#snzcatfic

Tristan and Chad sat across from each other at the round table, cluttered with half drunken tea and coffee cups. It was a grey and foggy day outside, which suited the ambience inside. Still affected by the disruption from yesterday, Tristan felt confronted by an inner turmoil. Feelings were challenged and without the possibility to shield himself, Wade had consciously made the decision of putting him on the spot and taken advantage of that moment.

‘Honey?’

Chad's voice Tristan snapped out of his thoughts.

‘I need air.' Tristan stated firmly. Having another sip from the beverage which had gone cold and sour. He grimaced as he put the cup down. 'It’s time for us to get out of the house.‘  

‘Okay… sure. Where do you wanna go?’

‘I have an idea.’

They were on the bus, since none of them felt like driving. It was taking them towards the destination and the road proved to be kind of bumpy. They didn’t say much but there was no need for words. Just each other’s presence.

Chad, who’d been resting his head on Tristan’s shoulder, shifted and tensed. His shoulders trembled and a hitch slipped out from his parted lips.

‘You okay?’ Tristan asked carefully.

Chad sniffed, then sharply inhaled.

‘…h’tsch! …t’sch!’

It started off with the faintest of sneezes. Caught daintily into his hands. Barely notable. The sound so tender that it settled into Tristan’s chest and as Chad’s fit evolved and grew stronger, Tristan let his arm circle him without hesitation.

‘…hhhh, hhhh… hh’tSCH!! …eh’hhGNiizzscho!! …goodness.’ He ended the attack with a gentle shake at the head, glad for it to be over.

‘Bless you!’

The passenger next to them said out loud in amusement.

Chad blinked, a little surprised. He faintly nodded, as a polite gesture towards the stranger.  But then he turned his gaze to Tristan and waited.

He met his eyes, knowing what Chad’s patience resided in.

‘Bless you gorgeous.’

A humble smile formed at Chad’s lips, captured by the understanding that the blessing from Tristan wasn’t habitual. It was his.

‘You always mean it.’ He replied with a sensitive notion. Tristan reached over and brushed some strands of hair from his forehead, then kissed the spot gently.

‘You know I do.’ He whispered and then pulled Chad into his chest.

‘Where are we?’ Chad asked as they got off at their stop. He recognized the area but couldn’t pin point exactly where the bus had taken them.

‘I wanna show you something.’

They reached a park. It was local and rather basic, with a small lake in the middle and a path that circled around it. The air was still and barely moved the surface of the water.

‘I used to come here when I was younger.’ Tristan spoke reflectively. ‘To collect my thoughts.’ His shoe kicked up some gravel. ‘I usually sat on that bench, over the there.’ He vaguely pointed.

‘It’s a nice place.’ Chad reached over his hand and their fingers met halfway. ‘I can see why you felt at ease here.’

‘Not at ease but… somewhere to be. When the pain became overbearing.’

They reached Tristan’s bench and sat down. Grey clouds swept over the sky. It was going to rain any minute. 

‘Thank you for trusting me.’ Chad noted quietly, not letting go of the comfort of Tristan’s fingers. The display of Tristan’s personal memories meant more to him than he wanted to openly admit. It was an intimate invitation further into the realms of Tristan’s truth.

Tristan gave him a half a smile. ‘It was hard. I used to just sit here all by myself in the dark. Wondering what I’d done to deserve such a fucked up life. If I deserved it at all.’ His shoulders lifted with a deep breath.

‘You never did.’ Chad insisted strongly, eyeing a duck that glided by on the surface of the water as it rippled.  ‘We can’t decide who’s going to be our parents… it’s beyond our control.’

‘At least I could pretend that I was somewhere better.’ Tristan glanced at Chad with glassy eyes, then pulled the hoodie over his head and turned his gaze down. ‘I guess it would have been easier if I’d have someone to talk to.’

‘…what about your grandmother?’

‘She’s alright.’ Tristan sniffled, wiping off his nose with the back of his hand. ‘….but I can’t confide in her.’

‘…I just wish I’d known you sooner.’ Chad pressed his hand, a subtle notion of sympathy.

‘Ohh you wouldn’t have known what to do with me.’ Tristan let out a small chuckle. ‘I was wild.’

‘I’d still find you very interesting and appealing.’ Chad shyly smiled with a gentle sniff.

‘Oh yea?’ Intrigued, Tristan faced Chad more properly. ‘And how would you confront me?’

‘I'd…’ Chad began but then his breath began to waver. ‘Excuse me, one sec.’ His fingers brushed the bridge of his nose, hovered over the lips when his eyes closed. ‘…hh’tsch!-t’ischo!-txsch!-ah’tschu!! …ugh, hhh… eh’escho!-Eesch!!-ESChhh!-ah’dASCHschew!!!’ The sharp rapid sneezes, caught swiftly but quite messily into his flat opened hand. ‘…oh my, bless me.’ He sniffled a few times with gentle strokes at the nose.

‘Bless you sweetie.’

Chad caught Tristan’s eyes with a warmth lingering within them.

‘Thank you. I’m sorry.’

‘I find it so sweet.’

‘What..?’

‘When you bless yourself.’

Chad blinked and a touch of pink colour rising in his cheeks. He looked down. ‘It just brings me comfort. I don’t know why.’

‘It’s adorable.’

Chad glanced at Tristan with a vulnerable expression tracing his features. ‘When you say it, it stays with me the entire day.’ He quietly admitted.

‘Seriously?’

‘Yea.’ Chad breathed out and leaned forward, folding his hands together. ‘It’s like… and I say this only if it’s pure and genuine, but when people say ‘bless you’ to someone, it’s like they see you. It’s such a small thing, but the simple gesture carries so much kindness and care.’

‘I’ve never thought of it that way.’ Tristan responded, watching Chad rubbing a thumb along the inside of his palm. ‘Do you often bless yourself when I’m not around?’

Chad thought for a moment.  ‘…sometimes I do.’

‘Do you feel better then? Sort of like a consolation?’

‘…yes I do.’ Chad confessed softly. ‘…what made you think of that?’

‘I’m just curious.’

‘…it’s like you truly see me.’ He brushed a tear away from his cheek. It wasn’t out of sadness, but from a flow of thankfulness. So many years of feeling invisible rose to the surface.

‘Did I say something wrong?’ Tristan asked carefully, noticing a shift in Chad’s energy.

‘No.’ He sniffled. ‘Not at all.’

A dull frequency rumbled in the distance.

‘Is that thunder?’

As soon as Tristan said the words, a light rain started to fall.

They ran for cover under a shed that was now used for placement of bicycles. The dark clouds rolled in and loud noises hit the tin roof. It left the air rich and grounding.

‘Glad we found some shelter.’

Tristan said with a chuckle which stopped abruptly when Chad started sneezing again.

‘Gorgeous… you okay?’

Chad’s coat, dusted with raindrops and strands of his hair kept falling into his eyes as his head ducked slightly for each unexpected sneeze.

‘…txnghh!! …sorry, I’m… hhh, hhhh…  huh’gnixxtsch!!’schooo… t’gnxtsch!!!uhhh… so sorry I think I’m … hhhh… uh’ESCH’gnzxhh!!!’ohhh… having a reaction.’

‘To pollen?’ Tristan crooked one brow.

‘No.’ The sharp edges expanding at the rounded nostrils revealed that he wasn’t done. ‘…it’s something else. Perhaps the …uhh, hhhh… uh’WASCHschew!!!’ The sharp sneeze overtook him as he turned his head to the side. ‘…goodness. I think it’s the damp weather.’

‘Aw...' Tristan brushed away some hair from Chad's cheek. '...okay.’

‘Thank you for being so attentive though.’

‘I think I should say bless you out of courtesy, too.’ Tristan winked as Chad reached over for their fingers to once again connect.

‘Thank you. …you know how much that means to me.’

‘Come here.’

Chad and Tristan – Part 13

‘Baby where are you??’ Tristan shouted, too lazy to check for Chad’s actual whereabouts in the house.

‘I’m in here..!’

As Tristan walked in, Chad sat at the desk, eyes fixed on the computer screen.

‘I just got a text from Wade.’ He informed with a quick glance at the screen of his phone.

Chad spun around in the chair to face Tristan properly. ‘Oh? And what did he have to say?’

‘He wants me over at his house and I uh… I guess he wants to talk to me about something.’

‘Really..?’ Holding back an impression of displeasure, Chad started to twirl some strands of the dark hair between the fingers. ‘…about what?’

‘He didn’t say.’

With the contemplating look on his face, Chad decided to stay quiet.

‘So what do you think?’ Tristan crossed his arms. ‘You think I should go over there and see what he wants? I mean, the last time I checked in on him it didn’t go too well.’

‘I don’t know… your brother can be-’

‘An ass, I know.’

‘I wasn’t going to say that but…. He can be a little difficult to tell the truth.’ Chad stood.

‘That I agree with. Shit I don’t know what to do.’ Tristan took off his black cap from his head and ran a stressed hand through the hair.

‘I can come with you.’ The words were spoken softly but with a hopeful undertone. ‘I mean, if you decide you’re going.’

‘I’ll be okay.’

‘You sure? There’s really not a problem.’

‘Who knows for how long I’ll stay. It’s better if you stay at home and finish whatever project you’re working on.’

