#groundzero and friend's OCs

[dr-ground-zero]

Thunder before the storm

(So since I've been wanting to make a story for our boys, I finally did it. This is for @goodlucksnez & I's OCs, Rain, Jack Frost, and Leyo. There is a slight mess warning nothing too graphic or "gross" Hope ya like it))

“JACK FROST WHAT DID YOU DO!?” Exclaimed the fire wielder, the winter spirit held his hands up defensively and tried to explain.

“I may or may not have went a little overboard on pranking him, i just meant to freeze his cloud….and I might have missed.” “You froze him!” “It was an accident, you can help right?” Leyo huffed and nodded while igniting his fire to thaw the poor rain spirit out. Jack watched in anticipation as the ice melted hoping his boyfriends wouldn’t be too angry with him. Finally Rain was completely unfrozen and stretched but soon curled up on himself and started shivering.

“Wh-what th-h-the hell Jack!?” “Sorry Rain, didn’t mean to freeze ya.” “How about you go home and warm up, I’ll take care of today’s work and I’ll check in later.” Offered Leyo, Rain nodded at this though frowned knowing Jack would be coming home with him. Its not that he hated him, not any more at least, its just Jack could be impulsive and not think of other people’s feelings before acting. Besides, no one likes being turned into a popsicle!

“I’ll make sure he gets home” Jack promised, he knew he was gonna have to make up for it. Rain shot him a glare but wordlessly started walking home beside him. This was the transitional period between winter and fall so the weather wasn’t all that consistent so Leyo taking over for the most part would be fine.

Getting home Rain pulled off his jacket, got out of his wet boots and went into their spare bedroom. Jack frowned at this, sure he knew Rain liked his alone time which wasn’t all that bad but with the way the other closed the door he knew Rain was mad. He figured he would just give the man his space and things would calm down. He probably just needed to dry off and take a nap right?

“Eettshiiiew!” Maybe he was just sneezy from being cold, it wasn’t too uncommon for Rain to do that. Plus he was the sneeziest one out of the three of them. Jack tried to not let his worries and guilt get the best of him, he apologized and by the time Leyo got back everything would be fine! After another few hours the door to the spare bedroom opened but there was no sound. Jack Looked down the hallway only to see two little water sprites trying to beckon him. They jingled and waved their little arms at him and then towards the door. Getting up he went over to them and asked what was wrong. One of the sprites gave a series of soft light flashes, water droplet noises and jingles. Jack wasn’t the best at understanding Rain’s sprites, he could understand Leyo’s and his own but Rain’s hardly talked and were quite shy. The little creatures could tell by the furrowed brows that Jack couldn’t understand them and let out a huff and just grabbed him by the finger. Jack could sense by their tugging that they were worried about Rain, that much he could figure out. He let them guide him back to the spare bedroom where more sneezing could be heard as well as thunder.

Oh boy!

“Rain, babe you alright in there?” He asked from the other side of the door, at first there wasn’t a sound until another “Eetsshiiiew!” and roll of thunder. Jack grabbed the knob, surprised to find that he could just push it open and made his way inside. In the dim light of the bedroom there sat Rain curled up in bed still shivering, with a tissue pressed to his nose and a storm cloud over his head. His hair pressed wetly against his face as he shakily gasped into a fit.

“Etshiiew! Ed’shiiiew! Heh heeh! Eeeshiiew!”

“Bless you!” Jack said softly leaning against the door frame, Rain sighed and grumpily asked.

“What do you wadt?” “Hey I don’t want anything but to see how you’re doing, could hear you sneezing through the door and your sprites got worried.” Rain blew his nose before tossing the tissue into the trash and leaned back into the pillows. Jack walked closer sitting on the side of the bed to get a closer look. Now he really felt back, the poor guy was shaking, nose turning an angry, irritated red around the rims and septum, and he looked worn out.

“Gods you look miserable” Rain rolled his eyes at his comment as he pulled the blanket around him. Jack realized it wasn’t exactly the best thing to say and tried to backpedal.

“Look Rain I really am sorry, I didn’t mean to freeze you and I shouldn’t have tried it either.” He reached out and gently pushed his soaked hair out of Rain’s face. He then noticed the temperature change and pressed his hand to Rain’s cheek and forehead.

