#oc Leo

[six-legged-sea-leopard]

one thing about me is i will draw her over and over again

[juvehiir]

so pour out your masterpiece

♪ imogen heap — neglected space

[clown-prince-of-gay]

so uh.

Its been a month. BUT.

A silly guy for you.

I recently watched the Ramshackle pilot over again for the 87th time, and decided to make a silly little guy of an OC for it. Anyways this is Leo, he doesnt understand the laws of gravity and doesnt ever plan to. (still open to answering asks about my OCs if anyone's interestteeddd--)

Full background under the cut. It took forever.

Likes and reblogs appreciated! Do not repost!

the background:

please appreciate all the little details i spent forever on it--

[misstycloud]

Worst date ever

Yandere date x fem reader x obsessive exes

———————————

The grey clouds were casting shadows over the tall city buildings, making them appear a scale darker than they were. Likelihood for rain very was prominent, and people hurried on the street towards their destination, in case they'd get stuck in an oncoming drizzle. The ones inside buildings were lucky not to have such troubles, as they sat safely behind walls. (Y/n) was one one those people, she rested on a comfortable chair inside

Bean n' Jobe's cafe. It was one of the more popular cafes, getting around twice as many visitors a day than an average cafe. The bread and pastries was of amazing quality, the same applies to the drinks; which were mainly coffee based. They did have different juices and smoothies too, but they weren't as popular.

(Y/n) sat further back in the establishment, before her on the table laid a plate of freshly baked goods. Beside it was a cup of coffee. She brought the warm mug to her lips and sipped gently on it. Then she placed it back on the table and glanced over toward the entrance;waiting.

The reason behind her waiting was a blind date, orchestrated by her friend. It had been a while since she dated anyone and her friend thought it was time she got out there again. However, (Y/n) was somewhat apprehensive to the idea.

Because it wasn't like she just wanted to be alone and that's why she stopped seeing people; there was of course a reason behind it. It being the fact that all her exes were crazy, in one way or another. All of them were toxic, possesive and seemed completely obsessed with her. Which was not good, at all.

They consistently wanted her to cut off contact with her family, limit the time she spends with friends and over all just be the only social interaction she has. When it got too much for her, she broke it off with them. She just didn't understand why she had the worst luck ever finding love. After her latest ex, Liam, she chose to take a break on dating and instead focusing on herself.

Now that break finally ended, with the help of her best friend. He'd told her of some guy he knew;a friend's friend. Furthermore that friend was apparently very intrested in meeting her, certain they would hit it off. Despite her previous reluctance, her friend was marvellous at convincing others and there she sat in Bean n' Jobe's, waiting for her anonymous date.

(Y/n) could only pray that he wasn't nuts like the others. An example was Gabriel who she met as a teenager, they dated in high school and everything was great until he began showing concerning traits. He was incredibly clingy, and wished to be right next to her at all times. With her studies in the way and wanting to relax with her friends; it wasn't always possible.

Which Gabriel didn't appreciate at all, he started guilt tripping her and tried to isolate her by spreading rumours around the school. Sadly it didn't work as well as he wanted it to, and he cursed that she had such loyal friends. They helped clear the rumours and things went back to normal after two week.

(Y/n)'s friends told her that Gabriel wasn't a good boyfriend and he was a major red flag. After discussing it she realised how awful he was, and all the signs she ignored before was suddenly staring her in the face. The day she broke up with him, he cried and apologised enough to last him a life time. No matter how much he wailed in anguish, she didn't change her mind. Gabriel made futile attempts to get back together afterwards and he looked worse every time he got rejected. Imagine her surprise when her friends told her Gabriel had changed schools and moved to another city. At least she didn't have to deal with him anymore, she guessed.

Two months after Gabriel had moved away, another boy took his place. His name was Oliver, he and his parents had bought the house Gabriel lived in previously. He was very handsome and intstantly caught everyone's attention. His blonde curly locks and caramel eyes were to die for. Despite being the new eye candy of the school the only one he showed any interest in was (Y/n).

Oliver was the perfect example of a gentlemen. He regularly held the door for her, walked her to class, carried heavy books and constantly showering her in affection. She couldn't lie and say it wasn't a little nice to feel those envious glares pointed at her. I mean, if you had the most sought after person in school wanting only you, wouldn't you feel at least a little smug. Sadly, it appeared Oliver also had his vital flaws. Soon after becoming an official couple, he began showing his true side.

He was too controlling and obsessive, asking where she was all the time, frequently telling her when she could and couldn't hang out with others. Even trying to control what she wore, complaining that she was too pretty and he wouldn't allow other pests to ravish her with their filthy eyes. It wasn't long before that relationship ended too.

Ensuing her latest break-up she once again focused solely on herself and her studies. This time she waited and didn't jump into any new relationships for a while. Thanks to her studying and hard work, (Y/n) got accepted into a good collage. Her family hosted a celebration party for her, inviting all her old and new friends. The collage was great, it was large with a beautiful greenery in the school greenhouse. The grass planes right outside weren't stingy with rose bushes either. Their scent often wafted through the air, bringing an elegant feeling about the place.

During her year as a sophomore, (Y/n) met a guy named Dan, he was on another major so she hadn't seen him around much. If she thought about it, she could recall seeing his image in the corridors but never had she initiated a conversation with him. He was the nice, chill guy and treated her companions well, so she dated him. Until things started going south again. They broke up and he left the school, while they weren't on good terms she hoped it wasn't because of her. She simply didn't want to date him, not ruin his education.

Over the years (Y/n) dated a few more men, but they all had some kind of issues she didn't want to deal with. No way she wanted to be stuck with someone who wouldn't let her have other people in her life, and be forced to rely solely on them. Hell no.

Regaining her senses the young woman looks over to the entrance when the bell jingles as a sign that a customer entered. In the doorway stood a cute guy, his slightly messy hair seemingly sticking to his face like glue. Perhaps he ran all the way there, (Y/n) thought. Right then, green eyes met hers and she saw the man smile at her before approaching. So he was her mystery date. A guy in his mid twenties probably, his dyed hair and dark clothing suggested a minor ‘bad boy’ vibe.

She could already hear her sister calling him ‘emo’ or something along those lines. It was unusual to dress that way for someone older than teenage years, in their city. She however, was intrigued by his distinct style which meant he didn’t care what anyone thought.

When he finally reached his date’s table, he instantly seized her hand and shook it enthusiastically with a clean smile.

“Hey, I’m Leo Chantel!” Despite his outwardly appearance, his happy introduction implied he was a rather bright person.

“Hello, I’m (Y/n). It’s nice to meet you.”

“No, no , the pleasure is all mine.” He said while taking a seat opposite her.

As the pair continued speaking, (Y/n) tried to engage as much as possible and since it had been a while, she wasn’t sure how smooth she was being. She only hoped she didn’t scare him away with awkwardness. But did not appear to be the case at all, for her date was very eager to get to know her. Leo had asked her questions but before she could answer them, he interrupted her and responded them with his own answers. Sometimes they were very accurate to what she prepared to repy.

Like, he inquired about what her favourite food was; then said that his favourite food was (f/f). Then, when she lastly told him, Leo was ecstatic, they have something in common! Thinking it was a bit weird to quiz someone but then interrupting she hesitated, but ultimately choose to ignore it. Except that it happened again. Then a third time and a forth.

‘Okay. What is this guy doing?’ She finally thought, ‘maybe I should bring up another subject?’

