A/N: My dears! I'm so sorry for the late update, it's almost 12a.m here but I managed to churn this out for you guys ;__; Thank you so much for the 100k reads (oh-gosh-I-can't-even-*dies*) I don't even know what to say—I mean I just sat there at stared and cried and cried this isn't even real. I must be dreaming.  

Chapter 18: Cold, Hot, and Kisses.

"W-oah...hey, you're hot." I heard Xander's voice, but it seemed to be coming from somewhere really far...

"H-Hot?" I mumbled, my lips feeling slightly heavier than usual.

"Chip! Shit—Rose! Gretel—"

He's too far away.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chip's POV

When I woke up, the first thing I noted was the immense cold.

Strangely, I didn't remember feeling like that at all. It was warm, warm and comforting—somewhat like a sense of security.

As if stripped from my blanket, the cold was sudden and hard.

The note that registered in my brain wasn't: It's cold.

Instead, it felt something like: Something's lost.

And so I woke up.

I was in bed, tucked under a thin blanket that failed its purpose. My mind was muddled and blank—completely unable to remember what I was doing.

Then I heard soft murmurs outside the room.

"Joe! He's inside—"

"Got it, can you get him some water?"

I rose from the bed, not wanting to trouble that person, and placed my feet on the cold floor.

Standing up, I felt as though I was on a boat—the ground tipped precariously and I stumbled to the left, losing my balance.

Instantly, my knees gave in and I collapsed on the floor, clutching the pain in the side of my head.

The door flung open and someone rushed in.

"Chip! Are you okay? You shouldn't be moving around too much," A pleasant baritone voice sounded near my ear and I instantly recognized it as Xander's.

"I-I'm fine..." My head was terribly heavy, and I couldn't seem to find my center of balance.

"No you're not," I felt something warm and wet on my cold forehead, and Xander scooped me into his arms effortlessly.

"U-Uwa—"

"Stay still, I'm just carrying you back to bed. Joe's here to see you." Xander stated firmly, and proceeded to gently place me back on my mattress.

I licked my lips, realizing that they were rather dry. A strange thirst clawed at my throat.

Doctor Joe entered the room, knocking politely on the door.

"Ah, another little one who's sick eh? Must have caught it from the poor girl." Joe said light-heartedly, striding over to my bed.

Joe brandished a couple of items—including a stethoscope, a tiny flashlight, and a wooden stick.

"Open your mouth...say aa—"

"Aa..."

"Hmm...okay turn around, lift the back of your shirt—"

"And now the front..."

In a couple of minutes, Joe was scribbling on his notepad in messy doctor's handwriting.

"Hmm a pretty high fever ya? You said it was 39 degree Celsius an hour ago?"

Xander nodded.

"Slight dehydration, may have vomiting tendencies so prepare a plastic bag..." Joe mumbled, scribbling down more notes.

He turned to Xander and began to talk to him, but I could hardly hear what they were saying—my ears was blocked and the surroundings were a blur (no contact lenses).

"The water is here!" Rose appeared in the doorway, a glass of water in her hands.

"T-Thank you Rose," I said gratefully, but it came out really soft.

My sister handed me the glass, but just as I was about to curl my fingers around it, my hand trembled.

I didn't realize how weak my hand was until my muscles gave in, slipping the glass of water from my hands as it shattered on the floor.

"A—Ah! I'm so sorry...I'm so clumsy, I'll go clean it up—" I started, but Xander was already ahead of me, gently pushing me back down onto the bed.

"You're not going anywhere. I'll go get a new glass of water. Stay here." He ordered, while Rose hand-picked the pieces of glass.

"I-I'm so sorry Rose..." I apologized once again, trying to help her with the sharp, jagged pieces.

"Don't worry dear, you just rest alright? Everyone was so worried about you—collapsing like that! And at night!" My sister exclaimed anxiously, placing the pieces into the pocket of her apron. I glanced outside the window.

It was still dark outside.

"That's dangerous Rose—here, use this instead," Joe fished out a paper bag from his suitcase and passed it to Rose, bending down to help her.

"Ah! That will be a great help. Thank you doctor—"

"Joe. It's Joe." He smiled, and my sister blushed.

Ah. I guess being sick isn't so bad after all—at least Joe is here to make Rose happy.  

Just as Xander came back with another plastic cup of water, the doctor and my sister shuffled out of the room, talking in hushed tones.

"The medication will arrive in mail—just like the previous time. But might I have the chance to check on Giselle again? I'd like to..."

Their voices faded and Xander closed the door behind him.

