Hello! I was wondering if you could write the Overblot boys comforting their S/O who is having really bad cramps. My body is kicking my butt because of biology not being on my side.
Since I recently wrote about cramps, I am assuming this is also about menstrual cramps? So it will mostly contain them finding ways to ease the pain, as I feel they are a bit inexperienced when it comes to words.
Attempted to speed this one up ahead of some others in time for 5(ish) days just in case 🙂↕️
Content: Established relationship, fluff, comfort, use of medicine (painkillers), use of pet names (dear, darling, treasure + Leona still uses herbivore/Malleus uses child of man, but as terms that both sides implicitly consider affectionate when used on the reader.)
Genuinely lost my marbles trying to figure out how Leona and Idia should speak.
• Pink dialogue is the reader. Others follow dorm color.
It was exam week.
Many students were occupied with studying, especially those in Heartslabyul, who were at risk of losing their heads. It also happened to oh-so conveniently land on the same dreaded week that would arrive each month.
You tried to focus on studying, shutting yourself in your room and staring at your work. It felt impossible. The pain coiling inside of you would not relent.
You couldn't afford more medicine after buying the bare essentials for your cycle, and asking your friends for help made you feel guilty. They were likely pulling all-nighters studying, and your boyfriend was most definitely occupied with supervising them.
•
At 8 p.m., you heard a knock on the door. You managed to stumble over and unlock it, revealing Riddle waiting patiently.
"I apologize for not arriving sooner... I noticed you had been looking a bit pale today. Is everything faring well? If you are worried about the exams, I would be willing to—-"
He quickly noticed the way you clutched your stomach while quietly listening, and the way your eyes tried to suppress twitches. He had seen this before. It was confusing the first time, but he was a quick learner. This time, he had medicine on hand—painkillers he always carried around after that first time. He did extensive research since then.
Urging you back to bed, he produced a cup of water and helped you take the pills shortly before tucking you back in.
"Have you eaten yet? I can acquire some ingredients from Heartslabyul for dinner. It may sooth your pain to eat a well-balanced plate of salmon and cruciferous vegetables."
"I didn't eat at all, I could barely even leave my room. But, right now..."
You tugged his sleeve, making his eyes widen from shock. You looked very, very exhausted at the moment, even your slight tug being far too weak.
"...Could you stay until the medicine kicks in? Please?"
A faint tint of red pricked his cheeks from the polite request. He cleared his throat while cupping your hand and folding it back over your chest in a gentle movement.
"Naturally. You should begin to feel better in nearly twenty-seven minutes. I will stay with you until then."
•
Riddle stayed with you, not for twenty-seven minutes exactly, but until you could say the pain had truly lessened. He sat at the edge of your bed, fingers threading through your hands with slight nervousness. Seeing you in pain always made him anxious, but he did his best to hide it. You were the one who needed comfort.
And when you asked him to join you for a cuddle? He obliged despite his lack of experience with touch, giving the most caring hug he could produce.
The pain lightened up after cuddling for a while, so he left to prepare your meal. Of course, you protested, but he insisted skipping your food could cause worse cramps.
He would just make up for it later by staying with you overnight as a pillow.
Since it aligned with spring break, barely anyone had noticed when you began to feel those dreaded cramps. It left you bedridden, your arms wrapped around your stomach from the excruciating pain. Even reaching your phone wasn't an option, as you made the mistake of leaving it on a counter.
Fortunately, Leona noticed earlier by scent, though he knew better than to say so. He already bought a bag of supplies, but only barged into your room when you had been isolated for too long. No knocking on the door, or announcing he was coming.
"Here, herbivore. Can't have you losing strength on me, now."
Leona tossed over the bag with an exasperated sigh. He wasn't the type to let his softness show, even for his partner, but the fact that there was even sweets in the bag amongst other necessities was more than enough proof. You gave him a genuine smile to let him know.
"...Thanks. You're a lifesaver."
