#murphycrow

Extraterrestrial physiology was a strange thing. Some weren't all too different from humans, or even some of Earth's other creatures. Some rested in between. Similar in some ways, but unique from Earthly lifeforms in others(Superman would make for the perfect example of this). And then there were those that were just something else entirely.

Jonathan Crane was aware of this fact, although he'd done no research into the subject himself. Despite the fact that he'd been dating one for the last year now. You, to be specific. Or maybe it was because the only alien he had access to was the one he loved. He was willing to bank on you being the 'something else' variety given your true form. An odd mass of a creature that could perfectly imitate the form of any other lifeform you chose(although for the sake of your life on Earth, you typically stuck to your human disguise). Jon wouldn't lie and say that he wasn't curious what effects his fear toxin might have on such a creature. But he never tested it. Not on you. Never on you.

But accidents were bound to happen from time to time. And whether he liked it or not, your proximity to him would eventually put you at risk.

He hadn't expected you that night when something went wrong with the bunsen burner. The flame turned up higher than it should have, and before he could put it out, the glass he had been working with overheated. Fortunately, Jon always took the proper safety measures when working in the lab. When creating a gas that attacked your psyche with your deepest fears, wearing a gas mask was just common sense. He was safe. But you weren't.

You'd been approaching from behind when the glass shattered, the overheated toxin having already evaporated into its gaseous form inside the beaker. As soon as it was unleashed, you got an unintentional whiff of the stuff, and with a loud squeak, you now stood stiff behind Jonathan. He turned, eyes wide as horror dawned at him at the realization of what had just occurred. You had inhaled his toxin, and now he was going to see its effects on your unique physiology whether he liked it or not. Not knowing what else to do, he took your hands in his and lead you a safe distance from the worktable. He couldn't undo what had been done, but he could prevent you from taking an even higher dose.

Removing his mask, he whispered your name. "Please… Say something. Tell me you're okay." Concern laced his tone as he gently took your face into both hands. For once, he was the one who was terrified. He had no idea what effect his toxin would have on you. And if it all went wrong, if it went downhill too quickly, he had no way of fixing it. No way of saving you.

And then you laughed.

Horror turned to surprise as your lips met his. A quick light kiss followed by a stunned blink from him. He repeated your name, this time like it was a question. And before he knew it, you were hugging him. Not just hugging, but embracing, tighter than you ever had before with a big, silly grin on your face. He breathed out before questioning you again. "You're… Are you okay, angel? You had me worried!"

"Oh Jonny, I've never felt better," you giggled, keeping your arms firmly laced around him. He couldn't help but feel that you were being excessively affectionate. Even for you. And when you peppered his face with several more kisses, it confirmed his suspicions. His toxin, designed to instill terror had instead left you utterly enamoured. This was a concern in and of itself, but he supposed that of all the possibilities, this was far from the worst case scenario. At the very least, you were alive and safely with him.

"Let's get you to the couch," he sighed, lifting you up. He may not have looked it, but he was at least strong enough to carry you that distance. As he walked you over, he couldn't help but chuckle as you nuzzled your head into the crook of his neck and hummed contentedly. Batting your eyelashes at him, you smiled and asked, "Will you stay and snuggle with me, Crow?"