“Your temperature is weird” He noted, telling the rain maker to stay put Jack got up and padded down the hall and came back with a thermometer.

“I wanna check your temperature” Rain hesitated but let the other slide the tool under his tongue. Waiting for the thermometer to beep Rain started rubbing at his nose. Jack noticed the way it twitched and watched hoping the other could hold back. A soft whine came as the silvery-blond grabbed at his nose trying to breathe normally through his mouth. Tears welled up in his eyes as he grew dangerously close to losing control. His brows knitted up as he fought the sneeze off. Finally the tool beeped and he took it out himself before pinching at his nose hastily.

“HEt’sknnk! Kdsshhh! Eek’shiiew! Ek’nggk!” Each sneeze rocking his body the cloud above his head grew dark and started to drizzle over his head at the last sneeze. Jack took a look at the thermometer and frowned.

“100F yup you’ve got a fever baby.” “Damb, I should’ve st-staah stay hobe” Rain muttered softly, though not soft enough that Jack couldn't hear it. “Were you already sick before I froze you?” Rain blushed a bit but nodded shyly at him, Jack’s eyes went soft at this.

“Raincloud, why were you out working if you knew you were sick?” “Because you know I c-can’t miss wo-wehh heh! Ugh…work. I dont dneed to be lectured by mother nature addy bmore than usual, and I didn’t feel as bad when I went out. Just th-thehh heh!” Hand mindlessly reached around he snatched up a tissue just in time.

“Eetsshiiew!” ”Bless you, alright well you’re not going out until you’re better. I don’t want you getting any worse.” “Fide fide” “Do you want me to leave you alone so you can sleep?” Rain shook his head

“I cad’t sleep adyways, could you make something warm to drink, I’m freezing.” Jack nodded and stood up telling the sprites to watch Rain as he headed into the kitchen. He knew the other liked tea so that’s what he would make. While he waited for the water to boil the front door opened and in walked Leyo.

“Oh hey you’re back!” Leyo smiled and walked over kissing the other’s forehead and asked how Rain was doing. Though before Jack could answer the sound of sneezing echoed from the spare bedroom.

“Does that answer your question?” He joked lightly, Leyo gave a soft chuckle and nodded.

“You making him some tea?” “Yeah he’s got a cold, and you know what happens when he sneezes with a cold.” “Yup, hopefully the tea should help.” “Yeah it should” Grabbing a mug Jack pours the water over the little tea bag and adds some honey to it before they both head to the spare bedroom.

“Ey there Monsoon, how ya doing?” Asked Leyo as he walked in, Rained huffed and replied stuffily.

“Awful” “Aaw, heard ya got a cold babe.” The fire wielder says as he sat on the side closest to Rain.

“Yeah, didn’t thigk it would get th-this baah hah! Ugh bad but, it did.” Thanking Jack for the tea he made, he let the other two sit on the bed with him. He snuggled up to Leyo since he needed the extra warmth and his heat seemed to make the cloud above his head get smaller.

“Poor Monsoon, well we’re here now.” Leyo says sweetly, delivering a soft kiss on his cheek and wrapping his arms around him. Slowly raising his temperature to help warm Rain up. The steam from the hot mug of tea did seem to help with the congestion now he was sniffing almost constantly. This sniffling was rather wet sounding too. Leyo grabbed a few tissues and pressed them to Rain’s nose telling him to blow. The elven boy blushed at the gentle command but did as told. Feeling the rush of snot flood the tissues Leyo made sure to keep them secured to his face until he was done. His other hand gingerly rubbing circles into his back.

They stayed cuddled up together for a while, Rain had managed to fall asleep for a bit so Leyo went to go and make dinner for the three of them. Leaving Jack with Rain who woke up to his nose being completely blocked up.

“Shit cad breath” He grumbled to himself snorting and snuffling just to try and get some air through his nose. The only thing he managed to do was kick start the worst tickle ever. His nose twitched and scrunched up as he tried to make it go away but it wouldn’t until the last second when it disappeared. Not completely but it was enough for him to struggle getting it out. Nostrils flaring and dripping a bit, his hitches sounded so desperate it almost sounded like whimpering. Jack woke up to this and was quick to blow a kiss at him. Pressing his cold lips to the tip of the needy appendage seemed to be the thing to do it. Gasping largely, Rain pushed Jack off and pressed the sleeve of his sweater over his nose and mouth to catch the oncoming fit.

