The Popcorn Effect
Dean adjusted the cuffs of his crisp, navy-blue button-up for the third time that evening. His hands were steady—he was a lawyer, after all—but the slight pulse of nerves in his fingertips betrayed him. It wasn’t the movie. It wasn’t even Valentine’s Day. It was the fact that he was here, waiting outside a neon-lit theater, about to go on his first date with a man.
With Arthur.
Arthur, who was everything Dean wasn’t—towering, broad-shouldered, and exuding the kind of easy confidence that made heads turn. Arthur, with his smirking lips and that damn leather jacket that somehow made him look like he belonged in both a romance novel and a street fight.
And Arthur, who, much to Dean’s bewilderment, was obsessed with Tarot cards and crystals. The last time they got coffee, Arthur had pulled a deck out of his back pocket, laid down a few cards, and told Dean that his future held “a shift in perspective.”
“Yeah, it’s called trying not to get disbarred,” Dean had muttered.
But he was here.
Dean looked up just in time to see Arthur crossing the street toward him, boots heavy against the pavement, his expression half-amused.
“You look nervous,” Arthur said, stopping right in front of him.
“I’m a lawyer,” Dean replied smoothly, straightening. “I don’t do nervous.”
Arthur just tilted his head, grinning. “Right.”
Without missing a beat, Arthur reached down and took Dean’s hand, threading their fingers together with an effortless kind of certainty. Dean glanced around, feeling the warmth of Arthur’s palm, aware of how easily the action flipped something in his chest—exhilaration, maybe. Panic, definitely.
Arthur didn’t seem to care about any of that. “Come on, counselor. I already got us tickets.”
Dean let himself be pulled forward, taking a breath. It was fine. It was just a movie. It wasn’t like they were getting married.
As they walked toward the entrance, Dean glanced up at the glowing marquee: **Alamo Drafthouse.** He’d never been here before, but Arthur had insisted on it. Something about “real food” and “people who actually shut up during the movie.”
“You’ll like it,” Arthur said as if reading his mind.
Inside, the theater was dimly lit, the scent of buttered popcorn thick in the air. A retro aesthetic covered the walls—old film posters, vintage projectors, a bar lined with craft beer taps. Dean had to admit, it was kind of cool.
Arthur led them to their seats—back row, of course.
“I can already tell you’re the type of guy who gets mad about plot holes,” Arthur murmured as they sat down.
“I just appreciate logical storytelling,” Dean said. “Something I assume you don’t require from a deck of Tarot cards.”
Arthur chuckled. “Mock all you want, but I could do a reading for you right now.”
Dean rolled his eyes but didn’t pull his hand away when Arthur rested it on his knee.
The previews started. The lights dimmed further.
Dean tried to focus on the screen, but his mind kept drifting—not to the movie, but to the weight of Arthur’s presence beside him, the press of their shoulders, the realization that he was comfortable like this. That he wanted to be here.
Maybe Arthur was right. Maybe there *was* a shift in perspective happening after all.
And maybe, just maybe, Dean didn’t mind.
*****
The moment they sat down, Arthur stretched his long legs out like he owned the place. Dean, still adjusting to the dim lighting and plush seats, barely had time to glance at the menu before Arthur waved over a server.
“We’ll do the bottomless popcorn and two large sodas,” Arthur said smoothly, not even looking at Dean for input.
Dean turned toward him, eyebrows lifting. “Excuse me?”
Arthur smirked. “You seem like a guy who’d pretend he doesn’t want popcorn, then steal half of mine. This is just efficient.”
Dean opened his mouth to argue, but the server was already jotting it down and heading off. He sighed, crossing his arms. “What if I wanted something else?”
Arthur turned his head slowly, giving him a lazy, amused look. “Did you?”
Dean hesitated.
Arthur grinned. “That’s what I thought.”
Before Dean could throw out some witty comeback, Arthur casually reached over and pressed the glowing red button on the side of Dean’s seat.
With a low mechanical hum, the recliner shot backward. Dean’s knees jerked up, his feet flying into the air as he sank deep into the seat. His stomach did a weird little flip, caught between surprise and the bizarre comfort of the position.
Arthur chuckled beside him. “Relax, counselor.”
Dean pushed himself up slightly, attempting to regain some of his composure. “Arthur, what the hell—”
“Shh.” Arthur didn’t even look at him, eyes fixed on the screen. “I love the previews.”
Dean huffed, shifting in the recliner. “Are you serious?”
Arthur just gave a slow nod, reaching for the armrest between them. He casually flipped up the divider, eliminating the barrier between their seats like it was nothing. Now there was no space between them at all.
