Chunky | 16+ |
Relationship(s): Lisa Simpson/Nelson Muntz; Bart Simpson & Milhouse Van Houten
Character(s): Lisa Simpson; Nelson Muntz; Bart Simpson; Milhouse Van Houten; Marge Simpson (Mentioned)
Word Count: 3020
Summary: She was already upset and she didn’t want to deal with Milhouse or Bart’s fake, pleading, apologies. It would only make it worse. She took a deep breath before trying to level her voice. “Look, if you are here to make some half-assed apology, I don’t wanna hear it.” She bit out.
“Sweetheart, I don’t think I’m the one who owes you an apology but I can try.” She recognized the deep voice of who’s before her. Her head snapped up to see a very concerned Nelson Muntz. “Why’d you leave the party, Lis?”
CW: Friends to Lovers; but just the friends part; tension; Body Shaming; Body Dysphoria; Hurt/Comfort; Alcohol; Implied/Referenced Underage Drinking; Forest Parties; Breakdowns; I’m writing this to cope; Happy Ending; No Beta we die like Maude Flanders
A/N: Nelson is 18 and Lisa is 17, they are just friends because I like me some tension. The party is Milhouse’s Birthday party in Barthood (S27 E9) and the ‘chunky’ is a reference to Lisa’s Belly (S33 E5)
Read on AO3 here.
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It was a lot for her to be here, a party. The pulsing and flashing lights, the music with bass she could feel rattling her lungs. She thought she could escape at the snack table, maybe avoid awkward conversation. But just as she reached for some pizza she was met with Milhouse and Bart across from her.
“You sure you wanna eat that Lis.” Milhouse gibed. “You’re getting a bit…chunky.” Bart started howling with laughter, looking like he was about to fall over.
Lisa frowned and wrapped her arms around her stomach. “Why would you say that? What makes that so funny?” Her body felt like it was trying to fold in on itself.
“It’s just a joke, babe. It doesn’t mean anything.” Milhouse crossed his arms and straightened himself.
Bart took a sip from a red solo cup and based on the strong smell, she didn’t wanna know what concoction was in there. “Yeah Lis, you gotta stop taking everything so seriously, jeez.”
Those comments only upset her more. “I don’t care if you didn’t mean it! Why would you think that’s okay to say!” Tears pricked her eyes. “And don’t call me ‘babe.’ No one who wants someone to be their babe would say something that insulting!”
She went to walk past when Milhouse grabbed her arm, his breath heavy with the scent of alcohol. “C’mon Lisa. You know I wouldn’t-”
“And yet you did.” She brushed him off.
Lisa ignored their calls after her as she walked further into the brush, going until the party music could barely be heard and the disco lights only left a faint illumination on the ground. She took a large, labored breath as the tears began to trickle out, the cold air a relief to her senses. She nearly collapsed against a tree, sinking into the roots at its base. She felt the twigs and leaves through her, now ruined, fuchsia dress.
She buried her face in her arms and let a sob rip through her. She knows she shouldn’t let it get to her but she can’t help it, it made her feel doubt and guilt that maybe it was her fault. Maybe if she had watched what she ate more, they wouldn’t have said anything. That thought only made her cry more. Her head was resting on her knees and her hands wrapped around her stomach, clutching it tight and when she felt the tears fall onto her arms she only held herself tighter.
She heard the crunching of leaves as someone walked towards her, their footsteps heavy. She was already upset and she didn’t want to deal with Milhouse or Bart’s fake, pleading, apologies. It would only make it worse. She took a deep breath before trying to level her voice. “Look, if you’re here to make some half-assed apology, I don’t wanna hear it.” She bit out.
“Sweetheart, I don’t think I’m the one who owes you an apology but I can try.” She recognized the deep voice of who’s before her. Her head snapped up to see a very concerned Nelson Muntz. “Why’d you leave the party, Lis?” He stepped closer and got down on his knee.
She turned away, trying to look anywhere but him so he wouldn’t see her tears. “Lisa…” He reached out to her but she shuffled away.
