Dan
Nick sat beside Dan with his shoulders stiff as they drove towards Recluce One, his posture screaming discomfort. Nick was doing his best to put as much distance between them as the confines of the car allowed, but it wasn't enough. Their arms still touched, brushing against each other with every bump and turn, and the contact sent shockwaves through Dan's body.
The car wasn't spacious enough to accommodate a man of Dan's size comfortably, but he found himself wishing it were even smaller. He craved more. No—he needed more, like he needed his next breath. Every point of contact between them felt electric, igniting a fire in his veins that was impossible to ignore.
Nick, however, seemed utterly oblivious to Dan's struggle. He stared out the window, his expression calm, detached. That indifference, so innocent and unintentional, made Dan's frustration burn hotter. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to grab Nick's face and force him to look, to acknowledge the torment he was inflicting with his sheer presence.
If they were on Grosh, Dan wouldn't be suffering in silence like this. A Grosh mate didn't shy away from desire, they showed their partner exactly what they wanted. Dan would have claimed him by now, shown him what it meant to be a dedicated mate, to satisfy every need without question.
But this wasn't Grosh. And Nick wasn't a Grosh partner.
Well, what Nick was doing wasn't entirely foreign. Even Grosh played the game of deliberate indifference, teasing their partners to stoke the fires of pursuit. Dan's instincts couldn't help but interpret Nick's detachment as some kind of subtle, calculated provocation. But Nick wasn't playing hard to get. Nick didn't want him to prove his devotion, to claim him as any Grosh would.
No. Nick wasn't teasing. He wasn't aware of what he was doing, not in the slightest. And that realization only made it worse. Dan's body didn't care that Nick's indifference wasn't deliberate. It reacted all the same, his instincts roaring with the need to bridge the gap between them, to end this maddening distance.
Dan's chest heaved with the effort it took to keep himself in check. Every second in that car felt like a lifetime. The silent tension was suffocating, his primal urges battling against the fragile thread of control he had left. One more brush of their arms, one more stolen glance at Nick's profile, and he wasn't sure he'd be able to hold himself back.
Dan couldn't be more relieved when they arrived at the Recluse One.
And as they walked the rich foliage Nick looked at it with wide eyed fascination, and Dan couldn't help but take him in, relish in his wonderment.
Dan clenched his fist as the telltale tingle of his avath pulsed through his wrist, the sensation sharp and persistent. He rotated his palm in a futile attempt to alleviate the mounting pressure, but the discomfort only grew worse.
"Is everything alright?" Nick asked, looking at his hand.
"Just a strain," Dan lied. If only it were that simple. If only Nick had any idea what his Grosh instincts were demanding of him. Every passing second in Nick's presence became an excruciating test of his control. Nick's face, his voice, his very existence teased and tormented Dan with the promise of something he couldn't—shouldn't—have. Nick wasn't a Grosh. Fuck, if it wasn't messing with his head. His primal instinct was to push him down on his knees and ride him like a stallion.
When people said Priming was the worst kind of punishment yet the best kind of reward, he hadn't believed them. As his body burned with the fever of Priming hormones, he understood their sentiment. His cock twitched, straining against his pants as heat pooled low in his abdomen. His avath throbbed in sync with his racing pulse, its ache refusing to fade no matter how hard he willed it to stop.
But as Nick tilted his head, his brow furrowed with concern, Dan felt himself falter. Those soft, curious eyes seemed to cut through his defenses, threatening to undo everything he had built to keep his emotions in check.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Nick pressed gently, his tone making Dan's chest tighten in ways that had nothing to do with the bond.
Dan exhaled slowly, forcing himself to nod. "I'm fine," he said, though the hoarseness of his voice betrayed him.
He wasn't fine. He was anything but fine. And the more time he spent around Nick, the harder it became to resist what his instincts wanted.
"You're breathing heavily," Nick observed as they walked over a broken branch. The place was undeniably beautiful, but far less lush than the untamed wilderness of Grosh. Dan hadn't realized his breathing had grown so labored. Of course, it made sense, every cell in his body was gearing up for the inevitable claim of his mate. The primal instincts, the fire coursing through his veins, it was all too much.
"I'm fine," Dan said again, his voice steady, though it was a lie he didn't even bother to mask well. He extended his left hand to Nick, who was about to step over another fallen tree. The moss-covered trunk was slick, a precarious crossing. Nick reached out, gripping Dan's palm firmly to balance himself.
That touch. That damned touch.
It was as if a switch had been flipped. The moment Nick's hand closed around his, the hungry beast within Dan stirred, clawing its way to the surface, demanding to ravish his mate. His fingers tightened around Nick's hand involuntarily, his restraint faltering for a fleeting moment.
Nick paused, looking up at him with a mix of curiosity and wariness at that possessive squeeze of Dan's fingers.