Dean blinked. He should have expected that.
The first preview played, a dramatic action sequence with explosions and intense music. Arthur, completely engrossed, reached for the popcorn the moment it arrived, tossing a handful into his mouth without a care in the world.
Dean exhaled, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”
Arthur glanced at him, grinning mid-chew. “You’ll thank me later.”
Dean doubted it. But as the next preview rolled, and he found himself settling further into the recliner—feet still up, body weirdly at ease.
Dean wasn’t going to eat the popcorn.
At least, that’s what he told himself as he reclined in his seat, arms crossed, determined to prove Arthur wrong. But as the previews rolled on, the buttery, salty aroma curled around him, teasing his senses. Arthur, of course, was eating without a care in the world, shoveling handfuls of the golden kernels into his mouth like it was his last meal.
Dean tried to ignore it. He really did.
But then Arthur tilted the bowl slightly toward him, as if issuing a silent challenge.
Dean sighed. One handful wouldn’t hurt.
The first bite was warm, crisp, and perfectly seasoned. The saltiness paired with the rich, melted butter in a way that made his taste buds light up. He chewed slowly, savoring it, then instinctively reached for his soda to wash it down. The ice-cold fizz of cola hit just right, cutting through the buttery taste and leaving him refreshed.
Okay. Maybe another handful.
Before he knew it, he had settled into a steady rhythm—popcorn, soda, popcorn, soda. His fingers found the bowl without thought, each handful just as satisfying as the last. Arthur said nothing, but Dean could feel the smirk radiating off of him.
Whatever. He wasn’t going to give Arthur the satisfaction of commenting on it.
But as Dean ate, something strange was happening. Subtle at first, almost unnoticeable. A soft pressure against his belt, the fabric of his shirt shifting slightly over his stomach.
With each bite, he was growing softer. His lean frame, usually defined and sharp, was slowly rounding out. His stomach, once flat beneath his button-up, began to press gently against the fabric, the buttons pulling just a bit tighter. His thighs, always slim, were gradually thickening, settling more heavily against the recliner’s plush cushion.
The popcorn was *doing* something to him.
But Dean didn’t notice. The act of eating was too easy, too enjoyable. The warmth of the theater, the comfort of the reclined seat, the smooth rhythm of popcorn and soda—it was all lulling him into a relaxed, mindless state.
His jaw worked steadily, bite after bite, as his body quietly softened. His arms, once toned, now had a slight heaviness to them. His jawline, usually sharp, began to smooth ever so slightly, a new fullness appearing in his cheeks.
His stomach, growing steadily, formed the faintest curve over his waistband. Nothing dramatic, but enough that his belt, once comfortable, now pressed more firmly into his skin. He shifted slightly, unaware of the way his posture had changed—his body settling deeper into the chair, spreading just a little more than before.
By the time the first round of bottomless popcorn was gone, he leaned back with a satisfied sigh, rubbing his stomach absentmindedly. He felt *full,* but in a comforting, indulgent way. His clothes felt just a bit different—his shirt not quite as loose, his pants hugging him in ways they hadn’t when he first sat down.
Arthur finally turned to him, one eyebrow raised in amusement. “Enjoying yourself?”
Dean scoffed, wiping a stray kernel from his lap. His movements were a little slower, a little heavier. “It’s *fine*.”
Arthur’s smirk deepened, but he said nothing.
The server arrived just then, seamlessly refilling their popcorn bowl. Dean barely reacted—just reached for another handful without thinking, the cycle continuing as his body adjusted to its softening, thickening reality.
Arthur chuckled under his breath, but this time, Dean was too preoccupied to care.
*****
Dean had always been an effortlessly slim guy. Years of high-stress work and too many skipped meals had kept him trim, his suits always fitting perfectly without much effort. But something was… off.
As he reached for another handful of popcorn, sinking deeper into the recliner, he couldn’t shake the strange sensation creeping over him. It wasn’t discomfort, exactly—just a subtle awareness that his body felt *different.*
Buttery kernels melted on his tongue, the warm saltiness mingling perfectly with the ice-cold fizz of his soda. He took another sip, draining nearly half the massive cup in one go, sighing in satisfaction as the carbonation tingled through his chest. Then, without thinking, he grabbed another handful of popcorn.
Arthur sat beside him, calm and knowing, as Dean absentmindedly continued his indulgence. The changes were happening more rapidly now, creeping over his frame with each bite.
His stomach, once lean and taut, was rounding out unmistakably. The slight pressure against his waistband had turned into a steady, growing tightness. The fabric of his shirt stretched over his middle, no longer hanging loosely the way it had when he first sat down. The lowest button on his shirt was straining now, the fabric pulling just slightly when he leaned forward to grab more popcorn.
