go by I’m doubtful that he didn’t catch at least some of the result of my sneezing freely on his person. I mumble an apology but if he gives a response I don’t hear it having already fallen back asleep.

I'm roused a couple times throughout the rest of the night but Ethan is there with a gentle touch and hushed words, a glass of water, a tissue, or anything else I need. Each time he takes care of me with an unconditional gentleness and kindness. It tugs at my soul. How does Ethan expect me not to fall hopelessly in love with him when he's treating me like this? This feels so far beyond fake boyfriends, it even feels so far beyond his obligations to me as my PA. This feels like something else entirely and I can't stop myself from wondering if maybe it could be real, if maybe he could actually want me and not just as a fake boyfriend.

The next time I wake I see sunlight reflecting on the floor around the window curtains. My body aches and I feel completely wrecked, every joint sore, every muscle tender and heavy. My throat is so swollen and dry, it’s like trying to swallow around a basketball. My sinuses feel like they are full of lead and I can barely breathe through my nose and when I do the air whistles loudly and unpleasantly. I groan and try to stretch out my sore muscles only to discover that I am pinned. At first I can't make sense of what's holding me down and I try to pull away but whatever has hold of me is strong.

The fog clears from my brain and I realize that I am tangled in various limbs. Ethan my mind supplies and I feel a smile spread across my face. I love how we've been falling asleep together while here. Waking up to him spooning me, his warmth radiating into me, feels so right, so natural. Like something I want everyday for the rest of my life. Okay, well that thought shades the good feelings just a bit, knowing this has a vastly approaching expiration date and wishing we had more time.

"You okay?" Ethan mumbles, his voice heavy and laced with sleep, the gravelly tenor of his voice has a delicious shiver running up my spine.

"Yeah." I reply though it comes out as a strained whisper.

Ethan immediately picks up on my struggle.

"Oh, Nix, honey, your throat must be pretty sore."

I nod and try to clear it but that just seems to aggravate the situation and instead of clearing the swelling and irritation it only makes the pain worse and it triggers a sneeze.

HEEEHHh'Ehh-EEE'sssSsSSSSSsssTchCchhiiiuww!

I quickly cover my face with my hands as I sneeze again.

Hh'Ehh-Heh'EE'SSssSSSSST'CCchiuW'W!! Hh'EHH'He'HH'HE'SssssSTCHew!!

HhEeeeHH'TSssssSTCHew!! HE's-SsSSSSSS'TTTTsssstCChchhi'iuww!! HEH’Hhh’Hhh’ESSssstCChchhieW!!

I sniffle after the last sneeze, though the fit did little to move the heavy congestion in my nose.

"Bless you" Ethan whispers softly pressing a soft kiss to my temple.

"Sorry." I rasp.

Ethan shushes me. "You don't have anything to apologize for Nix."

So help me, I was really getting attached to him calling me that, the nickname made my stomach flutter. It was going to be dreadful when he started calling me Mr. Hathaway again. Yet again, I'm reminded of the limited time we have left like this. Speaking of, shit! We were supposed to be leaving later today but check-out was in-I glance at the tableside clock. 10 minutes. I jolt up.

"What, what is it?" Ethan asks.

"We have to check-out!" My frantic movement causing me to break out into a nasty sounding coughing fit.

Ethan chuckles gently pressing against my chest leaning me back into the pillow. "I already took care of it. I extended our stay through the weekend and our return flight to next Monday just to be sure to give you ample time to recover and I have re-scheduled all your meetings this week advising that you had urgent business in London to attend to."

I blink stunned. "That's...thank you."

Ethan smiles. "Well, it's my job both as your PA and as your boyfriend." He adds with a wink.

My heart clenches at his words, how easily the lie rolls off his tongue and how badly I wish it was real but I know it isn’t, know it can’t be, and it wouldn’t be fair to him to continue making him act as such even though we’re staying in London past initially planned.

"Well, since the summit concludes today I can at least alleviate you of the duty of acting as my boyfriend." It destroys me to say so but there really is no longer any valid excuse to maintain the façade.

Ethan's expression falls his lips turning down into a frown. "Yeah, I guess that's true." He responds his voice is quiet, almost hollow, like he’s as disappointed as am that this charade has run its course but I’m certain I must be projecting.

I try to swallow around the lump forming in my throat, my emotions threatening to well over.

"Is that—“he pauses clearing his throat his eyes darting from me to the bedspread "Is that what you want?" He asks his tone tentative and unsure.

I don't think it would be responsible of me to answer that question. By nature of my position saying yes could influence Ethan into continuing this silly arrangement even if he doesn't want to. But my heart, my fucking treacherous heart wants to say yes, wants to keep up this charade for as long as possible, even if it's only a few more days. The longer I balk, the more I see Ethan's face tighten, which in turn tightens the vise around my heart.  

"I'm not sure it would be appropriate given our dynamic for me to say what I want Ethan." I whisper. He visibly flinches and before I can continue he replies.

"Right of course Mr. Hathaway I shouldn't have asked. Forgive me." He stands from his spot next to me on the bed going to his suitcase packing the various articles of clothes that have wound up on the floor. "I'll see about making separate accommodations for myself for the remainder of the week. I imagine with the summit over today there will be more rooms available."

"Wait" I attempt to say but I'm overtaken by a dry hacking coughing fit. I sniff carefully which just brings upon a vastly building threat of a sneeze.

Hhhhhh-HE'HH'HH-H'HHHE'E'ssssSS'sss'SST'cCHiEW! HhEH....Hhh'HhhEHH'ESsSSSSSTCHEW...Hhh'EsssSSTCHUiiuWW! H'HEH...HEHhh…HhhEEhhh…Hhh’Hhhh’Hhhh

“Come on” I moan rubbing my nose in a circular pattern with my knuckle after what feels like a minute of hitching build-upy breathes without release trying to encourage the sneeze to come out.

HhEh..AaaaHhh..EeeHHH..Hhh’HhhEh’Hh’Hhh

EeSSSsSsssSSsSTChiiEW!

“Oh thank God.” I say when the sneeze finally comes.

"Bless you" Ethan says softly, his expression pained and torn like he doesn't know if he can or should walk away.

"Ss-ssss-HhhEEHH-sorry"

'ESsSSTtttCHhhhiiuew....ESsSssSSt'T'T'c'C'chhi'uUuW...HhhEEEHh…HhhAaH..Hhuhh..Hhh’Hh’HhEH’EESSSTttC’CChieW! Ehh'HH'HEH'H'HE'sSSsS'tCHeiu... Hehh'HH'HHE'hH'HE'S'sssS'shhiew.. Eh-hE-HEH'SST'chieww! Eh'HE'HE'HHE'sss'SSsST'chiew!! Eh-H'HE'HHHE'ESSS'sh't'CHEIU!! Etc'Et'CHiew! Hhh'HHE'sss's's'sSST'T'CC'chi'I'iuUWW!

"Fuck, sorry." I say again.

"Nix." Ethan sighs softly, the sadness still laced in his voice, that forlorn frown still tugging at his lips but he comes back to the bed sitting next to me handing me a tissue.

"Thanks" I mumble as I blow my nose, wincing when it makes an awful honking sound. Before he can get up and walk away again I place my hand over his. His breath catches as his eyes meet mine searching. "In answer to your question, I have more to say if you’d give me the chance…." It's not quite a question but I pause. He nods.

"I was saying that I'm not sure I can answer that question because of my position and that I don't want my answer to unduly influence yours so I will leave it to you, what would you like to do?"

"Oh.” He expresses and maybe I imagine it but it seems as if a spark ignites behind his eyes, the first ray of sun that shines through after a storm. He pauses for only a few seconds or so but threads of anticipation twist and weave in my gut, my heart hammering from the suspense. I find I’m barely breathing as I hang in the balance waiting for what he’ll say.

“Well, we did agree that we act as each other's partners for the duration that we were in London." He says quietly, his face inching closer to mine.

Now it’s my turn for my breath to catch. "I suppose we did."

"I don't know about you but my word is my bond, I don't break my agreements easily." His face is now hardly an inch from mine, the proximity sending tingly sparks off my lips and I wonder if he also feels this electricity emanating between us.

"Me neither" I say, the words coming out as a breathy whisper.

"Well, then I should say we have our answer." He says before pressing his lips to mine bringing his hand to cup the back of my neck pulling me close. The kiss is sweet and gentle, chaste, but filled with so much emotion.

A whimper escapes me which seems to awaken some carnal need in Ethan. In a swift motion he straddles me pressing me into the mattress. He deepens the kiss his tongue expertly exploring out the cavern of my mouth, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip before he draws it into his mouth sucking on it. The lusty gasp it produces triggers a sneeze.

"Ethan- HEeEH-" I begin to warn attempting to gently push him away but he holds firm and the sneeze is building too fast for me to take any action other than to try and turn my head as far away from him as our positions allow. "Gg-ggonna snn-snneEEEE'ESSssTtt'ChiiUuww!!"

Ethan gently grips my chin turning my face back towards him. "Don't turn away, I don't mind." He instructs before bringing his lips down on mine again.

The sneezes are coming at me too fast to protest, they hit me just as Ethan's mouth captures my own, muffling the sound and catching the spray. But he quickly releases me after a set of four maybe five more when he realizes I'm having trouble breathing.

"Shit, sorry, I uhhh got a little over-eager" he says a sweet blush blooming on his cheeks.

If he doesn't mind the almost assured possibility of getting sick from this, I'm certainly not going to complain about the additional kisses but all I can manage to say before another round of sneezes hits is "It's okay."

HheHEh'TTsss'TSchiew!....H'HE'HH'HHHE'H'HH'HHHHHE'H'HH'HEH'HHE'HHHE'sssssSSTCchiiu... 'TsssSST'chiii'UWWW!...HhEh'TsTsschhiew'! Hh’TtSch-TsTchiew-EeHStchiuW-ESTCHew-Hh’ESTchiu HhEEH...HhhAhh...HhhehH'Ehhh'EeeEHEsSsssT'Chhiiiuew-ESTSssST'CheW! HhEH‘ESsTCHieww!...HE'EsST'Chiew!

After the last sneeze subsides I groan. Ethan's hand finds there way to my face with a tissue, cleaning me off. "I think the sexy sneezy sick Phoenix Hathaway needs me to make him feel better."

"Mmmm, it does seem the least my boyfriend could do." I respond with a smile.

"The very least" Ethan agrees and kisses me again and for the rest of the day he makes good on that promise.

***

The next morning I'm feeling quite a bit better, my appetite that has been virtually non-existent the past few days has returned and when Ethan placed a warm bowl of oatmeal in front of me and a glass of orange juice I consumed them both eagerly. Additionally, my fever has gone down, I don't feel as fatigued and I'm breathing a little easier, though, with that, my nose is constantly dripping which has only increased the frequency of my sneezing. I swear, I've sneezed over a hundred times since waking up only a few hours ago.

Since I was feeling a little bit better I had attempted to open my laptop to begin responding to email which was promptly taken away from Ethan with the order that I was to rest and fully recover. I'd tried to protest, insisting that I was feeling fine and would take it easy but Ethan was having none of it the response I'd gotten was

"Nix, you've spent the better part of two days drastically ill, I won't have you setting yourself back because the moment you feel marginally better you decide to push yourself with work obligations and overdo it. I'll make sure I stay on top of your bookings and if absolutely insist I can read your emails aloud and we can draft responses together for me to send but you will not be lifting a finger you hear me?"

Which is why Ethan was now propped up against some pillows next to me with my laptop while he reads me my emails and I dictate my responses to him. I have to admit, despite my initial protest, I’m quite glad not to be the one in front of the computer. As the morning has gone on and the pressure in my sinuses has built I have developed quite the headache that was certainly to have been exacerbated by looking at a screen. I also find myself experiencing a little vertigo, also probably from my congested sinuses, and my eyes feel heavy and tired, so ultimately I’m glad to be able to lie down with my eyes closed while he does all the work, transcribing my responses. In addition to feeling grateful for the reprieve, I will freely own to the fact that I’m taking great pleasure in hearing his sexy dulcet voice recite my emails to me.

