Chapter Text
The next day, Sollux was still over in Eridan's hive. He wasn't sure when he was gonna head back to his own. Just like he said, he did not sleep at all today. Spent the entire time he could've used for a nap coding instead. He had a lot of things to work on since he had been letting them pile up these last few nights he spent with the seadweller. Whenever he would begin working on them the idiot would complain, and for some reason he would listen and stop. He had spent the last 5 hours in the same position on the couch, and it was starting to get uncomfortable. So with a sigh, he closed his husktop. Placing it on the coffee table next to Eridan's from yesterday and stood up to stretch. A few joints popped.
He realized he was hungry, while being so immersed in the code he tended to forget to eat or drink. Not that he would be able to figure out how to make anything in this weird ass nutritionblock, where was Eridan anyways? He had briefly slept next to him last day on the couch while he was coding then got up and went somewhere. He probably mentioned where he was going, but Sollux wasn't listening. After grabbing what he hoped was bottle of juice from the thermal hull, he started looking for him. After checking a few rooms he entered his respiteblock, which honestly he should've checked first.
The door opened to reveal Eridan standing in front of his mirror and wrapping his scarf around his neck, he looked up when Sollux entered. "Oh, hello. I assume you're finished?"
"Yeah." He leaned against the doorway, crossing his arms. "You going somewhere?"
He smiled "Indeed. Now could you help me with putting on my cape? I usually do it alone but its far easier when someone else does. And be careful!" He picked up his cape, walking over to Sollux.
"I don't even know how." He took the cape as Eridan turned his back to him expectantly.
"Its simple! Even lowbloods have used chain links and clasps." He frowned, looking back at him.
Sollux took a second to inspect it then sighed, trying to put it on correctly. "Where are you going?"
"To the mall, with Feferi."
"Why?"
"What do you mean why? To spend time with my moirail?"
"Right." After fiddling with the clasp a bit longer he let go, stepping back. "Is that good?"
Eridan walked over to the mirror again to look at himself. "Yes, its great. Thank you."
He walked inside, sitting down on the bed and opening the bottle he brought to take a sip. Luckily it wasn't some weird smoothie Eridan drinks, just seemed to be lemon water. After a moment of contemplating he spoke "Can i come with you? Just to the mall so i can get something to eat then i'll get going, my hive isn't far."
He paused "Your hive?"
"Yes, my hive."
"Oh! yeah, of course... You can come, i'll buy you whatever you want."
"You don't need to buy it, i have my own money."
"Nonsense! What kind of matesprit lets their partner pay!?" He put his hands on his hips and looked genuinely offended, and a bit giddy at the same time after saying 'matesprit'.
He sighed "Fine, but only because i don't feel like arguing right now. My head is killing me."
"Maybe because you spent all day coding?" He sat down next to him.
"Or maybe because i have chronic migraines?" He said, scoffing.
Eridan looked at him for a second, then his posture slightly fell. "I could get you something to soothe them while im out tonight?"
"Is that really an offer or are you just pretending i have a choice?"
"You don't." He smirked, then checked the time. "We should get going then. I agreed to meet her around 2AM."
"It's half past one."
"Exactly, just enough time to get there punctually."
"You arrive in like 10 minutes max in the hovercar."
"Who said we're using the hovercar?"
He stared at him "You're- We're going by foot when you own a hovercar..?"
"Of course! Frankly, i rarely even use it. Its good to get your steps in you know?"
A wave of silence washed over them, Sollux seemed to be considering starvation. He stood up "You're lucky i don't know how to drive or id take the hovercar alone and let you walk just for suggesting that. But i don't have a choice. So fine."
Eridan grinned, not seeming to take his threats seriously anymore. "Come on."
They walked over to the front door, Eridan bringing a fancy tote bag and Sollux wearing the backpack he brought when he first arrived. When he locked the door behind them, Eridan caught up to Sollux who started walking away while he was locking the door and took his arm. He looked away, feigning nonchalance. Sollux looked down at their interlocked arms, then looked at Eridan. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing! Is something wrong?"
"... No."
-
The largest and nearest mall in their area was called Metamorphosis Mall, it had stores ranging from fashion outlets to food courts. It took them around 20 minutes to arrive by foot. They walked inside, and after checking the time Sollux spoke "We're ten minutes early."
"That's fine, we have time to get you a meal and maybe something for the headache." He looked around "Where would you like to eat from?"
"I don't care as long as its edible."
"Okay, but is there anything you're craving?"
"No."
Eridan stared at him for a moment, then nodded and continued walking with him as he looked around for a suitable place. "I like the food at The Crimson Grill."
"Then we can go there."
"But you're gonna be eating not me!" He frowned, stopping their pace.
He groaned, looking back at him "Why are you making a big deal out of this?"
