#braunsol

[…end..?] 

There’s something itching at the edge of Kim Soleum's awareness. A deep, baritone voice tinged with something. It's enough to briefly rouse his attention from the all encompassing heat surrounding him. But as quickly as it came, it was gone once more. There was little to no left in him, let alone any to spare for it. There's a force that seizes his chest and leaves him pained and aching. He can do nothing but roll in it under it and the darkness take him.

[…Friend…]

It's not clear how much time passes before he's roused again. Unlike the voice that had gently called to him before, this is a violent ringing that seems to envelop his senses. He's surrounded by darkness one moment and then thrust into awareness in another. It rouses him from his sleep with a fear that grips his heavy body, able to feel every pound of his heart beat within his chest cavity. Everything hurts. Everything is hot. There's an aching pain that thrums through every fiber of his being. He can feel a dryness to his throat where a single swallow throws him into a coughing fit that lasts long enough the sound - his phone, he realizes through the haze - stops. 

Ah. 

He’s sick. It's a rather anticlimactic realization.

[Friend! You’re finally awake! I was beginning to be was afraid you’d died - ah but I should’ve realized such a simple thing as a cold wouldn’t have taken you!]

With how he’s feeling, he almost wishes it had. Braun's voice is normally relieving - both just the tone and knowing once he hears it that advice will be quick to follow. But right now it just makes his head pound sharply as it slithers in. Kim Soleum realizes that's normal for being sick - normal things, natural things, become problematic. Like now, how breathing is becoming a chore. He realized the wheezing sound he was hearing through his stuffy ears was him. He blinks heavily up at his ceiling. There's a burning sensation in his eyes and things are blurry around the edges. Was that a small stain…? Really, company buildings…

Kim Soleum can only manage enough energy to make himself roll over. It puts pressure on his chest, a pathetic wheeze briefly escaping him. Braun sits on his nightstand, right on top a comfortable cushion he’d brought from…huh…he blinks heavily once more. What had he been thinking about? It takes longer than it should've normally to remember. Right - his phone had been ringing and…he was sick. 

“H-How…” Soleum swallowed around the dryness in his throat. It almost caused him to suffocate himself, descending into a coughing fit that wracked his frame.

[No need to speak, Friend! Remember?] 

Right. Right. Braun could hear him no matter what now. Not that thinking was any easier at the moment. But it would still be easier than trying to speak - likely causing him to splutter, cough, and suffocate himself once more. So thinking it was. Kim Soleum allowed himself to sink into his mattress with a sigh.

‘How long…?’

[Have you been sick? Hmm It’s hard for me to tell…but I’ve heard that one next door leave and return twice!] 

Baek Saheon. He had enough sense in him to feel a brief flare of irritation that the man hadn't bothered to inform the company or check on him. If this didn't kill him then he'd make sure to make it an issue for his roommate later. A moment later he realized that meant two days. Two days of being sick without realizing it and…not working. With no contact. Now he really wished it’d taken him out. But. with how he was feeling maybe it was still possible… 

‘My paid time off…,’ he lamented. If he even still had a job. With luck maybe they assumed he got lost in some Darkness, surely he could spin some story..? Gathering up the strength he reached for his phone, wincing as the bright light blinded him temporarily. Once his eyes adjusted he saw two missed calls from the Chief, one for each day. Had he worried the Chief?

He really didn’t feel like making any phone calls and wasn’t really capable of the speech for it anyway. So he chose to send a message. Honestly, he was surprised that the Squad Leader hadn't already broken…

Actually, don’t think about that. Because if he did then-

There was the sound of something crashing from outside his door. He lowered his phone and stared for a moment. He had…a good idea on what that was. Even muffled, Kim Soleum could clearly picture the shattered main door in his minds eye…With a groan that was as actually pained as it was for dramatics, he rolled over and pulled his pillow over his head - fully intending on smothering himself with it.Thankfully, his bedroom door hadn't been next. He must've left it unlocked because he doubted Saheon would've dared unlock it with him inside. Instead he heard it creaked as it was opened and more or less felt the Chief enter the room.

Kim Soleum didn't even need to look to know it was him. Only one person would do that. That then begged the question of if he'd been outside the entire time when he called, was already on the way, or sprinted over once he didn't anwser. Should he be touched by the concern…?

[How barbaric of him! Wouldn't a simple knock would have sufficed? You truly can’t expect anything less from a brute-]

Soleum ignored Braun's hate filled ramblings. Instead he cautiously peered out from beneath his pillow, silently staring at the lizard at the entry way to his room.

"You're sick." Thanks Chief, truly, for the brilliant observation. He knew the sarcasm was unwarranted, the Chief didn't deserve it, and he was just like that but still. Kim had to fight a grimace as the reptilian head loomed over him.

"I'm sorry - I didn't call-" He began to choke out. Lee Jaehon was silent as his lizard slits blinked at him slowly.