He's read me 3 emails thus far and we've responded to two. The other one was not high priority so I said we could return to it after going through the rest of my inbox. He’s in the process of reading the next email to me when he pauses mid-sentence.

"The what?" I prompt picking up the sentence where he left off.

When he doesn’t continue after another moment I open my eyes. "Ethan?" I begin to ask but his name dies on my tongue when I look at him. He has both hands cupped over his nose and mouth pinching his nostrils shut. His eyes are squeezed shut and I can see the expanse of his chest rising and falling rapidly through the fabric of his shirt. Out of politeness I realize I should look away but I’m enraptured and I can’t bring myself to tear my eyes free from the sight. Not but a moment later his entire body pitches forward. The only audible sound comes from the shaky exhale I hear through his cupped hands as he springs back upright.

His eyes open briefly before fluttering shut again as he falls forward with another sneeze, this time not totally stifled. I manage to hear the shaky inhale of the build-up, followed by a tiny ump like sound ending with a very quiet exhale. I am fascinated with Ethan's control when he sneezes and as before, I find myself wishing that there’s another but alas it’s just the two. He readjusts himself opening his eyes.

"Bless you." I say automatically, forgetting that a component of his fetish makes him not really like to sneeze in front of others and from that I've deduced means he's probably more than a little self-conscious about his sneezes and doesn't like them to be acknowledged if he does sneeze around anyone that might bare witness. I also figure he's probably extra self-conscious in front of me since I'm in the know.

Sure enough his cheeks blaze but he mutters a "thank you”, before picking up where he left off. Though my attention is not as focused as it had been. I find myself studying his face looking for any sign of a lingering tickle or dormant sneeze that might break free, but then feel a little weird about it and refocus my attention. That doesn’t last long when a sneeze of my own interrupts us. I bring the collar of my shirt over my face in preparation.

HhhEEhh'ESssTChiu...HhE..HhhEH..Hhh'Hh'Hh'EssSSSSTCccHiuew...Ehe...HhheEH..Hh'Hhh'EsssSSSSss'TttChew...

Hh'EsTchew-'STtChu-MmmpTishew-HEh'EsTchiu-Chew-HhhE'esTChiiu-AsTchu

Ugh I can feel the liquid dripping from my nose with those rapid fire explosions.

HhhAaaH'SsSSSTttT'CcchHiUEW!! HhEEH..HhhAhhh..Hhh'Hh'hh'HhEE'ESssSS'TttCHiiiiuew! Hh'hAah'HEssstCCHheww!!

When I’m done I’m hesitant to remove my shirt from my face afraid of the mess it will reveal.

"It's alright, I got you honey." Ethan says gently encouraging me to pull the shirt away. I sniff and rub my nose against the fabric hoping to catch anything horribly unbecoming but Ethan remains totally un-phased as he wipes off my nose with a tissue.

"Thanks" I croak when he’s through his ministrations.

"Maybe we should take a break." Ethan suggests.

"I'm fine. Please continue."

He scrutinizes me but after a moment of careful assessment he nods proceeding.

When I interrupt us for the third time with another sneezing fit Ethan decides it’s time to stop.

"We can return to that later if need be. For now let's get you loaded up with some medicine and rest. Your health is our number one priority, these responses can wait. Besides I set your auto-reply advising that your access to email was limited and that you would be responding as able but to allow till next week for you to reply.”

“You really are the best.”

“Only because you pay me so well.” He jokes with a wink.

I chuckle. “I pay you so well because I recognize that you’re best.”

“Aww Mr. Hathaway you know just how to talk to a guy, gross flattery will get you everywhere.” He says in a flirtatious manner but I see the pleased smile grace his lips.

We turn on the TV though I’m not really paying attention, more engrossed in the man I’m currently cuddled up against. He’s still propped against the pillows but he’s set aside my laptop giving me room to lie on him, my head is against his chest, my leg curled up and partially resting on his thigh.

He fiddles with my hair with one hand, his other is clasped in mine. Every once and awhile he brings my hand to his mouth kissing each of my knuckles. It turns me to a puddle every time. The action demonstrates such a sweet domesticity. As much as I have enjoyed the more salacious nature of what has transpired between us, it’s these tiny, seemingly inconsequential yet incredibly intimate gestures, the affectionate caresses, and soft almost secretive smiles that I will yearn for the most when this is all said and done.

The steady beat of his heart lulls me into an almost meditative consciousness. My mind wanders to all the moments I want to cherish, the memories I will revisit when we get back to New York and I'm alone. I will remember the feel of his breath on my skin, the way it felt against the nape of my neck or on the shell of my ear when he would whisper into it. I will remember how warm and comforting his embrace is, how it feels to be pressed up against his exquisite body. I will remember how soft his lips are, how they perfectly mold to mine. I will remember how wherever he touches sends little seismic waves that dance and ripple across my skin, causing my entire body to tremble and shake, earthquakes that vibrate in my bones. How his hands on me sparks and ignites and has me burning to ashes, but that gives me new life, reborn from the remnants of his touch.

My thoughts are disrupted when I feel his breathing change. The steady rhythmic rise and fall becoming chaotic and stilted.

I brace myself knowing what's about to come and feeling oddly exhilarated over it. Ethan sneezes again, a near-silent jerk of his torso but with my lying on his upper body, I heard the air fill his lungs and the tiny mmp sound of the sneeze that resonated in his chest. Without so much of a breath following that release he sneezes again with a more audible, tiny squelching NgGnh like sound that escapes his lips.

Filled with a strong desire I tilt my head regarding Ethan with anticipatory interest as I take in his still sneezy visage. A light flush has bloomed on his cheeks, his eyes though aren’t completely shut in that moment are slightly unfocused, his lids heavy.  He’s slack-jawed, his mouth barely parted as he draws in more air as quietly as possible as he leads towards another sneeze. His nostrils are twitching and flaring as the urge builds. His eyes blink shut and his lips press together and another tiny NggnHh glugging type sound escapes him accompanied by a little squeak, his body lurching forward sending me with him.

As I live the sensation with him, I get the appeal, and I think I understand why Ethan likes when I sneeze against him. There is something vulnerable and intimate about him sneezing like this while we’re pressed together. There’s also, I realize, something erotically reminiscent in the physical act itself of sneezing against someone.

"Bless you" I murmur my tone husky and I don't think the extra rasp is a result of my illness. I'm a little concerned that he's sneezed so much in a manner of hours. Even though I realize that he mostly stifles and so it’s possible that he has sneezed around me more than I would have originally thought, I still don't think he sneezes that frequently and that leads me to think he's caught whatever I have. "You feeling alright?"

“I'm good, thanks" he says hastily, a blush still evident on his cheeks.

I'm not convinced though and I'm sure the skepticism is written all over my face. "Are you sure? You don't ordinarily sneeze so frequently."

Ethan swallows the flush growing darker on his face, obviously flustered by my comment. "It's nothing. Just a random tickle."

I'm not sure if I buy the excuse but I let it be for now, knowing that with his self-consciousness and discomfort with sneezing in front of other people I will have to address this delicately if I do decide to press the issue.

I must've dozed off after that because I'm awoken when my body jolts forward. It takes me a moment to orient myself tuning into the soft hitchy breathes coming from Ethan, the way his muscles are taut beneath me. He's trying desperately to hold back but his efforts are seemingly futile.

Three sneezes escape him, more audible than I've heard from him, increasing in severity, coming so fast it's as if they had been stacked on top of each other and all begging for release at once, one would emit and immediately turn into the next without so much as a pause much less room for a recovery breath making them seemingly harder to suppress.

’NgghH! Hh’nKxXT! Hhh’ngXktsSh!!

The first sneeze is intoned with that intense glugging noise, the second holds more of that higher pitched squeaking quality. The third though still tightly managed, I can tell got away from him. The inhale heavier and louder than previous sneezes and the ending more pronounced, a definite sneezy sound, because I'm now apparently the type of person that pays attention to every little detail of Ethan’s sneezes.

After that last sneeze he shakes his head erratically almost like the sneeze refused to be contained and since he was stifling them it was finding other ways to release its powerful force out of him. While I worry that if he really is getting sick it won’t do him good to keep sneezing in such a manner it is a sight it witness. There’s really no other word to describe him warring for whatever control he can manage against the persistent explosions other than sexy. Perhaps adorable applies too. Adorably sexy, that’s what it is.

"Bless you baby" I murmur softly pressing a kiss to his cheek. He blushes giving me a bashful smile unable to look me directly in the eye, mumbling a quiet thanks.

We settle back in, but it's clear his nose hasn’t quite relented. He keeps rubbing at it and I can tell by the way he's pinching his nostrils together, holding his breath and the way his body is still rigid that he's struggling to hold back another fit.

I want to tell him that it's okay and that I understand why he’s trying to keep it in but I’m afraid if I address it that I would just make it worse, that mentioning it would only heighten his self-consciousness over his sneezing and possibly make him stop completely. Either that or hide, both options being the last things that I want.

After what is sure to have been 5 minutes of this, in what’s perhaps not a purely altruistic move, I shift so half of my body is on top of him, and my head is now at eye level with his and lean in to kiss him. The side of my nose brushing against his as I angle my head just right. While I did want him to sneeze for his own sake, it was mostly a selfish ploy, and just as I knew it would, it sends him over the edge. His eyes flutter shut, his lips part. I hear the soft intake of breath as his shoulders shudder, his body stiffens and before my lips can even graze his he hastily pushes me away turning his head.

The first sound is a violent squeak. He grips his nose in a painful looking pinch to try and stop the second but his body betrays him, forcing the second out with a forceful

Hh’Nght!

This is followed by a breathy exhale like all the power that would have gone into the sneeze had it not been contained is transferred to his breathe. The longer strands of his hair on the top of his head flop haphazardly into his eyes. I feel a bit guilty for having forced the situation, but watching him struggle needlessly was unbearable and I can't deny the state of my arousal over seeing him sneeze and reactively make another dive for his lips not even realizing that his fit isn't over.

"Nn-not ddoone" he warns against my lips but this time is only able to avoid sneezing on my face by pressing his nose into my shoulder.

’NGghH! Hh'NngGhK!  Hh'NggXTssh

After the final release he lets out another audible extended exhale into my neck and I am helpless to stop the needy moan that comes from the back of my throat.

"Bless you E." I say breathlessly before devouring his lips, uncaring if he’s done or not now because I need his lips on mine. He responds in kind and we are a frenzy of movement and passion, tongues exploring each other's mouths, hands roaming, fingers dancing, nails scraping. This kiss is both lustful and adoring in its ardor.

The sounds of our groans, whimpers and grunts mingle and echo off the walls around us. Our bodies rock and grind together, the friction driving us closer and closer to the precipice of pleasure.

"Nix" he whimpers my name part plea, part exaltation, and part warning as he pulls back clearly needing to sneeze but fighting against it. I continue to press kisses along his jawline, the tendons in his neck, and when I reach his earlobe I give it a little bite.

Ethan yelps in surprise and his limited control over the pending sneeze is lost, though he expertly silences the first several sneezes, the violence of the releases expressed only by the dip of his head and the judder of his shoulders.

The final sneeze comes out a struggling gasp seeming to neither provide relief nor terminate the powerful urge. His entire body writhes underneath me from the effort of containing the expulsion of air. He blinks several times and I can see his thick long eyelashes are damp from his watering eyes. His entire body begging for a release he won't give it. His body is not the only thing begging for him to surrender to the need, I find that I also very much want him to let go.

I decide not to voice that, uncertain he will take to brazen directness in this instance and knowing I need to handle his relationship with sneezing delicately. Additionally, I'm still reeling a bit from the fact that his sneezes are affecting me so. It was never something I paid much attention to before him. People sneeze, it’s a fact of being alive, I do more than most. I never saw it as anything more than what it was, a simple autonomic function, but after discovering Ethan's kink it's gotten into my head.