"I just!- i want to treat you..." He looked away.
Sollux was quiet for a second before sighing. He looked around the mall, then he spoke "Fine, lets go to Under Tide. They have good loaded potato grub skillets." He tugged Eridan with him as they started walking to Under Tide.
"... Alright."
At Under Tide, Eridan bought Sollux a cheese loaded grub skillet and one of his favorite energy drinks with a complaint about it being unhealthy on the side. They were walking around the mall again now, this time their arms not interlocked as Sollux ate along the way. "How's the migraine?"
"S'fine. Been worse." He took another bite, glancing at Eridan. "You want some?"
"No, that's for you. If i wanted some i would've gotten some." He said, looking away to hide the small smile from being offered at all.
He shrugged "Your loss."
"... Let's head to the pharmacy and see what they have."
He raised a brow "I should get going, Feferi's gonna arrive any second."
"She can wait." He started walking toward a large corner clinic, Sollux following behind.
"I doubt they'll let you eat inside." He muttered.
He almost started talking about how he's a highblood and they will have to before catching himself, coughing instead. "I'll wait for you to finish."
"Just go alone, i'll wait outside." They stopped in front of it.
"I can't go alone! What if they ask for symptoms or to describe the feeling?"
"The symptoms are a migraine and it hurts."
He stared at him then looked through the window of the pharmacy. "Fine, but if they ask-"
"Then come out here and ask me, big deal. Just go, Ampora."
He nodded, adjusting his scarf and walking away from Sollux and into the clinic. At the counter stood a troll with curly hair and short horns, she smiled when Eridan walked inside. "Welcome, how may i help you tonight?"
He stood in front of the counter, keeping his back straight and trying to look composed. "Yes, i'm looking for something for migraines. Severe ones."
"Of course. Are they for you?"
"No, for my-" He hesitated. "my matesprit. He gets them often. Quite frequently, actually. They seem to be chronic."
The clerk nodded, pulling out a tablet and typing something out. "Do you know what triggers them? Stress? Light sensitivity? Certain foods?"
He opened his mouth. Then closed it. He didn't actually know. He'd never asked. Sollux never talked about them, just complained when they were bad and brushed it off the rest of the time. "I..." He felt his face warm. "i don't actually know. He doesn't really discuss them with me."
She smiled sympathetically "That's common. Some trolls don't like to share their symptoms. Does he have any other conditions i should know about? Anything that might interact with medication?"
He considered the question, then answered "He has strong psionics."
"Good to know. We have a few options, but i'd recommend starting with something over the counter. It's gentle but effective. If that doesn't help, we can look at something stronger." She tapped something into her tablet again.
"That would be acceptable."
She turned to the shelves behind her, retrieving a small box. "This should help with the pain and any nausea. It's not a cure, but it can make the episodes more manageable."
He took the box, inspecting it. "And the dosage?"
"One or two pills at a time, depending on severity. No more than six in a day."
He nodded, memorizing the information. "I'll take it."
She rang him up. Eridan paid without looking at the price and tucked the small box into his tote bag "Thank you, i appreciate your help."
"Of course. I hope your matesprit feels better soon!"
He paused, then quietly said "Me too.". Eridan walked out to find Sollux leaning against the wall right next to the clinic, finishing the last of his food. He looked up at him "You get anything?"
"Yes." He walked over to him, taking the box out of the tote bag and holding it out to him "Here. The clerk said one or two pills at a time, no more than six in a day."
"How much was it?" He took the box, looking it over.
He shrugged "I don't know, i wasn't paying attention."
He opened the box, pulling out a blister pack. He popped out two pills and swallowed them dry.
Eridan frowned. "You're supposed to take them with water."
"I'll be fine." He put the box in his backpack. That was when they heard a voice yell their names, and then steps running toward them. It was Feferi, she was wearing a white tank top with a long flowy summer skirt and lots of jewelry that jangled with every movement. Unlike Eridan she was more open minded with her wardrobe. When she reached them she wrapped them both in a tight group hug. "Hey guys! Sollux, i didn't know you were coming!"
He frowned, not being very able to hug back as she squeezed around their arms. After she let them go he spoke "I was about to get going."
"Aww, why?"
"I have another migraine, Eridan got me some pills to take and there's work waiting for me." He stepped back, Eridan smiling pridefully next to him.
"Well i'm sorry about your migraines, i hope you get better soon! And Eridan, that's so very kind of you to do! Im so happy for you both, congratulations on the quadrant!"
"Thank you, Fef. And i know."
Sollux rolled his eyes at that, then hissed as a wave of pain hit him. "Okay, now im seriously gonna get going before i pass out."
Eridan winced "Right, get going then." He stood there for a moment, hesitating internally before kissing him on the cheek. "Text me when you arrive."
