Choke [MCD x Reader] [DISCONTINUED]

Everything's in Order in a Black Hole【𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤】

"You're good at fixing stuff, right?"

Travis looked up, ripping his attention away from the motorcycle he was fiddling with. (Y/N) was standing in the door to the garage, looking very out of place. They were holding something small in their hands.

"Well, it depends on what you need fixed."

They looked at whatever was in their hands, a stupidly fond expression on their face. "I think it's got something to do with the battery, I tried replacing it and it just didn't work."

Travis walked over to (Y/N), who was holding out an old Tamagotchi for him to look at.

"You can buy a new one," Travis suggested, shrugging as he inspected the the pink egg shaped toy. It had definitely seen better days, chips in the plastic casing and the paint faded and even stained in places. Despite the exterior being a mess, the screen and buttons of the toy had been kept pristine. "I'm pretty sure I've seen 'em at a Target before."

(Y/N) frowned at the idea, shaking their head and clutching the Tamagotchi close to their chest. If they didn't look genuinely upset, Travis would've let himself entertain a few thoughts about how cute they looked. It wasn't the time, though, (Y/N) needed some cheering up and Travis would what he could to do that for him.

"I'm more of a vehicle guy, y'know?" Travis did his best to explain, making a vague hand gesture. He attempted to let them know that he genuinely felt bad about not being able to help, but being genuine was a bit tricky for Travis. He thought back to his last attempt at being genuine, which lead to an angry Aaron yelling in his face; yeah, it was definitely not his strong suit. "Cars, motorcycles, trucks, and all that. You know this, you hired me."

"But the microwave-"

"Was a one time thing. Plus, I'm pretty sure Lucinda did most of the repairs on that thing. Give her a screwdriver and she's a new woman."

(Y/N) huffed, rolling their eyes. Travis couldn't help but watch the movement intently; it wouldn't be the first time he noticed how pretty their eyes were. "So you can't help," they said plainly, disappointment creeping into their voice.

Travis frowned. "I'm sorry."

They kicked the floor of the garage slightly, scowling. "It's fine. I guess."

"Can I ask, uh, why you're so attached? I'm not, like, judging you or anything, just curious."

(Y/N) turned away from Travis, looking at one of the many shelves hanging around the garage with feigned interest. They looked embarrassed. Well, as embarrassed as they'd ever let themself be in the company of others, Travis supposed. They muttered something under their breath and crossed their arms.

"What?"

Their mouth set into a tight line as they continued to avoid looking anywhere near Travis. "I said," they spit like it personally hurt them "that you got it for me."

Travis stared blankly after their admission, not at all remembering giving them this clearly beloved Tamagotchi. He's known them for years, has stuck by their side through so much, and probably gifted them a handful of things he would think nothing of. What made this one Tamagotchi so special in comparison to everything else?

"I don't know, you gave it to me during freshman year finals and I just decided I'd die for the little dude," (Y/N) rushed out, screwing their eyes shut and hands tightening around the toy. They were getting frustrated, eyebrows scrunching and the neutral set of their mouth turning to a frown. "Like, I could buy another one but it wouldn't be the same."

"And why's that?"

"Because you didn't buy it," they said, as if someone was forcing them to confess their greatest sins.

It was kinda sweet, if Travis was being completely honest. They wanted to keep something that was on its last legs all because he bought it for them on a whim; he knew no one else who'd do that for him, only (Y/N). For once, Travis thought that maybe he could try fixing something that didn't have wheels on it. Oh, the things he'd do for (Y/N).

Travis smiled at (Y/N) and something akin to hope lit up in their eyes. They no doubt had already caught onto what the smile meant, for they knew Travis better than anyone else could. It wouldn't surprise him if they admitted to knowing what every single smile he made meant.

"I can't promise anything," Travis began slowly, taking (Y/N)'s cradled hand into his own. Their own smile crept onto their face, hesitant and utterly breathtaking. It was all too much for a second, Travis thought, all too much for his poor little heart. "But I'll see what I can do about your Tamagotchi."

"Seriously?" they asked, tilting their head with an innocence that Travis knew they didn't possess. (Y/N) was plenty of things, but innocent was not and never again would be one of them. The thought nearly had Travis frowning before he remembered (Y/N) was there in front of him; he could think about how much they've changed later.

"Seriously." Travis nodded.

(Y/N) finally grinned, full of life and teeth. "You're the best, Trav-" the Tamagotchi was carefully placed into Travis' hands, the future of the toy finally being put onto someone else. "-and you can quote me on that."

Travis snorted. "I'll hold this against Aaron for the rest of my life."

"He'll hate you."

"A small price to pay for being your favorite," Travis said, winking at (Y/N). They only laughed at him and Travis couldn't help the flush of pride he felt at that.

The motorcycle he was meant to be fixing was forgotten as Travis began work on the well-loved Tamagotchi, bent over it in a way that would certainly kill his back in a few hours. While usually he worked in solitude, (Y/N) decided to spend the entire time in Travis' garage. They were settled in on an old couch that Travis found on the street and had yet to clean. The state of the couch didn't bother them as they lounged; they've no doubt dealt with worse than what was on that couch (namely blood, Travis thought with a wry grin, messing with the screws that were in the battery slot).

After who knows how long, Travis was done and ready to see if all his tinkering would yield any results. He oh so carefully placed the battery in and then screwed the toy shut. For a few honest to God terrifying seconds, nothing happened, but then the Tamagotchi lit up, it's screen showing a small little creature.

"Finally," Travis breathed, shoulders slumping forward. "Hey (Y/N)?"

They were at his side in seconds, appearing silently over his shoulder with an expectant smile. "Did you fix it?"

"See for yourself," Travis said, handing off the Tamagotchi to them. He couldn't quite fight off his own smile at (Y/N)'s eagerness; their excitement was always rather contagious and now was no exception.

They were silent for a few seconds, holding the Tamagotchi and pressing a few of the buttons with an almost unseen reverence. "Thank you," they practically whispered, looking at Travis with an unrestrained joy.

"You're wel-"

"Thank you, Travis!" They then flung themself at Travis, hugging him with a strength usually reserved for fights. It took Travis' breath away in more ways than one. For that one second, with (Y/N) wrapped around him, Travis could pretend they were still in college and things were still normal. It was the single best second in the past year.

{A/N - whoops, it's been a while huh? i had a few hundred words of this written so i decided to finish it up and publish it as an official goodbye to Choke. i've been thinking of rewriting it with a way better plan, but it's not set in stone. thanks to everyone who voted and commented, you guys are great.}