ThatNerd_TM_x

For as long as you could remember, a Winchester always walked through your front door. Whether it was a John, Dean, Sam, or a Winchester rifle, there was always something with Winchester in the name.

You’d inherited the house after your great grandfather suffered a horrific accident, and left everything in his name to you. Since then, you’d lived comfortably in his townhouse, sometimes venturing to his other two properties; one in the mountains, and the other on the coast. When you weren’t out there, though, you were in that house – wallpaper constantly peeling no matter what you did.

All the rooms have character to them; a long legacy you daren’t touch. Lovingly painted walls from decades past, wallpaper that your great grandparents had painstakingly chosen for some rooms. Even the bathroom tiles had a story. There was even a mural in your bedroom, a vast dark forest that used to belong to your mother – it’s a generational home.

That particular day, Dean had darkened your doorstep, walking into your lounge, dragging his younger brother behind. You hadn’t seen both of them in the same room since Sam left for Stanford, so you were surprised. You’d kept in contact with Sam during the whole ordeal, of course, mostly because you respected and admired his drive to get out of the hunting life.

“Dean! And Sam, holy shit! How’ve you been? I remember your e-mail mentioning a girlfriend, how is she?” You greeted both of them, hugging Dean first (as always) before moving to Sam and hugging him too.

“Dead, unfortunately. We think it’s the same thing that killed Mom,” Sam explained, and you looked at him worried as he continued, “But that’s not why we’re here.”

“Oh? Do share with the class,” You walked into your kitchen, “Tea? Coffee? Soda?”

The kitchen is the epicentre of your home, with bright colours and vintage appliances (don’t fix what isn’t broken, your great grandfather would’ve said). Even the fridge was vintage, enamel paint chipping at the sides that are on your to-do list to freshen up.

“Beer, please,” Dean piped up, beelining for the fridge, swinging out the lazy susan shelf to pick out his drink.

“I’ve got some imported stuff, if you wanna try that,” You explained, “Sam?”

“Beer, too, please,” He replied, catching one from Dean.

You picked up the drink you wanted too, before joining the pair at your dining room table, “So, what brings you both here today? Not that I don’t love the company.”

“Dad’s on a hunting trip, and he’s been missing for several days,” Dean spoke lowly. Sam nodded along, both of them trying to gauge your reaction from just that.

“And you think he’s here?” You asked, looking between them.

“We think you know something. Here, in his journal, it says that you’d talked to him before he went missing. Did he say anything?” Dean questioned, and you looked at the journal entry.

“Oh, yeah, he stopped by for a drink,” You recounted, sipping your drink, “He left something here for you both.”

“Both? He knew Sam would be here?” Dean inquired, leaning in a little.

“Yeah, he was pretty certain. I told him I’d deliver it to Stanford… I guess he had a hunch,” You shrugged, standing up and going to the cupboard, pulling out 2 wrapped boxes. You handed the boxes to the men, one for each of them, before sitting back down, “I don’t know what’s in them. He just told me to give you them if you stopped by.”

Sam’s had a gun inside, and Dean’s had a knife and a burner phone. The gun, you recognised as a Colt M1911, a former military standard pistol. Dean’s new knife was a spearpoint hunting knife. The burner phone sat in the box, untouched, for a moment before Dean picked it up, reading the phone number.

“It’s one of Dad’s. Did he tell you why he was leaving these?” Dean asked you, as you observed the hunting knife yourself.

“Well… he didn’t say much while he was here. He seemed healthy, just a bit tired. Your dad isn’t easy to read,” You recounted, handing the knife back, “If it were me, I’d probably say he left these to help you. Maybe the phone is a number to his next destination… or the one he went to after here. I don’t know,” You shrugged, standing up from your chair. You left the room, allowing the brothers to talk alone while you sat on the kitchen counter, listening in.

“Do we trust them? How do we know they aren’t hiding him here?” You heard Sam ask, “And if they are hiding him, what aren’t they telling us?”

“Sam, they wouldn’t hide shit from us, be for real. They’ve known us, and dad, for a long ass time. We used to play pirates together, remember? Trust that, over anything. But I do agree, something’s being kept here… I’ll ask when they get back.”

You let the brothers talk alone after that, heading up stairs to the bathroom, then to your bedroom to organise books. If they were going to snoop, you would allow it for now. You heard them rifling through drawers and file cabinets, smiling and shaking your head in amusement. You silently went back down the stairs, standing in the doorway and speaking loud, to startle them purposefully.

“Find what you’re looking for?”

Dean’s head clashed against the top of the cabinet, both brothers jumping in shock at your sudden appearance.

“Uh… no, not really,” Dean grumbled, a hand on his head as he tried to soothe the ache. You chuckled.

“Those are the old documents from when my great-grandfather was still alive. You’d have better luck in the rightmost cabinet, that’s where I keep the important stuff,” You offered, and they did move to that cabinet, “Anything in particular you’re snooping for?”

“Did Dad leave any kind of note when he visited?” Sam asked.

“No. And if he did, it would’ve been in one of those boxes I already handed you. Your dad loves puzzles, but even he wouldn’t dare hide something important in my house. You know that.”

You helped them look anyway, fixing whatever messes they’d caused in their snooping because you weren’t going to let a Winchester ruin your organisational system. It took months to get that in place.

Following several hours of looking and finding nothing, it was dark outside. You stood out on the porch, the cool night air refreshing against your face.

“Found some clothes in the wardrobe upstairs. Hope you don’t mind us staying the night,” Dean walked out the back doors, standing next to you.

“No, it’s fine. I’d rather you stay here than be on the road at crazy hours… You’re always welcome, you know that,” You reassured him, nudging his shoulder playfully, “My door is always open. And when it isn’t, you have a key.”

“I know… Thank you, again,” He remarked, his voice softening just a smidge.

You talked out there for hours. You asked about his recent hunts, he asked about your travels, it was nice. Eventually, you both went back inside, where Sam was asleep on your couch. Dean sighed, rubbing his eyes.

“Guess I’m taking the floor…” He moved to the cupboard to grab a pillow, but you stopped him.

“You don’t have to,” You piped up, “You could just… get in bed with me. We’re both adults, it’s fine.”

“Sweetheart, I get you want me to be comfortable, but I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable in the process. I’ve slept on worse floors,” He retorted, trying to reason with you.

“Just get in the damn bed, Winchester,” You reiterated firmly, pointing towards the bedroom. He raised his hands in surrender, smirking as he walked ahead.

“Y’know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you planned this,” He remarked, swinging open the door to your room, “Which side do you want?” He asked, and you told him, as he jumped onto your bed. He groaned in relief, laying on his stomach before turning onto his back as you crawled under the covers.

You laid down, pulling the covers up until you were comfortable, “Get comfy, D. Really, it’s ok…”

He finally relaxed, looping an arm around your shoulder and tentatively pulling you towards him, “Is this ok?”

You nodded, curling in. You and Dean had shared beds before, as kids, when he’d stay over when you were younger. It wasn’t foreign to you, nor to him. But this had felt different. You looked at him through tired eyes, as he looked at yours.

“Goodnight, Dean…” you murmured, before letting your eyes close. You could swear you felt him kiss your forehead before he replied.

“Goodnight, sweetheart… sweet dreams.”

The next morning, they were gone. Presumably, they’d packed and dashed in the early hours of the morning, but you didn’t really care. Dean had a key, they could come back any time.

You'd like that. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for reading! Please feel free to comment, like and reblog the post, I appreciate all the support.