There’s this strange raw need and desire to see, hear and feel him sneeze, that extends far beyond mere curiosity or intrigue. I have become completely hypnotized with the way Ethan sneezes. The way they’re so controlled almost refined, but through the careful restraint how desperate, consuming, and urgent they are. Having now been afforded full view of his sneezing I find it even more pleasing than when I had seen him sneeze in the office.

My heart thunders in my chest, a tingling sensation that begins at the base of my spine, a pooling of warmth in my gut, and a coiling of lust that knots in my groin, at the first sign that he might sneeze. I feel an eager hungry desire watching the sensation slowly build and over-take him. How he fights to remain composure, his expression latent, not revealing the urge until moments before when it subsumes his carefully collected visage. When his control inevitably slips and the sneezes overpower him pushing their way to the surface unable to be masked, it is a captivating and enchanting sight. How his mouth hangs slightly open in anticipation, his nose twitches in preparation, how his eyebrows furrow, his nose scrunches, eyes going distant and then squeezing shut as the sneeze arises. How his cheeks and the tips of his ears fill with color as the sneezes race out of him. The way his body lurches forward in spastic movements as they escape. The little breathy inhales and sounds that come out when the sneezes are too much to beat into silence, not to mention the audible exhales that succeed his sneezes have me melting.

I’m not certain that sneezing as a whole affects me quite the same way it does Ethan, I'm not sure if the heightened awareness, nay gross interest, much less intoxicating arousal would extend to anyone else's sneezes but there is no denying that everything about Ethan’s sneezes thrills me.

"Bless you sweetie" I say in response to his last set of sneezes. "Are you certain you're alright?"

"Quite" he replies.

I bite my lip indecisively. It is quite obvious to me that he has caught whatever nasty bug I have but I don't know if directly pointing it out is the right approach. Then an idea hits. I get up going over to the arsenal of supplies Ethan had so kindly bought for me identifying the Neocitran apple cinnamon flavored extra strength cold and sinus relief pouches grabbing one, boiling some water pouring it into a cup and letting the powder dissolve in the water. After 10 minutes of pretending to drink it I say,

"I can't finish this, I'd hate for it to go to waste would you mind helping me?"

"Sure. Thank you."

I nod in acknowledgment. "I'm also getting a bit hungry, feel like splitting what's left of the chicken noodle soup with me?"

He nods and I grab the container of soup and 2 bowls. I split the remainder of the soup between the two bowls making sure to add a little extra to Ethan's bowl. As I return to the bed with the warm soup I see he has finished the drink and I smile to myself. It won't do anything by means of preventing his illness from progressing but it will hopefully ease some of his symptoms before they become too severe.

As we eat my own tickle surges forth with a vengeance, a reminder that even though I feel better I'm definitely not operating on all cylinders just yet.

Heh'hhhHEsssST'CHH'Huiew! Hh'esstT'Cchiu!

Eh'h'HE'hh'EeESstT'Cchiu!

HhhEH...Ehhh...HHEssSSSss'TcheW!!

In between sneezes I catch Ethan watching me with rapt attention and decide I feel at least well enough to have some fun. I sniff and rub my nose, a purposeful gesture more for show than the absent way I often rub nose when it gets tickly. I inhale shakily trying to egg on the next fit that hasn't fully actualized existing more as a mild burning sensation sitting at the bridge of my nose and am rewarded with a little whimper, I'm not even sure he's totally aware that he made such a noise.

Ethan’s totally enraptured, his face is flushed and he's biting his lip, his food forgotten, the spoon hanging limply from his hand as his gaze never leaves me.

I take his spoon and bowl out of his hands, observing, thankfully, that there are only a few spoonful’s left so I don’t feel too guilty about disrupting our lunch, and place them on the nightstand before pulling him on top of me. He goes easily with a little oof sound as his body makes contact with mine. He braces himself on his forearms on either side of me.

I bring his face to mine my lips a hair's breadth from his but the energy that crackles and sizzles between us gives the illusion that we're touching. "I'm going to sneeze." I whisper low and sultry another barely perceptible whimper leaves him. "What's your preference?"

"Wha-what?-" he stutters confused.

"How do you want me to sneeze?" I explain.

His eyes widen as he sucks in a sharp breath biting his lower lip as he casts me a hopelessly libidinous look. "I-" he begins, his eyes flicking back and forth between my eyes, my nose, and my mouth. The tip of his tongue darts out wetting his lips. "I uhh-" he trails off again, his gaze settling on my lips this time, his own part ever so slightly. "I want you to try to hold back, but only I can try to physically stop your sneezes, you're not allowed to use any self-method to prevent yourself from sneezing."

"As you wish." My inhales turn uncontrollably rapid as the sensation goes from mild to immediately urgent. "I reeallly HhaaAAA hhEEEH have to sne-snn-ssnEEEHHze" Instinctively I bring my hand to my face but Ethan catches it before it gets to my nose.

"What did I say about that?" He clucks.

"Sss-sso-ssoorrry" I scrunch my nose clenching my jaw tight but that does little to cease the insistent tickle. Just when I think I'm going to have submit Ethan brings a finger under my nose aggressively pushing upwards. The immediacy subsides but the need to sneeze doesn't completely dissolve immediately returning as soon as he removes his finger.

"E I'm gggoo-ggoo EEEHhhh hEEEHH-"

I'm not even able to finish my sentence the erratic hitching breathes completely taking over.

His finger comes back under my nose but it's too far along for it to be effective this time.

"Ccann't HhEEEHHH hhhhooOOOO hhold it"

He moves his hand so it's cupping my nose and he pinches my nose together forcefully. "You're doing so good Nix." He encourages.

I hold my breath trying to hold on as long as possible, but even with the pressure against my nose the sneeze feels imminently inevitable. "HhhaaRRdd" I whine.

"I know, keep trying handsome."

I do, for Ethan, we repeat the cycle a few more times, him pinching my nose until the tickle lessens, then returning as I reach the virge of sneezing again. My eyes are growing watery as I keep the sneezes at bay. It's strange giving up the control to stop my sneezes and having it be quite literally in Ethan's hands. I curl my hands in the bed sheets as resisting stepping in becomes increasingly harder the greater the urge to sneeze becomes.

As soon as he removes his hand from me for another time the sneeze flares to life. I press my tongue to the roof of my mouth clenching my teeth together but those attempts to stop the sneeze are too rudimentary to cease the desperate sneeze and the build-up returns with excessive power.

HhEEEHhh..EEeHHH...HhEh'HHH'HHH

Ethan squeezes my nose tight but this time it's to no avail. I release a strangled, but because he keeps my nostrils pinched shut, an unfortunately messy sneeze into his cupped hand.

Hh’GNnGT'SSSSCHIiieEW!!

Full-fledged tears are streaming down my face, I swipe them, trying to recover my control knowing I won't be as successful continuing to hold back now that I've sneezed once.

"Sso-HeeH sorry" I say already fighting against another vastly building sneeze.

He shakes his head "That was so fucking perfect Nix."

This time as the sneeze builds instead of bringing his hand to my nose to stop the sneeze, he kisses me with the desperation of a starved man. It doesn't really do much by means of assuaging the tickle, but it is a welcome distraction, his lips hungrily taking mine makes the impending sneeze seem less pressing.

The reprieve is only brief, the sneeze not to be thwarted for long surges forth, the urge mercilessly intensifying, a distraction even as good as Ethan's mouth is impossible to stop it.

"Nnn-nneEEHhhd to s-sneeze" I gasp unable to fend off the urge a moment longer.

"I know, but keep kissing me." He instructs.

I do my best to fulfill his request but I wouldn't say I'm kissing him anymore so much as my mouth is just haphazardly moving against his as the fittish uncontrollable explosions of air burst out of me

HhHMpTch-MmpTXT-HHh'Tiishew-SSTCheww-HhCH'HIEWW-EssTCH-Uh-Hhh'CH-MMpTXT-MmmppTChew

With my mouth otherwise pre-occupied I'm not able to contain the spray and end up baptizing Ethan's face with a fine mist of droplets that emerge from both my nose and my mouth.

Ethan gives a furtive moan that cuts through what would have been disgust and mortification over myself. "Oh fuck Nix, that's so hot. Jesus you're so damn sexy." He exclaims breathlessly as I continue to helplessly sneeze beneath him.

Spurned by an overwhelming desire for him to attain ultimate pleasure I cant my hips up into him.

He gives a guttural groan and responds by moving his hips against me in a rhythmic pulse. The friction is exquisite producing a low moan of my own that quickly turns into a sneeze. Ethan places a splayed hand on my chest as he continues to frenetically grind against me completely unbidden, with reckless abandon, owning and taking his gratification, exactly as I want him to.

HhehEH...HhEhh'HEss'T'Chiuuww!! Ah'HhHEh'h'ESST'ChhhhiUWWW! Hhh'HHEhhhhEH'sSsSSsssTCcchiiieW! AH'EHHEssstcchiiiieww!!

He's babbling incoherencies now, a litany of moans and groans falling from his lips. A bead of sweat gathers at his brow. His cheeks glistening with a sweaty sheen. His striking blue eyes are encapsulated by the widened black of his pupils, his hair is sexily rumpled, his already plump lips looking a little raw and swollen from the force with which our mouths have been ravaging one another's. Michelangelo himself could not sculpt a more exquisite specimen. I stroke his cheek affectionately. "You're so stunning E."

His breath leaves him in erratic puffs that fan across my mouth and nose, tickling my sensitive nose anew.

HhhEhh...EeeHh...HhEH...Hhh'Hhh'Hhh'hhhEH'ESssSsSS'TtttttChhiiiuuuuw!!

I sneeze explosively into his clavicle near his neck. Ethan's hips stutter and he gives a convulsive cry before yelling out my name and collapsing into me. While he collects himself I run a soothing hand up and down his back, tracing the lines of his spine, my finger gliding over the indents of the protruding vertebrae, his muscles subtly flexing beneath my touch.

"God, I think I need a nap." He mumbles after a few minutes with a chuckle, the hot air of his words hitting the crook of my neck.

"Maybe we should get you in the shower first." I reply with a chuckle of my own.

He blushes. "Right." He nods rolling off me. I follow him into the bathroom stripping him of his clothes. He does the same to me. I turn on the water and step under the stream, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him flush to me, his back to my chest. He whimpers as my arousal takes residence in the cleft of his cheeks but I'm not seeking resolution for my state, merely comfort and closeness.

I press soft kisses into the nape of his neck. He sighs contentedly leaning his head back onto my shoulder his eyes closed a look of bliss on his face. I smile against his neck. I reach for the bottle of soap squeezing a generous amount in my hand. I begin to lather him with the suds massaging his shoulders and back as I work the soap into his skin. I use this as much as an opportunity to clean him as an opportunity to admire, caress, and cherish him. He relaxes into my touch and I take my time working the lather along the lines of his lean, lithe muscles that although don't quite have the definition of my own are still obviously toned. I trace along the planes of his pectoral muscles, the contours of his stomach, drifting to his lats, the curves of his ass, the expanse of his thighs, the bulge of his calves. As I rise back up from the shower floor I leave a trail of kisses from his ankle all the way up till I reach his lips placing a gentle chaste kiss there as well.

"All done." I murmur against his lips. He hums and leans in capturing my lips with his own. His kisses are unhurried and gentle, soft caresses of his mouth against mine. Our kisses are not the desperate, urgent, needy ones we exchanged earlier. These are tender, soft, and sweet. They convey an unspoken depth of emotion and devotion that words could not.

"Your turn" he says grabbing the soap and lathering it between his hands.

He starts the same way I did, his hands gently kneading my muscles as he washes me. I'm a bit ticklish so as he reaches my side I can't help but squirm a little. He chuckles his fingers dancing over my ribs, a devious smile spreading across his lips. "You're ticklish aren't you?"

