◉ Synopsis; Olruggio loves Qifrey's cooking- the side effects of loving to eat? Not so much. When you notice Olly feeling down and insecure, you decide to step in and show him a little extra love
◉ CW; body dysphoria, negative self talk, mentions of gaining weight
◉ A/N; this is a romantic Olruggio x reader piece with implied poly!Qifrey/reader/Olly, gn!reader (no use of pronouns or references to anatomy)
It started tame enough- Olruggio sneaking some sweets in between working sessions, spending time with Qifrey in the kitchen trying new recipes after the girls went to sleep, absentminded snacking when he was working on new inventions- but all of it started to add up. Olruggio hadn't noticed at first- but now, hyper-aware of the weight he gained, he couldn't help but feel insecure every time he left his room.
You and Qifrey both noticed when Olruggio started spending much more time alone in his room with the door locked. The Watchful Eye of the Atelier shutting himself away presented obvious problems, but beyond that, there was a deep concern for Olruggio's well-being.
Unknown to the two of you, the reason for Olruggio's self-isolation only got worse when you attempted to leave meals at his door. The untouched meals, paired with brief and curt conversations through the door made you and Qifrey decide it was time for an intervention.
You and Qifrey took turns knocking and sitting outside Olly's door while the other watched over the girls. Finally, during your late night "shift," the sadness in your voice as you pleaded for him to come out made Olruggio crack.
He opens the door just slightly, gaze fixed to the floor in shame as he mumbles a half-hearted "what d'yeh want"
Upon seeing the hurt in your eyes, Olruggio caves completely, opening the door wider to let you in and shutting it behind you. Olruggio trudges to his bed, not even bothering to use his Sylph shoes, collapsing into the mass of pillows and blankets and curling up on himself, his arms wrapped around his middle
Taking a seat beside him, you hesitantly reach out, running your fingers through Olly's hair. He sniffles, leaning into your touch and murmuring an "'m sorreh" into the blankets.
"What's wrong, Olly?" The simple question causes him to burst into tears, the dam holding back his flood of emotions finally breaking down. He tells you everything; the way he stares at himself in the mirror, glaring at every curve and roll, wishing it was gone, the way he felt so out of place in his body, how much he feared the idea that you would see him the same way he sees himself
The hand that was petting Olly's hair trailed down to his face, cupping his cheek gently, your other arm held up as a silent invitation for a hug. Olruggio takes it without question
As he lay in your arms, you trail your hands along his sides, whispering all the things you love about him, the reassurances floating around his head like stars, lighting up the dark thoughts that had been plaguing him for days
"Why don't you join Qifrey and I for a midnight snack? I'm sure the girls have gone to bed by now."
Just after you ask the question, Olly's stomach growls loudly, giving you your answer. You stand first, taking Olly's hand and helping him up, leading him down to the kitchen where you, him and Qifrey spend the next couple of hours talking, drinking and snacking
When the two of you finally go to bed, Olruggio falls asleep in your arms, face pressed to your neck
Being polyamorous with a primary and/or nesting partner is a lot like being an outdoor cat. I may wander the neighborhood and visit different people but at the end of the day I’m coming home to where my bread is buttered and all that.
