#timidrequests

Your lazy co-worker called in sick, so a trainee filled in their shoes and actually did their work before you clocked in for the day.

Since then, you've had nothing to do because the pizzeria hasn't really needed anything since this morning. Sure, you could restock the one can of tomato sauce they've used, but you'd just be overstocking them.

Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, they've been using the products, it just hasn’t been reasonable to try and restock anything.

your attention was drawn from your thoughts to the board of supply counter, your eyes squint, fighting against the fluorescent lights to read the number, and to your surprise, they were low on soda.

Finally! Something to do. Yes it's like, the afternoon, almost nightfall, but it couldn't hurt to make a delivery. You needed something to do or you'd go stir crazy.

Pushing yourself off the box you sat on, snagging the truck keys lanyard from the wall, you marched over to the buttons on the floor. Stepping on the matching soda icon a few times, hearing the cluttering of them being moved from storage to pick-up behind you.

When you deemed the amount good, you made your way to them, taking a quick crouch and hoisting them up, and heading down that small flight of stairs to settle your goods in the truck. It didn't take many trips up and down, thankfully.

When finished loading, you came round to the front, stepping up and into the driver's seat. Seatbelt engaged! The engine roars to life, and you begin your journey across town. Thank God this island was small.

One of the best things about working so late was the right to the radio. You had your preference of tunes the whole trip through! So it wasn't totally boring, in comparison to the warehouse anyway.

Not like it was a long trip. Again, small island. So you only made it through half a song before seeing Builder Brothers Pizzaria come into your field of view. A charming brick building.

You couldn't help but eye the garage door. You know it's a motion detector, but you can't help but worry you're going to ram into it before it can fully open and break it. Digging into weeks' worth of paychecks.

It won't be happening today, though, as you turned your truck and backed into the delivery bay.

Stepping out, you make your way around to the back, opening its trunk and pulling down the lever to force your goods from the truck and onto the conveyor belt.

Place reeks of tomato and flour.. to be expected and you've been through this enough to know and adjust, but sometimes it's an assault to your nostrils.

If it hadn't been so loud, and you weren't so deep in thought, you probably would've noticed the door creaking. Would've greeted the approaching footsteps. It wasn't until they called out to you that you'd noticed someone was in the loading bay with you.

"Hey, um.. hello?" A bit soft spoken, nervous, but you heard them. Once the last box was out, you turned your head and were greeted with the employee of the month.. how many months in a row was this now? Elliot Builder.

He cleared his throat, adjusting the coat over himself. She must be getting ready to head out for the day. "You're typically the one on this shift, right?" You nod.

"Great! Uh, just.. wanted to thank you. The chefs have been talking about you a lot- all good things!-" She gestured with his hands for a moment, trying to figure out how to phrase it. "You're the only one that gets them their supplies on schedule. They really appreciate it and asked me to carry over the message. They were too busy to do it themselves."

Unknown to you both, it was a tiny lie told by the chefs to get Elliot to talk to you properly. Elliot has seen you around when coming back or going out on deliveries, and she's never had the courage to walk up and say hello.

It was certainly nice either way.

You smile "Well, that was kind of them. Tell them I said 'thank you'. Same to you.. Elliot, right?" You asked over your shoulder as you began shutting the truck.

Elliot nodded swiftly, a little wide eyed for a second, little surprised but it should've been expected really. It was pretty common and easily accessible knowledge. "YES- yeah, I'm Elliot. You are..?"

When you gave your name Elliot seemed to relax, mouthing your name as if to test how it felt to say before saying it with more confidence. "Of course!" He seemed a little rejuvenated.

Walking back around, you were no longer obscured by the walkway, so Elliot could get a proper gander of you, and she couldn't help the heat crawling up his neck. "Did you need anything else, Elli?" The sudden nickname was NOT helping!

"Well- no- but uhm-" He fidgeted with her coats lining. "Do.. you work tomorrow?"