Chad glanced down.

‘Alright. Although work isn’t due until…’ His voice trailed off. ‘…uhm yea okay.’

~*~

‘Can I get you anything?’

Wade offered nervously which was out character and it only added confusion to Tristan’s tensed sentiments.

‘I’m good.’

They seated on the sofa and Tristan found a spot by widening his legs comfortably. ‘So. What did you want to talk to me about?’

Friendly taps of paws met the floor and the sound came closer, just as Ham jumped on the couch and greeted Tristan with licking kisses.

‘Hey you.’ Tristan chuckled, patting and cuddling with the dog.

‘He really likes you.’ Wade said with a smile.

‘I like him too.’

‘You should consider getting a puppy. Or adopt one, even.’ Wade suggested.

‘Chad’s got allergies.’ Tristan stated as the dog jumped off and found a spot near his feet.

‘I know but he could get a shot for that or something.’

‘Yea. Maybe.’ Tristan cleared his throat, avoiding further inquiries about Chad’s health issues.

‘….so uhm.’ Wade started. ‘You know since my wife got pregnant-‘

‘Yea congrats on that by the way.’ Reaching out, Tristan and Wade bumped fists. ‘Do you guys know if it’s a boy or girl?’

‘Not yet.’ Wade expressed proudly. ‘Anyway, what I wanted to say is that… I’ve been thinking a lot about dad and how he treated us growing up… you especially.’

‘Uh… okay?’ Tristan shifted and sat up straight. ‘Waste of time, I say.’ His right leg started shaking and his fingers nervously drummed onto the thigh.

‘….uh I know I’ve never said this before, so I just wanna let you know that I think it’s very unfair what he did to you. To all of us. I was only a little kid but it was clear to me that he was beating you up regularly.’

Tristan blinked. Uncomfortable and rushed by the need for a desperate escape.  ‘Yea?’ He licked his lips.

‘…yea and uh, now that I’ll soon be a dad myself I understand I need to shape up and get myself in order and I know what kind of father I want to become to own kid. And the first step is to recognize all of dad’s faults and be nothing like him...’

‘...right.’ Tristan throat felt dry and he swallowed.

‘I’ve just been giving it a lot of thought and it brought back a lot of shitty memories.’

The conversation was spiraling into a dialogue Tristan wasn’t ready nor prepared for.

‘…and I understand now the hell he really put you through.’ Wade continued while Tristan broke into a sweat. He was close to hyperventilating.

‘Fuck.’ Unable to sit still any longer, Tristan rushed from the couch.

‘Are you okay?’

‘So you’ve finally got yourself some self-awareness. Great. Just great. But what am I supposed to do with that information huh?’ He was close to tears and he hated how his voice trembled, failing him and crumbling. ‘I’ve been trying to put all that shit behind me! You can’t just invite me over to your house and force me to talk about this shit, just because you had a moment of enlightenment!’

‘I’m not forcing you to do anything. I just wanted to let you know what I’m dealing with. I know I’ve been acting kind of shitty around you too, with Chad and all. But that’s all going to change now.’

‘So you finally decided to become a brother, huh?’ It came out sarcastically. It wasn’t intentional but Tristan guarded himself efficiently.

‘If you wanna go there, sure.’

‘Fuck it…’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘…thanks for letting me know, I guess. I should head back, I can’t deal with this right now.’ He sniffled, heading for the door.  ‘We’ll talk.’

‘You know where to find me.’

~*~

He put the key to the house and waited a moment before unlocking it. Unsettled and shaken by the conversation with Wade, he pondered if he should have gone for a run before going indoors. Too late now anyway, he thought and headed in.

‘Hi honey…’

The warm, caring voice welcomed him home as soon as he entered. It immediately released some of the tight knots inside his chest.

‘Hey.’ He looked down, avoiding any contact that’d burst the bubble that he’d tried so hard to gain control over.

‘How did it go…?’

A gentle touch met his arm, beckoning for a hug which he followed through. He swallowed sharply and blinked as tears welled up within his eyes.

‘…is Wade okay? …how did everything go?’

They slipped out of the embrace and Chad fidgeted with his fingers at Tristan’s sweater, not ready to let go.

‘Fine, I guess.’

‘You look upset.’

Ignoring the sweet attempt for closeness, Tristan moved, heading for the kitchen and Chad tagged along.

‘…are you really okay..?’ Chad’s voice expressed concerned. Looking over, Tristan noticed that he also kept a knuckle pressed against the left side of the nostril at his beautiful nose.

‘Yea. Fine. Fuck I’m thirsty.’

‘We got… soda.’ He sniffed quietly. ‘Water. Juice?’

Opening the refrigerator, Tristan grabbed a bottle of Coke, when Chad all of sudden drew in several quick breaths.

‘…uh’Gischo!!!-Eschh!!!- hhhh…. hggn’gnnisch!!!’oh… excuse me.’

‘Bless you.’

‘Thank you. I apologize.’ He rubbed one finger over the nose in a rapid and urgent manner. ‘Please tell me. What did Wade say?’

‘Not much.’ Tristan had another sip from the bottle. ‘Personal issues. Bunch of stuff about dad.’

‘What…’ Chad appeared startled with his eyes narrowing. ‘…ugh goodness.’ He gently turned and covered his mouth with both hands. ‘….eh’gGnxh!!-hh’Gnnsch!!-gGnxtsch!!!-hh’Ktsch!!!-T’sch!!! …uh’hhhh’GhhiSCH!!!!’schoo…. heavens. So sorry about that.’ He sniffled with a look of frustration capturing his face. ‘….what did Wade… ugh….’ Sniffling again, he rubbed sternly at his nose. ‘…sorry, what did he say about your dad?’

‘Just random bullshit that Wade’s figuring it on his own since becoming a dad apparently.’ He placed the bottle onto the surface and the sound revealed just how stressed he really was. ‘And wants me to be the wall that he can bounce back his shit on but I ain’t-‘

‘G’schhh!!!-giiischo!!!-tsx’sch!-hht’xschhh!!-hhkk’txsch!!! ….hhhh… uh’kNxuSCH!!!’uugnh …goodness so sorry, the sneezes are really persis… hhh, hhh… gghhu’iiischo!!!’ He lashed forward into a cupped hand.

‘Are you okay?’

The question was asked out of genuine concern, but the alluring image made it hard for Tristan to stay focused.

‘…it’s just my nose, I’m fine.’ Chad brushed it off quickly, eager to carry on. ‘I didn’t know. Wade is becoming a father?’ While he spoke, he’d ripped off several sheets of paper that he now wiped and brushed over the vulnerable nose.

‘Yea. As far as I can tell he’s rebuilding his whole character and lifestyle based around that.’ Tristan replied quite bitterly while giving a scratch at the stubble at his chin. ‘…or so he says.’ His eyes wandered back to the rounded nostrils at Chad’s pink nose which kept flaring with each wet and passing sniffle.

‘That’s wonderful news though, I mean, fatherhood.’ He said reflectively whilst the soft material dabbed beneath the nose. ‘…so what did he say about your dad?’

‘Just a bunch of stuff from when were kids. There’s really not much to talk about.’

Tristan was about to walk away again but was stopped when Chad carefully grasped his arm.

‘Hey… please talk to me.’ He sniffled and Tristan fought hard to ignore the clear and widening flare at the tender nostrils.  ‘I’m right here.’

Chad’s lips parted, as if to say something more, but instead he relentlessly suppressed a fit of sneezes into the tissue.

‘Bless you baby.’

‘Thank you…’ The paper massaged over the nose. ‘I’d really wish for you to open up to me. …please don’t shut me out.’ The touch at his arm traveled down at his hand as Chad looked at him with the deep blue eyes.

Tristan’s gaze flickered. He felt his throat tightening and he instantly felt like fleeing.

‘I just… give me some time to collect myself.’ Slipping out from the tenderness, Tristan went to sit by the couch. Chad respected Tristan’s personal space and sat down next to him in the armchair.

They sat in silence. Unable to pull himself together, Tristan wiped away some tears that’d already began to fall from his eyes.

‘Perhaps…’ Chad began, still using the paper as a protection for the quivering nostrils. ‘…you should reconsider and talk to your father about this. What he did to you and how it still affects your everyday life. Maybe he’ll understand?’

An initiating contact met Tristan’s knee.

‘No.’ Glancing in Chad’s direction with a grateful expression, Tristan shook his head, sniffling. ‘Impossible.’

He was given some soft tissues when Chad seated right next to him.

‘It’ll be okay…’ He spoke quietly but sniffled far too timidly. The faint sniffles proven useless from the runny nose he struggled with.

‘I just don’t… want to dwell on it. It’s in the past, right?’ Tristan explained with an agitated sadness. ‘I don’t see the point for me to bring up a shitload of painful memories. So what if my own dad punched me in the face,’ the misty eyes turned into tears and rolled down his cheeks. ‘…and what is talking about it gonna do for me, now?’ His voice trembled and Chad responded affectionately, caressing and removing the drops, one by one.

‘I understand.’ He said compassionately, then kissed the tender spot gently. ‘…but if you ever feel the need to share it with someone, I’m here. Always.’

Sweet caresses met Tristan's cheek, then back at his neck. The doting touches calmed him further.

