#short x reader

Life with your boyfriend Hector was simple, but very wonderful. It had been weeks, practically months since you had used your "Dateviators" to "realize" him, along with many other objects in the home. His frame was soft and curved now, his face wrinkled as he smiled. His curls framing against his face, bouncy and soft. Human life always has something new and wonderful to him. The beating of his heart never stopped amazing him. Nor did the fact he could touch you grow old either. If he wasn't cupping your cheek with his palm, or holding your hand or pressing his warm fingers to the small of your back. He was working ever so diligently on his tasks, especially if they were tactile.

He loved to feel the grit of the clay as he sculpted the porcelain masks, painting and glazing each one in the kiln. He loved the feeling of his hands gripping the pencil, or tapping against the keyboard as he continued his passions of writing poems and novels of romance. Though he never did get out of the habit of making the main character just like you, and the love interest just like him. It was sweet, when you think about it. Even now, you were still the prime subject of his thoughts. Though the way he mused and tapped away at the keyboard. It was almost rhythmic, and a soft hum would bubble inside of him. It was a simple sweet tune. Occasionally accompanying him reading back the words on the document. Wondering if they made any sense when spoken.

"Sounds like somebody is getting into the rhythm of things" you chuckled, your hands wrapping around his shoulders from behind in a hug. Hector was in your shared office again, tapping away at his keyboard. Your face nuzzled into his soft curls as you looked over at the monitor. It looked like he was drafting up another poem that bubbled and bordered on lyrics. He was always good with words, both spoken and written.

"Ah of course my love.." Hector crooned, using the deep and romantic tone he usually put on when he wanted to be suave. He had used it before, back when he was just an HVAC system. Now no longer it was a mask for him to hide behind. Reduced to a playful voice that he loved to put on when he was feeling theatrical. "Though sometimes I find myself wishing I could do a bit more than just hum. I write my poems but I feel as if there's something amiss.."

"Have you thought about dabbling into music? I know you probably see a lot of those bard types." You found yourself mumbling into his neck. "Especially when you go sell your masks at the fair."

Your breath was warm against his skin, making his hairs prickle and stand up in pleasure. You had a pretty good point in his mind. Selling masks in the renaissance and art fairs did attract many performers and he did quite enjoy listening to their tunes and ballads. It helped with dealing with the boring lull between customers, where he didn't have much to do, other than check his masks, re-check and fuss with displays.

"Oh I'd wouldn't know where to start" He sheepishly chuckled, "Besides I never had a good track record with music." He sighed, his little cat fights with Keyes were weeks ago by now. But the lingering resentment tasted bitter in his mouth.

He never liked how demanding she was, trying to boss him around to get the house 'the perfect temperature'. He hardly ever conceded to her demands. Especially since she never met him half way. Especially not to give him the bare decency of telling him what temperature she wanted in Fahrenheit. The temperature measurement he was set to back then. It was always Celsius or heaven forbid, Kelvin. It would almost always sound like a horrible drastic measurement that sounded like it'd either scald or freeze You, his precious love. Then he would have to go through the trouble of finding his converter. Which considering it'd only be for her sake, it was too much work. His spats with her had spoiled the taste of making music in his mouth. It definitely made something like playing music odd for him. Even thinking about touching the piano in the Livingroom, even though she also realized and didn't inhabit it anymore. It made his mouth taste bitter and metallic from the never-quite resolved memories.

"You sure?" You hummed curiously taking him out of his bitter musing, "I could teach you how to play an instrument. I know a few things about music, though I wouldn't say I'm a maestro.. I just know the basics.. But I could find a video to teach you how to play a lute so you don't get bored during your downtime. I remember you saying something about being bored at those fairs between customers." You said, your words spreading temptation into his mind.

"No no, maybe not a lute." He chuckled. "Those look really uncomfortable to hold. I doubt I could take it to other places aside from a renaissance fair either.. Not without being stared at." Hector admitted, already picturing how clumsy and unwieldy it would be in his arms. Already cringing at trying to take it anywhere else. It was difficult enough trying to leave the house. He hated already having to deal with the shame of being gawked at in public in general. Then to endure it with more prying eyes than usual because of a strange instrument? The mere thought made him feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Making him long to hide back into the ventilation system where he knew it'd be safe and he'd be away from the eyes and whispers of judgement. He felt it, even now, even though he was human and was frankly, too large to fit in the vents. Even if he could, he would probably easily dent them as well. Home ventilation pipes were much weaker and thinner compared to industrial grade vents. Regardless, old habits like that didn't nor could die so easily. So a less... Abnormal choice felt… more appropriate.