Feferi beamed in front of them, putting a hand over her mouth to quiet the giggles. Sollux blushed a bit, scoffing as if that could hide it. "I will, see you." He gave a wave before walking away, throwing the empty container in a trash can along the way.
Eridan watched him go, tracking his path until he disappeared into the crowd. Then he turned back to Feferi, face tinged violet as well. She let out an excited yelp "That was so cute!". He was preening at the compliment when she walked over and took his arm. "Come on, lets go to Copper Clover then you will tell me everything!"
He nodded and they started walking toward the cafe.
-
They arrived at Copper Clover soon after, occupying a table near the large window stretching from the ceiling to the floor. Eridan sat on one end, back straight and legs crossed as he looked at the menu, deliberately awaiting questions with a small smirk.
Feferi took the menu from him and placed it down on the table, grinning. "Come on, spill."
He put his arm on the table and leaned on his hand, smiling as he spoke "It happened on the night of the storm, when you told me to invite him over. Thank you for that, by the way."
"Of course! It was my job to steer this whole disaster!" She chuckled, fidgeting with the edge of the menu mindlessly "The storm was literally perfect too!" `
"Right?! It made an amazing atmosphere."
"So how did the kiss happen?"
"Well, i was giving him a tour of my hive. We were previously in the collectionblock but he didn't seem to appreciate it much." He scoffed "So i took him to the library."
"Ugh, the library is a great spot!"
"It is, we talked briefly and stood in front of the large window, if you remember it, the one that overlooks the sea." She nodded and he continued "I was explaining the intricate mastery behind the work of it all. He didn't interrupt me for the entire monologue! I remember i got nervous because i thought i said something wrong and-"
He was interrupted by the arrival of the waiter, he smiled and held out a small notepad while standing in front of their table. "Good night, what can i get you two?"
Feferi frowned slightly at the break, looking down at the menu before speaking "I'll have an iced double foam seaberry matcha and two glazed kelp sprinkle donuts!" She smiled, looking at the waiter as he wrote it down, then turned to Eridan.
"And for you, sir?"
He thought about it, already knowing the choices at this cafe, then spoke "I will have a double shot dark roast espresso served piping hot, black, with zero sugar in it. And perhaps a delicate caramel and sea salt pastry."
The waiter nodded and walked away. Eridan watched him leave. When he was out of earshot he muttered "It's still so unusual to see a highblood working a job like this, or at all."
"Eridan." She narrowed her gaze on him.
He held his hands up defensively "I'm not saying anything wrong!"
"I know, just in case."
He huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back in his seat. "Anyways, where was i?"
"You were talking about monologuing and thinking you said something wrong."
"Ah, right. As i was saying, i was monologuing about the window. And he just-" He paused, savoring the memory. "He just said i talk too much and kissed me! No warning. No build up. He just... did it."
Feferi squealed, bouncing slightly in her seat "And what did you do?!"
"I froze, obviously! It was all so sudden, at first i thought i was imagining things!"
"Did you kiss back?"
"Yes! Eventually. He started to pull away, but I pulled him back and kissed him again."
"That's SO adorable! I can't believe he did that."
"Neither could i! I was completely speechless."
"And then? What happened after?!"
He fidgeted with his rings casually, smirking "I was a bit shaken but we kissed more. Talked. Then fell asleep on my rumpusblock couch together." He paused. "And then he came back the next day and practically stayed at my hive until... well until today."
Her expression was soft, almost emotional "Eridan."
"Yes?"
"This is the best thing that has happened in the history of Alternia."
"That's a bit-"
"ERIDAN."
"... Yes?"
"You need to cherish that day FOREVER!" Her grin was so wide it could've split her face
"You seem more excited about this than i am." He chuckled, shoulders dropping slightly. This was nice, Feferi always knew how to make him feel at ease.
"Maybe, or maybe i'm just expressing it more openly!" The grin faded into a smile, and she looked at him for a moment. He looked away, the eye contact suddenly feeling too intense. She spoke again "But seriously, ever since i saw you today you were... different."
He raised a brow "Different how?"
"You always have this 'woe is me' expression and carry yourself like you're the most tragic troll on the planet! But not today. You're practically glowing!.. I'm glad to see it."
He stared at her, then blushed "Thanks Fef..." He was quiet for a moment, as if the next words were physically painful to say "This is all thanks to you... I just needed someone to show a little bit of faith in me, so for that thank you. I owe ya."
Feferi blinked rapidly, and Eridan realized her eyes were glistening "Eridan," she said, her voice thick "That's- you don't owe me anything! I did it because i love you."
