#ler!blue

"Doctor Blue... I can only say that your résumé has been truly impressive. Thank you so much for putting your trust in MIRA and becoming the doctor for this journey; I know it’s a complex undertaking, but I assure you, you won’t be alone!", yep, it was Orange; they were showing Blue around the Skield facilities

As for Blue, them simply listened; everything was new. It wasn't exactly what they had imagined, but it wasn't the worst thing either it was, ironically, a "breath of fresh air."

"I appreciate the opportunity; whenever I have the chance to help others, I... Wait a second—do you hear that?"

A strange, metallic sound, like someone running but it was coming from way too close. It couldn't be one of the crew members; they would have been clearly visible, right? Orange looked around; there was a vent, of course.

"Oh, yeah. Well, one of the crew, our engineer they're a bit... Oh dear, how can I put this politely? ...Unconventional when it comes to how they makes repairs, nothing wrong..."

An engineer? Blue didn't quite buy it, but everything became clear when the vent opened and Lime emerged, covered in dust and coughing slightly from it.

"Oh my! Wait, don't move! That could be dangerous! Are you hurt?", although they tried to approach, Lime brushed them off, typical of they secretive nature.

Orange had to step in and calm them both, but Lime wasn't in the mood; they weren't about to hand over they details to a medic, so they left just as quickly as they had arrived.

Blue was confused; it just that didn't seem possible. The vent was extremely small, maybe a child could fit, but a grown adult? It was very strange

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That was likely the first and last time that day Blue saw them, though they couldn't deny that many questions arose and they attention seemed entirely focused on them.

Once they had settled their things, they heard the same sound; they looked around, there was nothing on the ceiling, then, they moved a box slightly to reveal the air vent.

They were greatly surprised when, upon trying to open it, it flew open and they emerged, looking around and growing angry at having mistaken the location once more.

"Oh, it's you... Of course! This shit... This was definitely your idea!"

"Excuse me?"

"You can't fool me! I know what doctors are like! Government workers who brainwash people, steal information, and then clone them using their DNA! You aren't fooling me! You and those idiots at MIRA won't lay a finger on the crew! I'll see to that!"

Blue sighed; they couldn't blame them. Keeping the distance, they crouched down slightly.

"I can tell, I understand your fears; I know the government has mishandled things and the medical community's reputation has been tarnished, but that doesn't mean everyone is like that. I’m not asking you to trust me. I know it’s hard to let go of fear or change your mindset, but if you’ll let me, I can help. I know you need help; if you don't trust me, you can stay right here to keep an eye on things. What do you say?"

"(S-swoon...) You think that smooth talk is going to fool me? Hah! You can't mess with my head! But this won't be the first or last time you hear about me! I guarantee it!", well, at least Blue gave it a try.

Blue accepted their decision and said a polite goodbye, turning away to give them some space, until...

"AH!", that immediately grabbed they attention

Blue turned and started to approach but quickly stepped back, opting instead to ask from a distance if they were alright.

"OF COURSE NOT! I TOOK A WRONG TURN AND NOW I'M STUCK! DON'T COME NEAR ME, WIZARD!"

"Well, I can't Lime, it's my duty to help every crew member... Did you hit your head? Are you in pain? Or—?"

"I'M FINE! I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP! JUST GET OUT AND LEAVE ME ALONE!", Blue tried to brush it off, but seeing Lime thrashing their legs in desperation told them that help was definitely needed.

Without another thought, they stepped closer, apologizing, but it was for Lime's own good. They tried to pull them free but failed; it seemed more force was required, yet they couldn't use their legs. What if the strain triggered another bout of pain?

"Excuse me, Lime, I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but the sooner we get you out of there, the sooner I can help you", before Lime could refuse, they felt a pair of hands touching their hips; oh for fuck's sake, this had to be a fucking joke.

Blue’s hands began to squeeze, not to tickle, but to tighten their grip and free them.

"FINE, FINE, E-ENOUGH! GRK! GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU I-IDIOT—!"

"I'm sorry Lime, but I’m afraid I can’t. And please, try not to squirm; it might affect you, or... Hmm...", Blue had a sudden thought.

Maybe the reason Lime couldn't get out was that them was tensing up, but what if they didn't? Then again, getting them to squirm might actually help pull them free; either approach could work.

"Lime, I’m sorry about what I’m about to do—it’s nothing personal, but it’s the only way to get you out of there. I hope you’re ready to laugh..."

Lime was grateful that no one could see them; their faceplate flushed a deep red. They had no time to react before feeling more squeezes, precise, deliberate grips; they knew exactly what they were doing, and they hated it.

'D-D-dahahaMN IHIHIT! S-STAHAHAHAP DIHIHIHIS! Y-YUHUHUHUHU F-FUCKIHIHIHIHING DAHAHACTAHAHAR, G-GEHEHET YOU HAHAHAHAHANDS OFF MEEEEEE!!!'

"Interesting... Are you just that ticklish, or is it the thought that you won't be getting out of there anytime soon?", bad question, a very bad one.

Kicks followed immediately; Blue was used to people who didn't want to get vaccinated, so they knew how to handle the situation.

Lime began pounding insistently against the vent; the sensation was awful, and their kicks were achieving nothing, as Blue had shifted position to avoid them.

"You've still got energy, Lime; I need you to relax a bit so—"

"N-NAHAHAHEVER!! D-DIHIHIS IS FAHAHAHAHAUCKING A-AHABUSEEEEEE! I KNIHIHIHIW IHIHIHIT! I-GRK-I SHOULDN'T H-HAHAHAV LET MY G-GUHAHAHAHARD DAHAHAHAWN!! AND STAHAHAHAAAAAAP!!! THIS I-IS HUMILIAHAHAHAHAHATIHIHIHIHING!!"

"Humiliating? I think anyone can be a bit ticklish; I assure you, your secret is safe with me. The only condition is that, if I stop, you relax a little so I can get you out of there. Deal?", more kicks followed. Blue sighed; Lime was stubborn, too stubborn.

Lime hated the person torturing them, not the moment theyself, but the person doing it. A doctor, who else would know so much about sensitive spots?

They were used to this; they had experience, and now they was just another guinea pig. Damn it! Stupid air vent, stupid duct, stupid (and sensual) doctor! All Lime could do was hurl insults at them, in every moment, in every sentence, hoping they’d stop, but it was no use

"Lime, Lime, I have to tell you, I’m used to patients like you. Just one word: do you accept my help—yes or no?"

"NAHAHAHAVEHEHEHEHEHER...!!! *hic and coughs* I-I WILL N-NEVER GIHIHIHIVE IN...!!! *gasp* STOHOHOHOHOP!!! I-IT'S HAAAAAARD TO B-BREATHE *cough* IN HEHEHEHEHEREHEHEHE!!!", well played

That actually made Blue stop; they pulled their hands away and stifled a gasp as Lime’s body went limp, this was the moment.

Carefully, they moved them onto a gurney and checked their breathing; they was a bit agitated and just needed to rest, so Blue stepped out for a moment, hanging up a sign that read: "Patient Asleep – Do Not Disturb"

Upon returning, Blue sat down; they needed to review the paperwork Orange had assigned them, but once again, their thoughts drifted... To Lime, oh no...