avareiahgt

[avareiahgt]

✨Just a bunch of Charlie & Felix fanart✨

characters & story belong to @miniscule-meow

Seriously, her writing is SO GOOD! Please go check out her work!!!!

[avareiahgt]

Charlie & Felix: The Aftermath

This could have been two parts... but I wrote it as one so. BIG chapter! I hope you're into that sort of thing.

Masterpost

Wordcount: 4k

Warnings: swears, blood mention, puking? (idk. it's not graphic)

First Part | Last Part | Next Part

~*~

Light from the old truck’s headlights snag on bits of foliage as the trees lace together overhead. He drives as smoothly as possible down the quiet gravel driveway leading to his house. The path breaks through the tree line, and winds through a stretch of field, approaching a solitary structure.

“Your house is huge,” Charlie slurs from the passenger seat.

“Accommodations, since my school decided to transfer me here. They wanted me to have somewhere secluded, rather than risking me busting through the dorms. They called it a ‘barndominium.’”

“Wait. You didn’t like, get a choice or anything?”

“It doesn’t work like that,” he huffs in response. “I stopped getting choices when I started growing taller than 20 feet.”

“Oh. ‘m sorry.”

He just shrugs in response before he hops out of the truck, looping around to the passenger side in time to catch Charlie as she half stumbles- mostly falls out of the bench seat. He rights her, attempting to hold her steady on her swaying feet. She’s so close to him. He fights to maintain a regular size, getting all gigantic because he’s flustered isn’t going to help anything. Besides, he has more control than that, he asserts within himself. Though, he grits his teeth against the itch in his marrow- the electric feeling in the depths of his being that’s begging to be released.

Charlie curses and apologizes again, resting her head against his chest.

“You good?” He looks down at her

“I think I’m gonna throw up” she mumbles into him.

He quickly ushers her inside, taking her to the bathroom. Charlie rushes to the toilet and drops to her knees, already retching. His body moves without thought. In an instant, he's beside her, collecting her blonde curls, holding them away from her face as she vomits.

"I don't want you to see me like this," she chokes out between heaves, waving an arm at him trying to shoo him away.

"It’s a little late for that." He says, not budging.

Finally, after expelling the contents of her stomach, she flushes the toilet. He lets her hair slide through his fingers as he lets go. His thumb rolls over his fingers, then his fingers press into his palms. He closes then flexes his hand, unable to shake the feeling. The ghost of her warmth clings to his skin.

 'Since when did I become her guardian-fucking-angel?' He thinks to himself, his brow furrowing.

"Ugh, I'm so sorry," she groans, sitting back on her heels, her voice muffled by her hands, "I'm never going to another party. never. I’m sorry."

"Maybe you just need better friends,” he crouches beside her, “You know, the kind that won't ditch you?"

Charlie blinks, staring into the middle distance for long enough that he thinks she's just zoned out completely. Then, her shoulders tremble- at first with laughter bubbling up from her chest. As he realizes that this is not a happy sound, she's choking on a sob, crumbling further into the floor.

Felix's frown deepens, he didn’t mean to make her cry. Uncertainty prickles across his shoulders.

He does not know what to do with the heap of curls, glitter and emotion that has found herself curled up on the cold tile of his bathroom.

Does he reach out to her? Does he say something? 'There, there. Don't worry...'

He's not good at stuff like this.

He stands, mumbling something about getting her some water, and he carefully steps around her.

It’s probably best to just let her sort herself out for a moment, he decides.

He steps out into the hall, making his way over to the kitchen. He finds himself flexing his hands again. He gets her a glass of water, then he heads over to the master bedroom, grabbing her a change of clothes. He grabs a simple black T-shirt, and a pair of black sweats that say “Rosehill” in white lettering, with the school’s red rose logo cutting through the word.

He takes his time walking back to the bathroom, knocking gently on the open bathroom door. She’s sitting up again, and though she looks miserable, she isn’t crying. This is a good sign, he supposes as he wordlessly hands her the glass. He sets the change of clothes down on the counter, and fishes through the cabinets for an extra toothbrush, unopened. While he’s at it, he grabs a towel and a washcloth and sets those on the counter as well.

She watches his methodical movements with hazy eyes, red from throwing up, puffy from crying. Her makeup is smudged around her eyes, streaking down her cheeks. His heart lurches, he looks away.

“Feel free to take a shower. There’s soap and stuff in there. I grabbed you some clothes you can sleep in, if you wanted to. I had an extra toothbrush. Toothpaste is here,” he gestures as he talks, feeling so stiff and awkward. “Anything else?” He wonders aloud.

“I think I left my phone in the truck.” Charlie murmurs, wiping her eye, smearing her eyeliner across her cheek.

“Right. I’ll grab it and plug it in for you. You… do whatever.” He leaves her to her own devices, this time shutting the door behind him. He’s only a few steps away when the lock clicks, and he hears the shower start to run.

He grabs her phone from the truck, her phone case is green and dotted with little stars and mushrooms. It’s vibrating when he picks it up. She’s getting a call from Jeremey, in fact, she’s missed five calls from him already. The call ends, sending him to voicemail. Almost immediately, the screen lights up with another call. The contact image appearing on the screen is a picture of the two of them, Charlie and Jay, side by side. Seeing them next to each other, he can definitely see the resemblance.

He stares at the phone in his hand. He could just leave it. He should just leave it. Just let the call go to voicemail like the rest of them and let Charlie deal with her brother later. He sighs, at the same time though, Jeremey can get pretty worked up about stuff. He could just let him know that Charlie is alright, that way he’s not freaking out all night. It would be a quick conversation.

How bad could it possibly go? He feels like he’s jinxed himself just by thinking that.

He seems to be starting a collection of bad decisions. Why couldn’t he pick something regular to collect- like stamps, or bottlecaps?

He answers the phone.

“Charlotte, thank fuck,” Jeremey’s voice explodes through the speaker. Felix jerks the phone away from his ear with a wince. “You can’t just send the most cryptic message and then vanish like that! What did you do, throw your phone into the fucking ocean? Are you alright? What happened.”

“Hey Jay, this is Felix,” He already regrets doing this. He could have sent a text.

“WHAT,” Felix is ready for him this time. Expecting the outburst, he’s already pulled the phone back some distance. Jeremey is off like a rocket, slinging accusations and threats in equal measure.

“Listen, Jay, do you want to know what’s going on or not,” he snaps after several failed interjections.

Jeremey goes quiet on the other end of the line. Though, Felix can still hear him muttering under his breath.

“She went to a party, got super drunk, her friends ditched her, and she called me to go pick her up. That’s it. From what I can tell, nothing else happened. I mean, she’ll definitely feel like hell tomorrow, but she’s in one piece. She’s fine.”

“She called you?” Jeremey questions after a moment.

“Yeah. I was also surprised, believe me,” Felix confesses.

“Let me talk to her.”

“She’s taking a shower right now. I can tell her you called, but honestly it might be better if you spoke to her in the morning, when she’s had a chance to sober up.” He doesn’t imagine that a conversation with Jeremey would be... productive for her right now. Not his decision to make of course, but Jeremey isn’t typically the comforting type, and Charlie has already been going through it tonight.

“She’s- where did you take her?” He can hear the suspicion and the venom building in his tone.  

“Back to my place,” Felix replies, grimacing. This isn’t going to be pretty. He should have lied.

Jeremey makes an incredulous, strangled sound. His volume spike is instant.

“You mean to tell me that she called you, and then you decided to take my very drunk sister back to your place? Is that what I’m hearing right now?” His rage is barely contained, “What kind of sick attempt at a power play even is that?”

“Jay. It’s not like that. She—”

“You expect me to believe that you’re helping her? Out of the goodness of your cold, black heart?”

“No,” he says dryly, sarcasm seeps into his tone, “I expect you to keep yelling. You’re good at that.” This is, of course, the wrong thing to say. But he can’t help himself.

“Fuck you, man. Stay away from Charlotte. She doesn’t need you using her as a pawn in your fucking redemption arc, or whatever it is you're planning.”

Felix frowns at the phone. He can’t deny the fact that building an amicable relationship with Charlie would look good on his record. Something like that could very well get his position at Rosehill reinstated. It wasn’t like that didn’t cross his mind. But he’d hardly call that “using her.” Besides, even if he was trying to befriend her for selfish purposes, he was doing a terrible job at it.

She tolerates him at best. Her calling him tonight had to have been… a one off- a fluke. She said it herself; she didn’t have anyone else to call. He’s a last resort, the absolute bottom of the barrel.

“You don’t get to wake up one day, decide your someone else, and then expect everyone to fucking play along," Jeremey continues his barrage of anger. "I don’t trust you. I sure as hell don’t forgive you. If you so much as breathe wrong near Charlotte, I’ll shut you out of her life so fucking fast, you’ll think you imagined her.”

“Great,” Felix says, finally getting a word in edgewise. He could get into it with him about how Charlie should have a say in the matter of who gets to participate in her life. But, that would just wind Jeremey up more. The whole point of answering the phone was so Jay wouldn’t freak out all night. It’s not worth getting into all that with him right now. “Are you done?”

Jeremey just hangs up on him.

“Fucking perfect,” Felix says, looking down at the phone, surprised to see that his hand is trembling.

What was he expecting? A thank-you?

For once he tries to do something right. She needed help. She asked him for help. He picked her up, got her water and a fucking toothbrush and now her brother wants to skin him alive.