"No need." No need? Had the company not fired him after all? Or had the Chief taken care of it without being told? The Chief drew away, "What do you need?" …Had the Chief never taken care of a sick person? Did he never get sick himself? Well, with a body like that, it wasn't surprising to assume he hadn't. He shut his eyes so that he could focus his thoughts. What he really wanted was to be left alone to suffer. He wouldn't really be alone, not with Braun, but he wouldn't be able to disturb him truly. But, seeing as the Chief had been kind enough to come and check on him personally, it felt rude to just send him away. Even though he knew the Chief would listen. "…Soup, water, medicine…," he began to prattle on a list of things for the Chief to get. A nice tea would be great right about now. Something about it made him wonder if the Company provided some sort of medicine for this in the Welfare Shop. Surely there was some cure all in there. It may not even be worth a lot - better to keep your worker ants on the move, right? But was it really worth it to waste points on something like this?

No, he decided, it wasn't. Every point counted. He could just…ride this out.

[Friend, send that brute away and let this one take care of you!] Braun declared once the chief had disappeared from the room.

"Would you even know how to take care of me?" Soleum asked, voice muffled as he wrapped himself up in a cocoon of blankets. It allowed only his blood shot, weary eyes and his bed head to poke out from within it's confines. Also, the concept of a ghost story taking care of him was…well. But, it was Braun. Braun wouldn't hurt him so…

[I'm sure I could manage! A host always has to be adaptable and capable of many things in the world of show bizz!]

The mental image of Braun having some segment of the show be about how to take care of a sick human for the audience was almost laughable. Would he bring on a doctor as an official guest to collaborate? Have some poor member of the audience as an experimentation? Briefly he pictured Braun bringing Soleum himself up on stage…He hummed and sunk more into the blankets as his heavy eyes threatened to close.

"..Chief won't stay long…," he said. The Chief couldn't. There was still work to be done and with Soleum out of commission, it would all effectively fall onto the chief's shoulders. Kim felt a pang of guilt, even if he knew the Chief likely didn't care. "..And how would you even..?"

[Why, I would just need you to turn your eyes away, friend.]

Was he…imagining the slight lilt to Braun's tone? He knew Braun never tired of showing off his skills but still…And turn away his eyes? What - Kim remembered the sound of fingers thrumming, humming, and those heavy foot steps when it came to the bath…Right. The shiver that worked it's way down his spine could be attributed to his fever. That's all it was.

Soleum was spared from having to answer by the Chief entering the room once more, with far too many items dangling precariously in his hands. Some of which he certainly hadn't asked for. And why had he grabbed so many pill bottles?? "Chief-??" "Yes?"

Soleum watched belatedly as he set the things down on the counter, pushing Braun aside in the process - who protested vehemently. He was just beginning to drag his sluggish brain through questions he wanted to ask, when the Chief was placing a wet rag over his forehead. It did feel rather nice. Then he was sliding a hand beneath him to help him sit up - which took more energy out of him than it should've. Dots spotted his vision and once it cleared and he stabilized, he realized there was a spoon of chicken noodle soup waiting patiently below his lips.

"Chief - I -" he croaked. He wasn't sure if his face was hot from embarrassment or fever anymore. Because this was his boss attempting to feed him like some dutiful husband. Or just a regular friend. But even back in his reality he'd always been the one to care for himself, so he wouldn't know. "I can - feed myself -"

Those red eyes stared at him for a moment before blinking once. "Are you sure?"

No. Kim didn't have much of an appetite, his stomach churning at the very thought of eating and his limbs felt like jelly. But the Chief had already done so much, he felt like having him feed him on top of that was a bit overkill. "I am."

"Very well." The lizard-man pulled away and returned the bowl of soup to the nightstand. He then turned to face Soleum once more. "I have put you on official sick leave. Do not return until you are better."

And then he was gone as quickly as he'd appeared. Soleum stared after him with a mixture of puzzlement and relief. Then, after remembering the front door, some concern over if repairs would be needed…It was more than he could bring himself to think about at the moment so he simply sighed and laid back against his pillows, eyes sliding shut once more.

[That - brute - and to leave you now at all times-]

"Did you want him to take care of me?" Soleum muttered. Hadn't he just mentioned wanting the Chief to leave? And with how much Braun complained, he'd doubted it, and the silence that followed was telling.

[…]

[Let me take care of you, Friend.]

…Was it possible for a ghost story stuck in a stuffed animal to get jealous? Was it an effect of the 'Good Friend' he wondered? Soleum thought about refusing. But, on second thought, he really didn't feel like grabbing for any of the things he'd asked the Chief to fetch for him. And after sending him away with the promise to care for himself too..