“I don’t wanna talk about it Nelson.” She murmured.
Nelson sighed, turning and pushing his back up against the tree next to her, their knees bumping. “Then I’ll sit here until you do.”
“No, Nelson, please. It’s really not that big of a deal. I’ll be fine.” She finally turned to look at him, hoping he would just listen and leave but that was a mistake. She saw his face, riddled with worry and cast in the dancing rainbow of lights from the party.
“Oh Lis…” He reached out hesitantly, when she didn’t flinch away he ran his thumb across her cheek, wiping away her stray tears. She tried to look anywhere and everywhere but his eyes. “You don’t have to tell me anything, sweetheart, you know that.” He took his hand that had wiped her tears and wrapped it around behind her. “Just…let it all out into me and not the tree.”
Lisa wanted to argue but in that moment something rose in her chest and she hiccuped out another sob as tears started to flow. Something about the way Nelson was treating her after what had just happened made her feel even more upset. His unconditional care for her. She didn’t even know if she deserved this because what if they were right, what if she was chunky.
Nelson didn’t try to rub her back when she cried, he just let his arm lay behind her so she would know she was safe with him. She leaned into him, inhaling the smell of smoke and fire that was coming off his vest. She glanced up to see him watching her with soft eyes and he spoke with an even softer tone. “What do you need, Lis?”
That made her break, she wanted to tell him everything. “Nelson-” Her voice cracked and she began to cry even more. His hand came to hold her lower back, the warmth spreading through her. “Nelson I-” She didn’t know what to say or even explain. She kept stumbling and hiccuping through the words, only getting more upset when she couldn’t speak.
He watched her intently. “Take your time, Lis.” He took a big breath in and out. “Breathe with me.” She nodded and took a deep breath in with him. At first it was a little difficult, her body shakily breathing and stabilizing in sync with his. He gently squeezed her hip and gave her a smile. “There you go, Lis. Look at you.”
Nelson had the most contagious smile, she couldn’t help her lips quirking upward a bit. “Take your time, sweetheart. Whenever you feel ready.”
She nodded and turned away, already feeling the tears coming back. She rested her head on her knees and took the last inhales of the cold night air. “Milhouse…Milhouse said I was chunky.” Lisa’s voice was barely a whisper. “And Bart laughed.” Now it was a murmur.
Nelson didn’t say anything, for a moment she thought he didn’t hear her until she looked back at him. His mouth was slightly agape, his brown eyes large. He opens and closes his mouth a few times, unsure of what to say. “He said you were what?” He finally got out, his voice tense.
She didn’t say anything and looked away again into the darkness, she knew he’d heard her.
“Lisa…” His tone was unsure. “Tell me I didn’t just hear you say that.” She didn’t answer. “Lis..” His hand on her hip tightened and his voice got louder. “I’m gonna-”
“Don’t do anything, Nelson.” Her voice was just above a whisper. “It’s fine.” She could feel her body shaking with every breath. “It’s silly to get upset over something so small.” That lie was meant to calm her down, not him.
“No-” He took a heavy sigh. “No Lis, it’s not silly to get upset over something like that. He insulted you.”
“He was drunk.” She said flatly
“Drunk or not, that’s not okay Lis.” He ran a hand through his hair. “And- and you said Bart laughed?”
She nodded.
Nelson spoke through gritted teeth. “That bastard! I swear-”
“I said it was fine Nelson.” Lisa’s voice was sharp and assertive. “I don’t need someone to stick up for me”
“Sweetheart, I know you don’t.” She could still hear the anger in his voice even though he was trying to be soft. “I just don’t like it when those dinguses are mean to someone like you.”
“I know, Nelson.” She looks over at him through the corner of her eyes. “I usually don’t mind your protective streak but…I feel like this is my fault.”
Nelson scoffs. “No Lis, none of this is your fault, they’re just being drunk assholes.”