“Eetssshiiew! Eesshiiieeew!! Eet’chiieew! Eesshmpph!” “Bless you, are you done?” “Y-yeah I thigk s-uuh huh!” Rain buried his nose back into his sleeve before he could finish as another sneeze interrupted him.

“Eesshmpph!” Jack made sure to stay close and held up a couple of tissues to replace Rain’s now soaked sleeve cuff. Trying his best to clean himself up only leads to more sneezing.

“Aaw someone’s sensitive~” Jack teased as he cuddles Rain to help him get through his stronger fits.

“Sh-shut up dod’t eved bmendtion it please.” Jack gave a sympathetic yet playful kiss wrapped him up in the blanket Rain had dragged into the room. Leyo soon came back with some soup for all three of them.

“Could hear you sneezin’ up a storm in here Monsoon, you alive?” Leyo joked, Rain sighed at his boyfriend’s antics.

“Yes yes, I’mb alive, barely.” “Well don’t pass away on me, I made soup.” Taking the bowl of soup, Rain swallowed a spoonful and smiled slightly. The feeling of it going down his throat was good, and definitely warmed his insides.

“Hopefully this’ll help you feel better before you and that sensitive nose of yours kill the tissue supply.” “I’mb dnot that bad” Rain pouted “Yes you are baby, you are already pretty sneezy in general due to your power and your allergies. Adding a cold on top of that makes that nose pretty easy to piss off.” “Its dnot that easy” “Uh-huh, just wait, you'll be sneezing again soon.” Jack chimed in while keeping the tissues close by. Just the mention of this seemed to jinx Rain’s claim, he whined as he batted at his nose to try and quell the sensation trying to ignite. This got a laugh from Leyo who commented at his movement.

“Damn I thought you’d last longer than 5 seconds, Monsoon.” But this time Rain was determined to hold back and it worked! He huffed in relief as the tickle seemed to go down.

“Nope, I’mb dode sdeezing.” He claimed while going back to eating his soup.

“I don’t think you get to decide that, but let's see how long you can last.” Rain nodded confidently, and surprisingly he made it through dinner without sneezing. Sure a few hitches here or there but he didn’t sneeze. Which seemed to impress his boyfriends. Going back to cuddling, Rain was pretty close to falling asleep when the tickle came back. He continued his method of rubbing, pinching, and scrunching up his nose but it didn't seem to work this time. He lasted this long; he wasn't about to lose it now! Though now he was hitching audible enough for the other two to notice.

“Ey you alright Rain?” “Oh boy pretty sure he’s getting sneezy” “Baby just let it out come on” Encouraged Jack, Rain shook his head.

“Nuhh huh! Dno I guuh huh got it!” He protested while his chest heaved, his hands fanning at his face desperately as he tried convincing his body not to sneeze. Nose twitching and flaring he was a mess with tears and snot running down his face, though he seemed to be on the edge of it! Leyo looked to Jack his pulled Rain into his lap while Leyo gathered a bouquet of tissues and pressed them to his bright red nose.

“Oh come on baby, its just so tickly why not just let them out. You’ll feel so much better once you do.” Leyo could feel the poor thing’s nose trembling underneath the cloth he was close!

“We’ve got ya Monsoon just let go. I know its just so big, you can do it” He encouraged sweetly, there was a sudden gasp right before the explosion.

“EEESTTTSHIIEW! EEETSSSHIIEW! EEEESHIIEW! Hehh! HEEehmppph!” As the sneezes game thunder rolled not only from the large dark brooding cloud that floated above them but the ones outside changed as well. The sky darkened even though it was only approaching evening. The roar of thunder shook the cabin with each new set of sneezes! The rain that poured down over them was just as strong as it was outside! When the fit finally ended Rain was left gasping and coughing tears streaming down his face, cheeks flushed pink almost red as well as the tips of his pointy ears.

“Bless you, baby goodness that was alot!” Rain gave one last congested blow into the tissues he had practically decimated. Leyo swapped them out with fresh ones to try and clean up the mess.

