Quick rundown of who I am!
Pengu/Lio ~ 24 ~ non-binary ~ any pronouns
I'll be posting one-shots, random fic idea's and shorts of the stories I've already written.
Do NOT feed my writing to AI.
These stories has all been made by me, genuine and with care.
If you are interested, you can find me on Ao3 over here.
I love to write hurt/comfort, found family, angst, fluff and some smut here and there. I am open to writing reader x character and character x character fics.
Tell me about what POV you want, which pairings (x and/or &) and what you want to see in the fic!
I'm also always open to talk about topics that appear in my stories.
I take requests at the moment for:
Witch Hat Atelier
- Qifrey (platonic and romantic)
- Olruggio (platonic and romantic)
Coral Island
- Raj
If you also want to follow me on my other account for more/different content: go over here!
Please respect that I do not write things I am uncomfortable with. This mostly includes certain kinks or extreme gore.
Chapter 43
Words: 2,943
Tags: Qifrey x gn!Reader x Olruggio, Modern AU, swimming, trauma, basically exposure therapy, use of (name), not beta read, English isn't my first language, GN!reader, slowburn, fluff, hurt/comfort.
Synopsis: More scenes as a few weeks pass by
Masterlist - Previous Chapter
Author's note: I'm on holiday again, but the internet here is SH** soooo yeah.... hope this upload went alright.... :')
~~~
(Name) opens the front door to their apartment and runs in, quickly kicking off their shoes.
"Olly! Olly! Olly!"
Qifrey chuckles at their antics, as they loudly call out to their other parter. The closes the door behind him, a hand pushing through his damp hair from his swimming class.
The instructor swings the door to the shared bedroom further open.
The artist looks like he just had a heart attack.
"What- the- fuck-"
"Qifrey, get over here, tell him what you did today"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming"
(Name) runs out the bedroom again, grabbing the professor by his arm and pulling him further into the apartment.
Olruggio looks at both his partners expectantly, having put his sketch pad on his lap.
The swimming instructor stands proudly beside Qifrey, who blushes.
"Uhm… I managed to swim a whole lane in the deep pool… while wearing clothing".
(Name) whoops.
"You did?!" Olruggio brightens up too "That's amazing, love. Well done".
Qifrey scratches the back of his head, smiling bashfully.
With both his arms reaching out for Qifrey, Olruggio motions him to step closer. He does, and is pulled down to sit on the egde of the bed.
(Name) watches fondly how they share a tender kiss, and how Olruggio kisses Qifrey's cheek for good measure when he pulls away. They turn to put both their own and Qifrey's wet items in the bathroom to dry.
"And where do you think you're going?" Olruggio's voice comes from the bed.
Stopping, they look back.
"What?"
He gestures with a finger for them to get next to him, eyes going up and down the shape of their body. With the same hand, he grabs the front of their shirt and pulls them down for a kiss.
"I'm very proud of you both, I wish I could've been there to see it".
"You can watch when Qifrey's going for his exam" (Name) says with warmed cheeks.
"Right" Olruggio says, tilting his head "When's that going to happen?"
"Not too long from now, but I want to be sure that he's indeed ready for it".
Qifrey is still smiling softly, but there's something in his eyes that makes (Name) ask if he's alright.
He thinks for a moment, his eye moving around the room, before meeting their gaze.
"Thinking back on everything… basically. How I ended up at this point. Because for some reason I'm also… in a strange way… thankful of what has happened".
(Name) decides to listen, letting him speak his mind. This was not something they predicted at all.
"After telling you both about my youth, something I can barely remember but still shaped me into the person I am right now. It has made me think a little more about who I am and the choices that I make and why I'm here. And then in some kind of… twisted way… I'm also grateful or maybe relieved, because if what happened didn't, I probably wouldn't have met you" he rambles on "And I wouldn't change that for the world".
Qifrey tilts his head, looking down at his hands in his lap "So, now that I think about it. Even though it's difficult sometimes, and I still have a lot to process and work on. I'm slowly getting better, which was the original goal when Olly and I started going to Sportsworld a year ago".
(Name) smiles.
"That's true".
"I've already said it over a hundred times already, maybe even five hundred, or thousand but-" Qifrey shrugs "Thank you".
Their cheeks turn red and they nod.
"I'm proud of you. And I'm also grateful that I got to meet you both".
Leaning down, (Name) presses their lips against Qifrey's. It's a lingering kiss, not a peck but not a deep kiss either. When they pull back again, they can see Qifrey opening his eye and simply staring at them for a moment.
They then move over to Olruggio, who has been watching both his partners silently. He's already smiling when (Name) leans in to kiss him too.
Satisfied, and they step back.
But it's foolish of them to think they can just walk away like that.
Qifrey manages to grab their wrist in time and pull them back.
"I have to hang our clothes, darling" they say fondly, gently tugging their wrist back.
And then he pouts, it's really small, but it's there.
It makes them melt on the spot, but they are still able to pull away.
"I'll be back in a moment".
They take out all of the clothes that they put in a seperate plastic bag and begin to hang it in the bathroom.
But then Qifrey walks in too, turning to the sink and opening his drawer.
(Name)'s soon done with cleaning up and then preps to go to bed too, standing beside the professor as he cleans his face and brushes his teeth.
They bump their hip against his, grinning playfully.
Using the reflection of the mirror, he looks at them and bumps his hip against theirs in return.
"Ahm pwoud ob yu" (Name) says around their toothbrush, and trying not to drool.
Qifrey snorts.
"Wa?"
"Ahm… pwoud" the swimming instructor pokes him "Ob… you"
Because of the poking, Qifrey jolts away and quickly bends over the sink. He spits out the toothpaste, laughing.
"Hey!"
His laughter triggers their as well, and (Name) shoves him to get to the sink too.
Qifrey lets them flush their mouth with water first as he turns on the faucet, and then bends down to do it himself.
(Name) moves into the bedroom again, not yet running, but definitely going faster than normal.
Olruggio glances over at them, but then diverts his gaze again to give them a bit of privacy as they begin to change into their sleepwear.
Then Qifrey enters, walking past and poking them in the side in return, making them yelp.
He chuckles, but then goes to change out of his clothes too.
Walking over to the bed, (Name) moves their attention to Olruggio, who is still quietly sketching on the bed.
"What are you drawing? Can I look?"
"Yeah"
He pats the mattress beside him and (Name) takes it as an opportunity to drop beside him. Together, they begin to talk about his art.
Qifrey also sits down, leaning into Olruggio's other side.
It's a perfect way to wind down after a long day of work and other obligations.
~ ~~~ ~
Olruggio has gotten a cast that the can walk around with. The big black shoe that comes along with it isn't the most flattering, but it's a good sign of progress. It's recommended to start slowly, using one crutch to avoid having his full weight on his ankle. It's just the start of getting more mobile. When he sits down though, the doctors told him to still raise his leg.
When making the appointment, it turned out it would be at the end of the day. So, after finishing up at the hospital, they make their way over to the Atelier to pick Qifrey up and go home together.
They go up with the elevator, and make their way over to Qifrey's office.
The door is open, and their voices are already heard in the hallway.
"Can you see this?" Tetia asks.
"He's not completely blind, Tetia" Agott tells her.
"I know! But I just wanted to ask!"
Qifrey's calm voice flows in between.
"Asking is never a wrong thing to do. But yes, Tetia, I can see it. I'm unsure of the colour though".
"This is green".
"Aha" he mumbles.
That's the moment (Name) steps into the doorway.
Qifrey looks up, face lighting up, seeing Olruggio appear a moment later.
The girls notice the demeanor of their professor changing, and turn their heads to the door.
"Professor Olly! Professor (Name)!"
(Name) chuckles.
"Hi girls, it's great to see you again. We thought we'd visit and pick up your teacher while at it"
Coco is the first one that managed to stand up and cross the room. She wraps her arms around (Name)'s waist and hugs them. They reciprocate the moment they feel her arms wrap around them.
"How did the appointment go, my dear?" Qifrey asks Olruggio.
The artist walks into the room, showing off his boot.
"That's a very ugly shoe" Tetia mumbles.
Richeh tilts her head while looking at it.
"Are you allowed to walk now?"
"Yes, this is specially made so I can practice walking again. New cast, new shoe. So this will be the last stage before the cast is fully removed".
"The shoe is very ugly" Tetia repeats "Can't they make it better? Wait!"
She stands up, running over to him "Can we draw on your cast again?"
(Name) and Coco walk back into the room, looking at Olruggio's right foot.
The artist looks over to the professor, who shrugs.
"Sure, you can draw on it, but don't take too long. Dinner will be served soon, and we also have to get home" Olruggio answers.
Just like a few weeks ago, the four girls squabble around his cast. They write down their names, draw little doodles next to it, and then hand the pen over to the next person that needs it. Then, after hugs and goodbyes, they make their way out of the office.
Qifrey stands up from leaning against his desk and starts to pack his back.
"How was your day?" (Name) asks.
"It was alright… I uhm… I also told the girls about my eyesight" Qifrey says, fidgeting with his hands "I thought it would be smart, because they'll notice it soon enough. Avoiding it will only cause trouble, I learned that the hard way".
The swimming instructor watches him fondly. Despite all the drama, the three of them now begin to look back on it as a lesson they had to learn. It's not just a fight and discussion that they had, but something that brought them closer together.
Olruggio is sitting on the chair at Qifrey's desk, where Agott had put him before the girls started to draw on his cast.
"How did they react?"
"Concerned, of course. But they did give me a chance to explain myself before asking questions, they're getting better at that" he says, his smile returning to his face.
"I heard you all talk in the hallway" (Name) says "and based on the pencils and papers on the table, I'm guessing you were colouring with them?"
"They wanted to check what kind of colours I could still see".
Qifrey shakes his head.
"That's why I always buy pencils and markers that had the colours written on the sides. I've already been adapting quietly".
"But how do you do it with your clothes?" the artist continues to ask.
"I bought them when I could see the colours better, and I can now remember what piece of clothing looks like. But now I barely buy anything new, because I don't want to walk around in… bright orange sweaters or something like that".
(Name) chuckles softly "That would be something. Neon pink would probably look lovely on you, I'm sure".
The professor glares at them playfully.
Then they realise something "Hold on- I have an idea. How about we go shopping sometime? And we'll tell you the colours of the items you pick".
Qifrey turns a little shy "We… we really don't have to. I have enough clothes".
"They're getting old, love" Olruggio says, shaking his head "You should get some new stuff, it'll make you feel nice too".
He then seems to think for a moment, looking around on Qifrey's desk. Pens, post-it's, papers, markers, lists, a little magnifying glass. His blue eyes then flicker back up.
"And then we also buy a little lable maker, and then we can tag your clothes".
(Name) nods, enthusiastic.
"Yes, that's smart! We can make it a little date".
Bashful, Qifrey gives in.
"Alright, alright".
~ ~~~ ~
"See you later" (Name) tells Qifrey as he walks into the shower area.
He's managed to jump into the pool with the clothes on. After taking it all off again, they swam a couple lanes and worked on his confidence and building up stamina. Now, he'll wait in the cafetaria just like last time.
"So… that's your boyfriend?" their collegue, Bennett, asks.
They turn and see him standing beside them with a cheeky grin.
"Y-yeah" they answer.
"I thought he had with someone else? That guy that sometimes waits for him in the shower" he says "Or- or is that something I shouldn't talk about? He probably doesn't know, does he?"
(Name) barely gets a moment to answer.
"N-no he-"
"Does your client pay in a different way for these classes? You know?" Bennett asks, making an inappropriate movement with his hips.
Their eyebrows twitch into a frown, cheeks turning red.
"NO! Who do you think I am?!"
"Wow, didn't know you'd get angry about it".
Bennett is only a couple years younger than (Name), but there's a big difference between them. He's drinking often, partying and running after girls. He can be fun to talk with, but he blurts out whatever he wants to say, without any tact or thought behind it.
The usual lifeguard, Do, isn't here today. And (Name) misses her dearly in this moment.
They turn to him "You're jumping to conclusions. I'm in a polyamorous relationship. Qifrey is my boyfriend, and Olruggio is too".
Bennett nods "Ah… so you… like… find other people to have gang bangs or something?"
"No, Bennett. We don't. Now go and start cleaning please, so we can go home soon".
He looks (Name) up and down, shrugs, and then leaves. There's still a grin plastered on his face.
The rest of the hour goes slow, (Name) feeling heated and irritated by their collegue's comments.
Is that what people think of polyamory? Is that how shallow they view it?
Sure, they were unaware at some point in their life too, but they never assumed such things.
Their cheeks turn red when they think about it, not because of the usual reason of being flustered, but because they're anxious and frustrated. Probably even angry.
Whenever people saw them around, did they really think that either three of them would just… go ahead and have sex with anyone they'd meet?
When they're picking up Qifrey, he quickly catches onto their mood.
Inside the car, Qifrey asks about it, and (Name) tells him what happened after he had left the pool.
"Oh" he mumbles "I'm sorry, dear, that's not very nice".
They shake their head, putting the key in the engine and starting the car.
"I just want to go home".
He nods and the only sound during the ride is the car itself, and the radio playing in the background.
"You know… I'm almost disgusted by it" (Name) eventually says when they unlock the front door "That he thinks we just… approach random people".
"To be very honest, I'm also taken aback by how he defines polyamory but I can also understand that, if not given the proper explanation before, he hasn't gotten the chance to learn".
"I don't think he believes me though" they mumble "He thought we had sex together as payment, I refused it, but you know when someone has that look on their face that they don't believe you?"
He nods, looking worried.
"He had that face".
(Name) sighs.
The professor steps closer to them, his arms slowly wrapping around them.
Pressing their face against his touch, (Name) leans into it, finding comfort.
