Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The job of a professional musician is one of patience and trials of time. Involving auditions, living gig to gig, and trying to figure out when they'll be able to fix whatever's broken in their instruments. Cronus Ampora was no exception, having decided to try his hand at it upon arriving on Earth almost a year prior.

The soft noises of the saxophone filled the bar he played in nightly. With his pianist next to him, they played for the queer bar like always. Despite trying to mix it up, it was a bit difficult to find something new for the week. 

A long night with little tips passes, and soon enough, it's time to close up, leaving Cronus to pack up and head out with a bottle of water and two tens. He sighed, waved goodbye to the owner, and stepped out into the cool night air. Earth’s night life was certainly a lot less busy than Alternia’s (thanks in no small part to the largely diurnal humans). Slipping his custom built helmet on, Cronus started his motorcycle and rode off toward the apartment building he shared with one Kurloz Makara.

After trudging up two flights of stairs he was home. Well, as home as it could be. Cronus didn't bother to announce his presence, not wanting to potentially wake Kurloz. The apartment was fairly small, with a moderate amount of purple/violet colored furniture. A simple loveseat and hexagonal coffee table both sat in front of a small TV. The kitchen was absolutely tiny, nearly requiring Cronus to exit entirely before turning around if he wanted to change directions in there. Through a closed door was their bedroom.

Cronus sat his bags down next to the table, falling back onto the couch. "Wvhat do I tell him…" he mumbled, tossing his tip money on the table.

Footsteps approached from behind as Kurloz stepped into view. The taller troll had for once forsaken his usual skull-like face paint, leaving only the lightly purple-tinted grey skin of his face, albeit still with stitches holding his mouth firmly shut. He only wore a plain pair of polka-dotted pajama pants. “Tell who what?” Kurloz signed, looking concerned.

The violetblood froze when he heard his footsteps, turning to see his roommate. "Oh, Kurloz… didnt mean to wvake ya…" Cat was partially out of the bag, too late to backpeddle. "I gotta take more gigs, the Evwergreen ain't paying too wvell…"

Kurloz frowned, looked at the tip money, and sat down. “You’re working yourself to death, Cronus,” he signed slowly. “We’ve got friends who can help if you need it.”

Cronus frowned looking away anxiously. "It's fine, don't wvorry about it. It's just a fewv extra gigs." Cronus never wanted to accept help, even when he desperately needed it. "I can handle it."

Kurloz just shook his head, stood, and went to the bedroom. The violetblood groaned softly, pinching the bridge of his nose. There was so much to do, and Cronus was at that unique point where one was simply too tired to sleep. One hand went to his phone, checking the time.

"Only twvelvwe thirty…" Cronus hopped up, and started cleaning while his computer booted up. "Then I can search for auditions…"

Cronus searched for a few hours, yawning occasionally. After booking two, he finally convinced himself to go to sleep, so happy he had the night shift the next day.

"Night kurloz…" he mumbled when he crawled into bed. Kurloz didn’t seem to react. Cronus sighed, curling up as he faced away.

——

The next morning, Cronus was woken up by Kurloz getting out of bed. "Wvhere you going babe..?"

“Work.” Kurloz replied, getting dressed.

The violetblood buried his face in his pillow. "Sorry…"

“Sorry I woke you up,” Kurloz signed. “Go ahead and sleep.” Cronus nodded a little, feeling the anxiety crawl up his body. Cronus listened as Kurloz left the apartment, before groaning as he found himself unable to fall back asleep.

"I should get a better job…" Cronus murmured to the quiet apartment. "But I don't havwe experience…" He sat up in his bed, rubbing his eyes. "Three hours of sleep…" Sighing in frustration, Cronus got up and got dressed.

A soft knock came to his door. "Coming!" The seadweller called, rushing to the door. "Wvhats- Latula? Meenah? Wvhat are you doing here..?"

Standing on the other side of the door were the former heiress to Alternia, and the skater girl teal blood. “Whale Cro, a mute lil birdie told us you were stressin’ out!” Meenah explained.

Cronus frowned, but let them in. "I'm fine, i don't knowv wvhat he told you."

“Bro your eyebags have eyebags,” Latula pointed out. “And your hair’s a wreck.”