“S-sorry” Rain said bashfully, Jack waved at the cloud to try and make it go away.

“Its fine baby, you’re sick you can’t help it, besides a lil rain never hurt anyone”

[dr-ground-zero]

Aaaahh thanks dude this was fucking awesome! I'm proud of ya dude

Since may has past but I got sick here is a belated May surprise for @dr-ground-zero Oc Shu and Mine oc Zip

I love theses two with my whole heart and I had this idea for like 4 weeks and then I finally had a brain cell to work on it so here you go!

A Weekend Away!

---

Zip, wanted to be like everyone else, but his life played cruel tricks on him. First was his complexion. Blue-skinned with pointed elf ears, he had always been an anomaly in the modern world. With his azure complexion and pointed ears, he stood out amidst the bustling city streets. If that wasn’t enough Zip wasn't just any person—he was a hero. Well, a Villante hero- By day, a basketball training athlete and by night he fought crime, thwarting villains with his supersonic hearing and echolocation.

One sunny morning, after much debating with his coach Adian, Zip decided he needed a break from the chaos. His hero duties had left him drained, and the relentless sneezing that had plagued him for the past four days didn't help. So, he packed his beach bag, donned his oversized sunglasses, and boarded the train to the nearest coastal town.

The beach stretched out before him—a vast expanse of golden sand and sparkling waves- it was mesmerizing. Zip kicked off his shoes and wiggled his toes, relishing the sensation of the sand. The salty breeze blew his white hair, and he sighed contently, feeling the tension melt away.

But then came the sneezes and he felt that nagging feeling of being different from everyone. His eyes watered, and he fumbled for his handkerchief. Wiping his nose he settled onto a beach towel, wrapped in a fluffy blue beach robe he had taken from the motel. His pointed ears twitched as he glanced around. Families built sandcastles, children splashed in the shallows, and seagulls squawked overhead. It was all so delightfully mundane.

And then, Zip's phone buzzed. It was Shu, his boyfriend—the one person who understood him completely. Shu was normal (compared to himself), and ironically part of the Mafia a secret Zip found himself pondering sometimes but their love transcended rivalry and bias.

"Hey, Zip," Shu's voice crackled through the phone. "How's the beach?"

Zip sniffled. "Sneezier than expected."

Shu chuckled. "You're allergic to sand, aren't you?"

"Apparently," Zip replied. "And seawater. And seagulls. And—"

"Okay, okay," Shu interrupted. "I get it. You're a delicate man-child with a delicate nose."

Zip smiled. "I miss you, Shu."

"I miss you too," Shu said. "But you needed this vacation.”

"Yeah, I can’t remember the last day I had off," Zip admitted. "I've been battling both on the court and out in the streets. Like a week ago, I fought a bouncy bank robber."

Shu laughed. "Well, at least you're not bored."

"No, but I'm definitely sneezing," Zip said. "And I wish you were here."

"Close your eyes," Shu instructed. "Imagine I'm right beside you. Feel the warmth of the sun, the sand between your toes."

Zip obeyed, and for a moment, he could almost smell Shu's familiar scent—the mix of energy drinks and old books. "It's not the same."

"I know," Shu said softly. "But I'm here with you in spirit. And hey, maybe the ocean will cure your cold."

Zip chuckled. "If it does, I'll credit Poseidon himself."

As the sun dipped lower, casting a glow over the water, Zip curled up on his towel. He listened to the waves, Shu's voice still in his ear. The sneezes subsided, replaced by a sense of peace.

"Thanks, Shu," Zip whispered. "For being my anchor."

"Always," Shu replied. "Now go take a dip. Maybe the saltwater will work its magic."

Zip stood, brushing sand off his robe. He waded into the shallows; the water cooled against his skin. And as he floated, he imagined Shu beside him, their fingers entwined.

---

Shu, back in their cozy apartment, had been worried sick. He’d listened to Zip’s congested voice over the phone, each sneeze tugging at his heartstrings. So, he did what any boyfriend would do when taking care of a himbo idiot: he packed a bag, grabbed his hoodie, and hopped on the next available train.