Instead of leaving, he sat down on the bed as you took medication, his tail flicking in rhythmic measures. He did not speak, only staring with those piercing green eyes. It wasn't predatory, but he was certainly observing your every movement to asses your condition.
•
The silence was persisting far too long for your taste. Your hands trailed up his head until they brushed his ears. Despite his scoff of annoyance, his ears began to twitch in your hands—and he let you pet them.
"Whatever... I'll let you do it for now. Just don't expect this to be a regular occurrence, got it?"
You giggled at the feigned authority in his voice, knowing this wasn't the first time he had said this.
To your surprise, Leona even lowered his head onto your chest this time, letting out a nearly inaudible purr as you continued to pet his ears. It was similar to petting any other house cat... except this one was oversized, and had his limbs tangled with yours. He did care about his pride, but your comfort took priority. He knew this helped you relax, as mortifying as it was.
"You're really cuddly when you don't bother to hide it..."
"...Just don't go mouthing off about it to others."
Azul was busy with managing Monstro Lounge since it was a weekend. You didn't tell him about your cramps for that reason, so he didn't know... Until Floyd busted into your room. He was probably skipping work to ask you to play, but instead, he found you curled up like a shrimp. He figured it was funny enough to tell Azul, who was reasonably far more concerned.
In a last-minute decision, he put Jade in charge of managing before rushing to your room. Floyd failed to mention the context of why you were curled up, making him feel incredibly careless when you explained it was menstrual cramps. He was completely unequipped for the situation.
•
Azul somehow managed to brew a potion with just a regular pot on a stove, afraid of leaving your side to visit the store or alchemy lab.
"And what will this cost me?"
"The price? I hereby request that you invest your utmost effort into... Resting."
He spoke with a business-professional tone, as if he was striking a deal with an unfortunate student. His actions were, however, a stark contrast; his hand brushed your cheek as he tilted the potion to your mouth, ensuring you wouldn't spit it out because the concoction was "too bitter".
•
Azul's movements had clearly gotten jittery between leaving the lounge unattended and seeing you still experience pain, but he stayed by your side the entire time. Free of charge.
"Azul, my head hurts... And I'm still cramping."
You spoke up, shifting around uncomfortably. His first reaction was to fold his coat, lifting the back of your head and sliding it beneath you. You shook your head at his makeshift pillow, staring straight at him.
With a helpless sigh, he sat himself down in place of the pillow, letting you rest your head on his lap. It left Azul visibly flustered, biting down on his lower lip and avoiding eye contact until you groaned in pain again. His shaky hands tried to massage your abdomen in attempt to ease the pain, working in circular motions. It left him a brighter shade of red, but also relief when your face relaxed.
•
It was almost a defeating feeling to see you in a weakened state despite his potion and attentiveness. You felt far better than before, but you occasionally scrunched tighter from convulsions.
"...Dear."
He pressed his fingers again the bridge of his glasses with a sigh.
"Yes?"
"Would you like to make another deal? I may be interested in borrowing a... fraction of your pain for this week. For further research."
Jamil had already planned for today, pawning off Kalim to the Pop Music Club. It was guaranteed to keep him occupied. Even without a single mention of your cramps, he had everything prepared beforehand and arrived early. He was familiar with caring for others in this scenario due to Najima's loud complaints.
To spare you of any embarrassment, he only claimed to have come for "spending quality time" with his lovely partner... Though you could see he brought snacks for your cramps.
Jamil set a tray of assorted chocolate snacks on the coffee table, helping you lay on the couch. He even brought two high-quality pillow from Scarabia; one for your head, the other for you to hold.
"Do you need anything else? I could cast a simple ice spell for cooling, or perhaps you would prefer a warmth spell for your back?"
His hand pushed up your bangs, feeling the temperature of your forehead. Calm and methodical, as always. You shook your head at his questions, though you couldn't help but flash a soft smile—one that made his heart melt. He quickly cleared his throat to mask it, his hand instinctively moving to massage the back of your neck instead.
"You should at least try to eat. I prepared your favorites for this time of month, and they are baked with the proper medication for easing pain. There is no need for concern, the medicinal taste shouldn't be detectable. Please, help yourself."