"…Do whatever you want," Soleum said with a sigh as he sunk more into the bed. He didn't open his eyes, remembering Braun's words from earlier. Braun didn't respond and for a moment he just focused on the wheezy feeling of his own breath, the way his eyes burned and how heavy his body felt…

Then his body felt even heavier if possible, no, not his body, but the entire room around him. It's like a heavy, blanketed presence had descended upon him, weighing him down and making it harder to breathe. The trickle of fear that wormed it's way down his spine was instinctual. He could feel the way his heart quickened, his breathing struggling to pick up through his blocked airways. It took everything in him not to jump when he felt a large, gloved hand covering his eyes. Something faint tickled his nose…the smell of leather…newspaper…and cologne?

[Relax, friend. I will not hurt you.]

Kim tried to take in a deep breath, but that led to a coughing fit that wracked his ribs. The hand drew away from his eyes. He knew if he opened his eyes it'd end, Braun wouldn't actually be there and wouldn't even be able to touch him. And yet, he kept his eyes shut. It was easier that way, is all, and he knew better than to upset Braun. And fever was slowing his thoughts and making everything sluggish around him, making every thought a chore. So it was better to just…let himself float away.

Somewhere above himself, he's faintly aware of his body being moved for him. There's a brief relief when a wet rag is guided along his face - calming some of his fever once again. A brief spark of confusion, as well as a shiver, work it's way through his body when gloved fingers press into his mouth. Soleum's weak body gives little resistance as they press down on his tongue, gliding around the inside of his mouth. He realizes that Braun is making him swallow pills but - was there - was there no other way …it didn't matter, did it? He swallowed them easily. Then he hums around the fingers as they draw away.

Kim pictured Braun in some nurse fit and almost giggles - he does giggle, he realizes, dimly aware of his shaking body. Maybe that should be concerning if he was in his right state of mine. When did he ever giggle?

[What's so funny, Friend?] Braun's voice is low. He can feel it running through his head and very being.

"…You," Kim manages to mummer. The perpetual headache he had, dimmed some, he realized, when he heard Braun's voice. He tilted his head back against Braun's chest and breathed out shallowly when he felt Braun's hand trail down his neck and down to his night shirt. When had Braun gotten behind him? [You're burning up. You need air.]

Soleum nodded but it didn't matter, Braun's fingers already working at his buttons. It was fine, right? The cold towel had helped so maybe Braun was right about him needing air. He shivered as the cold air clashed with his feverish skin, the shirt slipping open easily. His brow furrowed at the un-comfortableness of it. Somewhere his sluggish thoughts tried to rise again. What was Braun doing? He was…Braun's finger trailed down his chest, making Soleum hyper aware of it. He..

[I'm taking care of you. You're sick.]

Right. He was sick. Had been very sick for the past few days with no one to care for him or to notice. Braun was taking care of him, because he was his friend.

[That's right.]

Right. That's right. Soleum hummed, unconsciously opening his legs as he felt Braun's hand drifting lower and lower. He wasn't sure what he was expecting. But, as the gloved finger trailed the top of his pajama pants it suddenly stopped. He felt the pang of loss deep in his chest as it drew away.

[You need sustenance, friend.]

Kim didn't feel hungry, as he hadn't earlier. But it wasn't up to him it seemed. He felt Braun shifting and then the smell of the soup grow closer. There was a different pang in his stomach now. Braun's hand cupped his jaw, his thumb sliding against his cheek and he opened his mouth without being asked. Bit by bit Braun fed Soleum the soup until he could stomach no more. He was glad Braun didn't try and force more into him when he turned his face away.

[How do you feel?]

It didn't take much thought to answer that question. He let out a huff of hot air, brow furrowing. "…Weak. Hot. Everything aches…" it felt like weak words to describe all the things going on within his body. All he wanted was some release from it all.

Braun hummed, the sound having a staticky edge to it. Then his hand was pressing against his shoulder. At first Kim thought he was just feeling his shoulder for some reason, the grip bordering on painful. He wondered just how easily Braun could hurt him if he so wished. Thought about the display of power he'd witnessed first hand before. After some rubbing he realized he was…massaging him? It wasn't bad, helping to relieve some of the ache in his weak muscles. He was quick to fall boneless in the grip, barely aware as the hands glided from his shoulders down to his chest.

"Mh…," he hummed a rough touch brushed against his nipple. Kim Soleum whimpered in the back of his throat when it happened again. Then once more. He was just arching into the touch when the touch glided down his stomach back to where it'd been previously.

His brow furrowed. At the edge of his feverish awareness he realized that something about this whole thing was off. But then Braun's hand was pressing against the front of his pajama pants, right against his hardness. He let out a shaky sigh. "B-Braun…"

[Yes, friend?] Braun's voice continued to surround him when he spoke. It was comforting the way it pressed into him.

"...Saheon…," he murmured. Somewhere he realized he should be objecting about more than the possibility of his roommate listening in. There was the sound of Braun chuckling as the grip around him tightened.