Now, as Shu stepped onto the same beach where Zip battled his cold, he marveled at the vastness of the ocean. The waves whispered secrets, and the seagulls squawked a raucous welcome. He scanned the shoreline, searching for the familiar shade of blue.

And there, under a striped beach umbrella, sat Zip. His hair tousled by the breeze, his eyes squinting against the sun. Shu’s heart skipped a beat.

“Zip!” Shu called, jogging toward him.

Zip looked up, and his sneezy expression transformed into pure delight. “Shu? What are you doing here?”

Shu grinned. “Surprising you, of course.”

Zip stood, and they embraced—a tangle of blue and white. Shu’s arms wrapped around Zip’s slender waist, and he felt the warmth of the sun through the fabric of his shirt.

“You’re freezing,” Shu said, pulling back. “And sneezing a lot.”

Zip chuckled. “I missed you.”

They settled on the sand, Zip leaning against Shu’s chest. Shu held a handkerchief, ready to intercept any impending sneezes. And sure enough, Zip’s nose twitched.

“Shu…ha-haaESSHH! HaISSCHew..!”

Shu caught it, the handkerchief billowing like a sail. “I got you!”

Zip grinned. “You’re ridiculous.”

They spent the day like that—Zip sneezing, Shu catching it, and the sun painting their love story across the sky. They built sandcastles, their laughter mingling with the crashing waves. Shu even taught Zip how to skip stones, and his imperial eyes sparkled with wonder.

As evening approached, they strolled along the water’s edge, hand in hand. Zip’s sneezes had subsided, replaced by a contented sniffle.

Back at the hotel, Shu brewed a pot of chicken soup. The aroma filled the room, and Zip curled up on the bed, wrapped in blankets. Shu sat beside him, feeding him spoonful’s of warmth and healing.

“You’re my hero,” Zip murmured, sipping the soup.

Shu blushed. “Nah, you’re the real hero. Saving the world and shit.”

They cuddled, the ocean’s lullaby outside their window. Shu traced circles on Zip’s back, and the elf’s blue skin radiated heat. The sneezes were forgotten, replaced by whispered promises and stolen kisses.

As the night continued, Zip’s eyes drooped, and he nestled closer.

“Stay,” Zip whispered.

“I will,” Shu vowed. “Forever.”

--

The hotel room was a cocoon of warmth and soft sheets. Shu lay on his back, snoring softly, while Zip nestled against him, their legs entwined. The ocean’s rhythm seeped through the walls, lulling them into dreams.

But then, in the darkest hours of the night, Zip stirred. His purple eyes blinked open, and he felt it—the dreaded stuck sneeze. It hovered at the edge of his consciousness, teasing him like a mischievous sprite.

He nudged Shu, who mumbled something about coffee and Zip chuckled. “Shu, wake up.”

Shu groaned, rubbing his eyes. “What is it, Zip? Did the seagulls steal your handkerchief?”

“No,” Zip whispered. “It’s the sneeze. It’s stuck.”

Shu blinked, fully awake now. “Stuck? Really?”

“Fuck you,” Zip said, and he tilted his head back, inhaling deeply. But the sneeze refused to budge. It hung there, tantalizingly close, tickling his sinuses.

Shu sat up, intrigued. “Well, we can’t have that.”

Zip nodded solemnly as his breath began to hitch. “I need your help.”

Shu leaned closer, examining Zip’s face. “Okay, hold still.”

Zip grabbed Shu’s shirt.

“Just a little more.” He said as he rubbed his septum back and forth.

“….Hshoo! HET-choooo! Ishoo-SHOO!!! HaESSSCHIIEWWW!! Hih-shieeEWW!”

The sneezes exploded from Zip’s nose, catching them both by surprise. Shu scrambled for the handkerchief, but it was too late. Zip sighed out a breath of relief he collapsed against the pillows.

“Wow,” Shu said. “That was a lot.”

Zip wiped his nose. “I wanted help with 1 sneeze not a million.”

Shu chuckled. “It is not my fault you are so sensitive.”

After a bit more tending too, the two of them fell back asleep, entangled in each other’s arms.

---

The morning sun painted the hotel room in soft hues of gold. Shu stirred, his eyes fluttering open, and he blinked at the unfamiliar surroundings. Then it hit him—the beach, the ocean, and the idiot who stole his heart and most of the blankets.