"Just woke up." He tried to brush it off, but there was no way of hiding it now. "Wvorks just been difficult lately…"

“Dude if you need cash I can just… give you some,” Meenah pointed out. “Not like I need most of it.”

"I said I'm fine! I don't need your help, and I don't want it!" Cronus started to get angry, fists balling up.

Alright fine, geez!” Meenah held up her hands. “Just tryin to be nice for once, and look what it gets me…” She turned to leave, 

Latula still standing there.

Cronus sat on the couch with tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry… don't go…" Latula joined him after a moment. “Cro… talk t’me bro…” she said softly.

"Too much… I'm a disappointment and Kurloz knowvs it… I can't make enough money, and… I don't wvant him to leave…" Cronus muttered softly. "I just wvant him to be happy…"

“You need a break, Cro,” Latula replied. “Some time off before you keel over.”

The seadweller sniffled, squeezing his fists together. "I don't havwe time to take a break, too much…" Cronus looked at his Sax case. "I'm not good enough and I need to get better."

“Cro, you’re amazing!” Latula smiled.

"But I'm not… enough…" he was so tired, leaning back on the couch. "So… tired…"

Latula hummed a little. “I… might have an idea, but I’ll need to work on it.”

"Please." Cronus mumbled softly, feeling so vulnerable. Latula nodded.

“Okay. Call me when you get off work tonight, alright? It should be ready by then." Cronus gave her a thumbs up. Grinning, Latula patted him on the shoulder. “Try to get some rest, alright?” With that she was gone, closing the door behind her.

Cronus closed his eyes, falling asleep before he could wonder if this was a mistake or not.

Chapter Text

The next day Cronus walked into work, covering a yawn. His boss stood at the bar, chatting up the bartender before noticing the tired seadweller. "Cronus, you're late." He grunted, a frustrated look on the human's face.

"S-sorry sir, I had trouble wvith my ride here." Cronus sighed, scratching the back of his head.

Mr. Fenrir sighed and shook his head. “Just go get ready, alright?” The musician wandered to the back, Saxophone case in hand. Mr. Fenrir watched him go, an unreadable expression on his face.

The bartender peered at Mr. Fenrir. "Whatcha thinking boss?"

“Am I pushing him too hard?”

The man shrugged, wiping down the bar. "He's a struggling artist, he's pushing himself too hard."

“True…” Fenrir nodded. Cronus soon came back out in his all black suit, sax in hand as the patrons turned to look at him. Cronus froze for a moment before the pianist started up a tune he knew well. He seemed to relax at the notes and began playing in earnest. Mr. Fenrir smiled softly.

The night passed as usual, better tips than normal but it seemed the tiredness of the troll started to weigh down on him.

As Cronus began packing up, Mr. Fenrir poked his head through the staffroom door. “Cronus?”

"Hm?" Cronus turned to him, unable to stop the yawn leaving him. "Yes sir?"”

“Come into my office for a moment? It’s nothing bad, I promise.” Mr. Fenrir added quickly. “Just need to talk real quick.”

Cronus followed nervously, leaving his sax with his case. "Is there something I can do sir?"

“You’ve been working really hard, Cronus. And I appreciate that a lot!” Mr. Fenrir smiled. “In fact, I think you’ve earned yourself a raise.” He pulled an envelope from his desk.

Cronus’s eyes widened, looking between his boss and the envelope. "Really? A raise?"

“Yes, but please. For the love of God… stop working yourself to death.”

"Yes, I'll do so sir." Cronus took the envelope, awkwardly bowing before walking out quickly.

“Have a good night.” Mr. Fenrir waved him off.

Cronus quickly packed his saxophone before rushing home to tell Kurloz with pride. Opening the apartment door with a pep in his step. "kurloz my lovwe!"

Yes darling? Kurloz signed, turning to look at him.

"Your handsome man has returned wvith a raise!" Cronus cheered giddily, grinning wide.

Kurloz grinned. That’s great! The Seadweller sauntered over, pecking Kurloz upon the cheek. "This wvas wvith the cavweat that I stopped ovwervworking myself…"

Smart man, Kurloz agreed.

