#natemarexreader

“Babe, its time for bed.” You heard Antisepticeye say behind you. Approaching the back of the chair to place his hands on your shoulders. Squeezing gently, rubbing along your arms and leaning down to give you a soft kiss. “And I mean now.” The last few words were through a static growl. You could hear the irritation in Anti’s voice. And it was understandable. He’s been trying to get you to go to bed since early afternoon. You were sick after all, and Anti was getting restless with you. Watching you rub your eyes raw and sniffle constantly. You’ve barely eaten. Not that Anti hasn’t tried feeding you. Your illness just caused more nausea whenever food came near you. But also caused you to be more ill when you didn’t eat. You were stubborn in every possible irritating way right now. But you were too tired to argue with him…much.

“I just have half a chapter more, Anti. And then I’ll go to bed.” You tried to muffle the yawn that threatened to spill through your words. But the yawn wasn’t what Anti was set on. His gaze was like small electric green daggers. Arms crossed and frown curling into a sneer; you sighed and stood from your chair. Moving around your desk chair to approach Anti and wrap your arms around his waist. Despite his very annoyed expression, Anti uncrossed his arms and circled them around your waist. Despite his sneer, he rested his forehead against yours. Close enough now that you could feel his nose barely touch your own. And despite his exasperation with you, he gently leaned down and placed a flutter like kiss against your lips. You smiled sweetly. Tucking your face against the crook of his neck, nuzzling against the scratchy whiskers along his jawline. He had that static smell about him. The metallic but not really metallic smell. You could never place it. But you know that static from TVs smelled like it.

“You cannot cute your way out of this, (Y/N).” Anti mumbled against your hair. Making you chuckle as you pecked his neck with a small kiss.

“It was worth a shot.” You said. Pulling away so you could look up at him. “Why are you up so late?”

“Because I was waiting for you.” Anti replied. His scowl had softened but was still enough to make you feel a little stab of guilt for making him wait for so long.

“You could have gone to bed.” You stated and Anti huffed. Squeezing your waist and leaning closer. Teeth bared in a snarl.

“You should have gone to bed.” The anger in his voice was small. But enough to cause a glitch to run through him. You sighed. Immune to any sort of reaction to his anger when he was like this. It was over your sleep schedule, as usual, so it was nothing new to you.

“Not to mention you’re sick.” Anti continued. “Even more reason for you to get some shut-eye before your shift tomorrow.”

You dreaded work. You really didn’t want to go, but the money would be nice. And it gets you out of the house. Fresh air, despite it being within a restricted workplace; would be good for you.

“Alright, alright.” You said. Stepping back from Anti to move around him to your bathroom. “I’ll brush my teeth and go to bed. Happy?”

“Absolutely excited.” Anti bit back. The relief was there at least. Relief that you weren’t going to fight him on this. He decided to wait for you in the bedroom. He’s been ready for bed for hours and even tried to sleep; but sleeping while you were up and probably doing more harm than good to yourself wasn’t a fit subject for Anti. As he passed by the bathroom door, he glanced in to see if you had kept your promise of cleaning your teeth. You were, thankfully. You were just putting the paste on the brush when suddenly your face paled of colour and your eyes fluttered. Anti was by your side in a flurry of glitches. Catching you as you swayed back while you clung to the side of the sink.

It passed as quickly as it came. You blinked rapidly, groaning softly as you leaned against Anti. “That… I think I almost fainted.” You mumbled. And Anti found himself holding you more securely against his chest.

His voice was another snarl as he spoke, “Its no good being sick, but you have to exhaust yourself into fainting? That’s it. You’re going to bed.” In one fluid movement Anti had scooped you up into his arms and the world buzzed around you in a flash of back and green. The lights in your bedroom flickered and sparked as Anti glitched into the centre of the room and walked over to the bed. The covers were already thrown back over the mattress and Anti laid you, very carefully, against the pillows. He was quiet as he tucked your legs under the blanket and then pulled the material up around your shoulders.

“I need to get into my pyjama’s.” You mumbled. And Anti gave you a stern, almost glare like, look before his eyes flashed green and your body tickled with soft tingling sensations. You raised the covers to see that your clothes were replaced with your favourite set of sleep wear.

“Thank you.” You said, stifling a yawn as you curled up against the pillows. Resting on your side as you felt Anti crawl up behind you. His arms wrapped around your waist, his fingers idling playing with the seam of your clothes.

“Are you ok?” He asked softly. The warmth of his breath tickled your ear, but you nodded. Tilting your head back to give Anti a soft kiss on the lips.

“I’m ok. Just got a little dizzy.” Your answer didn’t seem to please Anti. But he let it go. Cuddling up behind you as you let your eyes close for the first time today. Almost immediately, you were washed away into slumber.