“But-”
“No buts Lis, you’re beautiful. None of this is on you.” Nelson moved to hold her chin, making her look him directly in the eyes for the first time that evening. “Trust me sweetheart, I would know.” He chuckled and it made her smile but then something unpleasant crossed her mind.
Lisa’s smile fell and she hesitated as she chose her next words carefully. “Well what if I had just watched my weight…” Tears started to blur her vision and clot in her lashes. “I don’t know. I feel guilty for being self conscious because I’m not chunky. Does me being upset for no reason take away from the people who could actually be considered ‘chunky’ being upset? Should I’ve been more careful about what I ate? Downloaded one of those apps…” She trails off. “Or is all that silly too?”
“No, no, no. None of your feelings could ever be silly, Lis.” He gripped her chin tightly and used his thumb to swipe the tears off her face. “And don’t you ever think otherwise.”
She hummed and gave a bittersweet smile. “I won’t.” When his hand dropped her chin she turned back to rest her chin on her knees again. She could sense him still watching her and with a quick glimpse she could see his worried expression. “I’m gonna sit here a bit longer.” She wanted to give him an out.
“Okay. We’ll head back when you’re ready.” He didn’t take it.
They sat in silence, the faint sounds of music and the pulsing lights at their feet being the only things disturbing their serene environment. It felt nice to just sit like this with him, nicer than it felt just sitting alone. There was something about Nelson that made her feel safe, that made her feel like she could tell him anything. Something that made her tears stop flowing and her heart flutter.
“Thank you Nelson.” She muttered and looked over at him. “For everything.”
He gave her that same, contagious smile. “Anything for you Lis.” He then pushed himself into a crouching position and dusted his knees as he stood. “Ready to head back?” Nelson offered his hand to her. She reached up but stopped. “We can just leave, sweetheart. I’ll drive you home.” She took his hand and let herself be pulled up. He did it almost effortlessly.
She reached around to wipe the dirt off the back of her dress and Nelson took off his vest. “Here you go, Lis. Can’t have a pretty girl like you getting cold.” He winked at her.
The preposterousness of it made her giggle. “There’s that pretty smile.” She could hear the grin on his face. “Now, can I?” He gestured to his hand hovering next to her hip.
She nodded and then he did too, holding her hip as they began to walk back towards the pulsing lights. She wanted to talk more, but she didn’t want to ruin the comfortable silence between them. Now that her mind was cleared she wanted to know how he knew where she’d gone or how he’d known she’d even left. But before she could say anything, it got louder and louder as they reached the edge of the party. She clutched the vest tighter around herself, in some semblance of hiding from the people she was about to be surrounded by. Nelson pressed her into his side, sensing her urge to hide.
They stuck around the edges of the grassy clearing, trying not to be seen but it was short lived when she heard her name shouted. She looked over to see Bart stumbling over his own feet as Milhouse followed behind him.
“Lis, Lisa.” Bart slurred. “We-we’re- we’re sorry you got so offended by what we said.”
She crossed her arms and looked at him. “Oh, so it’s my fault?” She raised her brow.
“No no no-” Bart was cut off by Milhouse.
“You’re overreacting, Lis. We said it was just a joke.” Milhouse took a sip from the drink in his hand. “You’re such a prude. Come on…” He shakes the cup at her. “Have a drink with us, loosen up. You need it.”
She rolled her eyes “No I will not ‘loosen up’ because y’know what, I’m sick of this.” She raised her voice. “I’m sick of you thinking you can say whatever you want to me and walk away with no repercussions.”
“Lisa what are you-” Milhouse started but she flipped the cup he was holding from his hands, spilling it all over his clothes. “Hey!”
“And you!” She turned on Bart who held up his hands in feigned innocence. “Wait till I tell mom about what you said!”
“Woah! Hey Lis, let's talk about this!” He started to walk towards her. “You don’t have to tell her.”
“You heard the lady.” Nelson put hand against Bart’s chest to stop him from coming any closer. “She’s being generous by just doing that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bart crossed his arms.
