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Chapter Text

deployed into the darkness, the few lanterns is all that illuminated their goal and path in telamon. with a grin he couldn't show, subspace jumped into the alleyways and took the lead towards the center. but with a sigh, medkit loaded his gun and followed loosely behind his team.

fighting ensued shortly after and it felt like medkits bullets were not enough for his team, especially cause they were losing. he huffed under his breath, hearing subspace release his phinisher into the conquer ring, but instead of healing he'd rather take out the source of all his problems. subspace.

he cackled as the enemies were sucked into the vacuum, helpless to his greatest invention. suddenly, he got lightheaded and heard a loud fabric tear, as he tumbled and his ult dissipated. not nearly dead, he made his way into one of the many alleys and sat, holding onto his head and oblivious to his mask. he could feel the poison like them.

medkit saw his enemy basically crawl into an alleyway, and he needed to finish the job. his teammates could die, not like it'd make a difference with the horrendous selection he got. as he turned the corner, seeing his body, it was a gruesome scene that wasn't even his fault. how long has it been worsening? he thought it would've slowed, but it was uncanny how rotten it was.

heaving, shaking, he was defenseless in the alley as medkit loomed over him. his face wasn't riddled with hate as normal, it looked softer, concerned, a little sad. why? he couldn't have changed that fast, after all the fights. it felt like his life was slipping away, why wouldn't medkit kill him and let him respawn? subspace slowly patted his body for injuries, until reaching his face and his stomach dropped.

his team could wait. it was a useless battle anyways. he moved closer, obviously causing the scientist to get a little panicked and angry, but he set down his gear and opened the first aid kit, pulling out a roll of bandages. as he unrolled it and reached for subspaces face, his wrist was grabbed and pulled away, a silent rage in his eye as he laid injured. medkit wasnt having it this time, he yanked his hand out and slammed the others' down.

taken aback and his hand now aching, he let the doctor reach his face reluctantly and take off his eye patch. his hand carefully lifted his face, cradling like it'd rot off at any moment. he was rather gentle, when subspace winced, he stopped for a moment before continuing to wrap his jaw. it was just a bandage, but it was enough to substitute for the mask right now. nothing more could be done on the active battlefield. it was almost over, he could sleep now, right?

as he slowly wrapped the rot, subspace had passed out in his hands. now what? wait out the timer? he sighed, cutting the bandage, finishing the wrap. he shuffled next to the sleeping enemy, letting his head rest on his shoulder. he picked up his gun, lazily shooting at whoever, knowing they wouldn't bother to attack someone in the dark alleyway. realistically, no one saw them. the lanterns were too dim to see into them.

~

groggy and fuzzy, subspace opened his gaze to a dim room, in a strange bed, with a keyboard clacking beside him. ugh, whatever, he thought, as he turned over in the blanket and groaned when his head stung. the clacking stopped and a chair was rolled, a weight pressed on the bed and a hand met his back, rubbing slowly. he almost fell asleep again, but realized, who would be with him? he snapped over and grabbed the arm, causing the other to flinch but keep his hand on him.

"calm down. i'm trying to help you, dumbass"

removing subspaces grasp with his free hand, he got up from the bed and went to grab a spare power crystal. taking it to the kitchen and grinding it into a fine dust, then returning to the dazed scientist in his bed with the dust. he turned him onto his back again and carefully removed the makeshift mask, not stopping at the others disagreement. he held his torn face in his hand, caressing it for his own sake before applying the crystal powder around the rot.

he trembled every time his fingers got close to the open wounds, trying not to violently recoil, cause what if it did help? even for a little, some respite would be welcome. his hands were rough, but they didnt hurt, only hurt when he had to leave to grab bandages. his arm reached out for him, but he already left, leaving him limp on the bed.

as medkit returned, he saw that subspace had returned to being curled up. he huffed, and instead of disturbing his position, he kneeled at the side of the bed and pulled his head up, trying to wrap his glittered face in the bandage again. he flinched less, and once he was patched up, covered his head with the blanket and groaned.

"don't rub it all off. you'll be fine."

the bed creaked as weight moved from the front of the bed to behind subspace, definitely medkit. joined under the blanket, medkit wrapped around his coiled body and rested his arms over him. his heart fluttered, he's never been this nervous, not during any experiment or battle. whats wrong? was it the powder? did it do something to him? it only made him want the comforting warmth more.

"sleep. you'll be a little better tomorrow."

