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rwprincess · 3 years ago

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Pain in the Ass (Platonic!BenderxFem!Reader; Chap 7)

Masterlist

Word count: 3K (A shorter Platonic!Bender aside)

CW: Parental abuse/being kicked out; ‘foster’ family; swearing/language; mention of smoking/drugs; teasing/embarrassment

Synopsis: Ever since the first viewing of the film, I lowkey wanted to adopt Bender and always imagined, in this storyline, that he’d be kind of a teasing big brother figure to the reader’s character while she navigates this whole relationship business with Brian. This chapter is mainly that concept, coming to fruition.

*~~~~*

Your phone rang, waking you. You groaned into the yellow morning sunlight, turning over to see the clock on your nightstand. 8:00 AM. ‘Good God, no. Who is calling this early?’ The phone entered it’s third ring as you stumbled out of your bed, kicking the sheets off hastily. “Hello?” Your voice was still hoarse and scratchy from sleep. ‘Whoever it is better have a good frickin’ reason,’ you thought, not only because you were exhausted but because you were also having a really nice dream (starring Brian, of course). You were surprised to hear Bender’s voice from the other end.

“Hey, it’s me. Can you pick me up?”

“John?”

“Yeah. Sorry, I guess it’s still early. But, uh, can you come get me from Mike’s?” His voice was hiding something, but you knew he wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important.

“Yeah. I’ll be there in like 20, 30 minutes.” You agreed and hung up. You quickly pulled jeans and a t-shirt out of your drawer and shimmied them on, along with some socks. You picked up the sheets that had fallen off your bed onto the floor and tossed them back onto your bed in a crumpled heap, telling yourself you’d worry about that later. You slipped quietly down the stairs, you weren’t sure if your mom was awake yet. You grabbed your car keys off the hook next to the door and rubbed your eyes as you headed outside. ‘So goddamned early.’ You squinted and blinked.

When you arrived at Mike’s house, Bender was already sitting at the curb with his duffle bag. He put his bag in the back seat and then climbed into the passenger-side front. “Hey.” He said, gruffly.

“Hey,” you replied, already putting the car in drive. You waited a moment before asking him, “What’s up?”

He heaved a sigh and said “Well, Mike and I kind of got into it this morning and I figure he needs some time to cool off. So, I needed to leave.” You nodded and he continued, “I also need to get to work at 10 and I wasn’t sure who else to call. Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. I told you that you can always call.” You took a moment, measuring your words, “And that you could always stay with me.” He nodded, gratefully, but didn’t look at you. “So, uh...what did you guys fight about?”

“You.”

“Wh-what?” You weren’t sure you heard correctly, or if you weren’t imagining that response.

“Last night he was kind of quiet when we got back, but we went to sleep and this morning...I don’t know, I guess he thought about it and decided to be mad, so he started arguing and we got into it. You know me, can’t pass up a fight” He gave a humorless chuckle at that. “He was pissed that I knew he liked you but you liked Johnson. He thought I just didn’t tell him because I wanted him to give me a ride and pay for my ticket to the show, like I was using him. But I wasn’t! I told him I didn’t and that I just wasn’t meddling and to let you choose, but…” He clenched and unclenched his fists before looking out the window. You felt terrible, being the reason that caused the rift between them. Mike had taken it so well that you didn’t think he would get angry at John. John started to roll down the window and sniffed, suppressing any show of emotion. “Anyway, I just figured I’d give him a few days, at least.”

“That’s fine, I understand.” You said softly, calmly. You pulled up into your driveway and Bender grabbed his bag before the two of you went inside. Your mom was rustling in the kitchen as you opened the front door. She popped into the archway with a cup of coffee in her hand, still in her pajamas.

“Y/N, honey?” She called out, and then her eyes settled on you and John.

“Mom, you remember John Bender.” Your mother nodded, eyeing you with a hint of suspicion, trying to put the pieces together.

“Yes. Hello, John. Nice to see you again.”

“Thank you. Nice to see you, too.”

“Uh, mom, John’s gotta be at work at 10. Can he take a quick shower here?” You asked

“Sure, there’s extra towels in that hallway closet.” She gestured upstairs.

“Thanks again,” John told her as you led him to the upstairs bathroom. You fished around in the hallway closet that was directly left of the bathroom for some towels for him.

