Bit was uncertain as to exactly how long he’d been in the safe place. He’d eaten more times than he had in the last month, and had regular baths. He was helped around the apartment and the garden by either Dren or Toloch whenever he needed the bathroom or some fresh air. Most of the time he was encouraged to rest. The collar allowed for Bit to rest properly. For the first time in years he wasn’t just passing out from exhaustion. He dreamed, which was a surprise to say the least. Dren encouraged him to watch tv whenever he was bored. Toloch, upon discovering that Bit couldn't read, brought him work booklets and sat with him while he worked.
Bit still had trouble voicing his concerns, and especially his needs. Thankfully, the pair were often around and came to understand his subtle cues. When he and Toloch weren’t working on his lessons, Dren would be there commenting on shows and movies he'd put on. Bit would often wake up from another nap to see one or both working on their laptops or talking quietly on the phone. They would spare him small smiles, bring him food, and settle back into their comfortable quiet.
Over time, Bit could feel excess energy building up within himself. He only took the dampening collar off to bathe or shower, every other moment it prevented his projections from escaping. It became easier and easier to get to the bathroom and back. On sunny days one or both of his hosts would accompany him to the terrace garden. The warm sun and smell of flowers drowned out the din of the city below them. It was on one of these days that Bit realized what the energy was doing. It was early in the morning and there was a pleasant wind blowing through the city.
Toloch had been sitting with him, working on his laptop while Bit sunbathed. Bit could feel the energy thrumming under his skin. He was mentally following the energy as it flowed through his limbs. When the silence was suddenly broken.
“Fuck! It’s freezin’!” Dren exclaimed as he walked out onto the terrace. Toloch snorted in amusement.
“It isn’t that bad.” He chuckled. Bit peaked open an eye from where he lay in the grass to see Dren bopping Toloch between the horns, a blanket in his arms.
“You gonk! You’ve got fur, he doesn’t!” He exclaimed. Toloch looked horrified, like he’d just realized something obvious as Dren quickly made his way over to Bit. Bit sat up leisurely and smiled. Dren seemed to pause for a moment, but Bit was distracted himself. He wasn’t cold in the slightest. The energy buzzing through his veins warmed him from the inside out.
“It’s ok. Not cold.” He said, somewhat haltingly. Both Dren and Toloch looked stunned. Bit was only in one of Toloch’s tent sized shirts and a pair of boxers. His breath was clearly visible as he spoke softly. But he didn’t shiver. His skin practically glowed in the sunlight. Dren closed the distance between them, his rough hands finding their way to Bit’s.
“You’re burnin’ up Little Bit.” He mumbled in concern. Toloch closed his computer and quickly made his way over. He draped his suit jacket over Bit’s shoulders and the pair helped him stand.
“Let’s get you to bed, I’ll call Tuck.” Toloch rumbled. Bit was hurried inside, and buried beneath a mountain of blankets. A mug of hot tea shoved into his hands. He felt that this was maybe a little overboard but he was far too comfy to voice his concerns. After a little while of blissful comfort, the door to Bit’s room slid open to reveal Toloch escorting Tuck into the room. With them was a short woman dressed in black leathers. Bright green hair done up in a pair of buns.
“Hey little guy, this is my sister, Nip.” Tuck greeted, jabbing a finger at the woman. “She knows magic shit, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt none.” Nip gave him a beaming smile as she pulled out a small pile of books from her bag. The pair settled into a few chairs provided by Toloch. Bit was content to let them poke and prod with various tools. Blinking lights and little pinches were barely noticed around the refills of chamomile. The only majorly intrusive thing was when Tuck jacked in to check on Bit’s vitals. After some time, the pair were putting their things away and Nip was leafing through a rather old looking book.
“Well,” She began, her confident voice filling the room, “Everything seems fine. He’s giving off heat but his internal temperature is within normal levels.” Tuck busied himself with typing out information on a keyboard on his arm. Humming and muttering theories to himself. “How often do you take off the collar?” Nip asked. Bit felt his face heat up at being addressed. He cleared his throat before trying to respond.
“Once a day. Shower.” He replied. Nip nodded, flipping through the book again before landing on a page that caught her attention.
“It could be chi.” Nip mused, looking to Bit with an interested glint in her eye. “I’d like to look into getting some semblance of control over your projections. That way you could turn it off and on without having to rely on the collar.” She shifted her gaze to Dren. “If it is chi, then it’s building up due to lack of use.”
“Is that dangerous?” Dren asked. Toloch immediately moved over to comfort the stressed orc. Nip shook her head with a smile.
“Not necessarily. It just means that it will find other ways to emerge. It’s better to get control over it before that happens.” Nip said, shooting Bit a reassuring glance.
“It also means that whatever the little guy is mixed with is inherently magic.” Tuck muttered, finishing up is data entry. “Probably need to find a specialist for this. We’ll speed up the search.” He said, moving to leave the room. Toloch and Dren nodded, the latter leading the pair out of Bit’s room and down the hall. Bit could make out a hushed conversation but not what they were saying. His attention was grabbed by Toloch sitting beside him on the bed. The minotaur shifted him to lean against Toloch’s side. Bit melted into his side, sighing contentedly.
“I’m sorry.” Toloch rumbled. Bit shifted to look up at the larger man, confused. The bull gave him a weak smile. “I probably should have thought more about how cold it was. If it wasn’t for your chi… You would have been freezing. I could have gotten you very sick.” He said. Bit still felt confused. He was safe with them. They were safe. This place was safe. Bit looped his arms around Toloch’s middle, letting the blankets fall from his shoulders, and squeezed. He felt Toloch’s breath hitch, but relaxed when his hand moved along Bit’s back.
If Dren was maybe a little jealous when he got back, well that wasn’t Toloch’s problem. If Dren also maybe took several pictures for later use… Well that was neither here nor there.
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