Bit woke slowly, and for the first time in weeks wished he hadn't. Every twitch was agony. Moving was out of the question. Opening his eyes was only marginally better. The light felt like a long rusty needle being driven into his iris. Bit groaned, turning his face into the pillows in an attempt to block it out. His bones ached and his muscles screamed. He hadn't experienced a day like this since that day in the alley. Bit had, perhaps foolishly, hoped that he'd seen the end of days like this. Outside, the sunlight began to fade as a peel of thunder cracked the sky. Bit shuddered as another bout of pain rippled through his body. He was unsure how long he stayed like that. The sound of the storm outside was his only indication that time was even passing. 

At some point in his daze, they'd found him. He could hear them whispering to each other as they tried to move quietly around the room. Bit was sure that the sight of a huge orc and an even bigger minotaur tip-toeing around would have been rather funny. That is, if he could bring himself to turn his face from the sanctuary of the pillows. Bit keened quietly as Dren gently tucked a soft blanket under him. Taloch quietly whispered reassurances as he eased Bit's head from the pillows. A warm cup was brought to his lips. It smelled heavily of spices and herbs, a broth of some kind. With gentle coaxing, Bit sipped the savory mixture. The savory taste broke through the veil of pain. There was a mild spiciness to it as it slid down his throat. It warmed him from inside out, sending resounding sensations of comfort to his aching joints. 

“There we are," Taloch whispered at his side as he eased the mug away. “Now have some water and a puff of medicine." the minotaur brought a cup of blessedly cool water to his lips. It was gone in a few desperate gulps. A familiar inhaler was brought out next, and Taloch helped him through the process of breathing in the medication. Pleasant floatiness accompanied the dose. His aches and pains began to slowly dull. The whole time Taloch continued to coax him into drinking more broth while Dren methodically massaged away the agony in his hands and feet. 

He was warm. He was safe. 

It was still raining when Bit woke again. His eyes had been covered by a sleep mask that he didn't know they owned. It smelled faintly of lavender and was achingly soft against his face. He'd been folded into the blankets with great care, and soft music played from the holoscreen speakers. His body was not nearly as sore as before. The throbbing in his limbs and pounding in his head had diminished to a dull ache. He never had warmth and comfort on days like this. It was nice. Bit began to lift himself up, and was quickly aided by Dren. Bit removed the mask to see the orc somewhat disheveled. The chair he'd been sitting in toppled to the floor behind him. 

“Easy there, Little Bit." Dren soothed. He brought another steaming mug to Bit's lips. He drank gratefully, relishing the rich flavor of the broth. “Tal ran to the store to grab some stuff but he'll be back soon." Dren said. Bit must have looked confused, for Dren chuckled and explained. “We've been watching over you in shifts." Bit felt a nagging feeling in his gut. One that wormed its way through his body and mind. Leaving an uncomfortable coating of doubt and anxiety deep within. 

“Don't need to. Will be ok." Bit said quietly. A look of great sadness fell over Dren. He kneeled down and gently took Bit's hands in his own. His blunt claws grazed his skin lightly as he massaged Bit's hands with his thumbs. Bit looked up at Dren through his bangs. His gaze lingering on the orc's hazel eyes. The intricate dance of brown and gold was captivating. As was the affection evident in them. 

“You don't have to go through this alone anymore." Dren said, voice dripping with concern. Bit couldn't quite place the warmth that bloomed in his chest at the admission. Soft thunder rumbled outside. Bit tore his gaze away from those hypnotic eyesDren squeezed his hands gently before pulling away. “I'll be right back, gonna getcha some more bone broth." He rumbled, moving in to quickly peck Bit's temple. Bit froze as Dren walked out of the room. Dren had kissed him. Fleetingly, and almost as a second thought. But still, his lips had grazed his skin. That warmth intensified into an inferno in his chest. 

A loud crash of thunder from outside startled Bit out of his trance. It had been very close by the sound of it. The power flickered slightly as the backup generators whirred to life. Bit took a moment to breathe. He was unsure before what Dren and Taloch's feelings for him were, but if this was any indication. What did that mean for him? Could he even think of anything like that while his body continued to hate him? The rain picked up again, pounding against the window with unprecedented force. His pain was slowly subsiding, far faster than any other flair up day he could recall. 