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At this point, being tired was just who you were now. Not in a “Sir, I don’t care about anything, I just wanna go home” type of tired. But actually, tired enough you’ve been staring at the same book for the past 10 mins. Trying to read the cover title. But with the artwork and the weird font, you could barely get a few syllables in before your exhausted mind clocked out. Forcing you to start over.

Giving up, you turned the book over to read the code that allowed you to put the book on the shelf in the right order. Sometimes you liked to challenge yourself and guess where a book would go. Going off the author’s name, its genre and how old it is. But right now, it was just easier to use the code on the books to place them correctly.

The library was quiet today. As were normally most libraries, but today there were maybe three people tucked away into the corners of the building. Two you could make out were students of some kind. The other was a very bored looking man, slouched over a book with his cheek tucked onto his palm. Idling flipping through the pages. Barely seeming to register that he was actually reading a very political book. But NateMare usually wasn’t one to read, he liked the pieces of artwork. And from what you remember, that particular book had some very gruesome pieces. Displaying historical battles or displays of authority being sentenced out in front of a large crowd.

You pushed your trolly of books out of the aisle and towards the sulking ego. He looked up as you approached. Snapping the book shut and placing it on the trolley as you stopped beside him. His smile was warm and gentle.

“Shift finished yet?” He asked, for probably the hundredth time this morning.

You sighed and picked up the book he was reading. Turning it this way and that, checking for soot smudges that he may have left behind. NateMare never meant to do it, but sometimes his fingers were blackened from the smoke that sometimes trickled out of his fingertips.

“You know the answer. And you know the time I finish, you don’t have to keep sticking around, Mare.” You tucked the book into the small row of books, ready to be placed back on the shelves once you get moving again. Mare pouted. Tucking out his bottom lip as far as it could go and widening his eyes in a way that was similar to a pug pup. His joking puppy dog stare usually got a chuckle out of you. But, damn, you were just too tired for his shenanigans right now.

“Mare, please go home. You’re going to get me in trouble…again.” Despite your words, you flopped down onto the chair beside Mare. Fighting with yourself to not lay your head on the table. The moment your head lays horizontally, you’d be out like a light.

Mare released the puppy face and smiled gently. Crossing his arms on the table and tilting his head to look at you in that teasing way of his. “I’m just making sure you don’t pass out while working. You weren’t doing so hot last night. Or, so I heard from Anti.”

“I’ve taken a truck load of medicine. I’ll be fine. No more headaches.” You tried to give NateMare a reassuring smile. But the ego could see through it. Sure, you’ve taken a lot of medicine. But it’s fogging up your brain as much as your lack of sleep. And within your shift, no doubt the effects would wear off and you’d be back to square one with horrible head-aches and harsh nausea.

NateMare replied with a soft “Mmhmm,”. His eyes glazing over you as you stretched a little, yawning quietly and rubbing your eyes.

“I should get these books back on the shelf. Go home, Mare. Stop stalking me.” You couldn’t help but tease a little as you stood. He was here for you after-all, but it was unnecessary. You could get through today and when you get home, you’d be able to relax a little before doing your online courses.

“Have you eaten today?” Mare asked. Shifting his posture to give you a look that clearly said, “I know you haven’t eaten today but I’m giving you a chance to tell the truth and give in.”

You sighed heavily. Like it burdened you to look back at Mare and give him a soft glare. “No.” The grumble was soft enough that you hoped Mare didn’t hear it and would let you scurry away.

But instead, Mare stood and approached you to wrap his arm around your waist and kiss the top of your head. “I will only leave if you first have something to eat. Then, and only then, will I leave you alone for the rest of your work shift.”

Why did he have to be so damn cute? Why couldn’t he just let you suffer in silence and fight through the day and then do all this when you got home? You sighed and rested your cheek against his chest. Refusing to close your eyes, cause yet again, you’d probably fall asleep with the softest flutter of your eyes. “Fine, I’ll go on my lunch-break and I’ll meet you outside.”

You could feel Mare’s smug little grin without having to look up at him. Another kiss was placed against the top of your head and Mare gently rocked you back and forth. “What would you like to eat? I can get some leftover soup from back home.” His suggestion sounded nice. You didn’t feel hungry, but you could tell that this amount of time without food would be very bad. Especially since the medicine you took advises you to eat before consumption of said medicine.

“That sounds nice. Could you warm it up for me as well?” You asked, and Mare made a soft grunt.

“Of course, cold soup is a big no-no right now. You need as much goodness in you. At least to help with any nausea you’re currently feeling.”