"I wouldn’t say that per se, I just didn't expect it" I hedge.

"Hmm" he muses. "Well if you're not ticklish, then I don't see a problem if I do this." His fingers begin skittering along my side again. I twist away a tiny giggle escaping me. "Or this" he runs his fingers up my rib cage, the light touch causing my muscles to clench involuntarily, his fingers dancing back down towards my hip bone. My body instinctively moves away from the touch.

"Nooo" I plead.

"But you're not ticklish." He teases his fingers brushing along the bottom of my ribs sending me into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. "Oh my god!! Stop, please."

He moves his hands away instantly though the sparkle of mischief still twinkles in his eye continuing his downward trend on my body, down one leg and then back up the other, careful this time to avoid tickling me as he washes the other side of my ribs.

"You have no idea how many fantasies I've had about touching these." He says curling his hand around my bicep before trailing along the outline of my deltoid and trap muscles. "These too." He says his hands coming down over my pecs, his fingers grazing my nipples. My breath stutters and my knees buckle a little but he holds me steady leaning in to my ear whispering huskily "And especially this." His hand glides over the expanse of my abs, his finger following the V-shape that leads towards my pelvic region.

"And how does the real thing compare?" I ask my tone unintentionally husky.

I meant the question to be teasing and playful but he changes the score. Pulling me closer, his hand coming up to my face cupping my cheek, the other wrapping around me to rest on the small of my back. He presses a soft kiss to my lips. "Even my most cherished fantasies don't hold a candle to you Nix. Nothing I could ever dream up would ever compare to the real thing."

I think I've forgotten how to breathe. The weight of his words hang in the air. We stare into each other’s eyes the connection electric, the intensity palpable. I swallow thickly and he watches the movement, his eyes following the bobbing of my Adam's apple. I'm not sure how much longer we stand there under the running water, our bodies pressed together, arms wrapped around each other, but it's long enough that the water turns tepid.

We break apart shutting off the shower. I grab him a towel off the rack wrapping it around him. I wrap myself in one and we move back into the bedroom. I watch him as he slips back into a pair of lounge pants and a t-shirt. Something has definitely shifted between us. Everything is charged with this intimacy that is too profound to be fake.

We slide under the covers, both of us facing each other. I attempt to draw Ethan closer but he stops me, shakily grasping at my shoulder.

"Ww-wwait" he stammers.

His brow creases, the pace of his breath turning rapid and shallow. He turns to the side, his body jerking with 2 nearly silent sneezes. He waits a couple of moments before turning back to me but then his breath turns erratic again, his chest expanding and contracting in an irregular pattern, his torso flinching with a tightly contained

’NGgKt!

2 more forcefully stifled sneezes follow in rapid succession with distinct sharp inhales and that same sort of pinched glugging type sound that I sort of really adore.

Hhh’NnnGghh! Hh’NGghHT!

There is an almost frantic desperation contained within the fit that makes me feel a little weak in the knees and boneless. My excitement evident by the way I’m now filling out my sweats and I'm rather regretting not achieving a finish earlier. Ethan blinks multiple times looking a little dazed and unfocused, his cheeks bright pink.

"Bless you" I whisper.

He smiles at me softly, providing an embarrassed and shy thanks, his cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of pink, his gaze averting.

"Come here baby." I coax and he snuggles up to me resting his head into my chest his body relaxing into mine though my standing at attention, eager and ready to blow doesn’t miss his attention.

“I can take care of that.” He says all enticingly seductive with a tiny sniff and I wonder if he realizes that the situation I’m currently sporting is from his sneezing specifically or if he’s just assumed it’s my lingering arousal from earlier.

I press a kiss into his temple. "I’m alright" I say quietly.

"Mm" he murmurs sleepily “hardly seems fair for to you.” He says through a yawn, clearly exhausted and needing the aforementioned nap.

I chuckle. “Maybe later sweetie. For now you should sleep.”

By his respiration rate that has already slowing and evened out I can tell he’s near drifting off anyways. “M’kay” he wedges himself closer to me like he’s seeking for every part of himself to touch me. I lie there for several minutes stroking his hair. Just when I think he's completely slipped from consciousness he mumbles "love you.”

I freeze. It was probably some kind mistake said from a sated and sleep addled brain, a drowsy statement or something said in a dreamy barely conscious state that I can’t even be sure was directed at me. He’s probably not even fully aware that he said anything and I would place money over him having no recollection of this when he wakes. I can’t hold him to the things he says when he's this close to passing out, just as I can’t read too much into it but the possibility that at least some part of his mind did mean it makes my pulse dance, my chest bloom with new life, and gives my heart wings that beat wildly.

~TBC~

THANK YOU!!!

This was just so freaking PERFECT!!!

I'm still flabbergasted and need to find the right words. Ethan 'trying' to deny his cold and his cute stifled sneezes....Nix's inner conflict! This whole story is so so beautiful and these two are just so perfect for eachother! 

Gosh, and that allergy scene from the elevator!!!! AMAZING! Thanks so much. I'm so happy that you would include that. So sorry, that a similar situation happened to you. It was all so perfect. I'm so happy and thrilled by this fic and these two lovebirds. Definitely waiting for more. Please, let it never end. It's so beautiful and wholesome and just pure fluff. 

[uwus and love]

See, life’s been a bit of a pain in the ass. Then I open this up. And see a new update. One that has gone far beyond my imagination like holy hell the sick + allergies + Ethan + elevator + falling asleep in his arms as he protects him + just these two adorable people. I knew there was a reason I groveled for this. So very happy for what you do next with them, and so grateful for what I’ve just read. I know I’ll be here rereading for the next couple days or so. 

[Autumn]

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. 

MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!! 
 

Omg…. Omg…. Omg….

I… Ethan’s sneezes…. I can’t…. 

GAHHHHHHH. 

I…

*leaves room so as to reform*

OMG ETHANS SNEEZES THO. 

THANK YOU SOOOO FREAKING MUCH FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. 😁😁😁

[Privatedancer]

I should be embarrassed by how many times a day I read this, but I am amongst friends who understand how uniquely and insanely hot, lovely, and swoon-worthy this is.  So when I went for my usual dose of amazingness and say there was a new chapter!!!!!!!!  And what a chapter.  It’s hard to rank what I love most, the care-taking, the love-making, the angst and anticipation, or the sneezing.  They are all perfection. I feel like there is more to Nix’s backstory than we know because he just really struggles to believe he is lovable when he has everything going for him. I know his ex was an ass but this is some deep-seated self doubt.  Maybe I have totally invented that… I also can only imagine the extreme anxiety that is waring with the ecstasy for each of them.  That hovering dread that the best thing in your life is ending…. This is amazing and I can’t wait for Pheonix to be able to rise above his self-doubts!

[AntheaHolmes]

3 hours ago, Privatedancer said:

I should be embarrassed by how many times a day I read this, but I am amongst friends who understand how uniquely and insanely hot, lovely, and swoon-worthy this is.  So when I went for my usual dose of amazingness and say there was a new chapter!!!!!!!!  And what a chapter.  It’s hard to rank what I love most, the care-taking, the love-making, the angst and anticipation, or the sneezing.  They are all perfection. I feel like there is more to Nix’s backstory than we know because he just really struggles to believe he is lovable when he has everything going for him. I know his ex was an ass but this is some deep-seated self doubt.  Maybe I have totally invented that… I also can only imagine the extreme anxiety that is waring with the ecstasy for each of them.  That hovering dread that the best thing in your life is ending…. This is amazing and I can’t wait for Pheonix to be able to rise above his self-doubts!

Oh my, yes. That aspect is so true. I totally forgot to mention that in my previous comment but yes, you're right. Let's hope for the best. I mean, his name is Phoenix, it has to happen. 😊 If anyone can show him, that he's loved, valued and appreciated it's Ethan. No doubt. 

[Not Telling]

@dwaekki❤️ First off thank you for your chapter worthy response. I love reading what you have to say and I'm so glad that you are enjoying. (Though I do hope that you have actually been getting sleep while you have been waiting for the next part. 😉). While I love Phoenix's sneezes I am definitely an absolute sucker for Ethan's. I do not exaggerate when I say I invested hours in spelling out his sneezes, trying to best capture how I envisioned them in my head, going through SF YouTube finding recordings that were similar and listening on repeat while I attempted to transcribe the sound onto "paper", determining when to bold and where the emphases in the sneeze was, how the vowels were drawn out, all that jazz. Even when I put the draft here preparing to post I was still making last minute changes to how I wrote out his sneezes. 

On 12/9/2023 at 4:27 PM, dwaekki said:

I'm so conflicted on whether I want him to lose the battle and have to release (and then experience the aftermath that follows because of his insecurity and maybe panic about losing control) or if I want him to keep stifling forever!

As a stifle-lover myself I am 100% with you on this. The thing with let out sneezes is there is lot more variability in the sound and the way someone freely sneezes and a limited range along the spectrum of released sneeze quality that particularly appeals to me, where stifles, no matter on who are always delicious! I especially have a fondness for when they become overpowering in their force that one is compelled to make more audible stifles but I love it when even through that they maintain some level contained and stifled sound. 

@Dye Hehe, the moment we had all been waiting for!! 

@secret19 ❤️ Thank you!! That chapter definitely did it for me while writing it haha. 

@funbusej I'm so glad that you enjoyed the parking ramp scene! That is thanks to @AntheaHolmes for the request she made that lead to me creating that scene. Jamie and River are a cherished couple and will always hold a special place in my heart but Ethan and Nix are vastly worming their way into my heart as well. Ethan is such a fun character to write, for the obvious reasons as a fellow sneeze fetishist, it's easy to get in his head when writing his point of view. 🤭

On 12/9/2023 at 8:53 PM, funbusej said:

I am intrigued by Phoenix seeming to have the fetish, but only with Ethan.  It's not something I had heard about before, but I totally believe it could be a thing...

Several years ago there was a SF couple on social that would create content together. One of the partners was totally ignorant to and unaware of the sneeze fetish until after meeting the other partner. Upon learning about the fetish and interacting and engaging with it with his partner he also developed an affinity for sneezing. I'm not sure if it was ever clarified if his fetish was more broad or only specific to his partner though his affinity did seem to be more centralized around his partner. Though I imagine this is quite rare, it does seem possible for someone to develop the fetish after exposure and I think in those cases it makes some element of sense for the pleasurable aspects of it to apply at a greater level to the person that exposed you to it. I've always imagined in the event that it does happen that person would likely be extremely open-minded both in general but also in the bedroom as well have a sex/kink positive mentality, and be very empathetic, so Nix to a T. haha 

@AntheaHolmes ❤️ Awwww thank you. Your comments are what are PERFECT! I'm so glad that the elevator scene was good for you. Well, as a non-allergic person, thankfully my personal experience did not include anything like the elevator scene or the aftermath, though being awoken to the fire alarm going off at an ungodly hour of the night (morning) for forty minutes and floors being asked to evacuate for an unknown reason was annoying haha. There were however many people on my floor that did indeed have their pets with them and I remember errantly wondering if I would encounter someone on the elevator who had pet allergies while guests with their pets were also aboard the elevator. Alas, sadly I was not in the presence of anyone like a Phoenix. While the situation would have been a nightmare for them, it surely would have made the inconvenience a little more palatable for me. *le sigh.* I am just not one of those lucky folks that amasses amazing observations the way some people on here do. I just have to get my kicks through my fiction. So I guess this was a homage to what could have been and never was for me. Haha Thank you for the suggestion! 

@uwus and love I'm sorry that life has been a pain. I'm glad in whatever small way this story helps. ❤️ Thank you as always for the love and kind comment. I am rather attached to this prior chapter myself, for many of the same reasons you listed. 

@Autumn Your comment put the biggest smile on my face, I'm still grinning like a loon while I write this. haha Thank you!! And yes, Ethan's sneezes!! I've been dying to get to that last chapter so I could finally give them some attention. I spent a lot of time writing them out and making sure they were "perfect."

