Heat rushed to Jasper's face, a gasp escaping his lips as he hurriedly tore the goggles off. He stood there, red-faced and flustered, unable to meet Thaddeus's questioning gaze.
Thaddeus, noting the sudden silence, frowned. "Jasper? What happened? What did you see?"
Jasper opened and closed his mouth, trying to find the words, but nothing came out. How could he possibly explain what he'd just witnessed?
Sensing Jasper's discomfort and growing increasingly curious, Thaddeus turned towards where he assumed the proprietor was standing. "Excuse me, but would these goggles work for someone who's blind?"
The proprietor nodded. "Indeed they would, though not in the same way. For you, the visions would manifest as sensations, sounds, and tactile impressions rather than visual images."
Thaddeus's brow furrowed, his curiosity growing by the second. He turned back to Jasper, his voice taking on a note of determination. "Jasper, what did you see? Tell me."
When Jasper remained silent, Thaddeus reached out, his hand finding the goggles. "If you won't tell me, then I'll find out for myself."
"Thaddeus, wait," Jasper started, trying to take the goggles back. "I don't think it's a good idea..."
But Thaddeus was already slipping them on, deaf to Jasper's protests.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, Thaddeus gasped, his knees buckling as he grabbed onto a nearby counter for support. His face, usually so composed, was a mask of shock, his cheeks flushed and his breath coming in short, sharp gasps.
"Thaddeus!" Jasper cried, reaching out to steady him. "Are you alright?"
Thaddeus swatted Jasper's hand away, not unkindly. "I'm fine," he managed, his voice strained. "I'm fine, I just..."
But then, in an instant, his composure shattered.
Gasping for air and bracing himself against the counter, Thaddeus could feel the intense pressure and stretching as he felt a hot, hard object prodding at his entrance. The sensation of being filled that came directly after that was so achingly real that he couldn't help but let out a muffled cry.
Thaddeus had no idea who was behind him until he caught a whispered, ragged breath that sounded all too familiar.
The sensations were too intense. It didn't matter that it was just a vision - the feeling of hot, hard flesh buried deep inside him was too realistic for comfort. He gripped the counter tightly, knuckles turning white as he tried to focus on anything else besides the feeling of Jasper inside of him.
His body tensed as he closed his eyes, clenching his jaw and grinding his teeth together in a desperate attempt to push through, but it was pointless. His vision began to blur, and he fought to catch his breath.
The scent of old books mixed with leather filled the air, becoming almost intoxicating as phantom Jasper continued to pound away at him without mercy. He could feel every inch of the erection invading him in perfect detail, every vein pulsing as it burrowed further into his core. It felt so good, so real - it made Thaddeus's sex-addled mind absently wonder if maybe he should find a way for them to make this happen for real someday.
With one trembling hand, he reached out for the edge of the counter, desperately trying to steady himself as intense waves of pleasure washed over his body. His legs shook and buckled under the overwhelming sensation, causing him to slip and barely catch himself, sparing himself from collapsing to the ground.
Jasper's eyes widened in shock and confusion as he watched Thaddeus's body writhe and undulate, as if it were being consumed by some unseen force. The sight was both mesmerizing and unsettling. What was happening to Thaddeus?
"I - ah - " Thaddeus choked out, struggling to find his voice amidst the relentless pleasure that seemed to have taken control of his body. He had never experienced anything like this before - the overwhelming ecstasy of Jasper- well, anyone inside him, actually. It was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
"Thaddeus?" Jasper's voice was filled with concern as he cautiously approached. His brow furrowed as he studied Thaddeus's face, who seemed lost in a world of his own.
"Thaddeus, what's wrong? Are you ok?" Jasper asked again, his voice raising slightly.
But Thaddeus could barely hear him, his thoughts and body a million miles away.
He clenched his teeth and bit down on his lip, determined not to cry out in front of Jasper and the curious shopkeeper. But as the head of Jasper's desire brushed against his sweet spot yet again, creating waves of pleasure so intense they made him see stars, Thaddeus couldn't help but let out a quiet moan.
Minutes seemed to pass by and the vision didn't seem to stop. Thaddeus found himself growing accustomed to the feeling of being filled. A soft groan escaped Thaddeus's lips every time Jasper pulled almost all the way out before plunging back in again, making him shudder uncontrollably.