Cronus took a moment to smell the air. "Wvhat did ya make?"

Burgers and fries. Kurloz retreated into the kitchen and brought out a plate.

Cronus smiled sweetly, taking the plate from him. "This looks amazing, Hun!"

Kurloz smiled. I worked hard on it! Eat up! Cronus plopped himself down on the couch, digging in with vigor.

Kurloz got his own plate and dug in. "Wvowv, this is amazing K!"

Kurloz smiled. After dinner, he looked up at lCronus. Did you think about what we discussed last night?

Cronus paused, flushing dark. "Right, forgot about that… Yeah, I havwe. And I agree, I'm just wvorried…"

About?

"Wvell I wvant to be able to provwide for you… it's my job!"

I know Cro… but it hurts me inside to see you work yourself too hard! Kurloz replied. We have friends who are happy to help when we need to.

Cronus sighed, nodding a little. "Okay… I promise babe, I'll relax…"

Kurloz nodded and smiled thankfully. How about a movie night?

"Oo, alright babe." Cronus grinned, standing to clean his dish before sitting on the couch and patting his lap for Kurloz to join him. Kurloz happily plonked himself down next to Cronus. What’re we watching? It’s your turn to pick.

Cronus hummed a little, wrapping his arm around Kurloz's shoulders. "Wvhy not that musical evweryone compares me to? Wvhat wvas it again?"

Grease it is then! Cronus grabbed the remote to look for it before lighting up. "Shit, can't forget the "popcorn" wve wvere introduced to at the theatre."

Right! Kurloz got up and bolted for the kitchen. After a minute or so, he returned with a big bowl.

"Fantastic babe." Cro grabbed a fistful and clicked start.

Kurloz only half-paid attention to the screen, his mind on the “special” butter he’d put on the popcorn. Cronus ate happily, munching through the popcorn faster than anyone needed to. Kurloz never got a chance to eat any-not that he minded. His eyes were drawn to the subtly swelling lump on Cronus’s middle.

"Oh, I didn't realize howv much I ate! You got some right?" Cronus glanced at Kurloz, flushing anxiously.

I’m good, Kurloz replied. Go right ahead!

Cronus nodded a little, eating the last handful or so before setting the bowl aside. "That's better than the theatre!"

Kurloz just nodded, his eyes still looking at Cronus’s middle. He actually looked like he ate regularly instead of being concerningly thin.

The seadweller yawned, leaning back. "mm, tired…" he mumbled, scratching his bloated midsection.

That reminds me, I had some music made to help you sleep! Kurloz signed.

"Oh yeah? Wvhy don't wve test that out before i fall asleep here…" Cronus turned off the TV, before making his way to the bedroom. Kurloz nodded, picked up the empty bowl and put it in the sink. Then he grabbed some headphones and a cassette player before joining Cronus.

Cronus plopped down on the bed, a soft yawn leaving him.

Ready? Cronus nodded a little, pulling the blanket over him. Kurloz slipped the headphones over Cronus’s ears and pressed play.

Soothing sounds echoed in Cronus’s head, sounds that he associated with happiness and calmness. As he drifted off, he could almost swear he heard a voice whispering. Before Cronus could process what the whispers were saying however, sleep claimed him.

A few weeks passed since the first night Cronus slept with the tapes, and a few things had changed since he started. "Kurloz I'm home!" He wasn't late for once.

Kurloz poked his head around the corner with a grin before running to hug Cronus tight. "Oo, lovwie you got me tight." Cronus chuckled, kissing his nose. Kurloz nodded, stepping back slightly to look him up and down. He definitely had started to thicken, getting a good inch of padding all over. "Wvhat, miss me so much you need to keep me in your mind?"

Yep! It’s been too long since you came home on time! Kurloz signed.

Cronus chuckled softly, pulling his partner in by the lithe waist and kissing him sweetly. "I just couldn't stay awvay!"

Come on and eat, I just finished cooking dinner. Kurloz led the way to the kitchen, where a strainer of spaghetti was draining next to a pot of sauce.

"Ok, wvhat's this you made? Looks funky." Cronus joked, poking the noodles.

