#zipoc

The air in the coffee shop was heavy with the scent of butter and cinnamon, mingling with the faint tint of freshly ground espresso. Sunlight streamed through the wide front windows, warming the wooden counters and casting golden light across trays of croissants waiting for an egg wash. Adian wiped a bit of flour from his cheek, his apron already streaked with evidence of the morning's efforts. Summer had announced itself with a symphony of birds just before dawn, and now it crept in through the open window, carrying the smell of blooming jasmine and the distant hum of a lawnmower.

the bell over the shop door jingled, Adian barely glanced up from kneading a soft ball of dough on the counter. His arms moved methodically, pressing and folding, but his normally rosy cheeks were a little too flushed, and a faint sniffle escaped every now and then.

“Adian,” a familiar voice called, tinged with surprise and concern. He looked up to see Zip standing there, his workout bag slung over one shoulder and his brow furrowed.

“Oh, hey, Zip,” he said, his voice scratchy but cheerful. He wiped his flour-dusted hands on his apron and attempted to smile, but it didn’t quite reach his tired eyes before duckinginto his apron and sneezing.

“Uh’dssSSCCH … hehh heh! HhHUh’dssSSCCHhhuhw!!”

“You sound awful,” Zip said bluntly, crossing the room to stand beside him. “Are you sick? You shouldn’t be here if you are!”

“It’s nothing,” Adian replied, waving a dismissive hand. “Just a little cold. I’m fine, really. I have too much to do—besides, the pastries won’t bake themselves.” He punctuated the sentence with a weak chuckle and immediately turned back to his dough, ignoring the way Zip’s frown deepened.

He folded his arms, watching him closely as he worked. “Adian, you’re burning the candle at both ends. You’re pale, your voice sounds like sandpaper, and—no offense—you look like you might fall over any second. Should you even be touching food right now?”

“That’s why I wear gloves,” he quipped, slipping a laugh into his words.

Zip sighed, grabbing a stool and planting himself firmly beside the counter. “You’re impossible, you know that?” He reached out and pressed the back of his hand to his forehead before he could dodge him. “Yep. You’ve got a fever. That’s it, you’re done. Take a seat, and I’ll finish up here.”

“You? Bake?” Adian said with a soft snort, though it quickly turned into a cough. “You can’t even make toast without setting off the smoke alarm.”

“Okay, fair,” Zip admitted, his grin briefly breaking through his concern. “But I can run the counter while you rest. Please, Adian. The world can survive a day without your pastries if it means you get better.”

“I’ll take it easy,” he finally relented, his voice barely above a whisper.

Adian leaned heavily against the counter, his cheeks flushed from both the fever and the effort of standing. A cooling tray of almond croissants sat beside his, their sweet, nutty aroma mingling with the faint citrus tang of lemons from earlier. The warm scents were comforting, but the tickle in his nose had been persistent, annoying him with every breath he took near the open bag of flour.

Determined, he measured out the flour for the vanilla sponge cake he planned to bake, but the fine white powder seemed to hang in the air, taunting him. He sniffled, swiped his sleeve under his nose, and kept going.

"Three cups of flour… two teaspoons of baking powder… and—eh’DZZSHHu! HhHUh’dssSSCCHhhuhw hehh heh! HhHUh’dssSSCCHhhuhw!" The sneezes erupted before Adian could stop it, sending a small puff of flour flying over the counter and coating the edge of his apron. He groaned, reaching for the tissue box he'd wisely placed nearby.

Zip, who had been restocking mugs near the register, turned his head at the sound. "Adian, seriously?" he said, dropping what he was doing and rushing over. "I thought I told you to take it easy. You're sneezing into the flour!"

"I'm not sneezing into the flour," Adian argued, though his congested voice made the statement sound far less convincing. "I tilted my head away. The flour is perfectly fine—I’m just a little…stuffed up." He paused as his breathing began to hitch.

Zip raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, leaning against the counter. "A little? If you sneeze any harder, you're going to launch powdered sugar into orbit."