‘I just wish that people around me would stop reminding me about it.’ He put the papers over his nose and blew it harshly.

‘Did you ever tell Wade that the topic made you feel uncomfortable?’

‘Sort of.’ Tristan sniffled again thickly, frustrated that it was leading into congestion.

‘He should have… respected…’ Chad paused with a blank look. His lower lip dropped slightly, and Tristan observed the tender nostrils flaring firmly. ‘…he should have, hhhhh… respected you.’ Chad finished the sentence with an evident quiver.

‘Respect?’ Tristan scoffed. ‘He doesn’t know a fucking shit about-‘

‘uh’hht’sch!!-hhgnsch!!!-gGsch!!!-nnGnhh!!!’uh…. heavens-hhhh… uh’k’tsch!!’ohhhh... ugh, hhh..... gxxsch!!!!’uh-ha’Guscho!!!-nGnnxxh!!’ughhh…’

‘Damn…’ Tristan expressed quite amazed, perplexed by the sudden and striking attack. ‘…bless you gorgeous. Are you okay?’

‘…ugh, something is….hhhhh…  uh’Gnnngh!!!’uhh… itching inside my nose, I-hhhhh’eh’GNNXtsch!!!!’uhhh… goodness. I have to-‘ Chad rapidly got up from the couch, rubbing at his nose and stifled another set of sneezes into the protection of his folded hands. ‘…I’m sorry,’ He sniffled with a strained and helpless manner. ‘I have to sneeze these out or else I’ll… hhh-hhhh-’ He backed away and turned away from Tristan entirely. ‘…hhhh… eh gescho!!-escho!!-EISCH’gnh!!’EIiiSCH’hgnxx!! …ASCHEschew!!-uh’ESCH’sche!!!’ASCH’schi!!... hhhhh… wuh’RASCHschew!!!’

‘Baby what’s the matter with you today?’ Tristan had already gone to Chad for support and he held him close with his arm wrapped around his waist. ‘You’ve been sneezing literally non-stop ever since I-‘

‘g’sch!!-uh’gisxch!!-uh’Gaschgnx!!! …so sorry, please forgivhhhh’ugh-, …uh’ghASCHschew!!!…ugh, I don’t know why I’m sneezing so much.’ The damp tissue was moved all over the sensitive nostrils.

‘Perhaps... I mean.’ Clearing his throat, Tristan felt a little guilty all of a sudden. ‘Wade’s got a dog, you know, Ham?’

‘Ohh.’ Chad raised his brows, using the paper and covering his nose.

‘Yea so maybe I should go change…’

‘…it’s okay.’ Chad giggled half heartily which slowly faded as another build up took over and changed his facial expression. ‘…hguh’ischo!!! …hhh, hhh… hh’K’ngx!!!’hh’kNx!!!’k’hNGx!!! uh, hhhh …uh’WRASCH!!!’scheooo… oh.’ He doubled over into the soggy paper. '...hhh... WRUSCHschioo!!!!' Tears were running down his cheeks but he made no effort to remove them. ‘…’scuse me the sneezes are getting so hard to contain.’ He instead uttered quietly.

‘Gorgeous, bless you.’ Tristan pressed his lips at the moist cheek. ‘Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should take some meds.’

‘Thank you… I’ll be fine.’ The tissue dabbed over the cheeks, then over the small reddened nose, covering it but without the attempt to blow it.

Chad and Tristan - The story continues, part 3.

'So, yesterday...  what did you and Eric talk about while building the snowman?' Tristan asked the next day at the dinner table. The questioned had popped up into his head at work and he'd thought about it ever since. Deciding whether to bring it up at dinner and weighing out the choices. Wanting a nice flow of conversation between them at the table.

'He's very curious person and tends to ask a lot of questions.' Chad responded with a half smile, generously taking a sip from the water glass.

'Like what?'

'Let's see...' Chad pushed the finished plate away from him. 'What I do for fun. If I enjoy horseback riding-'

'And what did you answer?'

'About what?' He let his finger have a gentle scratch at the nose.

'The part about riding horses..?'

'That I don't, or simply can't since I'm highly allergic.'

'Did you go into detail?'

'No.'

'And what did he say?'

'He started to talk about a ranch that he visited around this time last year.'

'Okay.'

'Tristan...' His forehead wrinkled. 'What's with the interrogation?'

'Just wondering.'

Chad turned quiet for a contemplating moment. 'I guess I should inform you that he sneezed twice while we were out.' He then said while looking out the window.

'I don't want to hear about that.' Tristan dismissed at the thought, but then one brow lifted. 'Did you bless him?'

'Once.'

'Are you guys like friends now?'

'We were never 'friends', I mean, you were there at his barbecue too. It's not like we're the best of buddies all of sudden for just building a snowman.' Chad answered a little frustrated.

'Just asking.'

Chad sniffed, then his nose scrunched and his eyes squinted. '...I think I smell something burning..?'

'Hm?' Tristan focused and sniffed too. 'Yea... I think it's... smoke?'

Chad's eyes widened and he gasped when the realization came crashing over him.

He stormed into the kitchen, rushing towards the stove and slammed down the lid to the oven.

'...oh my God!'

The smoke came pouring out as the fire alarm came on.

Tristan had already started taking control over the situation and opened up the windows, meanwhile Chad had grabbed a kitchen cloth that he desperately and incapably maneuvered.

'I completely... forgot the... cookies!' He tried to speak, in between sniffling and coughing.

'It's fine.' Getting control over the smoke detector alarm, Tristan felt calmer when the room finally fell in silence. Except for a very sharp and familiar sound of Chad's hitching breath.

From the corner of his eye, Tristan witnessed an unforgettable sight.

The intensity of the build up may appeared as if it caught Chad off guard, wincing and all the while shaking his head, as if he was trying to disturb the itchininess in his nose by simple movements. Succumbed and  unprepared by the aggressive tickle attacking his nose and making his nostrils flare to the ultimate limits.

'..hhGNXsxh!!'schu-haWRSchu!!-EISCHgnxzh!!-ehRESCHngsch!!!' The first couple of sneezes met his lifted wrist.

'Bless you.'

'....ugh, hh hhhhh... hhhh... haWreaschu!! ASCHschew!!! T'schew!! EISCH!!!-Eiischschew!!!'

The sneezes came fast and vigorously out his nose and mouth, and Chad realized that the sneezes craved a total release and were beyond his control.

'...hhh, WRASCHschu!! ...ugh, God.... hhh, ASCHschew!!!!'

'Babe, go outside and get some air, I'll finish-'

'ahWreaschu!!! ...forgive me... hhh, hhhhh... uhd'RASXCHuu!!!!' He helplessly let the kitchen cloth be the substitute support of a tissue. Aiming each powerful sneezes into the soft fabric.

'Listen you do need to-'

'hhhHeASCHschew!!! Jesus.'

'Come here.' Grabbing Chad's arm, Tristan steered them outside the small garden and patio.

'...hhhh...yEeiischSCHOo!!! ...goodness sorry.'

Sitting down, Chad kept sneezing into the towel. In between the harshness and loudness, he excused himself compassionately.

'Bless you.'

Seated right next to him, Tristan affectionately tucked some of the loose hair that'd fallen behind Chad's ears.

'...hhhhh... WESCHschom!!'

''Bless you baby.'

'REAXSCHschuu!!! ...oh. Please excuse me..'.

'You're fine beautiful.'

'WREASCHschew!!!'

'Aw so harsh, bless you.'

'...thank you.... ugh, hhh... you really don't need to.... WRASCHscheo!!!! ugh, hhhh'uhhh'yEischschew!!!! ...oh. You don't really need to bless me after each time that I.... ugh, that I... hhhh-'

'I don't mind at all.'

'WRUASCHOOoo!!! Oh goodness heavens...'

'Bless you again.'

'...thank you. It's so sweet of you though, I do appreciate it.'

The delicate cloth never left Chad's face as he held it protectively against the lower part of his face the entire time. Sniffling into it like a huge tissue.

'You need all the blessings you can get with those sneezes.' Tristan let his lips brush over Chad's cheek quickly, seeing he started hitching once more.

'...hhhh, hhhhh... Ad'SCHschew!!!! ...God enough already.' He said with his voice muffled into the fabric.

'Bless you sweetie.'

'...thank you. Oh my...'

Tilting his head back, Chad breathed quietly behind the cloth, sometimes sniffling with a drippy sound. Tristan imagined the state of of Chad's nose behind the towel and he secretly wished he could remove it for a second, just for his own guilty pleasure.

'...my baby...'

Dissociating himself from the indecent thoughts, he let his fingers move in a tender motion at Chad's free hand.

'Forgive me. I'm a total mess...'

The word mess only enhanced what his mind plotted and he tried his best to dismiss the idea of Chad's poor condition.

'The sunlight's helpful.'

With a tender notion, he brushed away some strands of hair from Chad forehead.

'Thank you. I think you're right...'

The sniffles were incredibly moist. Tristan urged himself to ignore the sound, focusing fully on Chad's delicate position. Ignoring the tempting enticement and placing his focus taking care of Chad.

'....hhhh, ewReachschew!!!! ....oh bless me.'

'The smoke's almost cleared.'

Eager to distance himself from what he considered an erotic tension, Tristan needed to change the subject. Each rapturing sneeze clearly left an impact from within that he found, at least for the moment, improper.