“I told you I don’t feel sick in my stomach.” You tried to retort, but Mare disappeared in a puff of black smoke. That slowly drifted down into the carpet of the library, leaving a small grey stain at your feet. You sighed and quickly walked away with your cart of books. Mare would have to take his time to get back, since he cannot use his smoke ability while carrying food. It would turn the soup ashy and grey. And it would taste even worse than smoked food. The last time Mare brought you food like that, it had made you sick all day. And the taste of it stayed in your mouth for just as long. It hadn’t been enjoyable. And since then, Mare has taken the precaution of bringing you food the long way. Driving all the way from home, carefully cradling the food in his hand to bring to you.

After finishing up the cart, and making sure everything was in order; you asked to take your lunch-break. You went outside to sit and wait for Mare. Distracting yourself with your phone, idling running through the apps you frequent. Until your phone vibrated violently and static sizzled your screen, displaying green and black lines until Anti’s voice crackled through the speaker.

“Heya Doll-Face. You feelin’ alright? Smoke-Alarm just left the house with some soup. Need me to zap you back home?” You smiled and shook your head. Resting your chin on your free hand, you sighed.

“No thanks, Anti. Mare is just bringing me some food to keep me going through the day. How’s your morning going?” You asked. Hoping Anti had something juicy to help keep you awake. Now you’ve sat down for a little bit, without having to think about what you needed to do for work. Your mind was beginning to meld into sleepy-time mode.

“The other Septics wanted a meeting held over at their place. Something about the Ipliers… I don’t know, I was thinking about you too much to listen.” You chuckled softly and rolled your eyes. Despite Anti’s obvious tease, you knew he was being genuine. Everyone always thought Anti was brooding, maybe a little psychotic, but in truth? He was just a love bug. Romantic at times, in his own way, and he was truly always thinking about you. Especially when you were sick or something was bothering you. If he couldn’t help via stabbing someone, or cuddling you into a better mood, he would sulk until everything was better.

“You should probably listen to them. The Ipliers aren’t exactly the nicest people when it comes to you, Babe.” You said and Anti gave a huff.

“I don’t care about that. Are you sure you don’t want me to bring you home? I can make you something fresher than that soup Smoked-Ham is bringing you.”

Just as you were about to say no for the second time, Mare appeared from around the side of the building. Cradling the warm soup and setting it down in front of you as he sat beside you at the small table. You gave Mare a wide smile, thanking him as you took the spoon he handed you.

“Anti, really, I promise I’m ok. I’ll have something to eat and then I’ll be right at rain.” You tried your best to sound enthusiastic. But as ever, Anti wasn’t having it. But he also knew there was no way to convince you. Anti gave a near growl like sound. Thick with static as he mumbled something and your phone disconnected the call with a loud zap. Mare sighed and opened up the container of soup for you. It was warm to touch, and the smell made your stomach give a small ache of hunger.

“Don’t mind him, doll.” Mare tried to sooth you. You didn’t mean to make Anti mad, but you were starting to get real sick of the two of them constantly nagging you. You just wanted to finish today and then go home.

“Why’s he in such a bad mood? I understand the meeting probably irritated him, but he doesn’t have to be a dick.” You mumbled as you began to pick the soup with your spoon. You felt your stomach groan again, but another side of you was also feeling a little nauseous. You haven’t eaten in a while so you needed this food. But a bigger side of you just wanted to place the lid back on the container and ignore it.

“Because you scared him last night, (Y/N).” Mare replied. His voice softer, more sincere than when he had been speaking to Anti. “You literally almost fainted in front of him while going to bed. Lack of sleep, being sick and not eating is bad enough. But I think Anti realized just how bad it was when you almost hit the ground. He doesn’t like the fact that you’re pushing yourself so hard after that. You need rest, and he’s angry that you won’t do that.”

Guilt pulsed through you. You didn’t realize you had scared Anti. Enough so, that it was the reason Mare was here. No doubt to keep an eye on you because Anti was worried. They liked each other, but Anti was usually pretty reserved around Mare. So, knowing he had shared his concerns with NateMare about last night was something that surprised, and worried, you.

“He told you about that?” It was a stupid question. You knew Mare was aware of it, but how much did the two share?

“He did.” Mare said. Crossing his arms over the table. His expression serious. “He asked me to try and get you to come home early. To get some rest and actually let us look after you. You would have chained us to the bed and stuffed hot soup down our throats if our positions were swapped.”

You sighed and stirred the contents of the soup. You really didn’t feel like eating now. Anti was mad at you. Mare was giving you a serious talk. And the migraine from before was starting to come back. How could you even begin to fight them now?

“Alright.” You finally caved. Slouching a little in your defeat. You couldn’t do this anymore. They were right; and there was no winning against the two of them. “I’ll go speak to my boss and get the rest of the day off.”