“hH-! iHH-! hH-hHDT’iIISSCHHHhuhh!! IiSSCHhhuhhww!!…nduh…hH—! HAH!’atssSCHHUUHww!!”

“See I told you! Bless you by the way.” Zip sighed deeply, his hands resting on his hips. " You’re not going to get anything done if you keep sneezing every five seconds. Please, Adian, let me help."

Adian paused, his hands hovering over the bowl. He hated admitting defeat, but his body felt like it was made of lead, and the sneezes were relentless. Reluctantly, he stepped aside and gestured toward the ingredients. "Fine. But you follow my instructions exactly. No improvising, no shortcuts."

Zip grinned, grabbing an apron and tying it around his waist. "No problem. I've watched you enough times to know how it’s done—or close enough, anyway."

As Zip carefully measured out the flour under Adian’s watchful eye, he perched himself on a stool, sipping tea and giving directions between sniffles. As Adian sat on the stool near the counter, his head resting in his hand as Zip fussed with frosting for the cake, the familiar jingle of the doorbell echoed through the coffee shop. He didn’t look up at first, focused on the soothing steam of his tea, but Zip froze mid-spread, his grin turning sly as his gaze shifted to the newcomer.

"Well, well," Zip said, leaning close and whispering, "Your knight in shining caffeine is here."

Adian’s heart sank and soared all at once. He turned his head slowly, his stomach twisting with the mix of feverish dizziness and nervous energy. There he was—Zora. The grey-haired, kind but stern-eyed regular who always ordered a black coffee and a slice of whatever was new. His smile was bright and easy as he approached the counter, but it faltered just slightly when he took in Adian’s pale face and tired expression.

“Adian,” he said softly, stepping closer. “Are you okay? You look—uh, under the weather.”

He straightened abruptly, as if sitting up might disguise the dark circles under his eyes or the congestion in his voice. “Oh, hi, Zora. I’m fine. Totally fine. Just a little cold, that’s all. Nothing serious.” His attempt at a smile came out more like a grimace.

Zora frowned, his concern deepening as he glanced at the tea and tissues nearby. “You don’t look fine,” he said gently. “Should you be working right now? Don’t they let you take sick days here?”

“He’s stubborn,” Zip chimed in, smirking as he piped frosting onto the cake. “Won’t listen to a word I say about resting.”

Adian shot Zip a glare, but Zora didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small packet of handkerchiefs. “Here,” he said, offering them to his. “They’re just something I carry for emergencies.”

The gesture was so simple, yet it made Adian’s cheeks burn—not from the fever this time, but from the flood of embarrassment and warmth that his kindness stirred in him. “Oh, thank you,” he murmured, accepting them with a hesitant hand. “That’s…really thoughtful.”

Zora gave a soft smile. “It’s nothing. I just don’t like seeing you like this. You should—”

Before he could finish, Adian abruptly stood, his mind racing and his face aflame. He couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing his sick, disheveled, and far from the composed baker he imagined. “I—I need to check the oven!” he blurted, though there was clearly nothing baking now.

He avoided looking toward the register where he had stood moments ago, opting instead to busy himself by tidying the counter. Zip, now seated comfortably on a stool with a cup of coffee in hand, watched him with a knowing smile.

"So," he said casually, dragging out the word. "You want to talk about it, or should I start guessing?"

Adian shot him a glare, his voice coming out with an exaggerated innocence. "Talk about what?"

Zip raised an eyebrow, the smirk on his face growing wider. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that you sprinted out of here like a cartoon character the moment Zora showed up and had the nerve to be nice to you."

"I did not sprint," Adian muttered, his focus on reorganizing a tray of muffins even though it didn’t need reorganizing before grabbing the edge of his apron and wiping his nose.

Zip leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. "You like him," he said simply, the hint of mischief unmistakable in his tone. "Don't even try to deny it. It's written all over your face."

Adian sighed, his hands stilling on the tray. "I... don’t know what you're talking about," he replied weakly, though his reddening cheeks betrayed him.