Spaghetti, new recipe one of our buddies recommended, Kurloz answered. Supposed to be pretty good!

"Whelp, gotta try it!"

Go sit down, I’ll set you up a plate.

Cronus sat himself at the table, humming a tune. After a moment, a plate of noodles covered in red sauce with a handful of parmesan cheese sprinkled on top was set in front of him. He lit up, thanked his partner and dug in happily.

Kurloz made a smaller plate for himself and sat to eat. Within a matter of minutes Cronus was done and ready for another plate. "That's good!"

Kurloz nodded. Glad you liked. More?

"Sure if you don't mind…" Cro giggled softly. Smiling, Kurloz refilled his plate, and the cycle resumed.. Kurloz finished his food and was content to watch Cronus eat. After a few more plates Cronus was content and the leftovers were gone.

Full? Kurloz asked, taking the empty plates away.

"Definitely, ooh boy…" Cronus belched noisily, covering his mouth afterwards. "Thanks babe."

You sure? Kurloz prodded, before reaching into the fridge and producing a large chocolate cake. Too full for this?

Welp. "I can't say no to that, I'm sure I can handle a little more?" Cronus chuckled nervously, patting his bloated belly unknowingly.

I thought so. With that, Kurloz set a generous slice in front of him.

Cronus smiled up at his lover, taking the fork in hand before digging in. "Wvowv, that's amazing…"

Fresh from the Egbert bakery! The seadweller nodded, getting a few crumbs on his plump cheeks. Kurloz smiled, leaving Cronus to his dessert.

Within ten minutes Cronus had finished the slice and felt so stuffed. "Kurloz I'm done, wvanna do somethin'?"

What do you have in mind? Kurloz asked with a tilt of his head.

Cro shrugged, making his way over to his matesprite. "I mean, wve could do gaming or music, movwie maybe?"

Games sound good! Kurloz signed with a smile.

Cronus grinned, going to a bookshelf of game cases. "wvhatcha thinking?"

Kurloz squatted to look. “Hmm…” How about God of War?

"Sure thing, babe!" Cronus shifted on the couch, stomach gurgling a bit. "Though, might need to calm down on the food, my stomach is killing me."

Want me to give you a rub first? Kurloz asked. Cronus gave a simple nod, a soft burp leaving him as Kurloz started to rub his belly. Kurloz’s delicate fingers dug gently into the soft fat for a moment. There we go. Better?

"Much better…" Cronus hummed as he picked up the controller. Kurloz sat next to him, watching quietly.

Hours passed as Cronus played through the game, eventually his stomach growling with hunger instead of fullness, the sea dweller shifting a bit uncomfortably.

"Kurloz, do wve got any pastries?"

Kurloz nodded and headed for the kitchen. He returned with a tray of cinnamon rolls.

Cronus didn't take the time to look up, already drooling at the smell. "Babe, havwe I mentioned I lovwe you?"

Not in a little bit, but you can do it more! Kurloz smiled as he held one to Cronus’s mouth.

Biting in, Cronus moaned noisily around the pastry. "Fuckin' fantastic!" He grinned as he killed a few enemies.

Whenever Cronus finished one bun, it was swiftly replaced with another and then another. As the sun set and Cronus made a good amount of progress, he found himself half full again. "This is pretty great, babe…"

Made them just for you, love. Cronus leaned over, kissing Kurloz with his icing covered lips, his firm belly leaning on Kurloz's arm. The mute troll smiled, leaning into Cronus and wrapping a thin arm around his shoulders.

"Wve should do this more often~" Cronus chuckled, looking into his lover's eyes. "That wvas fun."

Once a week sound good?

The sea dweller grinned, nodding quickly. "Hell yeah!" Cronus let his excitement get the best of him, belching noisily in Kurloz's face.

Kurloz leaned back, fanning his face.

"Whoops…" he flushed.

Feel better after that?

A nervous nod left Cronus. "Mhm…"

Kurloz chuckled and patted Cronus’s belly, causing a soft flush from the latter. "Bed time?" Kurloz nodded in agreement, helping Cronus up off the couch before leading him to the bedroom.

"Oof…" Cronus grumbled as he flopped onto the bed.