“I mean Simpson, if I had it my way, you’d already be laid out on the ground.” Nelson shot back. “So I’d watch your tone.”
Milhouse scoffed. “Are you really gonna let him say that to us, Lisa?”
“I could say a lot worse.” She said through gritted teeth. “You’re pathetic.” She looked him and her brother up and down. “Both of you.” Milhouse almost lunged at both her and Nelson. Bart held him back and Nelson tried to pull Lisa behind him.
She tried to tune out Bart’s efforts to drag Milhouse away, watching their struggle for power. “Nelson.” His head snapped to look at her and she could see the way his eyes softened just looking at her. How the anger seeped out and all that was left was something like an unmistakable look of love. “Let’s leave.”
He nodded and looked back at her brother who was attempting to wrangle his drunk friend before nodding. “Yeah…let’s go Lis.”
In a rare occurrence, as Nelson guided her towards the lot, Lisa held up her middle finger. She could hear the hollering start and it gave her a good sense of satisfaction. When she looked towards Nelson she could see him shaking his head with a smirk painted on his face.
As they approached the lot, she could see Nelson had driven his truck tonight which would mean she wouldn’t have to worry about her dress riding up on his bike. He opens the door for her like the gentleman he tried to be around her. “Lisa.”
“Nelson.” She smiled before trying to get into the cab of the truck but she could barely get her foot onto the step. Nelson grabs her hips, causing her to yelp as he puts her in the passenger seat. He effortlessly puts a foot on the step she couldn’t reach and pulls himself up to grab her seatbelt. “Wait Nelson-” The seatbelt clicks before she can even finish and he’s already back on the ground.
“I said anything, Lis.” He winked and shut the door before she could retaliate. She sat there and held her hands in her lap, lips pursed and cheeks red.
“I can buckle my own seatbelt.” She mumbled as he climbed into the driver's seat and buckled his seatbelt.
He chucked again. “I know you can, sweetheart.” He turns on the car. “But you heard me.” He places one hand on the back of her seat as he backs up.
When he straightens out the car he places a hand on her knee, his one hand on the wheel was gripped tightly, his knuckles white. She wanted to ask why but she didn’t and the drive to Evergreen Terrace was heavy with silence.
When he parked in front of the light terracotta house, she tried to find what to say that wouldn’t make herself feel awkward. She heard him turn off the engine and looks at the house then back at Nelson. “Thank you, Nelson. I- If there’s anything I can do for you-”
“Don’t Lisa.” Nelson held up his hand and gave her a toothy grin. “I don’t need anything from you. All I ask is that when something like this happens, you call me, okay?”
Lisa really wanted to retaliate, invite him in or something similar. She’d taken so much yet gave so little but she knew if she tried, he wouldn't let her get out a single word. “Okay.” She nodded.
“There’s my girl.” Her cheeks flushed. He turned back and his hand on the wheel gripped it a little harder, knuckles seemingly going more pale. His hand on her knee gave a squeeze. “You better get inside Lis. I think I see your mom’s hair in the living room window.”
She turned around to look at the house again and she saw her mom’s beehive hair duck back behind the curtain. “I guess I should.” She really didn’t want to but she had too. She started to shrug the vest off her shoulders when he stopped her.
“Keep it.” He pulled it back up on her shoulders. “Gives me an excuse to see you again.”
She feels the pink on her cheeks spread to her temples and ears. “Okay.” Her voice is quiet. She closes her eyes as she slides slowly out of the car, landing with a thump, and turning back to shut the door. She turns and stretches on her tip-toes to rest her chin on the rolled down window. “Goodnight Nelson.”
She hears him take in a sharp inhale. “Goodnight sweetheart.”
Lisa turns and walks across the lawn towards her front door. She feels him watching her and her hands fumble with her keys. When she finally unlocks the door, she turns and gives him one final wave, though the odds of him seeing it are slim. The second she steps inside and the door is closed, she leans back against it and listens to the final rumbles of his truck as it drives away. She wished she’d asked him to stay.