"Come on," Zip said, his grin softening into something more genuine. "I mean, he’s a good guy—kind, thoughtful, and he's clearly into you, too. Why are you pretending you don't have a crush the size of Mount Everest?"

Adian groaned, slumping onto the stool next to him. He turned the handkerchiefs over in his hands, avoiding Zip’s gaze. "I don’t know. He’s just...he’s different."

"Different how?" Zip pressed, sipping his coffee with evident enjoyment.

Adian hesitated, struggling to find the words. How could he explain it? The way Zora smiled at him like he was the only person in the room. The quiet patience he had when he asked about his day, genuinely listening as though his small triumphs and frustrations mattered. Or the way he noticed the tiniest details, like when he changed the design on the pastry tags or swapped out the vase of daisies for sunflowers.

"I don’t know, okay?" he said finally, throwing up his hands. "He’s just...nice. Really nice. And... thoughtful. And he has this way of—of—ugh, I can’t explain it. It's embarr-….HhHH-hhdSSHhhhhuhw!...u-uh-!’hhEEHSsscCHHuhh! HEhssHHhuhww. Ugh embarrassing.”

Zip chuckled, shaking his head. "You don’t have to explain it, Adian. Anyone who’s been around the two of you for more than thirty seconds can see it. You light up when he’s here—even when you’re sick and trying to pretend you’re fine."

Adian groaned again, burying his face in his hands. "You’re insufferable, you know that?"

"And you’re obvious," Zip shot back, giving a playful nudge. "Look, just give the guy a chance. Let him know how you feel—maybe not when you’re sneezing onto the floor, but you get the idea."

Adian peeked at him through his fingers, his voice muffled but tentative. "You think he’d even want to...?"

Zip laughed. "Adian... He watches you bake like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. Trust me—he’s already halfway there."

Despite being himself, Adian felt a small smile tug at his lips. Maybe Zip was right. The beginning of summer wasn’t just for pastries and sunlight might just be the start of something sweeter, too.

—--Time skip to present day —-

The apartment smelled like vanilla and caramelized sugar, the warm scents wrapping around Zora as he stepped through the door, his grocery bags rustling. He set them down on the counter and glanced into the kitchen, where Adian stood hunched over a mixing bowl, his cheeks red from exertion—or from the fever he had stubbornly insisted was “just a little cold.”

“What are you doing?” Zora asked, his voice carrying equal parts amusement and concern. He crossed the room, eyeing the state of the kitchen: flour dusted across the counter, a scattering of eggshells, and Adian looking like he was ready to collapse at any moment.

“Baking,” Adian replied, his voice scratchy. He sniffled and continued stirring the batter with determined movements. “The contest is tomorrow, and I promised myself I’d enter my triple-chocolate cake. It’s going to be amazing, Zora. Just watch.”

He rubbed his nose with his wrist before taking a step back and looking up a dazed expression in his face. “Oh no I’m going to HhHH-hhdSSHhhhhuhw!...u-uh-!’hhEEHSsscCHHuhh! HEhssHHhuhww sneeze.”

Zora leaned against the counter; arms folded as he studied his. The memory of his sickness in the pastry shop flashed in his mind. Watching his sneeze into the flour, fighting to pretend everything was fine, he had realized his stubbornness wasn’t just an act of pride—it came from his heart, from the love he poured into everything he did.

“You really don’t change, do you?” Zora said softly, his tone laced with affection.

Adian paused, looking up at him with flushed cheeks and tired eyes. “What do you mean?” he asked, furrowing his brow.

Zora smiled, stepping closer and brushing stray hair from his face. “I mean, you’re as impossible as ever. Sick and feverish, and you’re still here, trying to make the perfect cake. You know, I think this is when I first fell for you—back in the pastry shop, when you were sneezing into the flour and bossing everyone around like it was nothing.”

Adian groaned, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead. “You always remind me of that day. I was a mess.”

“You were adorable,” Zora countered, leaning in to kiss his temple. “And you still are. Stubborn, hardworking, and full of heart. That’s why everyone loves you—and why I do, too.”