"No matter what others think, just remember that what we feel and know is right to us. We're not obligated to make sense to anyone but ourselves".
They nod against his shoulder, before pulling away.
"I know… but still… the opinion of others do stick, you know? I want to leave a good impression. Not the idea that I have sex with anyone I meet or as a form of payment".
"That's fair" Qifrey mumbles.
"Hey, you guys are back" Olruggio says, stepping out of his office.
Inside the apartment, he has ditched his crutches, so he walks a bit disbalanced.
"How did it go?"
"It was alright" Qifrey answers, smiling at his other partner.
The artist does notice the strange solemn energy in the living room. He glances between (Name) and Qifrey, looking a little confused.
Both teachers quickly explain what happened at the pool, and it makes Olruggio frown.
"That's rude. But if it helps, I had something similar happen too, right before you moved in with us".
Eyes wide, (Name) looks up.
"Our neighbour told me I shouldn't cheat and she'd tell Qifrey about what she'd seen. I had to explain to her that we're together. She didn't really understand, but let it go anyway".
It's the first time (Name) hears of this, and their hands turn into fists.
"People might not understand, but that gives them no right to be disrespectful to any of us" Qifrey states "Don't let their words get to you".
(Name) thinks for a moment, letting the words from their partners sink into their body and tumble around in ther mind.
The idea of people looking at them a certain way still worries them, but does that really influence anything that is important?
The swimming instructor takes a deep breath to calm themselves down.
"I know… I care too much about us than to let someone else break apart what we have together".
Olruggio grins, the corners of his eyes gaining little wrinkles.
Qifrey leans in to kiss the side of their head "Exactly".
Chapter 42
Words: 4,302
Tags: Qifrey x gn!Reader x Olruggio, Modern AU, swimming, trauma, basically exposure therapy, use of (name), not beta read, English isn't my first language, GN!reader, slowburn, fluff, hurt/comfort.
WARNING: smut at the end of the chapter, marked by the **** as usual!
Synopsis: A couple scenes as a few weeks pass by
Masterlist - Previous chapter
Author's note: I'm SO SORRY for taking so long- this week was something... so 99% of this was purely written for my own comfort :)
~~~
(Name) is on their back when they slowly wake up.
They open one eye and their head turns to the bedside table with the alarm clock to check the time.
They have 20 minutes before they have to get up.
Letting out a deep sigh, they roll over to their side.
Adjusting the blanket around them as they turn, they begin to softly smile as they register Olruggio's warmth beside them. They begin to shuffle towards him.
He's now almost forced to sleep on his back, making him snore more often.
It has happened several times that Qifrey moved to the other bedroom because of it. (Name) only giggles whenever that happens, easily forgiving the artist and staying beside him. But this time he's managed to stay relatively quiet.
When they glance at him, they see that he's awake too.
Immediately, they move to get even closer to him, seeking out his familiar and comforting touch. Just a little bit more rest before the day starts.
But then (Name) takes a better look at him.
He's staring at the ceiling with watery eyes, his expression a combination of fear and sadness.
Alarmed, the instructor props themselves up on one elbow.
"Olly?"
Qifrey is still sleeping on the other side, face pressed into the pillow, good eye hidden away.
He's startled by (Name), his eyes shifting over to them.
"It's me" they whisper, putting a hand on his chest.
Olruggio turns his head away, sniffling.
"I'm fine".
"You don't seem like it".
He lifts a hand to wipe at his face.
(Name) caresses his chest with their thumb, moving it gently back and forth.
"What's on your mind, darling?"
A pair of blue eyes take them in, before going back to the ceiling.
"I… uhm… I dreamed about it" he mumbles "The- the accident".
They nod, letting him talk.
"It was a strange copy. Started out the same, I was in the tram, listening to music as I was watching the traffic go by. But then after the car hit us, I suddenly… it was like I was transported into some different world. And I was searching for people in the smoke. It was incredibly hot, and my foot was broken there too so I couldn't move easily. But I just kept going, and I didn't know who I was looking for. But then I saw you- a-and I saw Qifrey- unconscious on the ground. And I tried to wake you both but there was barely any reaction. I was too… too-"
(Name) moves their hand to his face to catch a tear with their thumb.
"It was just a dream"
"It felt so real though… again… it always feels so realistic".
They press their lips into a thin line, thinking of what to say.
Of course it feels like a realistic experience, because he has been through it before. His body knows how it feels.
"It's your mind working through the experience, through the trauma. It's a way of processing" they tell him softly, wiping the other side of his face too.
He sniffles.
"Take a deep breath for me" (Name) says.
Doing so, he closes his eyes, letting more tears fall.
"That's it. You're safe. I'm here, Qifrey's here. Another deep breath?"
His chest moves up and down, a bit shaky.
They smile softly, watching him calm down as he takes another breath on his own "Good".
Moving back down, (Name) wraps their arm over his chest, laying on their side. Their chin rests on his shoulder, their nose near his ear.
"Don't lay there alone like that, Olly. Letting all those negative thoughts take over your mind. Remember that Qifrey and I are here for you".
"But how can you help?" he asks "These are my nightmares".
"We're no therapists, but we can listen to your worries. We can give you comfort when you need it, and want it. We want to do anything for you to feel at least a little bit better. Even if that's just holding you because that is the only thing you can handle in that moment".
Olruggio sniffles, taking in their words.
"Maybe…" he clears his throat "Maybe I should… look into a therapist".
"Yes, I think that can definitely help. If you feel like you're ready for that".
"I'll think about it".
(Name) nods, letting their fingers dance over his skin, caressing his arm and shoulder.
Silence washes over them for the few minutes (Name) has left, before they have to get ready for work.
Eventually their phone begins to buzz on the bedside table. They sit up, turn it off, and then bend over Olruggio, cupping his face.
"Thank you for talking to me" they whisper.
They press their lips to his cheek.
"Go cuddle up to Qifrey, yeah? I have to go".
"Good luck at work" he whispers back "See you later tonight".
"I love you".
Olruggio pulls them closer, his fingers sliding into their hair. They share a quick kiss, his beard scratching against (Name)'s skin.
"I love you too".
They slide out of bed, grabbing the set of clothes they already prepped the day before and walking towards the bathroom for a quick shower.
~ ~~~ ~
Qifrey's hand squeezes (Name)'s.
They're in the waiting room of the ophthalmology department. He just had his annual tests done to keep track of the progression of his Stargardt disease.
He wanted Olruggio there too, because Qifrey still feels sorry for leaving in the waiting room for years whenever he got results, too ashamed of himself. But the artist is picking up his work again, having to catch up with meetings that he had to miss. So only (Name) came along instead.
"Are you nervous?" (Name) asks.
He shrugs.
They glance at him, watching his pale eye move around, inspecting the floor and his shoes.
"Not necessarily of the results. I already know what I'm seeing anyway. But… mostly of you being there. And then having to share it with Olly too".
"I get that" they mumble "If you don't want me-"
"I do" Qifrey interrupts "I should let you into this part of my life too… I can't push you nor Olruggio away anymore. It-"
A doctor appears, the same lady that they've seen when they had to pick Qifrey up when he had a migraine. She calls him inside.
The doctor and Qifrey fall into a rhythm that (Name) tries to follow. The woman is very good at explaining it though, so it's not too bad.
The disease has indeed progressed, worsening his vision. His ability to see colours has taken a big step back. The doctor also confirms that the blind spot, that apparently has appeared in his field of vision and he had already suspected to have gotten bigger, has indeed done that.
"He has a blind spot?" (Name) asks.
"Yes, near the middle of his field of vision".
Qifrey fidgets, tugging at the ribbon around his wrist.
"Would you like to see the scan we did?" the doctor asks.
(Name) nods "Uhm… if that's alright, yeah".
He has never told them that there was literally a piece of his vision that's gone, but they can forgive him for it. This is a process they all have to work through.
The doctor clicks around on her computer.
"So what you'll see is a scan of the back of his eye. And what we're looking for is the discolourations. I'll turn my screen around".
She pushes the screen over for the pair to see.
It's a strange picture, and it's good that the woman already prepared them for the fact it's the back of Qifrey's eye. Otherwise they wouldn't have a clue what they're looking at.
"So those darker branch-like things are the veins. And do you see this? That's what influences his vision" the doctor continues.
(Name) hums, looking at what she's pointing out. They're little flecks, colouring in a different shade than the rest of the picture. In healthy eyes, the doctor says, it's all the same shade.
"I can also show a possible example of what he sees" the doctor says, turning her screen back and clicking around.
A moment later, the screen turns again.
There's a picture of a busy street, in full colour.
The doctor swings her mouse around the picture "So this is normal vision, like you and I see the world. But this is somewhat like how your boyfriend sees the world".
She clicks to the next picture.
Most of the colours have drained from the busy street, it's a little blurry, and a dark spot is near the center, blocking out a person that was visible before. It's small, but definitely there.
(Name) frowns, taking it all in.
"His vision is adjusted just slightly because of the prescription of his glasses, so it's not this blurry. If he takes it off though, it's probably a bit worse than this" the doctor explains.
They nod.
Qifrey shifts in his seat, grabbing his phone.
"Can… can I make a picture of it? For my other partner? He couldn't be here and… I want to share it with him too".
"Of course, go ahead".
The doctor opens all the pictures for him again, going one by one so he can make pictures.
She then continues on to giving tips, to use a magnifying glass to make it easier to see small prints, and to ask for help if possible. She also recommends looking into text-to-speech programs for his work, when he's unable to read large pieces of text.
And then they're on their way out of the hospital, towards the parking lot.
(Name) puts the key in the engine of their car, but doesn't start it yet.
They show him a tight lipped smile.
"It just… kind of kicked in right now. The realisation that you're slowly going blind, at least partially".
(Name) rests their hands on the lower part of the steering wheel.
"Seeing that picture, that there's a part of your vision that's just- it's black- it doesn't exist anymore. To hear about it, and see it, it breaks my heart".
"You don't have to be sad for me, dear".
"But I do" they say, eyebrows furrowed with worry "I do feel sad. Your work will become more difficult, daily life, everything. And you don't deserve that- out of everyone- after everything that you've already been through".
They tighten their grip on the steering wheel, and then turn their head to look at him.
"You… you won't be able so see people's faces anymore-"
"I know" Qifrey says, softly.
He is also tearing up, but he keeps his expression steady as he looks at (Name).
"There will be a day, somewhere in the future, where I won't be able to see your face anymore, or Olly's. Not like I do now, at least. We have no idea when that will be. It's very unpredictable. But that's why I don't want you to look sad, because I want to remember your smile".
Their heart breaks just a bit more.
(Name)'s lower lip trembles.
"Qifrey…"
They sniffle and look away to wipe at their eyes.
"Goddammit".
When they look back up again, they have a lopsided, watery smile on their face.
"You're a sappy idiot, do you know that?"
Qifrey chuckles softly "Well, I do now".
"Good, but I still love you anyway".
"I love you too".
The professor places a hand on their thigh.
"Thank you for coming along with me".
"Thank you for letting me" (Name) responds in turn, putting their hand on his.
Leaning over the gear shift, Qifrey presses a kiss to their cheek.
"Let's go home".
~ ~~~ ~
(Name) steps into the apartment after work, closes the front door, kicks off their shoes and opens the door to the living room.
Qifrey looks up from brushing the cat and smiles when they see them.
"Hi".
There's a mix of determination but also irritation and tension radiating from the swimming instructor. The lastest release from Brimmed in their hand.
"Where's our lovely partner?"
His eye goes wide, smile falling a little, taken aback by their energy.
"In his office, why-"
"OLRUGGIO!"
They turn and walk through the living room and into the hallway.
"Oh dear…"
They do keep in mind to knock, but they don't wait for his response before barging in as his door is ajar.
Inside the office, Olruggio is seated at his desk. They moved his setup a little bit off the wall, so he can stretch out his right leg underneath the desk and still work.
"You!"
(Name) points at the artist with the comic.
With big eyes, Olruggio watches them approach.
"What?"
Flipping the comic open, they open it on a specific page near the end.
The Watchful Eye is hanging on to the edge of a cliff, while his possible lover is trying to pull him up. They're discussing, but the Eye already decided that he would want to let go of the cliff. But if he does, he'll fall into a place known as the Forest of the Forgotten. It's where people linger who will slowly become crazy, and if they find their way out again, they won't ever be the same anymore, their lives forgotten like the trees are able to wipe their memories away.
"Are you kidding me?!"
Olruggio's eyes flicker over the page, a careful grin pulling on his lips.
"You leave me with this cliffhanger for another month?! He's going to drop himself, isn't he? There's no way he can get back up- and- DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!"
They close the comic and start to hit Olruggio with it on the shoulder. It's not too harsh, of course, but they do want to let it out.
Olruggio yelps.
"He'll forget everyone, everything! And you just had to rub in that the person he is finally, FINALLY opening up to has to just watch him fall into that doom".
They stop slapping him with the comic.
"I was on my break and I thought 'Oh wow, I got the comic from my incredible boyfriend, this is perfect way to enjoy my lunch' but then you made me tear up at work!"
(Name) then does one last slap against his stomach for good measure.
Meanwhile, the artist has been laughing more and more.
He's grinning up at (Name).
"Oh, but you love it though, I know you do otherwise you won't be reading my work several years".
They grin back at him, unable to keep up the facade of being angry at him, a blush spreading on their cheeks.
"How about a little pick-me-up? I got something you might like" Olruggio says, wrapping an arm around their hips to pull them closer.
"Did you finish another piece of art for the collector's artbook you're making?"
Olruggio hums softly, thoughtful.
"Better".
"Better?"
"Come on" he says, rolling away from his desk and patting his lap, making space for them to sit.
(Name) glances at it.
"You sure?"
He nods, so (Name) takes his word for it and carefully sits down on his lap. Moving around their body, he starts to open something from his documents. It opens, and a video starts to play.