"How about a guitar? I like the shape and sound of those. Do you know how to play one of those?" Hector asked, a guitar was simple enough wasn't it? He sees them being played often on the streets, or on the television. Though he's never seen you play one, it never hurts to ask.

"Hm, I know a few basics actually." It was almost convenient that you know so much about music. But it was a delightful and sweet convenience that isn't common in the very inconvenient human world. "My grandfather had one." You mumbled, half paying attention to your own words. "He used to play it during holidays.. Me and the rest of my family would sing along. It was very festive. If you give me a bit, I can ask my mom to see if she knows where it is, so I can teach you. How's that?"

"Oh uh.." Hector didn't expect you to agree, let alone know how to play a guitar. He felt his cheeks blushing in his fluster as he turned his head to look at You. "Yeah! Okay, cool. Yeah.. I will… Let you do that. Thank you my love." He could feel a smile spread across his lips. That sweet, adoring smile You had grown to love so much. The same lips that purse as they pressed against yours as You leaned down to kiss him. Your form rising up, prying yourself from your previous perch as you left the room to go make a few calls. Hector sat there, staring at the word document. Letting out a sigh, going back to typing away on the computer. Eventually he would find the perfect set of letters, the perfect words to say how he was really feeling. And for a while more, he sat there, typing and deleting till his eyes grew tired and his back sore from his less than perfect posture.

The night continued on, as per usual. The nightly routines you both shared was sweet, fulfilling, lulling each other into a peaceful slumber. It wasn't till later in the next day that You had brought over the guitar while Hector spent the day molding and carving and designing more masks. It was a passionate venture for him. Carving the eyeholes and the holes for the stands or the string. A delicate balance between the thinness of being easy to wear and the thickness needed for durability. Liquid clay casting had made the process easier over time, but it still required care and gentleness. Lest he break the frail still wet and soft masks with his mere fingertips.

"Hey Hector, you wouldn't believe what I found at my mom's place." You chimed in as you came home. The clang of your keys clattered onto the table was muffled compared to the clunk of the heavy case of the guitar on the kitchen table. It caught his attention as he descended down the stairs to meet you. His soft curls were still a bit damp from him taking a shower. Having washed away the bits of grime, sweat, dust and slip that stained his arms and face.

"What is it? It's the guitar isn't it?" He asked, looking over the case. With your nod of approval, he opened the case and was greeted with the gorgeous old guitar. It's a bit worn with decades of use, but still lovingly taken care of. "oh wow." He murmured, picking it up, trying to mimic the lute players one hand on the neck, another hand on the body. The weight was surprising to him, much heavier than he thought it would be.

"Here let's put the strap on. It'll help you carry it's weight" you said as you reached over helping him put the guitar strap on. Looping it around his neck to let its weight lay across his chest. He felt his breath hitch in his chest as he saw you get behind him, your hands gently guiding him to a chair. "Well.. actually, it'll be easier to learn while sitting down too." Standing behind him with your arms around his body to help him position his hands.

"First thing you need to learn really, is how to strum the guitar, first go down." You instructed, helping him strum down, a simple sound ringing from the guitar's body. "Then up, then down again. That's the rhythm, down then up and repeat." You murmured, watching him strum up and down again. Hector's face pulled into that little pout again, his brows furrowing as he got used to the skill before looking back up to you for more instruction.

It was like that for a few hours, your body pressed against his from behind as your hands positioned his into the key positions. Guiding him with your chest at the back of his head. His hands were intertwined with yours, pressed against yours, being guided by yours. Your lips against his ear whispering the sweet hidden knowledge of playing a guitar. It was peaceful, watching him get more confident in strumming the guitar. Your encouraging words only spur him more along his path of learning. It all came up to a roaring bubble of excitement as you finally let go of him. Watching as he attempted a chord progression. It wasn't perfect, no, his current skill was still in its larval state. But as he tried anyway, his face pursed in the sheer focus of creation, he does it. and never had a simple sliding chord progression sounded so good. The sound of music, filling the empty stillness of the night. 