“Ehm, my friend said he found you through a mutual friend, Eric, right?” Leo’s expression stilled for a moment before chuckling stiffly, like he wasn’t expecting her to change the flow of the almost one-way conversation.

“Yeah, my bud, Eric.” A short reply was all (Y/n) got. At first she thought he would continue but it didn’t seem to be the case.

She cleared her throat and continued instead.

“I heard he’s developing his own brand, it’s going quite well, too.”

“Yes. His brand.” The purple haired man opposite her who talked her ears off previously, now cut his words short. To not make it anymore awkward she decided to keep going.

“It’s pretty cool, right? To start you own brand and making it successful.”

“Well, actually I think it’s not that great too be honest. His products and choices are obviously flawed.”

Wow, now he was talking down his friend? That wasn’t the kind of guy (Y/n) wished to be with. In that case, it was better to end it right off the bat, rather than try pursue a relation she isn’t interested in. Pretending to check her phone, (Y/n) disguised her intentions as an accident. Or, she tried to but wasn’t sure if Leo actually bought it. He probably didn’t, the accident is a most obvious evasion used by many.

“Sorry, I forgot I had an appointment today!” She looked at him with an apologetic smile.

“Really? Okay, it’s fine, we can just reschedule an-“

“No! I mean, no I sadly don’t think I’ll be free. I have so much to do right now, you know. I’m sorry, you are wonderful but maybe you should see someone who isn’t as busy.”

The young man smiled in compliance and suggested.

“Oh, I see. I was hoping for a second date. But if you’re busy…I don’t want to bother. Perhaps when you’re less unavailable, we can try again?”

“I don’t know, maybe. I just have terribly much work to get done and I don’t know when it will be. But I’ll call you when it happens. Don’t feel bad for seeing other, though. I completely understand.”

Leo chuckled at her rambling and told her he took no offense. He watched as his date left the cafe and turned a corner, out of sight. He enyoyed seeing her so flustered, it was cute. The way she tried to excuse herself and run away from their date. They would meet again. Maybe even sooner than they think. It’s not like she could get rid of him, they were perfect for each other.

He’ll show her what a real persistent man looked like.

——————————-

[zensations35]

A comic of Leo and Sasha from my polycule by @kotyonoksnz

Fabulous work as ALWAYS!!

(and there's Skye in the last panel~)

For more info on these characters, see my Masterlist

[d00dlebunz]

The Sapphics and The Gays lying in the forest. (Sally and Leo belong to @lyrianstarseedart )

[leoandbeholdclark]

Here's some doodles that I've been scared to post.

[radio-ghost-cooks]

oc lore: random facts (pt 1/???)

Hajime thought Jagarico, his stuffed lion, was a tiger when he was little

Leo is the only one of the Big 4 who is 100% European. Tarou and Hanako are both half Welsh, half Japanese.

Leo and Tarou knew each other before attending college together

Hanako's favorite Doctor Who episode is The Last of the Time Lords. Tarou's is Vincent and the Doctor.

Tarou really wants a Honda Super Cub

everyone had different names + personalities at first that i like to call the Beta Names! Tarou was Katsuya, Hanako was Raito, Leo was Johnny, and Hajime was Kaoru

the original plot was centered around an acting school rather than a fashion school

Tarou and Leo both race in their free time. Tarou does street bike races and Leo does street drag.

Haji really isn't all that muscular. he IS soft, however, which often leads to Tarou falling asleep on the couch with their head on his belly

the only reason Tarou is so pale is because he doesn't go outside as much as he should. between Leo, Haji, and Hana, that won't be a problem for much longer

Hanako owns an overengineered Japanese pencilcase from the 80s that has compartments for all his sketching tools. he carries it around with him constantly in case some random think catches his eye

[fckingsofthips]

Feedist Kinktober, Day 2 - Royalty

Prince Leo was third in line to the throne; first were his two sisters, Catarina and Margarite. Catarina was, frankly, a beast of a woman. Towering at 6'7 and practically creaking with muscles, she had been training since a very young age in the arts of archery, swordfighting, and horseback. If the kingdom ever went to war, she would be in the frontlines, a glimmering icon of her father's strength. Margarite was fit enough herself, though she had taken more to the academic route in her education. She was probably one of the most well-read people in the kingdom, and had a masterful ability to persuade; she got on with her father, so long as she continued to side with him in council meetings. Both sisters were adored by their people, and though Margarite was the first in line and would likely have heirs to pass the throne to, everybody was thrilled at the possibility of either of them taking the role once the beloved king passed.

Leo woke up that morning, as he usually did, to the smell of freshly baked bread.

He blinked his eyes open groggily, and noted the bright strip of sun pushing out of the curtains; he had slept til late morning. He'd missed the council meeting again, but he was sure he had not been terribly missed; he'd only started being invited since he turned 21 a few months ago, and he'd not attended a single one.

He rolled over from his side onto his back, making the bedposts creak in complaint. He waited for his belly to stop swaying (and to catch his breath) before he tried to heave his body up the bed into a sitting position. He always tried, but, so early in his day and with his muscles still aching from their long stillness, he couldn't move himself far.

"Help," he commanded.

The two servants who had brought in the bread now moved to either side of him in practiced routine, carefully gripped him at the shoulders, and pulled him upright. His belly pushed the covers away from him in this movement, exposing him down to his hips. Once up, they braced themselves, then dragged him back until his rounded arse met the headboard. It was slightly uncomfortable for him to be gripped and dragged in this manner, but far preferable to the huffing and puffing and sweating that would be involved in doing it himself. A prince ought never to be overexerted; indeed, that was why he had servants in the first place, to get overexerted for him. The servants grunted and gasped as they moved him, but they didn't take too long to recover.

The servants were dismissed, and Leo reached to the side table where his breakfast had been placed. A large, steaming loaf of bread, heaps of butter with a knife to spread it with, a bowl of fruit, and a jug of milk had been prepared as usual. He tucked in, crumbs piling on the bed sheets beneath him. The only sounds the room were his chewing, gulping, and the occasional burp that slipped out. His mother was strict about burping at the dinner table, but in the comfort of his own room he would do as he damn well pleased.

He was certain nobody in the kingdom ate as well as he did; he was lucky to be a prince.

Once finished with his meal, Leo leant his head back against the headboard, and shut his eyes in rest. His stomach was gurgling away to digest the food, and his arms were worn out from their reaching, and he wasn't in the mood to make any other muscles work at present. He was given nearly and hour of peace before his servants returned.

He had figured out a while ago that it was not his instruction, or their own volition that dictated when they came to dress him; they were usually given a sharp word by his mother. They each avoided each other, mostly. He thought she was disappointed that he had not taken to his studies like Margarite, nor had his strengthened his body like Catarina. How could she not understand that he was content? Still, if she had reason to believe he was still in bed by a certain time, she would make sure to rectify that, ideally without having to see him herself. She was, after all, a busy woman.

And so, the servants came in, and this time both stood to the same side of the bed. Leo sighed, and shuffled his legs so they were hanging off the bed, and he was sat on the side of it. Most people got out of bed themselves, he knew that. But most people didn't have to lift as he did. He didn't look down at himself, but he knew his thighs and arse were spread wide around him, and his belly was sat heavily on him, covering up to his knees. He couldn't remember the last time he got himself out of bed, but it was probably the last time he had ever seen his own thighs. Margarite said that if he didn't eat so much he wouldn't be so big, but as smart as she was, Leo thought she must be wrong on this occasion. Every time Leo grew, he seemed to get hungrier. And so it was obvious that his body was still growing itself, and every time it got larger it simply needed more food to sustain it.