Kurloz lay down next to him, cuddling up close. Cronus nuzzled up to Kurloz, soft pudge pressing against him.

Chapter Text

A month later, Cronus was definitely bigger. He was starting to fill out his suits nicely, even putting some strain on his button down shirts. Though, he kept his promise. He worked less, spent more time with Kurloz, and was finally able to go out with friends for the first time in ages.

Are you ready? Kurloz asked. He was dressed in a black and white polo and nice pants.

Cronus huffed softly, fidgeting with his plain short sleeved button down. "I think it shrunk in the wvash."

I did tell you we needed to go shopping, Kurloz signed with a smug look.

"Oh hush." Cronus groaned, leaving it unbuttoned. "Do I havwe a t-shirt that'll match?"

Kurloz rummaged around in Cronus’s closet briefly, before pulling out a lovely violet shirt.

Cronus lit up, taking the shirt from him, completely oblivious to his thighs rubbing together. "Perfect!" After slipping it on, he grinned, belly tightly covered by thin violet fabric.

You look amazing! Kurloz signed gleefully.

The sea dweller looked quite proud of himself, pulling the button down back on. "Alright, let's go! I'm starvwing…"

They drove to the restaurant, where Cronus saw a few familiar cars.

"It's been a wvhile…" he murmured, putting a hand on Kurloz's.

Yeah it has, Kurloz agreed. Are you ready to see them?

Cronus forced a smile onto his plumpened cheeks. "Ready as I'll evwer be."

Kurloz nodded and led the way inside. The restaurant had nice atmosphere, soft music playing as the couple approached the hostess stand, they could already hear their very loud friends.

Kurloz rolled his eyes at Kankri’s familiar motor mouth, though the troll himself seemed to have gained several inches in width since the last time he’d seen him. Soon they arrived at the table, and the others came into view. 

Latula and Meenah sat next to each other, each with their own boozy drinks, Meenah looking a bit softer than two months ago. On the other side of the circular table, Mituna and of course Kankri sat and babbled.

“Hey, Cro and Kur are here!” Latula waved them over to sit, Mituna waving happily as the two pulled out their chairs. He shakily signed Hello at Kurloz, who nodded and signed back.

Cronus grinned, his love handles jiggling, settling down before looking around the table. "Wvell, don't let me hold up your convwersation!" This prompted Kankri to continue chatting.

"Believe me, it's not like I encourage that behavior, but there simply isn't a way to stop it until we get to the route of the problem."

What’s Kankri ranting about now? Kurloz signed at Mituna.

I lost track about five minutes ago, Mituna admitted. Kurloz nodded at this, and picked up a menu, opting for the tried and true method of relegating Kankri to “background noise at best”.

Cronus leaned over to Meenah. "So howv havwe y'all been?"

The fish woman faked a yawn after a sip from her sake. "Oh, same old. Been working on the business. Hard to train models when young girls run screaming."

“Remind me, what did you do to them again?” Latula asked with a chuckle, leaning on the table.

"Just teaching them how to look badass on camera without being a slut!" Meenah huffed, crossing her arms. "Then a girl had a breakdown and I'm told I handled it poorly."

Cronus snickered, his fins fluttering. "Delightful, stupid human girls." Clearly he didn't say that quietly enough as Kankri started to throw a fit. 

"How would you feel if someone said that about you or your species?" Kankri hissed, a hand on his chubby cheeks. "You'll end up getting people upset!"

Cronus just rolled his eyes, holding his hand up to mimic a blabbering mouth. "Yeah, yeah. Just hush and eat your appetizers."

A plate of calamari was set in front of them, something the trolls barely hesitated before digging into, a sort of twisted way to get revenge on G’lobglyb for the attempted destruction of their race.

"That's enough irony to leave even Dave quiet." Meenah chuckled.

For once in his life, Kurloz signed, getting a laugh from the table once Cronus translated. "Wonder what's good here…" he mumbled around a mouthful of calamari.

Meenah glanced over her menu. “Well… there are some good rolls here. Crab, sushi, plenty of cream cheese and avocado. Sweeter ones for Kankri, spicier ones for Mituna and Latula." She explained, pushing up her fuschia glasses.