The swimming instructor stares, jaw dropping as they see their favourite character move across the screen. Beautiful music plays in the background as the characters of the comic are introduced. Clips are shown from the very start of the story, (Name) instantly recognises it.
And then the announcement is made, the animated series Brimmed will be airing at the end of the year.
"Oh my- Olly that's- That's amazing!" they say, grabbing the mouse and replaying it.
They stare at the glympse of one of the first fight scenes, how the characters move. They take in the little mannerisms that are now moving around on a screen instead of being static on a page.
He presses the side of his face against their arm, with his own arms wrapped around their waist.
"Yeah, do you like it?"
They nod, quick and fast.
"The animation looks very good".
"Thank you, we worked pretty hard to stay close to the art of the comic itself, but also make it look good on screen and make it easy enough to animate".
(Name) shifts on his lap and bends to kiss his forehead "It's great, thank you for showing me. When are you guys going to make the announcement?"
"Soon, we just have to wait for a couple more people to check it" he says "But, is this good compensation for what I did earlier today?"
They chuckle, and act like they have to think about it for a while.
"Hmmm… I'm not sure".
Olruggio gives them a playful glare.
"Oi".
Chuckling, they lean down again, but kiss his lips instead.
"Thank you, Olly".
He smiles against their lips.
~ ~~~ ~
The soft light of Qifrey's laptop is the only thing illuminating the room when (Name) enters. They close the door of their shared bedroom behind them.
It's already close to midnight, but the professor is still working.
They already tried to get Olruggio along to go to bed, but he said he wanted to keep working. So now they have to convince their other partner.
(Name) changes into their pajamas, before crossing the room.
"Darling".
Qifrey hums as the instructor's hands rest on his shoulders.
"You promised to go to bed on time".
"What time is it?" he asks.
"Quarter before twelve".
His whole body freezes for merely a second at the realisation.
"Oh-".
(Name) grins when he leans back in his chair, and they let their hands slide down to his chest.
"I'm almost done, though" Qifrey says, gesturing at the screen "If I keep this up, I'll be done soon".
"But you said something else earlier tonight… something about wanting me close after a long workday?"
The man sighs, tilting his head to the left.
(Name) leans closer to take advantage of the extra space on his right, hand going lower down, feeling him through the fabric of his dress shirt.
He mumbles their name.
"Yes?"
"Please, let me finish this, and then I'll join you".
They hum a soft agreement. Meanwhile, their hand goes further down his torso. Before they can do anything though, Qifrey grabs their wrist.
"No… not yet".
(Name) presses their nose to his cheek.
"Qifrey".
"Just hold on for a few more minutes".
"Those are minutes I'd rather spend with you".
He sighs, a smile tugging on his lips.
"(Name)".
"Qifrey".
"My dear".
"Come on".
"No".
"Please".
"One more paragraph".
"One more excuse and I'm going to tear you away from that desk".
He chuckles.
"Are you now?"
"Don't laugh! You know I will"
He continues to giggle, eye locked onto the screen, hands hovering over the keyboard. That's the final drop that lets the bucket spill over.
(Name) grabs the back of his desk chair and drags him away.
He yelps, hands flailing around, socked feet dragging over the floor.
They stop when the chair is right beside the bed, steps around and stands in front of him.
"You don't get to tease me all day, telling me how much you want me"
They lean down, grabbing his thighs and lifting him out of the chair.
"And then refuse any of my own advancements-"
He's dropped onto the end of the bed, with (name) standing between his legs.
"Telling me to wait until you're done with work-"
(Name) takes in his flushed cheeks, and his dilated pupil. They lean closer to his face, noses brushing against each other.
"Because now, I need you, desperately".
A cheeky smile appears on his lips and he pulls his partner in for a kiss, arms wrapped around their neck.
(Name) sighs into it, hands sliding up the outside of his thighs.
****
Qifrey opens his mouth and brings (Name) along into a deeper kiss. His hands travel down, from the back of their head to their neck, sliding down to their chest.
The instructor moves in closer, clothed crotches pressing against each other.
When they break apart for air, (Name) begins to unbutton his shirt.
"I need you too" Qifrey says while catching his breath.
Because of the previous movement of falling backwards onto the bed, his hair has moved out of the way, revealing his right eye. It's slightly open, revealing the white of his prosthetic.
(Name) leans in to kiss the skin that they're revealing, button by botton, and they slowly kneel down. They feel Qifrey's legs lowering and spreading, as he realises where they are going towards.
The tent in his trousers is becoming more and more obvious, but they decide to leave it for a little while. When his shirt is fully undone, they move back up to kiss his lips once more. They let their fingers caress his torso, leaving goosebumps.
Softly humming into their mouth, one of Qifrey's hands cup the side of their face.
And then they let their hands go back down again. (Name) finds the button and pops it open, drags the zipper down and then tugs at the fabric.
Qifrey lifts his hips up for long enough so his trousers and underwear can be pulled down, and (Name) gently takes his erection in their hand.
When they glance up at their partner, they take a moment to take him in.
Hair already starting to become a mess, cheeks flushed red, and even his chest and ears are changing shades, pupil bigger than usual.
His pupil.
That blind spot he already has.
They wonder if he can see them look up at him, with fondness and love and care.
Determined, pushing away the negatively tinted thoughts, they bring their mouth to his cock. They stick their tongue out, licking the underside of him before wrapping their mouth around the tip.
The taste of him makes them hum. They pull back to lick their lips and then they go back down, taking his cock even further inside.
Qifrey has thrown his head back, moaning softly. His hand rests on their shoulder, but soon moves to the side of their head.
What they can't fit in is being held by their hand. The other one is caressing his thigh, feeling the muscles twitch as Qifrey tries not to thrust into their mouth.
"Is this okay?" (Name) asks when they pull off of him to catch their breath.
He nods, eye flicking back and forth between their face and the hand that's still gently pleasuring him.
"Please keep going".
They smile and swipe their tongue over the tip, and then begins to slowly take it in their mouth. They move their head, up and down, first slow and then picking up speed bit by bit.
Qifrey moans their name, and they suck a little as they pull off, take a breath, and then goes back down deeper than before. That action makes him make a sound that they guess was supposed to be their name again, but they take pride in the fact he's slowly becoming encoherent.
(Name) feels his fingers slowly dig into their hair.
"I- I- ah-" Qifrey takes a breath to try and steady himself "I can't hold- much longer".
Humming, the instructor keeps going.
"(Name)".
They use their tongue to stimulate him a little more, breathing through their nose so they can stay on him.
Qifrey taps their head.
"(Name), I'm gonna cum".
They hum again, looking up at their partner.
And that's enough.
His cock begins to pulsate and waves of cum begin to spill out.
Qifrey thrusts into their mouth in that moment, fingers gripping their hair, unable to hold his hips in place as (Name) works him through his climax.
They lick him clean, swallowing and sitting back on their haunches when his cock has gone soft. (Name) grins, catching their breath and swallowing a few more times because of the left over saliva and cum in their mouth.
****
The professor in front of them curses softly, pushing a hand through his hair, clearly hot from all the stimulation.
"Was that okay, darling?" (Name) asks.
He stares at them, almost shocked.
" 'okay' ? That was nowhere near okay, that was absolutely fucking wonderful"
(Name) chuckles.
"But… now I couldn't make you feel good too" he continues.
Qifrey reaches down, taking their hand in his and inviting them onto the bed.
"Just give me a couple minutes and then-"
"You made me feel very good" (Name) says, sitting down beside him.
He frowns softly, still worried.
"But-"
"I'm perfectly fine, Qifrey".
Not wanting to press any further, Qifrey sighs and cups their face "Then let me undress you, and then we can cuddle in bed".
And they let him.
He first takes off his own shirt, before inviting them further onto the bed. There, they lift their arms to let him take off their pyjama shirt. Almost immediately, his lips are on their skin. Neck, shoulders, chest. When their pants come off, his lips are on their thighs.
He asks permission to take off their underwear. It's completely unnecessary but it makes them feel incredibly appreciated and flattered anyway.
Minutes later, after being caressed, kissed and complimented until it leaves them completely flushed, Qifrey cuddles up to them from behind. His long limbs wrapping around their body, his face pressed into the crook of their neck to press just a few more kisses.
(Name) takes his hand from their chest and kisses his knuckles.
No words are needed, as he squeezes their hand in return, and kisses the nape of their neck.
Only a few minutes later, they fall asleep.
Luckily the document on Qifrey's laptop saved automatically.
Will we get jealous scene in swimming au 🥺 i kind of wanna read it.
Thanks for your ask!
I can definitely look into putting that in there, but if I do so, it would be very very mild. Olly, Qifrey and Reader would rather tease each other about it rather than actually get jealous and have a discussion about it, I feel like.
Chapter 41
Words: 3,031
Tags: Qifrey x gn!Reader x Olruggio, Modern AU, swimming, trauma, basically exposure therapy, use of (name), not beta read, English isn't my first language, GN!reader, slowburn, fluff, hurt/comfort.
Synopsis: A revelation, and the Qiflings visit the patient.
Masterlist - Previous chapter
~~~
"Can I offer you something to drink? Water? Coffee? A cup of tea?" Qifrey asks, hands fidgeting.
Barely five minutes ago, a detective and police officer arrived at the front door of their apartment. They are investigating the accident that happened a few days ago, and want to ask Olruggio some questions.
The artist became completely silent when he noticed them.
"I'd like a cup of coffee" The detective says, her long brown hair neatly tied up in a high ponytail. She's seated on the couch together with the police officer, who asks for water.
Olruggio is on the living room chair, with (Name) standing next to him, letting their thumb caress the nape of his neck.
Qifrey disappears into the kitchen to get everyone something to drink.
The detective turns to Olruggio.
"So, sir, how are you doing?"
"I'm alright".
"You must have gotten quite the shock, a couple days ago. I see you have a cast on your foot".
He nods.
Both the police officer and detective let a silence fall, giving space to let Olruggio speak, but nothing happens.
"As we already said before, we're here to investigate the accident you're involved in. You are one of the witnesses, so you have vital information for this case" the detective says "Would you like to talk here, somewhere else, or do you want people to leave the room?".
She glances at (Name), and then at Qifrey who comes back with the drinks. After he hands it out to everyone, he goes back to sit at the dining table, where he was preparing classes for the upcoming week.
"They can stay" Olruggio answers. His hand moves over to tug at the back of (Name)'s shirt. They sit down on the armrest of the chair, taking the hint.
The woman nods.
"If you have any other requests, please let us know" She pauses, before clicking her pen open above her notepad "So, can you describe to me what you were doing during the accident?".
Silence.
"Do you remember what happened?"
(Name) glances down at their partner.
Olruggio swallows, throat moving as he does.
"Yes… I do"
"Okay, can you tell us about it?"
Silence again.
"Were you with anyone? Your partner perhaps?"
"No, I wasn't there" (Name) says "Neither was Qifrey".
"Did he talk to either of you about the incident?"
(Name) shakes their head.
Qifrey does the same when the policeman and detective turn to look at him.
Another silence falls.
"Olly" (Name) mumbles softly, looking down at him "Can I… try to explain a little more to them? Give some context?"
A pair of deep blue eyes shift up to them. He looks almost helpless, dazed, but also stressed.
"Is that alright?" (Name) asks "Because I think that might help give them an idea of what's going on. I'm not going to go into detail, just a quick explanation".
He opens his mouth, but no sounds comes out. He shuts it again and then nods, before looking down at his propped up leg.
(Name) looks back at the officers.
"When Qifrey and I arrived at the hospital he was also like this, although he had received medication to calm him down a little bit. It's because when he was younger, he had been in an accident that involved fire that was traumatising for him. Because this accident also involved a fire, my suspicion is that he gets triggered and kind of shuts down".
"He has been in a previous accident?"
"When he was young, the house he was staying at got set on fire. After being rescued, he had to go to the hospital to get healthcare for his injuries".
The detective shifts her attention back to Olruggio again "Have you received proper help for that?"
In the corner of their eye, (Name) sees Qifrey shake his head. It's small, but it's there.
"I only have some burn scars left, nothing else" Olruggio answers.
"Also other measures, like therapy or coaching?"
He shakes his head "Not really".
The detective nods, looking concerned "I'm very sorry".
Olruggio simply nods.
"Did the accident from last week remind you of the incident in your youth?"
He lifts his head, meeting the gaze of the detective. It's on the verge of a glare. It looks good enough for it to give meaning.
The words he probably tries to convey also echo in (Name)'s mind.
Of course it did.
It takes another long while until the police officer speaks up "Can you tell us about what you were doing in the tram?"
Olruggio's hand tightens in (Name)'s shirt for a moment before he answers.
"I was going home from work".
The detective nods, listening attentively, or at least acting like she was very interested in what he was telling.
"Were you on your phone perhaps? Or looking around?"
"I…"
His words falter, the thousand yard stare returning.
(Name) tries to nudge him out of it, rubbing his back for a moment.
He also tries to speak again, but then he presses his lips together.
The muscle in his jaw tightens.
(Name) hears him breathe beside them now.
The detective shifts in her seat, sitting a little straighter on the edge of the couch cushion.
"Sir, if you want us to help you, you do have to talk".
Qifrey looks up from his work.
A frown appears on (Name)'s face.
"Please explain to us what you've seen, heard or felt during the accident" She asks "Anything that might help the case, so we can bring justice for you and the other victims".
Silence.
Almost a whole minute.
Qifrey stands up from the table and walks through the room to stand behind the chair Olruggio's sitting in.
"Can I have a word with my partners in private please?"
The two people on the couch look up, a little disturbed, but they nod anyway.
"We'll wait in the hallway".
"Thank you" the professor says, watching them make they way over.