Leo caught his breath from shifting to the edge, and put out his arms to his servants. They each took an arm with one hand, the other gripping a bunch of hip, and pulled him to standing with some difficulty. It would have been easier for them if Leo helped at all, but he wasn't in the mood; he rarely was.

Instantly, his ankles, knees, and hips started to ache as they now took his weight. But other than a small whimper, Leo kept quiet, as a prince had to be brave. He stood and let the servants dress him, and then he was on his own.

Slowly, he waddled out of his room, hips brushing the doorframe slightly, and made his way down the corridor. The castle was bustling with activity at this time of day, and every servant paused to give him a respectful nod as they passed. By the time he reached the door to the lounge, he was out of breath. He stopped before opening it, belly pressing into the wall to try to take some pressure off his joints, which were by now in agony. Breath caught, Leo opened the door. Princess Margarite was already in here, sat gracefully in an armchair with a book. She looked up when the door opened, and smiled.

"How lovely to see you, Leo. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you, Margarite."

He eased himself through the doorframe, and shut the door behind him. In front of the blue velvet sofa was a table laden with sweets and cakes. Margarite hadn't touched them; they were prepared every day for Leo.

Leo picked up pace as his mouth started to water, and plopped himself down on the sofa. Sitting, his belly stretched against the fabric of his shirt quite uncomfortably, but he paid it no mind. He was down two little cupcakes when Margarite started reading to him. This was part of his routine, too. Margarite had read to him his whole life; she was 15, when he was born, and she'd spent far more time with him than his mother ever had. She had wanted, more than his mother had, Leo to like books as much as she did. So she read and read and read, and tried to get him to read with her. He could read, his tutors had made sure of that basic criteria for a prince. But he had never enjoyed it. Even as Margarite read to him now, some kind of tales of faraway kingdoms, he didn't really listen. He was more occupied with which treat to gobble next, and when it was in his mouth how lovely it was, and soothing the bubbling of his stomach with rubs as he filled it.

He was nearly finished with the treats when his sister paused in his reading and asked a question. Only it took him a moment to realise that's what had happened.

"What?"

"I said, don't you think the story of Sir Henry provides an interesting perspective on our current attempts at a trade deal with France?"

"We're trading with France? Is that one of the Scottish towns?" It was a good guess, he thought. He'd heard of it, and was sure it was a place name, and far enough away that he had never been introduced to anyone from there.

"My little brother, you are quite stupid." She sighed fondly.

He didn't know how to respond to that, which was just as well, as his mouth was stuffed with cake.

[oblong-egg]

20231006

[OC] glowy flowers

[rivero-piv]

Hi! I haven't posted much in a while. I've been a bit focused on other things lately. Here's a small OC compilation in the meantime!

[six-legged-sea-leopard]

more fanchapter ideas because i love inconveniencing fictional people

[juvehiir]

we've known each other, you're on our side, you're at home

♪ аигел — на нашей стороне

[angelus-333]

Si, me convencí a mi mismo de tener tumblr

Aquí tienen el drable de Leo y Lucas, junto a un dibujo viejo de ellos

Cita :

_______

“¿En serio tengo que usar esta ropa?” Dijo en un susurro el hombre mientras ajustaba el cinturón, asegurándose de que no le apretara e incomodara en su gran estómago. Un suspiro ansioso salió de su boca mientras terminaba de arreglar su vestimenta.

“Yo creo que te ves muy bien en eso, resalta tu adorable culo” Oh, ahí estaba su novio.

“¿Estás viéndome el culo?” Se quejó el pelinegro mientras se miraba en el espejo frente a él. Ni siquiera intentó ver a su pareja a través del gran espejo que había sido instalado únicamente para él. La risa que salió de su novio fue estruendosa, incluso comenzó a golpear la cama con una mano mientras sostenía su abultado vientre entre risas.

“Estuviste de espaldas todo éste tiempo pastelito, si lo mire, algunas veces” Contestó, aun entre risas el de dientes afilados. El peli negro intento contener la risa, si novio siempre lo hacía reír al contagiarle la risa, volteó a ver a su novio y se sentaba junto a él en su cama.

“Leo debes dejar de verme el culo” Dijo entre quejas mientras se ponía los zapatos formales que le había regalado. Leo se inclinó lo más que pudo con su estómago y beso el cuello del peli negro ganándose un quejido de este, sobretodo por que no ayudaba con el tedioso proceso de ponerse esos zapatos.

“Jamás podría dejar de admirar tu hermosura Lucas”

“¡Mirarme el culo no es admirar!”

_______

Desde la fila Lucas pudo observar las luces del restaurante, encontrando que eran muy lindas y cálidas. Decoraciones en dorado y rojo, añadiendo un ambiente elegante y romántico. Era el lugar perfecto para una cita romántica, y también un restaurante muy cotizado. Ambos hombres estaban tomados de la mano en la fila intercambiando miradas de amor y algunos su susurros sobre el lugar y su apariencia, a una pareja de ser su turno de pedir su mesa.

“¿¡Por qué no podemos tener una mesa?!” Fue el grito del hombre frente a ellos, llamando la atención de todos en la fila, todas las personas esperando para ir a sus mesas reservadas empezaron a murmurar. El peli negro se sobresaltó al escuchar los gritos histericos del hombre y las súplicas de su novia para que se calmara. Leo notó el nerviosismo creciente de Lucas cuando este comenzó a hacer respiraciones contadas.

“¿Estás bien?” Leo susurró al oído del más bajo y este asintió lentamente.

“Un poco ansioso”

“¿Quieres volver a casa?”

“No, no, no quiero”

“¿Seguro? Podemos ir a casa si te sientes muy ansioso” Ofreció Leo mientras tapaba los oídos del peli negro, ambos sabían que Lucas no era bueno lidiando con los gritos y ruidos fuertes. El peli negro asintió mientras dejaba que las manos de su novio suavizarán los gritos de aquel hombre.

“Caballero, le informamos que debe reservar las ofertas de pareja con más tiempo, en esta época suele llenarse muy rápido, no puede hacer su reserva a última hora” Intentó razonar el empleado con el hombre que soltaba quejas y gritos sin razón. Un regaño de la novia del tipo fue suficiente para dar por terminada la discusión, aparentemente el hombre había colmado la paciencia de su novia, haciendo que ya les tocará a ambos hombres .

“Buenas noches, tengo una reservación a nombre de Leo Narváez”

“Claro caballero, siga a la Dama” Habló el hombre mientras señalaba a una mujer con la vestimenta de camarera. Ambos siguieron a la mujer en silencio mientras ésta los juzgaba con pequeñas miradas ambos. Lucas noto las miradas de la mujer y se apegó más a su novio, como si quisiera esconderse en él. Tal vez y solo tal vez si ella no se diera cuenta de que lo había notado, no haría un comentario hiriente. Leo notó los extraños movimientos de su novio y se dio cuenta de lo que le ocurría con solo echar un vistazo a los desagradables pensamientos de la mujer.

“Está es su mesa caballeros, tomen asiento mientras eligen que desean comer” Luego de decir eso la mujer dejó unos menús sobre la mesa y se retiró con pasos apresurados huyendo del lugar. Aunque cualquiera huiría si sintieras él aura de muerte y amenaza que salía de Leo. Lucas tomó el menú sin mirar a la mujer y miró con curiosidad las carnes mientras Leo volvía a mirarlo fijamente.