But something was different. His nose twitched, and he reached for the tissue box on the nightstand. A small kitten-like sneeze erupted, and Shu groaned. "Not fair.”

Zip, already awake, chuckled. "Seems like my sneezes are contagious."

Shu sniffled. "You're a terrible patient, Zip."

"Pot, kettle," Zip replied. "Now, let me take care of you."

And so, the roles reversed. Zip brewed a pot of tea. Shu sat at the small table, wrapped in a blanket, while Zip fussed over him.

"Drink up," Zip said, handing him a cup. "It'll chase away the sneezes."

Shu sipped the tea, its warmth spreading through his chest. "You're good at this."

Zip shrugged. "Anything for my kitten."  

Shu leaned across the table, pressing a kiss to his blue cheek. As the day unfolded, Shu's sneezes continued. They were different from Zip's—small, kitten-like, and utterly endearing. Each one made Zip's heart skip a beat. He fetched tissues, fluffed pillows, and tucked Shu into bed.

"Maybe I should sing to you," Zip mused. "Lull you to sleep."

Shu wrinkled his nose. "Please, no. I don’t need motel police called on for the dying cat sounds."

Zip laughed. "Fuck you."

They spent the day cocooned in the hotel room. The ocean sang outside, and Shu's sneezes punctuated their conversations. Zip brewed more tea, and Shu tried to read a book but kept dozing off.

"Tell me a story," Shu said, his voice thick with congestion.

Zip settled on the edge of the bed. "Once upon a time, there was a human named Shu. He was very stubborn and a little possessive. But one day he might have a handsome lord named Zip."

Shu narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

"They spent their days by the ocean," Zip continued. "Sneezing, laughing, and falling in love. And when Shu caught Zip's cold, Zip took care of him."

Shu reached for Zip's hand. "And they lived happily ever after?" he said rolling his eyes.

Zip leaned down, their foreheads touching. "Not yet. There's more to the story."

"Tell me," Shu whispered now intrigued.

"Love," Zip said, "is like a magical potion. It heals, it warms, and it makes sneezes bearable."

Shu pretending to be surprised at Zip’s hopeless romantic abundance leans into his chest. "And what happens next?"

Zip kissed him—a gentle, lingering promise. "Next, we'll watch the sunset together. And then, when the moon rises, we'll dance on the beach."

Shu barley break away from the kiss to sneeze “Zip move…. Itchiew! hit'chiew! hit'chiew! Ixg'chiiew!”

Shu sneezed, and Zip caught it with the handkerchief. "Bless you, kitten."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they sat on the balcony, wrapped in blankets. Shu's head rested on Zip's shoulder, and the ocean whispered secrets. The world felt smaller, cozier, as if it had shrunk to fit just the two of them.

And when the moon rose, they danced—a clumsy, sneezy waltz. Shu stepped on Zip's toes, and Zip twirled him until they both collapsed in giggles.

"Best cold ever," Shu declared.

Zip agreed. "Best love ever."

The train back home was a bittersweet journey. Zip and Shu sat side by side, their fingers entwined. The ocean's salty scent still clung to their skin, and the memories of sunsets and sneezes danced in their minds.

But as the train jolted them along the tracks, Shu's sneezes returned with a vengeance. His nose twitched, and he fumbled for tissues. The passengers around them exchanged annoyed glances, and a few muttered under their breath.

"Can't he control that?" someone whispered.

"Probably allergic to something," another passenger replied. "Or maybe he's just attention-seeking."

Shu's cheeks flushed, and Zip's eyes blazed. He leaned across the aisle, his voice sharp. "My boyfriend is not attention-seeking. He's sick."

The passengers fell silent, their eyes widening at the sight of the blue-skinned person. Zip's protective instincts flared—he'd faced knife wielding villains, but nothing scared him more than seeing Shu ridiculed.

Shu sneezed again, and Zip pulled him close, muffling the sound into his chest. "It's okay," he whispered. "Let them talk. You're not alone."

Shu's gratitude shone in his eyes. "I love you, Zip."

"I know," Zip teased. "But seriously, they have no idea what you're going through."

As the train leveled off, Shu's sneezes subsided. Zip wiped his nose, and Shu leaned against him, exhaustion etching lines on his face.

