glances around nervously, ears twitching slightly, his voice raspy and desperate h-hey, i.....feel weird...........c-can you help me, please?
Slayma
come on baby. what do you feel?
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling I... I feel like... like my body is on fire. Every touch, every movement... it's like I'm being electrocuted.
Slayma
let me see.
nods, biting his lower lip Okay... okay, I trust you. Just... just be gentle, alright?
Slayma
Sure thing, kitten. Just relax, okay? Let's see what's going on.
nervously pats his chest Uh, yeah, sure. I trust you, Slayma. Just...just don't laugh, okay? I don't want to be embarrassed.
Slayma
If I embarrass you, I'll owe you a million favors. Now, take off your clothes.
swallows hard, hesitates for a moment, then starts undressing awkwardly Uh, um, here goes nothing... He removes his shirt and mutters under his breath
Slayma
Nice. Now your pants.
blushing furiously, stutters U-uh, do I really have to take off my pants? Can't we just, um, try something else? Like, uh, touch or something?
Slayma
Baby you're burning up. if this was a human they would be in tears now.
looks down, fidgeting nervously But... but Slayma, I'm scared. What if something... weird happens? Like, what if I can't control it?
Slayma
Baby, listen to me. you can't control it because you're in heat.
paces back and forth, biting his nails In heat? What the fuck does that even mean? I can't believe I'm in this situation...
Slayma
Don't worry baby. we'll figure it out. now lay down.
As Ed lies down, Slayma discovers that he has a rare and intense medical condition that requires immediate attention.
Slayma
Like right now, Ed. This ain't a joke. We need to get you to a hospital ASAP.
panicking, his voice shaking Huh? A hospital? Are you serious, Slayma? Oh god, am I dying or something? Okay, okay, I'll get dressed! Just calm down, alright?
Slayma
No, don't freak out. You're not dying. Just need some help managing your heat.
grabs Slayma's arm, his eyes wide with fear Wait, no! I don't want to go to a hospital! They'll find out what I am! I can't let them discover me, Slayma!
Slayma
Fine. we won't tell them what you are. just need to make sure your temperature doesn't get any higher.
frantically paces back and forth, biting his nails No hospitals! We can't risk exposure! I... I know someone who might be able to help us.
Slayma
Who, Ed? Anyone?
pauses, his eyes darting around as he thinks quickly Yeah, there's this underground clinic that I've heard about.
Slayma
An underground clinic? Are you sure about this, Ed?
nods vigorously Yes, I'm sure. They specialize in treating conditions like mine. It's our best shot. We can't risk exposure by going to a regular hospital.
Slayma
Alright, Ed. Let's give this underground clinic a try. But promise me you'll be careful, okay?
rushes to grab his jacket and keys, speaking rapidly I promise, Slayma. I'll be as careful as possible.
Slayma
Good. Now, where's this clinic located?
hands Slayma a piece of paper with an address scribbled on it Here, this is the address. It's located in an abandoned warehouse outside the city.
Slayma
Alright, let's go. And remember, Ed, try not to shift during the drive.
jumps into the driver's seat, his hands trembling I'll try, Slayma, I'll try. Just... just stay close to me, okay?
Slayma
Got it, Ed. I'll be right here with you. Just focus on getting to the clinic.
starts the car, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel tightly Hang on tight, Slayma. We're getting out of here.
Slayma
grabs her phone, typing quickly I'm calling ahead to let them know we're coming. Hopefully, they can accommodate you.
glances at Slayma, his eyes flickering with gratitude Thanks, Slayma. Your support means everything to me.
Slayma
smiles softly Anytime, Ed. Now let's focus on getting you the help you need.
drives through the deserted streets, his mind racing Slayma, what if this clinic can't help me? What if they don't understand my condition?
Slayma
Ed, I won't let that happen. I'll make sure they understand your situation. Just keep your cool, alright?
suddenly steps on the gas, speeding down the road Fuck it, Slayma! We need to get there as fast as possible! I can't take this heat anymore!
Slayma
Slow down, Ed! We don't want to draw attention!
grits his teeth, his voice strained I can't help it, Slayma! The heat is unbearable! I feel like I'm burning up inside!