He can’t pretend to be shocked by that. It probably isn’t really even about Charlie. It's more-than-probably the reaction he deserved. But still. He didn’t expect it to feel like this.

The frustration and rage boils through him, culminating in an ache deep in his bones.

He wants to break something.

He takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Now isn’t the time for him to lose it. He’s still got Charlie to look after. He can’t take this out on her. The only thing she’s done wrong is trusting him. She shouldn’t get burned for that.

Breathe, Felix. Plug in the phone. Get your shit sorted.  

Rigidly, he forces heavy steps back inside, nearly bumping his head against the door frame. He swears under his breath, ducking into his house and grabbing a charger. He plugs her phone in by the couch.

He steps back outside, stalking forward into his front yard. He rears back, sending his fist into the trunk of a nearby tree. It doesn’t do much to make him feel better, but it does split open the freshly healing wounds across his knuckles, rather efficiently.

He grows, an attempt to ease the pressure in his bones, the electricity crackling down his spine and over his fingers; to quiet the noise in his head.

He’s so tired.

Tired of making mistakes, tired of trying to clean up his own messes. Maybe he just can’t do anything right. Maybe he’s trying, but he’s just not good enough. He wasn’t good enough for his parents, he wasn’t good enough for Rosehill. What makes him think that he could possibly be good enough for Charlie?

After all, isn’t he just using her? Is Jeremey right?

He tries to hold on to his anger, it's something that he understands at least. It's easy to be mad about something. But this is somehow so much more than that. This is complicated. It's confusing.

Fuck.

He passes 30 feet, 40, he’s not slowing down when he reaches 50’. Usually, when he wants to get big, that’s where he feels most comfortable. That’s when people start looking like dolls, but he’s still able to interact with the world around him with some preservation of grace.

He doesn’t care about that right now. He pushes, shoving all of his energy into the transformation. His hurt, his frustration, his confusion, all just pushing himself further, bigger.

His black hoodie begins reaching its limit as he passes 60’. Once the fabric starts to pull tight across his shoulders, he pulls it off. As soon as it’s removed, it snaps back to its original size, basically disappearing between his fingers. He tosses the hoodie onto his porch; he’ll get it later.

Thankfully, the rest of his clothes are able to stay intact, even at the upper limit of his ability, 100'. He stretches, relishing in the freedom his size awards him. The large barndominium looks like a dollhouse next to him. He lifts his arms high, stretching up into the sky, before setting down in the field in front of his house.

He stares up at the stars, alone with his thoughts. He feels like he doesn’t know anything anymore.

~*~

Charlotte steps outside, the warm light from the house spilling into the front yard. She didn’t find Felix in the house anywhere, but it’s impossible to miss him once she opens the front door. Her heart stutters at the sight of him. He’s much bigger than she’s ever seen him before, and she is struck by the sudden realization that, even at his scariest, he was holding back.

She isn’t quite sure what to make of that.

She takes a tentative step forward, wincing as the screen door clatters shut behind her. His head turns at the sound, his eyes glinting in the darkness as his focus lands solely on her. He doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t need to. At this size, his gaze alone is enough to overwhelm her. She had thought she had sobered up a good amount, she is no longer certain of that. She sways on her feet and has to remind herself to breathe.

As short as the history between them may be, it’s complicated enough that she feels some trepidation as she makes her way to the edge of the porch. She isn’t afraid of him, but he’s massive, and she’s finding it difficult to think straight right now.

The autumn air is crisp, and while the warmth of summer stubbornly clings to the atmosphere, the breeze is cutting, especially considering her hair is still dripping from the shower. She looks down at the discarded hoodie, and bends down to pick it up, acutely aware that Felix’s gaze has remained locked on her. She meets his gaze, then looks down at the hoodie, it’s still warm. She looks back at him.

“Do you want to put it on?” his voice is a low whisper. It’s almost cautious, like he’s entirely conscious of the effect he has at this size. Even still, she swears his voice rumbles through the earth, trembling the ground beneath her feet. She nods, not finding her voice just yet. “Go ahead,” he permits with a shrug.

She slides it on, pulling her damp hair from the collar and wrapping her arms around herself. It smells nice, like cedar, and old books. It’s much cozier than she would like to admit. It isn’t ill-fitting either, maybe a touch oversized, but that isn’t a bad thing.

“How do your clothes work?” It’s the first thing she can think to say to him, though once she says it out loud it feels… silly. She can tell he thinks it’s an odd question too because of the face he makes, scrunching his nose and furrowing his brow.

“I don’t know, it’s science or something.”

“Science,” she echoes skeptically.

“I didn’t make the clothes; I just wear them. I’m not a… fuckin’… textile chemist, or whatever.”

“Clearly not,” a smile pulls at her lips, she takes a seat on the edge of the porch steps. “Are you doing alright?”

“It feels like I’m supposed to be the one asking you that,” he says quietly.

“Well. You’re bleeding, so.” She nods to his hand, the blood on his knuckles glistening in the low light.

“It’s not a big deal,” he turns his hand to shield his knuckles from view. Charlie frowns, but she doesn’t press him further on it.

“I didn’t know you could get that big,” she says instead.

“I don’t usually need to,” he responds simply.

“But you needed to now?” she questions.

He’s quiet for a moment, turning his face back up to the sky. She doesn’t think he’s going to answer her, but then his voice rumbles through her once more.

“No. It just feels nice.”

“It doesn’t hurt at all? Like, your bones shifting or your skin stretching, your heart feeling like it’s under more stress or….?” She looks at him curiously, standing and daring to inch a bit closer to him. He keeps his gaze fixed on the stars.

“It’s nice,” he repeats with the smallest shake of his head. “It’s like I’m,” he hesitates, searching for the words to describe an impossible sensation to someone who will never have the chance of experiencing it. “It’s like I’m stretching something that’s been sore. Or… like I’m getting out of the car for the first time after a long road trip. It makes me feel… like it’s easier to breathe. I don’t know if that makes any sense.”

“I think I get it.”

“I talked to Jeremey,” Felix says casually, as if that is entirely unrelated to his bleeding hand, or his size. Maybe it is, but she has her doubts.

“Oh shit.”

“Sorry if that was like, and invasion of privacy. He kept calling you and… I don’t know, I didn’t want him to freak out all night. In retrospect… I’m not sure I helped anything though.”

“Did he lose his mind?”

“He was… very Jeremey about the whole thing,” Felix admits, and Charlie sighs, long and slow.

“I’m sorry. He always- I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m the one that answered, I knew what I was getting myself into,” he’s quiet for a moment. “Jay and I used to be pretty close before... everything went down. I wasn’t,” he hesitates, “I wasn’t really a good friend to him.”

“Have you tried apologizing?” She asks. He looks over to her, raising a brow.

“Have you ever tried talking to Jeremey?” It’s an obvious deflection. But it isn’t one that she challenges, she doesn’t feel like she needs to. The flat look on Felix’s face tells her that he already knows.

“Just saying,” she shrugs.

She’s gotten closer to him than he expected. She looks like she’s just trying to take him in, not able to see all of him at once, instead just focusing on his elbow. She presses a hand to his arm; he watches her curiously.

“Did you know that you grow, like, every time we touch?”

“You noticed that, huh?”

“You aren’t exactly subtle.”

“Fair,” he says. “People don’t usually touch me. You do. A lot.”

“Oh,” she jolts, pulling her hand away, “I didn’t even think about that- that I- I’m sorry. I’m probably like, a lot, aren’t I? I’ve gotten that before. I’m sorry.”

“You’re fine,” he says, regretting that he said anything to make her pull away in the first place. “I don’t mind getting used to it.” She goes still, looking at him, her hands fiddling with the sleeves of his hoodie. They share a moment there, and he internally burns, embarrassed that he said that too.

“Are you sure?” She says quietly.

“Yeah.”

Taking that as some kind of invitation, she turns back to his arm. She studies the bend of his elbow, then braces a hand against him, and swings a leg up. Climbing him. It’s not exactly graceful, she’s coherent but obviously still intoxicated. He considers reaching over and helping her, but he doesn’t trust himself to do anything more than hold his breath. He doesn’t want to risk making her fall or scaring her. She manages to scramble up and settle herself in the crook of his elbow on her own. He scrunches his nose at the light tickling sensation of her adjusting herself. Eventually, she stills finding a comfortable enough spot against him.

“Felix,” she says after a comfortable silence, “can we be done fighting.”

Fighting?

Here she is, in all of his clothes, curled up on his arm... And she thinks they were fighting? He just blinks down at her.

“We… aren’t fighting.”  

She looks at him, her mouth pressed flat, her brow furrowed.

“Alright. Yeah, I get what you mean. We’re good, Charlie. Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay, good. Because I was worried about it.”

They lay together in the field, comfortably existing within one another’s space. They look at the stars, but Felix can’t help but peer down at the girl who took it upon herself to curl up against his bicep.

He can’t even pretend to understand her.

Why doesn’t she hate him? What does she see in him that makes her want to give him a chance. Maybe it’s just the alcohol. Maybe she’s just an especially terrible judge of character. Either way, it baffles him. It shakes him in a way that nothing else has before. Whatever ounce of good that she sees in him… he wants to find it too.

Eventually, he decides the time for introspective spiraling is over, and he breaks the silence between them.

“Alright. We need to go inside before you fall asleep on me, and I’m stuck out here all night.”

She doesn’t respond.

“Charlie?”

Nothing.