'...oh finally. Then I can use the bathroom.'

'How are you feeling..?'

'I think my nose has calmed itself down for a while, thankfully...' Chad caught Tristan's eye with a look of embarrassment. 'I'm so sorry for sneezing so loudly.'

'I don't mind, I love....' Tristan hesitated. Suddenly realizing they were outside and any neighbour could hear them. '...you're great.'

'...heh, thanks.' Rubbing with the cloth over the nose, Tristan couldn't help but listen to any revealing sound.

'I think I'm ready to go inside.' Chad stood.

'Let me help you.'

'You're so heroic.'

'I aim to please.' Tristan smirked.

One hand rested at Chad's back, while the other steadied the towel against his face. It was after a little objection that Chad allowed him to carry it. Worried it might slip or in the worst case scenario, drop. But Tristan assured him that his grip was firm. But just holding the cloth was a new experience for him. It felt damp to the touch and warm from Chad's breath.

'How do you feel babe?' He asked as they stepped back into the kitchen.

'A little overwhelmed.' Chad sniffled behind the fabric, the tiny vibrations from his nose almost touchable. '...will you lead us into the bathroom? I must take care of this issue.' He gestured with a finger around his face.

'Of course sweetie.'

They approached the room slowly, Chad felt so small and precious within the support of Tristan.

'...Goodness.' He exhaled.

'What's wrong?'

Chad stopped in his tracks. His eyes narrowed. 'I'm going to sneeze again.' He spoke as a painful expression traced his eyes and the hitching sensation came over him instantly. His hand lifted by reflex and he held it there as his head titled back faintly.

'...hhhh, hhhhh... ..hhhh'WReschschew!!! ...

WRASCHscho!! ...hhhh, yhATSCHiieoo!!!'

Tristan followed his movements fluently as he bent over from the force.

'...so sorry, goodness... thank you.'

'For what..?'

'For everything.' Chad sniffled, composing himself with subdued motions. 'Goodness. I think I'll take it from here.' He placed his hand over the towel. 'I'd kiss you if I was able to.' The sweet words were all muffled as Chad went inside the bathroom.

All that Tristan could think of was a resolution to get rid of the tension in his muscles.

'I'll go for a run!' He decided.

'What was that?'

'I'll go for a run, be back in a bit!'

Chad and Tristan- The story continues part 9.

'...hhhha'NSCHh!!!-Ha'hhNNgh!!!'ugh...'

It was getting too problematic. The occasional sneezes that had first started in the Café had, without a doubt, escalated and turning Tristan into a sneezy mess.

'Oh my honey, bless you.'

Chad effortlessly blessed him. Each time with a heartfelt notion.

A gentle stroke met his back as he build up towards another raging culmination.

'Hat'GNnH!!!'uh... uh'NNxtschh!!!-hHutsch!!!'uh... ..fuck.' He groaned, wiping off his hands against the jeans fabric.

'I really wish you'd taken that antihistamine...' Chad repeated once more. The first and initial suggestion was spoken of in the car, after Tristan endured a fit of six sneezes.

The air conditioner had made matters so much worse and aggravated the terrible itchiness he already endured.

'I'll be fine in a couple of... heRTSZCH!!!

..ugh ..hours.'

'Bless you honey.' Gentle kisses met his cheek. 'Alright, I trust you know what's best.'

After they'd arrived home, he'd gone straight to the shower. Suspecting he might have contracted a weird aroma from the Café. But still, after all done, cleaned and clothed, the relentless itch still poked inside his nose like a torturing reminder.

Settling back into a sofa, Chad followed naturally and let his body nestle close to Tristan's; his head against his shoulder and an arm wrapped over his chest.

Tristan rubbed his nose briskly with a groan.

'Are you going to sneeze again?' Chad asked, looking up momentarily.

Tristan sniffled. '...most probably.'

'There's tissues right there.' He pointed vaguely and briefly at the box that was standing on the coffee table.

'I know gorgeous but I'll be... hhhh'trxsch!!!' As his body jerked forward, Chad tightened his grip around his waist. Hat'ktsch!!!'

'Bless you.'

'Yea thanks.' He sniffled with a finger sliding beneath the nose. 'It's the fucking herbs in the horrible tea they served at that place, I just know it. I mean, who knows that kind of spices they're using or puttning into those mixtures.'

''We should have been more cautious...' Chad added softly and Tristan sniffled heavily.

'Anyway,' He cleared his throat, reaching for the remote and turning the TV on. 'you don't really have to sit here with me while I'm waiting for this hellish fit to calm down. I mean it's Sunday, I bet you got better things to do.'

Chad frowned.

'Don't be silly. There's nothing I do rather do than to spend my time with you.'

'You talked about seeing Danny tonight in the car?'

'That was because he texted me. I can easily reply that I've had change of plans.'

'Isn't he going...' Tristan felt his eyes narrowing, unable to control the terrible itchiness in his nose. '... going to give you shit... uh hhh, fuck, sorry-' he inhaled sharply, turning his head to the side swiftly, 'hut'ktsxchu!-uh'hhrtach!!-hut'KNXThh!!!'ugh... fuck.'

'Bless you honey.'

Gentle touches met his forehead as Chad brushed away the fallen hair from his eyes.

'Isn't he going to have a problem with that?' Tristan finished the sentence, rubbing at the nose.

'He's used to me canceling plans at the last minute.' Chad admitted bashfully. 'And now when you're feeling a little under the weather I must be home and take care of you.'

'We've talked about this and I don't like it when you're using me as an excuse for not showing up.'

'I'm not using you, that's an unfair statement...' Chad started to say, undeniably upset from Tristan's choice of word. 'I'm telling the truth.'

'Okay not using as in using me, but fuck all that, I put myself to blame, okay.' Tristan issued with an intense sniffle which necessarily forced him to grab a couple of tissues.

'Why?' As Chad tucked a piece of hair behind his ear, Tristan detected a hint of tension in the stressful motions. 'It's my decision.' Chad softly added.

'Based upon what I'm doing or feeling right?' Tristan asked with one eyebrow raised.

'Not... definitely.'

'But very likely.'

Prompting himself up, Chad looked at him serious. 'If I'm sensing that you're feeling bad or having a rough day, I just want to make myself available to you.' The deep blue eyes gazed into his so intentily that Tristan almost looked away. 'is that really so bad?' He asked with a helpless notion.

'I get that absolutely, I feel the same way about you but-' The words failed him, observing the tears forming in Chad's eyes. 'please gorgeous, don't get upset we're just talking.' He reached over for his hand which rested at the thigh.

'I don't want to give you a bad conscious, just for...' Chad's voice trailed off as Tristan fumbled with the tissues with a pre-sneeze expression, 'Hat'GNnH!!' His head aimed and jerked downwards.

'Oh my, bless-'

'Hut'ktschh!!!'

'Goodness, bless you honey.'

Lovely caresses circled at Tristan back as Chad planted a kiss at the neck right below his earlobe. 'I don't want you to feel guilty just because I'm choosing you above all else.' He spoke affectionately.

'Yea, but...' Tristan glanced over, sniffling into the tissue. 'I wouldn't say that I feel bad about it sweetie, as in ruined my day, but I don't want to be the one who's making you avoiding seeing friends or going t-tohh...ugh, shit, hold on.' He hid his face quickly into both hands, 'Hat'schu!!! hetschu!!! ...hh'hhtrxsch!!!! ...uh'hrrtsch!!! Hut'RTsch!!!! ...ugh what the actual fuck...'

'Ohh...'

'Hut'ktsxchu!!!! ...damnit.' Wiping off his hands at his sweater, tender strokes with the tissues met his cheek and then moved over to his nose, brushing over it lightly as more kisses adorned his neck.

'Bless you. You'll feel better soon.' Chad said encouragingly, cuddling closer. The sharp itch still lingered in Tristan's nose and somehow he wished for that Chad had kept the tissues at his face, but instead, Chad settled right back into his chest, head resting right at his shoulder.

'Het'gnxtshhh!!!' He stifled another harsh sneeze between the lips, forward and uncovered.

'Bless you...' A wandering finger trailed over his sweater, finding a spot at his stomach where it lingered.

'It needs to stop.' He sniffled, about to grasp the tissues from Chad's fingers who responded by bringing the tissues to his nose.

'It'll be over soon.'  Comforting tenderly, Chad wiped with the softness over his reddened and flaring nostrils. 'Your body just needs to get it out of the system.' The sweet motion fullfilled the relentless tickle and Tristan allowed itself to build up without restraint.

'Hut'ktschh!!!' He snapped forward and Chad nearly caught it into the paper.

'Oh bless you..!' His voice a little surprised by the sudden reflex.

'Hat'gNatsxhu!!! Hut'schuu!!' Overwhelmed, yet kind of satisfied from liberating himself of demanding itchiness, Tristan exhaled with a groan.

'Can I get you anything?' The question was asked very softly as Chad removed the tissue from his face.

'I think... I think I'm good.'

He let his fingers slide over to Chad's chin which he titled in direction for a kiss at the full lips.

'You're so beautiful.'

'Again...' Chad murmured, treating himself to Tristan's lips once more.

Their noses bumped in an adoring manner and Chad's cheeks blossomed with a lovely light of pink.