"Wouldn't dare, Spark," Eddie's chest rumbled with a quiet chuckle. The pair settled around you, one on each side. While you still weren't used to the idea, you allowed them to put their arms around you - the quiet affection foreign to you.

The next morning was when it settled.

You woke to sunlight, and an empty double bed; muffled voices outside the door in the kitchen.

"Do they even like pancakes? Eddie, what if they don't like pancakes?" Volt's voice, volume lowered by the closed door, you recognised.

"Volt, relax. If they don't like pancakes, there's other options on the table. Bacon, eggs, even the vegan sausages you bought at the store. It's fine. Relax," Eddie reassured him. You looked out the window, taking a deep breath before getting out of the bed.

You walk out to the kitchen area, stopping in the doorway, observing the couple. A month ago, you would've arrested them on the spot for their crimes, thrown them behind bars. But now, it was different. They were yours, and you'd decided to trust them... for now.

Volt was sat on the counter, while Eddie was cooking on the opposite side, the frying pan sizzling. Plates of delicious food sat on the dining table, stacked high. They must've paid a lot of money to source all of it.

"And what's this?" You inquired, a brow raised as you walked in. Your arms crossed, looking to the couple.

"Breakfast," Eddie remarked simply, gesturing with the spatula to the dining table. Volt hopped down from the counter, looping his arm around your shoulder and guiding you to the table, helping you rest in a chair.

"Help yourself, my dear," Volt regaled, placing a plate in front of you, "There is a lot of options."

"I can see that," You chuckled, feasting your eyes on the vast breakfast food buffet, "You both didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"Yes, we did, Spark," Eddie called from the stove, "Don't hit me with that bullshit about not wanting to be cared for again. Money is no object, quit worrying."

"I wasn't going to!" You protest, picking out the food you wanted, "And, for your information, I wasn't concerned for your bank account. Not for one second."

"I saw your eyes when you looked at the table, Spark, don't try and lie to me," Eddie retorted, raising a brow, "Just eat. You need the strength."

"Aw, does the big bad Cable worry about me? Adorable," You tease him. He huffs, turning back to the stove with an amused smile.

Breakfast was good. The company was even better.

Volt regaled you with dramatic retellings of their various 'adventures' (crimes), while you listened, internally noting everything he was saying. Not for a case file, just so you could remember what he was really enthusiastic about.

After breakfast, they helped you back to the sofa, and turned on the TV to more news of your absence. People were begging for your return, your family and colleagues being interviewed for their thoughts.

Your thoughts swirled quickly in your head. You couldn’t go back now. Not like this. Not with them on your mind like they are.

“Live Wire?” Volt piped up, the channel changed to a random old movie, “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just fine,” You replied too quickly, Eddie’s brow furrowed at the speed.

“Very convincing, Spark. Wanna run that ‘I’m fine’ again?” He asked sarcastically.

Instead of humouring him, you just sat back, watching the movie. They didn’t want to cause any harm, so they stayed quiet. But they could see in your eyes that the news channel disturbed you in a way that couldn’t be fixed by just letting you go.

“You do realise this could cost my whole career?” You ask them, after a while of silence, “This whole… thing we have. I could lose my license, my job… I could lose everything to this.”

“Yes. But we, dear live wire, are very selfish,” Volt explained, “We just want you. Society can wait its turn.”

“I’ve been working for this my entire life. Training, school, extra training for the patrols… And I’m just throwing it away,” You rambled, “And for what? Love? I don’t even know if it is love, or if you’re just infatuated, but either way I can’t rely on that. I… I have so much to lose.”

“They can wait a few more days. You’re still injured, Spark, remember that,” Eddie reassured you, pulling you gently into his side, while Volt settled his head into your lap. You tentatively touched his hair, feeling a buzz of static as you ran your fingers in the frizz. You looked at Eddie, his eyes fixed on you.

“Where’s my phone?” You asked him, “I know I carry it on patrols… where is it?”

“On the table, where it’s been since day one, Spark,” He explained, “Did you want to use it?”

“I just want to tell everyone I’m ok. They think I’m kidnapped, or worse… I just want to tell them I’m ok,” You explain, almost whispering. Volt got up, then, collecting your phone from the table and handing it to you. It worked, as it should have, and was fully charged, “It’s charged…” You murmured.

“Of course it’s charged. We never stopped you from using your phone, Spark,” Eddie piped up, already watching the next movie on the channel.

You unlocked the phone, messaging your best friend – you knew they’d pass on the news to everyone else. You’d had 100+ missed calls, and several thousand texts from them already, so you replied appropriately.

‘ Hey, I’m ok and safe, sorry for worrying you xx’

A few seconds later, you saw the bubble of text typing.

‘Hey? That’s all I get? Glad ur safe but HOLY FUCK WHERE ARE YOU’

‘I’m in a safe area with trusted associates’

‘Ominous as fuck but ok’

‘I’ll let everyone know ur alive but bro wtf happened’

‘long story, tell u later xx’

‘NOT AN OPTION but I’ll allow it cause you’re safe. stay that way’

‘ofc ofc <3’

You closed your phone, leaning into Eddie and smiling.

“If you’d told me at the beginning of my career that I’d be cuddling with Cable, I would’ve called you a moron,” You remarked, putting your phone down. Volt settled his head back into your lap, and you continued playing with his hair.

“Yeah, but if you’d told us that we’d be cuddling the hero pest that could never catch a break, we’d have called you crazy,” He replied, using one hand to play with your hair, his arm curled around your shoulder.

You spent the whole day like that. Cuddle, then a meal, before more cuddling. They left you alone in the evening so they could each shower and change for bed, though. You left the sofa, going out to their balcony.

Chilled air hit your skin, fresh and crisp as you took a deep breath. You looked up, the stars glittering in the dark sky. A cloudless night.

You reminisced on the past month. The injury, then waking up on the couch of your perceived enemies while they tried to care for you. Then, their confession, and the subsequent day you’d rather enjoyed.

It was baffling. You’d gone from a respected hero to the unexpected secret lover of two renowned super villains. Not like you’d ever tell anyone. You couldn’t, it would ruin your whole life.

But you’d have love, and isn’t that important too?

“Penny for your thoughts?” Volt came up behind you, startling you, “Sorry, did I come at a bad time?”

“A dime,” You held out your hand. Volt mimed handing you an invisible coin, rolling his eyes playfully.

“Inflation these days. So, tell me, what is on that beautiful mind of yours, Live Wire?” He asked again, leaning against the balcony railing next to you.

“I’ve spent my entire life focused on one thing; being a hero. I started my career chasing after you both, and… now I can’t justify carrying that on,” You explained, staring out at the stars on the horizon.

“What do you mean?” He pushed, nudging your shoulder gently.

“I don’t think I can be a hero and be with you and Eddie,” You elaborated, “And between the two… Well, today has been, quite bluntly, the best day I’ve had in a very long time.”

“You don’t have to choose, Live Wire. This isn’t an ultimatum,” He reassured you.

“It is, though, Volt. In my line of work… it’s my career, or this. I know what I want, but it’s not about what I want. Want is something I’m not allowed to do,” You rambled, “Heroes don’t want, they don’t love criminals, or bend the lines of morality, that’s not what they do, Volt, it’s not!”

“Well, my dear, it seems you’ve come to your own conclusion, haven’t you?” He asked softly, staring at your eyes as they welled with tears, “Oh, dear, none of those, not now. I won’t allow it,” He wiped the first with his thumb, the touch soft against your cheek.

“I’m not a hero,” You stated, letting the tears run as you finally admit it to yourself, “Not anymore. I can’t be. I want this. I want this more than I’ve wanted anything else, I don’t care.”

