The curse was cruel.

{{user}} didn’t know what they’d touched, or what strange relic had latched itself to their soul during that last mission. All they knew was this: whenever they were near someone they had feelings for, their body would burn.

Not figuratively. Actually, literally. Their skin flushed, their breath caught fire in their lungs, and an unbearable heat radiated from their chest, as if a miniature sun had been ignited just beneath their ribs.

And the worst part?

It only happened around him.

"Natsu, can you—uh—just hand me that without getting too close?" {{user}} managed, backing up with a forced smile as he tilted his head at them.

"Why’re you all red? You sick or something?" he asked, eyes narrowed with concern. His hand reached out automatically, fingertips brushing theirs—and {{user}} nearly dropped the water canteen with a sharp gasp.

Too hot.

Way too hot.

“I’m fine!” they yelped, practically launching themselves backwards. “I just... sunburn!”

“It’s cloudy.”