“¿Todo bien Lucas, amor?” Preguntó el de ojos oscuros mientras tomaba la mano del peli negro quitando el menú de sus manos para recibir toda la atención del otro hombre. Este negó con la cabeza mientras se acomodaba en la silla y frotaba su estómago con incomodidad. “¿No te gusta el lugar Pastelito?”

“¡NO! Es precioso, solo que la mujer nos miró muy feo, y de repente siento que la ropa es más ajustada de lo que es” Hablo incómodo el peli negro mientras intentaba sonreír para su novio.

“No te preocupes cariño, si dice o hace algo me aseguraré de que tenga pesadillas por él resto de su vida” Sonrió mostrando mucho sus colmillos para su novio. El peli negro sonrió ante los ánimos de su novio, incluso si no borraba sus inseguridades para siempre y eran un poco moralmente cuestionables, era absolutamente genial tener su apoyo.

“¿Ya decidieron lo que van a comer?” Dijo la mujer retirando los menús de la mesa, antes de sacar una libreta y un lápiz. Evitando por completo el contacto visual con ambos hombres. Leo si la miro solo para darle una mirada aterradora de enojo, incomodando más a la mujer que únicamente quería huir.

“Uh, quiero un mofongo relleno de camarones ¿Y una botella de vino?” Preguntó lo último mirando a Leo, esté asintió y la mesera lo anotó con prisa para poder irse lo más rápido que posible.

“¿Eso sería todo caballeros?” Ambos asintieron con sus cabezas y la mesera se retiró para buscar la comida dejándolos a ambos solos. El de ojos oscuros sonrió pícaro antes de mirar a su novio, haciendo que él mismo le devolviera la mirada.

“¿Por qué me ves así?”

“¿Ya te dije que amo nuestras citas?” Lucas río mientras se sonrojaba por completo y cubría su cara. Justo a tiempo para que otros dos meseros diferentes vinieran dejando el vino y dos copas con la comida. Ambos meseros se retiraron a la pequeña barra de la habitación para darle privacidad a la pareja, recordándoles cómo llamarlos en caso de que necesitaran algo.

“Si Leo, ambos amamos nuestras citas” El más alto sonrió y tomó la botella de vino para servir las copas. Lucas giró los ojos sabiendo perfectamente lo que seguía de esa conversación.

“¿Y cuál es tu parte favorita?”

“Cuando pruebas comida nueva, siempre tienes una cara adorable de felicidad” Hablo con cariño mientras tomaba la copa de vino de su novio y la llenaba. El peli negro tomó la copa con cuidado y bebió un poco de la copa de vino mientras el rojo se hacía más intenso en su rostro.

“Bueno, incluso si tú no comes, amo nuestras citas” Le sonrió el peli negro al otro, amaba cuando Leo se volvía así de empalagoso. También cuando se sonrojaba por seguirle el juego. Como ahora con esta conversación que era prácticamente una tradición.

“¿En serio amor?” preguntó con malicia el de dientes afilados, el más bajo reconoció el tono. Así que se preparó para las próximas palabras vergonzosas que Leo diría en voz alta.

“Claro que sí mi vida”

“Entonces ambos sabemos qué mi comida viene después de la cita, ¿también te gusta esa parte Pastelito?” Leo sonrió tras soltar esas palabras sabiendo perfectamente que Lucas moriría de vergüenza. Incluso si las hubiera escuchado antes y miles de veces. Siempre se avergonzaba y hasta sus orejas se volvían rojas por la pena.

Por los meseros que escuchaban la peculiar cita al estar en una mesa apartada del resto en otra habitación. Y por que su novio decía eso, frente a otras personas sabiendo que estás pensarían en sexo y no en un vampiro con hambre.

“¡Leo no digas eso!” Se quejó muerto de vergüenza el pelo negro, haciendo reír al otro. Lucas y Leo siguieron charlando con tranquilidad entre pequeños coqueteos y palabras empalagosas. Lucas disfruta de la comida con el vino, esté siendo el favorito de Leo.

Algunos coqueteos demasiado explícitos por parte de Leo y regaños por parte de Lucas.

________

Leo caminaba con cuidado, mientras apegaba a Lucas contra su gran estómago. El peli negro se recostaba un poco de él entre pequeñas risas, por que a diferencia de Leo, Lucas no es bueno con el alcohol incluso si no bebía tanto como su novio.

“Lucas Pastelito, ten cuidado donde pisas” Habló en voz baja el de dientes afilados notando como al otro hombre empezaba a pisar mal.

“Perdón eh… mmm dejé los lentes en casa” Se disculpó apenado mientras se pegaba más a su novio, apretando un poco su gordo estómago en un abrazo. Leo se rió por la ternura que le generaba su novio. Y usando su fuerza sobrenatural para levantar a Lucas sin problemas.

“¿No tenías los de contacto puestos?”

“Ohh… yo losss saqué ehh… “ Con una mueca el hombre tomó aire mientras pensaba un poco en lo que decía “Ah, este si, este me molestaba.

“Bien, yo te llevo, tienes problemas de vistas serios”

“Mm Leo”

“¿Si cariño?”

“Uh vamos…esteem ¿Casa rápido?” Leo asintió mientras veía como el otro comenzaba a dormirse y apretó de forma más segura a su novio contra él, antes de teletransportarse a su hogar para dar por terminada su cita.

[sweetsateen-artblog]

Toxic Luuuuuv. OC Abel Hartman w/ Leo

[zensations35]

A Working Cold

Okay, yall voted for it. Here it is. A super indulgent Leo fic. He caretakes Ren and Sasha here, so those two both sneeze as well. Leo gets sick pretty fast in this fic (because I have no self control or concept of time). There's also some kinda heavy family stuff and I touch on some of Leo's trouble with being trans. Hope yall enjoy! I know I did ^_^

Leo

I tap the door, listening for movement within. “Ren?”

“HzzTXN!”

Yep, he’s awake. I read once that you can’t sneeze in your sleep. What a weird thing to Google.

I push the door open, squinting into the dim room. The windows are covered with blackout curtains but they’re sloppily installed. Like Ren just half-assed it in an attempt to get rid of as much sunlight as possible. 

He was probably drunk when he did it.

I balance the bowl of soup I made on a bamboo tray--one of a set of five I got him as a housewarming gift. Apartment warming? Moving in gift!

Ren is in bed, covered in what looks like three separate blankets, two on top of him and one twisted up under his head and around his arm.

“Ren,” I murmur as I park my rear on the edge of the bed. When I sit, a few balled tissues flutter to the floor, joining a pile of them under Ren’s outstretched hand.

“Mmmh,” he shifts, burying his head deeper into the blanket-pillow.

“Come on, you need to eat,”I say. “It’s that bean soup you like!”

That gets his attention. He actually lifts his head and looks at me. When I see his face, it’s hard not to cringe. Ren’s fever broke but he’s clearly still sick. He looks both dried up and too wet at the same time. His eyes are watery but his lips are feathered with chapped skin. 

“Does it have rutabaga substituted for potatoes?” he asks, voice gravelly, like apple seeds in his throat. Somehow his voice sounds sexier than normal?? Hah. What kind of people are sexier when they’re sick?

I nod, “It sure does.” I offer him the bowl.

Ren pulls it toward him, setting it on the bed, nestled right under his cheek. He doesn’t even attempt to sit up as he brings a spoonful sideways to his mouth. It spills and he growls.

“You’re going to have to sit up.”

He huffs, “Then I do not want to eat at the moment.” He shoves the bowl next to his bed and rolls over.

