Bit was so incredibly warm. From all sides warmth and softness met him. He’d never been quite so comfy before. He must have been dreaming, but he didn’t really care. Light streamed onto his face, making Bit’s nose scrunch up as he attempted to bury his face into the softness below him. A deep chuckle rumbled above him, causing Bit to peek out from under the covers. Taloch was crouched nearby, a soft smile on his face. His hand slowly reached out to pet Bit’s hair. Bit tried to stop his initial flinch, and felt his face heat up when the minotaur paused. 

“It’s alright little one.” Taloch rumbled, “You’re quite safe here.” He carefully sat his rough hand on Bit’s cheek. His calloused thumb rubbing soothing circles just above the hybrid’s lip. “I’m sorry to wake you, but we thought you might enjoy a bath. Dren is just finishing with it now.” The minotaur said quietly, as if trying not to startle him again. Bit’s eyes lit up at the thought of a warm bath. For years the only bathing he had the chance for was in the river or when it rained. Unfortunately that water wasn’t exactly what you’d call clean. 

Bit nearly fell to the floor with how vigorously he nodded. Ignoring the lingering ache in his joints, he began scrambling to remove the heavy blankets that covered him. Taloch let out a surprised laugh and helped the struggling hybrid free himself from his cocoon. Bit tried to reign in his excitement as his bare feet touched cold wood. Taloch was there to steady him as he attempted to right himself. He was embarrassed to find that he only just came to the Minotaur’s chest when they both stood up. 

To try and hide his blush, Bit let his eyes wander around the room. It was a rather large living room, with stark white walls and a warm colored wooden floor. A holoscreen was placed atop the mantel, which had a roaring fire going underneath. Banners and tapestries of all sorts decorated the walls. The couch, which he’d been laying on, was large and plush. Upholstered in a nearly black leather with countless throw pillows of varying patterns. 

His shame nearly seared him from the inside out when he noticed the white sheet and light colored blankets that had been set out over one section of the sectional. The pillow and sheet were stained with dirt, and the blankets were ruined. His gaze shifted to the space behind the couch. The entire wall was glass, and Night City was laid bare before them. A terrace and garden were being soaked by the still falling rain. They were very high up. Bit could see the megabuilding he’d been seeking refuge under not too far away, blocked by the tops of several buildings. 

“Come on little one” Taloch prompted, a hand on Bit’s back guiding him further into the home. They passed by several things that Bit wanted to investigate. A tank of water and fish. A large instrument of some sort. But soon he was faced with a large shiny room. In it was Dren, testing the water of a shower with his hand. He wore a large graphic tee and soft looking pajama pants. He turned to look at them as they entered, and the orc’s face lit up in a grin. 

“Hey there, sleep ok?” He asked, concern lacing his tone. Bit nodded, shyness coming back in full force. The orc’s bulk was truly on display as he too stood, towering over the hybrid, though still shorter than the minotaur at his back. “I’ve got the shower nice and warm. And there’s a chair inside you can sit on.” Dren motioned to the clear glass door of the shower. Within was a sturdy plastic chair already soaked behind the quickly fogging glass. Taloch’s hand rubbed soothing lines down his back.

“Do you think you’ll be alright in the shower without help?” The minotaur rumbled. Bit’s face erupted in a blush. He forced his gaze to the floor and managed a jerky nod. This only earned him light chuckles from his hosts. “Then we’ll leave you to it. Have your shower, then you can enjoy the bath.” Taloch said, motioning to the other side of the large bathroom. A bathtub built into the wall was filled with steaming water and fragrant oils. Several bottles and containers sat nearby. 

“Feel free to use the bubble bath and soaks. I think the epson salt will do you good.” Dren said as he approached the smaller man and ran a hand through his hair. Then he was alone. Standing shakily in the large bathroom, steam quickly beginning to fog up the room. Bit took a deep breath, shedding his dirty clothes and walking over to the imposing booth of a shower. Before he entered, he remembered the collar, still snuggly fastened around his neck. The soft fur on the inside would surely be ruined.

He hesitated a moment before removing the collar. The clasps came free with a loud clack. He laid it gingerly on the counter, feeling his emotions surging out. At the moment, a mixture of nervousness and hope. Bit was trembling as he returned to the shower. Hoping and praying that his emotions wouldn’t distress his seemingly benevolent hosts. Or worse, anger them.

