•DESS •

Your muscles ached. Not in the pleasant way that perhaps a light walk would do, no, they hurt.

Every step, every movement you did awakened electricity straight through your nerves.

Worst part was, you couldn't really complain, not without them telling you to rest up.

Grease and dirt coat your hands, which give out a slight tremble when arranging the many wires needed to be fixed in the Breaker Box. You feel daggers hit the back of your neck, and wonder which of the two men have realized your condition at last.

— Stop.

Eddie, it seems.

— You're trembling like crazy... didn't I tell you not to push yourself? You're always so stubborn...

He grabs your hand, your pained reaction makes him immediately retract it from your grasp. Your eyes look up to him, and you see his condition isn't exactly the best either.

His wirey hair stuck to his face, perhaps sweat or some other secretion dripping from his body. You'd tell him how hot he looks if it weren't for the fact you felt like dying. His breath is slightly labored, and when he sees you notice, he crosses his arms roughly.

— Take a break. I'll finish the rest.

You looked at him incredulous.

— What? No. I'm not letting you like that. H-have you looked at yourself.

— Have YOU looked at yourself?

— I can handle it Eddie. I'm not made of paper-

— You're gonna hurt yourself badly and I-

The harsh sound of heels stomping on the ground made both of your faces turn around.

Shit.

Volt, in all of his glory, although right now he seemed to want to hit both of you over the head.

— ... What is going on?

Eddie dries himself with a towel, trying to keep a bit of composure under Volt's analyzing gaze.

— Livewire's taking a rest. Almost done with this-

— No I'm not! he wants me to let him do the rest when he's exhausted!

— I'm exhausted? You're trembling like a goddamned leaf! give me a fucking break-

— I will if you stop treating me like a child-

- Stop. Now.

Volt's voice fills the room with static energy. You feel the hairs on your body stand up.

He calms down, but the stern tone remains while he speaks.

— You've done enough... both of you.

He rubs his temples in a stressed manner.

— This can be finished later.

— I'm almost done Volt, I can finish it-

— No Eddie, you'll rest. Both of you will, I'm not letting either of you get hurt or break.

— Volt- c'mon, look, I'm not trembling anymore, I'm alright. I can do it-

— Livewire, usually your determination is admirable, not now. You're awfully stubborn. I will not allow this to be discussed, both of you, put on some clean clothes, comfy, I'll bring you something to drink and eat.

The heels click strongly, leaving a somewhat uncomfortable echo behind.

Eddie rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, a slight embarrassed blush on his cheeks.

—...

He sighs.

— Livewire, I'm - I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten angry. I just- I really don't want you to get hurt. I don't know what I'd do if you end up bleeding or worse because of me.

— I don't - I don't want you hurt either Eddie. There's a reason I force myself even like this... I know you won't let me help you if you think I'm in danger... but I don't want you in danger either.

— I rather it be me hurt than you.

— That's why I do this. I don't want you to be hurt either. Like this, we- we both end up -

Volt's clicking returns, he hands you a glass of cold water before you finish your sentence, Eddie is given the same.

— You're both too self sacrificing.

He sees both of you are still in your dirty clothing.

— Sigh. Well, I'd assume you'd talk rather than do as I said, so I also bought you spare clothing.

— ... Bed clothes?

Eddie seems confused.

— That's right, let's get going to the bedroom hm?

The ache in your bones too strong to ignore, you sluggishly make your way to the upstairs room. Eddie seems to want to argue, but gets easily stopped by Volt's piercing look.

...

The room is dark. Too inviting. You feel your eyelids close against your will... however, you do make it to the bed with hidden strength unbeknown to you.

Volt chuckles at your tiredness, and while Eddie can manage a slight smile, he realizes he's too damn tired to do much else. Guess Volt was right.

Volt whispers softly.

— Come on Eddie, let's go to bed. I'll put Livewire in a more comfortable position.

He doesn't need to be told twice. He gets in bed slowly but somehow still quickly. And immediately the entirety of the day weighs on him like a hundred tons.

The other man expertly maneuvers you, to be in the middle of both of them. Eddie tiredly wraps one of his arms around you, while Volt grabs onto you both in a nurturing way.

The room feels cozy. Warm in a comfortable way that makes the bones feel soft and the whole body feel airy.

With that, Eddie closes his eyes and falls asleep.