Chapter 3 - All Clawed Up
*****
Max had dozed for most of the day, his exhaustion having knocked him out. In the evening, he got out of bed to use the bathroom and have something to eat. The painkillers helped with his muscular pain that had gradually subsided and the fever had eventually lessened. He was glad of those developments but unfortunately his "hallucinations" were not a trick of his mind after all. His nails were still black, his ears remained pointed, and his teeth were sharper than before.
As the sun was sinking, his mood reflected the onsetting darkness. He paced the house, a million thoughts running through his head. What was going on? Was this some infection from the dog? Did the drugs have anything to do with it? Was it all going on in his head?
He didn't know what to do, he couldn't mention it to Thiago, he would freak out. He was the type to worry about everything. There was a sweet, gentleness to his nature, which contrasted to Max's hardiness, what with him being a detective after all. Max couldn't land this on his boyfriend. He'd have to sneak out and head to work to have medical have an analysis of his vitals.
Throwing on a hoodie and jeans, he descended the stairs, ready to head out when he spotted the headlights of Thiago's car coming up the driveway.
"Shit," Max legged it up the stairs, tore off his clothes, and leapt into bed. Sneaking out now would be impossible. Thiago would only try to convince him to get back into bed, and he would surely spot Max's abnormal physical changes. It was a confrontation best avoided.
"I'll sneak away first thing in the morning," Max thought to himself, grabbing a beanie to cover his ears and pulling up the blanket over himself as he heard Thiago enter the front door. His heart was thumping as his boyfriend's footsteps climbed the stairs. He curled his fingers and toes in anticipation.
"Hey, babe, you're awake. How are you feeling?" Thiago asked softly. He came over to Max with tentative steps, sitting on the bed next him and placing a cool hand on his forehead.
If it hadn't been for all the craziness of what was happening to his body, Max would've been swooning a lot harder than he was right then. Sometimes, his heart felt like it would burst with how sweet Thiago was. He was so caring without even having to try.
"I'm feeling much better, babe. And thank you for ringing work. The day off really helped," Max was sure to hold the blanket over his mouth so Thiago wouldn't get a flash of his new fangs.
"I'm glad. You seem much better," Thiago caressed Max's face.
Max rolled his eyes in pleasure, enjoying the touch from his boyfriend before snapping to attention. No, he couldn't get distracted. He had to keep things under wraps (literally). "Sorry, I'm still a bit feverish and yucky under here. I don't want to spread anything to you," he gave Thiago big soppy eyes.
"I'm sure you wouldn't," Thiago patted his head. "Have you eaten today?"
"Yes, I had a bit to eat earlier. I think I just need some sleep."
"Say no more, I'll leave you to rest," Thiago smiled. "If you need anything, just call."
"Thank you," Max said apologetically, feeling guilty with keeping a secret from his boyfriend.
*****
Max woke early the next morning, sliding out of bed before Thiago had woken up. Early morning light was softly bringing the world to life. He locked himself in the bathroom to survey his body. "Maybe the changes would be gone?" he thought. He was feeling a lot better, which was a good sign.
He looked down at his hands and had to hold back a scream. Not only were his nails still black, but they had grown out beyond the length they had been yesterday. They were much longer and thicker, and had elongated into a downwards curve, simulating claws. Their thickness and sharpness were made apparent as he poked his skin with them.
Not only were his nail different, but his fingers themselves looked at odds with how they had been before. They were thicker, stubbier, and had black pads on them. The pads felt like a layer of thick skin, like a callous. They were strange to touch.