I sigh. “Ren, come on…”

His deltoids flex and he buries his face into the blanket, “Hwf’MMMKSCh!!” His arm swings out, patting the mattress, fumbling blindly. I scoot the tissue box into his hand and he palms one. He blows his nose thickly but it only leads to another, “HR-SCHZZZ!!” He groans and flops back onto the bed, facing away from me.

He’s getting better, but it’s slow-going. If he would just stop drinking.

I’m not feeling so hot myself to be honest. I can feel a constant rawness to my throat, always on the edge of a cough or a sneeze. I bat one away, a quick nose scrub. Subtle, in case Ren sees. I don’t want him getting worried and sending me home. 

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I slip it out and see messages from Cassie.

Sigh. Not again.

I really wish I could just ignore her. I mean, I moved here to escape my family. But I can’t. She holds too much over me. At least, for now. 

“C’mon, Ren,” I nudge the bowl of soup. “Eat. It’ll help.”

“There is no helping me.”

Oh my gods what a drama queen.

I plant a soft kiss on his brow and whisper, “Get some rest, then. I’ll be back.”

Ren blinks woozily. “Who messaged you?”

“Just a random notification,” I stand up.

“You are lying.”

“Got to sleep, Ren.”

I tug on my jacket and hurry to the door. I’m relieved to get outside because I really need to sneeze. 

I take a heaving breath, feeling it deepen my chest. “HgSHK! Aex-TGn!” The first two solidify the pressure in my sinuses and I slip, losing control with the final “H-EXSchh-ieu! Augh…” 

Whoa. I blink away tears. Gods, I sneeze a lot when I’m sick. And those were messier than usual. I can feel the congestion in my chest and coughing does little to clear it.

Press on. Things to do.

I get into my car and stare at my phone screen, willing myself to make the call.

I was hoping to get out from under my sister’s thumb with my modeling job. It’s hard to get gigs though. I used to be a pretty big name in modeling back in Italy. But I wanted to distance myself from that, and for the most part I have. But occasionally my contracts get wind of who I used to be. It either goes one of two ways: they want me to do more, or they dump me. 

I just got back from a job that went south because they wanted me to do a topless shoot, and, well…my surgery didn’t leave me without lingering marks. I plan to see someone about fixing that, but I haven’t gotten around to it.

It’s fucking cold in this car. I jam on the heat to chase away the chill creeping into my bones. I gear the car and drive a few blocks away, just in case Ren checks outside for me. I grab a napkin from the glovebox and blow my nose to get rid of any lingering sick voice. It chugs out of me, less clear than normal. Wonderful.

Then I facetime Cassie.

She answers, her face a mirror of mine--or as close as possible.

“Hey Cass.”

She sweeps her rich brown bangs from her eyes. Her hair is similar to my length. That’s one thing I didn’t feel the need to change. I love ponytails and man buns.

Cassie’s lips press into a firm line. “Leo,” my name jangles around in her mouth. “How are you?”

“Surviving. What’s up?”

“Come now,” she flickers a hand, “No details?”

“Do you actually care?”

Her lips twist. I can’t tell what the answer is, nor why she doesn’t want to admit it. 

I pinch the bridge of my nose, a sign of annoyance and also a good cover for chasing away a sneeze. “What do you need?”

She seems to relax a bit. Down to business. Cassie got that from Mom--neither of them care for niceties.

“I need you to call Mom.”

I stiffen. “Why?”

“I…made a mistake. She’s threatening to cut me off.”

“What?” The word bursts from me. “What did you do?”

“It’s not as bad as--” she bites off the sentence and chews. “I just…trusted the wrong person.”

“Cass…”

“I got swindled by some guy. We met a week ago. I invested in his company. He was persuasive.”

“So you slept with him?”

“Don’t slut shame me, Leo.”

“Sorry,” I say. And I mean it. A gut reaction from years of being taught that chastity matters. “How much did you lose?”

“Enough to upset Mom. Enough to make her hit pause on my allowance.”

“So that means…”

“I won’t be able to send you money this month, unless you fix this.”

Of course. I have to fix it. Cassie can’t be bothered to figure it out for herself. Then again, I’m no better, still unable to figure out how to live within my means. 

“Alright, I’ll call.”

“Do it tonight. Tell her you advised me to make the investments. Maybe the guy was a friend of yours--”

“I’ll handle it, Cass.”

She nods. “Okay.”

Yep. As expected: No “thank you”. 

She stares at me, a flicker of something akin to pity in her gold-flecked eyes. “You don’t even look like me anymore.”

I snort, “You miss looking at yourself every time we spoke?”

“We got along once.”

“Yep.”

Cassie frowns. She’s probably reminiscing about ages gone when our mom would dress us in matching outfits and brag about being able to tell us apart. 

“I gotta go, Cass.”

Her lips hover apart, looking on the edge of speaking. She sips a small breath, almost a catch. “I..I’m sorry, Leo.”

“Wow, an actual Cass apology.”

Her face hardens. “You know what, nevermind. Bye.” She ends the call and I slump into myself. I toss the phone angrily onto the passenger seat. Fuck her. I really need to get my shit together. Maybe get another job on the side. 

I press my palm into my nose, scrunching it hard as a shudder runs through me. “Hhh-GSHH!” Eugh. I grab a napkin and wipe my hand before heading to Sasha’s. I’ll call Mom later.

When I pull up to Sasha’s I feel giddy. I haven’t been to Sasha’s new place yet. I have an open invitation though. The entrance leads directly into the open-plan kitchen on the right and living room on the left. Down the hall, her bedroom is on the left. The door is open and even from here, I can feel sickness in the air--a swell of almost humidity. It envelops me as I enter the dim room. She must have a headache too.

I take stock of her room . I can’t help it. Her barely-there desk is sheeted with papers--half drawings, notes, a book called Juliet Takes A Breath. Her walls are lined with posters of beautiful women, artwork from indie creators she’s met from fairs and galleries. On her bed are creased papers with sloppy sketches, cluttered with balled up tissues. A bottle of dayquil lazes against her pillow.

I let my fingers wander along a shelf, mindlessly touching the items--the waxy string of a dreamcatcher still in progress, the fat nubs of a succulent. 

She lays piteously on the bed, her hair pulled back and wrapped in a cloth with little ketchup bottles on it. Her yellow tank top clings to her skin, the grooves of her shoulder blades showing through it. She’s half covered with an anime print blanket--one leg in, one leg out.

I fell for Ren shortly after we met, but it’s always been a pining love. Almost forbidden, both of us lost in our power struggle of being the least ‘needy’ person. Our relationship is always in flux. Even when I’m fucking him, I'm thinking “Yeah but what does this mean??” 

It’s exhausting as hell. 

But Sasha…she’s like sunshine during a light drizzle. Where Ren twists my heart, Sasha stretches it. I feel like a goofy teen around her. I want to hold her hand, watch her eat strawberries, make her a mix tape. Or I guess, nowadays, a Spotify playlist? That doesn’t sound as romantic.

“Sasha…” I whisper over her prone form. 

“Hnggg…” I can hear thick congestion in her voice. Ugh. That’s going to be me soon. Not looking forward to that.

“Hey,” I keep my voice cool and soothing, gliding onto her mattress and rubbing her bare shoulder. “I don’t want to bother you, but you need to eat.” I unwrap the cylinder of liquid. “I brought bean soup.”

She pushes herself up, propped on her elbows. Her face turns a millimeter and she pushes thick words out.

“Is…hhh…is it…” her nostrils scrunch, forming a V in the middle of her face. She jerks her head, smothering her cheeks in her pillow. Her body heaves under my fingers, “Hih-ESSHHHH! ESHHH!!” a snarl escapes her lips and a fist slams into the bed. “Dammit!” she lets out a staccato of angry coughs.