"Hector, that's amazing!" You exclaimed, wrapping your arms around him with a smile. You couldn't stop your excitement from getting the better of you. Your enthusiasm was boundless and intoxicating to Hector, he returned the smile, wrapping his arms around you with a laugh bubbling from his chest. It was still your favorite sound, though his music was quickly becoming second. Both sounds  were so full of love and life. Thankfully the strap kept the guitar from crashing down onto the floor as he let go to hold you in that embrace of excitement. 

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Percy

Percy had just returned from the showers after climbing the lava wall, and he was ready to collapse. He had just laid down on his bed as a knock disturbed him. He tiredly lifted his head, only to be greeted by the sight of you having opened arms.

Gods he really wanted to just cuddle with you and not lift a finger for the rest of the day.

He waved you over, and when you were just within reach he quickly grabbed your hand and pulled you onto the bed. He laid on his side to look at you and send you a soft, tired smile.

“Love you.” He mumbled and he put his arms around you, pulling you closer.

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Piper

You approached Piper as she was talking to Leo. Leo had seen you approach from behind Piper, and for some reason he shot her a quick wink before walking away just as you would reach the pair. You quickly tapped Piper on her shoulder and she turned around a bit startled.

“Oh, hey (Y/n), what do you need?” Instead of answering her, you just spread out your arms and smiled at her, your eyes begging her to hug you.

“Oh,” she said quietly as she quickly looked around, before moving into the hug. She pressed a quick kiss on you and broke the hug. You send her a pout, wanting more cuddles from her.

“Let’s go somewhere more private alright?” and she took your hand.

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Leo

As soon as you even approached Leo in his bunker he looked up with big eyes. “(Y/n)! I’ve missed you so much!’ He said as he put down the invention he was working on. You decided to just stand there with your arms opened, and a smile on your face, hoping Leo would get the hint.

“Aww, do you want cuddles?” he asked slightly laughing at your adorable antics. You nodded silently and he laughed louder. You pouted and put your arms back to your sides, decided it was better to walk away now.

“Oh no you don’t!” Leo quickly caught up to you and hugged your back.

“I love you, (Y/n)” he mumbled as you turned around to hug him properly.

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Annabeth

You cleared your throat, trying to catch your girlfriend's attention from her computer screen. “One second, I just need to finish this.” Annabeth said, seemingly reading a document. How dare she think that a document is more important than you. You cleared your throat again, and she turned around, an annoyed expression on her face.

“I said one sec-” then her face softened, “Oh, so that’s what you want?” You stood there with your arms wide and a smile on your face as you nodded.

It was an all too uncomfortable summer day and your skin had been under the unruly gaze of the sun. At first it was invigorating, the cold winter and spring months no longer nip at your nose and heels with the summers all too warm embrace. It was wonderful but also exhausting, the heat sapped energy from your very form as you sunbathed in the yard. Sweat slicking down your scantily clad skin, and soon not even the cool breeze could afford you any comfort. As the sun starts to beat down on you, flushing your skin uncomfortably in its fervor. Your thoughts become jumbled as heat exhaustion starts to swirl and haze your mind. And your first thought? Him, Hector Valentino Airnesto Condicionado, or well you just call him Hector. Your beloved HVAC system now personified by your lovely pair of glasses called a "dateviator". A piece of technology that bordered on magic. Hector, in simple terms, was devoted, his fixation on you and your pleasure was passionate. A fiery passion that bordered on a little strange. But his honeyed words of longing and eager acts of service only fueled your interactions with him. A good percentage of charge of your dateviators, found itself always dedicated to just him and his musings. His deep crooning voice and firm yet gentle hands folded in-between the ventilation grills. And of course, most importantly right now, his ability to chill the air. You could feel yourself wane, it was a race, a race against heat exhaustion as you entered the back door, passing by Back-Dorian who greeted you warmly. Unfortunately you couldn't even spare Dorian even a moment. Your vision was getting spotty, your breath ragged. You were oh-so eager for Hector, much like how he was eager for you. You found yourself stumbling through the home, your head leaning against the wall next to the thermometer.