"Relax," Dan muttered, forcing his lips into a lopsided smirk, his tone deceptively light. "I'm not going to eat you."
Not yet, anyway.
But the truth lingered in the unspoken promise. He would, and when he did, he'd make sure Nick savored every second of it.
Dan's eyes betrayed him, glowing faintly with the telltale luminescence of his priming need. He could see the way Nick stiffened under that gaze, his fingers faltering for just a moment before he let go and crossed the trunk.
Nick had no idea how close Dan was to losing control. How close he was to throwing him against the nearest tree and showing him exactly what it meant to be claimed by a Grosh. His restraint was hanging by a thread, and every step they took through the forest only tightened the noose around his self-control.
"Your eyes..." Nick trailed off, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and awe.
Dan chuckled softly, though it sounded strained. "I know... I'm sorry. It's involuntary."
"No, I think your eyes look beautiful," Nick said, a blush creeping up his cheeks, his bashfulness making Dan's chest tighten in ways he hadn't expected.
Dan's gaze flickered to his right wrist instinctively. The avath was still out, its tip oozing venom in tiny, telltale drops. He clenched his fist, summoning every ounce of willpower to retract it once more, the effort almost painful. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep it in check, but he had to try.
"Thanks, Nick," he replied hoarsely, his voice rasping with the weight of restrained desire. Nick's innocence was disarming, starkly different from the Grosh people Dan was used to. The Grosh were intense, commanding—whether male, female, or any identity in between—and they only ever yielded to a more dominant mate.
But Nick was different.
Dan's mind raced as he watched him kick a stone, clearly trying to distract himself. The thought of being Nick's mate made his head spin. How would he adjust to someone so... soft? Someone so un-Grosh? Yet that same softness was what drew him in like a moth to a flame.
"Do you smell that?" Nick asked suddenly, his nose scrunching as he looked around.
"Smell what?" Dan asked, feigning ignorance though he already suspected the answer.
"It smells like... spices," Nick said, sniffing the air again, his head tilting slightly in confusion.
Dan's heart skipped a beat. Of course. Spices. His Priming pheromones.
A deep frown furrowed his brow as he stepped closer to Nick, his tone urgent. "Don't inhale it."
Nick blinked, startled. "Why not?"
"Just... don't," Dan said, his voice firm but edged with worry.
The last thing he needed was for Nick to start Priming too—not when Nick was blissfully unaware of what was happening, of what it all meant. The bond was already wreaking havoc on his own body, pushing him closer and closer to the edge.
If Nick breathed in too much, things would spiral out of control. And once they started, there would be no turning back.
"Wow, it's the first time I've seen flowers blooming on a tree," Nick said, his voice filled with wonder as he gazed at the cherry blossoms.
Years of reckless exploitation had left much of Earth barren. In its final years, humanity had relied on machines to produce oxygen, yet critical shortages plagued most regions. This enclosed tree reserve, Recluse One, stood as a tribute to a time when Earth was more in sync with its natural self, a fragile reminder of what once was.
Nick turned in a slow circle, his amazement evident in the way his eyes sparkled. "It's breathtaking. I could spend my whole life here."
"Really?" Dan asked softly, a flicker of hope stirring in his chest.
Nick nodded eagerly. "I can't comprehend why anyone would destroy this kind of beauty."
Dan smirked, though his tone carried a sharp edge. "Your race isn't exactly the brightest."
Nick frowned but didn't protest. Instead, he asked curiously, "What's your planet like?"
Dan paused, then reached out and took Nick's hand in his. Nick glanced down at their joined hands, a faint crease of confusion on his forehead, but he didn't pull away.
"You really want to know?" Dan asked, his voice low and almost tender.
Nick met his gaze and smiled. "Of course."
Dan launched into a vivid description of his home planet, painting a picture of a lush world teeming with life. He spoke of towering trees with vibrant, multicolored leaves that shimmered like jewels under their sun, a far cry from Earth's green foliage. He described the outplanet regions, densely forested and thriving, while the inner core held vast oceans with crystalline waters.
As Dan spoke, Nick listened intently, his awe growing with every detail. They eventually found themselves lying on a patch of soft grass by a water body, the sunlight filtering through the canopy above.
Dan turned his head slightly to look at Nick, his voice breaking the peaceful silence. "Do you have a girlfriend? Or maybe a boyfriend?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and unexpected.
Nick didn't respond immediately, his expression unreadable as he stared up at the leaves swaying gently above. Minutes passed, the quiet almost suffocating. Finally, he said softly, "No. Not right now."
Dan's chest tightened at the answer, though he kept his expression neutral. He wanted to press further, to know more about Nick's past, his desires, and what made his heart race. But something told him to tread carefully. Nick's admission was a fragile thing, and Dan didn't want to shatter the delicate moment they were sharing.