Unsure of what to do, Jasper's hands clenched and unclenched unsurely as he watched Thaddeus writhe before him. He couldn't believe it. What kind of vision was this? A medical episode? Whatever it was, it looked so real, so intense that he couldn't help but continue watching.
Finally, as if emerging from a hypnotic state, Thaddeus suddenly ripped the goggles from his face with a gasp that sounded almost pained, revealing wide and unseeing eyes. He stumbled back a step, nearly losing his balance. His unseeing eyes were wide, filled with a storm of emotions - shock, confusion, embarrassment, and something deeper, more primal.
"What the hell are these things!?" Thaddeus demanded, his voice hoarse and unsteady. His hands shook as he held the goggles away from himself, as if they had burned him.
The old man smiled enigmatically. "They are the Goggles of Potential Futures," he said, his voice soft and knowing. "They show the wearer a glimpse of what could be, if certain paths are taken."
Thaddeus's face went pale, then red. Shock, anger, and embarrassment warred across his features. The shopkeeper's explanation did little to calm Thaddeus. If anything, it seemed to agitate him further. His face, already flushed, turned an even deeper shade of red. He ran a trembling hand through his hair, further disheveling it.
The abrupt return to reality had left him disoriented and flustered. His mind reeled, trying to process what he'd just experienced. "I... I need a moment," he stammered, thrusting the goggles back into Jasper's hands. "Where's the bathroom?"
"Down the hall to your left," the shopkeeper replied.
Without another word, Thaddeus turned and strode away, his cane tapping rapidly against the floor as he sought solitude.
With that, he was gone, leaving Jasper standing there with the goggles and a million questions.
Jasper watched him go, a mix of concern and curiosity warring in his chest. What had Thaddeus experienced that had shaken him so thoroughly?
Thaddeus stumbled into the bathroom, his hand fumbling for the edge of the sink. He gripped it tightly, using it to anchor himself as he tried to regain his composure. The cool porcelain under his fingers provided a stark contrast to the heat still flushing his skin.
Taking a deep breath, he focused on the familiar routine of orienting himself in the new space. His cane tapped against the tiled floor, helping him build a mental map of the small room. The steady drip of a leaky faucet, the faint hum of antiquated plumbing, the lingering scent of cleaning solutions - all these details helped ground him in reality.
As his initial panic began to subside, the vivid sensations from the goggles' vision rushed back with startling clarity. Thaddeus leaned heavily against the sink, his unseeing eyes squeezed shut as if that could somehow block out the memory.
He could still feel Jasper's touch on his skin, could still feel the heat of his body pressed against his own. The memory of it, the phantom sensations, were so vivid that Thaddeus could almost believe it had been real, that it had actually happened.
He remembered the feel of Jasper's hands, rough and calloused from work, but so gentle, so reverent in their exploration of Thaddeus's body. They had mapped every inch of him, had traced every curve and plane with a dedication and attention that had left Thaddeus shivering.
But more than anything, Thaddeus remembered the way Jasper had felt inside him, the way their bodies had fit together like two pieces of a puzzle, perfect and complete. He could still feel the stretch and burn, the fullness and friction, each sensation a spark that had ignited a fire in his veins.
Thaddeus bit his lip, a low, needy sound escaping him despite his best efforts.
As these memories washed over him, as he relived each touch and caress in exquisite detail, Thaddeus felt a heat begin to build within him. It started in his chest, a warmth that spread outwards, suffusing his entire body until he felt like he was burning up from the inside out.
Thaddeus shook his head, trying to clear it. "It wasn't real," he muttered to himself, his voice sounding strained even to his own ears. "Just some trick, some hallucination."
But it was a losing battle. The more he tried to suppress the feelings, the more he tried to distract himself, the more intense they became. It was as if his body, having had a taste of the pleasure the vision had offered, was now demanding more, craving that same level of intense, earth-shattering ecstasy.
Thaddeus fumbled for the faucet, turning it on full blast. He splashed water on his face, the shock of cold providing a momentary distraction from his tumultuous thoughts. As he patted his face dry with a nearby towel, the rough texture grounding him in reality, Thaddeus tried to gather his thoughts.