"All week, excluding business days. You?"

"Same. My work hours are in the morning." She glanced between you and the logo on your truck, seemingly struck with an idea. "Maybe.. at the end of my shift, I could pay the warehouse a visit?" He offered.

It was strange to hear someone wanting to go over there. "I mean, it's pretty boring. You sure?"

"Absolutely! I don't mind! I do need to know how all this stuff works, so.." Right. She is the heir to the business.

"Well, in that case.." He gave you an odd look as you crossed the distance, plucking your hard hat off your head and setting it over her eyes. "You'll need the proper gear."

Elliot pushed it up with his index, "But what about you?"

"Keep it. The warehouse has plenty." You hand waved her concern.

She couldn't help but gawk for a moment before a dumb smile split her face. "Right, of course. Thank you.." to think you'd be concerned about his safety was a nice thought. Even though it was probably just your responsibility. Still, his face burned all the more.

"See you then?" He couldn't help the hopefulness carried like song through his tone. Cringing at how desperate it came across.

You snickered, climbing back into the cabin of your truck. "See you then."

1x had all but barged into your room, lugging a complaining Elliot over their shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

"Put me down!" Her protests fell on deaf ears as 1x unceremoniously plopped Elliot down beside you, jostling the two enough you'd almost knocked heads.

"WOAH- Hey! Couldn't you two at least knock?!" You huffed, shutting your laptop and setting it aside. The two always seemed to command your attention.

1x had ignored you, clambering to lay by you and Elliot with a soft grumble.

"So sorry about this, someone all but dragged me here immediately after my shift." Elliot tugged her shirt down with a whine "Didn’t even have the chance to change out of my uniform..."

You waved it off, but 1x sat up with a hiss. "Then take it off if it bothers you so much!"

"I don't have anything else to change into- WOAH, HEY-" Elliot didn't even get to finish his sentence before 1x was already attempting to tug her shirt over his head, revealing her black sleeveless shirt "HOLD ON-"

"If its such an issue then don't tolerate it" it bit back.

"Could you not tear my work clothes?!"

The two tussled for a minute, it was comical how much the two argued over seemingly nothing.

"Okay, okay, settle down." You waved your hands in front of you. The two separated with a huff, and Elliot took 1x's advice! But properly handling their uniform this time.

You turned to address 1x. "Whats this about?"

They paused, grumbling, looking down at you and Elliot's hands without a word.

Elliot and you exchange a look.

"You know you can be honest with us. We aren't judging you, we don't and wouldn't think lesser of you." You reassured, sliding a hand over 1x's.

Their expression scrunched, morphing into one of silent yearning, an unspoken request. Gently turning their hand over to properly, and firmly, hold your own.

With an understanding sigh, Elliot huddling closer to you, crossing their leg with yours. Squishing her cheek against your shoulder. "Come 'ere," She gestured to 1x.

Instead of replying, 1x opted to burrow his flush face in your chest. Eliciting an affectionate eye roll from Elliot.

They smelt of green apple, their shower products, no doubt. They were gifts from a while ago. Surprisingly, she's using them. NOT to imply you thought she smelt.. bad, you just weren't sure he'd care for fruity scents. You'd originally purchased it as a joke due to their transparent torso. Perhaps because it was a gift, they used it.

The idea of them being so sentimental on top of her being so clingy with Elli and you made you wonder how long they've desired this kind of relationship.

Elliot and you were together long before 1x, having met through a messed up order and Elli all but fell in love at first sight. Or conversation, more accurately. She's always said your personality just clicked with him, drew her in. He went as far as to sneak extra treats into your order before you were official.

It's hard to recall what led you and Elliot to like 1x. It was in a rehabilitation program that was.. less than fruitful in their attempts. So they brought in civilians as a last-ditch effort. Socialization and community were what they felt might encourage a more mellow attitude.

