Tea Boy: A Deacury Fic

Chapter 41: Another Try At Alternatives

-John's POV-

I woke up from my nap, still a little exhausted from that rough yet pleasurable experience. The sun beamed on my milky skin from from our window above. I rose up, noticing Freddie was gone. He probably went back to the store again. But that wasn't true because he momentarily came back in the bedroom, a tray of chocolate and a cup of tea, the herbal one he bought the other day.

"Hi there, lambkin.", he greeted. "Hey. What you got there?" I responded. "Dark chocolate and some herbal tea. Just giving you some after care from that wild experience.", he assured setting the tray down on the night stand. Of course, I suspected something was up.

"Technically you're providing me more alternatives rather than seducing me." I huffed. "Babe, I've already seduced you enough, will this chocolate suffice?", he sassed, dangling the chocolate bar in my face. As much as I wanted it, I don't find any specific reason to eat...dark chocolate? "Why is it dark chocolate?", I asked out of curiosity. "Well my love, there's plenty of health benefits to it!", Fred hummed. "Those being?"

"One key benefit for starters, experts say, is its positive impact on heart health. Research suggests that it may lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, some studies indicate that this chocolate could enhance memory and cognitive function. It is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from inflammation.", he further explains. He must've read this in a paper. "Go on..."

"I also read this, it's a pretty good source of minerals, including zinc, iron and magnesium, which are key essential for regularly bodily functions. As I read more, it also has a decent amount of fiber and is a mood booster—"

"I don't believe that!", I interrupted. "If you'd let me finish, please? I wasn't even done.", Freddie advised. I sighed, "fine, continue." "As I said, it's a mood booster, possibly for feel-good emotions. And I happened to find a reputable chocolate company called Velvet Ember Chocolates. It's recommended to get full effects and maximum benefits, any chocolates seventy percent or higher."

I looked at the label and saw that it was seventy-two percent cacao. "So babe, we're gonna start with small amounts at a small percentage, which in this case, seventy- two was the lowest I found. This may not be a complete alternative, but I'm sure this can soothe your cravings for alcohol. As for the tea, I suggest you take a sip before the chocolate.", he stated, he carefully handed me the tea cup and I reluctantly took a sip.

It tasted....fruity for the most part.

"Is this peach?", I inquired. "You're right. What do you think?", Fred replied. "Not bad, but I wouldn't drink this unless I'm sick.",  I replied. "Oh darling, it's not just for when you're ill. Hell you could drink tea just because it's warm and comforting, oh yeah that tea specifically has a serotonin boost in it.", Freddie gave a sly smirk with that remark.

"But why the mood boosts?", I asked. "I just want you to feel....to feel better about yourself, babe. Your body and all. Besides, don't you think you've been a little harsh on yourself, lately?", he explains. "No honestly, I don't think so." I shrugged and took another sip of that tea. "John, I'm not kidding, the alcohol withdrawals are taking a toll on you and it's worrisome!" Fred snapped suddenly. I looked back him mortified, I didn't respond, he looked back at me pretty much in shock as well.

I saw him tear up, he was obviously appalled by his behavior "I'm....baby, I'm sorry I didn't mean—" Before I said anything else, I wrapped arms around him. "Fred, it's okay, I acknowledge your concerns for me.", I softly said to him, he held me close in comfort. "I didn't mean to yell at you, babe. I'm just worried.", he rambled. "I know your frustration, Fred. And with these withdrawals, I shouldn't have to be taking out my moodiness on you because you're the one that's helping me through this."

He wiped my eyes and gently told him, "Of course I'm here, because I love you. You've also got Brian and Roger too supporting you as well." I felt a little peck on my check from his soft lips. "I'll try not to be so moody all the time.", I cooed. "That's good. Now could you please try a little hunk of this chocolate?", he chuckled throwing me off topic. I comfortably settled onto the bed, and he graciously broke off a piece of chocolate to offer me. He must've thought it was a joy to observe as I sweetly nibbled on it.

"Are you enjoying it? How does that chocolate treat your taste buds, cutie?", Fred asked. "It's a little sweet but not too sweet. It has a small balance between bitter and tasting like actual chocolate.", I replied. "So you're saying you like the chocolate enough for this to be an alcoholic alternative to satisfy those crazy cravings for it?", he asked. I could consider dark chocolate as an alternative, but the thing is:

I don't wanna end up with a chocolate habit especially if I do have those alcoholic cravings in the future. But if this chocolate is supposedly "the healthiest chocolate anyone can eat", that means I'll eat it too.

"I'll take this chocolate into consideration, I don't want to develop another habit.", I uttered. "This chocolate is genuinely the healthiest option and a lovely alternative that you may find yourself enjoying frequently, especially since it’s good for you, darling!" Freddie then gave me the rest of the bar and smiled. "I'll be in the other room, maybe after you finish your chocolate treat, we could go hang out with the other two.", he said, and then just left me.

Maybe it was bribery. Or maybe just his way of feeling helpful—bringing home dark chocolate like it's some kind of remedy for alcohol cravings. But I don't think it works that way. Not for me, at least. Of course, he was just trying to help, so I reluctantly finished the bar and drank the rest of that now tepid fruit tea.

This honestly didn't make me "feel better", this was all just bribery at its finest. It's not fair, truly it's not!