"Hey Angel, here's your water." He smiled cheekily, hand stretched out to pass me the cup. My cheeks heated up at the comment and I reached a tentative hand out to receive it.

The tips of my cold fingers felt a hint of warmth as our hands brushed.

"Wait, hold on. I don't think you should handle the cup." Xander said suddenly, retracting his hand from mine.

My head titled to the side in confusion. "B-But why?"

"You're still weak. If you spill the water this time, you're going to cause more trouble." Xander said matter-of-factly, indicating the pool of water on the floor which had yet been cleaned up.

I lowered my head guiltily.

"O-Okay then..."

"Rest your back against the headboard and close your eyes, I'll tilt the cup for you."

I nodded and shifted into position, closing my eyes.

And waited.

And waited.

What's taking Xander so—

The next thing I knew, there was something warm and wet on my lips, causing them to part in surprise.

While my lips were parted, a gush of cool liquid flowed down my throat, quenching the burning thirst.

I swallowed eagerly, and something like a whimper escaped my lips as my throat craved for more water.

I felt heat crawl to my face as my brain registered the humiliating sound.

The wet pair of lips lingered longer than necessary, as something ran along my bottom lip.

Then it was gone.

Our lips parted with an embarrassing sound, causing my whole face to heat up.

Xander's face was inches away from mine, and there was a satisfied smirk on it.

"What a lewd expression." He said, voice a baritone lower than usual.

I blushed even harder and quickly lowered my gaze to my lap, humiliated and embarrassed.

"Do you want more?" Xander asked, reaching for the cup on the bedside table.

"I-I...um...Y-Yes...wait, no...ah—um...I don't know..." I stammered, utterly confused by the mixed feelings I had.

"I'll take that as a yes." Xander chuckled, a deep pleasant sound, and gulped more water.

And then his lips were on mine again.

My mind was a complete blank—it was as if plunging into a deep pool, and not surfacing just yet, but all you knew was that you needed to breathe.

At that moment, Xander gave no chance for me to breathe or protest. His entire being dominated me, and my limbs seemed to be malfunctioning because they couldn't move at all.

Then the door flung open with a sudden 'bang'.

I practically jumped out of my skin, Xander and I jerking away from each other simultaneously.

In the doorway was my eldest sister, a tub of water under her arm and two face towels hung at the side.

"What's the matter with you two?" Rose questioned, a strange look in her eyes.

"It's nothing, just checking his temperature. He still seems kinda hot," Xander commented casually, keeping his cool.

"Well I can see that. In fact, he seems redder than a minute ago when I came in." Rose raised her eyebrows in an amused manner.

I lowered my head, wondering if she had seen us.

"Whatever it is," Rose began slowly, "I'll leave this tub of water here for Chip to clean up. His clothes are over there in that drawer, Xander please help him with it. Thank you my dear," And with that, she placed the small tub on the floor beside my bed, and out of the room.

I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding.

Xander turned to me, a rather amused smile on his face.

"W-What are you smiling at?" I said indignantly, but my voice couldn't come out any louder. "We...we almost got caught!

Xander only laughed, and I felt his cold hand on my now heated face. The tips of his fingers caressed my cheek in a comforting manner, and I couldn't help but lean into his touch.

"Almost got caught huh...what are we now? Romeo and Juliet?" He winked playfully, and I blushed again.

"I-I didn't mean that..."

"Then what did you mean? Why were we 'caught'? Was there even anything to hide?" Xander's questions pressured me, and I shrunk involuntarily.

"I...B-But...we...we k-k-k-issed—"

"Finally."

My eyes widened.

"I was wondering when you were going to admit that we are in some sort of relationship, I've waited for a million years—" Xander threw his words around, reaching for the face towel beside the tub.

"R-R-Relationship? What...? I-I..." My words came out staggered, as I swallowed my feelings.

Uwa, this is a weird time; awkward, eep. 

Xander lifted the back of my shirt and my skin came into contact with a cool towel.

"W-Wait! What are you—I-I can do it by myself—"

"Just let me do it for you, okay?" Xander's eyes were pleading, and my resolve melted into nothing. 

I frowned anxiously, but nodded in a stiff manner.  

The tall figure ordered me to take off my shirt and pants, and I obliged reluctantly, using the blanket to hide everything.

"Keep your boxers on."

Phew.

The room was filled was a strange silence, except for the sound of water as Xander wrung the towel over the tub.

"You have beautiful skin. Did anyone tell you that?" His voice whispered into my ear, and I shivered under the blanket, drawing it closer still to my body.

"No...n-n-ot really, and you don't have to...say that."