Eridan almost got emotional too, but the moment was broken by the waiter. Before he could respond, the waiter arrived with their drinks and food. Feferi's matcha was frothy and pink, topped with foam. Eridan's espresso sat dark and steaming in a small porcelain cup and saucer. The donuts looked amazing, and the pastry looked beautifully flaky. It was all to be expected, as the cafe was a more high end one. He placed the orders respectively in front of them, giving a nod before leaving with a 'Enjoy!'.
Eridan wiped his eyes quickly, picking up the cup and sipping it hot just to have a distraction. It was silent between them for a little while, the words previously said sitting between them heavily. Feferi took a sip of her own drink, then grabbed one of the donuts and pushed the plate with the other towards him. He was tempted to refuse, he didn't like very sugary foods, but it didn't feel right. So he took the plate and put it next to his pastry. Feferi finished her donut and wiped her fingers on a napkin "So," She said, her voice lighter now "what's the plan for you two going further?"
He twisted the cup around the saucer mindlessly, looking at the black liquid "I'm not sure, we haven't discussed it."
"Well that's fine, you have time. You only just got together after all." She smiled at him, sipping her matcha. Then she turned it towards him, offering a sip. He shook his head, he took the donut but drew the line at grassy sugar drinks. She smirked "More for me then." and took another sip. After a few seconds speaking again "Have you told him..?"
He tensed, looking up at her "Told who?"
"You know!.. Your brother."
"Cronus?" He scoffed, rolling his eyes "No, i barely talk to him. Though it probably wont be long before he finds out." He took another sip of his coffee.
She frowned "I understand, but you should tell him. He's still family."
He raised a brow "And you talk with Meenah so much."
She paused, then "Touché." They continued in silence. Eridan took a fancy napkin and tucked it into his shirt before beginning to eat the pastry. Giving a contented 'Mmh.' when he tasted it. Across him, she got out of the booth. "I have to go to the restroom, be right back!" He nodded, watching her leave. When he was alone, he put the pastry down. Taking out his palmhusk from his pocket and opening it, he had a few notifications in Trollian.
caligulasAquarium [CA] began trolling twinArmaggedons [TA]
TA: iim at my hiive
TA: the piill2 are workiing ii thiink
TA: ...
TA: text me later ok
He smiled at the messages, it was one thing to even have any new messages in Trollian and a complete other for them to be like this.
CA: im still at the cafe
CA: fef is in the restroom
CA: im glad the pills helped
CA: ill call you later
After a few seconds, Sollux replied with 'ok'. And Eridan hesitated for a moment before sending another message.
CA: <3
TA: ...
TA: <3
He was grinning at his phone, then flinched when Feferi yelled 'What are you smiling at!?' and made her way back into the booth, her eyes immediately going to his palmhusk. He turned it off and placed it on the table. "Nothing."
"Uhuh, right. What was it?"
His face warmed a bit as he looked out the window "Just responding to a text."
"And grinning like that?! It was Sollux wasn't it! Oh my cod that's so cute! He's texting you too!"
A smile broke out of him and he didn't break his gaze at the window "Maybe."
-
They sat for another hour or two, going over many things as they talked. Feferi ended up ordering another donut, and they had finished everything by the time she waved the waiter over. He arrived at their table soon after, placing the receipt down. Eridan took it and without looking he spoke "I have it."
"No! I'll pay." She started taking out her wallet.
"Fef, do not." He frowned, reaching over to stop her.
She backed away, standing up and rushing to get her card out "Nope, i'm paying! In honor of you finally getting a matesprit!"
He blushed a bit when she said that, looking at the waiter but he didn't seem to care. Giving a polite smile. Eridan sat back down, crossing his arms "Fine"
"That's what i thought." She smiled, handing her card to the waiter who ran it through the payment terminal. It approved, of course, and she took it back. The waiter thanked them and walked away, Eridan was standing by then. Packed up and ready to go. He waited for Feferi to do the same and they walked out of the cafe, heading to the exit of the mall.
They stood silently in front of the entrance door for a moment, until Feferi stepped over and gave him another hug. He stiffened up, but after the initial shock he hugged her back.
"I'm really happy for you."
"You've said so many times already, i know."
"Because its true, and i don't plan on stopping." She pulled back to look him in the eyes. He smiled softly, then she spoke again "This was fun."
"Yeah..."
"We should do it again sometime." She let him go, stepping back
"We should." They stood in silence a little, then he cleared his throat "I should get going then..."
She smirked "Yeah, for sure. Sollux is waiting for you."
"And it is not because of that." He frowned, but there was no offence in it.
"Yeah, yeah, sure!" She giggled "Hear from you later, okay?"
"Okay." He watched her start walking away, waving at him before turning a corner. He stood there a little longer. It felt weird. He'd never had this before, something to look forward to. But he liked it.
Eridan started walking back to his hive as well.