Jamil lifted the tray with one hand, pressing a chocolate drop filled with pistachio cream to your lips. It wasn't a forceful gesture, just gentle enough to see if he could coax you into taking it. To his relief, you ate one... Then began to crave for more. It was his solution to your aversion of medicine, especially since potions were far too bitter.
•
When you laid to rest again, he began running his fingers through your hair. He stared at you quietly, with a subtle adoration. It was always a nice change of pace to care for you, considering how chaotic Kalim's ideas could be.
"Jamil?"
"Yes?"
"Could you speak?"
"Speak? I'm afraid I don't have anything interesting to say... Is there something you were hoping to hear in particular?"
"Just... say anything, really. Your voice is calming."
A slight hint of shock appeared on his face, the combing motions paused. Then, he schooled his expression and continued.
"In that case... Earlier, today, Kalim—-"
He rambled on about everything he could recall that day. The commotion Kalim caused, the arguments between Ace and Floyd during basketball practice, the few quiet moments he spent in the kitchen... Jamil kept speaking until you fell asleep, seeming undisturbed by cramps in this peaceful state. He pressed a kiss against your forehead.
"Sweet dreams, my treasure."
You were doing your best to hide how bad the cramps felt, since Vil had asked you to star in one of his films for the Film Research Club today. Everyone was in place, the weather was beautiful, and you had your costume done... But the cramps were only getting worse.
You went through the first few takes without showing signs, but the pain had taken a considerable cost on your acting skills. Vil seemed to have noticed, stopping you before a fourth attempt.
"You seem utterly exhausted today, darling. The film can always wait. While it is a shame... You appear to be making a similar grimace to those of my colleagues on their 'months'."
"So, you noticed."
You let out a helpless sigh, slumping your shoulders. If anything, it was a relief that he didn't sound disappointed.
"Come. I will care for you in Pomefiore. You should know your limits better than anyone else. Today simply won't cut it for filming."
He didn't let you protest about the film any further, swooping you up bridal-style so you wouldn't exhaust yourself. He knew how persistent you could be, even to the point of ignoring your own health.
•
You were set down on the soft sheets of his large bed. Of course, Vil already made you take a potion. They were always available, as he made a new batch every month with you in mind.
In the meanwhile, he gave you a full body massage, knowing you were aching; firm circles on the back, sides, arms, abdomen, legs... He remained mindful of not moving you too drastically. Just as you were beginning to feel like putty, Vil changed course again.
"...If you want your cramps to feel better, you best expect to put in your own work, as well."
•
As always, his words came from a place of love, even if it caused you to grumble. He was helping you form yoga poses, only the easier ones to relieve your pain. Before each one, he would ask if it caused discomfort. If it did? He would simply have you try another pose. Surprisingly, most of them released the tension in your muscles.
Vil only allowed you to rest once your body was in better shape. He laid thin, breathable sheets over your body, resting a hand over your chest for you to hold—should you wish.
"I will admit, you are quite strong. Your acting skills today left much to be desired... but if we consider the pain you were experiencing, you are quite the skilled performer. Next time, you must inform me of any unforseen events. I do not care if the set is fully prepared; your comfort will always come first. Do you understand?"
He said no more on the topic after you nodded, trusting you to be honest in future events.
At the same time, he didn't want you to only see him as some sort of instructor... so, looking around, he began to change the topic. He knew how boring the idleness could be.
"Well, do you not have any gossip to share?"
You personally came to Idia's room the moment you felt even a slight sense of pain. And, quite honestly, declared you were having cramps. It was proper protocol for having a boyfriend who was afraid of coming out and speaking bluntly—not counting when certain interests were involved.
He did his best to clean his bed in a rush, tossing books and scrapped hardware into unorganized boxes. In his mind, he was even planning on carrying you to the bed like a princess, but he ended up leading you with a fidgety hand instead. Once you laid down, there was a rapid fire of nervously-asked questions.