“Well, here you are. There’s the tub, shower. Whatever.”

“I’ll be quick.” He promised. You had never seen him like this. He definitely seemed out of his element, and instead of becoming angry and cagey like he usually did when he was uncomfortable, he was ultra-polite and almost quiet.

“No problem. Uh, I’m gonna make some toast and eggs I think, you want some?” He nodded in reply and walked into the bathroom, gingerly closing the door.

You walked back into the kitchen, knowing you’d have to face your mother and explain why you were bringing Bender home to use your restroom at nine in the morning. You told her he had been staying with a friend, but that that welcome had kind of worn out.

“He didn’t do anything wrong!” You blurted, trying to cover your bases and make your mom more amenable to him staying, “It’s just...I guess this friend of his…” ‘Ugh, I can’t believe I have to say this,’ “Likes me. Liked me. I don’t know. Anyway, he was mad that John didn’t tell him that I wasn’t interested instead of wasting his time. He felt like John kept it secret to use him or something. I don’t know.” You hugged yourself, hiding the vulnerability you felt in your conversation. “So, can he stay here? I don’t know how long it’s going to be. I don’t think he can go back home. You know how it is there.” You looked at her with pleading eyes, trying to make her remember what you’d told her about his home life. When Bender didn’t seem too bothered that she knew about his past, or rather, his present...well, you’d decided to explain more details. Especially after the night you first took him to Mike’s house and he had the black eye.

“Of course.” She said, “I’d like to talk to him about some house rules and expectations after he comes home from work, though.” You nodded vigorously in agreement; you weren’t going to take this kindness for granted or question it. “And we might have to figure out a more long-term solution, but he could sleep on the couch for now.”

“Thank you, mom. Really.” You let your arms drop and approached her to hug her. “I’m really lucky to have you. And I mean, you, specifically, for a mom.” You told her. She kissed the top of your head and then you let go of each other. “I’m making eggs and toast, I guess.” You laughed, looking towards the upstairs where John was. “You want some?” She agreed, and while you were cooking, she asked you about your show last night and about the Breakfast Club coming.

Bender arrived in the kitchen about ten or fifteen minutes later, hair still damp, but in a new outfit. He stood in the archway for a moment, awkwardly, like he was waiting to be invited in. You were sure you’d both have to rush some so that he could get to Bert’s Auto on time, so you set his plate down on the counter, with a fork and told him to eat up. He silently picked up the dish, and nodded at your mom, not making eye contact. It took you a moment to place his emotion, but you were pretty sure that you were seeing Bender embarrassed for the first time ever. He did, however, look up when you and your mom sat down with him.

“So, John, how did you like the show last night?” Your mom began small talk, trying to make him feel more welcome, but also to fill the dead silence that lingered in the room and clawed at the walls.

“Oh, it was great! It was really funny.” He said, which astounded you. You had been so worried about Bender liking it, because it wasn’t really his genre or his ‘thing’ and the most review he had given last night was that you had done a good job and that he thought Sandy was a ‘babe.’ “Your daughter is really talented, you know. I don’t think it would have been the same show without her.” You smiled at that, and he returned it. You had been right all along, there was a good person underneath. He was just hiding under years of defenses he had to put up to cope with, well...life.

“I know.” Your mom smiled, “That’s why I keep her around. She’s a pretty good kid. Actually, I’m going to go see her perform this afternoon.” You grinned at your mom, happy that she was coming to support you. The three of you exchanged conversation for a little longer before you excused yourself and John so you could take him to work.

“I can do the dishes when I get back…” You said, realizing you were leaving a mess.

“Don’t worry, honey. You cooked, so I’ll clean.” Your mom said with a wink. “Have a good day at work, John. We’ll talk more when you get home?”

“Yes ma’am.” You snorted; it just always amused you when he called your mom, ‘ma’am’.

“You know, you don’t have to call her ma’am.” You said as you exited your front door and made your way to the car.

“I don’t know what to call her!” He retorted. “I don’t know if she even has the same last name as you, because of your dad.” You made a face, considering what he had said, he had a point there.

“You could just call her her first name.” You replied, and told him what it was. “I don’t think she’d mind that.” You drove Bender to work and told him that he’d probably have to get a ride back to your house or kill some time, because you had a night performance as well and wouldn’t be able to get him at 7, as usual.