"Hector.. Mmhh–help" You mumbled feeling weak. "Turn on the AC.." Your words stumbled out of your mouth, your hand clumsily mashing against the buttons. Your fingers digging slightly in the soft rubber buttons, a soft beep signaled the efficacy of your sloppy movement. Accidentally turning the air much too frigid but at this point you could hardly care. Nor could Hector, his pleasure stemming from the sheer fact that you have the ability to control him. Your fingers sliding across the shiny plastic sent shivers through his system. Such intimacy was being lost on you. You were much too overstimulated by the heat, the feeling of your shirt clinging to your sweat soaked skin. Heat hives prickled at your skin as you moved. Your knees go soft, like jelly, as you descend onto the cool wooden floor below. A soft curse rested at your lips as you breathed heavily, waiting for the air to pour out. A soft relieved groan left your mouth as the cool air caressed your skin. The familiar and gentle hum of the HVAC system rolling to life. An amused drum of fingers echoed from the vent above you.

"You've returned my beauty" Hector crooned from the vent above you. "You seem desperate don't you? Surely you.." his words stopped mid sentence as he noticed the state you were in. Hot, writhing and already overstimulated. Despite your relationship turning rather playful after hours and hours of reassurances. Hector decides to spare you from the all too obvious moment to tease you. Instead choosing to comfort you, to be the soothing balm from the heat. In fact he seems to take immense pleasure in cooling you. Before you can notice it he reappears by the larger vent by your head. It's grate a few inches off the floor in the wall. You weren't sure what it does. Was it an intake vent? A larger outsource vent? Before you could really think about it too much. A few cautious tuts rang through the air as Hector's hands brushed against your cheeks.

"What's this?" He cooed, his palm on your head was cold. Causing you to whine and lean into his gentle touch. "Flushed skin, heavy breathing.. some sort of warm goosebumps?"

"Heat hives" you corrected, "it happens when I'm too hot. I wasn't paying attention and.." you trailed off with a sigh.

"Now you're exhausted as well." He hummed in pity before blowing some cool air through the vent. His air was cold but a bit dusty. Unfortunately for the both of you, it made your face scrunch up as dust coated your sinuses. Your vision went blank for a moment as you sneezed.

"Bleugh, when was the last time I changed this vents filter? I just got a face full of dust." You complained, sitting up to rub your face. Hector had found himself, speechless, embarrassment spread across his face in soft rosy hues blooming across his shadowed face. His hands awkwardly folded back into the vent.

"Here I have an idea" you murmured, standing up shakily. You had felt a little better from the cool air coming from the other vents in the house. Hector watched quietly from the vents as you got up. Anxiety twinged through his spine, watching you walk away. Watching as you clean the dust off of you with a cold, wet paper towel. Pressing the cold material against your skin hoping the heat hives and redness would go down. Watching, and yearning for your touch. It's all he did, it was, unfortunately, his favorite hobby of his before you even gained the ability to see him. The only soothing balm of comfort he felt in the lonely deluge of isolation and infatuation prior. Even in current times he finds himself indulging in the habit when you talk to the others, despite the lingering shame and guilt. It was soothing, like a strange coping mechanism that bordered on obsession and compulsion. Eventually, you came back, a new-in-box vent filter within your hands and a screwdriver bulging in your pocket.

"Look what I found" You smiled, the corners of your mouth turning into a smirk as you held the cardboard box shaking it like a sweet little prize. The wire and pleated paper filter jostled slightly in the box.

"Oh, I was almost worried, dearest, that you would call upon the help of those…" Hector trailed off slightly "calloused handymen." he finished, finally finding the right words. He didn't need to say much more than that, his disdain filling his tone. He clearly found the hired help to be rough and unpleasant. Much too cruel to his delicate wiring and systems despite being made of metal. Many times he had found himself sore because some brutish handyman manhandled him just because he wouldn't shatter at a moment's notice.