"You have such soft and silky lips. Did anyone tell you that?"

I blushed terribly at hearing that sentence, and I proceeded to hide my face in the blanket.

"Ofcoursenot! Y-You...you'remyfirst!" I said into the soft material, utterly embarrassed by what I just said.

"Come again Angel? What was that?" Xander coaxed, his long fingers trailing across the small of my back.

"I...I saidthatnoonehaseverkissedmebefore e-exceptyousoyou'remyfirst!" I managed in a single breath, panting from the emotional strain and embarrassment.

When I didn't hear anything from Xander, I peeked from the blanket, only to see him smirking.

"That's what I wanna hear."

I blushed so hard.

T-This dummy!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

-a few hours later-

Xander's POV

"Xandie Xandie! Roserose said that Chocolate Chip's medicine is here!" Giselle popped into the room without knocking, Chip's teddy bear in her arms.

I heard from Rose that Giselle was almost recovered, and that she was already brimming with energy.

"What did I tell you before Giselle? Knock before you enter!" I said firmly, getting up from Chip's bedside reluctantly.

Fuck, his scent is so sweet and addictive. I'd sleep in his bed anytime.  

I was about to take a step towards the door when I felt a slight resistance at my back.

Turning around, I took in small, slender fingers on the hem of my shirt, tugging it gently.

"W-Wait," My angel's voice was soft and delicious. "Where are you going?" He asked, his eyebrows sloped in slight disappointment as he looked up at me with those angelic blue eyes.

"I'm going to get your medicine. I'll be right back, don't worry." I smiled, running a hand through his soft honey hair and giving him a quick kiss on the forehead.

I pulled back, savoring the dazed look on his face—as if his brain couldn't register the kiss.

"OhOhOhOhOh!!!!!!!" My baby sister's squeal sounded behind me. One of her hand covered her mouth which was in the shape of an 'o' and she stamped her feet loudly.

"KissKissKissKissssss!!!!!" She danced a jig, twirling around with the teddy. "Teddy! They kissed!!!"

I rolled my eyes, scooping Giselle up bridal style as I told her, "Chocolate Chip needs to rest. So we must shh. Okay?"

My sister nodded. "Mm," She said seriously, "shh."

And she was quiet.

I patted her head, glad that she had recovered quickly.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rose handed me four (FOUR) packets of medicine.

"This is for the cold—" She pointed at a several large yellow pills that looked like they could fucking choke someone.

"This is for dehydration—" Red and yellow capsule.

"Pain killers—"

"And...this." She handed me the last packet, filled with 3 translucent yellow pills.

I raised my eyebrow. "What's this?"

Rose coughed. "Ah," She frowned at the instruction paper given by Joe. "It says R-O-A...suppository drug...What does that mean?"

I grabbed the paper, scanning through the contents. "For faster onset, shorter peak and duration compared to oral route...R-O-A—"

And then my mind clicked.  

Rectal route of administration. (ROA)

Xander is a genius.

I couldn't help but smirk.

Rose was still confused.

"What did it mean? What's ROA? Is it not supposed to be consumed orally?"

"Nope."

"What? Then where? It's not some sort of cream is it?"

"Nope."

Rose was getting impatient.

"Well then Xander, please do tell me!"

"Uh—you have to insert it."

"What? Where?" Rose frowned.

"Into the rectum." (A/N: DDD: WHUT)

"What's that?"

"...The anus? Rectum? You know, the place where you do anal—"

"STOP." Rose looked like she was going to faint.

"Oh gosh why would he give that sort of thing—"

"Well, it says here: A drug that is administered rectally will in general have a faster onset, higher bioavailability, shorter peak, and shorter duration than the oral route..."

Rose paled.

"B-But...This? Chip?" She held the torpedo-shaped pills at eye level. "Oh Lord please, no."

I shrugged.

"I'll gladly do it—"

Rose shot me a glare.

"Ah I mean...um...I'd volunteer...?"

I'm not stupid. Rose is not stupid. She probably found out the minute I entered the bakery.

Rose sighed.

"Fine. Make sure it doesn't hurt."

"No worries Mom—" Wait. Shit. 

Chip's sister blinked. 

"Uh, I mean Rose. Yeah. Okay. Bye." 

I darted up the stairs, somewhat eager to give Chip his medication.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I burst through the door, only to find Chip sleeping.

Fuck he's so cute. But I have to wake him up.

"Chip?" I leaned down, caressing his ear lobe while taking in his addictive scent.

"Mm..?" He responded adorably, nudging my hand like a bunny.