(Name) pulls Olruggio closer to their side, wrapping their arm more around him. He leans into the touch.
Qifrey is with two strides on the other side of the chair, kneeling in front of his partner.
The artist sniffles softly.
Slender hands wrap around sturdier ones.
"Olly, if you are not yet ready to talk with these officers you don't have to".
"I should but… I can't… I can't get the words out"
"Why not, dear?"
He takes a shaky breath.
"I'm afraid of what will happen. Last time I spoke to them I was-"
(Name) watches Qifrey, who is trying to puzzle it all together.
"You were questioned back then too, right?" Qifrey asks.
Olruggio nods.
A small voice in their head speaks up.
'See? They only need each other, they don't need you. They're better off without you'.
Instead of listening, they lean in to press a kiss to the crown of his head, their heart breaking at the sound of Olruggio crying.
"And then they had to send you to the orphanage to live there?" Qifrey continues.
"They were the ones that… told me… that-"
(Name) sighs.
They must have been the ones, or at least some department of the police or some other official organisation, telling him his parents didn't survive, and that he had to go to an orphanage after being treated at the hospital.
It must have looked the same to him, at such a young age.
"But that's not what's happening now, Olly. No one died this time. Everyone got out alive, and you're not going anywhere. You're going to stay right here with (Name) and I".
Olruggio looks up, eyes slowly going wide.
"They'll have to go through me and Qifrey before they can get to you" (Name) says "No one's touching or hurting our partner".
"Everyone survived?"
"Yes" Qifrey says, nodding.
The artist sits up "Did- they did- everyone got out? Alive?"
"Yes, Olly. Everyone".
"But the girl- the girl- She was-" His breathing picks up "When I was- holding her- she was limp in my arms and then- they took her out of my arms and were shouting something about her not breathing-".
(Name) goes to kneel down beside Qifrey, cupping the side of his face "Olruggio, believe us when we tell you everyone survived. Everyone got out of the tram, and out of their cars. They've said it everywhere. The news wrote about it, and it's confirmed that everyone has survived".
"The girl-".
"Is alive".
It takes Olruggio another few seconds before the revelation kicks in.
"Thank fucking god" Olruggio says, breathing out and leaning forward. His elbows land on his knees and he hides his face in his hands "I thought that- that I was too late again".
(Name) leans in to press their cheek against the side of his head "Breathe, Olly. In… and out… you're okay".
It's like a dam breaking, as he leans into the arms of his partners, crying a bit louder.
He's been carrying an enormous guilt around for the past few days. A guilt that no one should have to carry at all.
And pains that he hasn't told (Name) and Qifrey about it, but they understand it too.
He was entirely convinced of something that he believed to be true. And with his past, how can you blame him? He only saw the young girl unconcious, and heard claims about her not breathing in the moment. With his knowlegde and history, the conclusion that he had made in that moment is completely logical.
But thankfully, it's not reality.
Eventually, Qifrey and (Name) manage to calm him down and he finally feels good enough to talk a bit more.
Qifrey moves into the hallway to talk to the detective and police officer.
Olruggio's still emotional when the two sit on the couch with completely different expressions from how they left.
(Name) glances at Qifrey, wondering what he had said. He winks at them, and walks over at the table.
The detective approaches Olruggio calmly.
"Tell us about what happened, what do you remember?"
Olruggio still doesn't tell much, it was done in a few sentences, but at least it's something.
He was on his way home, saw a car approach the tram and fell due to the impact. A man helped him up on his feet, he saw a girl on her own, a young teenager, and carried her out on his broken leg. He then got pulled to the side by some people, and everything else is a bit of a blur.
They try to get a bit more out of him, but nothing else gets added.
"Thank you for your information" the officer says eventually "If you want to tell us more, as you remember more things throughout the upcoming days, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll come over to pay you another visit".
Olruggio nods.
They stand up, shake hands with everyone, and make their way over to the front door of the apartment with the guidance of Qifrey.
(Name) turns their attention to Olruggio again.
They tilt his head up to them.
"You look tired".
He shows them a small smile, quietly agreeing.
"How about taking a nap? I'll wake you up in an hour".
"Can't say no to that, can I?"
Using the armrests, he pushes himself up on his left leg, balancing.
(Name) offers a hand to him, eyes still lingering on him.
"Are you doing okay?"
He thinks for a moment, and it looks like he wants to answer that he's fine, but then his shoulders sag slightly.
"Can you stay for a bit?"
They nod and hand him his crutches "Of course".
With Olruggio situated on the bed first, (Name) gets on second.
They press a kiss to his cheek before dropping their head onto his shoulder.
"Comfortable?"
His arm wraps around their body and pulls them closer to his side, humming.
Qifrey peeks into the room in that moment, and he begins to smile at the sight, before walking back to his work.
~ ~~~ ~
"Remember, girls. Don't crowd him too much and be careful around his right leg. The cast keeps everything in place, but the rest of his right side is still bruised quite a bit" (Name) tells Tetia, Richeh, Coco and Agott as they turn off the engine of the car.
"Yes, Professor (Name)!"
Their eyebrows shoot up into their hairline.
"Sorry?"
Tetia leans to the side, pushing Coco away and moving her face into the frame of the rear view mirror.
"We were thinking about how you teach professor Qifrey, and because he is a professor, you should have to be one too. Just like Professor Olruggio is not really a professor but he does teach us sometimes and is very smart".
(Name) chuckles.
Going into discussion with any of them would be a lost cause, so they just let them be.
"I'm honoured. Now, how about we get inside?"
They unbuckle their seatbelts and step out of the car. (Name) brings them up to the front door of their apartment and unlock it.
"Shoes!" they remind the girls before they run further inside.
And then they make their way over to Olruggio, who's on the couch, his leg propped up on the coffee table with a pillow.
His eyes go wide as he sees them come up to him, but as four pairs of arms wrap around him, a smile pulls on his lips.
Qifrey just wants to step in and give his students a warning when a wave of Olruggio's hand dismisses him.
With two on either side, he opens his arms and holds the girls against him, hugging them back. And like (Name) told them to, they're very gentle, despite the chaotic entrance.
All of them begin to talk at the same time. How worried they've been. They ask how he's feeling. How much his leg hurts. How they heard about the incident in the city, and when they heard from Qifrey that Olruggio was injured they were scared for a moment.
"Thanks for your concern everyone, but I'm doing much better" he tells them.
He tucks a bit of hair behind Richeh's ear and gives Coco a reassuring nod when she leans closer.
"Really. Most of the pain is gone. And I'm also happy to see your faces again. How is everything going?"
(Name) approaches their other partner, who is fondly watching the scene.
He meets their gaze, accepting the arm that wraps around his waist and leaning in to the touch.
"Want to help me out in the kitchen?"
"Sure".
They can hear Olruggio talk with the girls in the background while preparing snacks for everyone. Tea with cupcakes that he already baked in the morning.
Now the only thing left is making the bland cupcakes a bit more special. Because they'll be filled with different jam fillings, and decorated with matching coloured tufts of cream.
Qifrey gives (Name) the first one he finishes to taste test.
They take a bite and hum softly, chewing. The cupcake is fluffy, and the strawberry jam inside is perfectly sweet. Also the cream is a nice addition.
"This is really good" they tell him, taking another bite.
There's a twinkle in his eye "Yeah?"
Nodding, they stuff the rest of it into their mouth.
He chuckles at the sight, before turning to prep the rest.
Qifrey does the jam fillings while (Name) puts the cream on top.
They put all the cupcakes on a large plate, bringing it inside, together with the tea.
Olruggio gets to choose first, as Tetia offers to grab one for him, and then the others pick one of their own.
"Professor Olly, can we draw on your cast?" Coco asks "I did that with a friend a few years ago too, when he broke his arm".
"If you want, yeah, sure. But the cast will be replaced in a two days" he answers.
Agott tilts her head, looking at it "Why?"
"Because of the broken bones, my foot was quite swollen. But now that has gone down, so now the cast is like a shoe that's too big".
Tetia gasps "Do you get to choose a colour?"
"Probably"
"Choose blue" Richeh tells him.
"No, pink!" Tetia says.
"Blue" Richeh counters.
"Or green" Coco adds.
Richeh shakes her head "Blue is better".
"That's your opinion" Agott says calmly.
"Girls" (Name) says, stepping into the conversation before it becomes a whole discussion "Olly gets to choose eventually, he'll be the one walking around with it after all. But, I do have an idea".
Everyone looks over.
"You can use this cast to practice your drawing that you want to make, and then when he gets his other cast that will stay on a bit longer, you'll get to make it look extra pretty" they say "How does that sound?"
Based on the enthusiasm of the room, and Olruggio sending the girls off to grab the markers, it was a good idea.
So that's how everyone gets their turn to draw on the cast, thinking of something. They write their names, get used to how the pen moves over the ribbly texture of the cast, and continue to talk about anything they can think of.
As the time passes, the boring white cast turns into a colourful although slightly messy artpiece. They turn on a movie when everyone is done eating the cupcakes and drinking their tea, and the girls begin to do their own things around the apartment.
Tetia is sketching at the coffee table, sitting right next to Olruggio's leg. Agott is helping Qifrey clean up in the kitchen. Coco is watching the movie, comfortably squeezed between (Name) and Olruggio on the couch. Richeh is on the other side of the couch, her legs dangling off the side, her head resting on his lap as she looks at the TV screen. Even brushbuddy joined them, fast asleep on the living room chair.
It catches them off guard how nice this feels, but they don't say anything, simply watching everyone being content and comfortable.
They've found their home… and promise to themselves that they'll work hard to keep it.
Chapter 40
Words: 2,962
Tags: Qifrey x gn!Reader x Olruggio, Modern AU, swimming, trauma, basically exposure therapy, use of (name), not beta read, English isn't my first language, GN!reader, slowburn, fluff, hurt/comfort.
Synopsis: Call-outs are sometimes necessary.
Masterlist - Previous chapter
Author's note: "Can you tell me about your chapter please?"
Started making it... had a panic attack... bon appetit!
~~~
A sudden movement beside them jostles (Name) awake.
Beside them, Olruggio is sitting up, gasping for breath.
Reality hits them in the face in that moment, and they get up too.
His hands shake as he grasps the duvet.
When (Name) puts a hand on his back, they feel his shirt sticking to his warm skin from the sweat. His shoulders move with every breath, it's shallow and quick.
"Olly" they whisper.
Qifrey is also moving now. He's closer to Olruggio's broken leg, which the artist moved due to the panic.
Olruggio sucks in a deep breath now, it shivers with his movements as he looks around. His shoulders then sag as he realises what just happened.
He sighs, then takes another deep breath, and looks down at his shaking hands. He turns them into fists, and he curls up.
A sniffle escapes from him.
Qifrey and (Name) glance at each other.
The instructor moves closer to their crying partner, rubbing his back gently.
"Dream?" they ask softly.
"It looked so real" Olruggio says after a long moment of silence.
"But it wasn't… you were dreaming, it was just a nightmare".
He lifts his head, looking at them. He wants to move, but he jolts, his eyes flying over to his right foot.
Qifrey steps out of bed and walks around "Let me help you".
Olruggio watches Qifrey shift his leg, putting his food on top of a pillow. They adjusted two blankets so his right leg is sticking out, and everyone is still comfortable in bed.
He sniffles again and lifts a hand to wipe at his face.
"Sorry".
"No need" (Name) dismisses immediately.
The artist leans into the instructor's side, and they wrap their arm around him.
"How are you feeling? Do you need any pain killers?"
He nods after a moment of contemplation.
(Name) turns and reaches for the pills on the bedside table, popping it out of the foil. They offer it to him, and then the glass of water that they had already prepped before they went to bed.
He takes it, sighing after finishing half the glass of water.
Qifrey has joined them on the bed again, gently combing to Olruggio's hair that was sticking to his forehead.
"Can I ask about your dream?" he asks softly.
"It was the accident, but warped into something more strange".
(Name) and Qifrey quietly wait for him to gather his thoughts. It seems like he's more open now, so they want to give him the chance.
But he stays silent.
Qifrey combs through the artist's dark hair.
"Talk to us, dear".
A tear escapes from the corner of Olruggio's eyes.
"It's nothing".
Sighing softly, (Name) shifts on the bed to face him "Yes, it is. Olruggio, you're clearly in distress and we want to help you".
He shakes his head "You can't do anything for me, this is something I should deal with myself".
The professor sighs and then holds his partner. (Name) also hugs him from the other side.
A warm hand lands on (Name)'s arm that's wrapped around his chest, Olruggio then yawns.
"We should try and sleep some more" (Name) says and both men nod.
Qifrey lowers himself to the mattress first.
Olruggio joins him, laying on his back and then looking over to the cast around his foot "When did they do that?"
(Name) steps out of bed to refill the glass of water as Qifrey tells him more about the hospital, filling in the gaps of his partner's memory. When they come back, they slide under the sheets and cuddle up against Olruggio's side.
It's not often that the artist is in the middle, and the reason why isn't fun, but it's an interesting switch up.
Qifrey falls asleep first, and (Name) notices that Olruggio has a hard time falling asleep, although he seems to be tired. Eventually they fall asleep too, as it catches up to them anyway.
The next day Qifrey prepares breakfast in bed for the three of them. They all make plans for the upcoming days, for Olruggio to have his check up at the hospital, work, and other household tasks that have to be done.
It's not that Olruggio is incapable now, which he grumbles about, but for at least a couple weeks, he can't help out during bigger household tasks.
Qifrey stays at the apartment, working from home.
(Name) goes out to get crutches for their partner, a cast cover for in the shower, and they also go grocery shopping.
When they return, ready to go give Olruggio one of his favourite snacks, they find him asleep on the couch, legs stretched along the length of it, book left open and face down on his stomach.