What was he going to do now? How could he face Jasper after this? The easy camaraderie they'd shared, the professional distance he'd always maintained - it all seemed impossible now. Every interaction would be colored by the memory of what he'd experienced, by the knowledge of what could be.
Thaddeus ran a hand through his hair, feeling the strands stick up in disarray. He could almost hear Jasper's teasing voice commenting on his disheveled appearance, and the thought sent another wave of longing through him.
His hand hovered over the door handle, hesitating. Outside, Jasper was waiting. Jasper, who had also used the goggles. Jasper, who might have seen... what? Thaddeus felt a surge of curiosity and fear. What had Jasper experienced?
With a final steadying breath, Thaddeus grasped the door handle.
As Thaddeus sought solitude in the bathroom, Jasper found himself alone in the cluttered shop, his mind racing with thoughts of what they'd both experienced. The Parallax Viewer sat innocuously on the counter, seeming to beckon him.
After a moment of internal debate, Jasper approached the shopkeeper. "I'd like to buy these," he said, his voice low and slightly uncertain.
The proprietor's eyebrows raised, wiggling his mustache with interest. "Are you certain? Your friend seemed to have quite the negative reaction to these."
Jasper nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I'm sure. How much?"
As the shopkeeper named a price, Jasper couldn't help but wonder if he was making a mistake. But the memory of what he'd seen, and the tantalizing possibility of exploring more, compelled him to complete the purchase.
He carefully tucked the goggles into his bag, just as he heard the bathroom door open. Thaddeus emerged, his face composed but still slightly flushed.
"Ready to go?" Jasper asked, trying to keep his voice casual.
Thaddeus nodded, his cane tapping against the floor as he made his way back to Jasper. "Yes, I think we've had quite enough... excitement for one day."
As they made their way through the bustling streets of Neon Prime, Jasper and Thaddeus found themselves at a quaint café. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and exotic spices, a stark contrast to the tension hanging between them.
They settled at a small table, the silence between them palpable. Jasper fidgeted with his cup, the warmth seeping into his hands doing little to calm his nerves.
Finally, Thaddeus cleared his throat. "Jasper," he began, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "About what happened in the shop... what exactly did you see in those goggles?"
Jasper felt his face heat up, the memory of what he'd witnessed flashing through his mind. But the fear of seeming creepy or inappropriate overwhelmed him. "Oh, uh, nothing much really," he lied, his voice slightly higher than usual. "Just... you know, us working on the ship. "
Thaddeus's brow furrowed, a look of confusion passing over his face. "Really? That's... all?"
Jasper nodded, then remembered to vocalize. "Yeah, that's it. Pretty boring, huh?" He forced a laugh, hoping it sounded convincing.
Thaddeus sat back in his chair, his expression thoughtful and slightly troubled. If what Jasper said was true, why had his own experience been so... intense? The shopkeeper had said the goggles showed potential futures, paths not taken. But if Jasper had only seen mundane work scenarios, why had Thaddeus been bombarded with such intimate, emotionally charged visions?
"I see," Thaddeus said slowly, his fingers tracing the rim of his coffee cup. "That's... interesting."
Jasper, oblivious to Thaddeus's inner turmoil, felt a wave of relief wash over him. "What about you?" he asked, hoping to shift the focus. "What did you experience?"
Thaddeus hesitated, his face flushing slightly. "It was... similar," he lied, not wanting to reveal the depth of what he'd felt if Jasper's experience had been so mundane. "Just work-related scenarios."
An awkward silence fell between them, both hiding the truth of their experiences. Jasper sipped his coffee, trying to ignore the weight of the goggles in his bag and the guilt of his lie. Thaddeus, meanwhile, grappled with the implications of their disparate visions.
As the day progressed, the initial awkwardness between Jasper and Thaddeus began to dissipate. They found themselves wandering through a sprawling market, the air filled with the chatter of a thousand different species and the tantalizing aromas of exotic foods.
"Oh, Thaddeus, you should see this," Jasper exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "There's a stall here selling what looks like miniature galaxies in glass orbs. They're swirling and pulsing with light."
Thaddeus smiled, Jasper's enthusiasm infectious. "Describe them to me," he requested, genuinely interested.