Granted you and Elliot hadn't been first pick. By happenstance, 1x and their parole officer had waddled up to the pizzeria for lunch and they took such a liking to you both they offered you a position to aid 1x. Who expressed as much disdain as you could imagine.

It took a little convincing, and bribery, but Elli and you took it on. 1x had given pushback in every form. Provoking you to start a fight, dismissing your attempts at communication, and insulting and belittling your intelligence.

None of which alone bothered you enough to break you down like 1x had intended. Elliot and you pushed back harder.

Elliots had dealt with plenty of stubborn customers and you've got a fire in you when challenged. For ever insult, she was complimented. Provocation was met with patience. Dismissal, although difficult, you'd compromise. Working at their pace, on his terms.

Though there were days you'd just shove them into line and forced participation if they were exceedingly snarky on a bad day.

This had its attention. Curiosity. Interest.

They'd eventually experimented, following directions and complying. Only for a day. Yet they felt overwhelmed by the positivity your pair exuded. He longed to see you beam like that again.

It became impossible for them to be irritated by you both, eventually even the admins hosting rehabilitation took notice of her docile nature when in proximity of Elli and you. Allowing her a more friendly home arrest at your place, before she was officially deemed rehabilitated and allowed free roam. With occasional check-ins from moderation.

Laying here, 1x sinking into your form, was a well earned gift that you wouldn't trade for the world.

"1x.." you murmur, staring at the top of her head. Catching both partners attentions.

1x shifted to look up at you "What?" He hissed, having wanted to just bask in your silent company.

You smile, cupping their cheek and pressing a peck to his forehead, causing it to stutter. "Thank you for choosing us."

Elliot let out a snicker at how stun-locked the notorious advisory became at even the slightest doting. Teasing it by trailing a hand up their arm to their shoulder, which she was quick to swat away, knowing Elliot's games.

"Aww, come on. They can kiss and coddle you but me? Oh, perish the thought!" He droned dramatically, resting his hand on her forehead for further exaggeration.

It huffed, arming themselves with one of your stuffed friends and wacking Elliot, earning a small 'off' of feigned pain. "Fuck off!"

She laughed, yielding to return to your side, but not before kissing your shoulder with a gaze of utter adoration. While 1x settled back down against you.

Elliot may have had reservations and they may butt heads, but after serious talks and effort, the relationship felt fuller, and they were more whipped then ever.

1x, a lot like Elliot, hadn't ever dreamed of being in this kind of situation, albeit for different reasons. To think people would not only give them a chance, but love them with all their heart was astounding. And if this is what it meant to be loved? They didn't mind being snarred.

They were everything to you. Rambunctious as 1x was. As anxious and worried as Elliot could be. You couldn't imagine a world without them. And that was enough for you.

Using your mandated lunch break to hang your head in your hands and let out a muffled groan. Dragging yourself to the countertop, swinging the mini fridges door almost off its hinges and snag a beverage.

Tturning on your heel to sit on the couch, you're met with Elliot Builder. Who only offered you an awkward smile. Had he been here this whole time? His eyes must've been following you around the room until you noticed her.

She didn't speak but she did pat the spot next to her, letting you know you were still welcome here, even if you're grouchy.

Had it been anyone else, you'd rather go outside and risk smoke inhalation from resident addicts.

But it was Elliot..

Huffing, you flopped onto the spot beside him. Glaring daggers into the wall as you slouched. Knees supporting your elbows. He looked between you and the room for a bit before meekly asking "Did you- um.. Want to talk about it?"

And although their inquiry was nervous, you could hear the genuine concern leveled beneath it. Your mouth moved on its own. "This man came up and had ordered no tomato sauce because his son was allergic, supposedly."

Elliot nodded.

"So I had it replaced with marinara sauce, standard protocol. Only for him to come back and start yelling at me for serving him something so disgusting." You'd whined the last word, mocking him. "So I had offered to remake his pizza without any sauce, as we don't serve any other alternatives, and this GROWN ASS MAN- tries to make me give him a refund. Wanting his money back.. for a whole new pizza."