Brushbuddy has claimed his lap once again, purring loudly.
They quietly make their way over, eyes moving up and down his features. His hair is messy, there are bags under his eyes, and he needs to trim and shave his beard again.
A heavy feeling of worry drops down onto the swimming instructor's body, seeing him like this.
"You're back" Qifrey mumbles softly, standing in the doorway of the shared bedroom.
(Name) nods and walks towards the hallway where they put everything they bought.
"Look, I got the crutches that they told us about. We just have to move it to his height. I got instructions from the lady how to do that. I also got dinner for tonight and tomorrow, and some drinks and snacks Olly likes, to try and cheer him up a bit".
They walk into the kitchen, working together to put everything away in the pantry and fridge.
"Did he say anything?" (Name) asks.
"No" Qifrey mumbles.
Silence falls between them again.
The tension in the apartment is on the verge of being uncomfortable. Ever since (Name) moved in, it's never been like this. Sure, discussions happened between the three of them, but they got resolved soon enough to avoid causing more miscommunication or irritation.
But this situation was different.
First it's Olruggio who is struggling with his own feelings. Then second is the discussion that Qifrey and (Name) had about something the swimming instructor had said.
They kind of resolved it, but (Name) still felt the uneasy feeling linger. What happened yesterday was too hurried, it didn't actually feel genuine in their opinion.
So they gather their courage when they finish putting everything in the fridge and wait until their partner is done.
"Qifrey".
"Yes, dear?"
They tug at the hem of their shirt, letting their fingertips run along the seam.
"I still want to apologise about yesterday".
The professor meets their gaze.
"Like… properly apologise… and tell you that what I said in the bedroom was wrong of me. It's something that I should be working on, and am willing to do so. For such a long time I never felt like I could belong somewhere, or that someone really wanted me there. So whenever something stressful happens I just revert to sending people away to a person I think they prefer… Because I've been taught and then later convinced myself that no one wants me around. But that's not true. I shouldn't fill in the feelings of someone else, especially you guys. So I'm sorry for doing that, for pushing you and Olly away when you needed me".
When they're done, Qifrey walks across the kitchen. He takes their fidgeting hands in his own and raises them to his lips, pressing a soft kiss onto the knuckles.
"Thank you. I know that you didn't mean it badly, but having heard about it from Olly and then hearing it from you personally struck a cord. Just know that Olly and I need you, we really do. Before, we already felt content… but you make our life complete".
(Name) tries their best not to tear up, and quickly moves their arms to wrap around the professor's neck. He reciprocates the hug, tucking his head into the crook of their neck.
After standing there for a while, basking into each other's comfort, and feeling just a little bit lighter, they move back into the living room.
Olruggio is sitting up, petting Brushbuddy.
"Oh, Olly" Qifrey says, surprised "You're up. Do you want something to drink?"
"No, I'm alright. Thanks, love"
(Name) immediately turns on their heels and opens the pantry to get out what they got for Olruggio.
"Do you want a snack?"
He turns his head, pulling up an eyebrow, but then his eyes grow big.
It's a packet of gummies, a tougher outer layer and a soft inside, in all kinds of sweet fruity flavours.
"Uh-"
Qifrey chuckles softly.
The artist sighs, closing his eyes for a moment, before answering with a soft "Yeah".
When (Name) stands next to the couch to give him the packet, he takes it almost bashfully.
"While I appreciate your gestures, you don't have to coddle me" he then says.
"We're just making sure you're doing okay" Qifrey says, sitting down on the armrest of the couch, facing Olruggio "You had quite the shock yesterday, to put it mildly".
"I'm fine".
"Olly, while you slept more than you usually do in a whole week, the rest of your physique tells a different story" (Name) says, calling him out.
He looks down at his lap.
"You're obviously struggling, so please let us help" they continue.
"Talking about it makes it more real, though, for some reason. It'll bring everything back, while I want to forget about it".
Qifrey takes a deep breath.
(Name) looks between both their partners.
While one doesn't have any memories and is desperate to seek answers, the other almost begs to forget instead.
"You can't, Olruggio" Qifrey tells him "You can't do this to yourself, just talk to us. Where is the man that told us to trust?"
Olruggio looks up from the couch, expression twisted like he just got shot.
Qifrey keeps his gaze locked on to his partner, firm.
(Name) watches Olruggio slowly break into tiny pieces.
His voice then breaks as he speaks up.
"Sorry".
Qifrey moves in closer, stepping past (Name) to sit down on the edge of the couch. He takes the book from Olruggio and puts it on the side, before cupping his partner's face.
"It's okay. It's okay, that you don't want to tell us now, but don't hide away. You're not alone, you're not nine anymore, and left to your own devices. You're with us, and we're here to support you".
"I couldn't help it".
"I know, dear. You just needed a bit of a wake-up-call. I also gave one to (Name) yesterday".
"H-huh?" Olruggio looks over Qifrey's shoulder towards the instructor.
They scratch behind their head and explain what had happened, and what they also just communicated about in the kitchen. Olruggio takes it all in with a frown, but then looks a little more relieved when he hears the last bit.
He sighs and then rubs his face with one hand "I was already afraid you were fighting, for some reason I noticed something was going on, but I couldn't figure out what, and I'm sorry I didn't ask about it. I could've helped".
"You had enough to work through by yourself, Olly" (Name) says "For the first half you were a bit high from the medication. Of course you didn't approach us about it. But we're alright now".
Brushbuddy decided in that moment to mew loudly. All the adults are on or around the couch, surrounding the cat, but none of them are putting their attention on him. How scandalous.
It does help to release all the tension in the room, because all eyes land on him.
"Excuse me?" Qifrey asks, a chuckle seeping through. He looks the cat straight in the eye, and Brushbuddy sniffs at his face, wet nose pressing against the man's.
Olruggio smiles softly, lifting a hand to pet the cat.
He immediately begins to purr, pressing his face into the warm hand of his owner.
The cat then begins to wash himself, licking his paw and rubbing it over his face. A sign of feeling comfortable.
"Gosh… a shower sounds nice" Olruggio mumbles, scratching the back of his head.
"Do you want a shower?" (Name) asks.
"Can I?"
"I got one of those silly sock things we can put around your leg, so your cast won't get wet. I also got you crutches so when you can hobble around the apartment on your own".
He pulls up an eyebrow.
"Hobble?"
"Yes, walking is a bit difficult now, so you hobble".
The smile on his lips grows a bit more.
"Alright then".
The people in the apartment start to move. Qifrey gets the crutches, and they immediately work together to set it to the correct height for Olruggio.
As Olruggio hobbles towards the shower, taking tiny hops while getting used to the crutches, Qifrey catches (Name)'s hand.
"Can you jump in if Olly needs help? I should get back to my work" he says, nodding his head towards his desk in the bedroom.
"Of couse" (Name) answers.
Qifrey leans down to peck their lips, and they kiss him back quickly, before they part ways.
(Name) goes to grab the cover they got and then follows Olruggio into the bathroom.
Olruggio looks back over his shoulder.
"You gonna join me?"
"I don't think that's a smart thing, but I'm here to help".
"I can shower on my own".
(Name) nods.
"I'm sure you can, but I just want to give you this, and tell you that if you do need help that I'll be in the living room".
He tightens his jaw, and then relents.
"Right… thank you, hun".
"No problem, just shout and I'll be there".
They walk out and close the door behind them.
Five minutes pass until they hear Olruggio call from the bathroom.
(Name) knocks once before coming in "Yeah?"
Olruggio is shirtless on the toilet seat, there are signs that he has tried to take off his shorts, but it hasn't worked out that well.
"I'm tired, everything feels ten times heavier than normal and I'm already overstimulated and confused on how to get into the shower" he lists "So if you…".
Fondly, (Name) steps in further and gathers his crutches that he has dropped to the floor "Of course".
They put the crutches out of the way, and then stand beside Olruggio.
They help him stand up so he can shimmy out of his shorts and underwear. While he's doing that, (Name) grabs a clean towel and drapes it over the closed toilet seat, so if he sits back down, it's a bit more comfortable.
He struggles to take the clothes off his feet, so (Name) offers him the seat again and lets him try to get it off until he asks.
They turn on the shower, setting it to Olruggio's preferred temperature and then turn back to him.
"Alright handsome, now we just need to get that sock on while the water warms up".
He huffs, looking down at his cast while (Name) takes it out of the package.
"So this just… goes on like a literal sock. It's just bigger" they say, kneeling down and carefully putting it on for him "Just let me know if it feels uncomfortable".
As they put it over his cast, adjusting the plastic and checking if it's on properly, they eventually hear a strange sound come from above them.
Like a snort, and the begining of laughter.
Confused, they look up.
Olruggio is now full on laughing, covering his face with his hand, shoulders shaking.
They're completely caught off guard by the sight and sound.
Frowning, (Name) thinks back to the last time he got his medication. Did they give him the proper one? What's going on?
"Olly? You okay?"
He continues to chuckle, meeting their gaze before looking back down at his foot, tears forming in his eyes.
"That thing".
Olruggio takes a moment to breathe.
"It looks just like a condom".
There's a moment of silence as (Name) looks down at it, and then they get the reference.
They cover their mouth as they also begin to laugh, standing up and catching themselves against the sink.
With reddened cheeks, they suddenly have all kinds of imagery in their head. Completely caught off guard and flustered, they quickly move towards their partner to get him into the shower as a distraction.
"Such a compliment" Olruggio continues to laugh "You just-"
"Olly!"
(Name) heaves him up on his good foot.
"-bought me the largest you could find-"
They help him towards the shower that's already been running the whole time.
"Olly get into the shower!"
"I mean, it does boost my ego, but really, you shouldn't have".
"OLRUGGIO!"
The door opens to the hallway, with Qifrey popping his head inside.
"Everything alright over here?"
"Perfectly fine!"
"Look, I got a condom on my foot. (Name)-"
The instructor slides the shower door closed, shutting his partner up. Olruggio's laughter echoes through the bathroom.
Qifrey stares at the scene, cheeks tinted red, but a grin slowly starts to tug at his lips "I mean-"
(Name) holds up a finger at him.
"Don't".
But their expression tells that they're not serious at all.
They gather Olruggio's clothes and exit the bathroom, walking past a chuckling Qifrey, to grab a clean set for the artist.
After his shower, the both of them are still giggly about the whole situation. Compared to just a few hours ago, this already feels much better.
Sure, they hope that Olruggio will eventually talk a bit more about everything that has happened, but knowing that he can smile and even laugh again is already a big relief.
hi! i absolutely ADORE your swim instructor x olly x qifrey series! i was just wondering if we were going to meet/gain any backstory on the swim instructor’s family situation? we know about olly’s and qifrey’s (at least partially), but we haven’t gotten anything on the swim instructor, i don’t think. just curious! have a good day!
I'm very happy to hear that you like it! Thank you!
My idea was to create a person that can be replaced with anyone. This fic can act kind of a reader insert, but can also act like an OC insert, or something entirely else. Like mentioned all the way at the start of the fic, I try my best to write them as neutral as possible. No descriptions about appearance or clothes, neutral pronouns and sex, and the use of (name).
For now I have nothing else planned for the swimming instructor, as I want to keep them as much of a blank slate as possible. Sure, some things are personalised/show a history of the swimming instructor, but that's purely to keep the plot running/logical and give them a bit more 'body'.
If people are interested, after this fic has finished, I can definitely look into it, (because after the story ends, knowing myself, I'll miss these three terribly and I'll probably write some epilogues if inspiration strikes). But then it'll become more of an OC x Olrufrey instead, I feel like. Please let me know your thoughts and ideas about it!
Sidenote: for future fics and requests I'm going to open up writing in all POV's, not just third POV like this fic is right now.
Thanks for the ask! I hope this has answered the question, and I hope you have a good day too <3
Chapter 39
Words: 4,607
Tags: Qifrey x gn!Reader x Olruggio, Modern AU, swimming, trauma, basically exposure therapy, use of (name), not beta read, English isn't my first language, GN!reader, slowburn, fluff, hurt/comfort.
Synopsis: A promise is made, and an issue is faced head on.
Masterlist - Previous chapter
~~~
With a knock on the door to announce themselves, (name) steps into Olruggio's office.
He doesn't look up from his screen, engrossed into the sketch.
"Lunch" (name) says, putting the sandwich down with a smoothie right next to it.
Olruggio hums, but only gets pulled out of his concentration when then instructor kisses him on the head before turning to leave.
"Oh- (name)".
They stop in their tracks, turning back.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Uhm… yeah of course. What is it?" they say, stepping back.
The artist gestures towards the bed for them to sit down, he opens one of his desk drawers to grab something, and then he rolls his chair over so they sit face to face.
(name)'s heart is suddenly somewhere in their throat. Beating loudly as they think of everything they did in the past few days.
He shows them what he just grabbed, it's a ribbon, black in colour.
There's a moment of silence, and Olruggio clears his throat before he begins to talk.
"Three years ago, Qifrey and I got together after I confessed. He then also revealed that he has had feelings for a while. But, years before all that, we already had quite a strong bond. So much so that when I had to leave for an internship far away, Qifrey actually snipped off the string of my favourite hoodie and tied it around his wrist. I only realised he had done it when I arrived at my internship and was unpacking my suitcase. Eventually the strink broke, but since then, he has worn a black ribbon I got him instead".
(name) has noticed Qifrey fidget with it often.
"Now it's kind of a symbol of our love for each other, because I vowed to always supply him with a new ribbon if the old one breaks" Olruggio continues, and he lifts his gaze from the ribbon in his hands to (name).
"And lately I was thinking of giving you this too, like a promise, or something" he clears his throat "You mean a lot to us, to me. You give me confidence. You make me feel good, and happy, and cared for, and I appreciate that. I appreciate you. So I want to give this to you, because Qifrey and you both have a very special place in my life and in my heart".