“Oh hell,” he sighs, and begins strategizing on how to get her inside without disturbing her too much.

As slowly, and as carefully as he can manage, he shrinks back down, taking care to keep her steady. Eventually, he reaches a comfortable height where he’s able to hold her snug against his chest, while still managing to fit into his house. He ignores the thrumming of his heart in his ears as her damp curls brush against his cheek, the faint smell of his soap clinging to her. He sets her down on the couch, and steps away.

“No,” she groans. “You were so cozy.”

“I’ll get you a blanket,” he says, crossing the room to grab one. She makes a noise in protest.

“Look, Charlie,” he says, draping a blanket over her. “If you want to snuggle me, or whatever, that’s going to need to be a sober decision, okay?”

“We literally already were,” she mumbles, though she’s already wrapping her arms around the pillow and settling herself into the couch.

“That’s—” He stammers, “No, that’s so different.”

At that size, he might as well have been part of the landscape.

But to her, he was much more than that. He surrounded her. Living, breathing, warmth enveloping her completely.

As for him, he can still feel the spot on his arm where her miniscule weight lay, curled into him. So small, yet at the same time, all he could focus on.

So different. He tells himself firmly, though he rubs the inside of his elbow as he heads off to his room.

He wonders how much of this she’ll remember tomorrow, and how much of it she’ll regret.

[avareiahgt]

Charlie and Felix: Emergency Contact

Masterpost Wordcount: ~2k First Part | Last Part | Next Part

“Um, hey, Felix? This is Charlotte. Um, Charlotte Beauregard. I’m from... like, from school.” She speaks sloppily, her words mashing into one another with an unnatural cadence.

“I know who you are, Charlie,” he says, frowning. “When did you get my number?”

“I um… got it from the emergency contact sheet at work,” she admits sheepishly, he can hear the wince in her tone.

“If this isn’t an emergency, I’m hanging up.” He says simply.

“Wait! Please, please don’t hang up.” There is a level of desperation in her voice that gives him pause. “Are… are you still there?” she asks softly. The way her voice quivers with uncertainty makes his stomach twist. He suddenly gets the feeling that this is going to be a very long night.

“Yeah. I’m here. What do you want?”

"I um. I need your help?”

“Oh, that’s really cute,” he barks a laugh, a cold instinct. Since when does anyone want his help?

"I’m serious. I know that this is really, really stupid. But you’re the only person I can call right now.”

“I’m listening.”

“So, I’m at this party? And I can’t drive myself back because, well… I didn’t drive myself here. And I’m also- I probably couldn’t drive even if…. I did…. Drive. Um,” she takes a breath, trying to wrangle her spiraling thoughts. “Can you come pick me up?”

“That’s it?” He asks. “You really couldn’t think of anyone else to call? Like an Uber or something?”

“For really,” she mumbles into the phone. “I just don’t really feel all that safe anymore. I know- I know what my brother said, and I know what I said. But I just,” her words begin to dissolve into incoherent mumbles.

“You’re not safe?” His tone is cold and dangerous. A protective spark ignites in his chest. He doesn’t necessarily have the best relationship with Charlie… he doesn’t really have any relationship with her. Most days, he finds her to be an inconvenience… but she’s his inconvenience. And if she’s in trouble… well… He’s already putting his shoes on.

“I mean, there are these guys... Nothing happened!” She says quickly, “Really. I’m okay. I’m fine. I’m probably just… overreacting. I’m, um, hiding in the bathroom right now? It’s fine um. You know what? You’re right, I shouldn’t have called you. Um, I’m sorry for bothering you. I’ll figure it out—”

“What’s the address?” It’s simple. He's on his way.

---

Soon enough, there is a sharp knock against the bathroom door.

“Charlie? Let’s go.”

He takes her in as she staggers in the door frame. Her curly hair is held back by an earthy yellow bandanna, two curls loosely frame her face. She’s in a pair of overall shorts. One of the buttons is undone letting the flap of the overalls hang down revealing her baggy white shirt with a faded picture of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers on the front. She looks up at him, her dark eyes are wide, as if she can hardly believe he’s actually standing there. He’s about a head taller than he should be, so when she suddenly reaches forward, and clings to his arm, her cheek presses into his bicep. His heartrate doubles at the sudden contact. People don’t usually drunk call him, they don’t usually want his help, and they certainly don’t touch him. Instead of shrugging her off, he takes his hand out of his pocket, letting her slide her fingers between his. Her hands aren’t as soft as he thought they might have been.

“I can’t believe you came,” she mumbles into his arm.

“I said I would," it's all he has to say.

They weave through the crowded house. The partygoers are largely too wrapped up in their own revelries to be concerned about some other drunk couple pushing through the crowd. They step outside, the music and chatter from the house muffle as the door shuts behind them. The early fall air is still thick and warm with the remnants of summer. Felix leads her down the porch stairs carefully. They pass a small group of people smoking; they pass a girl crying and being consoled by a friend.

“What did you drive to get here?” She asks once they reach the sidewalk. Cars are lined up on the narrow street.

“I walked.”

“But… do you live close by or…” her sentence fizzles out.

“Not really.”

“You got here so quickly though- Oh. Because you—” she lurches with realization.

“Yeah.”

“You walked here.”

“Yeah,” he repeats. “It was that or ride my bike.”

“Your…”

“Motorcycle," he clarifies. "I barely trust you to walk right now, no chance I was letting you on a bike like this.”

“And now…. Are we… are you…” He sees the thinly veiled apprehension coming off of her.

“No,” He shakes his head before she finishes the question. “The school isn’t that far from here. I can just walk with you… Normally.”

“Oh shit!” she jolts, pulling away from him. He jumps at her sudden movement, looking her over to see what’s wrong. “I can’t go back to the dorms! It’s a dry campus. I’m going to get in so much trouble, oh my gosh, my scholarship. Okay. Not going to freak out. Okay, maybe if you go in and distract them… And I just pretend to be sober,” she straightens her shoulders, “sober face.”

“Well. Maybe don’t say ‘sober face’ when you do that,” he says, eyeing her warily.

“Sober face,” she whispers again.

He works his jaw, walking with her as she stumbles down the sidewalk. The moment stretches quietly between them. Her 'sober face' isn't even slightly convincing.

“Do you want to crash at my place?” He asks, against all of his better judgement.

“Wait, really?”

“I mean. This isn’t worth losing your scholarship over.”

“Thank you, Felix.” She hugs him. Not really knowing what to do, he pats her shoulder until she releases him.

“Don’t thank me yet,” he mumbles, “My house is further away. So, I’m going to have to pick you up,” he warns her.

“That’s… fine,” she says tentatively.

“It’ll only be for like ten, maybe fifteen minutes."

“Okay. I trust you, Felix. That’s why I called you.”

He doesn’t know what to say to that. She trusts him. Despite everything, she trusts him. He just looks at her for a moment before nodding and leading her away from the road. He finds somewhere at least semi-secluded before he grows. He doesn’t reach his full height, just large enough to make the journey quick and easy. He lowers his hands down towards her, like he’s coaxing a kitten forward.

“Alright, come on,” he says quietly. She looks like a little doll standing before him. She doesn’t move, she just looks at his hands. “Charlie?”

She looks up at his face, then back to his hands. She takes the smallest step forward, her own hands grasping each other, and pressed against her chest.

“I trust you,” she says again, quieter. This time, he’s pretty sure she’s just trying to convince herself that’s true. Her hands are shaking, despite her clinging so close to herself. 

Usually, he would respond to a look like that with a flair of indignance. You want a monster? You'll get a monster.

Felix frowns. She's so little. So fragile. So stubborn. But despite all that, despite the dim lighting, he can see every detail of her. She eyes the scar on his palm, knowing very well where it came from. She chews the inside of her lip nervously, like she’s trying to work up the courage to put her life in his hands. She hugs her arms to herself to still her trembling. She says she trusts him, but she looks so afraid.

He tries to tell himself she’s just nervous about the heights… but she’s likely remembering what he’s already done to her, that first time they found each other in the clearing. She had caught him on a bad day. He only warned her about ten times that things were going to get ugly. If she wasn’t so bullheaded… besides, he didn’t hurt her. He just… tossed her around a little. It was harmless. And yet, here she is... Looking at him like that. Like at any moment he might grab her, pin her down, dangle her.

But no such feelings come. There is just one thought echoing in his mind right now...

'I'm a hypocrite.'

Felix has always asserted a moral high ground, saying that he would never hurt a mundane. He wouldn't flaunt his power over anyone who wouldn't stand a chance against him. He’s been there. He’s been beneath supers who were needlessly beating down on others just so they could feel strong. He always said he was above that.

And what does he go and do?

This little mundane has the audacity to do something as heinous as trying to care about him, and he tosses her around like a cat with a little stuffed mouse. Never mind the absolute mess with her brothers.

She’s right about him. Whatever horrible thing she might be thinking- She’s right.

Maybe a lot of people are right about him.

Why did it take this moment to make him see that? Not any of the countless visits to the Dean’s office, not being expelled from his fancy academy… But it was Charlie, insisting she trusts him, fighting to trust him… but being unable to make herself actually do it. That’s what got to him.

For once, his initial reaction isn’t anger, it’s not blame, it’s just the chilling realization that… He doesn’t deserve her trust.

His fingers pull back at this realization, and she flinches hard at his sudden movement, like she thinks he’s just going to reach out and snatch her up. Another knife of guilt stabs into him, and he does something he's certain he's never done before- he lets go of his size, quickly shrinking down to normal.