~

in the morning, medkit found subspace facing him, arms wrapped around him and head buried into his chest. seriously? how needy. its not like he could turn down a personal patient though. he gently pet his hair, sure not to pull any knots, and pulled him closer. he could hear the sleeping scientist whimper. out of pain or yearning? not like he'd know, or care. supposedly.

when subspace awoke, the doctor was gone. he swore, wasnt he just here? he turned over, and for once got a good view of the room. it was small, the bed in the corner, desk across from it, and two doors to a living area and bathroom. he sat up, cold, even though the blanket was still wrapped around him. medkit came in through the door closer to the desk, setting down a mug of coffee before leaving and returning with a small plate of food.

he placed the food on the desk too, but came over to subspace and grabbed his face, softly peeling away the bandages. he didnt resist this time, he let his hands graze the wounded skin and hold him. it was working, the crystal, the rot had actually started to reduce and let the flesh regenerate. he smiled, placing a soft kiss near his previously covered eye. medkit stood up, grabbed the food plate, and set it down in front of the embarrassed patient, then returned to typing at his desk.

"eat carefully. dont reopen those wounds."

its like his whole body was crushed. his heart was pounding, lungs felt collapsed, brain melted and moreover, he was hungry. it wasnt a lot, but he was slow enough about eating that it filled him up. it'd be a shame if the healing went to waste. he felt around his jaw, the decayed holes smaller than before, like when they first fought. then he felt where medkit kissed him. why'd it feel like that? what'd he do? was he also meddling with poisons? perhaps, a more emotional and harmless poison.

sighing, leaning back in his chair, he reached over for his coffee again for it to be empty. oh well. he stood up with the mug and also grabbed the plate subspace was given, which had pieces torn off or left out. guess he was a picky eater. he'll keep that in mind for next time. while out of the room, he grabbed more of the powder to reapply.

once medkit returned, he immediately sat next to subspace again and grasped his face, spreading the powder across his lips and cheeks again. his face flushed with pink the entire time, his mouth slightly agape and his sharpened teeth visible. when he thought he was done applying the dust, medkit leaned in and kissed him on his lips. not a peck, but it stayed there. off guard, his teeth grazed the doctors lips and left a cut that slightly bled.

surprised at the slight pain, he pulled back, wiping his lip. still, he went back and kissed him again, feeling the other melt into it and grab onto his clothes. subspace whined into it, obviously trying not to bite or dig his nails into medkit. it made him chuckle, it was cute. after medkit pulled away, the scientist let go and buried himself in the covers.

"you've gotta be ready for the phrenzy. i couldn't leave you like that."

Chapter Text

the doctor looked at the robot, then subspace, then back at the robot. it was turning out well but he wasnt really interested on the latest improvements, of course he has ulterior motives. but, unlike a few old outings, it wasnt a trick to embarrass or hurt subspace. he planned on taking him on a date, for valentines, yknow? originally the thought of love made him shudder.

something seemed to, quite literally spark, between them. the tinkering of the biograft in front of him came back to him, before he was too lost in his thoughts, and it seemed a wire was set ablaze. subspace jumped back and panicked and medkit just sighed, quickly pulling off his jacket and puffing out the fire with it, only leaving a few burnt marks.

"sorry meddy!! but im not buying you another jacket! keep that wretched thing as a memory!!"

"it's fine, ive had worse." he simply slipped it back on and subspace sat back down, inspecting the burnt electronics

he cleared his throat, "subspace, do you have any other plans for tonight?"

"work!! on!! biograft!!" he didnt even look up

"tch, well, i wanted to invite you out."

subspace dropped his tools and stared at him with a crazed expression

"i am not falling for!! your tricks again!! last time you almost shot my brains out!!"

"seriously, its not some plan this time. its for valentines day." he glanced down, blushing, his diamond gem seemingly glowing brighter.

subspace seemed to ponder it for a bit, backing down and looking away, before blinking and looking back at him with a grin

"of course ill come!!"

"finish up your invention then, ill be taking my leave." and as he got up and left, subspace swore he saw a smile and his small fluffy tail pointed up, instead of its usual droopy position.

~

it was dark and damp, the grass slightly glistening from nearby lampposts, medkit sighed at the picnic blanket and wondered if he'll actually arrive.

beside him were a few blankets, incase it got too cold, and an umbrella if it rained. he didnt bring much actual food, just a few soft pastries. it was one of the things subspace could eat with little complication. as well as some fizzy drinks.

after some time, subspace came padding up with a sorta large crossbody bag. he clutched the strap and seemed to glance around, still suspicious of medkits intentions, he supposed.

medkit patted the spot next to him and subspace sat down, crosslegged, and pulled the bag off and placed it behind him.