Smiling softly, warmth bubbling inside their belly and feeling a blush rise up to their cheeks.
It's almost like he's giving a piece of himself to them.
His blue eyes go back and forth a few times, between the ribbon and (Name). Olruggio then moves, carefully offering them the ribbon.
(Name) reciprocates, lifting their right wrist to him. They let him tie it around, tight enough so it won't slip off, loose enough that it feels comfortable. He looks bashful when he's done, meeting their gaze once more.
"Thank you" (Name) mumbles "That's beautiful".
He wraps his hand around the wrist.
The artist pulls, making (Name) stand up on their feet and step in between his legs. Eyes are still locked with each other as they lean in to each other, and eventually they close right before lips touch.
Softly kissing, Olruggio places one hand at the back of their thigh, just right above the knee. (Name) smiles when they part for just a moment, looking at each other, checking in. When they begin to lean in again, they both tilt they head just slightly more.
The second kiss is deeper, lips slowly parting.
(Name) cups the back of his head as they begin to make out. A low sound comes from the man beneath them when their tongues brush each other for the first time.
They part for air, just a second, before kissing once more. Olruggio's hand on their thigh travels up, squeezing the muscle and fat there.
Playing with his hair, (Name) relishes in his touch.
His other hand joins and they travel up to the side, over the hip, before going back behind.
A grin plays on their lips when they already know what he's going to do. He squeezes their ass, through the clothes, humming.
In turn, they slip a hand into his shirt, between his shoulderblades, wanting to feel more of his skin. It radiates warmth, and they can feel his breathing on their lips and beneath their palm.
(Name) takes few deep breaths when they part once more. Eyes taking in the reddened skin of Olruggio's cheeks, the little smile lines that are forming in his skin.
His hands travel further, going under their shirt.
Grinning, they peck each other's lips a few times.
As (name) moves their hand around on his back, exploring it, massaging it, they also find the tougher skin of scar tissue. There are ridges where it morphs, the whole area slightly different texture than the rest of his skin.
He doesn't stop them, he only looks for a second into their eyes, before kissing again. His fingers dig into their back, holding (name) as close as possible.
CRASH
Both of them jump, pulling apart and looking over to the hallway. The sound of clumsy paws are heard on the floor in the living room.
(Name) slowly releases Olruggio and walks out of the room to see what happened, the excitement of their make-out session ebbing away with a hint of disappointment.
"Brushbuddy?" They see the white cat in the living room. He mews.
"What happened?"
That's when they see the table in slight disarray. A box filled with notebooks and other stationary items are spread across the floor.
"Hey, don't do that" (name) says with a sigh, picking everything up and putting it back on the table "Those aren't your toys. This is".
They grab a mouse that rattles and throws it over to the cat. He looks a little puzzled at the table again, and then paws at the toy instead.
Brushbuddy then begins to run around the apartment, smacking the toy mouse around. Meanwhile, the swimming instructor continues to clean up the mess.
(Name) makes their way back into the office and shows Olruggio a lopsided smile. He clears his throat and crosses his legs at the ankles, blush still evident on his cheeks and at the tips of his ears. He then seems to rethink his position and moves his legs once more, hands tugging at the fabric of his trousers nonchalantly.
"Brushbuddy tought Qifrey's new pens were fun to push off the table" they say, stopping next to Olruggio and brushing the hair off his forehead. They plant a kiss down onto the revealed skin and smile softly "Enjoy your sandwich, I'm going to do laundry".
"Yeah, thanks".
Later that day, (Name) is preparing dinner for the three of them, waiting for Qifrey to get home. It should be anytime soon.
Olruggio is on the couch, lying down on his back, one arm covering his eyes. Brushbuddy is perched on top of his chest, curled up and napping with the man.
They had a bit of a moment of going back and forth, Olruggio telling the cat to lay on one of the many sleeping spots around the house, but the cat refused and won anyway.
The sound of the knife chopping up the vegetables for the stir fry dish fills the kitchen, and they hope it's coming together well enough to impress their partners.
Brushbuddy suddenly jumps up and off Olruggio, making him grunt. It's the first hint that someone is at the front door. And indeed, the familiar rummaging from Qifrey taking off his shoes and coat before putting his bag down in the corner echoes from the hallway.
The cat mews, knowing he'll get food now.
(Name) listens to it all, enjoying how domestic it all feels, and that they can find comfort in it.
Eventually footsteps come closer and the instructor glances back over their shoulder to see Qifrey give Brushbuddy his food.
"Hey" the professor says, a moment later. Two arms wrap around (Name)'s waist as Qifrey peeks over their shoulder.
"Hi"
"It smells good"
"Thank you, I'm doing my best" they say, stirring in the pan as they add the soy sauce.
Qifrey presses a kiss behind their ear, and hugs them a little tighter for a moment, until he seems to freeze behind them.
"Hm?"
(Name) halts their movements "What?"
He reaches out and gently takes their lower arm in his hand, pulling it closer. His thumb runs over the black ribbon tied around their wrist.
"Oh, I got it from Olly" they say, blushing at the memory of earlier that day "It was very sweet. And now we're matching".
"So he did give it to you… huh" he mumbles.
They press their wrist against his, ribbons touching.
"It's from when we were like… 17 years old or something" Qifrey continues "He left for an internship and only told me a few days before he had to leave. I was so upset I cut off the string of his favourite hoodie".
He laughs softly, his breath brushing over (name)'s neck "I was so insecure back then, I relied on him, even though I thought and acted like I didn't. But when it dawned on me I felt like I needed him with me or I couldn't function".
(name) looks up at him, turning in his arms. He's looking down as he continues to speak.
"Quite pathetic how I only realised, years later, how much I was actually in love with him".
A small smile pulls on the instructors lips. They shift their hands to hold his, fingers intertwining.
He looks back up at them, meeting their gaze when they speak up.
"I don't think that's pathetic. Olruggio said that this was kind of a symbol of love for each other, and now hearing your version of the story, I think it makes it even more meaningful. Because I… I think I also can't live without the both of you anymore" they say, softly.
There's a little twinkle in Qifrey's eye before he releases one hand to cup the side of (name)'s face, leaning in for a kiss. Warmth settles in their whole body, goosebumps going up and down.
When they part, Qifrey presses another kiss to their wrist.
(Name) gazes at him.
His cheeks have turned pink and he smiles softly.
"I love you".
The instructor almost feels like they're going to melt into a puddle right there and then.
"I love you too".
With Qifrey cornering them against the counter, (Name) tilts their head up just enough to meet his lips. He kisses them slowly, teasing their mouth open.
(Name) lets their hands rest on his waist, pulling him closer.
Then a particular smell hits their noses at the same time and they pull away from each other.
"Oh, the food!"
"Shit-"
~ ~~~ ~
Whistling as they move about the changing room at work, (Name) gets ready to go home.
They just had a shower after being in and around the pool the whole day, teaching kids, standing watch during recreational swimming and then doing an unplanned training themselves. They didn't have to pick up Qifrey from work, so they didn't have to hurry.
All three of them had to work today, leaving early to get to their jobs. It'll be a guessing game who would be home first, and that person would start prepping dinner.
(Name) puts their towel on a hook and puts on their clothes and shoes. After that, they grab their bag and pull out their phone.
1 Missed call from Olruggio, 3 missed calls from Qifrey, and multiple messages from him.
All the blood drains from their face and they quickly unlock their phone to get to the chat.
Olly is sent to the hospital, I'm on my way there.
Arrived.
There's been an accident when he was on his way home. Two cars collided, and then hit the tram on the side. There was a fire too. He saw it happen. He has some bruises and doctors think his ankle is broken.
(Name)?
Please get here with the car as quickly as possible, Olruggio doesn't have to stay the night but I don't want to travel with him by public transport.
(Name)?
They quickly tap around on their phone and call him.
"(Name)!" Qifrey says, his voice a mix between relief and shock "Thank goodness, I was starting to worry".
"Sorry, I'm so sorry. I stayed at the pool to do a quick training. How is Olly doing?" they ask, swinging their bag on their back and grabbing their keys.
"He's fine, you're with the car, right?"
"I am, I just finished changing so I'm making my way over".
"Drive safely okay? - Hm? - Olly tells you not to hurry".
"I'll try" they say, holding the phone to their ear as they speedwalk through the building.
"(Name)…"
"See you later, love you both".
"Bye, dear. I love you too … Olly does too".
They hang up the phone and quickly make their way over to the car.
About 20 minutes later, (Name) checks their phone to see Qifrey sent them the room number. They ask the man behind the reception for directions, and luckily it's easy to find.
They pass by people in the waiting rooms, searching the signs, and then knock on the door that's already ajar.
Olruggio is propped up on the bed, right foot covered with bandages, trousers cut open to get to the injury. Qifrey is seated on the chair right beside him, holding the artist's hand.
Both men look up at the sound, and this makes (Name) step further into the room.
Qifrey watches as the swimming instructor moves across the room, and Olruggio reaches a hand out to them.
"I'm fine…" he mumbles as (Name) takes the hand and leans in closer.
They hug him, and it dawns on them that they can finally breathe properly. Since the moment they saw the notifications on their phone, they've only been focussed on getting to their partner.
When they pull back, they cup the side of his face, letting their thumb run over cheek. He looks tired, maybe even a bit dazed. (Name) leans in and presses their lips onto his. His reaction time is a bit slower than usual.
Looking over at Qifrey, they move around the bed to give him a quick kiss too.
"He'll be picked up soon to make some X-rays. A bit ago they gave him some medication for pain, but they're strong, it also calms him" the professor explains.
(Name) looks over at their partner on the bed.
So that's why he seems a bit off.
And then there's a knock on the door, a nurse stepping into the room.
"Hello, I'm here to pick up the patient for X-rays".
The lady looks from Olruggio to Qifrey and (Name), and then back at Olruggio.
"I see you got another visitor".
"Yeah… they're here too" he answers "They just got here… just now".
"Good friend of yours?"
"Parn-partner"
She tilts her head, clearly confused.
Qifrey steps into the conversation "We're all together, the three of us".
The nurse probably had already asked what relation Qifrey had to Olruggio when they came in, and never expected there to be another one.
"Oh- okay- right" she gives them a tight smile, then puts her focus back on Olruggio "Well… I'll be taking you for a moment. No other people are allowed to come with".
He nods.
She helps him to get in the wheelchair and then rolls him out of the room, saying goodbye to the pair staying behind.
Sighing, Qifrey sits back in his chair, almost deflating into it.
"Are you okay?" (Name) asks, turning to him.
"He was completely out of it when I arrived. Barely said anything, he was just looking ahead, didn't answer any of the staff. When I heard what had happened, I could slowly try and talk to him, get some information out of him. I told the nurses and doctors about his trauma with fire. They eventually ruled out that something has happened to his brain, he only injured his leg. After the medication kicked in, he got a bit better. But…"
Qifrey shakes his head, unable to shape his thoughts into words, the distress taking over.
(Name) wraps an arm around him and he lets himself be pulled in, resting his head onto their shoulder. Their hands intertwine as they lean onto each other.
"And then… they gave me paperwork but… I couldn't read it" he mumbles.
The instructor shifts their head, looking over at the papers on the table beside the bed.
"Do you want me to take a look at it?"
"Yes please".
He grabs it and hands it over.
(Name) sees that the letters are quite small, and then the puzzle piece falls further into place. They take a pen and slowly start to read it out loud and fill it in, working through it together with Qifrey.
Eventually, Olruggio comes back with the nurse, and now it's time to wait for the results. He falls asleep pretty quick, leaving his partners alone in the room again, whispering to each other every few minutes.
At some point, (Name) is scrolling around on their phone when they find a news article about a collision in the city.
They read it, an realise that it's about.
"Qifrey" they whisper, nudging him "I found the article about the accident. It's indeed the tram he usually catches to get home. They talk about a drunk driver hitting someone else, and then they hit the side of the tram. Right after, a fire started in a vehicle. Multiple people are injured and are brought to the hospital".
A video is added to the article.
They give the phone to Qifrey to let him adjust it so he can see it best, and then leans in beside him to watch the security camera clip.
A tram is waiting at a red light. From the right side, a car arrives, but gets scooped up by another car that's obviously driving way too fast and through a red light. The collision already slows the fast-driving car, he turns, swaying, but they ram diagonally into the front of the tram with significant force.
Electricity sparks above the tram, the cables snapping and swinging as the tram gets derailed, and it hits the open hood of one of the cars, and it sets the vehicles alight.
(Name) curses under their breath.
They keep watching, seeing people run out of vehicles, and helping people out of the tram. Children are pulled out first, and then people clamber out too. Others are carried. Then the video stops.
Qifrey takes a shaky breath and gives (Name) their phone back, his eye shifting over to Olruggio.
Watching the artist sleep, they start to think about what they saw. Anyone would get traumatised by this, but with Olruggio's history. He saw it happen probably, saw the fire. At least he didn't get burned. They don't know how he got out of the tram, but if he got help, they're eternally grateful for the person that did.
The doctor comes in with the results of the tests.
There are four spots where his bones broke. Two in a bone in his ankle, and two bones in his foot. They're clean, luckily, and no muscles are torn.
No surgery is needed, so they'll put him in a cast and he'll be sent home like they already predicted. They get a follow-up appointment too, some pain medication and instructions.
And that's how they arrive home. Qifrey goes into the kitchen to prepare some food for the three of them, as they're all hungry, while (Name) takes care of Olruggio.
His medication slowly stops working, so (Name) gives him the pain killer they've received. It's not the stronger stuff they gave him at the hospital though, so he's a little bit more aware of everything now. And it's noticeable.
He has a far away stare, and (Name) tries to distract him. It doesn't really work though, so they kneel beside him on the couch, where they propped his leg up with a pillow on the coffee table.