'Your nose is so cute.'

The flattery effective as the tip of the nose  nudged itself playfully at Tristan's cheek. 'It loves your skin.' He timidly said, as one hand rested over Tristan's chest. A simple touch, but a gesture that Tristan's body responded to. As did his nose.

'I can believe it.' He expressed irritated, rubbing a hand over the now annoying obstacle.

'The allergy's still bothering you?'

He responded by nodding, squeezing his eyes together, pressing the nostrils together.

'It'll be okay.' The tender touch caressed over his chest as the sharp tickle grew stronger.

'Fuck it.' Sitting up more properly, Tristan pulled up the sweater and ducked his head inside it. 'Hat'GNnHhs!! ...Uh'gnnhs!!! ...ugh... hat'Kuschu!!! Hetschu!! ...hHhKTSCHUu!!!!'

'Bless you, aw honey...'

Caring and gentle connection traveled up his neck as he breathed with a wet sniffle.

'...I got some tissues for you.' Chad continued, kissing his cheek when he pulled down the sweater from his face.

'Thanks.' He blew his nose roughly.

'How does it feel? Better?'

As Tristan leaned back, Chad followed and cuddled closer.

'I guess.' He sniffled deeply.

A couple of days later, Chad experienced a troubling day at the office. Sitting at his desk, he rubbed with his knuckle beneath his nose, then reached for another tissue. Blowing it softly and discreetly as an unwilling pink hue swept over his cheekbones. The nose blow finished awkwardly, and he folded it neatly before putting it in the trashcan. He sniffled, wishing he didn’t have to blow his nose again, but it appeared to be a necessity. Mere seconds after disposing another tissue, the tickle prickled on sharply, giving him no time for control and he turned away from his desk. ‘hhh’ThxSCH!! …uh’K’itsch!!!-hh’ktSCHHisch!!!’oh…’ They came out tight and helpless. Someone across the room lifted their eyes, but no words were said.

The antihistamine he’d meant to take that morning remained on the kitchen table at home. Rushed and stressed, it’d slipped his mind entirely and he was now facing the extreme consequences. 

Gathering some stillness after the fit, his mind wandered off to the stroll he’d shared with Tristan just a couple of days earlier. It’d been such a vulnerable moment between them, and he felt immense gratefulness for the bestowed sentiments. Little by little, he was gaining Tristan’s complete trust. Knowing his hesitation for deep intimacy, Chad knew it’d taken a lot for him to put himself in that vulnerable position.

He sniffled with a scrunch at the nose, hoping it’d be enough in order for him to avoid rubbing it.

Overwhelmed by calculating and relentless sneezes, he’d struggled to keep a straight face between the harsh fits. Random people in the office blessed him accordingly, but as the morning progressed, even those thinned out. Not much thought were put into them anyway he thought, the blessings were mainly casual and automatic.

Chad sniffled moistly and lifted the tissue to his twitching nose. Tristan would have said it differently, he determined reflectively, ambushed by an incredible sense of longing. Wishing Tristan was there to comfort him through each and every reckless sneeze. With Tristan, he didn’t need to explain it – he could just be.

He muffled a frustrated sniffle into the tissue that he hitched into, fighting off another tickle that seemed to build without any effort.

It was an hour away until lunch, so until then, he just had to endure.

He tried to focus on the spreadsheet in front of him, his nose under a constant pressure of itchiness. He hitched again silently, trying not to draw any attention to himself.

‘…hhh’gNNitsch!!!’ He shifted slightly in the chair, burying the sound into the tissue, when another hitch quickly caught up with him. ‘…uh’kTXSCHschoo!!! …’ The sharpness of the sneeze slipped out and he felt it echoing in the office.

‘Gesundheit Chad!’ A co-worker offered across the room.

‘Thank you.’ He responded quietly, his voice slightly muffled. An instant flush embedded his cheeks and he closed the pink and flaring nostrils with his fingertips. ‘…ugh…’ His eyes watered as he tried to squeeze out the stubborn tickle from his sensitive nose. Sniffling wetly, he felt his eyes narrowing, shoulders tensing as a deep hitch forced itself out and parted his lips.

‘….hhh… hhh, hhh… huh’Gnnxh!!!’uh-Gschh!!-hih’trexSCHh!!!-hhEsxcchh!!!shueh… …ugh, uh, hhhh… … snfs… goodness, bless me.’ He murmured to himself and his chair creaked as he settled back again. Dabbing at his nose with a new tissue, his gaze drifted towards the window. A breeze stirred the leaves above and his eyes followed the movement of the swaying trees, the gentleness of greenery, filled with thick… pollinate… air… Chad stiffened slightly, blinking. The familiar itch crept in, making his brows knitting with a lingering discomfort, his pink nose scrunching as he fought the relentless tickle. Fluttering his eyes closed, his lips parted for air.  

‘…uh’KTSCHshueh!!!-TscCHHuh!!!-gNNischeh!!!- he’WRESCHH!!!!-gnhhhuu… uh, hhhh, hhhh…. he’iisSCHHhshueh!!!… good grief.’ The breathy, partly half-stifled sneezes folded him forward before he could muffle them completely.

Reaching for a couple of fresh tissues, he frantically moved with the soft material beneath the now visibly twitching nose and a raw sound escaped the leaking nostrils, despite his greatest efforts to keep them contained. He covered his nose with a new tissue, pressing it over the nostrils. He sighed tiredly, stressed over the fact that his desk was piling up with the used paper balls. Reflecting over if he should reach out to Tristan, he then decided not to, figuring he might be busy.

After lunchtime, the required meds had finally been bought for and swallowed and Chad could relax for a bit, but the aftermath of the earlier attack still lingered and his eyelashes remained damp for the rest of the afternoon. He still sneezed, but not as frequent and able to stifle them softly into tissues, the crook of his arm or into his shoulder if his hands were busy.

Coming home felt like a blessing, and he removed the jacket on the usual hanger and padded into living room only to find Tristan. The lovely sight almost caused him to choke up. Not only for seeing the love he’d missed so much, but also from exhaustion and a rising head ache.

‘I got your text.’ Tristan said as he got up and put his arms around him. His amazing scent still finding Chad’s congested nostrils. ‘How are you?’

‘…a little stuffed up.’

‘You look miserable.’

‘I do? I mean..' He blinked. 'I know.’

‘Miserable in a cute way. ‘ Tender and loving kisses met his cheek. ‘We should get you into bed.’

‘I must…’ Chad paused to sniffle thickly. ‘…take a shower.’

‘That’s a good idea. It’ll clear your sinuses.’

He’d just slipped out from the bathroom in a cozy outfit and bundled up for the evening when he felt it. Starting weirdly in his throat, then prickling with a sharp building sensation inside his nose.

He sniffled, trying to ignore it and started to dry off his hair with a towel, when his motions stalled. He breathed through his mouth, eyes fluttering close, the tension capturing his rounded flaring nostrils.

‘…hhh, hhhh…. hih’ktsch!!-hhEschschew!! …hhhh…. uhh’ESCHschew!!!-ASCHshhuh!!!’ Chad bent forward a little more with each one, using the towel, trying to muffle the relentlessness of the fit. ‘…hhh, hhh… snnfs…. hhh… eh’gnnxh!!-heGNNxkhh!!-wuh’KNghh!!!’oh… ugh, I can’t believe, I uh… …hhh, hhh… wRASCHshueuuh!!!! …hhre’dASCHschew!!!! …hhhhhh…! hhAESCHscheeoh!!!!’

‘Bless you my gorgeous.’

Chad looked over and Tristan was standing right by him, handing over a tissue.

‘…oh…’ Surprised to see him so close, he fidgeted with the towel, making sure he didn’t make too much of a mess, before accepting Tristan’s sweet gesture. ‘…thank you so much.’ He softly dabbed at the nose with it. ‘...I don’t feel particularly attractive right now.’ He murmured.

‘You’re always stunning.’ Another tender moment of sweetness brushed over his cheek. The act almost made him blush. ‘You okay?’

Before he could answer, Chad tensed again, nostrils flaring, eyes fluttering half-shut and his breath wavering.

‘Do you want me to bless you again?’

Chad nodded softly, eyes squeezing tightly shut and head tilting as he braced himself.

‘Bless you sweetie.’ Tristan worded warmly, as the sneezes started to burst out once more.

‘…hhhESCHschew!!!-uhASChschew!!! …hhh, hhh…. he’gESChschuh!!!-WRESCHsheooh!!!!-WREASCHscheuh!!!-rrESCHschew!!! ...'

The fit shook right through him, and this time he let each one out fully, his shoulder sometimes bumping into Tristan and cradling his nose into the tissues he’d been given so sweetly.

A while later they were cuddled up in bed. Chad rested with his head against Tristan’s shoulder, pink around the nose and notable congestion in his breath.

‘That was quite an attack…’ Tristan said reflectively, his fingers sliding through Chad’s hair.

‘…I know, I’m sorry…’ Chad paused with a remorseful expression. ‘I’m very relieved to be sneezing at home though. I’d been mortified if I’d experienced such a powerful attack in the office.’

‘Cleared your nose a little though, didn’t it?’

‘Very much so.’ Chad sniffled and stirred in the bed, nuzzling his nose into Tristan’s shoulder. ‘The blessing helped, too.’ He said with a hint of shyness.