Adian’s cheeks flushed deeper, though he wasn’t sure whether it was the fever or Zora’s words that had done it. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, though his lips quirked in a small smile.

The holiday season had arrived and Zip was bursting with excitement. The apartment was a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into a festive wonderland.  He had boxes of decoration- tinsel ornament light and more-stored in the attic, waiting to be brought to life 

“Shu come on! It's time to decorate for Christmas!’ Zip called out his voice filled with enthusiasm. He is already pulling down the boxes from the attic with a bright smile on his face.

Shu emerged from the kitchen, a mug of hot cocoa in hand, looking less than thrilled. “Do we have to do this now, Zip?" he asked with a hint of reluctance in his voice. “Can't we wait a bit longer?”

Zip shook his head, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “No fucking way, Christmas is around the corner, we need to get started if we want everything to look perfect”

With a resigned sigh, Shu set his mug down and joined Zip in the living room. They opened the first box, sweeping the cobwebs out of the way. The old cardboard box opened with a plume of dust, revealing the shiny decorations inside. 

Zip rubbed his nose, already feeling the effects of the dust. Maybe it would be best to open these outside, then bring them in”

Normally shu would have agreed but since a snowstorm was currently happening outside he proposed a different solution.

“Why don’t you set up that thing,” he said pointing at the two-part tree that lay on the floor, and i will deal with the boxes”

Zip put down the wreath he was holding and quickly covered his nose with his shirt and sneezed harshly. “"Heh... heh... HHhzzSSCH’eHH!”

Shu jumped at the noise before snickering and replying with a, “Bless you, goodness that was fast. Dust is bothering you already?”

Zip stuck out his tongue at him. “Oh shut up Mr. Grinch and get to unpacking.”

Shu opened the next box, pulling out the stocking stuffers with the initials VIC and Zippy on it, feeling both bittersweet and sad he never got to make fun memories with his folks. Before setting them on the mantel. 

The next thing out of the box was an old, dusty picture frame. Shu brushed some of the dust off and looked at the frame. It was a picture of a small blue-skinned boy with two front teeth missing sitting by a fireplace holding an oversized bat onesie, assumingly on Christmas morning. Shu felt his eyes watering, and if Zip ever asked him, he would say it was the dust and not the feeling of wanting a nice family Christmas. 

Shu wiped his eyes and set the frame on the mantle, as he let go the frame backing folded in and it fell. Shu tried to catch it but it shattered on the ground behind him glass littering the floor around Shu feet. 

Within a moment Zip came running. “I heard something crash, are you okay?”

“I am fine, just a picture fell.” Zip, seeing glass around his bare feet, barked an order at him. “Don't move!!!! I will get a broom.” Shu smiled. “Love, I am not going to get hurt from broken glass, I ride a motorbike for Christ's sake.” Zip snapped back “I know and I have a heart attack every time.” 

Zip hurried off to fetch a broom. Upon his return he found Shu picking up large shards. Zip yells at him. “DO NOT PICK UP BROKEN GLASS WITH YOUR HANDS!.” His quirk started to activate the ringing of his voice echoing off the walls of the apartment. It might have been the surprise or the fact he had been looking at the family heirlooms for the last thirty minutes but the tears that threatened to spill started falling. 

Zip, not seeing the tears, pushed him out of the way and started sweeping up the glass mumbling about being irresponsible. Shu's mind started to fog, he felt his pulse in his ears. His face started to flush and he felt his breath start to quicken.  

Before Shu could stop himself he shouted out, mincking Zip's voice with his Quirk. “Well fuck off, I didn't have this, OKAY! I didn’t have nice memories with anyone. So I am sorry if you think this fucking capitalistic holiday is all that, but you know for others it is a fucking nightmare.”

Zip turned around shocked. In all the time they had been together he had only heard him shout one other time. He felt his throat tighten. Before he could find his voice Shu continued. “You might have had a warm fire and loving parents but I wasn't okay. This is hard enough,” he said gesturing to all the lights and joyfulness and taking a deep breath, I don't need to have to be WITH YOU A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY FUCKING HERO ON MY ASS!”