Mare’s furrowed eyebrows lifted with a relieved smile. “Thank you. But just so you know; I had an entire 4 page argument ready to try and get you to come home. It was either I convinced you, or annoyed you enough to say yes.”

You chuckled softly and placed the lid back onto the container. Handing it to Mare as you started to walk back inside the library. You paused to press a kiss to Mare’s cheek. Who grinned gleefully at the affection. Reaching over to pull you closer and give you a sweeter, more proper, kiss. As you pulled away, his eyes smoked over and he grinned wickedly. “You cannot cute your way out of eating, babe. You’re going to eat this when we get home. I’ll even funnel it down your throat if I have too.”

You sighed, rolling your eyes in a half-hearted attempt to seem annoyed. But you knew you couldn’t have gotten away with not eating. But doesn’t mean you wouldn’t try.

 Your manager was a more than happy to let you leave early. Their soft smile and concerned glances were more than enough to tell you that they were in the same boat as Mare and Anti. And the small comment of; “Get some rest and don’t come back until you’re better.” Was enough to let you know they were probably going to send you home early anyway. You gathered your things and headed outside to get in the car with Mare. His vehicle was classy and also one of those high-tech sporty cars. Borrowed from Phantom. Who, Mare had explained, loved this car to pieces. And also owed Mare a favour. So, in return for Mare’s help in something, Phantom had to give his ego-brother the beloved car for him to use at any convenience. Which was all the time.

“Still burning the roads with Phantom’s favourite?” You asked as you walked over to the car-park. Mare’s grin was smug. Nodding as he opened the door for you with a flourish of his hands and a small, dramatic bow. However, he quickly stood up to press a kiss to your hair as you passed and got into the leather seat.

“He regrets his decision every day. And I love it.” Mare replied. Closing the door with a soft click and a cheeky wink. You relaxed against the leather seat. You loved and hated that Mare drove you around in this car. So many accidents could happen and you did not want to be blamed for any of it. Spilled food or drink? Mare’s ashy touch? Anti’s left over influence on the computer system in the car? Literally anything, and Phantom would blame you because:

“They’re your boyfriends. Leash them or I will.”

It wasn’t one of Phantom’s smoothest threats, but you got an idea of what would happen. And you didn’t like the other egos threatening your lovers. It was just annoying. However, your thoughts were brushed away as Mare slid into the car. Revving the engine with the twist of the keys and smiling gleefully as he pulled out of the parking lot and on the road.

“Is Anti going to be mad when we get home?” You ask, and Mare shook his head. Having to stop his little fast joyride at a red-light. It relieved you that Mare was at least compliant with the road rules when you were in the car.

“No. I think he’d be overjoyed that you’ve caved and come home early. Don’t think too hard on it, Doll. He’s only worried for you. He doesn’t mean to sound cruel or nothing.” Mare reached over and gave your hand a squeeze briefly before having to pull away and focus on the road.

You remained quiet the rest of the way home. Sitting down in a comfortable seat, plus the dull roar of the car was making you twice as drowsy. And it was already difficult to keep up a conversation. But before you could fall asleep, unwillingly but no doubt it was going to happen, Mare drove up the driveway to your home and parked the car. You were drowsy and sluggish, so it took some time to unbuckle yourself. But before you could even open the car door, Mare was right there. He opened the car up for you and then scooped you into his arms. You gave a defiant grumble, but didn’t do much about the situation. Mare bumped the car door close with his hip and carried up into the house. Anti was in the lounge room, watching something on the tv. But he was on his feet and at your side the moment he noticed Mare carrying you through the door.

“(Y/N)! Are you ok? Did something happen-” Mare cut him off with a dramatic roll of his eyes. You chuckled softly and wriggled until Mare set you down on the ground.

“I’m fine, Anti. Mare just decided to bride-carry me home.” You said and Mare shrugged, taking off his jacket to throw it over the back of the couch.

“You looked like you were turning Zombie in the car. It would have taken you a year to get inside.” Mare teased. Moving away from you and Anti to throw himself onto the couch. Lounging amongst the cushions and snatching up the remote to change the channel. You didn’t miss Anti’s once over, his blazing green eyes searching for any possible injury. But you distracted him by leaning up and pressing a kiss to his lips. He grunted, but returned the touch. However, the moment was broken by Mare coughing very loudly.

You and Anti turned to stare at him. And the ego pretended to smack his chest and cough a little more, feigning like he was in pain. “I’m fine. Just got something stuck in my throat.” He said.

“It’ll be my fist in a second if you try that again.” Anti hissed, and Mare cooed softly. His smile something short of smug.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Glitch-Boy.”