His belt, once a comfortable accessory, was pressing into his waist, no longer just snug but actively digging into his growing softness. He shifted slightly, trying to ease the pressure, but the reality was unavoidable—his body was *filling out.*
His thighs had thickened considerably, pressing more firmly against the plush seat. Where before there had been space between them, now they met at the midpoint, a soft warmth spreading between his legs. His slacks, tailored to his once-slim frame, were starting to feel restrictive, the fabric hugging his growing quads and squeezing slightly at his hips.
Dean shifted again, rolling his shoulders, but that only made him aware of the changes there, too. His chest—once flat and firm—had softened, rounding subtly beneath his shirt. The fabric clung in ways it never had before, a faint tightness along his upper torso that he might have mistaken for an odd laundry shrinkage if he weren’t so deep in popcorn-induced bliss.
Even his face wasn’t spared. His sharp jawline had begun to soften at the edges, his cheeks carrying a bit more fullness. His collar pressed lightly against his neck, not tight but noticeably snugger than before.
And yet, Dean still hadn’t pieced it together.
He *felt* something was different, sure, but his brain wasn’t making the connection. All he knew was that he felt… heavier. Not weighed down, exactly, but *settled* in a way he hadn’t before. His movements had a slight sluggishness to them, his limbs resting more heavily against the recliner.
He exhaled, shifting once again, frowning slightly as his belt dug into him a little more than before.
Arthur, who had been watching him out of the corner of his eye, finally spoke. “Something wrong, counselor?”
Dean hesitated. “…No.” He stretched subtly, rolling his shoulders again, adjusting the way he sat. His stomach pressed against his shirt, the fabric pulling ever so slightly as he inhaled.
Arthur smirked. “You sure? You look a little… stuffed.”
Dean huffed. “I’m fine,” he said, more to convince himself than Arthur. “Just… I don’t know. I feel a little weird.”
Arthur hummed in amusement, swirling his soda cup. “Weird how?”
Dean paused. He wasn’t sure how to explain it. There was an undeniable heaviness in his body, a fullness beyond just the popcorn in his stomach. His clothes felt different. His posture had changed. But it was subtle—just subtle enough to be dismissed as nothing more than post-movie-theater bloat.
“…Forget it,” Dean muttered, brushing it off.
Arthur just chuckled, eyes flicking toward the bowl of popcorn still in Dean’s lap. “You gonna finish that?”
Dean didn’t answer immediately. His belly was pressing snugly against his shirt now, the pressure noticeable—but at the same time, the buttery aroma was still so inviting, the mix of salt and soda still so addictive.
He exhaled, reaching for another handful.
Arthur leaned back with a satisfied smirk, watching as Dean absentmindedly continued eating, his body still subtly expanding, still softening, still changing.
Dean sighed, shifting in his seat as the movie faded into intermission. His stomach felt uncomfortably full, pressing tightly against his waistband. He hadn’t meant to eat so much, but something about the popcorn had been impossible to resist—one handful after another, until the bottomless bowl had been refilled *twice.*
Now, though, he really needed to get up.
He planted his hands on the armrests and tried to push himself forward, but something felt… off. His body didn’t move as easily as he expected. His stomach pressed heavily into his lap, his thighs spreading wide enough that they now filled the seat entirely. When had the recliner gotten so *deep*?
Frowning, he tried again, shifting his weight forward, but his midsection resisted—his belt dug sharply into his waist, his slacks pulling uncomfortably tight. He grunted softly, his face heating with embarrassment.
Arthur turned his head, raising an eyebrow. “You stuck?”
Dean scowled. “I *got* it.”
But before he could try again, Arthur casually reached over and pressed the button on Dean’s seat.
The recliner hummed to life, slowly moving upright. But as it did, something *else* happened—something Dean wasn’t prepared for.
As the seat lifted, his body was forced forward, pressing against the constraints of his clothes. His stomach, already pressed tightly against his waistband, was suddenly *squeezed* as he was pushed upright. The belt bit into his middle, his slacks stretching to their absolute limit.
Then—
*Pop.*
A small but unmistakable *snap* sounded beneath his shirt.
Dean froze.
Arthur, expression unreadable, casually sipped his soda.
Dean swallowed hard, refusing to look down. He *knew* what had happened. His pants—once tailored perfectly to his slim frame—had finally given up, the button popping off under the pressure of his thickened waistline.
He pretended not to notice.