You look at Volt, tears running down your cheeks.

“I don’t want to be a hero if it means I have to leave you and Eddie. I don’t think I can,” You admit, to which his head tilts, a fond smile dancing on his lips.

“Live wire, if that is what you desire, that is what you shall have,” He said, his tone gentle but you could tell he meant it. With that in the air, he placed an arm around your shoulder, gently guiding you inside and closing the balcony doors, leading you to the bedroom.

Eddie was already half asleep, laid on his side, facing the bedroom door. Volt helped you onto the bed, and you slotted next to Eddie, placing your back to Eddie’s chest. Instinctually, his arms pulled around you, as he groggily kissed the back of your head.

“G’night, Spark…” he mumbled.

Volt laid in front of you, his hand going around to the back of your head, playing with your hair as you doze off against his chest, your legs tangling with the pairs’.

“Goodnight, Live Wire. Goodnight, dear Eddie,” Volt uttered, kissing your forehead before settling.

“Goodnight…Sweet dreams,” You replied to both, letting your eyes close.

Their heartbeats were either side of you, the combined warmth of the two covering you in a comfortable blanket. The weight of their arms, and Volt’s hand in your hair, pulled you into sleep, letting the cold night air drift in the window and curl around you, undisturbed.

No matter what happens next, you know one thing for certain. Eddie and Volt will back whatever decision you make with great enthusiasm and support you however you will let them.

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Thank you for reading! Feel free to comment, reblog and like the post, i appreciate all the support!

You’d been on the search for the Breaker Box Boys from your first day on the job. They’re a duo, Eddie and Volt – but you’ve called them the Breaker Box. Volt – also known as Lightning – releases electric signals from his body (you have yet to figure out how he gets the excess energy to push out). Eddie – known as Thunder or Cable, depending on how old they are – also has the ability to release electric pulses, but has the additional capacity to manifest and control wires. You’ve seen it yourself, he’s tied you up in them a few times. A winding, twisting network on your limbs, keeping you held there.

In the interim between Breaker Box cases, you did the usual hero stuff around town. Saving cats from trees, babies from fires, people from unstable buildings, the usual. That particular day, you were on the patrol circuit. Centre of town, out to the park, then back around to the border, and back to the centre for nightfall briefing. With your airbending, you could travel anywhere without having to place a foot on the ground, meaning your superiors gave you a much wider patrol route. People mostly call you Whistle, and everyone around town knows Whistle.

You’d already been gliding for a while, and had already saved a cat from a tall tree. But you’d heard on the radio about a robbery on your circuit, so gave the lovely feline to its owner before rushing off in the wind.

Things had not gone well. Despite retrieving the hostages, the criminals had gotten away, leaving you to stand with officers to determine next moves. While conversing, stood on the ground for once, a truck with tinted windows sped around the corner. Quickly, the officers ducked for cover, but you didn’t have time to react before it hit, tires squealing on the tarmac as the criminals sped off inside.

You'd felt the impact, the scrape along your legs as gravel collected in your skin. Your head collided with the concrete, your shoulders and arms taking some damage too. You felt the blood seep from your skin, an uncommon warmth, as muffled voices came into view.

"Cable, what do we do? We can't just leave them…" You recognised that voice anywhere; the gentle twang of received pronunciation. Volt. Why was he here?

"I think we can, Lightning. If they wake up and we're still here, they're just going to arrest us again. The hassle to get back out is just too much, man," the second uttered, urging his partner away from your bleeding body.

With all the energy you could muster, you rasped, "What… are you doing?" as Lightning scooped you up.

The next thing you know, you're waking up on a couch. A plush, comfortable, large, cushioned, very unfamiliar couch. You try and sit up, wincing as you feel a sharp pain.

"Stay down. You don't wanna move yet," Someone chimed in from your side, sat in an armchair of equal comfort. Eddie. From looking at him, he wasn’t in his usual villainous garb – no wonder officers hadn’t arrested both of them; they’d been in disguise as normal civilians, likely telling cops that they were taking you to the hospital. You were gonna have strong words with the police force after this was all done.

"Cable," You said lowly, "Is this some ploy to get my mask off? Again? It's not gonna work."

"Too late, sweetheart, it's already off," He remarked flippantly, gesturing to the coffee table where your mask sat perched. You raised a hand to your face, not finding the usual texture of the mask.

"Shit."

"Yeah, we needed to get to your whole face to clean the blood," He explained. Mentioning that, you could feel where they'd cleaned. Your skin felt softer than ever.

"Lightning gave you a face mask while you were out. He used a refreshing one, hope you aren't allergic to them," Cable continued, sipping a crystal glass of what looked like neat whiskey.

"Come now, Eddie, the poor thing is in our home, they can at least call us by name," Another voice swooped in - Lightning, presumably, "This is Eddie, and I am Volt, but you know that already, don't you, Live Wire?"

Lightning (Volt) had been calling you that since they'd first encountered you. You'd grabbed one of Eddie's wires, and subsequently got shocked hard, but remained standing; hence, Live Wire became your moniker to them.

"It's Whistle," You remarked quietly, looking away from the pair.

"Is it, though?" Lightning asked. Even if he'd insisted you call them by name, he had no power over how you refer to them internally.

"Just because you forcibly removed my mask, doesn't mean you get to know my name," You persisted, your body aching. Instead of respecting that, Cable looked at his phone and read out your full name, before deadpan staring at you. You tutted, rolling your eyes, "It's Whistle."

"What about a compromise, and we stick to Live Wire?" Lightning suggested. You rolled your eyes again, before sighing.

"Fine. But don't expect me to answer to anything but that and Whistle. Got it?" You digressed but emphasised your want to avoid your civilian identity.

They'd respected your wishes, thankfully, however Cable came up with a new nickname for you of his own: Spark. Now they both had nicknames for you that had to do with electricity… how original. The news was reporting of your absence, your superiors and family pleading for your safe return, but Cable and Lightning reassured you that you were safe and they wouldn't kill you. You were forced to trust their word.

One night, 3 weeks into your absence, you were sitting with the pair. Unfortunately, over those three weeks, they’d cared for you enough that you reluctantly enjoyed their company. They’d kept you on the sofa, but sometimes Lightning indulged himself by lifting your head into his lap and playing with your hair while rambling about their latest deviancies.

“Dear Eddie was so well organised the entire time, it was a marvellous sight,” He raved, citing Cable’s actions on their recent outing.

“Volt, you’re incriminating yourself,” Cable grumbled from the same armchair as always, “Besides, didn’t you have an actual question for them?”

“Ah, yes… Live Wire, would you answer me honestly?” Lightning inquired, looking down at your tired face, your wounds healing well.

“Uh… I suppose, just once,” You murmured. You were far too tired to hold a filter on your words.

“Why do you not rest?” He questioned, concern in every word. His brows furrowed, a small tilt to his chin. Volt was always so expressive.

“What is that supposed to mean?” You protested.

“It means all your vitals suggest malnourishment and lack of sleep, Spark. Answer him,” Eddie chimed in.

“Why should I? You’re bad people, I should be arresting you.” You retorted sharply.

“But you haven’t,” Eddie remarked.

“No, but I should. Why should I answer any of your questions? You don’t care about me, you care that I’m weak and vulnerable, and you want to worm your way into my mind so I lower my guard so you can just destroy me. I get it,” You rant, not seeing their eyes meet over you.

“And what gave you that impression, Live Wire?” Volt asked.

“The fact that I’ve seen your rap sheet?” You retorted.