As Jasper launched into a detailed explanation, Thaddeus found himself captivated not just by the description, but by the warmth and animation in Jasper's voice. He'd always appreciated Jasper's ability to paint vivid pictures with his words, but today it seemed especially poignant.
They moved on, weaving through the crowded streets. Jasper's hand occasionally brushed against Thaddeus's arm, guiding him around obstacles. Each touch sent a small thrill through Thaddeus, reminiscent of what he'd experienced in the goggles.
Their conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from ship mechanics to the latest discoveries in astrophysics. Jasper's quick wit and insightful comments kept Thaddeus on his toes, their banter a comfortable dance they'd perfected while working together.
Thaddeus's cane tapped rhythmically against the cobblestones as they walked. Suddenly, he paused, his head tilting slightly as if listening intently.
"What is it?" Jasper asked, glancing around.
"That sound," Thaddeus said, his voice filled with interest. "Do you hear it? The clanging... it's a smithy."
Jasper listened carefully, and indeed, he could make out the distinct sound of metal striking metal in a steady rhythm. "Oh yeah, I hear it now. Good ear, Thaddeus."
"There must be a stall nearby," Thaddeus said, already moving in the direction of the sound.
They made their way through the crowd, following the metallic clanging. Soon, they came upon a large stall where a burly alien with six arms was working at an anvil, carefully shaping intricate gears of various sizes.
"Welcome, engineers!" the smith called out, pausing in his work. "Care to examine some of the finest custom-crafted gears in the galaxy?"
Thaddeus's face lit up with genuine interest. "Custom gears? What types of alloys do you work with?"
As the smith launched into an enthusiastic explanation of his materials and techniques, Jasper's attention wandered. His eyes caught on a colorful stall further down the strip, displaying what looked like holographic schematics for experimental propulsion systems.
"Hey, Thaddeus," Jasper said, tapping his companion's shoulder. "I'm going to go check out that propulsion tech stall down there. Want me to come back and get you when I'm done?"
Thaddeus waved a dismissive hand, already engrossed in conversation with the smith about the finer points of gear ratios and metal compositions
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. I'll meet you back here in a bit then."
As he walked away, Jasper couldn't help but glance back at Thaddeus. The engineer was carefully examining a newly crafted gear, his fingers tracing its teeth as the smith explained its unique properties. It was a rare sight, seeing Thaddeus so openly enthusiastic about something, and Jasper found himself smiling as he turned towards the propulsion stall.
Thaddeus stood by the smithy's furnace, his fingers tracing the intricate teeth of a newly forged gear. The heat from the forge warmed his face, its glow washing over him in waves as he ran his fingers over a display of intricate gears and components.
"This alloy is quite remarkable," he commented to the smith.
"A discerning customer," the smithy rumbled, his eyes blinking in sequence. "You have a good eye... er, touch for quality, sir. These gears are forged from pure Osmidus titanium."
Thaddeus nodded appreciatively, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the metal. "The balance is excellent," he murmured. "How's the heat resistance?"
Before the smith could respond, Thaddeus sensed a presence approaching. The scent of an unfamiliar cologne wafted towards him, overpowering the metallic smell of the smithy.
"Excuse me," a lilting voice said, far too close for Thaddeus's comfort. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the market. Your beauty is truly captivating. Such a striking figure shouldn't be without company on this day of all days. Would you accept these neptunian blossoms as a token of my admiration?"
Thaddeus frowned, turning towards the voice.
Before Thaddeus could respond, he heard rapid footsteps approaching and a second voice cut in. "Hey! Back off, antenna-boy!"
A burly Valkari man shoved his way past the Elkysian man, nearly knocking him over. "I saw him first!" He thrust a single, enormous rose towards Thaddeus, its petals shifting through a rainbow of colors. "Here, beautiful." this new voice called out, slightly out of breath. "Don't accept those paltry weeds! A Changling rose, as unique and captivating as you are."
The two voices began to argue, their words overlapping in a cacophony that grated on Thaddeus's nerves. He could smell the conflicting scents of their colognes, the flowers they'd brought, and underneath it all, the acrid tang of their nervous sweat.