"Olly, it's best to talk about what happened instead of keeping it in".
His blue eyes flicker over to them.
"It'll help you to work through it. You can talk to me, or Qifrey. Yeah? We're here for you. Talk with us about it, we want to help you".
He nods, but he doesn't say anything. He just holds his left arm with his right, and looks down at his lap.
Qifrey comes over with plates balanced in his hands, but Olruggio only eats half of his own plate.
The rest of the evening, Olruggio only speaks if he needs to answer something, still out of it. Qifrey tries to talk to Olruggio too, just like (Name) tried, but with barely any result.
Brushbuddy climbs onto Olruggio's lap, and he doesn't protest. He just absentmindedly pets him, and doesn't do anything else.
The pair of teachers work together around house, the original plan that they had this evening flying out the window. No cuddles on the couch, no movie, no series, no banter.
(Name) is busy in the bedroom to prepare the bed for Olruggio to lay in for the night.
"Doing alright, (Name)?" Qifrey asks as he comes in "I'm gonna help Olly in the bathroom".
"Yeah, I'm good. Go help your boyfriend, I got it over here".
Qifrey takes two steps, but freezes near the door.
"What do you mean? 'your boyfriend'?"
(Name) looks up.
"What?"
"Why did you say 'your boyfriend'? That sounds wrong"
"But he's your boyfriend".
Qifrey frowns "He's our boyfriend, (Name). Why do you suddenly pull us apart?"
They feel trapped all of a sudden. Caught red handed of a crime they didn't notice they were doing.
"Are you saying this because something happened?" the professor continues to question "Do you want to distance yourself from us all of a sudden?"
"N-no I- he's… he's just- I-".
Their throat tightens up too much to speak.
The tension between the two rises.
Qifrey turns around, facing (Name).
"Olruggio told me that you say that more often" he continues "I didn't expect that I'd actually catch you do it too… I thought we were past that phase".
"Let's not fight" (Name) almost squeaks out.
Pressing his lips into a thin line, he hesitates between leaving or finishing this discussion.
He takes a breath, and then takes a step closer to (Name).
"I don't want to fight either, but what you're doing is not okay. I thought you said you loved us".
"I do".
"Then don't pull us apart".
"I'm not, Qifrey".
"Yes you are, you still see us seperately, otherwise you wouldn't say this".
They wrap their arms around themselves "It's force of habit".
"That's an excuse, (Name)" he tells them, voice steady "I know we're both getting tired, we had a long day. First work, then hospital, it all adds stress. But that shouldn't influence your feelings. I don't want this on top of it. We should make each other stronger now, not break into pieces. I need you with me".
They let his words sink in, and realise how it can come across.
They see how it hurts Qifrey. How it had hurt Olruggio.
They don't want to hurt them. And they want to believe that it's really real, that they're really in love. That they're really together. Not two plus one, but three.
"I'm sorry" they mumble, tears stinging their eyes.
Qifrey takes a moment, before his shoulders lower just slightly.
"I love you".
The words hit (Name).
It's like he reaches a hand out to them, with words.
They take a shaky breath and nod.
"Me too… I love you too"
The words are so easy, but also so heavy to say. But they're not heavy because it's difficult. It's because it carries so much meaning that it almost scares them. Meanwhile, it feels so good to tell Qifrey.
The professor breathes and hugs (Name). They wrap their arms around his waist, holding him in return.
"I'm sorry" they mumble into his dress shirt.
Qifrey pulls away to press a kiss to their forehead, and then he walks out to go to Olruggio.
It's later in the evening that (Name)'s in the bathroom, preparing to go to bed, when Qifrey also steps in.
They've both done their own things to recharge, barely saying a word, except one person asking the other if they want something to drink.
When (Name) is finishing up brushing their teeth, Qifrey is busy with cleaning his eye. He already did his prothetic, put away in the small blue box with liquid.
They look over at how his hands are shaking slightly, how he's squinting into the mirror. He's combining feeling and sight, neither of those operating properly, to take care of himself.
(Name) puts their toothbrush on the side, washes their hands, and then turns to Qifrey.
"Let me?"
He looks over, hands lowering.
His eye then goes down to the swab in his hand, and he eventually offers it to his partner.
"Please".
They shift around each other, (Name) standing with their back to the mirror so the light above it helps them see Qifrey's eye socket properly.
Silence fills the bathroom as they make sure to clean the socket properly.
"Okay" they say "I'm done".
Qifrey blinks his remaining eye open, his hands land on (Name)'s hips when they want to move away from him.
"Can I kiss you, please?"
They look up and are taken aback by the question.
But they answer with a nod.
Barely a second later, they feel his thin lips on theirs.
It feels desperate, something that they haven't felt from him yet.
His hands grasp onto them, and he lowers himself to lift them up onto the sink.
"Qif- hmph-".
He deepens the kiss for a moment, lips parting, teeth clacking together, before pulling away to catch his breath.
(Name) stares at him in shock.
"Don't ever" he kisses their cheek.
"Think" he kisses their jaw, and then goes down to their neck "You don't belong".
He lifts his head back up, stealing another kiss from the corner of their lips.
"I love you so much… hearing you say that Olruggio is only mine scared me… like you're only temporary… and I don't want this to be temporary" Qifrey says, voice wavering.
His hand takes hold of (Name)'s wrist, his thumb gliding over the ribbon.
Before they can answer, the professor's lips are already on theirs again.
(Name) reciprocates, their hands pushing into his hair.
His body presses against theirs.
Their legs hook around his hips.
Their tongues meet as they push and pull against each other.
Qifrey then slowly calms down, as if this was exactly what he needed. A release of tension that's been building up inside him and is now finally being released. An answer to his question.
He leans back slightly, meeting (Name)'s gaze again.
Lowering their hands to his chest, (Name) initiates a soft kiss.
"I'm sorry for scaring you like that".
He pecks their lips in return.
"I forgive you".
Another kiss.
"Let's join Olly" Qifrey says, helping (Name) down to the ground "I don't want him to wake up alone, and we need our sleep too".
They nod, taking a deep breath to steady themselves, before following him into the shared bedroom.
Chapter 38
Words: 3,998
Tags: Qifrey x gn!Reader x Olruggio, Modern AU, swimming, trauma, basically exposure therapy, use of (name), not beta read, English isn't my first language, GN!reader, slowburn, fluff, hurt/comfort.
Synopsis: Class continues, and the Qiflings appear once more
Masterlist - Previous chapter
~~~
The instructor locks the door to the small pool and move into the larger one.
Qifrey is not waiting in the shower area yet. Good.
(Name) runs into the material's closet and grabs the plastic bag they prepared earlier.
Do, the lifeguard standing beside the pool, grins at their collegue "What are you doing?"
"Getting ready for my next class".
They step in the trousers, pulling it up and buttoning it closed. They then take out a pair of shoes from the bag, an old set they still had, and a long sleeved shirt.
"You really pull out all the stops for him, huh?" she asks.
"Of course" (Name) says, shrugging "It's my job to teach my clients how to swim, and sometimes you have to take these steps".
Do knows that Qifrey and (Name) are in a relationship together with Olruggio. She's the usual collegue they work with on Wednesday evening. They've talked for so many hours, they've basically become each other's therapists.
She was surprised to hear how they've ended up in the polyamorous relationship. There was once where she asked about joining for one night, assuming that they're always open for people to join in, but (Name) immediately turned it down. They explained that it doesn't really work that way, not in their case, anyway. Do then said she was joking, but (Name)'s unsure if she actually was.
She supports it though, and even after that hiccup, (Name) is glad that they can sometimes confide in her.
(Name) sits down on a bench to put on their shoes. When they grab the shirt from beside them and looks up, they can see Qifrey stare at them.
He steps through the door.
"(Name)!"
"Hi"
"What are you doing?" he asks, a chuckle slipping through.
They put on the shirt and pull it down over their torso "Joining you. Come, we're going to get in the shower together first. And then the shock from the cold water will be a bit less".
He drops his things on the bench and lets himself be pulled back into the shower area.
(Name) turns the shower on and lets the water hit them, slowly soaking the clothes they just put on.
Qifrey watches, still holding on to (Name)'s hand.
They turn to him and offers the other hand in a silent invitation. Water runs down their hair, onto their shoulders, and they gently pull.
He steps closer, taking both their hands in his.
Smiling up at him, they pull him in further.
Give him comfort, show him it's okay, show him it's safe.
The grip on their hands turns tighter, but Qifrey joins them under the small shower head.
He shakes his head as his hair begins to stick down.
"Blink" they tell him softly, and he does, before letting one hand go to push a hand through his hair.
(Name) isn't under the shower anymore, pulling Qifrey under fully instead. He lets it happen, having gotten much better at enduring the feeling of his trousers and shoes sticking to his skin.
They turn on the shower next to them, stepping under that one, while still holding on to Qifrey's hand. They do it in a silly side step, as if they're dancing some old couple dance.
The professor watches them.
They step forward, back, spin under his hand, and then grin before going under the water stream again.
"You're an idiot" he says, but there's a playful and glint in his eye.
(Name) chuckles, ignoring his comment and continuing to dance. They slide over to the side, bumping into Qifrey, who finally chuckles too.
He lifts his arm then, spinning them around again.
They then step closer and put their hands on his waist.
His eye goes wide, taking them in from up close.
"This part can be easy, and maybe even fun as well, you just have to make it like that" they tell him "So, when the showers stop, we're going to walk towards the pool, get in, and then swim, okay?"
"Uhm… yeah" the professor stutters, glancing over at the window, before nodding as another confirmation.
"Good".
(Name) releases him and steps back to get under their own shower again. They push a hand through their hair, and peek back at Qifrey, who is simply looking down at himself.
First, Qifrey's shower stops, and a couple seconds later, (Name)'s does too.
He looks at them, waiting for them to take the lead.
With an encouraging smile, they take his hand "You're doing amazing".
They don't want to tell him that they're nervous for him, scared for him, knowing what has happened. But they want to show him that it's safe. Last week went very well, and they want to keep up that progress.
"Come on" they say, pulling on his hand again.
Walking along with them, Qifrey follows them to the pool. But (Name) can feel the hesitation rise back up inside his body. He tugs at their hand. His expression tightens up a bit.
But it works. He gets into the water faster, and they swim a couple metres together.
After changing out of the wet clothes, (Name) helps Qifrey with floating on the back. They have to talk him through it, restarting multiple times.
Eventually they hang on to the edge of the pool, taking a break.
Qifrey has become quiet, but not negatively. He's still alert, but simply struggling with confidence. While he tried to lay down in the past few minutes, his eyes were focussed and he managed to talk with (Name), and reminded himself of the context he's in.
But now he's silent, his head on his arms as he rests.
Although class started out well, the energy is slowly dwindling down.
They look back, and realise how they've only stayed on one side of the lane. So they get an idea.
"Qifrey, we're going to lay down on the back again, but instead of floating we're going to swim, alright? That's easier for you, right?"
He lifts his head "Yes… okay".
"So lay on your back, look up at the ceiling and start swimming the backstroke. Big circles with your legs, only use your arms to help balance yourself".
"Are you going to swim with me?"
"I'll be right by your side. Just start, and I'll tell you when to stop".
And so he goes, after a while of going back and forth between doing or not doing it.
Looking at the clock, (Name) decides this is the last thing they'll do before stopping.
They help him a little, one hand behind his head, barely doing anything. Eventually they let go and continues to swim beside him. Qifrey is fully focussed now, eye looking up at the ceiling with a little crease between the eyebrows.
Only when they arrive on the other side of the 50 meter long pool, (Name) tells him to stop.
He comes over to hang on the wall beside them.
"That was quite a bit"
"Quite a bit?" (Name) says with a chuckle "Go look behind you".
His eye goes wide when he sees he has swam the whole lane.
"Oh…"
"You can swim, Qifrey"
He looks back and forth between his partner and the distance between him and the other side of the pool where he came from.
"I… yeah… It seems like I can indeed".
~ ~~~ ~
(Name) stands in the door opening of Olruggio's office, having just nudged the door further open and peeking inside. Brushbuddy is on the man's lap while he's sketching on his digital drawing pad.
The man stops what he's doing and zooms out with his fingers, and stares at what he has done.
"UUUGGH" the artist protests, throwing his arms over his face, voice eventually muffled by the sleeves of his sweater.
"Sorry?"
He jumps slightly, looking over to his left where he sees his partner casually lean against the doorframe.
Brushbuddy mews as he wobbles on the man's lap.
(Name) grins at the sight in front of them.
"Hi" Olruggio says, letting out a sigh.
"Hey".
The artist turns around on his desk chair, and Brushbuddy hops off his lap, prancing out of the room after being disturbed by his nap.
"Doing alright?" (Name) asks, pulling up one eyebrow.
He hums, looking back at his screen.
"Can I see?"
"Yeah" he swivels back.
He's drawing a woman in the motion of attack, one sword already wielded and she's busy pulling the other one out of it's sheath.
"It's so bad".
(Name) tilts their head.
They don't see the problem. Sure, it's still a sketch so it looks rough, but nothing stands out.
"Looks fine to me".
"No, but- look at the arms, that's not how they're supposed to move, and it's too static. Right now she's posing but I want her to move in the picture, not play a model" he explains, gesturing around with his pen.
"Hm… yeah… okay I get what you mean" they mumble, and then an idea pops into their head "Maybe if you take a bit of a break, like going with me to pick up Qifrey from work, then you return with a fresh mind and a different view".
While they were talking, Olruggio has wrapped an arm around their thighs, resting his hand on their waist and caressing it with his thumb.
He grumbles softly.
"Come on" they say, pushing his chair back around to face them "It'll be good for you".
They take his pen from his hand, puts it on his desk and then pull on his other arm.