He would typically double down. He's made a decision, he'll see it through. His confidence secure, his judgement final. Releasing his size before he does what he intended to do always felt like admitting defeat. But he can't pick Charlie up right now. Not when she looks at him like that. So, he puts himself back on her level... Or close enough.

“Oh. That’s smart,” she nods, just as willing as he is to pretend that getting her truck is all this is about.

“New plan,” he shakes his head, “We walk to campus, get your truck, and then drive back to my place. That way you have a vehicle tomorrow," it's an easy cover. He wasn't having second-thoughts, he just came up with a better plan.

“I have my keys on me,” Charlie mumbles, fishing through her bag.

The journey back to campus is not too bad. The roads are quiet, and the sidewalks are clear. Charlie holds his hand, and struggles to walk in a straight line, bumping against him, or straying towards the edge of the side walk. He keeps a hold of her hand to reign her in.

She hums whatever fragment of a song is stuck in her head, or she makes idle chatter as she walks along beside him. It's largely incomprehensible, like she's not really talking to him, as much as she's just voicing the thoughts that flit through her mind. From what he gathers, she mostly talks about hiking- trails she's been on and what's nearby. They pass through suburbs and beneath streetlamps before they find themselves in the student parking lot, maybe twenty minute later.

She hands him a set of keys on a faded red carabiner. It has a little green leather pouch with her dorm keycard on it, her truck key, presumably a house key and the key to a mailbox, along with a little string of charms- they look like little mushrooms, flowers and frogs. He helps her in the passenger seat of the old Jeep truck, before shutting the door and climbing in behind the wheel.

“You drive stick right?” She asks, leaning against the window. "I should have asked before."

“Oof. Yeah,” he huffs, “It’s just been a while.”

After a rough start, jolting into gear and promptly stalling the vehicle, he gets the old truck on the road, and takes Charlie back to his place.

[avareiahgt]

Charlie and Felix: Little Miss Beauregard

Masterpost Wordcount: ~2.7k First Part | Last Part | Next Part

---

Charlotte Beauregard, youngest child, only daughter, the only one without super abilities.

That’s a lot of pressure when you think about it.

Her brothers, well-meaning as they might be, like to hover. Fiercely. Suffocatingly.

Besides, she can’t go anywhere without someone knowing her family. Her reputation- their reputation, drapes over her shoulders like a heavy coat. Everyone seems to expect that she will somehow live up to the legacy of the Beauregard name. Then they find out she’s just… Charlotte. No force fields. No psychic powers. She’s just a girl that’s good at math, and decent at identifying different types of plants. The disappointment is instant, and familiar.

It makes her feel so small.

It’s not that her family tries to belittle her, they’re just so super that she can’t help but be eclipsed. It’s just how it is. All of her achievements pale in comparison to the things her brothers have done, and there isn’t anything she can do to change that.

She wanted an opportunity to go somewhere where her family name wasn’t hanging over her. Somewhere she could go and be herself and not have to feel sorry about it. Somewhere where she could finally be good enough.

Bayshear was supposed to be that place. There are mundanes here that have never met supers. Still, the handful of people around who have heard of her family name know all of the implications that go along with it.

Along with all the regular reactions, disappointment, pity, there’s something new from these other mundanes. There is a layer of disdain that she’s never encountered before.  It’s like some people believe it is “us” and it is “them.” And just because of her brothers… that categorizes her instantly. It’s almost like they don’t believe she’s really mundane.

She’s lived in both spaces now, and she’s finding with a sinking realization, she might not belong in either. She’s too much “us” and she’s too much “them” – so no one wants her.

But maybe she can do something to change that.

---

Charlotte stands in the middle of the quad, stationed behind a small folding table with a colorful tri-fold poster that she had made herself. It’s bright, and full of bullet points and resources- information about organizations trying to bridge the gap between mundanes and supers. So, here she is, standing in the middle of the quad, handing out flyers.

She’s had some wins. She’s managed to give out a few flyers, and she’s had some really good conversations. She even exchanged socials with a couple of girls, and they invited her out this weekend!

Really though, most people just pass her by, like she’s invisible, or worse, an embarrassment. Still, she keeps her chin up, not letting a few cold shoulders get the best of her.

That is, until Derek shows up. He’s in her environmental science class. He’s one of the few who is familiar with her family name, and he probably had a hand in spreading those rumors about Felix. Great, he’ll probably be open-minded, she thinks dryly.

“Well, well. Little Miss Beauregard,” he drawls, loud enough to gather the attention from a few of the nearby students. He looks over her colorful poster with disdain, before glancing toward Sarah, his ever-present shadow. “Doing a little PR for your monster friends?”

“Just trying to raise awareness,” she says, keeping her expression neutral. “A lot of the perceptions surrounding supers are heavily caricaturized and—”

 “Awareness, for supers?” he sneers, cutting her off with a harsh laugh. “Trust me. We’re aware.”

“It’s just information,” she says, quieter now, “You don’t have to take one.”

“Oh no, I want one,” Derek says, mock sincerity dripping from his tone. “What’s the president of the monster fan-club trying to sell.”

He snatches her stack of flyers, crumpling them and sending them scattered across the ground. Now people are really watching. She can feel the eyes on her now, she’s frozen under the weight of them. What can she do?

Nothing.

Always nothing.

“You don’t have to be a crusader for the freaks, Charlotte.” Sarah chimes in, before she can really even react. A cruel smile on her face. “It’s not like they’ll ever thank you for doing this.”

“Well, hey, I get it. I mean,” Derek’s voice raises, he’s not talking to her, he’s not just talking to Sarah. He’s making an announcement. Throwing his voice for the whole quad. “She’s Charlotte Beauregard. Big deal, Right? She’s gotta make her family proud, save the world. That’s what Beauregards do.”

There is malice in his snarling words, but then his voice drops, low and personal. This part is just for her.

“So, now you’re here, acting like your little handouts are going to make you some kind of hero. What’s really interesting here, is that even though you’re not really a super… You’re not really mundane either. You’re nothing. You’re clinging to their spotlight and just hoping no one notices that you are… irrelevant.”

Her remaining flyers tremble in her hands, she grips them so tightly to herself that the edges crinkle. She can barely breathe, the laughter and the attention dialed in on her. She typically has a response for everything, but now, she doesn’t know what to say. He might as well have brought a megaphone to voice her fears and insecurities.

She opens her mouth, then closes it again. She has nothing. No witty comeback, no cutting retort, just silence. Her brain is static. Her throat closes. Her pulse thrums so loudly in her ears, but even still it doesn’t drown out the judgmental laughter scraping across her skin. The embarrassment burns across her face.

She doesn’t hear the footsteps approaching until he’s standing in front of her. Felix. He leans his hand smoothly against the table like he belongs there, his arm sliding between her and Derek.

“Is there a problem?” Felix asks, his tone sounds almost bored, but there is an intensity in his eyes as he stares at Derek. He doesn’t raise his voice, but it cuts through the quad.

His presence drains the energy from the surrounding students almost instantly. Laughter dies, eyes are turning away, small groups of students that had gathered suddenly decide they have somewhere better to be. A few linger, waiting with their front row seat to watch this ticking time-bomb go off.

His reputation precedes him, indeed.

“Oh, here he is. Super-boy,” Derek sneers, his tone mocking. He knows that despite however strong Felix might be, he can’t touch him. “The big man himself.”

Felix doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t need to. He just levels his cold gaze at Derek. A small, amused smirk draws at his lips.

Still, Derek stands resolutely before him, looking Felix up and down, sizing him up, “I read about you, you know.”

“I’m flattered,” Felix says simply, “do you want an autograph?”

“What’s your thing again? You like, turn into a skyscraper, right?” Sarah questions from beside Derek. His eyes flick to her, and he has the audacity to wink before turning his attention back to Derek.

“I think it’s time for you to go.” Felix says, his voice low, dangerous even though no threat was spoken, the implication rings loud and clear.

“So, you are… what?” Derek looks past Felix, his cruel eyes finding Charlotte once more. “Dating super-boy here? I'm sure he's really thankful to have you looking out for him.”

“Whatever,” Derek scoffs, as if he’s unshaken. But he turns and stalks off, taking Sarah along with him.

He watches them go, the energy in the quad is deflating now.

“You good?” He finally turns to Charlie, only to find that she isn’t there. He swivels around, searching for her. She’s already walking away, shoving her remaining flyers into her tote bag. Her fingers grip the strap until her knuckles turn white, like it’s the only thing tethering her to the ground.

He knows exactly where she’s going.

For a moment, he just stands there, watching her go. Something nags in the back of his mind, but he shoves it away. She probably wants to be left alone. Instead of following after her, like his stupid legs long to do, he packs up the rest of her stuff. He folds up her table and returns it to the student center, grumbling the whole time, though no one asked him to do this. He stoops to gather the stray flyers that are scattered across the grass.

 How long did she spend making these? He wonders, looking one over, before answering himself with a quick, firm, I don’t care.

He still can’t stop that feeling in the back of his mind. Even though a part of him just knows that it won’t end well. He doesn’t exactly have the sort of track record that would indicate he’s good at helping. It’s almost certainly going to turn into a disaster if he gets involved. He shakes his head, it’s not worth it. Besides he’s got things to do today.

He only manages about five steps in the opposite direction before the crinkling of a page beneath his boot gives him pause. He looks down, he missed one of her fliers when he was doing his clean up. The colorful page is crinkled and trodden with mud. He mutters a curse and turns around.

