…
…
…
'Ok, looks clear…' I think as I look around to see if anything is nearby the shelter exit.
With no threats in sight, I fully exit out of the pipe, grabbing the pole I slide down until I land on the metal surface below.
…
Yes, the next cycle has already started. I'm not sure how long I was passed out on Inv's back for, but ever since I woke up…
I somehow ended up making out with Inv for the rest of the duration the shelter was closed.
'I don't even know how! It felt like no time passed at all. One moment I was making out with Inv and the next moment the shelter door is opening! Guh!'
Taking a couple steps to the side, Inv lands on the ground as well.
"You alright Inv?" I ask Inv, I'm worried since he hasn't had any sleep at all since 2 cycles ago.
"Mhm. Don wory Joey. I… I wil b ok" Inv answers back, his exhaustion noticeable.
Hearing his answer doesn't help my nerves. I need Inv more alert!
"Let's go Inv, when we get back, we'll go to sleep right away"
"Mhm" Invs tail weakly thumps on the ground to my answer.
Seeing Inv this exhausted is really worrying me, I don't know if it's safe enough to climb up to the swarm room again with Inv like this…
With 2 rocks in my paws that I took this time from the shelter I go forward, or attempt to when I'm stopped by Inv.
"W-whats wrong Inv? Another dropwig?" I whisper to him as I look down the corridor, not able to see a dropwig in my sight.
"N-no… notin es dere… I just tink et wud be safer ef yu stad on me bak…"
…
What??
"What do you mean Inv?" I ask back, confused.
"W-wel ef we gona clim agan I tink et wud be safer with yu on me bak" Inv answers back somewhat looking away from me. A hint of red spreading across his skin.
…
In all honesty… it might be safer on his back. At least that's what I would think if it weren't for the fact that Inv wasn't so tired…
"I'm not sure Inv… you seem really tired right now…" I voice my concern to Inv.
"W-whaaa?? Im noat tir I jus- woa!"
While trying to walk towards me Inv almost stumbles over a rock.
…
"O-ok… mayb I am tir… but hoaw els wil we ge up tere?" Inv asks while rubbing his eyes.
He's right… I'm already worried about Inv falling into the protorot by accident due to him being tired. Both of us being separated as well during that will just be worse…
…
Trying to think of something, a small idea comes to mind.
'It might work… if it doesn't though… I'll still call it a win' I innocently think to myself.
I turn around, my back facing towards Inv.
"Hop on my back Inv, I'll carry you this time" I confidently say to Inv.
…
…
…
"W-whaa? Joey… I don tink dat wil wok…" I hear Inv say back to me in a flustered voice.
I know why he thinks it won't work. Just because I'm a bit small… ok a lot smaller than him! It doesn't mean we can't try!
"Just let me try Inv, if it doesnt work I'll try to think of something else" I say back trying to keep my confidence up.
"O-ok…" I hear him say as he approaches my back.
Feeling anticipation build up, I feel Inv's paws grab my shoulders. Then… I feel him climb onto my back.
Immediately I feel like I'm trying to carry a blue lizard on my back.
Despite this I still try to keep standing.
"J-joey… i don tink-
"N-nah, keep going Inv!" I grunt out, trying to not fall over.
Listening to my words, Inv fully climbs on my back, his legs and tail fully wrapped around my body which is somehow keeping me more stabilized.
But despite that…
'D-damn! I know my system called my strength trash… but fuck man!' I think as I take a step forward.
While trying to take another step forward I see Inv's head appear in front of my vision point blank. At this point I don't even question how Inv is able to completely twist his neck like that.
"Joey… tis esnt workin…" Inv says back in an apologetic voice.
"I-I know, just…" I try to think of anything else not wanting to completely let Inv down by not being able to carry him.
Trying to rack my head, I think how useful it would be to have a mushroom right now. That would boost my strength a bit to where it wou-
…
My mind immediately goes back to the strange boost I got from kissing Inv… maybe it could also…
"Inv, kiss me" I say back seriously to Inv.
"H-huh?? J-joey et noat saf tu do da-
"I know Inv, just a quick kiss. I want to test something" I say back, definitely not wanting to taste him again.
"I-i… ok… rel quik…" Inv says as he moves his lips to mine quickly.
Kissing him back. I feel his tongue enter my mouth which I accept gladly.
After just a couple moments of this I feel Inv pull away. I am not upset at all by this.
…
'I am. Please don't question me.'
Pulling his head back somewhat from mine. I feel myself swallowing whatever remained from Inv in my mouth. Almost immediately I feel more awake and aware. Inv also feels slightly lighter!
'It… it really does! This is crazy! It's just like the side effects of a mushroom!' I think in astonishment as I'm able to carry Inv somewhat more easily now.
But… even though it's easier to carry him and walk…
I try to jump but am not able to. I feel ashamed, even with the boost I get from Inv's saliva, I still can't carry him…
"I'm sorry Inv… I can't carry you…" I say in defeat. Not able to look Inv in the eyes.
Unwrapping from me I feel Inv's weight disappear from my back. Which just makes me feel even more like shit. Sure, I got to feel Inv wrapped all around me, but I didn't think I would feel this bad from not being able to carry him…
"Et ok joey… I just sory fo bein su big…" Inv says to me, back to standing next to me.
"You don't have to be sorry about that Inv! I like you the way you are! Especially how big you are"
…wait, fuck.
---------------
A/N: Sorry for the wait, got a little sick. at least like 8 chapters are coming your way :)