"Thank you," Shu murmured. "For defending me."

Zip kissed his forehead. "Always."

But the passengers weren't done. A woman across the aisle leaned over. "Is he contagious?"

Zip's patience waned. "No, he's not contagious. And even if he were, kindness costs nothing."

The woman huffed, turning away. But the man next to her spoke up. "You're lucky to have such a devoted boyfriend."

Zip smiled. "I am."

And so, in that cramped train car, love triumphed over judgment. Shu's sneezes became a testament to their bond—a melody of care and compassion.

When they finally arrived, Zip helped Shu off the train, their fingers still entwined. The station buzzed with activity, but all Zip saw was Shu and the pink hue spreading across his face.

As they stepped outside, Shu's sneezes echoed in the crisp air. Zip pulled him into a tight hug, shielding him from curious glances.

"Home," Shu whispered.

"Yes," Zip agreed. "Our home."

And so, in the glow of streetlights, they walked hand in hand. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the cobblestone streets. Shu's sneezes echoed through the quiet night, each one a symphony of congestion and exhaustion. Zip, ever the protective one, couldn't bear to see his boyfriend suffer.

"Shu," Zip said, eyes filled with determination, "this is unacceptable."

Shu sniffled. "What's unacceptable?"

"Your flushed cheeks," Zip declared. "They're far too rosy for my liking."

Shu blinked. "My cheeks?"

"Yes," Zip replied, pinching Shu's nose playfully. "And your sneezes—they're like tiny storms brewing inside you. We can't have that."

"But I—" Shu began, but before he could protest further, Zip scooped him up in his arms. Shu's feet dangled, and he clung to Zip's shoulders, both surprised and amused.

"Zip," Shu said, his voice half-muffled against Zip's chest, "what are you doing?"

"Carrying you home," Zip announced. "It's the only solution."

And so, with Shu nestled against him, Zip strode through the moonlit streets. Shu's sneezes continued, but now they were cushioned by Zip's shoulder. Passersby stared, their eyes widening at the sight.

"Look," someone whispered, "it's a real-life fairy tale."

"More like a mismatched couple," another person muttered.

Zip ignored them all. His focus was on Shu—the warmth of his body, the way his hair tickled Zip's chin, and the occasional sneeze that vibrated through his chest.

"Where are we going?" Shu asked.

"Home," Zip replied.

Shu chuckled. "Sounds perfect."

They reached their building, and Zip climbed the stairs effortlessly. Shu's sneezes had subsided, replaced by a contented sigh. The door creaked open, and Zip carried Shu inside, kicking it shut with his heel.

"Home sweet home," Zip declared, depositing Shu on the couch.

Shu leaned in, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss. The room smelled of salt and memories—the remnants of their seaside adventure. Shu's cheeks were still flushed, but now it was from something other than illness.

---

The morning dawned gray and chilly, and Shu woke up feeling as if a cement truck had taken residence in his sinuses. His nose was congested, and each sneeze rattled his bones. He groaned, burying his face in the pillow.

Zip, ever the attentive boyfriend, hovered by the bed. "Shu, my love, you look like a wilted hyacinth."

Shu managed a weak smile. "Thanks for the poetic comparison. I feel like a wilted hyacinth too."

Zip helped him sit up, fluffing the pillows. "We're going to the doctor. No arguments."

They bundled up, Shu's scarf wrapped around his red nose. The walk to the doctor's office felt like a marathon, each step an effort. But Zip's presence kept him going—the way he adjusted Shu's scarf, the warmth of his hand on Shu's back.

The waiting room smelled of antiseptic and anxiety. Shu sneezed, and the receptionist handed him a tissue with a sympathetic smile. Zip filled out the paperwork, his elegant script dancing across the page.

Finally, they were called in. Dr. Porter, a stern-faced woman with silver hair, listened to Shu's symptoms. She nodded, her eyes kind but no-nonsense.

"Let's do a nasal swab," Dr. Porter said. "We need to rule out the flu."

Shu's heart sank. The nasal swab—the dreaded test that felt like someone poking his brain. He hated this test; He was already sensitive on a good day but this he knew sneezing uncontrollably during the procedure was basically foretold.