Zip felt his world shatter. All the joy and lights around him dulled and he was left alone in the dark. Shu stomped off, slamming the front door. The wreath which was held up by a loose nail slid down and clattered to the floor. Zip was left alone surrounded by dusty boxes, distant records playing in the background, and a hole in his heart.

—----

When Shu’s senses came too, the first thing he noticed was he was shaking and he was cold. He didn't know how long he was walking. It felt like hours but looking at his 12 battery percentage left phone it had only been 40 minutes. He looked behind as the blistering wind swept over the snow covering his footprints. He wrapped his arms tightly around himself. His mind was fuzzy with the event that led to this but as he sat on a bench near a streetlamp, the memories started coming back to him.

The picture frame, the dusty ornaments, the nicknames on the stocking stuffers. The tears sprang back to his eyes and he wiped his eyes. Why was this getting to him now, they had been together for Christmas before, this was the second Christmas. The first one Zip took him to a light show and Shu had gotten sick. Now a year later their relationship had only grown stronger. Why were these feelings building up now? What has changed? Zip was still playing basketball and in a great position in his rescue work. Shu had been working hard and actually getting noticed by the mafia. So why now? He racked his brain before a sudden strong wind came and he shivered. 

He smiled as a memory came to the surface. “You need to wear a coat in the wintertime or you'll catch your death.” the memory of Zip's sultry voice filled his head. And suddenly like he had been hit by lightning he knew what was different. It was love. He loved Zip. He was in love with Zip Kōmori.

He jumped up and screamed to the quiet and snow-covered world around him. “I LOVE ZIP KŌMORI!!” 

His legs started running before he knew he was going to. His feet sank into the freshly fallen snow but he continued to run. The cold air wiped at his face and stung his nose and lungs but he kept pushing forward. He could see the lights of the apartment complex getting nearer. His love was so close. As he reached the stairs leading up the yellow interior he stopped, his breath coming in short rapid breaths, his skin burning from the snow and ice hitting him. 

That last thing Shu said was evil and cruel, how was he going to explain he realized he was in love with him? He knew he sounded crazy. Luckily he didn’t have to decide the door opened and zip arms flung around him pulling him down on the snowy steps.

“Do not ever do that again, you can't just leave and not tell me where you are going! My heart can’t take it. Please don't leave me. I look down at the Christmas lights and everything. I am sorry, I thought everyone liked it. But I was wrong, just please don't leave me.” Zip chokes up on the last words and holds Shu tight in the falling snow. 

Shu, too shocked to speak, slowly rises and leads them inside. Zip stays attached to Shu until Shu pinches forward with a wet sound sneeze.

“Et-chiew! Et-knk! Kgnnk!”

“Oh shit you're soaking wet you need to dry off, you don't need another cold on Christmas like last year!” Zip rushes around the corner almost colliding with the stairs and comes back with a new thick blanket he had never seen before. “I was saving this for Christmas but you need it now” 

He wraps Shu in the thick fuzzy blanket almost too tightly and steps back like he is afraid a bomb is going to go off. “All wrapped up, um I hope you like it.”

Shu couldn’t help but laugh, a deep hearty laugh that seemed to shake the cold from his bones. He looked up to see Zip looking both scared, confused and worried and it was enough to jumpstart his heart.

“Zip, darling. Do you want to know what I thought about while I was out there? Nothing but you. How much i…no our lives have been better since that cold rainy night! While we might not be perfect for each other and we know how to tick off each other, there is one thing we have in common, well at least I hope we do?”

Zip swallowed hard before speaking. “Oh yeah, what is that?”

“We both….love each other!” Shu smiles and blushes and just waits.

Zip stands there for a moment, the words echoing in his mind..loves me…he loves me…WAIT HE LOVES ME!

Before Zip can process what he is doing he runs and tackles and hugs Shu on the sofa, almost knocking the whole couch over in the process. He holds him so tight, that he is afraid he might be hurting him. 