@Privatedancer ❤️ Thank you!! It pleases me that all aspects of the story appeal to you. I sometimes get a little worried that the intimacy gets a little too....steamy...and it might push people away that aren't as into those elements. So it's nice to hear when the reception of those bits are positive. 

On 12/10/2023 at 5:04 PM, Privatedancer said:

I feel like there is more to Nix’s backstory than we know because he just really struggles to believe he is lovable when he has everything going for him. I know his ex was an ass but this is some deep-seated self doubt.  

Ohhh this is such an interesting observation! I always love what you see when you're reading and thank you for bringing it up! It's a fascinating topic to consider. To a certain extent your environment shapes your self-confidence and influences self-esteem and it's stability as you reach adult-hood, however in recent years there have been studies conducted that challenge this view and the results actually indicate that genetic factors also play a huge role in the etiology of self-esteem and heavily influence self - esteem markers. And in fact some of the results of these studies reveal that men's self-esteem in particular, especially in adolescence are more susceptible to heritability with a significantly greater genetic correlation to self-esteem than women. Women's self-esteem by comparison seems to be regulated more by environmental factors then genetics. So I suppose it's possible that more has happened in Nix's past that hasn't been revealed that lends to his seemingly low self worth but there also might not be any underlying event and it's simply how he's wired and then maybe further stabilized by the type of relationships he's had throughout his life, Andrew being one of them.

There is also the dynamic that the side of themselves that people present in a professional space can be quite different or maybe even very different from who they are outside of that space that I think is worth acknowledging too. I know for me personally, that my co-workers impression and perception of me is drastically different from the reality and the assumptions that they make about me are also wildly not accurate. haha

______________________________________________

Hello lovelies! Thank you all for your epic responses to the last chapter! You all make my day(s) when I read them! ❤️ Here is the next part. As a heads up I will be splitting Ethan's perspective among the next two chapters.

______________________________________________

Chapter 5: Ethan

I wake slowly, stretching. I can feel Nix's body next to mine, his arm slung across my midsection and roll over to look at him. He also has fallen asleep. His free arm is tucked underneath his cheek. It gives him an almost child-like appearance. With him peacefully unaware of my attention I take in the sight of him in all his glory, taking my time, perusing over every inch of his delicious body. His toffee tinted brown hair is very appealingly tousled. It's strange to think that just under 3 weeks ago I had been wondering what it might look like in this state. One thing is for sure, I had been right in my assumption that it would be sexy as fuck. Though, that's not hard to achieve when you are one Phoenix Hathaway. I visually trace over his angular cheek bones, the long line of his nose, the perfect contour of his jawline that appears even more prominent by the rugged stubble of his beard. His expression is serene, his lips are parted slightly, and that's when I catch the hint of drool at the corner of his mouth. Fuck! How is that so damn endearing?

My eyes travel across his broad shoulders, his sculpted pecs, shredded abdomen, and the slight dusting of hair below his belly button and follow the trail as it descends under his sweatpants. I bite my lip attempting to cover up the moan that threatens at the mere thought of where it leads and I have a depraved urge to wake him up with my mouth on said area. I owe him after-all. In fact if we were keeping track I owe him two times over.

Nix isn't the type to be keeping track, I'm aware. Let's just say I have a selfish vested interest in his pleasure and if this is the only opportunity I can take advantage of having him in that way I don't want to waste it. Not that I would ever wish him to be ill, but it has allowed us more time together in this way, and so for that I am grateful. I am dreading our return, but I refuse to allow myself think about that, and instead make the most of the extra days I get with him like this.

As I continue to silently soak him in, a confounded tickle flares in my nose. I try to ignore it, to will it away, but it only gets stronger and my nose scrunches of its own volition. I fight against the urge until it's clear I won't be able to hold back any longer. I scooch myself as far away from him as possible on the bed. Though I can keep the actual sneezes themselves mostly silent to nearly silent there is little I can do to get rid the jerking of my body that occurs from the force of the sneeze. If anything it’s probably more pronounced with the effort required to contain the sneeze. While I can sometimes minimize it to an upper body or head jostle in this close proximity and the surface, the movement is sure to reverberate through my body and into the bed. I poise myself at the ready, surrendering to the need with a singular silent sneeze. Rather than abating the sensation that one release only seems to intensify it and I'm promptly doubled from another would be explosion that I also force to silence.

One of the problems with stifling is that what might be taken care of from one maybe two fully released sneezes is that you wind up needing to sneeze more to eliminate the irritant or at least so I've read is the case. I don't know if that would be true for me or not. I can't recall exactly the last time I sneezed freely but it had to be before I was even 10 years old.

Although I didn't have the maturation at the time to recognize that sneezing held a sexual appeal for me, it was something that had always fascinated me, even as a kid. One of my earliest memories, when I was around 3-4 is having a dream about my baby-sitter sneezing non-stop and being utterly riveted. Every time she babysat me after that I always kind of hoped for it to happen but sadly it never did.

My children's books in which a character sneezed were my favorite and ear-marked on the pages that mentioned or contained sneezing and late nights when I was supposed to be asleep I read them over and over, and in those private moments I remember touching myself though I did not yet understand the compulsion to do so.  

While I didn't understand the full extent of how sneezing interested me when I was younger, or maybe it was something that developed with me, I was always very uncomfortable with sneezing around other's, most likely because of the relationship I had with it myself. Either way I was completely mortified with the idea of sneezing in front of anyone or even having them hear me. Having the urge come upon me while I was in school, in a room surrounded by my classmates and teachers was horrifying, and as I got older was positively anxiety inducing so I mastered the ability to sneeze not just silently but in a manner that even if I happened to sneeze in a public space no one would take notice if their attention wasn't already on me. Though, usually my preference was and still is to get somewhere where there was no risk of being seen or observed. It became such a reflex that I just stopped sneezing freely even in private.

A few years ago when I began considering allowing myself to sneeze unsuppressed when I was in solitude I found that I literally couldn't, I'd developed a sort of mental block that prevented me from ever sneezing fully. At most I could achieve more audible stifles.

In this moment, as yet another sneeze hits me I think that there is credence to the idea that stifling produces more sneezes and it was definitely the case that the sneezes were becoming increasingly forceful and powerful compelling me to let them escape. It’s unrelenting, approaching unbearable.

My nostrils are twitching so uncontrollably and rapidly it's as if a hummingbird's wings were flapping beneath my nose and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to maintain silencing them for much longer. As quickly as I can while still making sure to not disturb Nix I head to the bathroom where I turn on the shower allowing myself a little reprieve by sneezing still stifled but not forcing them to utter silence. The sneezes don't seem to want to subside and after I sneeze 4 more times I'm left a little light-headed.

"Jesus fucking Christ just stop already." I mutter under my breath when another rapid triple desperately forces their way out of me that I struggle with quelling.

I’ve definitely caught whatever Nix has, which granted, was to be expected, still I never sneeze this much, not even when I catch a cold, which admittedly is rare, but if this continues I’m not sure what I’m going to do about stifling my sneezes into silent submission. I think it’s going to prove quite difficult.

My sneezes, at most, only come in threes though more commonly they’ll be one or two, which is a manageable amount to stifle, even if they leave me a little dizzy afterwards, I can easily recover, but these rapid multiples and extended powerful fits that breach from my body with excessive force, one on top of another make it much harder to get a handle on. The thought that these might become too overwhelming to keep moderated has anxiety gripping my gut. I don’t know if I could deal with that, especially in front of Nix.

One thing I had never factored in when I posted my advertisement was what my reaction would be if I sneezed in front of someone who knew about my personal pension for sneezing. To be fair, I had expected a stranger and therefore hadn’t expected to ever find myself in this scenario. While I always stifle and make attempts to sneak away to sneeze privately whenever possible I’ve actually always found it harder to sneeze in front of people that I know and harder still with people that I’m close with. If I’m not going to be able to manage an imperceptible sneeze I’d rather it be around strangers than people I know. It’s still awkward and uncomfortable either way but of the two options the most preferable. I think the fact that Nix knows about my fetish makes it that much worse to have to sneeze in front of him.

That said, I might be a bit obsessed with the way he blesses me. When I had that embarrassing display of silent sneezes in front of him the week before we left I think he realized that acknowledging my sneezes would have mortified me. I had seen him open his mouth before quickly closing it when I had turned back around to him. Then he’d just carried on like nothing had happened which I was eternally grateful for. I had already been utterly mortified that he’d chosen that instant to walk over to me. Normally, I would have gone to the restroom to alleviate myself but I was waiting on a particularly important phone call from a client and hadn’t wanted to miss it when it came in.

Earlier though it was like he couldn’t stop himself. In his defense, blessing someone after they sneeze is just as much a reflex for people as it is for me to stifle my sneezes. It’s only I, well me and other sneeze fetishists, that have hang-ups about such things. I had seen in his eyes the first time he blessed me, how they widened and he chewed his lip like he’d known he had messed up and shouldn’t have said anything but he had said it so sweetly that I didn’t have the heart to ask him not to, and there’s a part of me that I’m not even sure wanted to. When it happened again and he used the term of endearment along with the blessing, I melted faster than the wicked witch of the west exposed to water.

Part of why I despise sneezing in front of people is the inherent reflex everyone has to bless you or comment on the sneeze in some manner. I utterly hate that, I hate that level of attention. I’d rather people pretend it didn’t happen and move on, but when Nix blesses me there’s something about it that feels special, intimate, like we’re sharing a secret, maybe made even more so by the fact that he does know about the fetish.

It’s such a contradiction of circumstance I loathe sneezing in front of him because I know him, because we’re together – er, together for now, and because he knows about my fetish but I also kind of love how he blesses me probably in part because he knows.

I’m working against years of self-consciousness, unease, and anxiety on the subject of sneezing in front of people, so, while yes I find I adore him blessing me I don’t like what has to happen prior to that and I think I’m still going to find sneezing in front of him difficult, especially if my fits carry on like this.   

I stare at my reflection. My nose is pink at the tip as are my cheeks and my eyes a bit glassy and my hair a disheveled mess, though to be fair that isn't all solely from my sneezing. After several minutes without another explosion I turn off the shower facet and return to the bed.

Nix is still sound asleep, his breathing steady and even but as I get settled back under the covers, his arm instinctively wraps around me. I smile, feeling a surge of affection. I know you shouldn't idolize people, that when you put people on a pedestal they inevitably let you down. We aren't infallible beings and yeah Nix is human so he isn't perfect, but he's perfect for me. Of course there are his broadly appealing virtues. Things like his humor, his intelligence, his compassionate, thoughtful, self-sacrificing, giving and open-minded nature. The fact that he's receptive to criticism, using it as an opportunity to grow and be better rather than something to feel bitter about, he challenges himself, and when he does make a mistake he takes immediate accountability and actionable steps to ensure that he doesn't make the same mistake again and that seems to apply both professionally but in a more personal sense as well. And while this is more superficial, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the man is hot as sin.

But then there are these things about him that make it like he's been custom fitted and tailor-made for me and me alone. Sure, maybe other people could technically fit with him but it wouldn't look quite right. Paramount being the way he engages with my fetish whims. He hasn't just openly accepted it but has this genuine earnest willingness to indulge me. I am not ashamed over this aspect of my sexuality, quite the opposite in fact but it's just left of center enough that I've balked it bringing up with any past romantic partners not out of fear of rejection exactly, but maybe lack of interest in wanting to engage with it…?

Sneezing isn't a requirement for my sexual gratification, I've had several fulfilling relationships that obviously didn't have that interplay and I didn't feel like I was lacking or want for anything but if I'm divulging that level of intimacy and vulnerability with someone it would be because I'd like to incorporate it into the dynamic. If someone couldn't fully embrace it in that regard it would make me extremely self-conscious any time the person would happen to sneeze around me and truthfully might damage the relationship entirely and that uncertainty of not knowing if someone would want to engage with sneezing in a sexual fashion has stayed my tongue in any relationship I've had.