He makes himself go limp, grinning when (Name) gives him a look.
"Get some fresh air" they continue, grabbing his other arm and pulling more.
They put his arms around their neck as they lean down, and then they hook their hands behind his knees to hook his legs around their waist.
"See our boyfriend".
"(Name)?" he questions, starting to chuckle as he hooks one foot around his other ankle.
They giggle when they feel him hanging onto them and they wrap their arms around him, preparing to lift him out of the chair.
(Name) groans heavily as they do so, and Olruggio starts to laugh louder.
They drop him back into the chair after lifting a few centimetres, laughing along.
"Work with me here".
He holds on tighter and (Name) lifts him again, making the both of them crack up into another bout of laughter when he's dropped back down.
"I got further this time!" they say, letting him go.
Olruggio releases them too, looking up with a big grin "You're daft, you are".
"Daft?!"
He laughs, poking his partner in the stomach "I'm joking".
They giggle and swing their arm gently, playfully trying to swat the back of his head.
"Oh- now you're getting it!"
(Name) yelps and starts to run away, as Olruggio stands up to go after them.
They go around the corner and into the living room, sliding onto their socks and then diving into the hallway, where they grab Olruggio's coat and throws it over his face when he appears.
He catches it and slows down, looking fondly.
Grinning back, (Name) grabs their own shoes.
"Alright, fine" he says, putting his coat back on the hook. Because he's wearing a sweater, he probably doesn't have to wear a coat outside. The heat of the summer is slowly picking up, but today is a cooler day.
After the car drive, they step out at the Atelier and make their way over to Qifrey's office, holding hands.
They see three familiar girls standing in the doorway, Coco, Richeh and Tetia, looking in.
"Hi girls" (Name) says, not too loud so they won't startle them, but they suddenly see their serious expressions. They're all holding letters and envelopes.
Olruggio pulls at their hand to slow them down.
"Hm… did you all get mail?"
Tetia nods, looking down at her own. Hers is already open, just like Richeh's. Coco's still sealed closed.
(Name) glances into the office, seeing Qifrey talking with Agott who seems upset.
"Don't you want to open yours, Coco?" Olruggio asks.
Her hand squeezes the paper "I'm… not sure…".
"Oh, Olly, (Name)" Qifrey says from inside his office, and he looks back at the student in front of him "I'm sure they're also proud with all the work you put into your studies and art. One dismissal doesn't mean you're not good at what you're doing, Agott. They said they were impressed, right?"
"But it's not good enough" Agott mumbles "Just like my mother always told me".
Qifrey's worried expression deepens, and Olruggio releases (Name) to step past the girls and into the office "What happened?"
"Can Olruggio read the letter you received?"
The girl nods and turns to him, handing the paper over.
Qifrey then sees the other girls, and motions for Coco to come to him, noticing she's on the verge of tears.
Olruggio has taken a seat on Qifrey's desk chair, reading the letter, while the professor himself is at the low square table.
"You received letters?" (Name) asks Tetia and Richeh.
"We all receive letters every few months. Richeh received a letter from her brother, he is moving here, so it's good news. But not everyone got news like that" the blue haired girl explains.
Tetia folds her letter, fidgeting with the edges.
(Name) takes it all in. How Coco is now crying as Qifrey opens her letter and reads it with a frown, and how Agott listens to Olruggio's encouraging words from artist to artist.
Wanting to comfort the girl beside them (Name) puts a hand on her back.
"You don't have to tell me what is in your letter, Tetia. But I just want to ask if you're doing okay?"
She sniffles, enough of an answer to the instructor.
"Can I do something for you?"
Her big eyes look up at them.
"Can… Can I have a hug, please?"
They didn't expect that kind of request, but who are they to refuse a child asking for comfort?
"Of course"
Immediately, Tetia slams her body against (Name)'s. Her face is pressed into their torso, hands turning into fists in the fabric of their coat. The swimming instructor puts one hand on her head while the other rubs her back. Richeh also puts a hand on her friend's shoulder.
Agott leans into Olruggio's side.
Qifrey softly explains the letter to Coco, who is wiping at her cheeks as she nods. He then sits up straighter when she steps closer to him, hiding her face in his shoulder, and he holds her in return.
"Oh dear" the professor mumbles, rubbing the girl's back. He sees the others seeking comfort with the other adults too.
(Name) is unsure of what to do, mostly because they have no experience with it, and looks at Olruggio and Qifrey for some ideas.
In turn, Olruggio and Qifrey glance at each other.
Qifrey is the one to take initiative.
"How about some dinner together?" he offers, looking around the room "Some good food will help you feel a bit better, and it has been a while since the last time we did".
"Can we go to the restaurant on the corner?" Richeh asks.
"Can we eat at your place?" Coco asks, pulling out of the hug but still holding on to Qifrey's sleeve "I want to eat your food".
The other three girls look up with curiosity.
"We can't, (Name)'s car is not big enough for all of us".
She sniffles and nods "Right".
Qifrey squeezes her shoulder "Another time, alright?"
All girls nod.
Olruggio stands up "So, Richeh, you said the restaurant on the corner. Is there anyone who has another idea?"
Some shake their head, others don't react at all.
He pats the back of Agott's back, who stumbles slightly by the force, but she doesn't seem too disturbed "Alright then, I'll talk to your headmaster we'll be away for the evening".
"Oh, I can do that as well" Qifrey says, standing up too.
"It's fine, go gather the girls with (Name), I'll handle Beldaruit. I'm sure he understands".
Half an hour later, the group is walking through the streets to get to a restaurant they eat more often. Good italian food, a place where everyone can get something they like.
The girls slowly cheer up, with Tetia and Coco holding hands as they walk together. Agott is still sticking to Olruggio's side, and Richeh is hopping on her feet on her own.
Qifrey takes (Name)'s hand in his as they back up the rear.
"How are you doing?" (Name) asks softly.
The professor start to talk about everything that he did, the classes, doing some administrative stuff, working on his laptop for his University students, and then when his for students he mentors received their letters.
"Sounds like it's been a busy day" they say, turning their head to look at him "But how are you doing?"
"Hm?" he hums, he looks back at them, and then the question seems to fall into place in his head "Oh, yeah, I'm alright. Getting busy because the end of the year is approaching, so I'm preparing for that at the same time. Not only with the paperwork, but also mentally".
Qifrey shows the swimming instructor a smile.
They squeeze his hand softly "Take care of yourself, okay? It's been quite a week".
After taking them in for a moment, he takes a deep breath.
"I'm alright, I will be. Because I have you, and I have Olly, and I have recently learned that I can really… truly rely on you both if I need help".
(Name) smiles softly "I'm glad to hear that".
Qifrey squeezes their hand, rubbing his thumb over their skin.
They got a table near the window. Richeh, Olruggio, (Name) and Tetia on one side of the table, while Agott, Qifrey and Coco where on the other side.
Everyone already has put in their orders, received their drinks, and are now waiting for the food.
The girls have already cheered up a bit. Qifrey turned the puzzle and colouring placemat into a more interesting, fun and challenging exercise for the girls, easily entertaining them.
Although all the children have their own attention span, some longer than others.
"Professor Qifrey?"
"Yes, Tetia?"
"You and Professor Olly have been together for a long time, right?"
"Three years, now"
"When are you going to marry? It's taking a very long time and I want a party so I can wear a fancy dress"
The professor's cheeks have gone red, his hand fidgeting with the black ribbon on his wrist.
(Name) glances at Olruggio, who had turned his gaze to them too, eyes wider than usual.
Tetia continues, blissfully unaware of what kind of question she's asked.
"I already picked it out! It'll be a nice pastel pink colour, so your wedding also has to have those pastel colours. It know it's going to be beautiful!"
"U-uhm… well" Qifrey starts, smiling kindly at his student. The others also started to look up, one more curious than the other.
"We also have (Name). We wouldn't want them to be left behind, right?"
They blush, and it becomes worse when they realise Olruggio had the same reasoning in pulling back asking Qifrey.
"Of course! You'd also have to marry them" Tetia notes, putting a finger on her chin "What colour would be nice on them?"
She then begins to sketch on the back of the paper placemat, creating different outfits.
(Name) feels a hand on theirs, and turn their head to see Qifrey reaching out to them across the table. It looks so casual, as he glances over to Coco's placemat beside him.
"But after marriage, what comes next?" Richeh mumbles "You already live together. What else do you do?"
"Many people have kids after marrying their partner, right?" Coco says.
"Right?" she asks her teacher.
"Yes, people do. Others do have children before they marry, though. Everyone has their own pace" he tells them, cheeks turning another shade of red, but he keeps a straight face.
"Do you want kids, professor?" Agott asks.
He looks at her, and looks a little unsure of what to say.
"Yes! They would be so cute!" Tetia coos.
"Slow down" Olruggio interrupts, leaning back and resting an arm around the back of (Name)'s chair, "We're not going to have any kids anytime soon".
"Right" Richeh agrees "They already have us to take care of sometimes, that can already be a lot, I think".
(Name) snorts softly behind their hand at the deadpan agreement of the girl.
Qifrey can't help but smile at the comment too, leaning back in his chair. The conversations smoothly pass by, even when the food arrives.
After dinner and dessert, the adults bring the girls back to the Atelier.
Qifrey walks into the building to bring them over to the wing where they sleep, and Olruggio waits with (Name) at the car.
The artist has his arms crossed, seated against the hood of the car. His gaze lingers on the building, blue eyes reflecting the lights of the streetlamps.
It's not something they would think about twice. But from where they're standing, (Name) can't help but think he looks very good.
Casually, they grab their phone, acting as if they're checking their messages. In that moment, they quickly make a picture of him, and smile at it fondly when they check the result.
"What are you grinning at?"
They look back up to see the artist already looking at them.
The smile on their lips turn into a grin "There's a handsome man on my phone".
"Oh?" he pulls up an eyebrow.
(Name) taps around on their phone, sending the picture to him.
When Olruggio's phone makes a noise, he looks more confused, and pulls it out of his pocket. Checking the message, he stares at the photo for a second, before his eyes land back on (Name).
"Very pretty sight" (Name) reiterates.
It's obvious he tries to look stern, but it falters into a shy expression where he chuckles softly, hiding his face in his hand.
"Damn".
They feel quite proud of themselves to make him this flustered by something so simple.
Qifrey walks out of the building, carrying his suitcase in one hand and his coat is tucked in his elbow.
"Okay, let's go home" he says, walking past them "I call shotgun".
"Hey!" Olruggio protests, being pulled out of his flustered state by the comment.
"Too slow" Qifrey teases him "Maybe next time, my dear".
"I was here first"
"But you didn't say anything".
Olruggio follows Qifrey around the car "So?"
"So?" Qifrey mimics him.
(Name) doesn't open the car yet, looking over the roof "Hey, stop that or neither of you are sitting next to me".
They both look affronted.
"Children" (Name) teases, unlocking the car and sitting in the driver's seat.
Olruggio drops down into the seat behind Qifrey, grumbling. When they start to drive, he opens his phone again, the picture lighting up his face.
(Name) sees it happen in the rear view mirror, making them smile once more.
Qifrey puts his hand on (Name)'s thigh, running his fingers over the fabric of their clothes as they drive.
When they park the car at the apartment building and follow the two men inside, they check their phone, seeing they got a message.
They stare at a picture of themselves, Qifrey and Brushbuddy sleeping on the couch.
"OLLY!"
The artist looks behind him, and startles when he sees their partner run up to him. He quickly begins to speed up too, running away mid-conversation with Qifrey.
Staring at his two partners bickering, the professor is stunned into silence. He then shrugs when he sees it's nothing too serious, and fondly sighs at the sight of (Name) jumping onto Olruggio's back.
Fanfic writers, reblog if you’re okay with people sharing the links to your fics to their friends and/or for fic rec posts without having to ask for your permission first
(I saw a debate about whether or not it was okay for people to share fic links around without asking the authors first, since some authors may not be comfortable with the links to their fics being shared around on twitter or tumblr. so I thought this post could be a blanket permission for authors who were okay with the links to their fics being shared around!)
hello!!! your writing is amazing, i am in looove with your swimming class au! there are (somewhat surprisingly given that they're both lovable and handsome af) not enough polycule orufrey fics out there, but even if there were, yours is SUCH A TREAT!! as you can see from a glance at my blog, i write too (thru rp), and your fic has genuinely inspired me to come back to rp! (i frequently take hiatuses even tho i've been doing the hobby on and off since i was like 9.... i'm turning 35 on the 20th for reference lmao.) your characterizations of qifrey and olruggio are so spot-on for a modern, real-world universe! and i like how you've adapted things to make sense for a modern real-world universe, too, like qifrey being a professor and orufrey having grown up in an orphanage. but yeah! i even reblogged the masterlist to my new sideblog @feelsintensify because... i mean while your fic deserves to be in my likes, too... as an rper i already have a million likes of headcanon stuff, prompts stuff, meme stuff, visual stuff, inspo stuff... i rly can't be having each chapter of a (phenomenal) fic in there too lol. keep up the amazing work and i hope you write more for wha/qifrey/olruggio/orufrey even after this fic ends! (ugh ugh it makes me sad just to think about the fact that it will eventually end asjkfhlsdjkfhsld)
Thank you so much for reading my fic! I'm glad to hear you like it so much, even to inspire you to pick up rp again.
I'm indeed planning to keep on writing orufrey and also reader x orufrey after finishing writing Swimming Class. Also Qifrey x reader and Olruggio x reader fics.
(we need more ollyxreader imo)
Thanks for your message and I hope you have a nice day!
Because I begin to panic because I feel something going "wrong" in my body, and then I panic more because I don't know what it is exactly, so the feeling gets worse, and then I panic more, and the feeling gets worse, and then I panic more, and the feeling gets worse, and then I pa-