"Ah.. no. Not this time. It's just a simple vent filter replacement. It's not like I'm having to open you up and dig through your wiring." A soft chuckle exited your mouth, trying to lighten the mood. Though the idea of opening his maintenance hatch had him begin to run a bit warmer. Making his internal fans and cooling core work a bit faster to keep up.

"Well I uh.. Y-yeah, I mean" His voice had faltered, his velvety voice crackling slightly, he took some time to clear his throat before continuing. "ahem, Yes how unfortunate that would be." he murmured, his fist raising in front of his mouth to stifle the noise of his voice clearing slightly.

"I wasn't teasing" A soft chuckle giggled through your throat. "I wouldn't wanna break you my dear. I know how… fragile machines like you are." You said lower as you kneeled in front of him. His mind went hazy with another dose of affection. Of course you could understand him, despite being made of metal. He needed to be cherished and lovingly handled. But for a moment, his mind wandered at your words. The bitter, shameful voice in his inner workings awakening at the idea of you being so close to the other machines of the house. Though before he could voice his jealousy, his brain melted as he felt your hand on his vent cover. Once, then twice you tapped the side of his vent. Your hand sliding against the bitingly cold enamel on the grate. Warm fingertips finding their ways to the bolt that kept the vent to the wall. Taking the screwdriver out of your pants, using your dominant hand to press it against the threads of the screw. Your free hand, pressing your warm palms against the cool enamel and metal plate.. A long exhale of tension escaped your chest through your nose. Words bubbled in your chest, simmering under the surface of your vocal chords. But nothing really needed to be said, not as your gaze reached his. The feeling was mutual. The room was taut with energy of several severe degrees. Hector was nervous, despite the verbosity and confident croon he usually held himself to. His anxiety was palpable, it twisted his wires into knots. Surges of electricity send metaphorical and literal shivers into his systems. Making his ventilation fans whir louder and louder. Trying to keep the ever warming HVAC unit somewhat cool. His fingers, the only bit truly visible in the inky blackness of the vent aside of his eyes, nervously held each other.

"Are you alright my dear? You seem unsteady" Hector rumbled softly, his hand twitching slightly as he fought the urge to place a hand on your thigh. As much as he wants to deny it. Just to tell you to stop, he was more worried about you than himself right now as he saw how tense you were. But you knew as well as he did, He needs this. He needed you to touch him, to replace his filter. It was something he thought about deeply in the lonesome. Not to mention how it'd do you good, letting you be ever closer without worrying about the dusty vent.

"I'm just focusing Hector" You sighed, your gaze sharpening as you focused on your task. The cool metal tip of the screwdriver pressing into the grooves of the screw. With a firm pressure you start to unscrew the bolt. Slowly and surely it starts to loosen and unwind. Your wrist circling and turning till the screw nearly fell onto the floor. Hector managed to catch it before it hit the ground.

"You almost dropped my screw" He chuckled, trying to hide his fluster from you. His breathing gasped slightly, giving away at just how needy he was getting from this. He shifts slightly knowing that if you continued like this, it would drive him crazy with fervor. "Though, you should.. Move a bit faster. I worry that the vents will be blowing more dust into the air the longer you take." He gasped, trying to hide the whine in his tone. The slight whimper you did catch, caught you off guard. Making you take a breath, collect yourself. As much as you wanted to tease him, there was no time for such saucy words right now.

"Can't move too fast Hector" You chided, trying to keep it rather tame. "I wouldn't wanna strip the threading on any of your pretty screws. You'll have to be a good boy an' be patient." A reminder to him that he needed to be patient. For now at least, but another needy gasp exited him as you started to unscrew the next screw.

"But.. my love.." he gasped, unsurprisingly breathlessly. A whimper straining his vocal chords as it rumbles effortlessly through his chest. His free hand grabbing the edge of the grate. His knuckled brushing against your knees. He was going to continue but his droopy needy gaze met your sharp one. Much too focused on the task at hand to give in to his need.

Slowly your driver twisted and circled his screw, unscrewing the next one out of the wall at a gruelling pace. His hand catches the screw as it comes undone from the fixture. The vent grate sliding slightly against the wall, partially because half of the screws keeping it to the wall are missing. Half because Hector himself was getting too flustered, wanting to rush. Needing the vent grate off now to free himself from the tortuously slow pleasure . But you won't afford that to him. Not yet. Your spare hand shifted the cover, sliding it back to its proper position on the wall.