Clearing his throat, he *carefully* pushed himself upright, feeling the resistance in his body, the added weight that made the motion far less effortless than it should have been. His thighs pressed firmly together, his hips shifting in a way that felt *foreign.* His shirt pulled snugly over his stomach, the lower hem straining to stay tucked into his pants.
“Where you headed?” Arthur asked, voice tinged with amusement.
Dean straightened, ignoring the way his belt, now unbuckled from the missing button, barely kept his pants in place. “Bathroom,” he muttered, forcing a casual tone.
Arthur smirked but said nothing.
As Dean stepped into the dimly lit theater aisle, he immediately realized something else—walking *felt* different. His steps were heavier, his balance slightly off. His thighs brushed with every movement, the new fullness shifting with him. His stomach had a subtle bounce he wasn’t used to, the unfamiliar weight pressing forward as he moved.
His slacks, once comfortable, were now snug around his hips and rear, the waistband sitting precariously low thanks to the missing button. He had to *adjust* them as he walked, subtly tugging them up, horrified at the way they clung to his body.
By the time he reached the restroom, his pulse was racing.
He stepped inside, bracing himself, then turned to the mirror.
His stomach dropped.
The reflection staring back at him wasn’t quite his own. Or rather—it *was,* but softer, fuller, and undeniably heavier.
His face was the first thing he noticed. His sharp jawline had softened considerably, the angles blunted by a slight roundness to his cheeks. His collar sat higher against his neck, no longer loose but snug against flesh that hadn’t been there before. His lips parted slightly, breath hitching as he took in the rest of himself.
His once-trim waist had thickened *significantly.* His stomach pressed visibly against his shirt, the fabric stretched tightly over the newly developed curve. Without the button to hold his pants together, his belt was doing most of the work, but even that was starting to strain. The lower hem of his shirt had ridden up slightly, revealing just a sliver of soft skin beneath.
His chest had changed, too. It wasn’t just muscle anymore—there was a roundness to it, a noticeable softness beneath the fitted fabric of his button-up. His shoulders still carried some of their usual sharpness, but his arms had thickened, his sleeves clinging a bit too snugly around them.
And then there were his thighs.
Dean exhaled sharply, shifting his stance. His legs had always been long and lean, but now they were *thick.* His quads pushed against the fabric of his slacks, the material visibly creased from how tightly they hugged his legs. His hips had widened slightly, his posture subtly changed by the added mass. His belt, sitting lower than before, was the only thing stopping his pants from slipping further down.
Dean stared at himself, breathing heavy.
*What the hell is happening?*
He lifted a hand to his stomach, pressing hesitantly against the softness. It *yielded* under his touch, his fingers sinking slightly before meeting resistance. He could *feel* the difference, the unfamiliar weight sitting on his frame.
He swallowed hard.
This wasn’t just bloating. This wasn’t just a bad angle.
He had *gained weight.* And not just a little.
Dean sucked in a breath, trying to straighten his posture, trying to pull his shirt down further. But no matter how he adjusted, the reality remained—his body had changed.
And he had no idea how, or *why.*
Dean stood frozen in front of the bathroom mirror, his pulse hammering in his ears. His reflection—softer, rounder, *heavier*—stared back at him, undeniable proof that something unnatural was happening. His once-trim body had filled out with unfamiliar weight, his midsection pressing snugly against his shirt, his belt barely holding his slacks in place after his pants button had popped.
And yet, beneath the shock and disbelief, something *else* was gnawing at him.
A deep, insistent *hunger.*
At first, he thought it was just the unease settling in his gut, the nerves twisting in response to his inexplicable transformation. But no—this was different. This hunger wasn’t normal. It wasn’t the kind that built gradually or could be ignored. It was *immediate* and *demanding*, an empty, aching void in his stomach that hadn’t been there minutes ago.
His belly rumbled loudly, the sound deep and unnatural, almost echoing in the tiled restroom.
Dean’s breath hitched. He pressed a hand to his midsection, feeling the soft new curve of his stomach through the fabric. How could he *still* be hungry? He had eaten more popcorn than he cared to admit, washing it down with gulps of soda, filling himself beyond what should have been comfortable. And yet, this hunger was like nothing he’d ever experienced—deep, primal, consuming.
His throat went dry. He needed to get out of here.
Swallowing hard, he straightened his shirt as best he could—not that it helped much. The fabric was still stretched too tight over his torso, his stomach still pushing against the waistband of his slacks. He couldn’t even suck it in properly; the fullness was *real.* Every step he took felt different, the added weight shifting with him in a way that made his movements feel subtly off-balance.
The walk back to the theater was agonizing.