 His trepidation instantly melted away when his hand passed through the warm water. Tears in his eyes, Bit collapsed into the chair, noting that it hadn’t accumulated any of the steaming water in its seat. The water washed over him, rejuvenating him in a way that water never had before. Though any time Bit had been caught in the rain, he felt a surge of peace. This was something different. Soothing, calming, more than that it was cleansing. Bit ran his hands through his hair, feeling layers of dirt and grime peeling off of his scalp. He glanced to the side and saw three sets of bottles. Two were all closed and separate. The third set was open, releasing faint scents of flowers and honey. A small note, now somewhat damp, was taped to the wall. 

for our little guest. ~

Bit reached out, reading the labels. With a moment of hesitation, Bit poured an ample amount of sweet smelling shampoo into his hand and began to lather it into his hair. Thick suds blocked his vision as he scratched his scalp with soapy fingers. It was amazing. He tipped his head down and let the brownish suds run from his hair. Be repeated the action three more times before the suds were finally clean and white. 

Then it was time for the conditioner. It had been years since he’d not had tangles in his hair. The thought of smooth silky, clean hair had him pouring the substance directly onto his head. The entire bottle was emptied and scrubbed into his hair. He left it in, letting the chemicals do their work as he took a small loofah left out by his allotted body wash. It smelled just as floral, and Bit delighted as he scrubbed away the grime on his body. It was easy enough to wash most of his body and face, though standing from the chair made his joints protest as first. 

Soon he was cleaner than he had ever been. Though his hair was still bunched up like a crown with conditioner, Bit shut the shower off, and nervously opened the door. His clothes were gone, and by the door was a large fluffy looking towel and a small pile of clothes. Bit paid them no mind for the moment, in favor of slowly approaching the still steaming bath. The water was faintly flower scented, and even a little sparkly. 

Bit carefully lowered himself into the blissfully warm water. He looked to the little table of solutions. Dren recommended epsom salt? Bit recalled, reaching out to open the bag. He shrugged and upended the bag into the water. It was an odd sensation at first, but the salt soon melted into the water. Then, he grabbed a bottle of sweet smelling soak, like honey and cream. That went in too. Finally there was a thicker substance in the bottle. This one was dark purple and smelled of flowers. In it went. And as it entered the water and dissolved, huge patches of bubbles and suds formed on the surface. 

Bit was mesmerized as the sparkly nature of the water seemed to transfer to the bubbles. Bit could feel his muscles relaxing as he eased back into the bath. His head hit a pillow-like cushion, seemingly made for the bath. He was so comfy. Bit lost track of time in that warm sweet smelling room. The steaming water blanketed by the bubbles. It was only when the water began to cool off a little that Bit forced himself to sit up again. He remembered the conditioner in his hair, and decided to hip his head under the water. 

His fingers ran through his hair easier than silk. After a minute, Bit emerged from the water, His hair silky smooth and smelling of all things sweet. Bit felt around for the drain, pulling the plug and letting the water drain from the bath. He got out of the bath, and grabbed the fluffy towel. Drying himself off, and attempting to dry his hair without tangling it. As he did, Bit caught a glance of himself in the mirror. 

He was thin, too thin. Bruises littered his arms and chest, marring his pale skin. His bright purple eyes were framed by dark circles and bags. He apparently had a split lip. But for the first time in ages, Bit saw his real hair color. His hair was somewhat prismatic. A base of pure white, with the light shining off of it in pastel colors of every sort. Purples, blues, oranges, pinks, and greens danced and fought each other for dominance on his head. His narrow nose and thin lips had plenty of small scars adorning them. 

Bit shook himself, and finished drying his hair. He walked over to the pile of clothes. A pair of socks and underwear that were only slightly too big on him. Then there was the comically large shirt. It was black, with a strange design on the front that Bit didn’t recognize. He felt lost in the expanse of fabric. Eventually he found the neck hole. It was such a large garment, that Bit had to let one of his shoulders stick out of the neck hole in order for it to stay on. The hem reached past his knees, but it was warm and soft. Finally, he replaced the collar, noting that it seemed to have been cleaned a little. Possibly when his clothes had been replaced? As it clicked back into place, he felt his emotions recede back into himself. 

Bit gripped the front of it as he exited the bathroom. Something smelled amazing. Bit wanted to follow his nose, but it seemed his previous episode left quite the impact. He had to steady himself against a wall as he made his way down the hall and back into the living area. At once he noticed that the place he’d been resting had been cleaned up. In its spot was Dren, watching something on the holoscreen. He perked up when he saw Bit, quickly shutting off the screen and nearly running over. 