Nix has over delivered in every possible way, from his easy acceptance, his total non-judgement about my interests and the extent of them. He doesn't make me feel like my proclivity for sneezing is abnormal or weird and he doesn't behave like it's some kind of chore to indulge me or participate in sneezing for me, rather he has given that to me wholeheartedly. That lends to a comfortability and safeness I never thought I would feel when it came to sharing about my fetish with someone.

He perfectly balances taking initiative when I otherwise might not while still giving me agency like requesting my preferences, or allowing me to react to his advances favorably before continuing. Simply put, he is more than everything I've ever dreamed of having and never expected to have. The main point - I don't know if after everything that has transpired between us I can go back to just being Ethan Ferguson his PA. I want to be his in every way and I want him to be mine. Maybe not today, maybe not even tomorrow, but it's something I'm going to bring up before we leave London. I'm done pretending or more accurately I'm done pretending to pretend. I'm going to lay out all my cards on the table and hope that maybe just maybe he'll pick them up.

He begins to stir, his eyelids fluttering and then his eyes opening.

I lean in pressing a chaste kiss to his lips, then trail a line of kisses across his jawline and down his neck. He moans low, sleepily, shifting closer towards me.

"What time is it?" He mutters his voice still a little raspy from his illness and maybe from slumber, though it doesn’t sound quite as painful as it did yesterday.

"4:30" I say.

"Mmm ww-wwEE—“ He turns his head slightly away from me.

Hh’ESssTChiew…HhhEH..Hhah..Hh’Hh’Heh’SsSSST’Chiu…Heh'EsssSTCHuiew Hh'esstT'Cchiu..Eh'h'HE'hh'EeESstT'Chew…HhhEH...Ehhh...HHEssSSSss'TcheW

These sneezes sound lighter, more like what I’m used to hearing from him, rather than the harsh painfully ripped from your body sneezes that I’ve been hearing for the past few days.

“Jeez, excuse me” he says rolling over to reach from the box of tissues on the night-stand. After he finishes blowing he continues “Anyways I was saying we slept longer than I expected."

"Got somewhere to be?" I raise my eyebrows playfully.

"In your arms" he replies wrapping his arms around me and pulling me tight against him.

I laugh "Oh you're a smooth talker you are."

He smirks "I didn't get to where I am today for nothing."

I laugh again and shake my head placing another kiss in the juncture of his shoulder and neck.

He sighs contentedly tilting his head back in what seems to be a mostly unconscious but still open invitation. One I gladly take, sucking on the sensitive skin, his flesh hot and pliant against my lips.

"Fuck, E." He moans.

I smile against his skin. I find I quite like that moniker, especially when he says it. "Not just yet, but I'm more than amenable if you'd like. Either way I seem to recall that I owe you."

He gives little laugh. "You know you don't owe me anything."

"How about this, it would bring me a lot of pleasure, if you'd allow me the opportunity to pleasure you."

He emits that throaty chuckle that I find insurmountably sexy. "Well when you put it like that….."

I push him onto his back, straddling his lap, the covers sliding down my waist and off my body. His hands come up and settle on my hips and he gives me a lazy, lopsided smile. His thumbs rubbing back and forth on my hip bones.

"God damn you're sexy" he says.

I lean down to kiss him again, forking my fingers through his hair tugging slightly, his hand tightens on me his thumb pressing harder into my hip bone. We continue to exchange long, passionate kisses, the heat building gradually between us until I feel something far less enjoyable building in my own nose. No! No! No! Don't ruin this moment I mentally plead. But the tickle is already expanding and intensifying. I do my best to ignore it pooling my focus into our kiss. If I don't acknowledge it, it won't exist right? ....Wrong. His tongue traces along the outline of my lower lip and I moan. The vibration causing the tickle to increase exponentially. I jolt away.

His expression is adorably bewildered. "Are you okay? Did I do something?"

But I'm in no position to answer. I frantically roll off him turning my back to him. The first sneeze is small, virtually silent but I can feel the next one already beginning to form, my nostrils quivering, the tip of my nose prickling. I squeeze my eyes shut, and clench my jaw, willing myself to not make a sound but the release of the pent up pressure is too much and a small sound escapes me.

NGT!

Nix places a soothing hand on my back, the heat of his palm radiates through the thin fabric of my t-shirt. His thumb works underneath the hem and strokes the dimple in my lower back.

I try not to move, not to breathe, attempting to make the sensation subside, but my body is not going to allow me that reprieve and it's futile to fight. Another sneeze bursts free, even less successfully silenced than the previous.

Hh'NnGGH!

I have no time to recover before yet another sneeze pummels itself out of me.

Hhiih'NGghT!!

Fuck these are becoming increasingly more difficult to silence. I can't, I can't be doing this in front of Nix, I've already sneezed too much in front of him already. I bolt to the bathroom barely getting inside before the next sneeze escapes.

Hh'NngKt!!

I blindly turn on the shower and the sink facet for good measure. With the privacy and added security of the running water to drown out my sneezing I don't exert the effort to silence them though I don't allow myself the opportunity to let them out, as mentioned previously I don't even know if I can.

Hh'NGgH! Hhk’NGgTtssh! Hhh'NnGXT!!

"Oh fuck" I mumble, thankfully that seems to be the last of that fit. When I had accepted the consequences of probably catching Nix's illness I hadn't accounted for the fact that it would make me sneeze so much. Thank goodness I'd had the good sense to place some of the medication I had purchased in the bathroom. I down a couple of the cold tablets and also a double dose of Benadryl, which I had brought in my carry on for Nix should he need to double up in his allergy medication. After several more minutes a tentative knock comes from the door.

"E, baby?" Nix's concerned voice calls from the other side of the door.

"One minute.”

"Can I come in sweetie, please?"

I give a defeated sigh. "It's unlocked."

He walks in, concern etched into his features, the lines of his face deeply furrowed. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine" I say a little more defensively than intended.

"What can I do?" He asks gently, carefully stepping towards me like I'm a wounded animal and will dart away any second.

"Nothing" I snap.

I don’t miss the flash of hurt that crosses his face before he carefully schools his expression. He halts his advance holding his hands up in surrender. “Alright" he concedes he pauses then softly asks "Is there anything you want to talk about?"

I give a dry humorless laugh. "Not particularly"

"Okay, that’s fine. Just know, I’m here and available to listen if you did but I’ll leave you be.”

"I might be a while." I mutter. I'm not exactly sure why I'm being so closed off. I think it's just the internal mixed conflict I feel when it comes to sneezing in front of Nix is a lot to process and while I think I’d like to be okay with it, the majority of me isn’t ready, and circumstances as they are have forced me into being so. It’s just a lot to unpack and it’s overwhelming.

"Of course, take as long as you need. It’s getting close to dinner so I think I’ll call up room service. I'll be right here when you're ready." He heads towards the door pausing before he exits. He turns back to me, he's biting on his lower lip a gesture I've seen from him now a few times. I've come to realize that he does it when he's especially uncertain or indecisive about something. Which professional Mr. Hathaway hardly ever is. But Vinsky_1910, my Nix, is far more vulnerable.

"You know you never have to hide from me. I don't entirely get why, but I do understand that because of what sneezing means for you you’re not comfortable sneezing in front of others and it’s probably especially agonizing in front of me, but you can, sneeze in front of me I mean, I don’t mind and I realize that just saying that doesn’t magically make the discomfort go away but maybe it helps just a little and if there's anything I need to do to make it easier for you please tell me, I’ll do it. I’d do anything to ensure you’re comfortable Ethan."

Tears sting at the corners of my eyes. I mentioned how perfect Nix is for me didn't I? Well here it is, in action. He’s so patient and compassionate. I imagine another person, someone like Nix's douchebag ex, would just rise to meet my emotional state and it would cause things to escalate. But Nix remains not just calm, but unwaveringly understanding. His emotional intuitiveness allows him to make accurate conclusions without my ever having to say anything and he doesn’t push me or corner me into sharing but he makes it clear that he’s available and will listen wholeheartedly and without judgment when I’m ready to share.

Next thing I know I'm flinging myself at him. He's taken off guard by the force of my body crashing into his. It takes him a second to regain his footing but as he does he wraps his arms around me securely.

He runs his hand up and down my back soothingly, his other hand coming to cradle my jaw as his lips come down on mine, achingly sweet. His touch is tender and gentle full of affection and care. It's not the type of caress that's leading to anything explicit, it's not meant to entice or incite me, but it’s an offering that is no less heady and I greedily accept it, clinging to him tighter, my fingers curling in his hair.

He hums into the kiss, a soft, pleased sound. He steps closer into me, backing me up against the vanity slotting his leg between mine. His thumb lightly stroking my jaw. The action is intimate. The way his fingers graze the lines of my jaw and cheekbones is subtly possessive. The way he suckles into my neck like he’s claiming me as his. The world slips away and I get lost in his embrace. It's like he's touching my soul, speaking right to my heart, mapping me, discovering the parts of me no one else has ever seen, or bothered to search for.

"What are you doing to me?" I whisper. It was supposed to be just for my ears a rhetorical contemplation that I would deal with later but from the expression in his eyes I know he heard me.

"Loving you" he answers so sure, so absolute, his tone so earnest it leaves no room for doubt, no need for questions or concerns.

I know it's true, he *is* loving me. And he's been loving me. It's been evident in every touch, every eye crinkling smile he’s given me, it's been in the way he looks at me with his warm brandy eyes, the way he holds me, the way he kisses me, the way he talks to me and listens to me. I was waiting for some direct grand confession, but he's been telling me this whole time, just as I've been communicating it right back to him.

A sob breaks free from the confines of my chest, an outpouring of emotions bursting forth. My eyes burn, tears welling in my eyes and spilling down my cheeks. He brushes away the tears with his thumbs and places a sweet gentle kiss to my forehead.

“Say it.” I whisper. I need to hear him say it for real. He tightens his hold around me.

"I love you." He says. “I’ve been falling in love with you little by little every day since we’ve met. Answering your advertisement and now being here together kind of sealed the deal.” His voice is full of such emotion that it takes my breath away.

I give another happy wet sob pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you too.”

His lips curve up in a brilliant smile. It's blinding. His eyes are twinkling, the light dancing in his gaze.

"Just to be clear, this means we can drop the fake from our relationship title?" I ask.

He chuckles. "If you want.”

I drape my arms on his shoulders clamping my hands around his neck yanking him towards me for a messy kiss. “Oh I want Nix. I most definitely want. It’s always been you. I know now I’ve only ever wanted it to be since the day we met. I can’t go back from this.”

“Mmm then yes absolutely. The qualifier never really applied, at least not on my part."

"Nor mine."

We share another languid kiss, our bodies pressing closer together. Our tongues tangling together. His hand glides up under my shirt. It's so easy to get lost in his touch. He's not pushing for more and it's not that I don't want it but the medication I took earlier is starting to kick in and it’s leaving me a little drowsy.

As if reading exactly what I need Nix leads me back to the bed. "How about I order us that food I mentioned and you can sleep while we wait for it to arrive. You look a blink away from collapsing."

"S the meds" I slur. "Took some earlier to try and help the sneezing."

"So you're ready to admit that you’re sick now?" He asks with a chuckle.

"I wasn't denying it" I murmur as my eyes flutter shut, it's like whatever energy was keeping me up vanishes as soon as I hit the bed.

He chuckles again placing a kiss on my forehead. "Whatever you say." Then softer his tone riddled with guilt. “I’m sorry I got you sick.”

“Right because it was your fault I couldn’t keep my lips to myself and begged you to sneeze on me.”

He blushes “Still-“

“Uh-uhh don’t do that. I do not except your apology Mr. Hathaway, but solely on the grounds that it is completely unnecessary. I knew the risks and I’m glad that I took them.”

He looks like he wants to protest further so I just stare him down, not with any heat or real annoyance but to show that it isn’t up for debate. Eventually he concedes kissing the top of my head tucking me into the blankets.