His thighs, thick and unfamiliar, brushed with every step. His pants clung too snugly to his hips, forcing him to adjust them every few feet. Even his chest felt heavier, a slight bounce beneath his shirt that he *refused* to acknowledge. The hunger clawed at him the entire time, growing stronger the closer he got to his seat, as if something was *pulling* him back.
By the time he stepped back into the dim glow of the theater, his stomach was outright *growling.*
And that was when he saw it.
A fresh, untouched bowl of steaming, buttery popcorn sat in front of Arthur.
Dean stopped dead in his tracks, dread coiling in his gut.
Arthur turned his head slightly, his expression calm, almost amused. “Took you long enough.”
Dean didn’t answer. His eyes were locked on the popcorn—golden, glistening, perfectly warm, as if it had just been delivered.
“…Did you order more?” His voice came out weaker than he wanted.
Arthur shrugged, sipping his soda. “You could say that.”
Dean’s mouth went dry. He tore his gaze from the bowl and glanced down at Arthur’s seat. His armrest—the one with the *call button*—was glowing faintly, indicating it had been pressed multiple times.
*He’s been ordering refills this whole time.*
Arthur tilted his head, his smirk barely contained. “Something wrong?”
Dean opened his mouth, then closed it again. His thoughts were a jumbled mess.
His body had changed—there was no denying that. His shirt was tight, his belt barely holding on, and his pants fit like they were two sizes too small. His stomach *should* have been full to bursting. And yet, standing there, staring at that fresh bowl of popcorn, all he could feel was *hunger.*
His belly gave another deep, greedy growl.
Arthur’s eyes flicked toward the sound, but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he simply gestured toward the recliner beside him. “You gonna sit down, or what?”
Dean hesitated. Every rational part of him screamed to stop—to *think*—to question *why* this was happening. But the hunger… the hunger was unbearable.
Almost against his will, he stepped forward and sank back into his seat.
The recliner adjusted under his weight, creaking softly in a way it hadn’t earlier. His stomach pressed against his lap more noticeably now, his thighs spreading wider than before. His belt dug into his middle, a constant reminder of how much his body had changed.
Arthur nudged the popcorn bowl closer.
Dean stared at it, heart pounding. He *shouldn’t.* He *couldn’t.*
But his hand was already reaching for it.
Arthur sipped his soda, watching with quiet amusement. “Enjoy,” he murmured.
Dean popped a handful into his mouth, and the moment the buttery kernels hit his tongue, his fate was sealed.
The hunger *demanded* to be fed.
And Dean, helpless against it, obeyed.
Dean barely registered Arthur’s movement until it was too late.
A soft *click* sounded beside him, and suddenly, his seat whirred to life. The recliner tilted back, his body sinking deeper into the plush cushions.
But this time—*this time*—the feeling was completely different.
As the chair eased back, the added weight pressing down on his body became *impossible* to ignore. His newly grown stomach—soft, heavy, undeniably full—pushed outward, settling heavily onto his lap. The pressure of it was startling. It wasn’t just a small bit of fullness anymore; it was a real, noticeable weight, resting on him, pressing against his frame.
His belt strained even more, his slacks digging painfully into his sides. His shirt stretched taut across his midsection, rising ever so slightly, barely able to contain him. He felt *pinned* beneath himself, his body settling into place with an unfamiliar heft.
Dean sucked in a sharp breath.
Arthur, unfazed, smirked. “Comfy?”
Dean *wasn’t*—not exactly. But the worst part? The hunger *still* hadn’t gone away.
His stomach, now undeniably round and soft, gave another quiet *growl*, the sound muffled but persistent.
It made no *sense.*
He had already eaten *so much.* His body told him he was full—his tight clothes, his heavy limbs, the way his belly pushed against everything—but at the same time, the hunger gnawed at him, deep and relentless.
And the popcorn was still there.
Arthur nudged the bowl closer again, watching him expectantly.
Dean hesitated for half a second—just long enough to acknowledge that he *should* stop, that he *should* question what was happening to him.
But then his hand moved, almost without thought.
Another handful. Another bite.
The moment the buttery kernels touched his tongue, everything else faded.
He chewed slowly at first, savoring the warmth, the saltiness, the way the butter coated his lips. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment as he let the flavors melt into his senses. The recliner cradled him, the plush seat molding around his expanded form.
He should have felt uncomfortable—stuffed, overfed, *trapped* by his own growing body—but instead, all he could focus on was the addictive cycle. *Popcorn. Soda. More popcorn. More soda.*
Each bite sent another subtle shift through him, another layer of softness settling into place. His stomach pushed a little heavier against his lap. His thighs spread a little wider against the seat. His belt, strained past its limit, felt like it could give way at any second.
But Dean didn’t stop.