‘I’ll give you as many bless you’s as you need.’

Chad hid his face deeper into the security of Tristan’s warmth.  ‘You always know what to say…’

‘That’s a lie.’ Tristan chuckled as Chad shifted gently to face him.

‘I really wish you’d been with me at the office today.’

The seriousness in his voice made Tristan glance over. ‘Yea... about that?’

‘Well…’ Chad leaned back against Tristan. ‘…you already know I forgot all about the meds this morning, so clumsy, I know, but during the sneezing and all that... I….’ Chad hesitated, almost unsure of what to say. ‘I don’t know, I kind of felt… alone. It was weird. I kept sneezing in a delicate position and you weren’t there.’

‘I'm sorry babe.’

‘Don’t be… I know it sounds absurd. I’m sorry.’ He sniffled again, the sound tinged with congestion.

‘I think you just wanted to be cared for, nothing weird about that.’

Chad’s eyes watered and he sniffled sharply. ‘…see,’ He said with a pause, dabbing with the tissue at the slightly runny nose, ‘you always know what to say.’

‘You’re the only one who’d assert that.’ Kind of amused by the conversation Tristan leaned closer, his finger tucking some of the fallen strands behind Chad’s ear. The gentle touches relaxed Chad further and he let his eyes linger on the window. It was raining outside and he watched the silvery trails.

‘…you know, it’s probably a good thing I wasn’t there…’

Chad responded to Tristan’s voice, his clutched hand with the crumbled tissue finding Tristan’s chest and resting it there. ‘Why is that..?’ He asked carefully, afraid his voice might disturb the calmness between them.

‘I’d eaten you up.’

A gentle chuckle bubbled out from Tristan.

‘You’re naughty.’ Chad nudged his arm playfully, while still keeping the closeness intact.

‘Just sayin’ the truth.’

More tender kisses met Chad’s hair which sent heavenly butterflies to his stomach. He exhaled, nose stuffed up. ‘I love you so much.’

After the emotional discomfort, they enjoyed a nice and quiet dinner together. Chad didn’t say much and he mostly seemed lost in thought as Tristan chatted on, reciting stories with his friends that often ended up in crazy situations when he was younger.

Afterwards they occupied themselves in the living room. The TV was on but none of them were actually watching it. Chad changed position and placed his head in Tristan’s lap. He sniffled and he’d begun to breathe through his mouth, the nose still stuffy from the earlier sneeze attack. He touched at it from time to time, which Tristan couldn’t evade from seeing. Aside from observing the erotic movements, Tristan felt calmer. He liked the feeling of Chad’s body so close to his, and the hand resting ever so often at his thigh. His soothing energy that floated into his soul. Total protection from the agonizing memories that normally would blend itself into Tristan’s everyday life and stay there like a smudge that couldn’t be removed, no matter how hard you tried.

He let his fingers slide through the softness of Chad’s hair, adrift in thought. He wanted to open up to Chad and be able to share his past in detail, even if he knew it couldn’t be done all at once. It felt easier to talk when Chad’s attention directed elsewhere. Those huge blue eyes were piercing into his soul and made him nervous. It wasn’t judgmental, but somehow he felt that the gaze carried critical emotions, too examining and picking him a part – even though Chad had never given him any reason to doubt his genuinity or kindness.

‘Listen, uh…’ He began, moving a little on the couch, not wanting for Chad to shift and for their eyes to connect.

‘Mm?’

At once, Chad attentiveness lit up, ready to accommodate to Tristan’s needs.

‘About Wade, and all that…’

‘M’hm?’

‘…uh it wasn’t just that he decided to shove that stuff into my face, it was how he said it.’

‘...what did he say?’ Chad was about to sit up, but Tristan held him down by keeping a steady arm over his waist.

‘He pretty much wanted to discuss every horrible aspect of what we went through. Which is so much easier for him, since he didn’t get it half as bad as I did.’

‘You mean..?’

‘With the beatings and violence.’

Chad flinched as he said it and he noticed a hurtful notion capturing his eyes.

‘So I just find it so fucking selfish.’

‘…yes. I would have felt that, too.’ Chad responded quietly.

‘I don’t care if he wants to go through some kind of fucked up self-indulgence of memories. He can do that on his own, it ain’t my problem.’

‘…exactly.’ Chad removed the weight of Tristan’s arm and sat up. ‘You need to do what’s best for you, regardless of Wade’s feelings.’

Sweet and doting tenderness brushed against his skin as Chad touched him in the kind of manner that gave him goose bumps. He shivered.

The discomforting subject had taken him into an emotional barrier that he hadn’t foreseen. The gates were wide open and in that moment, Tristan understood the source of obstacle that needed to be removed in order for him to move forward.

‘Do you think I’ll ever be able to forgive my dad?’ The question had crossed his mind so many times and as it poured out, the tears that he’d fought so hard to keep down came through with it.

‘Oh Tristan…’

Fulfilled by a devoted warming embrace, more tears followed and streamed down Tristan’s cheeks. He sniffled, but the sudden wetness in his nose induced the feeling of accidentally inhaling water and triggered itself into a burning, itching point, overwhelming the inside of it.

He continued to weep into the arms of the one true love he’d ever felt but at the same time, the stingy poke in the nose grew stronger and he knew he had no choice but to sneeze and let it out.

‘…ugh.’ He sniffled strongly, then turned his head to the side of Chad’s shoulder. ‘….uhh’kNNxhh!!’uh…’ The stifled sneeze came over him harshly.

‘Bless you.’ Chad responded with a murmur.

Tristan moved again, facing downwards, against Chad’s collarbone. ‘…kNNtschhh!!!’uuugh…’

‘Bless you.’

Loving and tender lips nestled into his hair as he sniffled. Droplets kept falling from his eyes and he needed to rub his nose but couldn’t find the strength to care. ‘…hat’KNnxx!!!’uhh… hhhhh, hut’tSXCH!!!!’uggh…’

‘…oh my, bless you, it’s okay.’

‘….hat’gnNNtsch!!!!’uh…’ He sighed, then inhaled, building up towards another outburst. ‘…hut’uxSCH!!! …ha’KNNxtsch!!!’uuuuhhh…’

The nose began to drip and he wiped it off with the back of his hand, sniffling with a deep liquid sound. Delicate notions circulated his neck when the poking, itching sensation buzzed right back in his nose.

‘….huu’GNNkTSCH!!!!’uuh…’ He lashed forward, instinctively holding Chad harder.

‘Bless you so much.’

‘….hut’kNNNxhh!!!!uh… KNNxxhh!!!’ughhh… hhhh, hat’SCHHhuuoo!!!’

‘My goodness, honey... bless you.'

Chad spoke so tenderly and didn’t seem to mind the moistness that Tristan had unintentionally inflicted over his sweater. Sniffling repeatedly, Tristan separated himself from Chad and avoided eye contact. ‘I need a tissue.’ He stated with a groan, sniveling and using his other hand to remove the some of the tears from his face.

‘I’ll go and get some.’

Before leaving, Chad made sure he helped Tristan and pulled up the same sweater to wipe off his chin and jawline. When returning and placing the tissues in Tristan’s lap, he resumed to stroke him gently with the tissues over his cheek and nose.

‘Everything will be okay.’ He ensured, caressing the soft paper in detailed approach.

‘Maybe.’ Tristan exhaled with a stuffed up nose. ‘Sorry for sneezing so much.’

‘I don’t mind.’ Chad replied, his voice just as soft as the gentle caresses. ‘I think your body used the need to sneeze as a form of liberation, to release some of the tension it’d been carrying.’

‘I guess you can see it that way.’ Tristan covered his nose with a new tissue and blew it sharply.

‘How do you feel..?’ With a sudden look of shyness, Chad suddenly blushed, tucking away some loose hair behind his ear.

‘…fuck, I don’t know.’ Chuckling awkwardly, Tristan turned the paper into a crumbled ball.

‘Can I get you anything..?’

‘No. I’m fine, just… stay here.’ Tristan glanced at Chad with an unsteady plead. ‘…with me, today? …okay?’

‘Of course.’

The angle for this chapter was suggested by @1dwaekki and I like the way that scenario can be formed - it can go in every direction possible. 🤗

Chad and Tristan – Part 12

They were lying in bed. After attending a cocktail party earlier that evening, Tristan felt a little tipsy and the room spun lightly. Chad, designated driver and sober, dozed off quietly. Breathing slowly from his nose. His nose stuffed up from the allergy attack at the event. The different fragrances of strong perfumes had inevitably taken a toll on him, leading him into several and intense sneezing fits.

‘Chad..? You awake?’ Tristan asked into the darkness.

‘Mm…’

Shifting in bed, Tristan let his eyes rest over Chad’s profile. Admiring the beautiful lips and the rounded nostrils over the perfectly shaped nose. A vision he could gaze at forever.

‘…what, honey?’ Chad spoke sleepily.

‘I was thinking ‘bout what you said at the party. When you had that… uh sneezing fit… fits?’

‘M’hm..?’

‘You said that uhm… those sort of fits were kind of wearing you out?’

‘…yes, very true.’

‘…and that uh… your sneezes sometimes causes you some type of pain?’

‘Did I say that..?’

