Chained in the Lab

Contractor

Zauriel

Zauriel knocked on the door to Dr. Taylor's office.

"Enter," came his contractor's distracted response.

Zauriel slipped into the messy office and moved to stand in front of Dr. Taylor's desk.

"You can take a seat," Dr. Taylor said.

Surprisingly, there was a chair empty of papers and coffee mugs. Zar perched there, drew his knees up to his chest and tucked his tail around them.

Dr. Taylor made a few more notes on his clipboard and said, "I spoke with the new security guard, Mr. Cartwell."

It took a moment to realize his contractor was referring to Henry. Zar wasn't sure he'd even learned the man's surname. Humans had so many names, and they gave them out so freely!

"He's very kind," Zauriel offered when Dr. Taylor didn't elaborate on his statement.

"He seems to be," Dr. Taylor looked up over the clipboard. "You like him?"

"I think I do, yes. Hard to tell from one meeting but I imagine we'll get along well."

"I'm glad. It occurred to me you might feel some social disconnect from most of your, ah, feeding partners. Because of cultural differences. So when an applicant listed time Underhill, I marked him for consideration."

"Thank you," Zar said. "It... I really think Henry and I might be friends. And yes. Having a feeding buddy who gets what it's like in other realms is great."

Zar had a feeling Henry was going to be more than a "feeding buddy," there were the sparks of something more, something special. He didn't want to rush it. A true friendship, or a lover? That kind of lasting relationship was rare for an incubus and every moment of building it should be savored.

Dr. Taylor nodded and glanced back down at his clipboard. Zar stood up, assuming their discussion was over. Dr. Taylor rarely wanted to spend more than a minute's time in Zar's presence outside of testing. Zar tried not to take it personally.

"Ah, Zauriel?" Dr. Taylor held out his hand.

Zar sat down. He didn't try to touch the outstretched hand. He'd finally figured out the gesture just meant "stop" or "wait", and wasn't an invitation to touch. Confusing.

"There was another small matter. It's awkward, though," Dr. Taylor said.

"Awkward?" Zar was confused.

"Well, two small matters. One isn't awkward for you at all, just me." Dr. Taylor explained.

Zauriel nodded. "I understand. I think." He settled back in the chair, subtly distancing himself from the scientist. "I'll try not to make things more... awkward... for you."

Which meant no innuendo, no teasing. Easy enough, if not much fun. But that was fine. There were dozens of willing humans around the lab Zar could tease and play with. All his contractor wanted from him was professionalism? He could do professional. Even if it sat on his instincts like a poorly tailored suit, he could do it.

"Thank you," Dr. Taylor said. "Firstly, I believe we should expand your feeding prospects. I am concerned that with the increased stress of some of our upcoming procedures the pool of willing security guards won't be sufficient."

"Oh!" Zauriel sat up straighter. "Yes. That would be..." He paused. "I don't mean to be ungrateful. My feeding partners are generous with their time and energy. But. By the same token." He grimaced. "Much of a procubi's energy needs are met by feeding in sleep."

"Pardon?"

"Well, in dreams. Haven't you come across this in your research? That incubi invade human's dreams and cause them to be, ah," Zauriel searched for a word that wouldn't upset the scientist. "Well. Let's say more intense. In return, we siphon a tiny bit of energy. Most of our needs are met thus."

"But you live in the laboratory complex... and no one sleeps here but you."

"Exactly, yes."

Dr. Taylor nodded to himself and scribbled something on his clipboard. One of these days Zauriel was going to get a look at what he was writing.

"Will having a wider pool of partners help?" Dr. Taylor asked.

Zauriel nodded. "I think so, yes."

"Very good. I'll write up a new roster and find some volunteers, and then send the new list up to you for approval. One final thing, then," Dr. Taylor put the clipboard down on the table.

"Yes?"

"Your horns."

"What about them?" Zauriel reached up reflexively to brush a hand along the horns running from temple back over his head.

"I'm worried someone might be hurt. Are you willing to, say, clip or file them? Not much, just a little. Say, round off the very ends?"

"Oh!" Zauriel leaned back, relaxed. "Is that all? The way you're frowning and hesitating, I thought it was something awful."

"I just, well, I talked to Mr. Cartwell and he said that the horns are unique to each procubi?"

"Yes, they are. But it does me no more harm to file them down than, say, clipping your fingernails does you." Zauriel shrugged. "I actually used to have them clipped and rounded back home. It was the fashion for a while. Then enameling them like human women do their nails became a thing... that was really fun."

"I'll find you some nail polish then."

"Was that... a joke?" Zar blinked.

"Maybe a little. Although, if you want some, I can pick some up at the store."

Zauriel considered. "Sure, yeah. My look could use a little update I think. Thank you."

He could probably convince Annabeth or even Henry to help him paint the hard to reach parts. That would be a pleasant way to spend some time. Maybe he could paint Annabeth's fingers for her. She deserved to be pampered more. She always took care of his needs, he'd enjoy returning the favor.

"You're already planning things to do with that paint, aren't you?" Dr. Taylor guessed.

"Maybe," Zar admitted.

"And from that smile, I'm guessing I would not enjoy hearing about it." Dr. Taylor rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Come down to the lab later, we might as well get samples from your horns if we're going to trim them anyway. Does that bother you?'

"Not a bit. I think they're the same material as my fingernails, but... they don't break as easily? So maybe not? I'd be curious to know."

"We'll get an answer for you, then."

"I look forward to it." Zauriel bounced to his feet and left the office.

That had been the second-longest conversation he'd had with the man. Maybe he was warming up to his incubus finally!