"Gentlemen," Thaddeus tried to interject, but his voice was lost in their squabble.
"I approached him first, you green-skinned oaf!" the Elkysian hissed.
"Yeah? Well, I've been watching him for the past ten minutes, you walking icicle!" the Valkari retorted.
Thaddeus stood silently, his face a mask of annoyance and disinterest. His fingers had stilled on the gear he'd been examining, his posture stiff and uninviting.
The noise of the market seemed to swell around him, the heat from the forge suddenly stifling. Thaddeus felt his irritation rising, a headache beginning to form behind his eyes.
Jasper, who had been making his way down the street with a bag of recently procured items in one hand and a cup of steaming Tarian tea in the other, paused as he took in the scene. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he watched Thaddeus's expression grow increasingly exasperated.
Just as Jasper was about to intervene, Thaddeus moved. In one swift motion, he reached out and plucked the Changling rose from the Valkari's hand. Without a word, he turned and tossed it into the roaring furnace. The rose let out a high-pitched wail as it burned, cycling through its colors at a frantic pace before disintegrating.
The Elkysian's face split into a smug grin, his antennae quivering with delight. "Ha! Clearly, he prefers a more sophisticated approach."
The Valkari gaped in shock, his green skin turning a sickly shade of lime.
Before either could say more, Thaddeus turned back to them, his hand outstretched. "Thank you," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he took the bouquet from the Elkysian.
He raised the bouquet, feeling the heat of the flames as he held it close to the furnace. Thaddeus held the burning bouquet for a moment, savoring the stunned silence that had fallen over the immediate area. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed the flaming flowers into the furnace.
Jasper watched the whole scene unfold, his eyes wide with surprise and his lips twitching with barely suppressed laughter.
Turning back to the stunned aliens, Thaddeus's voice was cool and matter-of-fact. "I don't like flowers," he stated simply.
With that, he brushed past them, his cane tapping a steady rhythm on the pavement as he walked away. The Valkari and Elkysian stood frozen, mouths agape, as the smithy chuckled behind them.
"Tough luck, boys," the smithy said, his gravelly voice filled with amusement before returning to his work.
As he walked, he caught the familiar scent of engine oil and the protea's soap that he associated with Jasper. A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Ah, Jasper," he said, pausing next to his friend. "Done with the propulsion schematics?"
As Thaddeus approached, Jasper fell into step beside him.
"That was quite a show," Jasper said, amusement coloring his voice. "I think you broke those poor guys' hearts... and their wallets."
Thaddeus snorted, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Just clearing up any misunderstandings," he replied dryly. "Besides, their intentions were hardly pure. Did you hear the Elyksian? 'Such a striking figure.' He scoffed.
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, he wasn't wrong about that. But I get it. The whole holiday is a bit much, isn't it?"
"It's ridiculous," Thaddeus agreed. "As if genuine affection can be measured in flowers and chocolates." He paused, then added in a softer tone, "Though I wouldn't say no to a cup of that tea you're holding. It smells... tolerable."
Jasper grinned, pressing the cup into Thaddeus's hand. "Here, it's yours. Consider it my non-flowery, non-romantic gift to you."
As they walked away, leaving the bewildered suitors behind, Jasper couldn't help but feel a warm glow of affection. Thaddeus might be prickly and difficult at times, but moments like these reminded Jasper why he found the engineer so utterly captivating.
"So," Jasper said casually, "since you've scared off all your other admirers, how about we grab a drink? I promise not to serenade you."
Thaddeus took a sip of the tea, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Lead on, LaBrant. Just keep me away from any more lovesick fools."
As they walked towards the pub, Jasper glanced at Thaddeus, curiosity getting the better of him. "So, do you really not like flowers at all? Or was that just for show back there?"
Thaddeus wrinkled his nose, taking another sip of the Tarian tea. "No, I genuinely can't stand them. The smell is overwhelming - too sweet, too cloying. It's like being assaulted by perfume."
Jasper chuckled. "I guess I can see that. What kind of smells do you prefer then?"
"Honestly?" Thaddeus smirked. "Give me the scent of good old engine oil any day. At least that smell serves a purpose."
Jasper burst out laughing. "Only you, Thaddeus. Only you would prefer eau de engine to actual flowers."