"so! about the delay! the biograft enhancements.. there was another accident!! lets just say!" his tail lashed back and forth, grazing the grass nearby.

"sincerely, tell me more. i dont visit as often as id like." he smiled.

though obviously shocked, his crystal lit up and he started going off about his plans for the biografts, new weapons, base improvements. making extreme hand movements and sometimes getting too loud, medkit had to hush him so he didnt wake any angry demon up.

the scientist did end up pulling some inventions out of the bag, and admitted that some were also for self defense incase medkit had bad intentions. medkit himself had a blanket pulled over him and his body faced subspace now, with seemingly full interest as he was handed and showed various, questionably dangerous, experimental gadgets.

after a particularly long rant, medkit chuckled

"what!! is it a joke to you?? tch!"

"no no, its just cute. you know i love you, right?" he reached for subspaces hand, lightly brushing his thumb over his knuckles.

instantly subspace was flustered stuttering over a sentence before getting agitated and just hung his head with anㅤ"ugh!"ㅤ, his tail thumping against the ground.

the doctor pulled himself closer and raised subspaces head up, pulling down his mask and pressing a kiss into his poisoned lips, pulling away to see his reaction.

his isotoxal star shimmered so bright, the light combined with medkits diamond. his clawed hands froze in place, as well as his tail, in a sort of state of shock.

he shook himself out of the weird dazed state ㅤ"i didnt say stop!! ugh!" ㅤand pushed a kiss into medkit, pulling his face and holding it, while medkits hands wrapped around his body.

subspace pulled away, blushing and looking away. medkit moved his hands to hold subspaces.

"i told you, not a trick. just an outing." as he placed another soft kiss on his rotten hand.

"yea! im still just here to talk about my inventions!! of course!" he huffed.

the rest of the night was hushed excitement and cuddling under blankets. its been a while since they felt warm in blackrock.

Chapter Text

pouring rain pounded on the asphalt, the sky heavily clouded making the already dark streets even dimmer. through the rain was the heavy steps of subspace running, not even a jacket to cover his head. he was heaving as he ran down the street, nearly slipping a few times but able to regain his composure.

he came to a stop at a familiar door, taking a second to catch his breath before loudly knocking, he couldnt hear anything through the thick steel walls, but its like he could imagine the groan from the other side and the roll of a chair.

stepping out of his chair to unlock and open the door, medkit wasnt too surprised to see subspace there but he was surprised to see him in an even more disheveled state than he normally is. he was hunched over, his arms hugging himself and he could see him breathing through the cold air. though there was a hanging above the door, subspace was still drenched and his hair looked more knotted than ever, dripping water, that medkit was afraid would get inside.

he sighs, briefly leaving to grab a two towels, one that he laid down infront of the door, and the other handed to the sopping demon. he pulled him inside on the towel and shut the door.

subspace took the towel and quickly stepped inside, violently fluffing his hair with the towel in an effort to dry off and then wiping down his horns, face and body. medkit urged him to the couch and he sat down, being thrown a thick blanket before he heard medkit stepping away into the kitchen.

subspace immediately wrapped himself in the blanket and buried himself into it, pulling off his mask while he was at it. he was shivering and seething, but he just wanted to be quiet. it was a long night already. he did not have the heart to yell right now and he definitely doesnt have the weight to be thrown out into the cold again, he got goosebumps even thinking about it again. he was pathetic enough, relying on his enemy.

before he could full doze off, medkit placed a pair of mugs on the table and pulled up a blanket next to subspace, wrapping himself in it and reaching for the remote, flicking the tv to whatever and put it back and grabbed the mugs again, handing one to subspace.

he gingerly took it from the teal demons hands and held it for a moment for the warmth. he could smell it was tea, he didnt really care what type, as long as it didnt taste horrible. and it didnt. a tentative sip proved that. so he sat there, in the blanket, for a while just sitting next to medkit and sipping tea.

medkit thought it was weird that, the crazed scientist, wasnt ranting or rambling about whatever had him out in the rain. it was his nature to provide for someone in need, albeit begrudgingly sometimes, but usually it just gets worse with him here.

the mug clinked against the table as subspace set it back down, about half empty now. he curled up into the blankets, unintentionally pressing closer to the doctor, who was definitely warmer than the malnourished scientist.

before he knew it, subspace was asleep beside him. he sighed, carefully getting up and repositioning subspace to be laying down, and laying another thinner blanket on top of him. he softly kissed his forehead and took the mugs to the sink before heading to his own bed.

