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Misery fell upon an unsuspecting Spearmaster. Their limbs and joints are lethargic, their nose is runny as an Eggbugg and their eyelids burn hotter than a lantern. It must be the common cold that circulates around The Tree from time to time.
Their bed has been a major help, even if they cannot sleep, resting their muscles relieves some of the sores.
If only there was some water nearby, it had been a few hours since anyone stopped by Spearmaster to check up on them, the last being their partner, Gourmand, who gave them a bowl of water and Blue Fruit to boost their immune system. Now they wish to see them again, even for a moment, or hear that sweeter than maple syrup voice.
Sitting still like a White Lizard, there was so much they could be doing, they could have knitted, hunted, or even staring at the morning sky would be nice.
The hopes of someone coming by were fulfilled, strangely it was Hunter of all Slugcats.
Hunter sat herself across from Spearmaster. “Hey Spearmaster.”
“Hello…” Spears croaked.
“You’ve definitely had better cycles, eh?”
“Yes.”
“Have you been getting enough sleep?”
“I can’t sleep.”
Hunter cringed. “Oh, I forgot. Have you been resting normally?”
“It has been miserable alone.”
“Ah, do you want me to stay with you for a bit?”
“Your company would be appreciated.”
“Alright.” Hunter leaned onto the wall.
Silence fell inside the den. Spears didn’t feel like talking, that throat had a few thorns in it that gnarled whenever they spoke or breathed wrong. Or both had a shared trait of being socially awkward. Being lab-grown has its drawbacks.
Hunter attempted to break the silence with a dorky smile. Unfortunately, Spears was far too out of their mind to comprehend Hunter’s shenanigans. It was still a cute smile, though.
Hunter scratched the back of her head. “Uh, should I find Gourmand?”
“Please.”
“See you in a bit.”
Hunter has left the den, leaving Spearmaster isolated with that empty bowl. Some ice would be wonderful for those blazing eyelids, or the joints that scream louder than a Miros Vulture.
‘A bit’ feels like forever already. Time ticked slower than it should have, the raw amount of time Spears had to rest was becoming detrimental somehow. The lack of action or motion was definitely weakening their muscle tissue at this rate.
Nope. It has only been seven hours of lying down in anguish. That sounds like Gourmand approaching, the vibrations are unmistakable.
The assumption was correct, Gourmand popped out from the entrance with a steaming bowl.
“Good afternoon, Spearsie.” Gourmand said with a smile. “I have some more soup for you.” They placed the bowl near Spears’ arm.
“Thank you so much.”
Growing a needle from their tail, they placed it in, slowly drinking it.
“What kind of soup?”
“It’s a Seafood Puree. Jellyfish, Snail and Bubble Fruit with a pinch of salt.”
“Delicious.”
Gourmand laid down next to Spearmaster. “I wanted to put the spare seafood to use since Rivulet is the only one that really eats seafood. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
Spearmaster crawled on top of Gourmand, nesting on their chest. “You make my days enjoyable.”
Gourmand’s massive arms encircled Spearmaster. “I love you too, Spears.”
“Are you worried that you might get sick?”
“That means I get to spend more time with you.”
In a bizarre way, Gourmand enjoyed the condition Spearmaster is in, not in a sadistic way, quite the opposite; Their sick voice was absolutely adorable, the usual deadpan and emotionless voice was now silken and mellow. They were immoble and warm, which is prime for some quality cuddling. It also meant Gourmand had the perfect excuse to shower Spearmaster with affirmation and care, more than they already did.
“I see.” Spearmaster nuzzled themself back into Gourmand’s chest.
Gourmand rubbed the back of Spears’ head with their paw.
“Now you don’t.
“Please continue that.”
“I must have found a sweet spot, hmm?”
It was true, Gourmand’s paw was brushing right behind their ears—the most pleasurable part to pet.
After a few shivers climbing up Spears’ spine, they had started to purr.
“Aww, already purring?” Gourmand dragged their other paw down to Spearmaster’s back.
So much was happening at once, the soup refueling their vitality, the warmth of Gourmand, and the heavenly touch of those paws on their ears and back. All of it made Spears a trembling but happy Slugcat.
Compared to their creator, this was absolutely spoiling them. SRS was cautious when bestowing affection, only doing so when Spears made a delivery, which had occurred twice. They have their reasons for deserting SRS—Spears hasn’t forgiven them since that time SRS setup a playdate with Rivulet.
Gourmand planted a kiss on Spears’ ear, causing it to flutter. “You didn’t tell me it could do that.”
Gourmand was intrigued. They were toying and experimenting on Spears’ reactions and ear movements they responded with.
Each reaction had gotten a giggle out of Gourmand. The way Spears’ body whirred and flickered at the slightest bit of affection is outright precious, this is simply one of a kind.
The most Spears’ reaction reached its peak when Gourmand patted their belly. A quick and confused whistle wheezed out of their nose.
“Has anyone told you that you’re cute?”
Just when Spearmaster thought they couldn’t express their joy anymore, their tail wagged side to side. It seems that it is Gourmand's talent to make Spearmaster feel euphoric like never before.
“Am I overwhelming you?” Gourmand questioned, halting their affection.
“Do not stop.”
“If you say so.”
That’s all Gourmand needed to hear. The shower of affection had returned, this time thrice as pleasing. Every part of Spears’ body sparkled with blinding bliss, they had forgotten the sluggish and burning load their limbs once beheld.
Gourmand was growing exhausted, evident by their yawn. Caring for someone can be draining. Well, Spears was in their arms, and they were laying on a pile of cloth. There is little reason for them to stay awake any longer.
“I think I’m gonna sleep now.” Gourmand said, finalizing their arms around Spearmaster.
“Rest well, Gourmand.”
“With pleasure.”
In the blink of an eye, Gourmand was out cold. They had exceptional sleeping capabilities—everybody knows of that time Artificer set off one to many explosions at once, and somehow Gourmand had slept through every single one of them.
Who knows when Gourmand will wake up and leave for their duties, that’s part of the fun with their naps.
Sometimes life’s okay. When you are sick or unwell, sometimes one presence can make all the difference.