I fall asleep to the sound of his voice placing our food order.

Next thing I know I'm waking up to the familiar sound of Nix in the throes of a rather vicious sneezing fit. I can tell he's trying to keep them quiet so as not to disturb me.

HEh’Mmmmptssh—Chew…Hheeh’KktSsXTCh..Hhehhh’EMmmptch-eew!! Hhh'GnTXKT--Chu!! Heehh’Ggngh-Chew…Heh'XSHiu-EHHXschtu..Hhh'KtTch-huh-eew.. Hheh'NXTKts-Chew.. Heh'GNKT-choo...Hehh'MMMPTshuh. Hh'GnngHTXCH

I sit up "Bless you honey. Are you alright?"

He nods through his next sneeze.

Hhhe'MmmmXXTCh-iew

"The roo-rrrooom sssssEEEHH-"

'SssTTttChiew...Hh'hh'ESss'Tchiiu...HhhEHH..HhhEh..HheH'SsssSSTChiew!

"room service att-attenn HhhEEendant was ww-www-"

He's interrupted again by another set of four sneezes. Holy hell, he's sexy. I just love when he tries to talk through the inevitable, trying to maintain any semblance of control. This man, I'm telling you, will be my undoing.

"Was wearing an unearthly amount of cologne." He finally gets out when there's a break in the fit.

"Oh, honey." I say getting up wrapping my arms around him leading him back to the bed.

He sneezes two more times.

HheH'SssSTChiew...Hh'ESssT'SHIiue

"Bless you handsome." I press a kiss into his temple.

"Thank you" he mumbles the allergy attack clearly having sapped his strength and probably compounded by his body still fighting to get him completely well.

"You rest. I'll serve us up the food."

He nods. I go to the food tray plating us some food.

Later after we've eaten we snuggle up together in the bed we're facing each other, one of my arms lays between us and he's lazily tracing the lines in my palm. I then watch him make a little heart in the center. Things like that are going to make me actually combust. How can so much sweetness exist in one person? Nix is far too precious, too amazing, too magnificent for those world, yet its people like him that make this world better and gives it its humanity. I glance up to his face, he's wearing a sort of half-smile that grows as our eyes connect.

"I have something else I need to confess." He whispers.

"Yeah? What's that?"

He bites his lip in that endearing sweet way and I know whatever he's going to share he's uncertain about. I lean in and kiss him. "Tell me."

"I just well it kind of involves you and I'm not sure how you'll feel about it."

"Oh now I'm super intrigued." I tease but seeing the apprehensive look in his eyes I add more seriously. "You can tell me anything Nix. I want you to feel safe to tell me anything. I might not always love what you have to say but I will do my best to give you the space and respect to say what you need to."

He nods. "Well you see ever since you told me about your fetish I've been seeing sneezes in a new light and I think I might really like yours, like really like." He sucks his lower lip between his teeth yet again glancing downwards no longer able to meet my eye.

I'm not sure what I had expected him to say but it definitely wasn't that. To make sure I'm understanding I reply slowly "My sneezing turns you on?"

He gives a small nod. "I'm sorry. I know you don't like it and I won't ever ask you for anything from it. I don't fully understand why, I've never been affected by sneezes before and I'm not sure I'd ever feel that way about seeing someone else sneeze but with you, I don't know, ever since that first night in the hotel together I've been thinking about it and I realized that I get the appeal. I think some of it is because I know for you to sneeze in front of me it’s like a manifestation of your trust and so I like seeing you sneeze because of that but I also know that it's more than that, I think your facial expressions as you’re preparing to sneeze are so desperately adorable and cute and when the sneezes are audible they sound really pleasant, and yesterday when you sneezed against me it definitely got a reaction out of me. I don't know if it's the act of sneezing itself directly or just all the other things that accompany it I'm leaning more towards the latter but anyways I just thought that you should know and maybe it might help you feel more comfortable with sneezing around me, or maybe I just made it infinitely worse—“

The words rushing out of him so fast it's a wonder I can even understand them, he's blushing so fiercely even the tips of his ears are red.

"Whoa, hey. Breathe." I say, giving him a squeeze.

He gives a shaky breath and then exhales.

"That's it, now can you do me a favor honey?"

He nods. "Would you look at me, please?"

He slowly raises his eyes to meet mine.

"First of all, thank you for sharing with me and trusting me with this information. I know how difficult it can be to discuss such personal things. Second, I'd like to ask you something."

"Okay?"

"You mentioned that you wouldn't ask me for anything in that regard but is that something that you would want? Do you want to explore this with me?"

"You'd really be okay with that?" He asks.

"In truth I don't know if I'll ever be able to sneeze freely around you. It's not something that I can even do when I'm completely alone and need to sneeze, I don't even know what a fully released sneeze would sound like from me, and it might take some time for me to work through my personal hang-ups about sneezing in front of others, though knowing you're at least a little intrigued by it certainly helps. But yeah, I'd be willing to play around with the dynamic for you, if you were keen."

His cheeks darken again he caresses a finger along my cheek. His gaze flickering from my eyes to my lips and back up again his tongue darts out licking his lower lip before he scrapes his teeth over it enticingly slowly. "Then, I think I'd like that, very much in fact."

I take his lips softly. It's a gentle, reassuring kiss, a silent commitment that we can move forward together, whatever comes. When we pull back, his eyes are still closed, a soft sigh leaving him, a slight curve of a smile playing at his mouth. I kiss him once more he makes a small noise of approval as his arms wrap around my neck, his hands tangling in my hair. I move closer, the space between us vanishing and my leg slides between his thighs eliciting a needy sound from Nix.

My knee nudges him gently, he gasps into the kiss, his lips parting, and I seize the opportunity, my tongue dipping into his mouth. My fingers slide under the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head, tracing over his soft skin and defined muscles. His chest rises and falls with heavy breaths. I places kisses along every inch of his exposed skin before trailing back up to his lips. I hover over them so we share the same pocket of air. He arches up to reach me but I hold him back.

"Ethan" a whiny plea.

I lean in closer so our lips our touching but I don't allow him to apply any pressure, speaking against his lips. "You know, I don't feel especially sneezy right now from the medication I took earlier, but I imagine with this cold in my nose it wouldn't take a whole lot to make me sneeze." I briefly but thoroughly kiss him before pulling back to see his reaction.

His eyes are blown, wide and glassy he licks his lips, and I don’t miss his throat bobbing with an anticipatory maybe even slightly nervous swallow. It reminds me of the Nix that responded to my advertisement. I love every archetype of Phoenix though I do have a particular fondness for the shy and uncertain, maybe even a little self-conscious Nix. It’s such a dichotomous shift from who he is as a professional but I'm realizing that the professional world is his stage and the person he presents in that world is somewhat performative by nature of his position and role but not necessarily his default setting. The Nix that has been revealed to me in these private, intimate moments I think is closer to his default and I feel both honored and privileged that I get to see that side of him.

"Is that something you'd like me to do?"

He swallows again, heavier this time. "Please."

I kiss him again then reach for a tissue twisting it to a tip. "Care to do the honors? It'll probably work better if it's you anyways."

He nods accepting the tissue with shaky hands.

"How do you want me?" I whisper.

The reddish color in his eyes flickers and flares like a flame and I find myself wondering if they've always held that color, if that’s what inspired his name, Phoenix. "I-I want, can I be on top of you?"

"Whatever you want darlin’."

We maneuver until he's straddling my lap. He makes for my nose but stops and pulls back. "You're really sure this isn't too much?"

"I want to." I say and I mean it. I am more than happy to explore this with Nix, I’m actually a little excited over it.

"You'll stop me if it does become too much?" He’s chewing on his lip again.

I chuckle. "I promise."

He nods.

I close my eyes as he begins to insert the tip of the tissue into my nostril. It instantly tickles. "Oh God" I mutter.

He draws back the action sending more tickles down my nose, it hadn't been high enough to hit the nerve otherwise I'm positive just that alone would have made me sneeze but it has definitely awakened the need.

"You're okay?"

"Just sensitive, it’s definitely going to work, don't stop."

He presses forward again getting the tissue higher and this time he hits the perfect spot. The tickles are racing all along my nasal passages. Panic seizes me, I have nowhere to escape with him straddling me. I make a feeble attempt to wiggle out from under him. Feeling my body tense under me he withdraws again.

“E baby, talk to me. We can stop, we don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”

"I-I want to, it's just hard to over-ride my instinct to flee."

He nods thoughtfully.

"What helped you get through it that first time I induced you?"

"Honestly, I'm not really sure. I think maybe there was a small hidden barely there part of me that genuinely wanted to sneeze in front of you, to see how you would react, especially since you'd asked to see me sneeze. I've never much wanted any attention from my sneezes but after you requested to see it occurred to me that I might like the attention from a significant other not because I think that it would mean the same thing to them as it does me obviously but because it would mean something to me, like I'm giving them something special that I don't give to others. I know that's silly."

"No, I think that makes sense, the very nature of a romantic relationship is that you're giving that person something that general acquaintances and even your friends don't receive. Because sneezing is something so deeply personal to you being able to sneeze in front of that person is special, it's like a gift.

And there he goes being fucking perfect yet again!

"Right so I think that helped fuel me. Though the urge to escape was damn overwhelming, honestly it took everything in me not to rush off the bed and straight to the bathroom. I-I think it helped that I could at least turn away or hide my face when I did sneeze."

"Okay, so maybe we save me being on top of you for later and we orient ourselves in a way that makes it easy for you to turn away or cover yourself."

"But then you're not really getting anything out of it."

"Babe, I'm getting plenty. We could not do any of this and I'd still be getting plenty, I’m getting you. Yes, I think I quite like your sneezes and I'd be interested in incorporated them into our dynamic, but not at the expense of your comfort. That is paramount to me. If this is a limit for you then we don't have to do it at all. If it'll make it easier for you by changing our position then that's what we'll do. We work within your comfort level, wherever that is. Okay?"

"Okay, but I do really want to try."

He smiles. "Okay. Then, I have another idea that might help."

"Yeah?"

"It might be good for you to have something else to focus your attention, so you're not just thinking about the fact that you're going to sneeze which I think amplifies your anxiousness. I just think you get a little in your head and if you had something else to distract yourself it might mitigate your response to your own sneezing."

I nod. He's absolutely right. When I have nothing to focus on but the tickle and the building of the imminent sneeze I just freak out. It becomes a mountain instead of a mole hill.

"So I'm thinking, maybe we should make me sneeze as well."

That actually has plenty of merit but once again it would mean Nix is giving to me, it seems so imbalanced. As if reading my mind he adds.

"I love sneezing for you, your reaction and response gets me so hot. One of my biggest turn-ons is being able to give my partner pleasure. Seeing you all undone and desperate and needy is what does it for me, so it’s not like it’s a hardship on my part."

"I do think that would be really helpful."

He gives me this blinding smile before leaning into kiss me. "I'll be right back." He says retreating to the bathroom and returning with the hotel provided bottle of lotion.

"Do you want to lie down or will it be better for you to stay upright?"

"Maybe upright."

He nods sitting near the edge of the bed one leg tucked the other hanging off and resting on the floor. I mirror him. He opens the lotion bottle squirting a dollop onto his fingers rubbing them together then places rubs product into the skin around his nostrils, as the scent assails him, his nostrils flare and his lips part slightly with a small gasp.

"Fuck Nix, you're gonna kill me."

He grins. "At least wa-wwwaait until I snn-ssnneeze."

I laugh. "Seems like I won't have to wait long."

He shakes his head in agreement before doubling over.

HhEEH'ESsssTChiuew...Hhh'EsSSTCHu-ew! Heehh'SSChieww..EhhhtSHHhue! Hh'SCHhieww... HhhHEshhHUeh'Chieww... HheHHShiew! Hh'SHTshiew!! Hh'EsSHhieww...

He curls his leg around me using it to skootch myself closer to him. "Ccaannn Iii-HhEEH ttaaAASssTchu - take off yy-yyouuurr ssshiiirtt."