Dan turned his head, watching Nick's chest rise and fall with each steady breath. His gaze lingered on the elegant curve of his neck, a tantalizing stretch of skin that seemed to beg for his lips. His eyes drifted lower, taking in the way Nick's torso shifted slightly as he adjusted his position. The hem of Nick's t-shirt had ridden up just enough to expose a sliver of his hip, and Dan's imagination spiraled into dangerous territory.
The sight sent a sharp jolt through him, his thoughts plunging into forbidden fantasies. His avath, sensitive and aching, throbbed with the unrelenting need to claim what it recognized as its mate.
He nearly groaned aloud as vivid images flooded his mind: his avath sliding against that exposed skin, Nick arching under his touch, and the sweet, helpless surrender he imagined in his mate's eyes. The fire in his veins was unbearable, every fiber of his being taut with need.
Dan's breath hitched when he felt something featherlight against his wrist. His eyes snapped down to see Nick's finger brushing over his avath.
"I'm so sorry!" Nick gasped, pulling his hand back as if he had touched something forbidden. "Was that inappropriate? I was just curious—it was sticking out again."
Dan closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply to calm the roaring storm within him. "No, it's fine," he said, though his voice was strained.
"You said it usually doesn't come out," Nick said, his brow furrowed in confusion as he studied Dan's wrist.
Dan forced a casual shrug, his body tense. How could he explain the truth...that his avath was reacting to Nick, drawn out by the overpowering pull of the mating bond? "It happens sometimes," he said vaguely, avoiding Nick's gaze.
"There's... water on it," Nick pointed out, his tone curious as he noticed a bead of venom on the tip.
Dan quickly wiped it on his pants, stifling a hiss as the sensitive tip brushed against the rough fabric. The sharp jolt of sensation was both pleasure and torment, and he knew he couldn't stay in this precarious situation any longer.
"Come on, we should head back," Dan said, his voice firmer now. He couldn't trust himself to stay a moment longer without losing his resolve. He stood quickly, extending a hand to Nick to help him up.
Nick took Dan's hand with a light smile, but a sudden yelp escaped his lips as he pulled back, staring at his palm in confusion. "What the hell?" he muttered, rubbing the sting that had spread across his skin.
Dan froze, his heart sinking as realization dawned. His avath had stung Nick. "Show me," Dan said urgently, grabbing Nick's hand to inspect it.
Nick chuckled nervously, trying to downplay the situation. "Am I going to die?"
Dan's gaze darkened, his jaw tightening. "You could," he said, the weight of his words landing heavily between them.
Nick blinked, the humor draining from his face. "Are you serious?"
"Yes," Dan replied, his voice firm, though he tried to mask his rising panic. "But you won't die this time." His grip on Nick's hand tightened, as if grounding himself through the touch.
Nick swallowed hard, his attempt at levity fading. "My arm feels... weird. It's tingling," he muttered as they began walking back toward the car.
Dan cursed silently. He had no idea how Grosh venom would affect a human. It wasn't meant for their physiology. If Nick's body reacted poorly—if his venom harmed him—it would be Dan's fault, and he would never forgive himself.
"I don't feel so good, Dan," Nick said softly, his steps faltering as beads of sweat formed on his brow.
Dan's protective instincts roared to life, his heart pounding. "Hold on. Just a little further," he urged, gripping Nick's arm firmly.
When they reached the car, Dan turned to the driver. "Do you have water?"
The driver quickly handed him a bottle, concern etched on his face. "Is he okay?"
Dan glanced at Nick, whose flushed face and dilated pupils sent a fresh wave of alarm coursing through him. Sweat was dripping down his temples, and his breathing was labored.
"He's fine," Dan lied, though his voice wavered slightly. He stepped in front of Nick, blocking the driver's path when he tried to approach. "Stay back."
The driver froze, his eyes widening as he caught sight of Dan's face. Dan's canines had elongated, sharp and glinting, while his glowing eyes bore down on the man with a feral intensity. Even among Grosh, Dan's appearance in a protective state was enough to send shivers down spines. For a human, it was outright terrifying.
The driver stepped back, his hands raised. "I—I just wanted to help."
Dan ignored him, kneeling beside Nick and carefully pouring water over the sting on his palm. The cool liquid trickled over the wound, washing away any traces of venom that had not gone into his bloodstream yet.
Nick winced, his breath hitching. "It burns," he whispered.
"I know," Dan said softly, his voice laced with guilt. He dabbed the area with his sleeve, his hands trembling slightly. "This should help. Just stay with me, okay?"
"This was your plan to kill me, wasn't it?" Nick snapped.
Dan shot him a sharp glance, his lips twitching with restrained humor despite the seriousness of the situation. "If I wanted you dead, I wouldn't make it this complicated."