"Ah ah ah Hector. I said to stay still.." You couldn't help but tease him now, with how much he was misbehaving. A hint of guilt seeped into your vocal chords for doing so, you knew it wasn't his fault. The poor man had been touch starved, his more metallic hull hadn't been touched, so gently, so lovingly in so long. Your palms were a panacea that massaged the pain away, but left aches of another kind in its wake. Your fingers cradled the bottom of the vent sweetly as your dominant hand with the driver worked on another screw. The second to the last of the screws that kept the grate on the wall. Slow, calculative, with just enough pressure to make him gasp and whine for more. The groans rumbling through the vent more freely as you take that screw into your mouth, holding it there as you work on the last bit.

"Please, please, my darling, I beg for mercy. Let me.." Hector groaned, his words cutting short as the driver pressed into the threading of the last screw. His noises were a pathetic whine as the tension that pooled in his stomach snapped as the last bolt came free. His grip on his own screws loosened and fell to the floor as he panted. The soft clinking of metal on wood rang out for a brief moment. With both hands now you pull away, the vent cover leaving with you making him gasp and whimper in the loss of contact. Placing the cover on the floor and gathering the screws next to it you shuffle back closer. Your eyes avoided him for the moment, wishing to give him some modicum of privacy. His hands began to cover his shadowed face in self loathing and embarrassment, but you found yourself more focused on the task. You can hear him gasping, desperate to cover what he insists to be a monsterly visage with his hands as you reach in to discard the dusty old vent. Your nose scrunching at the musty smell as you stand to throw it away. It wasn't long till you returned. Kneeling back down in front of the vent. Your hands gripping the reason you had stripped him of his vent cover. The replacement filter. His eyes peeked out between his fingers as you unwrapped the cardboard sheath. His form began sweating in anticipation as you brought out the filter, pressing it into the gasping vent channel, A satisfied sigh leaving both of you as the filter clicked so perfectly into place. Letting the air that flowed between you be cool and sweet.

"You did so well Hector. I knew you could be so good for me." You mumbled pressing a kiss against the vent filter. Finally after all that hard work you found yourself melting for the clean cool air that Hector blew out of the vent for you. Trying to ignore your realization that the air had gotten freezing, as goosebumps prickled at your skin. Pushing against the fabrics still slicked to your skin, from the residual sweat. A slight shiver running down your back from the sensation as you heard his breath catching in appreciation. His hands greedily reach out to press against your form. Grasping anywhere he could. A soft chuckle rumbled in your throat as you began kissing his hand as he cupped his large warm hands against your soft cheek. One of them was threading to the back of your head, his firm fingers splayed against your scalp. The need to be close was clear and it went unsaid. You found yourself nuzzling into his soft flesh savoring the aftermath for a moment. For a brief stint of time you forgot about replacing the grate till you leaned in and your lips finding the filter again. Making you remember his grate had not been placed back onto the wall. Snapping out of it quickly, you sheepishly chuckled, pulling away hesitantly to grab the grate and screws on the floor next to you.

"We still need to put your grate back on" You murmured, admitting that you had forgotten about his situation. "Hold your grate still for me while I screw it back in sweetie." You muttered, his hands obeyed, leaving your goosebump ridden body to hold it against the wall from the inside. His hands wrapped around the metal and pulled it against the vent channel. "Tell me if it's too tight as well hector" You murmured, making him gasp as you gently press the screw into the grooves. The driver threading the screw back into the wall.

"Tighter. Much tighter my dearest love" He gasped, feeling the screw tighten inside his vent. "I need it very tight." His words pushed you on, urging you to tighten it till the screw was deep and flushed against the vent. Then the next screw, screwing it deep and tight within him over and over again, till all the screws were well within his grate. His slightly visible form is a spent, wordless, twitching mess by the time you finish. His breath gasped and shallow as you found yourself unable to fight the urge to kiss his knuckles. Your form returning to the floor. Laying with your head by his vent. Your fingers intertwine with his as your heartbeats melded together. His free hand cradling the side of your head.