“Well… That isn’t what makes us,” Volt answered, quietly, resuming his playing with your hair. You don’t have the energy to move, “In fact, quite the contrary. Your chasing of us is rather endearing, at least to myself. I cannot speak for Eddie.”

“It’s cute,” Eddie piped up.

You’re confused, of course. The pair that had been the bane of your career, paperwork a mile high, thought you were cute? Why were you calling them their names in your head? You must be high. Did they give you something?

“No, we didn’t,” Eddie piped up again. You must’ve said that last bit out loud.

“So… why did you bring me here instead of a hospital?” You hesitated to ask. The answer might not have been what you wanted to hear.

“We brought you here because Eddie wanted to care for you himself. And I wanted to get to know you. Not like you’ve been very receptive to our advances, nor our enjoyable activities, so we got unorthodox. As soon as you’re healed, you will be free to go again. But right now, you are still very much injured, Live Wire,” Volt explained.

“I already agreed to that, didn’t I?” You asked harshly.

“Yes, you did, and now we are keeping you to it,” Volt answered calmly. It made you feel a little guilty for being so cautious.

You all stayed silent for a bit, the pause hanging in the air. Then, you started talking again.

“It’s hard to find time between my patrols and missions to get sleep. Or meals. I try my best, but balancing it isn’t easy. Especially with you two running around being deviant assholes all the time. They’ve got me on call at the station specifically for your alerts,” You admit, deciding you might as well talk about it.

“Was that so hard, Spark?” Eddie asked smugly, glad they got you to open up a little.

“Yeah, it was,” You replied, turning onto your side with a small groan, so they couldn’t see your face.

When you were allowed to sit up on your own, they tried to question you again.

“Come on, we’re friends now, right? Please, Live Wire,” Volt prodded after asking you about your life again.

“You can’t keep giving me puppy dog eyes just to learn. Besides, what do I get in return?” You retorted, sipping at a drink Eddie had made.

“That is a good question. How about a wager?” Volt suggested, “You answer my questions honestly, and I will answer one of yours in return. A game, of sorts.”

“Deal,” You said, without much hesitation. Questions bubbled from various cases.

“My turn first,” Volt started, “Why be a hero, of all professions?” He leaned back in anticipation, one leg crossing over the other, hands clasped in his lap.

“Loaded question,” Your brows furrowed as you spoke, “I wanted to help people. I wanted to make the world a little better than I started it in. There’s a ton of reasons.”

“But why did you choose it?” Volt tried to push.

“Hey, it’s my turn,” You dodged the question, “Why be a villain?”

“I wouldn’t use that term. But to answer your question, I loathe societal limitations. Why should someone trying to feed their family go to jail?” He posed the hypothetical as though it were a real puzzle.

“Because stealing goes against… it goes against the arbitrary rules a handful of people endorsed centuries ago. And while arbitrary, and frustrating, they are in place for the safety of the population,” You answer, “I’ll give you that one for free.”

He chuckled, shaking his head, “Well, I suppose I cannot convince you. Nevertheless, I will persist. Why haven’t you killed us?”

That one stopped you in your tracks. You took a deep breath, thinking hard, before slowly explaining, “You… caught me in a vulnerable, highly injured state. Even if I wanted to do anything, I couldn’t. You think I didn’t think about it?”

“Of course you did. But why haven’t you now? When you’re clearly able to, and you’re still talking to me. Why not use that energy to break us to pieces instead? Why haven’t you called for backup, or contacted your friends? Live Wire, why haven’t you done anything to stop us?” He interrogated, prodding into your weakest spot.

“I haven’t done anything because,” You paused, words stuck on your lips, “Because there’s no one to contact. Or energy to use. Or a motive to use it,” you admitted, looking into your cup as if it would give you an answer, “It’s not like you haven’t accommodated me.”

“Is it only because of that?” Volt pushed.

“Hey, you already got one freebie, don’t push your luck,” You replied. He held his hands up in surrender.

“Alright, I digress,” He remarked. You thought for a moment, trying to pick your best question to ask.

“Why haven’t you killed me? You could’ve, way back then, and you didn’t. Why?” You decided to ask, turning the question he’d asked into reverse. It stumped him a moment.

“Because you’re very dear to me, Live Wire,” He answered simply, “Very dear, indeed.”

That’s how that activity ended, as Eddie wandered back into the room and talked to Volt about their next plans. You tuned them out, looking out of the window to the sky. Pinks, blues, oranges, reds filled the sky like a high-quality painting. You sighed.

Over the next 3 days, both of them kept lecturing you every time you stood up, citing your injuries and weakness as a reason to stay seated forever. You couldn’t even walk to the bathroom, one of them had to carry you.

You felt humiliated.

You confronted them, “Why do you both keep doing that?” Your tone was harsh, and sharp.

“Because you keep overdoing it, and one of these days it’s going to kill you!” Eddie exclaimed. You were taken aback, blinking confusedly.

“Spark, you were on the verge of dropping before that truck got to you. If not for us, if not for this, you’d be dead. Dead. Why can’t you just accept help for once?” He pressed on, frustrated at your continued defiance. Silence hung in the air, tension clouding the room.

“Why do you care so much?” You questioned, tears in your eyes, “Why haven’t you just gotten rid of me already if I’m so damn bad?”

“Because we love you!” He screamed, “We care about you, we want to help you, we love you! So get over it already!”

That made you pause. You looked between the pair. Volt’s hand on Eddie’s shoulder, Eddie breathing heavily as the adrenaline sped in his veins. Cables lifted from the floor, his power out of control from the sheer force of emotion surging in him. He was losing control because of you.

“I didn’t know that’s how you felt,” You spoke quietly, “I’m sorry for agitating you. I’ll go to the guest room, give you some space… I’m sorry.”

A few hours later, they both come into the spare room, while you’re laid facing away. You can hear them shuffling on the bed, but you don’t look.

“Live Wire, please… you shouldn’t get up, but we need to see you,” Volt spoke first, softly and quietly, trying not to startle you. You didn’t follow, staying faced away.

“Spark, I’m sorry for yelling. But you gotta understand where I’m coming from here, you… you know, right?” Eddie asked, and you felt his hand touch your shoulder. You didn’t shake it off. They both took that as a sign, and Eddie rolled you onto your back, where you just stared at the ceiling.

“You just told me that the two people I’ve been chasing to arrest for the longest time, somehow love me… What do you expect of me?” You ask, quietly, they could barely hear you.

“Nothing, my dear, nothing at all,” Volt moved first, lifting your torso and head so he could slip behind you, resting your head in his lap so he could play with your hair, “We expect nothing. But, maybe… you could let us help you? We may be criminals by law, but you haven’t been mishandled, right?”

“I suppose not… Just, don’t make me regret it,” You reply, curling into Volt. Eddie cups your cheek.

“Wouldn’t dare, Spark.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silence. Noun, meaning a complete lack of noise or sound.

People say that silence can be many things. To some, silence is a comfort, a dark blanket wrapped around them. To others, silence is suffocating, that same blanket tying around their throat like a noose.

To you, silence isn’t one thing. That day, it was sadness.

Everyone had left; they were all realised, including Skylar, so you were the only person left there. It was like before, all over again. Before you knew there was life in your objects, before you worked at Valdivian, before you’d lived in that house…

Silence.

You stared at the door as though waiting for someone, anyone, to burst through and yell “surprise!”, feeling like a child at their own party, waiting for the first person to show up.