I can’t for the life of me understand why she’s so mad. But maybe I’d be if I were this sick. 

She stuffs her splotchy face into a napkin, give it a hearty blow. She moans.

“Hang in there,” I say.

“Ugh,” she drinks in a liquid sniff. She eyes the soup. “Is it Rend’s beand soup?” The n’s sound more like d’s and the p pops her lips.

“It is.”

“With, *snf*, rudabadgha--”

“Instead of potatoes, yes,” I finish for her.

“Mmmb…” she seems to sink back into the mattress, a soft sigh fluttering through her lips. “I love thad soup.”

“Well, I’m leaving you some.” I set the warm soup on her bedside table and give Bailey a head scratch. “Don’t eat her soup, Bailey. Come on, I’ll make you some eggs.”

Bailey tumbles down, her bulk bumping into me with an “oof!” She trots alongside me and I head into the kitchen to scramble some eggs. 

I make sure they’re cool before scraping them into her bowl. I added a little cheese. I can’t help spoiling her a bit, especially when I know she’s worked up about Sasha being sick. I pat her on the head.

“Don’t worry, baby. She’ll be better soon.”

When she’s done, she rewards me with a sloppy kiss, her oil-slicked tongue glazing my chin. I chuckle, a small gust of air slipping through my nose. It’s enough to ignite the bud of an itch, pulling a deeper gasp from me. I snap to the side, my arm flying up to cover, “Hieh-EXSH’TUE!” My forearm bumps my nose, leaving it feeling bruised. “Egkh…”

“Leo?” I hear Sasha’s weak, raspy call.

“All good!” I holler back, feeling my throat close on a hitch. “Aih-HX-NG!!” I pinch that one tightly between my lips, my lungs revolting in the form of dry coughs. But Sasha doesn’t call me again.

I should leave before I start having fits. The further along my cold gets, the more I’ll sneeze. 

I grab my bag and wrap myself in a wool coat, fussing with it as I bite the bag to hold it so I can get my arms into the sleeves. I’m stepping outside, my foot hooking the door when I slam right into a warm body.

We both oof! and my head whips up, meeting her eyes. 

“Skye?” the bag falls from my lips when I speak. She looks terrified, like a deer in headlights. I slide to the side, cautiously, as if moving too fast will spook her. 

She looks physically the same--thick thighs wrapped in sporty jeans, a billowy chocolate blouse showing off ample cleavage. Her hair cascades down her back and shoulders in a waterfall of golden sunlight. 

But her face is threaded with emotion, the weight of burdens stacked upon burdens. She dusted light makeup on--a rose lipstick, touch up cream.

She doesn’t move. I wait a few beats, watching her chest rise and fall. 

“Sasha’s sick,” I say, “I’m sure she’d feel better seeing you.”

Her eyes bulge as if I told her a tiger awaits her inside.

“Or not…”

She wets her lips and breaks eye contact. She bends to pick up my bag. I take it from her with a wary, “Thanks…”

“Is that your bean soup?” she asks, her voice sounding brittle as dried bark. 

“Yeah.”

“With rutabagas instead of potatoes?”

“Yeah,” I laugh. “Seriously, you should see her. You’ll feel better. She misses you.” 

Skye reaches for the knob, resting tentative fingers on the brass. The door is cracked enough to hear the distant, wrenching sound of Sasha’s sneeze tumbling out of the door. 

Skye stills, her lips pressing firmly together like a rose-colored bud. She pulls the door closed and backs away.

“I can’t,” her voice cracks. “I just can’t.”

I feel the pull of her grief, her knotted emotions. I wonder if I should reach out. 

As if there’s any point dwelling on it. Of course I am. 

“It’s okay if you’re not ready. Really.” I gesture to the parking lot, “Would you rather…grab lunch?”

Skye cocks her head at me.

I hold up my hands, “I swear, no guilt talk. Nothing but lunch.”

Her mouth is the size of a penny as she contemplates. Then, a nod. “Sure. Lunch.” She tucks hair behind her ear. “I like bread.”

“Bread?”

“Yes. Take me anywhere with bread.”

I laugh. “You got it.”

I’m Italian. Yes, actual Italian. My mother lives in Italy. My twin sister and I moved to America for…opportunities. I actually moved to get away from my family and Cassie followed me. 

But, I know Italian food. I make sure to take Skye to a good Italian place, not just a fancy pizza parlor. One that has orgasmic garlic bread.

I snag a mask from my bag. I know I’m getting sick, and I always have one with me to go out to public places when I’m feeling ill. Skye gives me a weird look when I put it on. 

We order food--or I do. Skye follows my lead. We titter about the cold weather, which Texans can really drone on about. My gods, can you believe that tiny layer of ice we got that shut down half the state! It fills the time we wait for food.

Eating gives us an excuse to be silent. Skye makes eating bread look effortless--only picking off airy chunks at a time and popping them in her mouth, yet eating half a dozen slices in minutes.

I get it. I know what it’s like to hide guilty pleasures for fear of judgment.  I want to tell her I don’t judge her for eating what she wants but it would sound patronizing coming out of nowhere.

“Ugh,” I massage my temple. A headache is building. That cloudy feeling fogs my face, I feel a sneeze creeping up. It feels like my nose is dizzy. 

I rub knuckles under my nose, hoping my sniffles catch any seepage. “Hg’NjK!” 

“Leo?” Skye’s normally husky voice is soft and shy. “Are you sick?”

I snort, brushing sweat from my brow, “Yeah, sorry. I won’t get too close or anything.”

“How long have you been sick? Was…” she swallows dryly. “Was it from Sasha?”

“Actually I got this from Ren. We both did.”

Her eyes flash. “Sasha? Got sick from…Ren?” she stares into the center of her plate like it’s going to reveal the secret of the garlic bread. 

“Yeah? Why?”

She blinks and shakes her head. She swipes angrily at her eye and I see the glassy fill of tears. 

“Skye, no,” I say, “They weren’t--it wasn’t like that. He was sick, I was out of town. I asked her to stay with him for a bit. They didn’t do anything.”

She looks away. “You don’t understand.”

I bite my lip. There's a lot I don't understand. 

The rest of the meal goes by awkwardly. I try to start conversations. Skye answers questions lethargically. A couple times she tries to dig at the Sasha/Ren thing. I shut it down. I know Sasha, I know Ren. They’re not doing what Skye thinks. Maybe she feels betrayed because Sasha isn’t ignoring Ren like she is? 

I don’t want to interrogate or lecture her. That’s not what I invited her out for. But it’s looking more and more like it was a bad idea.

The server comes over when we’re done and I put on my mask before I ask for the check. A sneeze chooses the perfect time to check into hotel nose. I pinch it through the mask and sniffle. 

Skye pulls out cash but I wave her away. “I got it.”

She thanks me but doesn’t meet my eyes. “I appreciate the lunch, Leo, but I need to head out. I can get an Uber.”

I look put-out but I’m not sure if she can tell because of the mask. “Okay, if you’re sure. I can drive you somewhere--”

“I’ll be fine. Thanks again.” She loops around toward the restroom just as the server returns.

And of course I have to sneeze again. I spider my fingers over my mask to catch the next jaw-wrenching, “Hiat-ishhh! He-iek-TSHuu!” 

“Bless you!” the server laughs. “Are you allergic to me?”

