Chapter Text
It disgusted him, they took initiative for such personal actions as if it was in their nature, a familiar instinct they were all no strangers to. All of them but him.
He didn't know why he was like this, why his body mixed up human contact and surgery without anesthesia as if they were the same thing. Not like he knew what that felt like, but he was cursed with a jaw dropping ability to imagine anything and everything at all, so he basically did.
And as per Taph usual, it wasn't a stable feeling. Which is what ruffled his metaphorical feathers the most. He didn't even get to have the stability of routine in his emotions, just an idea and hoping it goes as he expects. He had managed to work around this by learning and recognizing the signs before it got too bad, so he knew to accommodate himself. But just because he did, didn't mean that others would too. That is what lead to his current predicament.
The blame ultimately fell on him and his inability to communicate his feelings effectively.
It was about two hours ago by now. He had just entered the main cabin to grab a few things and maybe hand around until he got bored, if they called him over. Shortly after he collected the few items he went there for and put them in his pouch, Chance called him to join the game they were playing, which he politely declined due to how uncertain the duration would be. He hovered over those who chose to play, namely Chance, Two Time, Noob and Guest, who was somehow dragged into this.
They started a round and soon after, Noob was out by a less-than-honorable loss. They playfully ran to Taph, faking being upset and crying, and dropped into his arms. Taph, who had been leaning over the couch all the while, caught them and held them up. His body reacted, the first hint of an incoming issue.
Something crawled in his veins, the contact was nauseating to his skin, but the uncomfortability was slight— he kept holding on. It was Noob after all, he could bear their touch, since he knew they'd let go if he wanted them to. They were predictable, safe. Too respectful, if that were even possible.
Laughter bounced off the walls and filled the cabin, the spirits were high, they were all having fun. Noob eventually let go, but stuck nearby, Taph now feeling much lighter.
After a while, the game was over, and Chance had won with Guest running close behind in second place.