Your friends and lovers had all sent updates, of course. Postcards from their adventures, letters written eloquently from candlelit rooms, letters sent weeks before through snail mail, some sent e-mails and texts. They all stopped after a while.

Sighing, you turned to the lounge, hesitating before walking forward. You looked back at the front door, where Front Dorian used to be, before walking on. You perched on the edge of the couch where Koa would join you, glancing that way, but nothing greeted your eyes.

You were alone again.

Slicing through silence, your phone pinged a notification, showing a message from Sam.

‘Heyyyyyyy you alive in there?’ You could almost hear her voice speaking each word. You glanced at the message, before placing your phone face down and staring forward at the blank screen of the TV. Telly would’ve told you to quit moping and watch some network, but you didn’t have the energy to pick up the remote.

Less than a month ago, these rooms would’ve been filled with life and love, platonic or romantic, and all that sat in them now was silence. It was rather jarring.

You took a deep breath. In, then out, and twice more.

Bang!

You flinched, looking over at the front door where the noise originated only to find a wonderful surprise.

“Live wire! Surprise!”

You gasped, standing up. Volt was in your foyer, holding a large bouquet of vibrant flowers, a wide smile on his face. His arms were spread wide, and you ran forward into them, your arms tightening around his middle as your cheek collided with his chest.

“Volt! What a wonderful surprise, you brought flowers? What- I’m just… shocked,” You finally spoke, exclaiming excitement. As you look to Volt, Eddie walks in behind, manoeuvring past you both with a wrapped gift box.

“Eddie!” You exclaimed, parting from Volt to hug Eddie too. He chuckled, wrapping his free arm over your shoulders.

“Hey, spark… we wanted to surprise you, is this a bad time?” He asked. You smiled at him.

“No, never a bad time, Skylar… just left. I was just listening to the silence in the house. No biggie.” You explained, masking your previous melancholy.

“So that’s everyone? All realised, all out of the house? It must be so quiet… It is quiet…” Volt mused, placing the large bouquet on the coffee table.

“Yeah, it’s been eerie. After having a hundred and something people being around all the time, I got used to the constant noise,” You explained, letting Eddie go so you could sit on the couch with Volt. Like instinct, his arm loops around your shoulders as your legs tuck up on the couch, your head leaning against his chest as you both relax. Eddie takes an armchair next to the couch.

“Do either of you want coffee? Tea? Soda?” You asked, ever the polite host even to people who used to exist as your electrical appliances.

“I’ll make it.” Eddie volunteered, standing up and heading to the kitchen. You sighed.

“I was gonna do it…” you mumbled. Volt chuckled, kissing your head.

“He’s been passenger princess the whole drive, my dear, he simply wants something to do with his hands.” He explained, amused.

“I could find a few things he could do with his hands.” You remarked, looking into Volt’s eyes with a glint to them, “I could find many,” You continued but he interrupted you.

“Live wire, that silver tongue of yours will get you in trouble if you continue.” He warned playfully.

“What if I want trouble?” You whispered to him, as Eddie returned with two cups. He placed them on the coffee table with a suspicious glance, before circling back with his own drink.

“Made your favourite, Spark. And yours too, Volt. He’s been getting into a lot of different teas, his favourite right now is Earl Grey,” Eddie remarked, sitting back in the armchair and sipping his whiskey. You never knew how he drank it neat, but then again, you couldn’t comprehend the Breaker Box club for a while. You still don’t, not quite.

You sipped your own drink, before settling back into Volt, “So, tell me, why are you both here? And don’t say you sensed my melancholy, I won’t believe you,” You asked, turning the conversation in a new direction.

“We just wanted to see you, dear, it’s been so long since you last messaged,” Volt replied.

“Oh… I only stopped cause you guys were busy. I didn’t wanna bother you,” You said, sitting up, “I didn’t know if I was gonna interrupt your work.”

“Spark…” Eddie sighed, putting his glass on a coaster on the coffee table, leaning forward so his elbows rested on his knees, “You could never- hey, look at me. Look at me, ok?” You reluctantly followed his words, and he continued, “You could never bother us. You gave us life, Spark, and we’re your partners. You don’t just ghost on us, we talk, ok? We talk.”

His reassurance, and the assertiveness in his tone, did bring some relief. A gentle relief on the ache in your heart. You always worried about that with people who’d left the house; whether or not your messages or e-mails reminded them of a time they didn’t want to associate with, or if you weren’t someone they wanted around anymore, and you’d accepted the worst-case scenario – that you weren’t, and they’d never speak with you again. But that wasn’t the case, at all.

“Live wire, you’re never a bother. In fact, I looked forward to our calls, morning and night. They were rather endearing, and I loved hearing about your day, all your little adventures and mischief,” Volt added, turning your chin to face him with a finger under your jaw, “Eddie can tell you he also enjoyed them. And ending them so abruptly was… gently upsetting to the ecosystem of our relationship.”

“What he’s trying to say is never do it again, you scared him and me. We thought something bad had happened. Glad nothing did,” Eddie caught on to Volt’s words and elaborated, “Spark, we’d been talking at least twice a day, if not more through texts, and you just vanished. That is why we’re here. We were worried about you.”

“About me?” You asked, in disbelief from everything they’d told you so far. Even with all the objects from your house, you hadn’t experienced another person telling you they worried. You worried, sure, but you thought you were good at hiding it.

“Yes, live wire, about you. Wouldn’t you be worried if we suddenly stopped out of nowhere?” Volt asked, stressing the reverse of the situation.

“Of course I would, but… that doesn’t mean that anyone would worry about me,” You replied.

“Wouldn’t- Spark, last time we saw you, you cried as we drove off because you didn’t want us to go. Now, everyone has left, and you’re saying you’re totally fine?” Eddie questioned, eyes searching yours for any sign of upset.

“Well, if you’re gonna ask like that… No, I’m not fine. I never was,” You spoke quietly, finally admitting what was held back the entire time, “I spent months in this house before the labour limbo, and it was always quiet. Always silent. But then I got those glasses, and rose-tinted got a whole new meaning. I met you guys, and everyone else, and… I had meaning again. And with everyone gone, I’m just struggling in the first 10 minutes to find that. I’ll get there, eventually, it’ll take some time.”

“Well, that settles it. We’re moving in.” Volt affirms, standing up from the sofa, “Eddie, keys. I’m getting our things from the van.”

“Van? Moving in? What?” You questioned, confused.

“Volt and I made an agreement that if you needed us, we’d stay. Packed up the whole apartment, finished the lease, so… Volt’s right. We’re gonna stay.” Eddie reaffirmed, elaborating on Volt’s quick actions.

“Oh. Uh… really?”

“Yeah, really.”

Volt snagged the keys and went out to the front yard, and you followed with Eddie. The fog of disbelief overshadowed your desire to help them.

“Is that a leather couch?” You inquired.

“Full grain,” Volt bragged, “We needed something durable,” He winked at you, before dragging it out of the van into Eddie’s and your waiting hands.

It took about an hour to get all their things into the house. The couch joined yours, their boxes in the dining room, and their clothes joining yours in the closet. Sometimes you’d help, other times you watched, one time Volt sat you on top of a sturdy crate while he carried it.

“Volt!” You laughed as he carried you and the crate both through to the lounge, placing it gently in a corner by some boxes.

“What, can’t a gentleman carry his partner once in a while?” He inquired, leaning in.

“Like that? No. But there are other safer carries that you can do,” You explained, just before Volt swooped you into his arms – one arm under your knees, the other around your shoulders, holding you tight to his chest.

“Like this, my love? Oh, yes, this is rather comfortable, I can do bicep curls with you,” To which he demonstrated, curling his arms up and around, while you laughed.