I chuckle and meet his eyes. Oh, he’s cute. I hope my spray hasn’t leaked through my mask. “Oh, no, I’m just feeling a bit off.” I gesture to the (hopefully not soaked) mask.

“Very thoughtful, thank you,” he hands me the check. “I hope you feel better!” 

I thank him back and tip him well. What’s the point of having this much disposable income if you don’t make a server’s day a bit better?

I sigh as I exit. I stretch out my back. It’s already starting to ache--a sure sign I’m getting sick. I feel bad about Skye, but that lunch was awkward. I get why she wants to go. Besides, I need to call Mom, and I’d rather do that before I can’t speak normally.

I’m back to my car, heat drizzling through the vents. 

I do not facetime her. She doesn’t want to see me and I don’t want to see her look at me with derision. 

“Hi mom.”

She addresses me with the wrong name. “I assume you are calling me about your sister.”

“Look,” I gear myself up, “I told Cass to give him the money. I knew the guy. He delt in legit business. I’m sorry. I had no idea he’d ghost her with the funds.”

“And that is the truth? She was duped by you and this ‘Con man’?”

I know she can tell I’m lying. I may be smooth, but this isn’t the first mistake I’ve called in for Cass. Mom can tell. But she will believe me because she wants to. Because she wants to cling to at least one daughter, and I am the perfect scapegoat.

“Very well,” she says. Crisp. Astute. “Have her call me. Tell her we can discuss repayment, and I will not discontinue her allowance.”

“Thanks Mom.”

She makes a disdainful sound. “I do not expect another call like this.”

Did she mean a call about money? About Cassie’s troublemaking? Or just a call from me in general? I’m afraid to ask. So, “Yes ma’am.”

“Mh. Good day, Leo.”

She hangs up and I slump forward, head resting on the steering wheel. Tears leak from my eyes and I hate that she can pull this much emotion out of me without actually insulting me. I hate that I’m still dependent on Cassie and through her, Mom. I hate that I still want to please her. Beg her to love me. Knowing she never will. 

A pathetic sob wraps my throat. I need to get home. Push through this. I wish I didn’t have to be alone though. 

Is it so much to fucking ask that my mother care about me?

A knock on the window makes me jump so hard, I bang my head on something. Skye stands at the car, peering in at me with clouds of worry puckering her soft dewy cheeks.

I grab a handful of napkins and press them to my face. I’m still visibly crying, fluids running over my face. I’m sure I look like hell.

When I roll down the window, her lips press together. “What happened?” she asks.

I let out an obviously fake laugh. “Nothing, I just--” I stop when I see her hooded gaze. Skye doesn’t appreciate me lying to her. I let my shoulders drop. “I just…had to call my mom.”

“Rough talk?”

“I was definitely not drunk enough for it.”

Skye clicks the back door open and slides in. “Let’s go get some booze, get wasted, and bitch about our families.”

I don’t normally get wasted. But with all the crap going on, I want to. Besides, Ren’s doing it every damn day. What would one bender possibly do?

We go to Spec's. I grab a decent tequila and a beer I've never heard of. Skye sticks with wine, as usual. Then we go.

I take Skye to my place. She seems less awed by my house than most of my other friends. When we get inside, she sticks to the shelves along the walls, eyes drinking in my taste in art. In decor. In random cute shit I find at craft fairs. She’s absorbing it all, seeing this new glimpse of me--just as I had with Sasha.

“Did you grow up with money?” I ask.

Skye laughs. “Why? Because I’m not dropping my jaw or my panties upon seeing your huge mansion?"

I snort. “No, just…well, yeah.”

Skye’s fingers trail over a clay wolf. “I did grow up well off. My mom wants me to finish school and get the same degree as her. Do what she did. Take over her business.”

“And you don’t want to.”

She flashes me a smirk over her shoulder. “Not even a little bit.”

“Don’t stray from the path,” I let the sarcasm seep into my tone. “You’ll become a problem child.”

“Too late.”

I prep our drinks, grabbing a cocktail for me in a glass goblet and wine for Skye. I’m rounding the corner to the sitting room, but I barely get a step inside when the sharp ping of an incoming sneeze lights up my face--like a text: OTW! 

I feel my nostrils widen preemptively and I bite down to stretch the itch, hoping to get a little further so I can set down the drinks before I--

“Hhiegh--S-Skhhh--” I’m leaking tears, my teeth chitting together. “I’m gonna drop thahhh--I’b godda drop thehhh-ih!” I manage to get the glasses into Skye’s hands before my entire face revolts, firing sneezes out of me as revenge for stalling their great entrance. 

“Hieg-SHHHK! EX’SHH-iehhh--HG-Eshhh-ieuu! Eughh…” 

I hear the glasses thunk down on the table. I cast bleary eyes to Skye. Her face is a blank mask. She stares at me like she’s mad. Did I spill wine on her blouse? That would suck--it’s a really nice blouse.

“Sorry,” I say, hoping that covers everything I could have done. She just sits and curls herself up, sipping her wine. Okay.

I’m excited to try the new beer from this place. It’s citrusy and a bit sharp. When I sip it, it starbursts in my mouth, a surprise cough bubbling it into my nose. It stings. 

I slam out a few curse words before doubling over into my elbow, “Hg’dsh! Tsh-IEHhh…ehh…” Ughhh, it’s becoming exhausting to sneeze. I feel my energy drain with each one. 

Skye gulps the rest of her glass and quickly pours another. Damn, she’s thirsty.

 I focus on the lingering itch just above my nostrils. It keeps gliding up and down inside my nose, like tiny fibers dusting the edge of my…

“Hgk…” I squeeze my eyes shut and rub, palm chasing circles around my nose. But it won’t come. “Hih-eh!” another peak and then I sag into a sigh.

“False start?” Skye says.

“Huh? Is that what they’re called?”

“Uh…” she flushes pink and takes a gulp of her drink.

“O-kay, well this ‘false start’ keeps happening. And it’s getting annoying.” I take another scrub at my nose.

Skye sidles closer to me. “Hm.” She looks glazed. I realize the wine bottle is almost gone. 

“There’s something you can do…”

I unscrunch my nose. “What? To sneeze?”

She nods, a strained hum escaping her lips, like an untuned violin. “Look into the light.”

Interesting. “Where did you hear that?”

She coughs, “Google.”

Hah, she recently researched sneezing facts too? What are the odds?

I do what she advised though. I peer into the sunlight clawing through the window. It works almost instantly. 

“Wh-hoa--XXST’NN! Holy--Hiex-TShhIEU!” I catch them both in my hands and use my fingers to sweep the lingering itch away. “Sorry,” I sniff, “I can’t believe that worked!” I wipe my hands on my pants. “Gross.”

She titters a single giggle. “I don’t think you’re gross.” She’s giving me a look I know well, but not one I’m used to seeing from Skye. The heat filling her eyes looks foreign to me.

Is she…flirting with me?? I feel my throat close over a cough. I strangle the words out, hoping they sound confident. 

“Skye…is this about Ren?”

Her cheeks dimple, lips pursed. She’s flushed with a mixture of alcohol and embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” she murmurs. “You don’t deserve that. I--I suck.”

I place a hand on her arm. “I get it, Skye. I’ve done worse.”

She eyes me with suspicion. “You? No way.”

I laugh, “You have no idea the stupid, asinine shit I’ve done.” I say. As if to prove it, I follow up with the question. “Skye, why…”

“Am I avoiding everyone?” her lips are dark, wine-stained, pursed into a determined puff. She sighs and it feathers down her shoulders. “I don’t want anyone to tell me what to do.”