I nod emphatically before realizing that given his present situation he might not see. "Yes, please."

He makes quick work to remove my shirt before releasing another sneeze, the light mist that accompanies it hitting my chest.

Hhh'ESSHHhiewww

I give an involuntary whimper and my body trembles. "Fuck Nix. Kiss me" I command.

He doesn't hesitate surging towards me pressing his lips against mine.

He sneezes three more times, each one more muffled than the last, his lips remaining connected to mine the entire time.

I moan, spurned by my arousal and a desperate need to feel his entire body against mine I push him onto his back and climb on top of him. "Where's the tissue?" I ask in between kisses.

He stretches out reaching for the nightstand presenting the tissue to me.

"Do it" I whisper.

He nods slowly and carefully inserting the tip into my nostril. His breath hitches wildly, he releases the tissue though doesn't remove it turning his head to the side releasing an adorable only partially muffled sneeze.

Hhh'MmmptttSSSChiiiuw

"'Scuse me" he says softly giving a singular sniff and yep it's official I'm dead. Here lies Ethan Ferguson, he died from too much sexy adorableness at the hands of one Phoenix Hathaway.

He returns his hand to the tissue slowly inserting it further. The tickles cascade down my nasal passages, like water rushing over a cliff. I can feel my nose twitching my breath growing more and more ragged as my body prepares for the inevitable. I feel the familiar gripping’s of panic as my brain realizes I'm about to sneeze and someone is around but Nix brings up his free hand to stroke my cheek.

"Ssoo bb--bbeeaautiful. Cann't wait t-tto ffffEEEHHhhl you sn-sneeze lllike this." Nix says clearly fighting a sneeze of his own. And that's the motivation I need, I want to give this to Nix if he wants it. I swallow down the instincts that tell me to remove myself from the room. He gives a little flick of his wrist twisting the tissue inside my nose. And that's it. My breath hitches and I snap forward.

Hhh'GgnNNKT!

My entire body shakes as the first explosive sneeze rips out of me. Immediately followed by two more.

Nh’hGKT! Hh'NGGT'Ssht!

The beginnings of a moan come from him but quickly changes as the sneezes he was holding back hit him, which in typical Phoenix fashion don’t halt at just one.

Hhh'ESSHHhiewww...HhhEH'SssSSTTtTchiiiu...'TssSSTCHu..Hhh'Hhh'EEeSSSS'TTTCHiishew...Heh’Heh’Heh’SsTChieew.

When Nix opens his eyes, he fixates them on me, his expression one of awe. The desire and want radiating off him is palpable. He looks at me like I'm the most beautiful, magnificent thing he's ever seen. He moves his hands back up to my face, cradling it gently.

I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed, relishing the moment. It's intoxicating, a feeling of euphoria washes over me.

"Was that alright?" He asks his tone gentle and soothing, laced with the hint of trepidation.

"It was perfect Nix. It helped me not be quite so on edge about the whole thing. In fact I want you to induce me again."

"Really?"

I nod.

He gives me this cute shy grin, his eyes all lit up with a nervous excitement and there is sweet blush tinting his cheeks. I would let him induce me till the cows came home if that was the look it rewarded me every time. He gives me a quick peck on the lips before lining up the tissue and inserting it slowly into my other nostril. It doesn't take long before my nose is itching furiously.

He experimentally wiggles the tissue, it's a minute movement, hardly anything, but I'm so on edge that the tickle increases exponentially, the need to sneeze exploding within me. He gives another little twitch and the feeling crests and breaks.

HEh'GgnhXT!!

My body jerks forward with the force of it, and then there is an immediate follow up.

Hh’kgtch!

I bury my face into his neck, my head tucked into his shoulder.

Heh’nnnnggHXT!

"Bless you baby" Nix whispers through panting breathes his tone reverent. He runs his hands up and down my torso.

"I love when you bless me."

"Really?" He asks the surprise evident on his face. "I kind of figured you didn't, I've been trying not to, but it just kind of slips out."

"Ordinarily I don't, I don't like the attention drawn to myself from it, it makes me feel really squeamish. Though since I don't really sneeze around people I don't really encounter this but it's different with you. The way you bless me is so sweet, sincere, and tender. It feels intimate and like it's a gift for me from you. It makes me feel all melty and swoony."

“Mmm good to know.” He gives me a cheeky wink before kissing me.

"You want to go again?" I ask gesturing to the tissue.

He bites his lower lip. "You're sure?"

"I promise I’m fine Nix."

"Okay" he nods. "Can I-I'd like to try to induce you through a different way if I can."

"Like how?"

"Well I don't know if it will work on you, but I noticed the other day when my nose was really sensitive when I felt your breath against me it triggered me to sneeze. I thought I might blow air up your nostrils and see if maybe that would produce a similar result for you." He's back to biting his lower lip and the gesture is so damn endearing and adorable that I couldn't possible refuse him. Not that I want to, that sounds hot and incredibly intimate.

"We can try. My nose is far more susceptible to stimulation right now."

He smiles so brightly and sweetly leaning up and gently blowing air into my nostrils. It makes my nose twitch and scrunch but it isn't quite enough to transform it into a sneeze. He pauses giving me a questioning look. I shake my head. He takes another breath leaning up closer to my nose and blowing gently. This time my nose gives up more of a protest but it still doesn't quite seem to be registering as an irritant that needs to be sneezed out.

"It's not-I don't think-"

"Shhh, relax." He murmurs his voice soothing and calming as he lightly rubs his thumb over my wrist making my nerves skitter excitedly up my forearm but also has a sedative effect as well. 

His mouth is practically pressed up against my nose now as he blows the air in, the force and sensation so strong it makes my nose burn. His lips connect with the tip of my nose and within seconds I sneeze.

Hhh'nnGK!!

Hh'Ktssh!

Hhmmp’KXxCHT!

"Oh Jesus." I exclaim.

The last one was so strong it was painful and made my ears pop.

He moans long and low tilting his hips up into me. "Bless you baby" He breathes out.

"Thank you." I reply pressing our foreheads together. "Was it good for you?" I ask suddenly nervous as to the answer.

He moans again. "God E, it was so incredible! You look and sound so stupidly sexy. Your breathe hitches in this perfectly enticing way and your eyes go a little distant and you start to blink rapidly before they flutter shut and your mouth hangs open just slightly and then your stifles they sound so desperate and sexy and the feeling of your body jolt against me when you sneeze I-it-mmmmm."

These are all things that I love about his sneezes but hearing it from the other end and seeing the excitement and pure ecstasy in his face and hearing it in his tone is something else. Up until this very moment having a partner that also got off on sneezing wasn’t something I thought I wanted for myself but it does lend this sort of kindred-ship and connective understanding among us which I think is pretty special, and with Nix, consider me converted.  

"Was it I mean was it at least tolerable for you?" He asks.

I kiss him. "It was. I could feel myself getting a little panicky at times but your presence and your touch and positive reaction was really grounding. It's not something I'm used to doing, well I mean obviously that specifically, but I mean the sneezing in front of people bit, but yeah, I'd definitely do it again."

He smiles. "I’m glad on both accounts though I think maybe we should stop for now, especially with you getting sick I don't want to aggravate your nose too much and make the symptoms worse but thank you for giving me that."

As usual Nix knows exactly what I need and I love that he brought up stopping before I felt the need to. "It's my pleasure." I reply pressing a chaste kiss to his lips and then another and another each one slightly deeper than the last until his tongue is sweeping along my lips. My mouth opens willingly and our tongues tangle together. He sucks and nips at my lips. His fingers graze the side of my face.

"So beautiful" he murmurs.

"Nix" I moan, my heart fluttering, heat coiling low in my belly.

His fingers run down the length of my body, dancing over the muscles and bones, exploring my chest, my abs, my stomach, and sides. A shudder works its way through my body as his hands dip lower and lower, brushing the skin of my hip. I roll over onto my back and Nix takes advantage, moving with me, his body coming to rest on top of me, as his lips take mine, I marvel at how perfectly they fit with mine. How he tastes. He's kissing me with such intensity, such fervor. He kisses me like it's a promise. A promise of safety and warmth. A promise that he'll be there for me. A promise that I'm his and he's mine. I'm lost in all the unspoken vows he's giving me.

"Phoenix" I gasp his name as his mouth moves away from mine and down the column of my neck.

"Mmm baby"

He begins to place open mouthed kisses down the side of my neck and the hollow of my throat before flicking his tongue against my skin.

I arch my back moaning softly. "Oh God, Nix. Please."

"What do you need?"

"Just-just more, anything. You. Fuck, I'm yours."

"That's right baby. You're mine. My gorgeous, sexy, wonderful boyfriend."

"Yours. Only yours. God, yes"

I'm not even really conscious of the words coming out of my mouth. I'm lost to the feel of his lips on my skin, his hands tracing over every part of my body. Every single nerve ending feels alight. There's so much electricity sparking through me that I'm surprised it's not visible.

I feel like I'm burning from the inside out and only he is capable of handling my flames, only he can bring me to new life from the ashes of our love, my sexy firebird with the ember brown eyes. He's murmuring praises between each touch. I don't even recognize the sounds leaving my mouth as my own. They're needy and desperate and wanton. I've never heard myself like this. I've never been like this with anyone but him. This man has unlocked something in me, a primal hunger, a drought worthy thirst that I didn't know I possessed. And now he's the only one who can satiate me that can quench my thirst.

When we settle in for the night it's me curled into him his arms engulfing me in the sweetest embrace and tonight unlike the other nights when we've fallen asleep like this I'm able to say "I love you."

His arms tighten around me, his nose pressed into the nape of my neck. He exhales slowly before whispering. "I love you too my gorgeous sweet Ethan."

~TBC~

Edited December 17, 2023 by Not Telling
Added a word in a sentence.

[pinkypie]

Omg I absolutely adore this story! I keep coming back to re read it because it's just so perfect! You may be my favorite writer on here. The way you spell the sneezes and describe the hitches is so perfect. This story has everything I love- stifles and wild hitching keep up the amazing work!

[dwaekki]

THEYRE TOGETHER!!! FINALLY! This is all I've been waiting for. Thank you for your response to my comment, I'm so glad we share the same opinions 😭❤️. Again, I was enamoured by Ethans stifling, it's always SO incredible to read, and it's so interesting how he can't release no matter how badly he needs to, or how strong the sneezes are, even if it hurts him. I'm so excited to see where you take his sneezes, especially if his cold develops to be even more sneezy, and you mentioned rapid fits?!?! I love how careful Nix always is with him, even when discussing his fetish. I can't WAIT to see more of both of them and maybe experience an even longer rapid fit fron Ethan?! That would KILL me to read. Thank you for this incredible story,I hope to read more very soon ❤️🙏

[Dye]

THEY DID IT!!! THEY FUCKING DID IT !!!!!!!!!

 

IM SO PROUD OF THEM FOR TALKING ABOUT ITTTT

the way they're becoming more open about their feelings and wants and desires is soooooooo good 🥹 as cute as Ethan's stifles are I hope he can learn to let go around Phoenix, he's gonna burst an eardrum at this rate 

[secret19]

Dead. Officially dead. Ethan coming closer and closer to letting them out?!

God help us all. 😫😫😫

[AntheaHolmes]

PERFECTION!!! Absolute perfection! This story is so so freaking good! I love Nix and Ethan. I love how they talk about sneezing, I love them sneezing. I love that they share their emotions and feelings. It's so wholesome and adorable!!! Bravo!!!

[uwus and love]

ahhh!!! the whole conversation, so sweet and respectful but so obviously double sided in wanting. like. kinda bright neon glowing waving green flags all around. and that's not even mentioning the wonderful wonderful sneezes coming from the two of them. like. what? what is this? where? how? 

 

 

anyways... perfection. it keeps getting more perfect. i think it's peaked. then it finds another peek. again and again and again. thank you so much for ur contribution to the world because this is up there. like. up there.