---

“Oh, good,” he says, pushing his way into the clearing, “I thought I’d find you here.” His tone is too casual, like he didn’t just witness her public humiliation, like he actually has some history of caring about her.

Charlotte doesn’t look up. She just sits there on the mossy ground, half hidden by the brush. Her tote bag curled against her side like a shield, her face buried against her knees.

“I thought supers were mean,” he says lightly, making his way closer. “Those mundanes were brutal.”

“Felix,” she says, not even lifting her head, “what do you want,”

“I just wanted to see if you were… alright. After all that.”

She’s quiet for a moment too long. Then she takes a deep breath- one of those sharp, bracing breaths, the kind that helps you push away everything you don’t have the strength to feel right now. “Yeah,” she finally musters. Her tone is suddenly bright and chipper. It’s so fake it hurts, the same brittle cheer she’s used for years to prove that she’s fine. She shoves up to her feet suddenly, and brushes past him, keeping her head down.  “Thanks for the rescue. I obviously needed it,” she grumbles as she passes him.

“Woah, slow down, what’s with the attitude- Hey! Don’t walk away, I’m talking to you!” Irritation flashes in his veins like a reflex. Before he can even think, he’s towering above her, his hand drops into her path. It’s not violent, but it’s sudden.

Charlotte jolts backwards, barely able to stop in time to avoid stumbling into the calloused flesh of his hand that now towers over her. She takes a quick step back to get away, before she realizes how massive he is. There is no getting away.

She looks at the wall before her, observing the pale scar in the center of his palm. She knows that’s from his fight with Marshall. She stares at it, the jagged diamond-shaped patch of miscolored flesh. It gives her pause to know that the same hand that once pummeled her brother half to death is now gently corralled around her, offering support.

 He’s everywhere.

Of course, he’s going about this it in the clumsiest, most frustrating way possible, lacking all grace and empathy but… he’s here?

Is the bar really that low?  

Sure, it’s not nothing. But it’s not quite enough either.

“Felix, I’m fine,” her voice breaks pathetically, the lie scraping against her throat.

She tells herself again that he doesn’t really care about her. He cares about control. He cares about whatever weird game he’s playing here. She can’t handle another round.

“Bullshit,” he says, his voice low and firm.

Why is he the only one that gets to dramatically storm off to avoid confrontation?

She finally whirls to face him, only to find that she needs to look straight up to see his face hovering above her. Her cheeks are blotchy from crying, her eyes are glassy, brimming with more tears that she stubbornly refuses to let fall.

“Can you just stop pretending like you care?” Her voice is weak, pathetic on her ears. It’s not an accusation, but the way he flinches back tells her that he’s taken it as one. His shadow blots out the sky. His face looms over head, cutting out the sun and replacing it with a surly frown.

“What part of this is making you think that I don’t care?” He asks, his brow furrowing. “I didn’t have to step in back there. I didn’t have to follow you out here—”

“I know,” she cuts him off, “That’s part of it. I don’t understand you,” she admits. “One minute you’re glaring at me, like you want me dead, then the next you’re… doing whatever this is! I don’t know what you want. I’m not sure you know either,” she sniffles. “I just can’t keep up with you.” She swipes an arm across her cheeks, wiping her face quickly.

“I don’t see how this is my fault,” he says, bristling.

Her face twists up at him, and he knows he’s said the wrong thing.

“You are just as bad as I am,” he grumbles. “First, you’re a chatty social fucking butterfly, then the next day it’s all, ‘oh my brothers hate you, so I have to hate you too,’ and then the next day it’s ‘hey, let’s be friends.’ What am I supposed to do with that?”

She’s quiet for a moment, exhaling slowly. Then, “you’re right.”  

That throws him.

He can handle an explosion. He can take yelling, he can even understand messy tears. But this? The quiet hollow ache, a resignation that he’s never seen before… this isn’t something he knows how to fight.

He blinks down at her, suddenly feeling too massive for the situation, but shrinking now feels like admitting defeat. He doesn’t adjust his size an inch.

“I was frustrated with my brothers and the whole… situation. Jeremey was being, a lot, as you can imagine. But it was wrong of me to take that out on you. I’m sorry.” she pauses, before adding, “I think you’re… nice. Sometimes. When you want to be.”

Felix stares at her, and for once he doesn’t hit her with sarcasm.

“I am… not good at this,” he mutters, unsure of what he’s even saying right now. “I… am… sorry that I’ve hurt you. I am… trying. I’m working on myself… I’m sorry that you had to be part of the control group.”

“Yeah,” she agrees. A faint huff escapes her. Almost a laugh. She wipes her eyes again.

“I think your awareness club thing is cool, by the way,” he adds, stiffly.  

“Thanks.”

Silence awkwardly hangs between them, filled with all of the things remaining that they don’t know how to say.

Finally, she asks, “can I go?”

He doesn’t want her to. Not yet. He wants to fix more than this. Say more than this. But he doesn’t know how to. Not yet. She just seems so sad, so tired. Some part of him wants to help, though he still isn’t sure why he feels this way.

Ironically enough, for once, it’s not his size that’s overwhelming. It’s everything else. Being a mundane, her brothers, this whole school. He’s just a piece of the puzzle, he sees now that it’s bigger than him.  

He just pulls his hand back, slowly.

She walks past him, and he lets her go.

[avareiahgt]

Charlie and Felix: Nothing to Fix

Masterpost Wordcount: ~1.7k Warnings: Minimal real G/t First Part | Last Part | Next Part

---

The next day, Felix has a shift working in the Library. It’s been… incredibly slow today. His eyes drift to the large clock on the wall, and he watches the seconds pass by. Usually, a slow day wouldn’t bother him. He typically can pass the time listening to music and catching up on schoolwork. Or, he just finds some other way to entertain himself, reading, playing chess online, that sort of thing. Today however, the silence is thick and oppressive, it threatens to swallow him whole. He just can’t focus.

His aching hands certainly aren't helping. But then, whose fault is that? He’s the one that took his anger out on the rocky cliff in the woods behind the school. His recent blow-up has left his hands raw. It was supposed to help, a way to release some of his frustration, but all he was left with was a hollow empty feeling… and two sets of knuckles, bloodied and bruised.  The dull pulse through his hands acts as a reminder of what’s been so frustrating for him, and the stillness of the library leaves him plenty of time to think.

Over and over, his conversation with Charlie replays in his head. He can’t stop seeing the look in her eyes when he wouldn’t apologize. Why should he, he thinks indignantly, mentally digging his heels in. Besides, even if he was sorry, he wouldn’t apologize to her, she had nothing to do with anything.

She thinks he’s a monster. Well, she can join the fucking club then. She’s no different than anyone else, just believing what they hear about him. So, why is he so bothered this time. Possibly, it’s just because now he has nothing to tell his coordinator. He tried making friends, and it crashed and burned like it always does. Only this time, it took a nosedive before he even had a chance to try. Typical. Things just fall apart around him, with supers, with mundanes, why did he think this would be any different? His reputation clings to him, an inky shadow that engulfs him and sends others running. If she would rather believe stories about him, than try to actually get to know him, that’s on her then.

He stares at the questions he’s supposed to be answering for their assignment, might as well attempt a productive afternoon. He doesn't make any progress before his mind drifts to thinking about his botched friendship with Jeremey. They were actually pretty close before… everything.

Before he knows it, he’s abandoned the project for now and is clicking through a game of solitaire he’s absentmindedly opened. Still, his mind is plagued with thoughts about his fights at school that got him sent here in the first place. He's here, being punished for being too successful. For being too good at what he does. It’s bullshit! All of it. What is he supposed to do? Water himself down for the comfort of others? Make himself weaker so those around him can feel strong? Does no one care about all those years he spent the weakest one in the room, ridiculed for his ability or- lack thereof. Hasn't he earned this? Doesn't he deserve the chance to enjoy his victories? Where was this energy when he was the one limping his way to the infirmary?

“Oh, Felix.” The voice that breaks him from his spiraling thoughts belongs to none other than Charlotte Beauregard herself. “You work in the library?” She takes a couple of steps towards the desk.

“Obviously,” he says with a raised brow, not trying to hide his annoyance.

“Cool. So do I,” she pauses as if waiting for his reaction, but all he does is blink at her, unsure of how to navigate her talking to him, unsure if he even wants to try. What’s the point? She’s already chosen what she wants to believe about him, so why bother trying to change her mind. She adds, “Um, it’s a new development. I just got a job at the coffee kiosk.” She awkwardly waves a hand to the small coffee counter across the way.

The library is huge, but of course the coffee shop is right there. For that matter, the campus is huge, but of course she had to get a job in the same building as him. “So, I guess, if you ever want coffee… you know where to find me,” she laughs awkwardly, trying to gain any traction with this one-sided conversation.

“So, what? You’re talking to me now? Did Jeremey give you permission?” He can’t stop the sarcasm from slipping through.

“I’m sorry,” she says suddenly, her smile fading, “I’ve been thinking about it, and I feel really bad about yesterday. You were just trying to be nice and I—”

“Charlie, that’s great and all,” he cuts in before she can finish, his tone flat and dismissive, “but, I’m pretty busy here,” he clicks around on his game of solitaire as though it were a pressing task. This is not the sort of conversation he wants to have right now. “So, unless you have library stuff to talk about, I should really get back to doing my job.”