He frantically yelps out “I love you too Shugo! My whole heart is yours forever and always!”

Shu hugs him back until his nose starts itching and he tries to warn Zip with little success. “Zip ... .move gonna snee-EEEH! Et’chiew! Et’chiew! Ed’sshiiew! Ed’shiiiew”

Zip not letting go and knowing based on past times asked softly. “Bless you kitten! Are you done?” 

Shu shakes his head in agreement before quickly ducking his face into the blanket. “Et-chiew! Heh! Hehe Chiew!”

“Goodness, that was big! Bless you, take a breath.”

Shu rubs his nose on the blanket before cuddling in Zip’s chest. Shu could hear his heart beating fast and smiled before replying with a smirk. 

“Aw did I excite you little Batsy”

Zip blushed every shade of red imaginable before hiding his face. “Oh shush Rudolph, you have no place to talk!” Shu let out a soft laugh before snuggling back into Zip’s chest, rubbing his nose against him a little. “I’mb-I’mb sorry about earlier ... .for yelling, and for what I-Ihh I! Oh fugk” He gasped before ducking into Zip’s chest. Zip holds him both as a way of support and a way of comfort, by the looks of his redding nose and the fact he had just been outside in the snow for minutes without a coat on, he would have a talk about that with him later, he knew he was catching a cold. 

He hoped as Shu hitched into his chest this was not going to become an annual thing. “Et’chiew! Et’shiiew! Ht’chiiew! Hdd’sshhhmmmph!” If Zip could blush any harder feeling his lover’s wet sneezes dampening his shirt, he would be red enough to stop traffic.  All he could do was loosely wrap his arms around him and give soft blessings to you as he sneezed. He could still feel each sneeze making Shu’s chilled body bend and shudder against his larger frame. “Bless you kitten, come on deep breaths, don’t want you passing out on me.” He said with a soft chuckle and back rubs. Shu sniffled thickly and let out a heavy groan. “Thagks, also sorry” Zip cupped Shu’s face in his hands and guided him up, to give his forehead a kiss. “It's alright, I’m not angry ... .I may not fully understand but I get it.” He said in a low voice, things got quiet for a moment before Shu leaned into him. “I guess, seeing all those pictures it-It felt conflicting, I’m jealous ... .and that’s not your fault. I’d never wish for anything bad, nor would I want you to know a shred of what I’ve experienced but-” Zip hugged him firmly as Shu spoke. “I wish you never experienced that stuff at all” Zip spoke, he knew pieces and parts of what Shu had gone through growing up. Especially when it came to holidays, even if he didn’t know the full story he knew it wasn’t an easy life. It broke his heart multiple times when hearing Shu recount his younger years. “I just want to give you the Christmas you never got….If you’ll let me”

Shu tried to respond but his nose had other plans still, he tried to speak through the incoming fit. 

“I.. want that, i do but…oh fuck mbe-Et’chiiew! Et’chiew! Et’mph! Et’mph! Et’chiew!....HHh.ugh

He sneezed wetly spraying the air between them before Zip led his head to his chest. “Come on kitten let them out. I know it is so itchy!”

“Ibm tryign…its stuck.” He said his face pressed to Zip’s chest. Zip could feel Shu’s chest rising and falling erratically. “Oh no this is gonna be a lot.” “I know baby let it out you won’t feel better till you do, come on let me help, look at me.”

Shu looked up with watery eyes and Zip's heart almost melted. His scrunched up, his nose was reddening at a fast pace. Shu’s hands were fumbling to rub at his nose, which was proving to be an unhelpful method. Zip reached out and slowly rubbed at his septum. “Aw, you are so cute when you are sneezy.”

“eEcchiew!Etcchiiew! 'Et'chiiew! Eeetsshiiew!....ugh i'mb fide…Imb don- godda get it o-ode dehh heh HETCHIEW!” 

“Goodness, that sounded like one of mine! Is your nose okay?”