The more he ate, the less he could think about how different his body felt.
Arthur, calm as ever, simply sipped his soda, watching as Dean continued—bite after bite, sip after sip, sinking further into the chair, growing softer, fuller, *heavier* with every moment.
By the time Dean absentmindedly reached the bottom of the bowl, he had gained another twenty pounds.
Unknown to Dean, he was now about a full *fifty* pounds heavier than when the night had started.
And still, the hunger remained.
*****
Dean barely noticed when Arthur reached for the call button again.
He was too lost in the haze of warmth and fullness, too caught up in the steady rhythm of eating, drinking, *growing*. His recliner cradled him in its embrace, his expanded frame sinking deeper into the plush cushioning. He felt *heavy*, his body pressing down in ways that still startled him—but somehow, he didn’t *hate* it.
And then—
*Ding.*
Arthur had ordered another refill.
Dean swallowed hard, his stomach stretching taut against his now *achingly* tight shirt. The buttons at the center strained dangerously, fabric pulled to its absolute limit over the fullness of his belly.
He should have stopped by now. He *knew* he should have. But when the server quietly placed another *steaming*, golden bowl of popcorn in front of them, the scent alone made his stomach growl, eager and demanding.
Arthur chuckled, low and deep, and Dean felt a warm hand settle over his shoulder.
“You’ve really got an appetite, huh?” Arthur murmured.
Dean’s breath hitched.
Arthur’s arm draped over him, pulling him in close. It was effortless, as if Dean belonged tucked against his side. The warmth of Arthur’s body, the solid strength of his frame, sent a shiver down Dean’s spine. He should have been embarrassed—should have been *mortified* by how much he had gained in just a few hours—but the way Arthur touched him, firm yet possessive, made shame feel like an afterthought.
Dean opened his mouth to respond, to say *something*, but Arthur beat him to it.
“Eat,” he murmured, voice laced with amusement. “I’ll keep you comfortable.”
Dean *should* have protested.
But he didn’t.
Instead, he grabbed another handful of popcorn.
And the moment he started eating again, the changes resumed—faster, more intense than before.
The added weight settled into him *immediately*. His stomach swelled, pressing heavier onto his lap, pushing against the fabric of his shirt with undeniable force. His thighs thickened further, spreading against the seat, pressing into Arthur’s with soft, yielding warmth. His arms, once toned and lean, filled out with plushness, his sleeves tightening around the softening flesh.
And then—
*Pop.*
The first button gave way.
Dean stiffened, his breath catching as the strain on his shirt finally reached its breaking point.
*Pop.*
A second one.
The fabric pulled even tighter, barely containing him—
*Pop. Pop. Pop.*
The rest of his buttons *burst open*, one after another, his belly spilling free into the open air. The sudden release made him exhale sharply, warmth flooding his cheeks. His stomach *was huge*, round and undeniably full, pushing outwards with soft, growing heft.
Arthur’s grip tightened around him.
“There he is,” Arthur murmured, his voice dark with approval.
Dean shuddered.
Arthur’s hand slid lower, tracing over his side, his touch deliberate and lingering. Dean inhaled sharply, feeling the way his newly softened body reacted to the contact. His skin was sensitive, warm, *alive* beneath Arthur’s fingers.
“I think you’re enjoying this,” Arthur whispered, lips brushing just near Dean’s ear.
Dean *was*.
The weight, the warmth, the way Arthur was touching him—*it felt good*.
Better than good.
Dean’s breathing grew heavier, his pulse hammering as Arthur pressed closer, his strong fingers tracing the new softness of Dean’s belly, lingering at the edges before slipping beneath the fabric.
Dean gasped.
Arthur chuckled, clearly enjoying how *responsive* he was.
“You feel amazing,” Arthur murmured.
Dean bit his lip. He knew he should be *shocked* by what was happening to his body, by how much he had changed. But Arthur’s touch, his warmth, his *presence* made it impossible to care.
For the first time all night, Dean let himself relax.
Let himself *sink* into the moment.
Arthur’s hand slid lower, his breath hot against Dean’s skin, and Dean closed his eyes, giving in completely.
Valentine’s Day had never felt this good before.
Dean leaned back into the recliner, his belly rising and falling with each slow breath, his shirt hanging open in tatters. He should have felt humiliated, but Arthur’s presence—his arm still draped over him, fingers occasionally tracing along his softened side—kept him grounded.
Arthur chuckled low in his throat, giving Dean’s exposed belly a playful pat. “You, my friend, are officially *boyfriend material*.”
Dean blinked, his dazed mind struggling to process the words. “Boyfriend material?”