Arms flung all about as you talked animatedly about the customer. Something Elliot couldn't help but admire. You were passionate, even if you were pissed, your conviction was contagious. His eyes watching you, listening despite how palpable your irritance is.

"He kept arguing with me- I wanted to rip out his tongue. The absolute gall to be that inconsiderate and entitled to an employee barely scrapping by is beyond me and, frankly, disgusting."

She hummed in agreement, "I think it was incredibly unfair of him to be so inconsiderate of your time and efforts. You dont deserve to be treated like that. Do you want to try calling the day here? I could pull some strings with dad and see if he'll let you off for the day."

You blinked. That was.. an incredibly kind offer from him. Seeing as she doesn't like pulling the 'son of the owner' card to often, if ever, as he wants to be her own person.

"No - no, there's no need for all that. I'd rather grit my teeth and bare six hours of minimum wage" You couldn't help but sneer. "than push you to do something so uncomfortable for you.. That and I need the money."

He sat up to shake his head, sliding his hand to envelope your own. Not grabbing, just.. touching. "How could I be uncomfortable? It helps you. There's nothing more important than that to me."

It was difficult to tell if the redness in your face was rage or fluster, but the gentle, noninvasive touch made you feel.. supported. Her genuine desire to listen and be there, a presence, made your heart squeeze. Which was slightly uncomfortable, but it didn't feel.. bad.

You hardly noticed when those fumes of frustration were doused.

"If not a day off.." He spoke, cutting the silence. "We could always hang out after. It doesn't have to be anything insane. We can just rest. Assuming you want company."

You'd avert your eyes for a moment, as both a way to refocus your thoughts, but also to check to make sure no one planned on intruding. "I wouldn't mind, really. Though I'd probably just.. konk out after I get home."

Which earned you a snicker, "Fair enough."

Both of you took a moment to marinate in the silence. Mulling over where to go from here. Should you leave? Was Elliot done worrying or..?Well, even if he wasn't, you did have to get back to work here soon.. but not yet.

"Thanks. For this.. sorry for being so snippy.."

"Huh? Oh! No, not at all! I'm glad you're feeling a little better. Even remotely. I'll always be here if you need me."

You let out a long sigh as you slid across the back of the couch to rest your cheek against his shoulder. Relaxing yourself into her, trying to clear your mind of all that ails you. Which caused him to tense up but she wouldn't dare move now that you're so close. He didn't want to scare you away.

He only loosened up when you elbowed him, complaining she was to stiff. Apologizing briefly for the discomfort.

The both of you stayed there for a while. Enjoying one another's presence.

Headcanons;

She's a listening type. Let's you vent and express your feelings openly and sympathizes with them. He doesn't view thoughts or feelings as evil. It's okay if you're a little wild or even crude during your vents. She'll still view you the same.

Willing to bend over backwards to brighten your day, not out of obligation, but because it makes them sad to see you upset.

Is it a surprise to say he loves quality time? He was taught being there was one of the best things you can do for both yourself and others. It's okay if you came up short, you still showed up and tried.

She's more then willing to adapt to your love languages. Physical touch? Scoot closer. Gift giving? Her treat. Words of affirmation? You'll be here a while. She doesn't mind, so long as you're happy.

Very forgiving to a fault. Even if you were the type to lash out, given time, he could find it in himself to forgive you. And even then, he doesn't want you hurt or sad. You're important to him.

It doesn't matter what's upsetting you to her, you're frustrated and thats reason enough. There's nothing to be ashamed about around Elliot. She will love and care for you either way.

If anything, I'd say Elliot would like a spitfire. Keeps things interesting. Can't have a dull moment if your partners got more emotions than a storm cloud. She's into it. That and his life is lived rather quickly. Best to have someone honest with their feelings.

Understands the pressures of life and wants to make you feel as secure in yourself and your feelings as possible.