“Right, okay,” she hesitates, taking a slight step away, and then returning to the edge of his desk. “Um, hey, I think we share, like, a breakroom. So, maybe I’ll catch you there later?”

“Sure,” he mumbles noncommittally, not looking at her. She hovers at the counter for an awkward beat, before nodding and walking away.

He doesn’t understand her. What does she feel bad about… hurting his feelings? He doesn’t need her pity, and he doesn’t need her trying to fix him.

Or maybe, her brother did have a change of heart. Maybe he decided he could use his sister to get close, get revenge.

What are you up to Beauregard? What is your angle?

He leans back in his chair, staring down at the desk. The silence in the library somehow feels louder now. Ugh, great. He groans internally with a new realization, now he’s going to have to avoid looking up and making weird across-the-room eye contact with her.

Fortunately, for today at least, Charlie seems to be occupied enough on the other side of the library. First day training and whatnot. She doesn’t come back to bother him.

Unfortunately, however, they do end up getting off work at the same time. He was hoping that he would be able to slip out unnoticed, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be that lucky.

“Felix, wait up,” she calls out to him, hurrying to follow him as he leaves the library.

“Not interest in small talk,” he calls over his shoulder. She catches up to him anyway, falling into step beside him.

“This is for you,” she holds out an iced coffee. He slows down. For a moment, all he can do is stare between her and the coffee she’s offering him. “I have no idea what you like,” she explains nervously, “So, I just guessed. It’s just a caramel macchiato. Basic.” She jolts, realizing that what she just said may be taken the wrong way, “Not that I’m saying you’re basic,” she talks quickly, awkwardly trying to explain herself. “I just figured that’s a safe option. Like, generally agreeable. Like, it’s the sort of thing that even if you don’t like it, you also don’t really not like it either? It’s also… one of the only things I know how to make. It was this or plain black coffee. So, here.”

“Thanks,” he takes the coffee, unsure of what else to do, caught off guard by the gesture, and how flustered she seems.

“Do you have, like, a usual coffee order? So that I know for next time?”

Next time? She thinks there will be a next time? His jaw tenses, as he bites back a snarky retort. Once again, he finds himself unable to understand the enigmatic being that is Charlotte Beauregard.  

“Quad-shot americano, extra hot,” he says, describing basically, the exact opposite of what he’s been given. He looks over to see a mix of shock and dread plainly flash across her face.

“Wait, really? Ugh. Sorry. I-”

“I’m kidding,” he can’t suppress the smirk from crossing his face. She’s just too easy to get a rise out of. “This is fine. Caramel is good, iced is good, basic is good. I don’t have a usual, and I’m not really picky,” he shrugs, taking a long sip from the coffee, “I like this,” he assures her, his tone a bit softer than it was before, seeing how worked up she’s getting and all. She smiles at this, like he’s somehow lifted a weight from her shoulders.

“So, I was wondering maybe we could… I just feel like we got off on the wrong foot. If you’re not busy we can… try again? We could get lunch and talk about our project?” She offers.

“If you wanted to bribe me, you shouldn’t have given me the coffee until after I agreed to your terms,” he holds up the drink, a playful grin finding it’s way onto his face. She returns his gaze with an easy smile.

“I guess you got me there— Oh!” She gasps suddenly. “What happened to your hands, oh my gosh!” Next thing he knows, she’s reaching over and taking his free hand in her own.

She begins to carefully examine his wounded knuckles. He jerks his hand back, his heart skips a beat in his chest and his ability flares. His height shoots up about half a foot, before he can catch himself.

There is a moment that they share, in which they are both stunned and left craning their necks to look at one another, their eyes wide. For a second, neither of them breathes. Felix looks away first. He shoves his hand in his pocket and quickly fixes his height.

That’s messy.

He should have better control over his ability. But he’s just not used to being touched. People don’t typically do that, not with him at least. Even so, what was that. He’s supposed to be better than that. Get it together, Felix. He mentally chides himself, embarrassed at his poor control, embarrassed he let his guard down in the first place.

“You don’t have to force yourself to talk to me just because you feel bad,” his words come out sharper than he meant them to, she recoils slightly at his abrasiveness. “There is nothing for you to fix, so don’t worry about it," he sees the confusion flash in her eyes as his walls slam down so suddenly. Just when they were starting to make progress too. "I have to go,” he gives her a curt nod. “Thanks for the coffee,” he says over his shoulder as he walks away, his steps quick and purposeful.

This time, she doesn’t follow.

[avareiahgt]

I'm tweaking rn

[avareiahgt]

I drew @ilovegt ‘s characters Trevor and Bennett from their comic. These guys are my absolute favorite! It’s such an orignal comic and I could ramble on and on about how amazing it is, go check it out if you can!

[avareiahgt]

Oh yeah, there's this little sketch too😶

It's not a direct continuation of the main piece I posted last, but rather a "what if?" Obviously this would take place elsewhere (in reality) but what if Satoru had the chance to be there for Suguru sooner?

Y'all have no context😭 I'm sorry. Might as well be talking into the void.

#satosugu #GetoSuguru #GojoSatoru

[avareiahgt]

Did a drawing of my ocs having fun at the pool since summer ended today :)

One move of Hunters hand and they’re DONE lmao

[avareiahgt]

Part : I forgot...lol. ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

I had to do it, I had to overcome my laziness and draw Trevor's nose...

My holidays started, so I'm back!💃🏻💃🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🎉🎉

[avareiahgt]

What do you do when faced with the God of the Sea?? You flirt mercilessly

[avareiahgt]

New writing game:

Write.

[avareiahgt]

REVENGE!!

What Sweetheart said stayed in his mind until now and he needed revenge. And revenge is a dish best served cold MUAHAHAHAH > What she said:

[avareiahgt]

As I promise, heres the rest of the comic.

No, I don't have any more pages, like I said: I did it when I was bored.

I don't know if I intend to continue, but I will definitely do other comics like this using the same characters! ✨

Again, sorry for my English, I was a little dumb (⁠´⁠°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥⁠ω⁠°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥⁠｀⁠)

[avareiahgt]

I drew more things about Charlie and Max. This time the dynamic of them living together!!💖

[avareiahgt]

Friends in Small Places (6)

Long story short: hit a writing block, had trouble editing, school, but we're so back and I'm excited to write all of the ideas that I've been thinking about for forever! (and thank you to the people who gave me so many ideas for future chapters and scenes) Oh man I love writing size shifter stories. So anyways I hope you enjoy this very short chapter!

Word count: 2.5k

CW: None!

It was safe to say that things were slowly getting back to normal. Things weren’t as chaotic anymore. I was allowed to keep on seeing Cas, and I did every day after my classes. He seemed to like the company even if we never really did anything. 

I was still working on getting permission to at least let him see his parents. It wasn’t exactly going so well if I were being honest. Anytime I mentioned it they said that the idea was absurd. I tried asking several of the nurses what it would take to get his parents or someone he knows down here... They said that as long as he was still unstable then he wasn’t allowed to see anyone. But I didn’t understand. Cas seemed perfectly fine. That entire situation two weeks ago was a big thing but he’s doing so much better now! If anything he’s somehow even more cautious about his movements. I don’t understand why they don’t just let him have one nice thing. 

Even if Cas wasn’t able to have any other visitors besides me and a few nurses and doctors, I managed to get them to agree to another therapist coming in for a few days. Ryan had asked me tons of questions about what was going on, and I had to answer all of them. Of course, being the great friend that he is, he offered to help out by trying to get Cas either out of there or get his brother to come. Either one would be great, and since he’s older and more experienced they might listen to him more than me. 

After classes, Ryan said he had to go check up on his partner before we left.  I asked why he didn’t have to stay with her all the time, and he just explained that she was doing so much better under his care that they were already about to get him a new “patient”. If I were being honest I envied him. He was so much better at this than I was, and he gets along with pretty much everyone. I wondered why I couldn’t, but that was an obvious answer.

I hadn’t expected any of this to happen while watching over Cas. I mean I thought I was doing a good job up until the incident, but to be fair there wasn’t much I could do in that situation other than just try and calm him down after they lied to him. I would be upset if I wasn’t allowed to see my parents anymore and they kept me pretty much isolated for the entirety of my life. Who wouldn’t be? Cas has apologized more times than I count for “making things harder” for me. One it wasn’t his fault, and two, he’s so careful and gentle there was no way he’d make things harder for me. Of course, initially, I had thought it would be impossible to even do something like this, but I’m learning a lot about this broken world we live in.

Ryan came back a few minutes later, ecstatic as always. Of course he wasn’t scared. Why would he be? He was a shifter too. Hopefully the two will get along, I already told Cas that I might be bringing a friend sometime this week, so there weren’t any huge surprises. I just had to hang onto hope that nothing bad would happen. 

“You said he’s really anxious a lot of the time right?” He asked me as we walked along the sidewalk to the huge hospital building. 

“Yeah, it’s mostly him worrying about hurting me, or really anyone in the room with him.” He nodded his head, seemingly excited about this. It was almost like he had a plan. Maybe the same thing he did with his partner? Well.. maybe a little different since his partner shrinks. Meanwhile, mine is a literal skyscraper. 

  The awkward silence stretched on between us, but that was quickly put an end to, “Hey Liam, about that incident, you said that no one tried helping him at first? Just straight lockdown?” Ryan looked a little uneasy, but I had to nod my head. I had wondered why he asked the question, but I wasn’t going to question him. But it was a little strange why he was so troubled. For as long as I’ve known him he was the kind of person that hasn’t been afraid, so it was making me worry a little. What was he scared of? 

