The Beard

Part Four

After an awkward cab ride home, Sadahiko invited Derek into the dining room. He told him he'd be in the kitchen, making coffee and fruit slices. He wasn't sure if he would take the bait, horny as he was, but if there was anything Derek liked more than "hot" women-- it was food.

"God, you not only sing, but whip up a good cup of coffee!" He took a long swig of the creamy drink, smacking his lips. God, how sexy...!

"Thanks, baby," Sadahiko purred, running a hand from Derek's beefy pecs to his plump round belly. "My, my, a strong man like you must have a nice hearty appetite. I'll whip up a snack."

"You think I worked up an appetite singing?" Derek laughed, as Sadahiko started to the kitchen. "That's nothing compared to all the sports I've played!"

"Really?" Sadahiko's brows shot up. "Which ones?"

"I still lift weights and play rugby, but I used to throw the hammer, shot put, and discus. I even won a state hammer-throwing competition!" He flexed his biceps, grinning as he bounced it a bit. "Who would have thought, a chunky hick from Stormhagen would win such a thing?"

"Oh, you're not a chunky hick!" Sadahiko sighed, returning with the plates, "You're a big, cuddly teddy bear. I bet you get all the ladies back home!"

"Actually, I do! And for some reason, they want to feed me." He blushed, then shook his head. "It's like they want to fatten me up. But who am I to turn down home cookin'?"

"I'm no cook, but I can sure jazz up a snack!"

He slid a saucer over to Derek. Sliced nectarines, drenched in whipped cream. So lush, frothy, and creamy the sleepy drunk man would hardly notice the allergen.

"I cut some...dark oranges, to go with the cream."

"Perfect!"

As Sadahiko nibbled a nectarine slice, Derek shoved two into his mouth, smearing cloudy whipped cream around his lips. In time, he devoured the entire plate-- not missing a drop of cream.

"Delicious!" he proclaimed, scratching his lips, "But worth it!"

Sadahiko cleaned closer; sure enough, Derek kept itching around his mouth, and a thin red ring curved around it.

"Worth what?" Sadahiko asked.

Derek rubbed his left eye. When he stopped, it was swollen-- so swollen, the opening barely shut, dark-red iris peeking out. In fact, the entire left side of his face was bloated and bright red.

"Oh." His voice was light, breathless- like he'd been punched in the stomach. "Ohhh!"

Derek coughed loudly and brushed a hand over his throat, clearly in pain. His throat felt raw and itchy. His breathing became heavy and ragged-- so painful that Sadahiko's own throat began to hurt.

"Have some more coffee," he offered.

"No!" Derek gasped, scowling so his half-swollen face looked grotesque, "I need help!"

He pulled the square Auvi-Q out of his bag and pressed it into his thigh. He coughed again; with the dry sound, Sadahiko felt a pang of guilt shoot through his stomach. Shit! What if he dies right in front me?

"Th-The allergist said any other reactions would be more serious," Derek explained, voice shaking, "Call an ambulance. Now!"

Sadahiko pulled out his phone and frantically dialed 119.

XXX

After being rushed to the emergency room, Derek was examined by a doctor and given some medications. Once the doctor prescribed him something to take after the reaction, he left the room, and Sadahiko (trembling, palms oozing with sweat, stomach lurching with nausea) spilled the entire story of what happened.