Chapter Text

another silent night in lost temple, sword asleep in the house and medkit staying up late for work. he could feel tiredness dragging him, staring at his screen, jotting down notes, testing concoctions with a heavy sigh when nothing happened. basically throwing down his clipboard, he decided he needed more coffee. just another cup or two should get him some results. as soon as he left the isolated room, excitable knocks banged against the door, earning a groan from medkit as he rushed to open the door.

when it opened, a cheerful subspace stood with a mysterious box in his arms. though he couldn't see it, he was obviously grinning, in stark contrast to the unamused, frowning medkit.

"hi meddy!! can i come in, pleaase? i know its so late!!"

all he got was a huff and the door left open, as medkit headed to the kitchen to start the coffee machine.

subspace set the box down on a nearby counter and shut the door, nearly slamming it, earning an aggressive shush from medkit. while he hunched over the coffee machine, the scientist started pulling out gadgets and half finished projects, yapping on about the intentions and whatnot. medkit only half listened, as this is usually his downtime and he was zoning out on autopilot, but every now and again subspace got real close and prodded the doctor, bringing him back to reality. when the coffee was finally brewed, even though medkit just walked by subspace, he was followed with the possibly explosive mechanisms dangling from his arms.

he decided to drag his box into the makeshift lab room that medkit had, it wasnt really his lab but it let him get simple work done in the house. subspace thought he would have more to say, considering he toned down the destruction on half of them, but either way they failed or else he wouldn't be here, ranting, venting. but all he got was some disagreeing sighs or head shakes, which he really couldn't tell if it was him or whatever medkit was working on.

behind him was a crash, like something shattered and it obviously caused medkit to snap back to look at subspace. who, was obviously guilty, just seemed to tilt his head and grab another device, bringing it closer to medkit who was now looking. unimpressed, he recoiled.

"can you try to be quiet? you've caught me in the middle of important work."

"come on!! you're not even LISTENING! obviously i've gotta be louder!!"

he could tell subspace was sneering behind his mask, only wishing he would choke on his own fumes inside it. medkit snatched the machine out of his hands and threw it back in the box. the scientist, did not like his creation manhandled like that, and grabbed it back to swing it on medkit who he thought would be more fragile, but it only made him wince initially. the doctor grabbed him and pushed him the to wall. unsurprisingly, the scientist was a lot more sickly and frail, he swore he heard something crack when he hit the wall.

"you can choose to be quiet or i can make you be quiet."

subspace wriggled a hand out of his grasp and smashed a concoction that fills the room with fog, leaving medkit stunned and gets him to back off. when the smoke dissipated, subspace was out of the room and so was his box.

assuming subspace left, medkit just went back to working, thoroughly annoyed by the antics of the other. after a while, what broke medkit out of his trance was another crash. he groaned, sat up and opened his door to see a broken device and subspace weeping. who turned away from him when he noticed him. like a switch went off, he went over to embrace subspace and express his concern, despite him trying to squirm out the grasp. he eventually gave in, sobbing into medkits clothes, whispering "i'm sorry" over and over.

"can i stay over? just this once? ill be quiet!.." he croaked through tears

medkit simply picked him up and carried him to the room, setting him down on the bed, cleaning his workspace and then joining him in bed. it seems like, all subspace wanted was a little attention and affection. the doctor pet his head and held him close as they drifted to sleep.

~

in the morning, subspace was already gone and medkit awoke to knocks on his door. when he opened it, sword stood in the doorway.

"uh, are you alright? lotta noise last night, you woke us up!"

"coworker, he's clumsy. who's us?" medkit inquired

rockets arms wrapped around sword from behind and his face nuzzled into swords neck, obviously still very tired. he knew who "us" was now, and just shooed them away so he could also wake up from last nights rollercoaster.