“Ah well, I’m glad to at least help! I can’t wait to meet him either.” The nervous look on his face disappeared almost as fast as it came. Another reason why I was jealous of him. It’s like he could just brush off any inconvenience, any tiny little negative thought he’s ever had in just an instant. Though, I guess that’s what makes him such an amazing friend. 

“Yeah, he’s extremely nice. Fun to be around.” I smiled. I wasn’t lying either. He was the nicest person I’ve met, and that’s saying something. After a while, you get used to being around someone who’s much bigger than you, and then you realize they’re more scared of themselves than you are of them… I took a deep breath, finally making it onto the ground of the hospital. 

Ryan has never been here before, so I had to help him get through checking in, and of course any new people that aren’t related to or working with Cas have to do a deep and thorough search for whatever reason. Ryan kept on joking about all of the safety measures he had to go through, even making him take off his hoodie. Seriously, what were they even looking for? I didn’t have to go through as many of the checks since I come every day and actually have a connection with Cas. 

After about ten minutes of finally getting Ryan to be able to come in the room with me, we were finally walking down the huge hallway as the nurse led us. We reached the door, the nurse opened it and gave us both a smile. Well, here's to hoping Cas isn’t too spooked by Ryan. I mean I did warn him. 

I walked in front of Ryan, slowly walking in, and seeing Cas finish one of the books that were on the bookshelf. When the door slammed behind us, he looked up and lightly smiled, eyes trailing behind me and I could tell that his nerves shot up almost immediately. Especially when he fumbled while trying to place his book on the ground, instead landing with a loud thud. It made my anxiousness get the better of me before I brushed it off and stopped in front of them. 

“Uh, remember when I told you that I’d be bringing a friend here? Well, this is Ryan.” I introduced them, watching Ryan confidently walk a little ahead of me. 

“Hi! It’s nice to meet you. Casper, right?” Cas stared, almost like he was shocked at how confident they were. 

“H-hi. You can c-call me Cas.” His eyes darted to me, as if asking what he should do, but not even I had an idea. If I were being honest I was just going to let Ryan figure these things out. Usually Cas and I just played a few board games even when the pieces were as big as I was, or watched whatever movies he was allowed, which weren’t that many. I know it doesn’t sound like much but if I were being honest it seemed to be helping a lot with his confidence. It helps me get used to it too. He still seemed a little scared to move sometimes though, even if he doesn’t admit it. 

“Well Cas, we’re gonna get you out of here once and for all!” Ryan claimed. Cas looked at me, a little shocked at the outburst but gave his best nervous smile he could manage. I didn’t know what Ryan had planned but I trusted that he would make the smart decisions. I know Cas gets a little scared of new things, especially with these new pills they have him on. Paroxetine? I could tell that it was a strong one. I guess they added whatever makes him hurt so much in it because every time he takes it I notice how he cringes at any movement he makes or how shaky his hands get. I want his pain tolerance, but I don’t want to get it like how he did. It was inhumane and didn’t even seem to be helping him control his height. 

“Uh hey, you won’t be doing anything too much right?” I whispered. 

“Yeah don’t worry I’m not gonna do much. You know me.” He smiled. I did know how he worked, and it always seemed to work no matter the person. It was kind of pathetic of me that I needed so much help, but I was doing this so Cas could have a real life instead of being cooped up in a house without being able to see his parents. I felt so bad, and if this was the one time I could do something worthwhile well then I’d do what I could. 

I walked over to Cas, sitting by him to let Ryan do his thing. I just had to watch as Ryan sat and played 20 questions, asking questions about each other. It really kind of seemed like they were getting along a lot faster than Cas and I did. Maybe that was because they could both kind of relate, and Ryan was a lot more of a people person than I was. This was a good thing though. Things would move along faster and we could get Cas out of here and able to see his family again. Now I just had to figure out how I was going to repay Ryan for helping me out. I wasn’t so confident that I would’ve been able to do this on my own, even if Cas and I were getting really close. 

At some point I think I fell asleep, and when I woke up it was getting late. I groaned, sitting up and yawning. One look around and I realized that I was still in Cas’s room, even in the same place. 

“Mmm… Cas?” I rubbed my eyes before catching his hand in the corner of my vision. I whipped my head around, seeing that he had a book in hand as usual. 

“You’re up?” He quietly whispered, his attention focused on me now. 

“Yeah. Where’d Ryan go?” I lazily stood up, searching around and not seeing him anywhere. 

“Oh uh, he left a while ago. He didn’t want to wake you up.” He laughed softly, wincing when he thought he was speaking too loudly. Guess I’d have to talk to Ryan tomorrow or something. Just to see what he thinks I should do. I trusted his judgment more than I trusted mine. 

“How’d it go? Sorry I fell asleep.” I asked, stretching a little bit and packing a few things up. I knew that the nurses would come in eventually and force me out, but I’d just like to use whatever time I had left to check up on him. 

“N-no. You’re all good,” He started, nervously smiling, “Um, he was nice. I liked him. I’m glad you’re trying to help me get out of here, but I don’t think that they’ll let me.” He sighed sadly, eyeing the cast around my leg and cringing. I looked down, sucking in a deep breath. 

“Could you help me up, please?” His eyes widened, hesitantly lowering his hand by me. I struggled to get on without moving my cast around too much but managed before holding me above his knees. I could tell he was nervous, maybe even a little scared but this wasn’t the first time I’ve been in his hands and I trusted that he wouldn’t drop me. 

“Well, I think they’ll let you out of here. They’re just being stubborn.” I shrugged my shoulders. I think it was ignorant that they wouldn’t let him out of here already. To me, he’s doing a lot better than when I first met him. 

“¿De verdad lo crees? You really think so?” His tone was sad like he was just losing hope of getting out of here at all. Well, if I just left him here alone I would’ve never lived with myself. That would just be too harsh. Plus, I like to think that we were friends. I mean, we hang out pretty much every day unless I had schoolwork to catch up on. Why would I want to leave him here alone in the first place? 

“Why wouldn’t I? Someone as nice and nervous as you shouldn’t have to be watched over.” We both laughed. 

“Nervous? What? I’m not nervous.” 

“I can literally feel your hand shaking right now.” I joked, getting a soft laugh out of him. He looked away for a moment, the silence stretching between us. 

“Liam, tha-” 

Cas went quiet whenever we heard the door slam open, a nurse walking in. For some odd reason, they just looked a little troubled with something but motioned for me to go. I sighed as Cas lowered me back down, watching carefully as I climbed down and walked towards the door, the nurse eyeing my crutches the entire way.

“See you tomorrow!” I waved bye to him, getting a tiny wave in return before the nurse closed the door behind me. She escorted me out, but instead of towards the exit, it was towards another room I’d never been to before. I was about to question her before she walked into the room, grabbing a piece of paper and sighing, a nervous look on her face. 

“I have no idea if I’m making the right decision, but don’t make me regret it.” She sighed, signing what looked to be a ton of important information, but what caught my eye was the bold print at the top. Allowance of family members. My eyes widened in shock, my heartbeat growing faster from excitement. I… did it? Was she letting him see his family? 

“This paper allows Casper to see one family member for one day. The professionals cannot know about this, but… I do believe that after hearing from you two earlier that he should be allowed this. So, here you go.” She handed me the paper and pen, with only one more place to sign to officiate that we were allowing this. I quickly grabbed the pen and signed, not even hesitating for one moment, “Thank you! I don’t know what to say!” I smiled, hugging the nurse. She sighed, hugging me back and telling me that I could go back to tell Cas. 

I was surprised that I didn’t trip on my way there out of excitement, and when I opened the door I couldn’t hold in my excitement for him. 

“Cas! How would you like to see your brother tomorrow?” I smiled, seeing the shock and surprise in his eyes, and it was priceless.  ——————

TAKE THAT WRITING BLOCK!!! Oh man I can’t wait to continue writing this. And so sorry for it being like five months since I’ve actually updated this but WE’RE BACK!!! Thanks for reading! :D

Taglist: @da3dm @smolboiremy @box-beanz

(if you would like to be added or removed from the taglist please let me know!)

[avareiahgt]

Comfort From the Storm

Summary: Jimmy has learned to love the annual thunder storm the college gets. Tango, on the other hand, is terrified of storms. Jimmy decides to do something about that.

Warnings: slight fear

Word Count: 2086

AO3 Link

We get to see some more of Jimmy and Tango bonding! There might be another one of these smaller fics showing the two getting to know each other more but otherwise the next big fic will be Jimmy finally meeting Imp and Skizz! But until then, I hope you enjoy!

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 Jimmy had honestly been waiting for the annual summer storm to begin. He wasn’t sure if it was the same everywhere (it wasn’t, according to Grian and Joel) but around here, and without fail, there was always a storm that started the summer off.

 Jimmy was currently hanging out with Tango, as they now tended to do on Mondays. They had quickly learned that while Grian and Joel both had classes on Mondays, Tango didn’t. And even better, Impulse also had classes on Mondays, so it was a good time for Jimmy to go over to Tango’s dorm in order for the two to hang out.

 Jimmy rested his head against the window, body curled up on the windowsill as he stared out into the storm. The sight was familiar, as he tended to find a place to watch the storm every year. The clouds were dark, making the already dimming evening become night far too early. The only source of natural light coming from the occasional lightning dancing through the clouds. That was Jimmy’s favorite part.