[You don't need to worry about him.]

He didn't get the chance to wonder exactly what that meant. The hand pressed against his front left and he didn't even get the chance to mourn the lost before it returned, slipping under his waist band to wrap around his length. The heat radiating from Braun, even with the glove, was almost torturous to his already hot body. A whimper escaped him - the dry drag of the gloves across his flesh bordering on painful. Instinctively he tried to shy away from the grip but it was impossible with Braun's body bracketing him. Kim weakly grabbed at the wrist but it did nothing to deter his movements.

"Wai-ah-" he gasped out, fruitlessly clawing at Braun's wrist. The hand didn't stop, rough leather dragging across his skin in languid strokes. It's dry, hurting more than it did good. And yet, somehow, he must've been excited enough from either the strokes or Braun's earlier ministrations. Because, once Braun swiped his thumb over Kim's sensitive head, the strokes got slicker. It was slight but enough for tendrils of pleasure to begin working it's way up his frame instead.

[How long has it been since you've properly taken care of yourself?]

He can't remember. Did that matter? Braun was taking care of him now wasn't he? Kim's thoughts are too hazy to focus on anything but the slow drag of Braun's hands as he pumped. All his focus zooms in on that one point of sensation that leaves him squirming in the host's steady hold. The arm wrapped around his waist leaves, a hand cupping his face to tilt it up. It strains his neck, and leaves him with the burning sensation of being watched. Heady pants slip out his mouth and Braun's thumb grazed his cheek before pressing down against his bottom lip.

[You're truly meant for the big screen.] Kim doesn't think he's imagining the roughness in the host's otherwise cool tone.

A moan escapes him as the grip around his member tightened, the pace quickening in a way that has him tensing from the onslaught. Instinctively he cants his hip up into the touch, chasing the intoxicating pleasure that spreads from it. Everything is hot, the air heavy as he desperately tries to inhale. Without the hand around his waist he's free to arch into the touch, nails digging into the fine fabric of what he assumes is Braun's suit. More.Moremorehewantsmoredon'tlookawayfromhimdon'tyoudare

The thumb against his lip pressing into his mouth. He feels the rough leather drag against the walls of his mouth. Kim latches onto it, tasting the smoke as he drags his tongue along the groves before he sucks. It helps to ground him, briefly, until Braun twist his hand in such a way that stars dance along the back of his eyelids. He feels the way the heat grows unbearable within him, his core pulsing with need. In the end it's the encouraging words that causes the coil within him to snap.

[I have you, friend.] Braunhashimwouldalwayshavehimbecausehe'shisfriendandnooneelsenoonenoone

Soleum doesn't truly come to and instead lets himself properly slip away. The little energy his sick form had gotten from sleep and soup, drained. Sleep and fever drag him under and claim him for itself. He's not sure how much time passes, only aware that it is passing in the occasional hazy snap shot that he's not too sure is a dream or not. The feeling of a wet rag and a blanket wrapped around him. Something heavy sliding past his lips, making breathing so much more difficult. He thinks he hears his name in a deep voice once or twice. But between all that it's a peaceful darkness that absorbs him.

When he wakes properly, finally, he feels like he'd just gotten run over. His entire body is heavy and aches, his throat sore when he swallows thickly. But he doesn't feel hot anymore - only the slight clamminess that tells him his fever had finally broken. Other than the weakness in his limbs too, he finally feels in control and his thoughts not sharpening. Something tugs at the back of his mind - right. The Chief had come and helped before leaving and…was that it..?

Kim feels like he's missing something.

[Friend?]

Soleum blinks and turns his head. Braun's plush body is where it'd always been, sitting on the nightstand along with an empty bowl, towel, and a few medicine bottles. Maybe he should inform the Chief which ones to grab specifically next time. He pushes himself up and cracks his neck with a groan and a sigh. As much as he felt healthier than he'd felt the last few days, the room and his body feel incredibly gross. More than anything he thinks he needs a hot shower to rid his body of germs.

[How do you feel?]

"…Good, actually," he says after a moment to take a mental stock of his body. His body feels rather loose, none of the tenseness he usually carries with him. Kim pushes the covers away and throws his feet over the side of the bed.

[That's because you let this one take care of you!] There's a purr to Braun's voice that Kim doesn't like the sound of.

It gives him pause as he stares at the all encompassing black eyes of the doll. An image flashes by that he can't analyze, a feeling of heat flashing through him that makes him shiver. The feeling of being watched. He shakes those images away quickly and stands up. Best not to think about it - he felt, deeply, that it would cause nothing but trouble.

"…yeah, thanks." Better to still be polite, anyway. Kim gives the little rabbit a pat on the head before he walks past. There was a lot to do - cleaning up, showering, and catching up on work he'd been missing.