Chapter Text

playing around in the lab, subspace was trying to make the next big thing, again. namely, poison, or acid, or some sort of bomb. but it wasnt going well, mixtures would go neutral for seemingly no reason or it wasnt what he wanted at all. infuriating. through his rage and enthusiasm, beakers were slammed down and spilled, when one finally shattered and sprayed a volatile blend right onto him. it melted through his mask and shirt, and it stung his skin that felt like it was melting right through him.

suddenly so panicked, he didnt know what to do. if the best scientist in blackrock could control himself a little, this wouldn't have happened. normally not a big deal, but his face. he'd hate to accelerate the rot. again. his breathing got heavy as he looked around, dazed, and mixtures bubbling from sitting still. if he focused on this any longer, it'd get worse. so, let's worry about something else. he grabbed a part of the broken beaker and quickly sliced at his arm multiple times, letting the warm blood run down his arm. it had some sort of calming effect, all his attention was on the giant cuts now, instead of the failure he had made. but it hurt, what'd he do? he didnt have medical supplies around. so he sat down and rested his head against a wall, blood starting to drip onto the floor and his mind slipping away.

coincidentally, medkit was meant to check up on subspace today, to follow up previous injuries. walking up to the lab entrance, he thumped his fist on it and awaited a response. usually subspace would immediately open it with pure happiness and welcome him right in, but he didnt appear this time. whatever, he had a key. he assumed the scientist would just be really absorbed in something. but when he stepped in and had found the room he was in, it looked like a crime scene.

he wasnt really gone yet, it was kinda like tunnel vision on his arm. he felt himself be readjusted with his back to the wall, muffled speaking and someone holding onto his hand. whenever his eyes shut for just a moment, he'd awake by something grazing his wounds again. he'd hiss in pain every time they were wiped over, but it stung less each time. its not like this was the first time he's gouged his body on purpose. the person left, and he tried to sleep again, before being padded awake with a glass of water in front of him. what was he to do, grab it? he'd drop it. so all he did was turn his head away. a hand held up his head and gently pour the water into his mouth, reassuring mumbles encouraged him to swallow, though his throat was so scratchy, it felt like swallowing nails.

he was picked up and brought to his bed, but he still couldn't sit up, so he leaned against the bed frame. he felt his arm be wiped again, but it didnt sting, and then it was wrapped in the blink of an eye. he felt his shirt be pulled off and something rubbed onto the acidic burns on his chest and face. now, he could make out the teal horns of medkit, and immediately started crying. why'd he have to see him like this? it was so pathetic, he was supposed to be better than this. he was pulled into a hug, his injured arm limp but the other loosely holding onto the doctors clothes. instantly burying his face into the others shoulder, tears leaving the spot wet. a firm hug held him from slumping over, one wrapped around his waist and the other diagonal from his shoulders.

whispering came from medkit, but he was so lightheaded, its hard to make out anything. he only made out one sentence before falling asleep finally.

"you'll be better tomorrow. i won't let you go like this."

Chapter Text

it was dark in medkits lab again. late nights werent a new thing to him, he often was up till the sun peeked through his window and that was when he'd finally rest until the sun was fully visible, and it was back to his work he went. but right now, all that illuminated his laptop and papers was a small desk lamp.

he felt his arms start to cramp up so he stood up and stretched, when he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist he nearly fell over out of fear, earning a chuckle from the demon who snuck into his room, who was of course subspace.

he liked seeing the blush spread across medkits face once he realized it was subspace, and not a stranger. subspace found him quite cute despite the stoic exterior medkit put on. he pulled his arms off of medkit and let him sit to continue to work. it was entertaining to see the calmer paperwork that the doctor had, versus subspaces dangerous and aggravating experiments and machinery. even though they probably worked the same amount of time, medkit definitely got in more sure work than hundreds of tests before something worked.

subspace leaned down, placing a clawed hand on medkits shoulder, pulled down his mask and started whispering into his ear, his hot breath sending chills down his spine. he spoke about notes for the papers and random compliments, which made medkit a little more flustered each time. though medkit tried to pull his hand off, it was like he wasnt really trying to brush him off. like he wanted it to keep going.

eventually, subspace moved his hands down to the doctors waist and pulled him out his chair, earning a gasp from the latter. subspace pressed him against the table with his own body and bent over, biting and sucking at his neck with his sharp teeth. soft whimpers escaped from medkits body, like it was a common reaction.

medkit could feel subspaces hands grab at his waist and move down to between his thighs before an electronic ring buzzed from his pager on his desk. subspace scoffed and pulled his hands back, knowing that its probably important if it wasnt just a text. medkit let out a whine as his hands slid off of him, and a huff when he picked up the device to read the message.

before leaving, subspace pulled medkit in for a kiss, softly biting at his lip and parting with a chuckle, seeing the doctors face flushed always brightened his day, or night in this case. then he departed, leaving medkit to respond to the crossroads call at an ungodly hour.