Deca carried Hunter back to his room, setting on the bed with him. "It's quiet here," he soothed, running a hand down Hunter's thorax. "The walls are soundproof."

Hunter already knew that, but he nodded, and pushed into Deca's chest, shifting as he tried to delay what had really sent him over the edge. Ame had been intense, and he didn't like the loud noises, but it was something more. His hurt arm was aching terribly, and his abdomen was cramping. The shifter didn't think it would happen so soon, didn't want anyone to see him so vulnerable, even if he was starting to trust Deca.

"It itches," he whispered, wanting so badly to scratch himself all over.

"Your arm?" Deca asked, but he was interrupted by a knock at the door before he could answer. He stood, picking Hunter up. The smaller shifter groaned, not wanting to leave the bed.

He opened the door to a worried dragon, who held out a small cup. "I. I thought he might like to try it when he feels better." She shifted on her feet, nervous. Deca just took the cup, thanking her and gently sending her away.

"Hunter?" He asked. He didn't even open his eyes at the offer, the thought of food making him feel nauseous. Deca set the cup on a small table, and got into bed, pulling Hunter to his chest.

*

They'd both fallen asleep, Deca using that sound to calm the spider. But when Deca woke up, the man in his arms was covered in sweat. He turned on the lights, seeing the pale blue liquid that wasn't sweat, but knowing not to worry. He pulled back the covers, Hunter's pale skin had darkened, his one arm clutching his stomach, and his skin covered in wrinkles that weren't there before. "Not now," he whimpered, "I can't do it now." Deca wasn't even sure if the guy was fully conscious.

He leaned over, rumbling into his ear, vibrating as he pulled him close, "Shift. I'll make sure you're safe." There was a long groan, and Deca picked up the orange and black spider, pulling him close to his chest. Hunter needs darkness, quiet, and a place no one ever went into, including CJ.

He thought of the attic, the one place CJ was afraid to go. He lifted them both, remembering to grab his shades as he went.

He climbed the stairs, opening the small door, and frowning at how messy it was. He could tell Ame was using it as storage, half finished designs and mannequins littering the area, all covered in dust. But it was quiet, and dark.

"Hunter," he said gently shaking the trembling shifter. "Where do you want to go?" There was a small whoosh, and a line of silk was attached to the roof. Hunter pulled away, using his strong back legs to climb up, hanging delicately in midair from the one strand. Need week. Deca barely heard as he started back down the steps, and closed the door.

CJ passed him in the hall, glancing at the attic door with a shudder, looking at Deca curiously. "Hunter is in there. Tell everyone not to bother him. He's moulting, and a shock could hurt him, or worse..." He trailed off, giving CJ's hair a ruffle as the mammal agreed to tell the others.

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