 The rain was another favorite of Jimmy’s and he watched as it pelted against the window, coming down fast and hard. And finally, the thunder, loud and consuming as it bellowed for everyone to hear. When he had first come to the college, the thunder had scared him. It was too loud, too scary. Jimmy hadn’t known what was happening and had been expecting the worst.

 He hadn’t been able to sit still and let whatever bad thing happen though, which is what led him to finding a window in an unoccupied room to peer outside. And from there, he hadn’t been scared anymore. Seeing the storm had not only amazed him but calmed him. The steady noises, even if loud, had turned soothing once he could see the origin of them.

 Jimmy let out a deep breath, a relaxed one as he simply stared up into the sky. Though he tore his gaze away as he heard the door to the room open. He looked over to see Tango coming back in, a bag of food in hand. Apparently the driver had trouble finding Tango’s dorm, so Tango had to go to the dorm lobby to go and meet him. During the five minutes Tango had been gone, the storm had grown from a simple downpour to the thunder and lightning storm it was now.

 “M-Man, the storm’s really picked up.” Tango said, more to himself as he toed off his shoes. He looked up and his eyes widened when he saw Jimmy sat on the windowsill. “Jimmy! What are you doing up there?!” Tango asked, putting the bag of food down on his desk as he quickly made his way over to the window and Jimmy. His hands reached out but paused before they could get too close. Despite the talk they had, Tango still had some trouble physically interacting with Jimmy at times.

 Jimmy looked up at Tango with his head titled in confusion over Tango’s tone. He seemed almost panicked for some reason. “Oh, I climbed up here as soon as I heard the thunder.” Jimmy said with a smile, looking back out the window as the rain continued its heavy downpour. “I love watching thunder storms, they're so calming.”

 “C-Calming?” Tango repeated, incredulousness thick in his tone. “I don’t know if I would say-” Tango was suddenly cut off by a loud bout of thunder. He let out a terrified squeak and that was all the warning Jimmy got before he was cupped between Tango’s hands and pulled close to his chest. As soon as Tango had a hold of Jimmy, he had backed far away from the window, practically huddling against the opposite wall.

 Jimmy blinked, though he was used to being grabbed out of nowhere, he was caught off guard by Tango being the one to do so. Still, even with it being mostly unintentional, Tango hadn’t fully trapped him in a fist. Instead, he was cupped between Tango’s hands, free to move even if it was still limited.

 He looked up and saw only the bottom of Tango’s face but even so, he could feel the shaking in the hands that held him. It was easy to see that Tango was scared. “Tango? Hey, it’s okay. It’s just thunder.” Jimmy said, trying to calm the human down.

 Tango looked down at Jimmy, his eyes wide with fear that was quickly covered up by the realization of what he had just done. “Oh! Jimmy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

 “It’s okay, Tango. You know I don’t mind.” Jimmy reassured him. It was slow progress in getting Tango comfortable in holding him and such but even slow progress was progress. 

 Tango bit his lip. “R-Right.” Tango said. A moment later there was a flash from the lightning striking through the clouds outside. Tango tensed again, eyes wide and staring out the window and Jimmy noticed Tango’s hands moving ever so slightly closer to his chest. Jimmy hummed. It was strange seeing a human so scared.

 “Are you scared of thunder storms?” Jimmy asked, despite having reasoned out the answer.

 “Well, I…” Tango trailed off, seemingly embarrassed. A moment later, thunder rolled through the skies again and Tango full body flinched. He froze as he realized he had just given himself away. “...Maybe.”

 Jimmy smiled softly at Tango, trying to show him there was no reason to be embarrassed about it. “It’s okay. I used to be too.” Jimmy said, causing Tango to look back down at him. “But then I found a way to watch the storm and I felt a lot better about it.”

 Tango bit the inside of his cheek, cheeks still flushed red. “I just…I’m 23 years old! I shouldn’t be scared of a dumb thunder storm.” Tango walked a bit closer to the window again, looking out at the heavy downpour and dark clouds with a wince. “I know it can’t hurt me and yet…” Tango watched the outside with wide eyes before having to tear them away.

 Jimmy hummed and looked between Tango and the storm outside. There had to be something he could do to help Tango feel better…

 Briefly, Jimmy remembers a long forgotten memory. Of himself as a kid and of his parents. He remembers thunder-like noises shaking their house and being terrified of them. And he remembers his mom and dad holding him close, comforting him as they passed the time by telling stories.

 Jimmy closed his eyes for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden memory before it passed as quickly as it had come. Jimmy opened his eyes back up, an idea forming in his brain thanks to the surfaced memory.

 “Hey, Tango?” Jimmy spoke up, pulling Tango out of his anxiety for a moment as he looked down at him again.

 “Yeah?” Tango answered.

 “How about we move to the bed for a bit?” Jimmy said, glancing over at Tango’s bed as he said it. Tango frowned slightly, confusion apparent in his eyes.

 “What about the food?” Tango asked and Jimmy smiled a bit. 

 “We can always warm it up later. I think this might be more important.” Jimmy said, confusing Tango even more. Even so, Tango started to slowly walk over to the bed and Jimmy knew he was being extra careful because Tango was holding him. As they made it to the bed, before Tango could get into it, another bout of thunder roared outside, causing Tango to jump again. Jimmy rubbed circles on the skin under him, trying to offer some comfort.

 “I’m okay.” Tango said and then slowly got into bed. He sat up in the bed, over the covers since he hadn’t wanted to risk trying to get under them while holding Jimmy. But Jimmy wasn’t satisfied with the position.

 “Here, put me down on the nightstand real quick.” Jimmy said and it was like Tango didn’t need to be told twice as he reached his hands over and let Jimmy off onto solid ground. Tango’s hands quickly went away and Jimmy pointed at him. “Now get under the covers and lay down.” Jimmy all but demanded. Another roar of thunder had Tango wincing but otherwise he did as Jimmy said.

 Tango was now under the covers, laying down with only his head slightly raised from his pillow. Jimmy smiled to himself and then went over to the lamp and clicked the small button at the bottom of it, turning off the light. The overhead light was still on but it was dim, the reason they needed the lamp in the first place, and it created the perfect kind of atmosphere that Jimmy was aiming for.

 With everything set up, Jimmy jumped off the nightstand and onto the bed. Tango let out a little noise of surprise and stress as Jimmy did that and Jimmy sent him a smile to reassure him that he was fine. Tango put his hands back down, as they had jumped up a bit when Jimmy had jumped across the small gap between the nightstand and the bed, and watched as Jimmy only moved closer to him.

 “Uh, what are you planning here?” Tango asked, confusion thick in his tone. Jimmy knew if he actually said his plan then Tango might stress about it too much for Jimmy to actually enact it. So he kept quiet about it and just kept walking closer.

 “You’ll see! Just don’t move.” Jimmy said.

 “Don’t move? Wha-?” Tango started to ask but cut himself off as the words got caught in his throat as Jimmy started to climb up on him. Tango’s mouth went dry and he stilled, barely breathing as Jimmy gripped onto the fabric of his shirt to hoist himself up onto Tango’s chest. As he finally got to the top, Jimmy could feel the heart beat under him going at a rapid pace. He looked over at Tango, whose chin was pressed hard into his chest in order to be at an angle to see him. His eyes were wide. “J-Jimmy, what are you doing?” Tango asked.

 Jimmy feared, for a moment, that he was causing Tango more anxiety than the storm now, but he decided to push on. Hoping that the small amount of stress now would make up for the comfort he was about to give Tango. “It’s okay. Uh, don’t freak out please?” Jimmy said with a slight unsure chuckle.

 Tango wetted his lips. “Um…I’m trying.” Tango said and Jimmy nodded. That was all he could really ask for.

 “Okay, bring one of your hands over here.” Jimmy said and he saw Tango swallow as he lifted a hand from underneath the covers and brought it slowly over to Jimmy. He paused, hesitating before he could actually touch him, so Jimmy took the initiative and grabbed hold of one of Tango’s fingers, bringing his whole hand closer.

 Jimmy then laid down right on Tango’s chest, pulling the human’s hand with him. Tango seemed to get what Jimmy wanted him to do and gently settled his hand over Jimmy’s body, only leaving his head free. Jimmy grinned and snuggled his head into Tango’s chest. “There we go! Just focus on me, not on the storm, okay? It’ll pass eventually.” Jimmy said, keeping his voice steady.

 Tango blinked, fully realizing what position Jimmy had maneuvered them both into. They were cuddling, and Tango’s hand pressed down just a bit more at the realization, feeling the small weight on his chest and the small form against his hand. The feeling was grounding and Tango let out a small breath, the storm all but forgotten.

 Another flash of light, another roar of thunder, but Tango ignored it in favor of putting all his attention onto Jimmy.

 “So this was your plan.” Tango said, chuckling a bit. Jimmy smiled at the sound. “Can’t say I’m upset by this.”

 “Well, I would hope not.” Jimmy said, lifting his head up to look at Tango. “I just…I remember my parents doing this for me, holding me close to comfort me. I know…I know I can’t really hold you like that but I figured…this would be enough?”

 Tango smiled gently down at Jimmy and held him just a tad tighter against him, settling down fully into the bed with a sigh. “It’s more than enough.” Tango said with a soft smile. “And you were right, like this…the storm isn’t so bad.”

 Jimmy grinned. “I’m glad.”