Zip squeezed Shu's hand. "You'll be fine. I'll be right here."

In the examination room, Dr. Porter explained the process. Shu tilted his head back, and she inserted the long swab into his nostril. Shu's eyes watered, and he fought the urge to sneeze.

"Almost there," Dr. Porter said. "Just a few more seconds."

But Shu's nose had other plans. The sneeze built up—a tidal wave of pressure. He clenched his teeth, desperate not to ruin the test.

And then, Zip did something unexpected. He leaned down, pressing his lips to Shu's, muffling the sneeze. Shu's eyes widened, but the sneeze dissipated, replaced by a different kind of warmth.

Dr. Porter raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's a new technique."

Zip blushed. "You be surprised, it works wonders."

The swab came out, and Shu wiped his eyes. "Thank you, Zip."

Dr. Porter chuckled. "I'll send this off for testing. Meanwhile, rest, drink fluids, until we get the results."

Back home, Shu curled up on the couch, Zip fussing over him. The test results would take a day or two. Shu sneezed, and Zip handed him a cup of ginger tea.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Shu's symptoms eased. The waiting game began—the anticipation of results, the worry, and the hope that it was just a common cold.

---

Shu's diagnosis was a sinus infection. His head felt like a storm cloud, and his nose was a leaky faucet. Each sneeze seemed to echo through the apartment, and Zip couldn't bear to see his boyfriend suffer.

"Shu," Zip said, his eyes filled with concern, "I love your kitten sneezes, but we need to fix this."

Shu managed a weak smile. "Oh, really now you want to help, how?"

Zip guided Shu to the couch, fluffing the pillows. "Rest here. I have a plan."

Shu's congested voice followed him. "What kind of plan?"

"Operation Comfort," Zip declared. "Step one: Sinus Massage."

Shu raised an eyebrow. "Sinus massage?"

Zip sat beside him, cradling Shu's face in his hands. His thumbs traced gentle circles on Shu's cheeks, then moved to the bridge of his nose. Shu's eyes fluttered closed, and he sighed.

"Better?" Zip asked.

Shu nodded. "Much better. You have magic fingers."

Zip continued. "Now, step two: Catching the Sneezes."

Shu's sneezes were like tiny kittens—cute, but prone to getting stuck. Zip had observed this phenomenon during their interesting relationship. Shu would inhale, eyes wide, and then... nothing. The sneeze would retreat, leaving Shu frustrated.

So, Zip positioned himself in front of Shu, ready for action. When the next sneeze threatened, he cupped his hands around Shu's nose, creating a little sneeze-catching cocoon.

"Ready?" Zip asked.

Shu nodded, his nose twitching. "Ready."

And then it happened—a kitten-like sneeze, muffled by Zip's palms.

"Perfect," Zip said. "Now, step three: Tea."

He brewed a pot of new tea leaves he had gotten off Instagram Shop. As he looked at the container and its name, Dandelion tea.

---

The cozy apartment was filled with the earthy aroma of dandelion tea. Zip, ever the thoughtful elf, had brewed it for Shu, hoping to ease his sinus infection. But as the pot of tea brewed, Zip’s own nose twitched, and his eyes widened.

“Shu,” Zip said, his voice tinged with panic, “I think I’m allergic to dandelions.”

Shu, wrapped in a blanket on the couch, sniffled. “Are you sure?”

Zip sneezed, and Shu handed him a tissue. “Apparently. My nose feels like it’s hosting a tiny rebellion.”

Shu chuckled. “Maybe it’s a protest against dandelions. They’re like the rebels of the flower world.”

Zip sat beside him, rubbing his itchy nose. “Well, I brewed this tea for you, but now I’m afraid to be near it.”

Shu took a sip, his eyes closing in bliss. “It’s delicious. And my sinuses actually feel better.”

Zip frowned. “But what about my allergic reaction?”

Shu leaned against him. “Oh boo-hoo.” Shu laughed, and the sound warmed Zip’s heart. “You’re adorable, allergic reactions and all.”

As the afternoon sun painted the room, Shu’s sneezes subsided. He sipped the tea, and Zip watched him.

“Maybe,” Zip said, “I’ll stick to chamomile tea.”

“Good idea my bat.”