12. Many

12. Many
(Middle Earth, Oin/Frár/Eagen/Nord/Toron/Gloin/Sima)

Eagen sat up in bed, gasping. He clamped both hands over his nose and mouth. But he still snapped forward. “Ehhktchhhhh! Ehh-ehhhKehtchhhh!”

All around him, his spouses woke. He flushed, wishing he could invent something to help him disappear or from the bed they shared. He muttered an apology, not wanting to meet anyone’s eyes.

But then he felt many hands petting him, stroking him, caressing him. He felt kisses to his temples and his cheeks. A warm blanket was wrapped around him and a soft handkerchief was pressed into his hand.

Everyone snuggled close, comforting him from all sides.

12. Many (again)

12. Many (again)
(Sense8, Cluster)

Riley stroked Will’s cheek. He stirred, coughing and snuffling. She got a tissue for him and tried not to feel overwhelmed by helplessness.

“Boiling water and carom seeds will help with the cough,” Kala advised.

“Asian pears with honey,” Sun suggested.

“Nah, Makatussin’s what he needs,” said Wolfgang.

“Or tequila shots.” Lito mimed tossing one back.

“Just get some rest,” Capheus said knowingly. “It could be worse.”

Will sneezed, wincing as she rubbed his nose.

“At least get softer tissues.” Nomi settled on the bed and everyone else did the same. Remedies were in short supply, but comfort was not.