He goes to respond but his nose is twitching. Mess is dripping onto the new blanket and Zip rolls up his sleeve and wipes at his running nose.

“hehh oh guuh god hehh heh!...Zip..please…big”

“Okay okay baby, I know let it out, I can wash a hoodie later, I don't mind.”

“Hh— hhAH— A’DSHU’H!...hH’KSHU’H!...Ugh fuck….HUtchiew! HUTCHIEW! huTCHIEW! HT'CHIEW.” Zip could feel the spray through his sleeve and shivered before tending to the other dripping nose. The poor thing looked beat up. His eyes were watery with a few tears staining his cheeks and his nose…it had seen better days.

The poor thing was angry and twitchy, it was a bright irritated red. Clearly needing gentleness compared to the harsh rubbing and scrubbing Shu had been doing that pissed it off in the first place.

Zip went off looking for something to help, and came back with an old hoodie he knew Shu favored. He had used this before during a previous sick day to wipe at his inflamed nose, thinking Zip did not see it…but he did.

Zip unwrapped the blanket from Shu’s shoulders, noticing the chill it brought to him. He positioned Shu on the corner of the couch so his back was against the armrest and straddled his lap. 

If Shu could speak would have certainly said something but before he could, the soft fabric was being pressed to his face. The contrast between the rough skin of his nose and the soft fabric was a delight, and Shu sighed in relief. The sentiment was short-lived because Zip started to rub his nose counterclockwise and it ignited the dormant but persistent tickle. He barely had a second before his breath seized and was bending into the waiting hoodie.

“hhah-TSSSSH’oo!…hhehh’IYSSCh’hh! — hhh! hheh’ITTSCH’ue! hh’TSSSch’—chh!—cchh’ Zip mbe careful…ibm gonna-hh… hih! …hih—! Hhhh-! Heh’GXHktshh’hu!!!”

“I know baby that is the point, you are gonna sneeze, you have a messy cold. I am helping. Come on, your nose is so full. I know it itches.”

Shu blushed every shade of red. “Baby you’re killing mbe here, I..hih..oh no, shit messy….Hhah-hHAESSHhuu!…huh…hHH!-hHN’GXT!hht’sch!-iht’sch-tssh-hkshh!!!”

Zip could feel the hoodie get drenched with spray from Shu, and from the way the other was snuffling, he knew he needed to blow. He turned the hoodie over and helped it over his nose, “Go on kitten blow for me.”

Shu did as he was told. The sound was wet but seemed to bring the edgy man's nose some relief at last and he slumped into Zip exhausted.

“There you go, your nose all better now?”

“Yeah, imb dbone on god i sound awful”

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

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

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

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

Zip sniffled. "Sneezier than expected."

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

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

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

Zip smiled. "I miss you, Shu."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

“Zip!” Shu called, jogging toward him.

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

Shu grinned. “Surprising you, of course.”

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

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

Zip chuckled. “I missed you.”

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

“Shu…ha-haaESSHH! HaISSCHew..!”

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

Zip grinned. “You’re ridiculous.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Stay,” Zip whispered.

“I will,” Shu vowed. “Forever.”

--

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zip grabbed Shu’s shirt.

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

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

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

“Wow,” Shu said. “That was a lot.”

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zip shrugged. "Anything for my kitten."  

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

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

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

Zip laughed. "Fuck you."

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

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

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

Shu narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

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

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

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

"Tell me," Shu whispered now intrigued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Best cold ever," Shu declared.

Zip agreed. "Best love ever."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zip kissed his forehead. "Always."

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

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

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

Zip smiled. "I am."

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

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

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

"Home," Shu whispered.

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

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

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

Shu sniffled. "What's unacceptable?"

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

Shu blinked. "My cheeks?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Where are we going?" Shu asked.

"Home," Zip replied.

Shu chuckled. "Sounds perfect."

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shu raised an eyebrow. "Sinus massage?"

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

"Better?" Zip asked.

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

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

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

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

"Ready?" Zip asked.

Shu nodded, his nose twitching. "Ready."

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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