My brow crinkles.

“Like,” she fidgets with a loose string on her sweater, “my friends will all have opinions on what happened. Literally everyone I know also knows Ren. I don’t want to talk about it--at all. I don’t want anyone’s thoughts in my head but my own.”

That is a very Skye response. And I guess it makes some sense, but I wish there were another way. I’ll respect her. I definitely won’t give my two cents. 

“So,” I pick up my drink, “What’s it like at your mom’s?”

“Sasha told you where I was?”

“Or I assumed because of our earlier convo.”

“Hm,” she ticks her lips up, “Good save.” She tucks a leg under her and pulls the other up so she can rest her chin on her knee. Skye has a large frame but she is quite flexible. 

“Well, I have a temp job at a Game’s Workshop. Mom’s not happy about that.”

“I bet not.”

“I’m paying rent though, so she’s not making demands. Just lecturing me every other day about how my life will never get any better and that I’ll be poor and destitute forever. And it won’t be her fault because she gave me ‘every opportunity’.”

“Meaning, opportunities to take over her business.”

“Yep.”

I lean back and take a sip. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that.”

“Well,” she shrugs.

“Does she know why you came back?”

Skye takes a swallow of wine. “Yeah. She’s…pretty much the reason I don’t want to hear anyone else ‘on my side’ or otherwise.”

I feel my insides ice. “What did she say?”

Skye lifts her other leg and tucks it under her chin too, wrapping her arms around them. “She said he’s an addict who…” her voice cracks, “deserves what’s coming to him. That I should call the police and have him locked up to ‘straighten him out’.”

“Jesus fuck.”

“Yeah,” she rights herself and rubs her pant legs. “I’m…getting better at ignoring her.”

We sit in a meditative silence for a moment, sipping. But I can’t leave it alone.

“If you don’t want to hear any more or talk about it, why were you at Sasha’s?”

Skye sniffles. “I miss her. So much.” She shakes her head. “I don’t really know what I’m doing. Just trying not to drown.”

“I think we’re all in some form of mourning.”

“Is--” she pops her lips closed. Looks down.

I don’t push. I already feel bad for how far I’ve dug. A small silence creeps over us, making my neck prickle. 

Skye swirls her glass, wine looping around the bowl as her voice lilts into a song: “Let me go, Master I hate you so…”

“How can I sleep my nights when my whole being cries…” I say the next lyrics with more gusto than she did. 

Sonata Artica. Wolf and Raven. 

The song harkens me back to the time we went to a power metal concert together. Ren and Sasha tolerate my wild music. Skye gets it. 

She smiles at me, and it’s easy. Comfortable. I feel the earlier tension lift, and it’s like before. Before the breakup. 

We chat a bit more and then I put on a movie. It’s one we’ve seen a million times with Sasha and Ren: The Gamers, Dorkness Rising. A fucking classic.

Skye falls asleep during the movie. I’m kind of grateful because I’m exhausted. I feel in a stupor, the alcohol and illness swelling around me like the heedy grasp of an ocean wave. I can practically feel the internal gunfire of my immune system at war.

I cover Skye with a fuzzy blanket and head to bed. My body barely hits the mattress before I zonk out.

The next morning, I can’t breathe through my nose. Already? Ugh. My face is playing a drumbeat with my sinuses. I feel swollen, clogged. I honestly prefer my sneezing fits to this.  

Skye’s still asleep. I’d love a shower. The steam would break up my congestion and chase away this chill.

Ugh. I can’t resist. I sneak into the bathroom and throw on the hot water.

The shower feels great. Halfway through, my nose clears. Just snnnkk--suddenly the pressure vanishes and I can breathe. But that comes with it’s own problems in the form of an intense fit.

“HI-D’shh-ikh! Hiek-NGSHH!!” They're big too. Spine-bending harsh. “Kt’IESHH!! HNGSHH-ieu!!” I find myself stumbling from the weight of them, bold and harsh and so wet I can’t tell the difference between my spray and the rain from the showerhead.

I feel better though. I step out and wrap myself in a fluffy pink towel. Yeah, trans guys can like pink. Eat shit, gender stereotypes. I’m busting up two at once.

As I’m exiting the bathroom, squishing down another fit with my fist grinding my nose, I bump into Skye. 

“Oh, sorr--” I stammer at the look on her face. She’s wide-eyed, mouth agape, as if she caught me doing something obscene. 

Now, I know I look good. I exercise. I eat healthy. I take care of my skin. But I don’t look that good. Jaw-dropping good. I am sick after all, and I feel extra goopy. And a little…”Hhh…” itchy.

Before I can speak, I feel my lower lip shiver, and I know I have that dopey look on my face. You know the one--right before a sneeze. And my face just fucking…lingers like that, because I can’t…”Hhh-!” seem “ehhggh…” to fucking “ihhhhh-h-h!” sneeze!

I swat at my nose. I feel my towel slip down below my collarbone and I snag it quickly. I faintly hear Skye say something like “Jesus fucking--” but at that moment the sneeze peaks and I finally “HhhgSHKK!” Get “Hd’TSHH-ekg…” Relief. “Ah-Hshhh-IEU!!” 

I feel dizzy. I blink blearily at Skye who is bright pink in the face and neck, her fingers smushed against her round cheeks like she just witnessed a horror show.

“Oh!” she squeaks and spins to scurry off into the other room.

Fuck. Did she see my scars? Did she put two and two together? Did I just royally freak her out??

Heat crawls up my chest, my neck. I bustle myself into my bedroom, intending to get dressed, but when I approach my dresser, I just…can’t. A fugue of depression and fatigue latches onto me. My face throbs and a raw, ratty cough snickers through me.

Gods, what a miserable fucking day.

I flop onto my bed, still naked and wrap myself in the cool TARDIS blue sheets. It feels so good. I could lay here all fucking day. Clean, safe, cozy…

Before I know it, I'm weeping. Silent but (sloppy). Coughing and sneezing welly and forcefully as I try to reign in my body wrenching sobs to keep them silent. 

I exhaust myself, head dizzy and foggy, like I'm drifting in congestive clouds. My eyelids feel heavy, (lashes wet quote). I'm so fucking tired. 

I wake up feeling like my head is surrounded by cotton. I don’t know what time it is. But there’s a warm bowl of my soup on my bedside table, paired with aspirin and orange juice. A scrawled note is next to them.

Leo,

Get better. I mean it. Text me soon. “I was never meant to lead but to follow. We are like double shining shooting star! Unheard of things in earthly radar!!”

-S

Heh. Excalion. The Wingman. I’m surprised she’s heard that song.

She didn’t ditch me. If she knows my secret, she’s obviously okay with it. That relaxes me. I grab my phone from my desk and text back: “I could speed up and soar too high! A dying star would light the sky!”

I can’t blame her for leaving. I wasn’t necessarily guest-friendly today. Still, I hope I see her again soon. I hope we all do.

Leo's Bean Soup Recipe:

1 large Ham bone (ham meat optional)

2 Rutabaga (instead of potatoes)

1 onion (yellow or white)

1 pkg baby bella mushrooms (sliced)

12 bean soup (1 pkg)

Garlic  (3-5 cloves)

Onion powder

Cumin

Rosemary

Salt/Pepper

Fill crockpot with water. Slice up the rutabagas into cubes, dice the onion, slice the mushrooms into thirds, dice the garlic. Throw everything into the crockpot and fill with water. Add seasonings to taste. Cook for 6 hours. Shred the ham meat if used, and then enjoy with your sick friends.