"...U-um... Is it cramping bad? Where are the cramps? Did you take anything? Do you want background music? Or snacks?"
"Yes, the cramps are getting worse—they are mostly in the lower abdomen. And no, I didn't take anything. I was just trying to make it here before I became completely immobile. If you're going to play music, just don't blast it... Snacks would be nice, though."
You had gotten so familiar with his quick speaking that you could even answer during extreme pain. He gave a pause, then immediately scrambled to lower the speakers and search the cabinets.
•
...You had to take the painkillers with juice instead of water since he, somehow, did not have water. The only other option was soda, but honestly, you didn't mind the juice right now.
Much to his fear, just medicine wasn't enough. So, he prepared backup.
A handcrafted massaging device for your abdomen, repurposed cooling systems for your cold sweat... even a TENS unit.
"Whee hee hee! How's that?! I built them all in a day, and they're more effective than any of their standard counterparts!"
"That's nice, Idia, but I really just wanted your presence..."
He let the silence hang in the air, completely unaware of what to say. That was something he considered himself terrible at—providing adequate company. Idia slowly turned his head to the PC, then back to you... Maybe both of you needed a distraction, for different reasons.
•
Somehow, you ended sitting snugly on his lap as he played games on the PC. He only used one hand for the controls, the other occupied with wrapping around your midsection as a form of concealed reassurance. Snacks laid scattered around the desk for you to pick from. It was safe to say he wasn't quite watching your diet... He just opened whatever you were craving.
Idia rarely had to leave his room, so he cuddled with you all the way until night. He was staying up, of course, so you knew he would be available if you woke up from cramps again.
"Idia?"
"Uh.. huh?"
"We should really do this more often."
You nuzzled into his shoulder, drifting to sleep. He was left utterly flustered without any room for a comeback.
Malleus had already been exploring around your dorm when his sensitive ears detected pained groans coming from inside. He wasted no time in using teleportation magic to your bedside, nearly causing you to tumble out from the scare.
"Child of man, what seems to be ailing you? You have been producing a sound akin to that of a dying animal for a substantial amount of time..."
He rubbed his chin with his index, looking off thoughtfully.
"'For a while'? You only just now entered my room—- oh, right. Your ears. Well, if you really must know, I'm having... cramps."
"Ah, I see. You have trained too hard, then?"
"Menstrual cramps."
He appeared almost confused at first, then came to a realization. The fae suddenly flashed a toothy smile, placing his hands on his hips with confidence. Lilia had taught him before, though very briefly... now was finally his chance to put those lessons in practice!
"Very well. You must crave food, yes?"
With the flick of his hand, food began to pile from thin air, likely summoned from Diasomnia's kitchen... It was almost too much.
"Wait, wait, wait..! I'm thankful for the food, but I'm not really craving anything with all of this cramping..."
Even from a quick glance, one could tell that the simple task of laying down and speaking took great effort from you. Though Malleus considered most humans "fragile", you appeared weaker than usual. He tried to slow himself down and gave an understanding nod, hovering his hand just inches away from where yours were clutched. He casted a spell, and the cramps declined from intolerable to a standard amount of pain.
He knew you must have been suffering an unordinary amount of pain if his magic couldn't fully cure it.
This might have been the first time he felt helpless in a while. Asking others for assistance was out of the question; he couldn't use his phone, he didn't want to leave your side, and the thought of Lilia or his retainers barging didn't sit right with him. Surely, they would only disturb you?
•
None of your praise for his spell was doing much to ease his worries. From his view, he needed to stay close, or else your pain could progress again.
Malleus wrapped his tail around your body and snugged against you like a giant pillow, ready to re-cast his spell at any moment. Being a creature of the night, he never lost track of your body language. If you began to groan and curl in your sleep, he would simply rock you in his arms and do his best to strengthen the spell. If you relaxed, he would allow himself to snuggle tighter. If you were about to wake?
He would hum a hauntingly beautiful melody—a lullaby in a minor scale, one that would keep you in slumber.