Arthur smirked. “Mmhmm. You’re cute, you’re fun, and you look *real* good all filled out like this.” He squeezed Dean’s side gently, his thumb brushing against warm, stretched skin. “Definitely my type.”
Dean’s face burned. He *should* have protested. *Should* have questioned how any of this made sense. But sitting there, basking in Arthur’s attention, his words sank into him like honey. It felt *nice* to be admired. To be *wanted.*
Arthur reached down, pulling off his oversized leather jacket. “Here,” he said, draping it over Dean’s shoulders. “Can’t have you walking out of here half-naked.”
Dean swallowed thickly. The jacket was warm, still carrying Arthur’s scent—leather, cologne, and something undeniably *him*. It swallowed Dean up, the large fit doing a decent job of covering his ruined shirt, though it couldn’t hide the heavy curve of his stomach pressing forward.
Arthur stood first, stretching, and then turned to offer Dean a hand.
Dean hesitated.
He was *so* full. So heavy. His body felt different, weighed down in ways that still surprised him. His recliner had molded around him, making the act of *getting up* seem like a task in itself.
Arthur’s hand remained outstretched, firm, patient. “Come on, babe.”
Dean exhaled and took it.
The moment he started to stand, *he knew something was wrong*.
His balance felt *off*. His thighs brushed more than they should have. His stomach shifted as he straightened, pressing forward under the weight of his fullness. He barely had time to register it before—
*Rrrrip.*
The sound was unmistakable.
Dean froze.
His breath hitched as a rush of cool air hit his exposed backside.
Arthur made a strangled noise—somewhere between a laugh and a hum of appreciation. “Well, *that* was inevitable.”
Dean clapped a hand over his mouth, mortified. “Arthur—”
Arthur grinned. “Relax, babe. Happens to the best of us.” He slid an arm around Dean’s waist, his grip *strong*, supportive, *possessive*. “Let’s get you to the car.”
Dean’s heart pounded as Arthur guided him toward the exit, keeping a firm hold on him. Every step felt *different*, his body heavier, softer, more *aware* of itself than ever before. The remains of his pants clung uselessly to his thighs, his overgrown form barely concealed by the leather jacket.
But Arthur? Arthur acted like this was *completely normal*.
Like he *wanted* him like this.
As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Arthur pulled Dean in closer, his voice low and teasing.
“Guess I’ll have to keep you in my clothes from now on.”
Dean’s face burned.
And yet, beneath the embarrassment, beneath the shock of how much he had changed—
A tiny, undeniable part of him *liked* that idea.
*****
The car ride was a blur.
Dean sat in the passenger seat, Arthur’s oversized leather jacket wrapped tightly around him, barely concealing the wreckage of his clothes. His pants were beyond saving, split down the back and hugging his fuller thighs in a way that made movement difficult. His shirt? Utterly destroyed. And beneath it all, his body—*soft, heavy, undeniably changed*—settled into itself, pressing against the seat, his stomach nudging up against the seatbelt.
And yet…
Arthur’s hand never left his thigh.
It was casual at first—just resting there, warm and grounding. But as they drove through the quiet streets, Arthur’s fingers began tracing slow, teasing circles against Dean’s leg, his touch light but deliberate.
Dean should have been panicking, should have been freaking out about his *impossible* weight gain, about the way his body had expanded so quickly in just a few hours. But every time doubt crept in, Arthur squeezed his thigh a little, anchoring him, reminding him how *good* it felt to be wanted.
“Let’s go back to my place,” Arthur murmured as they pulled up to an apartment complex. His voice was smooth, confident, laced with something undeniably suggestive. “Netflix, chill, and maybe… I’ll keep you warm.”
Dean’s stomach fluttered—an entirely new sensation given its size.
He *should* have hesitated. He *should* have questioned what was happening.
But Arthur’s smirk, his touch, the way he *looked* at him like he was the most *irresistible* thing in the world—it made it impossible to say no.
“…Yeah,” Dean said, voice softer than usual. “Yeah, okay.”
Arthur’s apartment was exactly what Dean expected—dimly lit, tastefully messy, filled with small touches of personality. Shelves lined with books on astrology and mysticism. Tarot cards scattered on the coffee table. The faint scent of incense in the air.
Dean would have made a skeptical remark *any other night.* But tonight? He barely noticed.
Arthur guided him to the couch, helping him ease down with surprising gentleness. “You good?”
Dean exhaled, settling into the cushions. “Yeah, just—full.” He glanced down at himself, the leather jacket shifting slightly to reveal the swell of his belly. *More than full.* He *felt* the difference in his body—how his middle rested against his lap, how his arms felt just a little thicker, how *big* his thighs looked, pressing against each other in a way they hadn’t before.