The house filled with your joy, and their boxes of stuff.

You watched from the bed as Volt set out decorations and trinkets all over the room. He meticulously placed each piece, explaining his process. Eddie was in another room putting together some gym equipment.

You could hear him, while you watched Volt.

A few hours later, they joined you in the bed. One went in front of you, the other behind, their arms over you. All three of you were in pajamas to your preferences.

“I still can’t believe you’re both staying… are you sure?” You asked.

“If we weren’t sure, Spark, we would’ve left after two hours and messaged when we found a hotel. I’m not kidding,” Eddie mumbled behind you, tired from doing hard work all day.

“What he is trying to say is of course we’re sure, Live Wire. Now, I believe pretty helpers need their rest,” Volt chimed in, urging you to sleep.

You sighed, but kissed them both before settling and dozing off. They spoke quietly over you, trying not to stir you.

“We’re really doing this?” Eddie whispered, voice low.

“Yes, we are. Besides, I know you’ve been wanting to see them again, and the house is perfect for the three of us,” Volt replied, hand in your hair, massaging your scalp.

“Yeah… Goodnight, Volt.” Eddie murmured.

“Goodnight, Eddie.”

The sound of breathing sent you off to sleep, the silence long forgotten.

Slowly, your eyes opened the next morning to sunlight, and an empty bed. As you sat up, you heard movement downstairs, and the squeal of the kettle as it finished boiling.

“Eddie, be quiet, they’re still asleep!” Volt’s voice was muffled by the floor.

“I’m trying, I didn’t know the kettle was a screamer, damn…”

You swung your legs over the side of the bed, before quietly heading down the stairs, knowing exactly which floorboards and steps to avoid so they wouldn’t catch you. From behind a corner, you observed them.

“Eddie, I want this to be perfect. Breakfast in bed, a fresh drink, it’ll be wonderful,” Volt mused, hair already brushed and tied into a thick curly ponytail.

“It’s gonna be fine, Volt. Chill, let me help,” Eddie retorted quietly, stepping in to help with the eggs.

“What’s this about breakfast?” You piped up, entering the kitchen.

“Live Wire! Good morning. My dear, we were just about to come back up. Did we wake you?” Volt greeted you first, drifting across the room and swinging you into his waiting arms for a soft hug.

“No, I was waking up anyway, it’s the usual time… What’re you making?” You inquired, peeking around Volt to try and see.

“No peeking, Spark, it’s a surprise.” Eddie called over, firm in his words.

The surprise was your favourite breakfast, of course. And after breakfast, they helped you pick an outfit because they were taking you outside for the day.

Luckily, the park was a nice place. Sunny blue skies, perfect fluffy clouds, and green grass that wasn’t painted to replicate a golf course.

Eddie set up the blanket, Volt helped you sit comfortably, and you poured the drinks.

“This is great. I don’t think I’ve been out here in a while. Not since the glasses came along, I wasn’t really allowed to leave the front door,” You rambled, your head in Eddie’s lap, “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the outside.”

“Then we’ll make this routine. Once a week to start, then more?” Volt suggested, opening the idea to debate.

“Yeah… yeah, that sounds good.” You agreed.

You spent hours out there together. You had lunch, danced in the grass, and wandered around the pond. You just enjoyed being around them. The time passed like the summer breeze, curling around the three of you as you smiled.

That night, your halls weren’t filled with silence. They were filled with the laughter and love that you’d cherished for so long, and the love that you would continue to cherish.

What a wonderful surprise. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for reading Broken Silence! Feel free to check out my other works, and comment your thoughts! I really appreciate all the support. Thanks again!

Coolsville was always sunny. Blue skies, fluffy clouds overhead, tall trees casting perfect leafy shadows on the grass outside. People meandered the paths outside the front, chattering between themselves, listening to music, jogging in the summer breeze, living in the outside.

But inside, in your house, it felt just as good. You had a coffee shop, a restaurant, a gym, a club, and more, all in your own 4 walls. You didn’t need to go outside, not after those sunglasses broke through your front door, encased in an orange and pink gift box.

This day, though, it was raining in Coolsville. Droplets battered the windows, strong winds pushing the blades of wet grass. You loved watching it. The air smelt of rain, and Dante (your fireplace) was doing good work keeping the house warm.

It was nearing the time for the Breaker Box’s signature live show, so up the stairs you went, around the corner, greeting Dorian with a smile as you entered the speakeasy club.

Quietly, you slipped towards the bar, knowing that he would already be serving customers. You sat at the bar first, Volt was greeting customers across the room so you had time to chat with Eddie first. He spotted you after serving Tony another lager. Hastily, he mixed your favourite drink as he wandered over; placing it on a coaster in front of you as you stared into his eyes.

“Spark, you’re early.” He remarked, and you swear you hear fondness in his tone.

“Yeah, I wanted to have a little bit of time to speak to the handsome bartender before the gorgeous host whisks me off to the usual table. How’s business tonight? Good?” You ask, sipping your drink. He nods, leaning forward on the bar.

“Yeah, things are great. Ever since things changed with us, it’s like the whole house wants in.” Eddie whispered to you. He was the bartender, so he caught gossip here and there.

“And that is why the Breaker Box is the most exclusive club in the house! Isn’t that right, Eddie dear?” Volt slinked up next to you, his hand pressed gently at your shoulder already.

“Hi, Volt!” You greeted your other boyfriend, your head leaning to the side, resting on his shoulder for a moment. He kissed your forehead, before speaking.

“Hello, Live Wire. I’ve missed you so, my dear. Care to join us for the show?” He almost spoke it directly into your ear, which made you shiver, and he chuckled.

“If you’ll have me, of course.” You replied, sipping your drink again. Volt gently swipes it from your hand, also taking a sip.

“Well, of course! I would so love to keep you with our darling Eddie, Live Wire, but we do have your usual VIP booth reserved. Eddie dear, mind if I steal our love?” Volt continued, as you get down from the barstool. Eddie made a wave with his hand, your signal to go, and Volt wrapped his arm around your shoulder, guiding you to a booth.

It’s on the far side of the club, not too close to the stage that the speakers would hurt your ears, but not so far that Volt can’t see you when he’s in the spotlight. It’s the perfect seat, which is why they reserved it. You remembered testing each booth in the club just after the Reset (where the power went down due to a faulty wire, and you had to fix the wire and reset the power, it was very scary), where Eddie and Volt made you sit in each one while Volt stood on stage, and Eddie stood at the bar; and you’d all agreed on this one booth. They could keep an eye on you, you would have a great time, it was a win for everyone.

Volt helped you lower yourself into the booth seat, scooting along so you were right in the corner (the best spot), your legs tucked onto the seat too. He slid your drink across the table, making sure you were comfortable.

“Well, my dear, I have to begin the show, but,” he paused, leaning into your personal space, “I’ll check in on you later, my love.”

He kissed your forehead again, before hopping nimbly up onto the stage. The show was electrifying; a band playing instead of Johnny Splash’s usual act. By the end a few hours later, you’d had quite a lot of drinks, and had danced in the middle of the tables with a tipsy Tony, laughing as he tried to spin you under his arm.

But, as it always does, the fun came to an end, and customers left the Breaker Box with high spirits and warm hearts. You stayed, nursing your drink as you watched Eddie and Volt clean up.

“Y’know, with all the time you spend watching, you could be helping, Spark,” Eddie remarked from the bar, wiping down the sticky countertops with a cloth.