‘Indirectly, I guess… but, is that true?’

‘…well, yea, sometimes.’ He sniffled thickly. ‘…it depends.’

‘On what?’

‘On…’ He exhaled, then sniffled again but sharper. ‘…on how powerful the sneezes are. And the amount, I’d say.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me earlier?’

‘I don’t-uh… listen, honey. I’m really trying to sleep.’

‘I’m just curious.’

‘I’m not sure why I haven’t told you. It’s not like it’s hurting me on a deeper level. It’s just uncomfortable sometimes.’

‘Alright… wish you’d told me sooner though.’

‘…yea.’ Chad moved in the bed, with his back turned. Tristan rolled his eyes. He’d liked to enjoy Chad’s nose just a little while longer. Instead he listened to the sounds of the stuffed up sniffles. ‘I’m really tired. We’ll talk about it in the morning, okay honey?’

‘Yea. Sure.’

But Tristan couldn’t sleep. He was still in a buzz and it took a few more for hours for him to finally reach slumber.

‘…uh’Wreschoo!!!’

Chad doubled over in the passenger seat. Frantically keeping a tissue over the nose, rubbing it over the tensed nostrils.

Spring had reached full potential, and flowers were in full bloom, spreading seasonal pollen everywhere.

‘…hhhh… are we… hhhh…’ Chad didn’t hide the fact that he was struggling. Or perhaps the attack was exhausting him to a certain extent. Barely able to form a complete sentence before the next sneeze snuck up upon him.

‘….hhhhhh… SCHIESCHscho!!!! Goodness.’

He pinched the affected nose, closing it and massaging it gently.

‘Aw bless you.’ By a loving touch, Tristan brushed the hair out of Chad’s face. ‘…my baby.’ He cooed. ‘It’s really getting to you, isn’t it?’

Chad nodded, with his mouth half opened, eyes already closed.

‘…ha’Gnghxhh!!!-WEISCHhhhgnnh!! uhhh… eh’Gniizsch!!-gnnxth!!-…hhhh… K’tischooo!!!!’

The harsh fit sloppily caught into the tissues.

Tears were streaming down Chad’s face and Tristan wiped them off with delicate care. ‘I feel really bad for you. Have you taken the meds?’

Again, Chad nodded with a helpless and hitching breath. Openly allowing the next sneezes to build and take over.

‘…hhhh… they hav’haven’thhh…. hhh…. yASCHSCHEW!!!! Jesus.’

He pulled out a couple of more tissues from the package. ‘…goodness… excuse me.’ His conduct revealed a stressful notion, wiping with the tissue around his vulnerable nose. ‘…the meds haven’t kicked in yet.’ The loosely buttoned shirt fell down from his wrists as his hands were raised up to his face for a quick cover. ‘….hhhh’yEISCHh’gnxt!!!’uh… eh’GNTXsch!!!!’ The desperation of suppressing the sneezes showed itself into a repercussion as Chad’s body trembled from the effort.

‘Gorgeous be careful.’

Chad gave Tristan a glance, exposing the redness within the eyes.

‘I do my best.’ He managed to utter as Tristan kissed the wet cheek.

‘That looked painful though.’

Chad sniffled wetly into the damp tissue. ‘…kinda’.’

‘Then why are you stifling your sneezes like that?’

‘I’ve always stifled my sneezes, you know that. And especially…. uh, hhhh… when I’m… hhhh… or we’re-ugh goodness-pardon….’ Chad unfolded the tissue quickly, ‘…hhh’heASCHHHschew!!!! …oh… Outside. Forgive me.’ He wiped with the paper over the nose, giving Tristan another swift glance.

The harsh sneeze had burst out so violently that a few droplets slipped out and met Tristan’s knee. ‘So sorry.’ Chad excused himself again, the tissue stroking beneath the trembling nostrils. 

‘Bless you..!’

Tristan parked them right by Chad’s office.

‘I can’t let you go to work like this, you’re in a terrible state.’

‘I’m just a little sneezy.’ Chad waved off the issue and brushed with a finger under the flaring nostrils. ‘…I’ll be okay.’

‘A little? What do you consider to be ‘a little’?’

‘I’ll be fine, honest…’ His breath hitched helplessly, keeping the crumbled tissue over his lips as his eyes fluttered shut. ‘…ah’WRESCH’schew!!!!…ugh.’

‘Chad, babe... you need to get that under control before you can go anywhere. I’m actually forbidding you to leave this car until you’re better.’

The car doors were demonstratively locked.

‘Honey, you can’t… that can take ages and by then I’ll be late.’ The tissue moved over the red nostrils. ‘You’ll be late, too.’

‘I’m taking my chances…’

Tristan’s voice trailed off. Watching the desperate motion over the flaring and twitching nostrils drove him crazy from within.

The sniffling pattern proven to be wet and liquid whenever Chad experienced allergies, and when subjected to them and after doing it so constantly, it didn’t take long for Chad to unintentionally start sighing after each one. It wasn’t loud or annoyed type of sigh – just a soft and tired reminder of the strength the conduct required.

Chad began to eye Tristan with skepticism.

‘What’s wrong?’

Tristan’s gaze flickered. ‘What do you mean? Besides you being sexy as hell?’ He put his hands on the steering wheel.

‘I’m not sexy.’ Chad sniffled with the routine sigh. ‘I really must go now.’

‘No.’ Tristan put a hand on Chad’s thigh, urging him to stay. ‘Please. Nothing is more important than health.’

‘… there’s… ugh…’ Chad’s eyes narrowed and with his nostrils flaring widely he cupped a hand over his mouth. ‘eh’GNnisch!!!-hh’iisch!!!-yEiSCH’gnhh!! ...schooo. Goodness heavens.’

‘Aw gorgeous, please stop with the stifling, you’ll eventually hurt yourself.’ He spoke humbly, gently stroking Chad’s hair.

‘I’m… uh.’ Chad sniffled strongly into the tissue. ‘I’m fine.’

‘Babe… listen to me, just for once?’

‘Okay okay I’ll stay, I don’t wanna argue.’ Chad replied defeated with a strained motion, visibly shaken by the lack of control the sneezes subjected him to. ‘But you owe me. I’ll be missing work and being punctual is very important to me and you know that.’

‘I really don’t think I owe you something for caring for your well-being…’ Tristan lifted a brow.

‘So you want me to go?’

‘No.’ Tristan smirked. His fingers reaching for Chad’s neck and he brought them together and let his lips grace against Chad’s. ‘You’re being stubborn today.’ He whispered.

‘Some things are important to me.’

‘Like..?’ Tristan kissed him again.

‘Like… eh, hhhhh…’

Chad’s breath shuddered at the touch of Tristan’s skin and it left him shivering too, but from obvious and entirely different reasons.

‘…excuhh-‘ Chad turned his head away from Tristan just in time. ‘…ghhischo!!!-yESCH’gnxx!!!-nGnnhx!!! ….hhhh… gUH’ischoo!!!’

Tristan rapidly fetched another tissue and tenderly placed it over Chad’s lips.

‘…uh’WREASCHschooom!!!!’ Chad snapped forward and unrestrained into it.  ‘…hhhh, hhhh…. weh’ASCHschewmm!!! …ugh… oh my… Thank you so much.’

‘Wow… bless you. That was… that entire attack was fucking amazing I’m not gonna lie.’

Tristan spoke mesmerized, observing Chad accepting the tissue and wiping off the runny nostrils.

‘Oh...’ A pink hue found Chad’s cheekbones. ‘…thank you …I’m glad.’ Whilst timidly pressing the wrinkly tissue at the upper lip, he sniffled repeatedly. ‘…I sometimes can’t believe that I can do something so involuntarily and that excites you.’

‘Really?’

‘It sometimes feels like a gift.’ He shyly admitted.

‘A arousing gift.’ Tristan chuckled, feeling surprised by the endearing confession.

‘Yea. I suppose.’ Chad leaned over and kissed Tristan’s cheek.

About ten minutes later, Chad’s sneezing fit decreased and so did his temper and he relaxed in Tristan’s presence. And just shortly thereafter he was ready to face work.

‘You seem so much better.’

‘Thank you. I feel better.’ Chad sniffled. The nose still clogged up, but his eyes clearly brighter.

‘I’m very happy about that.’ Tristan smiled, then leaned over to kiss the beautiful lips once more. ‘Have a great day at work.’

‘Thank you. You too.’ Chad was about to open the car door when he came to a full stop. ‘Tristan..? The door?’

‘Oh, right, right.’ Tristan cheekily unlocked them.

‘You’re so silly.’ Stepping out of the car, Chad shook his head with a smile.

‘Hey, if they complain, just blame it on me.’

The visit to the House of butterflies had been an unplanned and hasty idea by Chad who insisted they book the tickets the very same day. Although fascinated and inspired by plants, seeds, flowers and everything in between, Chad also understood the precaution the visit required.

'You sure you've taken the antihistamine?' Tristan asked again as they were standing in line to go inside.

'Yes honey I'm all set.' Chad said with reassurance for the third time that day.

Somewhat humoured by the repetitive inquiry, he also loved the care it provided.

'Gosh this is beautiful...' Chad voiced in awe as they entered the huge area and Tristan fully agreed.