Nick glared or at least tried to. His flushed face and hazy eyes made it more like an exaggerated pout. "Shh," Dan said, pressing a finger gently against Nick's lips.
Nick blinked, his expression softening for a brief moment as Dan took his injured palm in his hand. Before Nick could protest, Dan brought it to his lips and ran his tongue over the small wound.
"What the hell are you doing?" Nick yelped, trying to pull his hand back. "That is nasty. Don't do that! You're gonna give me an infection!"
Dan ignored him, his warm tongue brushing over the wound once more before pulling away. "It'll heal faster now," Dan muttered, though he avoided Nick's gaze.
Nick snatched his hand back, staring at it like Dan had just cursed him. "You're insane. This is some alien voodoo, isn't it?"
Dan smirked despite himself. "If you say so."
The journey back to the city was a chorus of Nick's mumblings accusing Dan of plotting his demise.
Nick groaned, pressing his hands to his cheeks as if that would clear the fog in his mind. "I feel weird. Like... floaty. This isn't normal, is it?"
Dan's jaw tightened, guilt flickering across his face. "No, it's not."
Nick squinted at him, a goofy smile spreading across his flushed face. "I knew it. You did poison me."
Dan let out a long sigh, leaning his head back against the seat. "Just hang on. We're almost there."
Nick kept mumbling, his words blending into a soft hum as his body leaned closer to Dan. By the time they reached their destination, Nick's head had found a resting place on Dan's shoulder.
When they finally arrived at NEAE, Dan carried Nick up to his private quarters, his steps urgent but careful. The sting was no minor issue—Grosh ras could wreak havoc on a human body, and Dan wasn't about to leave Nick alone to suffer through it.
"Why are you taking me to your room?" Nick asked, accusingly.
"I need to keep an eye on you," Dan said, his voice firm but not unkind. "The venom...uh...the sting might cause some discomfort."
Nick let out a laugh, though it sounded more like a wheeze. "Discomfort? Is that what you aliens call slow, painful death?"
Dan ignored the comment, guiding Nick to his bed. "Lie down," he ordered softly.
Nick begrudgingly obeyed, collapsing onto the mattress with a groan. Dan knelt beside him, placing a large hand on Nick's forehead to check for fever. The heat radiating from his skin was alarming.
Nick swatted his hand away with surprising strength. "Why didn't you take me to Dr. Desai instead? You afraid I'd tell her you poisoned me?"
Dan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't want to get in trouble for endangering an intern's life."
Nick laughed again. "You? Get in trouble? Ha! They'd probably help you bury me...no, no...throw me into one of the Jenovaterra volcanoes."
Dan chuckled despite himself. "You should sleep, Nick. It'll help ease the symptoms, lessen the discomfort."
Nick pulled the blanket Dan had draped over him down to his chin. "Discomfort. Sure. I feel like my skin's on fire, but sure."
Dan frowned, his eyes catching the faint sheen of sweat forming on Nick's flushed skin. His lips had darkened to a deep, tempting shade of pink, and his nipples pressed visibly against his thin t-shirt, hard enough to make Dan's stomach churn with guilt and arousal. The venom was taking hold.
"Why is it so hot in here?" Nick mumbled, kicking the blanket off. His hands went to the hem of his shirt, tugging at it as though it were suffocating him.
Dan reached out to stop him. "Nick, wait—"
Nick shot him a glare, his eyes sharp despite the haze. "Don't. Touch. Me."
Dan backed off, his jaw tightening. He knew the ras heightened the senses, making clothing unbearable against sensitive skin. Reluctantly, he let Nick strip.
Nick tossed his shirt to the side, exposing his flushed, heaving chest. His skin was covered in goosebumps, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from his body. Dan's eyes were drawn to his hardened nipples, the slight sheen of sweat on his torso making his pale skin glow under the dim light.
Dan clenched his fists at his sides, fighting the overwhelming urge to touch him. His own body was a battlefield, the venom coursing through his veins like fire. He could feel his avath twitching, ready to claim, but he forced it down.
Nick's fingers toyed with the waistband of his pants, a frustrated groan slipping past his lips. "Why does it feel this way?" Nick asked, pressing down on his crotch.
Dan swallowed hard. "The venom is making your skin more sensitive," he said, his voice hoarse. "It'll pass."
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Dan's lips twitched into a tight smile. "I have morals, Nick. And I'm not going to take advantage of you."
Nick smirked, his eyelids heavy. "Good to know you're not a complete monster."
Dan stood abruptly, stepping back to put distance between them. "Try to rest," he said, his voice clipped. "I'll stay nearby if you need anything."
As Nick's breathing slowed, his body finally succumbing to exhaustion, Dan sat on the edge of the room, his fists trembling with restraint.
This was going to be the longest night of his life.
***
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