“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t get to admire my wonderful boyfriends working really hard… and it’s really hot,” You retorted, leaning your back to the wall and finishing your drink. You stood, walking up to the bar with the empty glass with a little difficulty.

Being tipsy was a weird feeling; somewhat lightheaded, a touch of brain fog, and a lack of pain in your legs. You focused on getting the glass to Eddie, leaning against the bar as soon as you had the chance, handing him the empty glass. He smirked, a twitch of the corner of his lips.

“Feeling those?” he asked, putting the glass in the sink, “You’ve had a lot tonight, I’m not surprised.”

He kept an eye on you as you tried to sit in a bar stool, but Volt managed to jump in, grabbing you and lifting you up.

“Live wire! My love! You’re practically on your face, let me help you,” He regaled, placing you on the stool dramatically, as you giggled.

“Volt, I’m not that bad. Just a bit tipsy, I’m ok.”

You still leant back into his chest anyway, letting him kiss you on the temple.

“In any case, my dear, you stay right there. No cleaning for you, you just… stay there and be safe, yes? Yes,” He kissed you on the temple again, before leaning you forward so you were leaning against the bar.

“He worries,” Eddie remarked quietly, setting a cup of water in front of you. You took a sip, placing it back down.

“I know. He worries about you, too, Eds. But really, I’m just tipsy. A couple waters, maybe a juice box, I’ll be right as rain. Oh yeah, it’s raining outside,” You suddenly remembered the weather outside.

“It was raining?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah, it was raining. Full cats and dogs raining, I could smell it in the air,” You explained.

“You can smell rain?” He asked again, leaning forward, elbows on the bar.

“Yeah, it’s called petrichor. The term was coined in 1964 by Australian scientists Isabel Joy Bear, and Richard Grenfell Thomas, and derives from two Greek words. The Greek word ‘petros’ meaning stone, and ‘ichor’ being the fluid that filled the veins of the gods,” You rambled, the facts flowing from your mind like the water you were drinking. “The term itself refers to the connection between the earth and the air, it’s really fascinating stuff.”

Eddie looked at you curiously.

“Huh. Wow. How do you know that?” He asked.

“I did some etymology work in the advertising part of my customer service degree,” You replied, “I learnt a bunch of stuff about words.”

After all the closing work was done, you sat with them at the bar. You knew logically that the Dateviators wouldn’t last the whole night, but you really didn’t want to leave your partners.

“You’re sure I can stay over?” You checked for the hundredth time, sipping at the water Eddie had refilled for you.

“Live Wire, we would love to have you. As I’m sure you already know,” Volt explained softly, playing with the hair on the back of your neck.

“C’mon, let’s get upstairs,” Eddie urged you both, coming out from behind the bar.

“Upstairs? There’s an upstairs?” You questioned, as you walk with them.

Before you can take too many steps, Volt swept you into his arms, carrying you under your legs (one arm under your shoulders, the other under your knees). You yelped, shocked.

“Hey! Volt,” You laughed, your arm hooking around his neck.

“What? Can I not want to hold my dear love?” He inquired playfully, holding you a little closer, tightening his grip slightly, making you laugh. Eddie led up the stairs and opened the ‘Staff Only’ door leading to the stairwell, and the door to their apartment.

It’s a cute place. A comfortable sofa opposite a TV, a kitchen off to the side, and 2 doors down the end of a corridor.

“The bedroom is to the left, and the bathroom is to the right,” Eddie explained, pointing out both doors.

Volt carried you all the way to the bedroom, allowing you some respite to go to the bathroom while they both got ready for bed. You could hear them, across the hall.

Volt spoke first, words muffled by the door, “Our first sleepover with all three of us, Eddie.”

“I know.”

“Do these look ok? I don’t want to scare them off.”

“Volt, you look great, stop worrying.”

“I can’t help but worry.”

A pause. The silence stuck a moment, as fabric rustles.

“I know, and… I’m worried too.”

“You?” Volt sounded surprised at Eddie’s admission.

“Yeah, I… I mean, I started off on my own, and… now there’s two of you. With me,” He explained, as the mattress let off a squeak as they sit down.

You could imagine it, both of them sitting on the edge of the bed. Volt probably leant his head to Eddie’s shoulder, the both of them looking at the closed bathroom door.

“They’ve been so good to us, Eddie,” Volt remarked.

“Yeah… yeah, they have,” Eddie replied. You could imagine him kissing Volt’s forehead, “But it’s bedtime, so lay down.”

You finished up in the bathroom, coming out and joining them in the bedroom. You were already in comfortable clothes, so you just crawled onto the bed with them.

“Come on, Spark, get in between. Then we can both reach,” Eddie urged, which you followed.

“You’re both warm…” You murmured, as their arms closed around you, something humming under their skin, “I can hear the electricity.”

“You can hear it?” Volt asked, your head tucked to his chest, your back to Eddie’s.

“Yeah… it’s like a thrum. Or a low hum. It’s nice…” You murmur.

“Ok, and that’s a good time to sleep,” Eddie said, drawing you in a little closer.

You dozed between them, eyes closed, but you could hear them talking quietly above you so as not to wake you.

“This is nice,” Volt whispered, “I want this all the time.”

“Same,” replied Eddie, just as quiet, “It’s good to have you both here. I like it.”

“Goodnight, Eddie. And goodnight, Live Wire.” You felt Volt kissing your forehead as he settles.

“Goodnight, Volt. G’night, Spark.”

Then, Eddie kissed your shoulder. You still heard the thrum of electricity between them, and the rain outside, letting the sound take you, drifting off into sleep, the warmth of their love surrounding you as you finally surrendered to your dreams.  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a quiet night in the Breaker box, the customers sparse, and the bar was actually slow enough for Eddie to take a breath.

He manages to join you at your VIP booth (which was a table, but after a single conversation with Volt, was adjusted to a booth (it was comfier anyway)). He brings a drink for you, and one for him. Jazz music vibes in the background, a low volume, just enough to hear but not so much to impede any conversations. The mahogany tables are delightful, even though the glasses on your face make everything tinted pink.

“Hey, spark, how’s running around the house going?” He speaks first, setting the drink in front of you. Your favourite, of course.

“Not too bad. Solved a crime, fixed some stuff, and stopped Harper and Dirk from killing each other for the umpteenth time, so… a regular day.” You recount, chuckling dryly before taking a sip from your glass.

“A regular day, yeah… and how are you?” His tone lowers, carrying that ever so joyful softness he seems to garner towards yourself and Volt.

“I…” You pause, gathering your words carefully. “I am here, and enjoying the atmosphere…” You smile, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes.

“And?” He prods, one brow raised. He knows you’re hiding something.

“And I’m totally exhausted out of my mind.” You digress, looking down because you know he’s concerned, and you don’t exactly want to see. But Eddie doesn’t let you evade for long, as he tucks a finger under your chin, gently coercing you to look up.

“Hey, spark… c’mon, look at me. You’ve been solving everyone else’s shit for weeks… I’d be more worried if you weren’t tired. Do you need another drink? Some time away? I can let you upstairs to the apartment if you need.”

Aw, Eddie. Sweet, handsome, chivalrous Eddie. You’re so lucky he’s all yours.

“What’s this I hear about the apartment? A secret rendezvous without me? Why, I daren’t think!” In enters Volt, in true dramatic fashion, sliding up next to you in the booth and throwing an arm over your shoulders.

“Live wire, are you planning something?” He asks a little quieter, right into your ear.