A huge and shimmering light bulb enriched the huge ceiling, creating the vision of a glowing sun in the middle of a hot summer's day. The vizualization so incredible that they almost forgot it was dark and muddy outside the pretended sphere.

The air hit them differently, too. Thick humidity came at them like an invisible wall. The sweater clung to Tristan's skin and he felt like removing it, but figured it'd look a little obscene if he walked around half naked. He chuckled to himself at the thought, making Chad cast a glance in his direction.

'...what's so funny?' He asked with that special smile of his. When the corners of his lips expressed a sense of wonder with a curious delight.

'Nothing gorgeous.' He let an arm slide around his loved one's waist. '...seen any butterflies recently?'

'Nooooo... but the plants are heavenly.'

It blossomed everywhere in dynamic groups of colours at the sides of the thin path that trailed them forward.

'Gosh it's kind of warm though, isn't it?'

Tristan chuckled, amused by their common opinion.

'...it's so humid, too.'

'Yea, you'd think they'd be professional enough to put on the air condition or something.' Tristan said with a wink, pleased by Chad's amused expression.

'...there's so much pollen though, I practically see it floating around... plentiful more than what I expected.' He unsurely started to touch at sides of his nostrils when he drew in a gentle sniff. The sound incredibly wet for being a first, and Tristan snapped it up like some form of instinct.

'Oh, wait.' Chad pointed with his slender finger at the branch of a middle sized tree. Underneath flew a red butterfly in a whimsical rhythmic. 'There's one, over there..!'

But Tristan looked elsewhere. As Chad's head titled back, he couldn't help but divert his eyes at the intensively flaring nostrils at his lover's nose.

'Do you see it?' Chad moved and inclined his head in Tristan's direction.

'Uhm... yea.'

Chad's lips parted, about to say something more when a sudden tension came over him. 'I can't believeehhh... ... ugh, I think I'm going to sneeze.'

'It's alright babe.'

'But it's so... hhh, hhhh... eh'gnnnhsch'x!!!!'oh... Jesus.' The suppressed wetness aimed hastily at the wrist. '...excuse me. It's so quiet.'

'It's okay.'

The first sneeze was just the ignite of the building attack. Chad's blue eyes squinted with a deep focus, the vulnerable nose twitched, the rounded nostrils flaring to the widest extent. '...uh, hhhh...' Clasping both hands over his face, Chad stepped back as if the movement would protect him from further embarrassment. '...hhhhh, .... eh'gnzx!!-gnzzxch!!-gddn'usch!! ...ugh, ah'Gmxsch!!-uh, hh, hhhh... eh'Esch'gnz!!!! ...uh, hhhh... Gnnesxch!!!!-ESCH'GNxsh!!'scho... oh my goodness.'

'Baby, are you okay?'

Lowering the hands from his face, Chad exposed the blush covering his cheeks. His ocean eyes watered and the luscious skin at the nose already in the prominent colour pink.

'Didn't you take the meds?'

Chad appeared a little offended by the question.

'Yes, I did... I've told you so many times.' Fingers touched at the nose repeatedly. '...but I think there's... too much...' The expression blanked out with his hand cupping over the mouth. '...uh'GNnesch!!!-eeEsch!!eh'GNuxtsch!!!'tschooo... heavens me.'

All Tristan could do was watch. But as Chad made eye contact after the fit, Tristan looked down. He didn't want to come off as intrusive, as he felt kind of bad for enjoying Chad's misery.

'...maybe we should leave before it gets any worse?' He said with a guilty notion.

Chad sniffled when a reflective shadow swept over him. '...I'm okay, let's give it another thirty minutes and I'm done.' He decided.

'Alright.'

'God it's so hot.'

It was a little out of character to see Chad unbuttoned the shirt in a frantical manner, then shyly removing it. Beneath exposed a dark green t-shirt and Tristan admired Chad's slender arms with the faint hairs in the false sunlight.

The slower pace came to a full halt. An eldery couple were keeping the line from moving, staring at some white petal flowers with huge green leaves.

Chad never stopped sneezing. He'd stifle a triple, aiming it into the crook of his naked arm, leaving a moist spot that he'd wipe off, using his shirt with an embarrassed tendency. Watching it all play out and without the possibility to indulge and unable to control his own urges, Tristan's patience was wearing thin.

'The blue butterflies. Do you see them?' Chad asked softly then inhaled wetly through the nose. With his hand preoccupied, rubbing out the irritation from the reddened nostrils.

'Uhm... yea.' Tristan mumbled. Fed up with butterflies as well as the heat, all he could think about was to drag Chad somewhere private so he could push his body against him, all the while imagining Chad,  unprepared by his aggressive boldness, would sneeze and sneeze, harshly and uncovered and-'

'Tristan?'

'Uhh. W-what?' He stammered and his eyes darted in Chad's direction as if he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

'The butterfly...?' He smiled carefully while tucking some of his silky brown hair behind his ear. '...uhm... what's wrong..?'

'Nothing.' The brows lightly lifted in a guilty fashion.

'You look a little flustered..?'

'I do?' He put his hands within the jeans pockets. 'That's fucking weird.'

'You sure everything's okay?'

'Quite sure gorgeous.' Casually, he let an arm slide around Chad's shoulder and kissed his cheek.

'Is there something I said?'

'Maybe it's more of what you're doing...' Tristan confessed.

'What am I doing?' Chad looked confused.

'We can talk about that later.' Another kiss brushed against Chad's cheek.

They'd taken a shortcut and had reached the end of the first trail which gladdened Tristan. Chad, however, was in a complete allergic mess. The meds were ineffective and wearing off under such circumstances and he was now experiencing the aftermath. His eyes were as red as the nose and the once liquid sniffles had turned into a thick blockade.

'Tsch!! EhGnmsxh!! EISCH'gnxx!!!' Chad lunched forward as so many times before and caught the sneezes into the thin fabric that he'd carried so gently.

'Fuck babe, you shouldn't hold those sneezes in, they're way too strong.'

'...goodness.' Chad uttered muffled. 'I know but I don't wanna be loud, then I'd rather.... uh... hhhh, hhh... GNH'XTSCH!!!'schoo...' He doubled over. '...ugh, oh... sorry. Then I'd rather try to stifle the sneezes completely.'

'You're not doing that though. They sound really rough to be honest.'

Chad sniffled into the shirt when a disappointed look came over him.

'I do..?'

'I don't want you to hurt yourself...' Unable to keep his hands to himself, Tristan let his fingers travel over to Chad's lower back.

'I know... you're looking out for me.'

'You're probably sneezing so much from the pollen. So in the way you're sneezing, you're not releasing anything that wants out.'

'But I... ugh, hhhh-'

Chad's eyes narrowed with an helpless expression. The lower lip quivered, his lips parted and his breath grew stronger as he hid the lower part of his face into the sheer fabric. '

..uh'Wresch'gnnh!! GNNHtsch!!! ...uh'Wreschom!!! ...hhhhh, hhhh... uh'EISCH!! ...oh.... hhhhhh... yEIISCHSCHoom!!!!'

Chad sneezed uncontrollably, desperate to contain the violent outbursts.

'Aw babe.'

Chad turned away from Tristan and started to blow his nose into the shirt. '...I'm so sorry...' He excused himself with a fragile whisper. 'I have no choice.'

Tristan wanted to put his arms around him in a loving embrace, but understood Chad's need for space in such delicate position.

'....okay, I'm done.' Chad expressed tiredly when facing Tristan. 'I'm very sorry.' The voice revealed a tremble. 'I'm disgusting.'

'Stop the shit talk.'

'I forgot the tissues.' Chad carried on, explaining what'd caused what he considered an accident.

'I don't care. I'm just glad we're leaving this place.'

'Really?' Chad sniffled again.

'I've had enough of butterflies for one day.'

They were walking outside the main building when Chad began to sneeze once more. They were practically by themselves, so Chad let them out freely and downwards, bumping his shoulder into Tristan as the sneezes released themselves one after another.

'...uh'wESCHo!!!-scHESCHschew!!! ....uh'WRASCHschiio!!!' He almost staggered from the violent force.

'Aw bless you, let them out gorgeous.'

'Goodness, thank you... sorry. The fresh air's really helpful though.'

The congestion seemed to loosen and Chad's eyes were recovering.

'We should have left sooner.' Tristan noted.

'I blame myself. I should have brought tissues. Then I would have been okay.'

They walked together in silence for a while.

'Do you find it hard to stifle your sneezes?' Tristan asked, looking down at his sneakers and observing the sound they made from the gravel against the pavement.

Chad pondered for a moment. '...yes. I think it's getting harder as the sneezes grow increasingly stronger.'

'Must be quite difficult for you.' Tristan glanced over at Chad who'd begun to sniffle more frequently since the congestion let up.

'...sometimes, but it's not that bad. I'm sort of used to it by now.' He cleared his throat in a timid manner. '...besides, you got allergies too. Don't you find it hard?'

'Not really. I mean, I don't care about my sneezes.'

'But you care about mine.' Chad said but his voice couldn't escape the underlying question.

'Nuts about them.' Tristan nudged his waist.

'I just hope you enjoy them...' Chad's cheeks couldn't hid the effect from the compliment.

'I'm insanely attracted to them. And you.'

Chad blushed harder and Tristan reached for his hand and let their fingers interlace together.