Arthur’s gaze flicked over him, slow and appreciative. “You wear it well.”
Dean’s face went hot. “Shut up.”
Arthur chuckled, settling beside him. The couch dipped under his weight, and before Dean could react, Arthur’s arm was around his shoulders, tugging him in. The warmth of him, the firm grip, the *undeniable chemistry* between them—it sent a pleasant shiver through Dean’s body.
The TV hummed to life, some action movie starting up in the background, but neither of them really paid attention.
Arthur leaned in, his voice low, teasing. “You know… I think I like you better like this.”
Dean swallowed hard. “Like what?”
Arthur’s fingers trailed along his side, over the softness that hadn’t been there before. “Relaxed. Indulgent. *Comfortable*.”
Dean’s breath hitched. Arthur’s hand wasn’t just resting anymore—it was *exploring*, tracing lazy patterns over his belly, along his waist, down his thigh. It should have been embarrassing. He *should* have pulled away.
But he didn’t.
Because for the first time, Dean wasn’t thinking about how different he looked.
He was thinking about how *good* it felt to be touched like this.
Arthur smirked, leaning in, lips brushing against Dean’s ear. “You’re *gorgeous*, babe.”
Dean’s heart *skipped*.
His body was different—softer, heavier, undeniably changed—but Arthur didn’t just accept it. He *adored* it. And for the first time, Dean let himself *believe it*.
He turned his head slightly, closing the space between them, and Arthur took the invitation without hesitation. Their lips met, slow at first, then deeper, more *needy*. Arthur’s grip tightened, pulling Dean closer, pressing him into the couch, making sure he *felt* every inch of his desire.
Dean melted into him, his doubts and disbelief fading into the background.
Whatever had happened tonight—however impossible it was—there was no denying one thing:
Arthur *wanted* him.
And God help him—Dean wanted Arthur too.
The kiss deepened, slow and consuming, Arthur’s hands moving over Dean’s softened frame like he *owned* every inch of it. Dean barely noticed when the leather jacket slipped from his shoulders, leaving him bare-chested, his exposed skin still warm from the rush of their night.
Arthur pulled back slightly, his lips hovering just over Dean’s, his breath hot against his skin. “You’re addictive, you know that?” he murmured, his fingers trailing lazily down Dean’s belly, tracing the new curve of it with clear admiration.
Dean swallowed hard, still breathless. “You don’t… think this is weird?” His voice was quiet, uncertain. “I mean—*this*—” He gestured vaguely at himself, at the fullness of his stomach, the undeniable weight of his transformation.
Arthur smirked, his grip tightening around Dean’s waist. “Weird? No. Expected?” He tilted his head. “Maybe a little.”
Dean stiffened. “…What do you mean?”
Arthur exhaled, his fingers pressing into Dean’s side, his expression somewhere between amusement and something almost—*possessive*. “That popcorn? It wasn’t exactly *normal*.”
Dean’s stomach twisted. “Arthur.”
Arthur sighed, shifting, his hands settling on either side of Dean’s belly. “It’s a bit of a… *ritual*,” he admitted. “A way to open you up to pleasure, indulgence. *Abundance.*” His eyes gleamed. “And judging by how much you enjoyed yourself, I’d say it worked.”
Dean’s breath hitched.
He wanted to be *angry*. Wanted to shove Arthur away, demand answers, *demand to know how the hell this was possible*.
But his body betrayed him.
Because the moment Arthur’s hands moved again—skimming over his softened stomach, his warm, newly plush sides—Dean *shivered*.
Arthur leaned in, his lips brushing over Dean’s jaw. “The magic doesn’t just change you for one night,” he murmured. “It… *adjusts* things.”
Dean’s stomach let out a soft, traitorous *growl*.
Arthur chuckled. “Like your appetite.”
Dean inhaled sharply. “You’re telling me—”
“That you might *always* be this hungry now?” Arthur smirked. “Yeah. Probably.”
Dean’s head spun. *This wasn’t happening.*
But the warmth of Arthur’s touch, the heat between them, the way Arthur *looked at him*—it made it so much harder to care.
Arthur’s lips found his again, stealing his protests, drowning them in something deeper, *hotter*. Dean exhaled shakily, barely noticing as Arthur guided him backward onto the couch, pinning him beneath his solid, muscular frame.
“You can be mad at me later,” Arthur murmured against his lips. “Right now? Let’s see just how much you like this new body of yours.”
Dean’s heart pounded, his body already surrendering.
Maybe—just *maybe*—this wasn’t a bad thing after all.