"Time to take your medication," I plopped down on the edge of the bed, pulling up the bedside table to place the medication and glass of water on it.

"Aw..." His eyelids fluttered open lazily, revealing those innocent blue orbs. He yawned, resembling a cute kitten and sat up.

"Okay, take this first," I handed him a capsule. "Still want me to feed you the water?" I winked.

Chip blushed and pouted. "N-No thanks."

Popping the capsule in his tiny mouth, he hastily grabbed the cup of water in weak trembling hands, unsteadily gulping down the liquid.

When he was done, he made a face.

Must have tasted pretty bad.

"Good job. Two more..." I encouraged, gently rubbing his back in an up-and-down motion.

"O-Okay..."

Once he downed the two other pills, I, Xander Jaxon, was ready. (A/N: Oh Gosh this was hilarious)

I cleared my throat, and Chip's head tilted to the side in innocent confusion.

"So...there's one more medicine."

"E-Eh...? But I thought you said two more..." Chip's shoulders dropped in disappointment and I felt my heart break a little.

"I'm sorry Angel, just one more, alright?"

He sighed.

"Okay..." He looked at me, waiting for the next pill.

I brandished the torpedo-shaped pill, and Chip's eyes widened.

"Th-That looks a little familiar..." He began, tone wavering.

"It's a suppository. Did you use it when you were young?" I asked, faintly remembering that Giselle used to have loads of this as a kid, and she hated it. She would squirm and scream when Mom pinned her down.

Chip paled, and I could see panic in his eyes.

"O-Oh no..." He gulped.

I smirked. "Don't worry Angel, it won't hurt, I promise."

"N-no! That's what they all say—it hurts!" Chip whimpered, recoiling into the corner of his bed.

I scooted closer, snapping open the aluminium packaging. "Here, look. It's quite small—it'll just take a while okay? And Joe said you'll be up and about in no time. Trust me, it's more effective than the oral pills."

Chip had already pulled his blanket up to his chin, cowering in the corner as he gazed fearfully at the pills.

"Oh come on, you can trust me." 

I saw my Angel's facial expression soften, and then, after several painful seconds, he inched closer.

"That's my Angel," I said happily, kissing his forehead again. "Okay, now take off those pants. And boxers."

Chip's face flushed an adorable coral red, and he lowered his head, starting to pull off his pants.

And then his cute boxers.

I think I'm going to get a nosebleed.

"Good."

"Now lie down, and face the other side," I ordered, pulling the blankets away hungrily.

I raked the bottom half of his body—soft, milky, kissable skin at his inner thighs.

The small gap between them broke my resolve, and my mind began to fantasize about everything I could do to him (can't help it, my bad).

"X-Xander...? I-Is everything okay?" Chip's soft voice came from the opposite direction he was facing.

"Yeah." I couldn't even speak properly oh fuck.

This. Is the moment.

Xander.

You're a great man.

(A/N: AWKWARD HAHAHA)

I reached out a hand, and as soon as my finger came into contact with the soft skin of my Angel's rear, I heard him gasp, and he trembled under my touch.

"Shh, it's okay, it won't hurt."

"U-Um..."

"You're doing great, just relax."

His muscled eased slightly, but were still tensed. I inserted the pill quickly, feeling Chip cringe and gasp in discomfort.

"I'm sorry Angel, it's okay, it's in. You did great." I said, releasing my hold on him completely.

Gently patting his behind, I felt him relax and soften, as the pill began to melt and its contents absorbed into his bloodstream.

"See? It didn't hurt that much right?"

Chip lifted his head and turned around, pouting.

"O-Of course it hurt you dumdum!"

I laughed, yet again kissing his forehead. "I'm sorry Angel. I just want you to recover. It hurts me so much to see you suffering."

My Angel lowered his head, blushing.

I swear, Chip is always a flustered red mess around me. 

But really.

Does he remember me?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A/N:

Oh. Gosh. I can't believe I did that.

Well...I hate suppository pills ;__; They hurt. A hell lot. I HATED them when I was a kid, but it was common to take it when we were sick...I'm not sure if you guys did, but I sure remember the painful times :'(

By the way, as for the previous chapter's search for the special word, none of you cupcakes guessed it correctly! D: It was so heart-warming to see everyone participating though, and I thank you so much for that :') There were some really good guesses that were close, but the guesses of 'cupcake' and 'sorry' cracked me up so badly cuz I didn't even realise that people would guess that X'D

The word was: Strange.

And that was why the previous chapter was titled: Love is Strange.

See you next Saturday ^-^

-Cuppiecake.

P.S Vote for the hot kiss :3