Dren swept back into the room with a fresh mug of broth. Bit accepted it gratefully. He sipped at the soothing soup as Dren righted the chair. He continued to tidy up around the room as Bit savored his broth. It wasn't long before he felt sleep tugging at the edges of awareness. With his pain subsiding and a belly of warm broth, he allowed himself to truly relax. Bit eased back into the pillows with a contented sigh. 

“That's it, just rest." Dren said as he moved over to tuck Bit in. “I'll tell Taloch that you're sleeping when he gets back." Bit nodded gratefully. The rain was a mere sprinkle against his window as he slipped back into sleep. 

Dren was doing his best not to have a heart attack. He wasn't sure what had come over him, but he'd done it. He'd kissed Bit. To be fair he'd kissed his forehead in passing, and it hadn't registered until he was halfway to the kitchen, BUT STILL. Taloch was going to be so jealous he hadn't been the first to kiss their little guest. Dren repeated the memory in his head as he left Bit to sleep. The entire way to the kitchen he couldn't get the thought of his tusks brushing against soft skin out of his mind. 

Dren served himself some of the bone broth that Taloch had made. He was mid sip when Taloch returned, arms laden with bags. The pair quickly fell into a comfortable rhythm. Passing things to one another and organizing their new haul. It mostly consisted of a few new blankets for Bit, plenty of bubble bath and fine smelling incense, and comfort foods to be placed in Bit's designated cabinet. 

“So… I kissed Bit." Dren said quickly as he buried his face in the cabinet, pretending to look for something. He heard the distinctive sound of the minotaur choking on his drink. After a minute of coughing Taloch collected himself, walked over to Dren, placed a hand on his shoulder, and…

“Without me!?" The minotaur bellowed. Dren was quick to shush him, hurriedly explaining that their guest was asleep. Taloch huffed out a breath through his nose and stalked over to Bit's room. Dren followed behind him, fretting the entire way. Quiet as a mouse, Taloch crept into the room, leaned down by Bit's bed, and placed a soft kiss to his cheek. The minotaur then stood up, and briskly walked past a stunned Dren. The orc quickly followed Taloch into the bathroom, where he was filling up the sink with cold water. He methodically detached one of his cyber horns, then the other. Then, with purpose, Taloch dunked his head into the freezing water. He came back up with a gasp. His clothes were absolutely soaked. 

“What are you doing?!" Dren shouted, scrambling to drape a towel over the minotaur's dripping head. Taloch groaned as he began to dry his fur. When he showed his face again his eyes were somewhat distant and his ears were practically red. 

“I haven't felt this flustered since before we started dating…" He muttered distantly. Dren couldn't stop the laugh that escaped him, even when it earned him a light hearted glare. He continued to chuckle as Taloch toweled himself off. At least, as dry as he could get himself. 

“Come on ya big dork, let's get a bath ready for the little guy fer when he wakes up." Dren said before placing a chaste kiss on his husband's lips. The pair fell into a comfortable silence as they drew a hot bubble bath teaming with pleasing scents and oils to help drain away the pain of the day. As they were finishing up, Taloch perked as his eyes flashed blue. He excused himself to speak to whoever was calling. Dren paid it no mind, making his way to Bit's room. He entered just in time to see the little hybrid stirring. The orc was struck dumb at the sight of Bit's opalescent hair glimmering in the light of the setting sun. It shone through the window to frame Bit's head in a halo of golden light. Dren shook himself back into some form of composure. 

“Hey there Little Bit, have a good snooze?" Dren asked with a grin. Bit returned it with a serene smile, nodding his affirmation. Dren helped Bit to stand, leading him out of the room and down the hall. Gently explaining that there was a bath and shower waiting for him. Bit preened at his side at the mention of it. Dren nearly tripped at the trilling purr that escaped the smaller man. Another thing to mention to any doctors they found. Once they reached the bathroom, Dren left Bit to his own devices. He decided to go and find Taloch. He didn't have to look long, as the minotaur bounded up to him with a face splitting grin. Before Dren could react, he happily (and loudly) exclaimed.

“Snips found a doctor for Bit!" He said. Dren beamed in return. Finally, progress.