“Hey there, you look,” Dren paused, swallowing audibly, “better.” He finally decided on. “How do you feel?” Bit thought for a moment, noting how Dren didn’t make a move to touch him, simply hovering nearby. Realization struck him sharply. Dren was trying not to scare him. He wanted him to feel safe. Safe safe safe safe safe SAFE

“Better.” Bit replied, his voice still a little rough from disuse. Dren’s eyes sparkled, and his grin was downright infectious. Bit returned the smile carefully. Then something struck Bit, he wasn’t panicking at the lack of his things. That was… different. Bit cleared his throat, bridging Dren back down from the clouds. “Sorry, where are my things?” he asked. His voice trembled as he spoke. Dren’s gaze softened as he held out a hand for Bit to take. Bit leaned against the Orc as he was led down another hall. Several doors lined it, though they stopped at one of the first ones. 

Dren opened the door to reveal a bedroom. The bed was large and soft looking. It was nestled i-nto the corner of the room, away from the windows. Bit recognized the blankets and pillows he’d been snuggling. Now completely free of dirt and mess. On the headboard was his jacket, draped over the bedpost. The windows had thick curtains over them, the room itself lit by the soft glow of a salt rock lamp. On the table beside the bed were his other treasures. A little crystal tower, a sizable geode, a plush dragon, and a small patch of crochet blanket. 

“Now, why don’ you lay down, you look like you’re having a little trouble right now.” Dren said kindly, leading Bit into the room and to the blissfully soft bed. The bedding smelled clean and was wonderfully warm. The arc helped him recline back on the bed, sitting up but oh so comfy. Bit saw that across from the bed was a TV, and on the other side of the door was the entrance to a closet as well as a desk with a chair.”This was a guest room, but if you want it it’s your room for now.” Dren smiled as he helped Bit into bed. 

“Why?” Bit asked, unable to stop himself. Dren gave him a sad smile, running his fingers through bit’s still damp hair. 

“Cause we want to.” he replied. “Now, Taloch should be done with lunch soon. We’ll bring it here for you and then we’ll talk. The remote is on the table if you wanna watch somethin.” Dren said, before sauntering out of the room. It didn’t take long for him to return with Taloch in tow. The minotaur wore a robe over patterned pajamas. He paused in the doorway, gaping at Bit. The hybrid took to partially hiding his face in the blankets before Taloch managed to shake himself. 

Dren reached over Bit to the wall, pulling out a tray that had been built into the very wall itself. It came to rest over Bit’s lap, perfectly level. Taloch sat down a steaming bowl of noodles and a tall glass of juice. 

“Eat, little one, but eat slowly.” Taloch warned, “the doc said that the meds you’re on could make you nauseous.” Bit nodded, eyeing the soup ravenously. He managed to show some semblance of control as he ate. It was amazing. Far better than the scraps he managed to find or was given when he was really desperate. “Now I think introductions are in order.” Taloch rumbled. “My name is Taloch Wellman, and this is Dren.” He said, motioning to the orc who gave a goofy wave. 

“Um, hello.” Bit mumbled around a mouthful of noodles, “I’m Bit.” He swallowed and looked down at his now empty bowl. Huh, Bit though, confusion clear on his face, I thought there was more. Dren carefully moved the bowl away, inching the juice closer and placing a pair of pills beside it. 

“Painkillers and something to help you sleep.” Taloch explained “You can stay as long as you need to. It’s no trouble, Bit.” They both gave him such kind smiles. Bit barely hesitated as he popped the pills and downed his juice. It was very sweet. 

“Now get some rest little guy.” Dren said cheerfully as he returned the try to its spot and gathered the dishes. The pair made their way out as Bit began to feel sleepy. The warmth, the bath, the soft bed, his full belly, and the medication were all targeting him at once. Before Bit could let his anxieties overtake him, he was sound asleep. 

Dren got to work with the dishes. It was a rule, if one of them cooked, the other cleaned up. That was the rule and Dren was sticking to it. It took all of his power not to cream into a pillow and run to him and Taloch’s room to take care of a rising issue. He was blessedly saved when Taloch spoke up.

“Fuck he’s cute.” The minotaur rumbled, collapsing into a chair. 

“Thank you!” Dren shouted, quieting down as Taloch shushed him. “Right, sorry. But fuck babe, he’s so fuckin’ cute! His hair, did you see his hair?” Dren gushed, waving sud soaked dishes around wildly. Taloch rose from his seat and gently guided his husband’s hands back to the sink, 

“I know love.” He murmured. “I also know that he is way too thin, and very weak.” Taloch moved back to the table, pulling open his laptop to begin furiously typing away. “I asked Tuck and Reed to look into candidates for an actual doctor. I’m also going to do a little research on malnutrition treatments.” Dren finished up his chore and took a seat beside Toloch. 

“We’re gonna have to approach this real gentle like.” The orc sighed. They both knew exactly what the other wanted. Now they just had to build up trust and the health of their target. They shared a kiss before breaking away to see to their own tasks. This would take time, and they both knew they simply couldn’t rush things.