“No, no, Volt, I’m… Eddie just figured I was really tired, so I might wanna go upstairs, that’s all.” You answer the man (electrical entity? Object?) honestly. “He’s just worried, the big softie.” You manage to get a dig in at Eddie, teasing playfully.

“Well, if you’re tired, surely we could help somehow, live wire?” Volt asks.

“I don’t know this time, big guy, I… it’s the kind of tired that I feel in my bones. Overtired, really. It’s not as easy as just laying down and closing my eyes.” You explain.

“One sec, excuse me…” Eddie excuses himself, noticing activity at the bar.

You continue your conversation with Volt for a few minutes, not knowing that Eddie was closing the bar early, getting everyone out. It was only after everyone had left, and the music stopped, that Eddie sat back down.

“Ok. Let’s go, c’mon.” He urged you to get up, taking the empty glasses from the booth back to the bar, to be washed in the morning. Meanwhile, Volt leads you through the ‘Staff Only’ door, which leads to a set of stairs up to their apartment.

When they’d first showed you this place, you were confused about the logistics. A bar in your breaker box, and an apartment attached to the bar, where the objects live, even when you don’t perceive them? It confused you too much. To think about it hurt your head.

You looked at those stairs, then at Volt, then back at the stairs, then Volt again. He seemed to get the hint, hooking one arm under your knees and hoisting you up into a carry, letting you rest against him as he did all the walking.

“Live wire, so tired… so sleepy, we’ll get you down, no worries, my dear. Just you wait…” He coos at you, opening the door to the apartment, and beelining for the bedroom, placing you gently down in their shared bed. But only a moment, as you get up just as Eddie enters, to snoop in their drawers and get some clothes.

After pilfering their wardrobe (managing to find things that fit you in a way you liked for sleep), you let the pair lure you into their bed. You lay between them, sandwiched, your back to Eddie’s front, your head tucked into Volt’s chest, their arms over you. Warm, comfortable, you finally feel your eyes get heavy.

“What about when Skylar loses charge?” You ask, before yawning.

“Don’t worry, live wire, you’ll wake up in your own bed. This is just to get you there, then we will take care of the rest. Now, rest, my dear… rest…” Volt says quietly. He cups your cheek, gently running his thumb back and forth over the apple of your cheek, sending you dozing off in their arms.

As you drift between sleeping and awake, you can hear them talking quietly, as though to try and not wake you.

“Poor thing… do you think we should talk to Celia about talking to the others? They’ve been running around all over the place… I hate seeing them like this, Eddie.” Volt says, clearly worried.

“I know, Volt… me too… I don’t think it helps that they want everyone to be their friend, or in our case more than friends… I’ll talk to Florence and set up a meeting tomorrow. Tonight, we focus on them.” Eddie replies, also concerned. You can hear his brow furrowing even with your eyes closed.

As promised, you woke up tucked in your own bed, with the Dateviators on charge on your nightstand. You rolled onto your back, staring at the ceiling for a while, before deciding to sit up. You groan, feeling the ache in your muscles. Your phone buzzes on the night stand and you pick it up, reading the random texts.

There’s a note on the night stand, too. Most of it is in flowery calligraphy, with a small note at the end in a more printed manner.

‘Dearest Live Wire,

Terribly sorry we couldn’t keep you in our embrace. Your lovely sunglasses sounded off a low charge, and without further guidance we’re not entirely sure on how to recharge them for you, so Eddie and I brought you back to your own bed. You seemed very peaceful, it was rather nice to see.

Today is a new day! Go eat some breakfast, have a relaxing day, and we cannot wait to feast our eyes upon you once more at the Breaker Box tonight!

Much love, All Yours,

E+V

(P.S: Volt wrote this. Love you, spark, sleep well).’

You smile softly, your thumb passing back and forth over the paper a moment. You loved them. They’d noticed your exhaustion and instead of trying to stuff your face with melatonin or meditation like your exes had tried, they’d just laid with you, and it worked.

You’d have to go back more often.

But until then, on with the day. You slid out of bed, and put on the Dateviators, greeted by Skylar as you always were.

“Good morning! Are we ready to get going?” She said joyously, as every morning began.

“Yeah. Let’s do this.” You replied, also enthusiastic. She left you to it, and you started your morning. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date Everything - I can write all 102, but I can work best with:

Eddie and Volt

Freddy

Abel

Beverly

Betty

Dante

Dorian

Florence

The Hanks

Skylar

Tony

Teddy

Gaia

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Mystic Messenger:

Saeyoung Choi (707, Luciel)

Jumin Han

Zen

Yoosung

Jaehee Kang

V

Saeran

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Supernatural -

Dean Winchester

Sam Winchester

Castiel

Gabriel

Bobby Singer

Charlie Bradbury

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Sherlock Holmes:

Sherlock Holmes (BBC)

John Watson (BBC)

Moriarty (BBC)

Sherlock Holmes (Enola Holmes)

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The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings:

Bilbo Baggins

Thorin Oakenshield

Kili

Fili

Aragorn

Legolas

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MCU:

Deadpool

Wolverine

James 'Bucky' Barnes

Tony Stark

Steve Rogers

Wanda Maximoff

Natasha Romanoff

Loki

Thor

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More fandoms (I might need to do some character study before making these requests):

TV:

NCIS

Bones

The Pitt

Interview with The Vampire

Transformers (please specify which generation or show)

Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

Boku No Hero Academia (MHA)

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Movies:

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Speak No Evil (2024)

A Different Man (2024)

Labyrinth (1986)

Interview with A Vampire (1994)

Project Hail Mary (2026)

Iron Lung (2026)

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Games:

Freak Circus

Resident Evil games

Undertale

Deltarune

A Date with Death

Error143

The Stanley Parable

Baldur's Gate 3

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Pre-Realisation (With Reader/Player) - Lovers:

Volt worries over you like no tomorrow, just as he does with Eddie.

Eddie worries that you or Volt could leave him at any time - especially after the Reset.

You keep talking to them without the Dateviators on, and confuse yourself when they aren't stood with you.

You visit them every single day for the show.

They made you test each booth in the club until you found one where both of them could see you at any one time. It took 4 hours.

Volt doesn't let you walk when you're tipsy, carrying you everywhere.

You and Volt tag-team Eddie to get him to rest with you.

Eddie and Volt tag-team you to get you to rest when you've stressed over the whole house's problems all day.

You and Eddie tag-team Volt too, when he's overworked himself on stage.

Basically the three of you love each other very much and want each other to be safe, happy, and rested.

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Post-Realisation (With Reader/Player) - Lovers:

Volt facetimes you every time they visit a new property, giving you the full tour and regaling each detail to you.

Eddie sends you texts every morning and night.

Eddie uses all correct grammar in messages, Volt doesn't.

Volt LOVES using silly fonts and message effects.

You miss them, and they know it.

Both of them visit you once a week, and also visit you separately whenever they can.

One time, they surprised you with a trip abroad just because they wanted to see you smile.

They give you a job as a Customer Service representative for their company - Volt does the interview (or so he says, but does kissing you in his office count as a real interview?)

When you work with them, you all take breaks together - Eddie makes your favourite drink, and Volt tells you all the gossip he's heard from neighbours of the properties they flip.

Eddie buys Volt a new ring - and one matching for himself - to which people get confused when they see the three of you in public.

You find this very amusing.

Eventually, both of them decide to get you a ring too.

While you might not be married in a legal sense, they're your husbands.

Volt still sings in the shower. You sing along too now.

You've all shared a shower twice, and both times needed to take another shower afterwards.

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Thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate the support.

For more of my work (if you're interested), I'm also on AO3 under ThatNerd_TM_X.