“I can’t remember the last time I’d had sushi…” Latula admitted. “Meenah, I think you introduced it to us a while back?”

"Yup, y'all didn't get nothing like this back on Alternia." Meenah chuckled a bit, glancing at Cro. "Hard when you don't have access."

Cronus glanced up from his empty plate, looking around. "I miss somethin'?"

“Just us remembering when we first had actual seafood,” Latula explained.

Kankri rolled his eyes, staring at Cronus. "Really, Cronus, pay attention! You need to think about more than food." Cronus flushed at those words, embarrassment filling him.

"Bit busy thinking about my matesprite," Cro lied.

Latula reached over and popped Kankri upside the head. “How about mind your own business, Vast-ass,” she retorted. “Besides, you’re one to talk." With that, Latula poked at Kankri’s stomach.

Kankri huffed, cheeks bright red as he looked at Mituna, hoping for a defense. For once he was speechless. Mituna just shook his head, clearly disappointed. "He pokes fun at me and gets away with it!" Kankri huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I didn't mean it to be rude…"

“Kankri, he’s been working hard to get on his feet at that musician’s gig,” Latula chided. “If you can’t show some tact, you can leave.”

Cronus sighed. "Guys it's fine, if it wvasn't, Kurloz wvould pop his lid." He joked, laughing happily, getting a snicker from Meenah.

Kurloz just rolled his eyes and continued sipping from his smoothie.

Soon they ordered, and back into the swing of the conversation. "So Mituna, how's gaming going?"

Using Cronus as an interpreter, Mituna explained how popular his channel was getting.

"Dude that's dope, I'm so proud of you!" Meenah grinned as their food arrived.

Mituna flushed gold and hid his smile with a drink from his glass.

Everyone else busied themselves with getting their selections from the platter.

Cronus started eating happily, feeling Kurloz's hand on his belly under the table, something that was becoming a more and more common occurrence. He smiled faintly at the comforting touch.

The door burst open, the bell hanging above it jingling pleasantly as Aranea made her way inside. “Hello everyone!”

Cronus took a deep breath as some of the others sighed internally, the collective mood somewhat soured. “Hello, Aranea,” Cronus greeted through gritted teeth.

Aranea raised her eyebrow, looking the sea dweller up and down. “What happened, did you eat your cello? You blimped.” A hand on her hip, Aranea glanced at Meenah, hoping she likes it.

Meenah scowled. “Serket, what the shell are you doing?” she snapped, ignoring the cerulean’s posturing.

Before Cronus could butt in, Aranea strutted over. “Oh come on, Meenah, look at him! He's clearly had someone use your special tapes on him. Whoever would make him fat instead of obedient or pathetic, that's on them.” She wrapped her arms around Meenah, kissing her plush cheek. “You've packed it on too, Hun.”

“Wv…wvhat?” Cronus looked down at his fat stomach. “Wvhat the shell?!” His native seadweller accent was audibly breaking through the faux-Brooklyn one he put on. “Wvhen did I..?” Cronus stumbled out of his chair, swaying.

“Shit,” Meenah cursed, shrugging Aranea off as she got up. “Cro…”

Kurloz stared down into his lap, fists curling, eyes wide. The jig was up. 

Kankri and Latula on the other hand, grabbed Aranea by the arms and started to escort her out. “I knew we shouldn't have invited you, but we believed you deserved one last chance,” Latula snapped. Kankri nodded in agreement, his lips formed a deep frown, seemingly having no words appropriate to throw at her. 

There was a feeling of electricity in the air as Mituna spoke his first words of the night. “Don’t come back, you only hurt those around you!” He shouted as the door was shut behind Aranea.

Cronus suddenly collapsed, his eyes rolling back into his head. The only thing saving him from a concussion was Meenah’s quickly catching his head before it could hit the floor.

Mituna brought over a blanket from his bag, rolling it up and putting it under Cronus’s head, one hand going to his forehead, eye twitching from the headache coming on. Mituna signed to Meenah. She was telling the truth, wasn't she. It wasn't really a question. They all knew the answer.

Everyone turned to Kurloz, whose face was unreadable. I’ll tell you guys later, he signed. Let’s get him to a proper bed first.