“Maybe I’ll take the bus.” He said, “Come see your show again.” He gave you a grin that told you he was likely serious. “Beats sitting at your house with just your mom. That would be fuckin’ weird.” You laughed in agreement.

“Yeah, probably. I guess I’ll see you then.” You replied and he exited your car. You hoped that this would be a good fit. You had been a little nervous inviting him to stay and more nervous about what your mom might say...or that he would even accept the offer.

You returned home from your evening show, with John in tow. “Hey, mom!” You called out into the quiet house as you hung up your keys by the door. You were also balancing the bouquet of flowers your mom had given you after your matinee performance. You were trying to draw her out since you knew she wanted to speak with John and set some boundaries for the time being.

“Hi, Honey,” She appeared from around the corner and gave you a hug. “Have you seen the vase, to put your flowers in? I can’t seem to find it anywhere,” she said, looking puzzled.

“Oh, yeah. It’s uh...in my room. I got some flowers from a friend last night, too.” You blushed a little, hoping she wouldn’t add a follow up question as to who this friend was. Bender chortled beside you and you looked to see him smirking, since he knew the truth. “I’ll add your flowers to it.” You smiled at your mom, trying to move on.

“Right.” She said, noting your slightly odd behavior. “Anyway, let’s all sit down and have a chat. John, I understand that you’re going to be staying with us for a while?”

“Yes, ma’am. If that’s alright with you.” He responded nervously, and sat down on the recliner as she indicated. You and your mom took seats upon the couch, gave him a little space.

“That would be fine with me, if you can agree to a few ground-rules.” Your mother told him and he looked hesitant before she continued, “No smoking in the house. I think the back porch would be fine, if you do smoke, but I’d prefer it if you didn’t at all.” You were guessing she had already smelled the stale old smoke on him before. “I understand that you were given two month’s worth of detention as it is, but Y/N assured me it’s because that kook Vernon was on a power trip.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“But I don’t want behaviors that would actually warrant a suspension or expulsion. No drugs, no fights, that sort of thing.” He nodded, that seemed like a reasonable agreement. Well, hard drugs anyway. And he supposed he didn’t have to fight everyone who slighted him.

“For now, I think the most comfortable spot for you to stay would be here in the living room. We’ll see if we can set up something a little more private and permanent, if need be.” She hinted that she didn’t know just how long he might be staying; truth be told, Bender didn’t know either.

“I appreciate it, ma’am.” Bender responded.

“Well, it is getting late, so let’s start to get you settled. Do you need to do laundry for tomorrow?”

“No, I have clothes for then. But probably sometime tomorrow.” He said, quietly.

“All right. Let me get you some bedding for the couch then.” She got up and left, heading to the linen closet upstairs and Bender let out a ragged exhale.

“That went better than I thought. Less harsh than my parents, for sure.” He chuckled, flatly. You showed him to the main floor bathroom, in case he needed to use it at night or wanted to brush his teeth or whatever. “Thank you, Y/N. For everything.” He tried to show some gratitude, even though it was new to him and was killing him internally a little.

“Don’t sweat it.” You said with a small smile and a shrug. You tried not to make it a big deal, because you knew he would hate that, but still added, “Glad you’re here.” You helped him spread out an under-sheet and a blanket on the couch and bid him goodnight while he was adjusting the pillows and cushions to his comfort and went to your own room to settle in.

*~~~~*

Sunday, in the early afternoon, you called Brian. Luckily for himself, he picked up, not his mom or Mary. You talked to him about yesterday’s performances and how your mom had brought you flowers and you had added them to his to make a mega-bouquet that you were currently looking at on your desk. There was a short rap on your door and Bender opened it a bit. You told Brian, “hang on a sec, sorry.” And turned to see what he wanted. He was asking you were to find some cooking supplies in the kitchen and how to clean up afterward. “The bowls are in the second cabinet to the left of the sink. Dish soap should be under the sink in the right cabinet.”

“Who are you talking to?” John nodded over to you and your phone.

“None of your business,” you stated, sticking your tongue out at him, but that really told him all he needed to know. He started to pull out of your doorway, so you turned your attention back to your call, “Sorry about that--”

“Tell Johnson I send my love, too!” Bender stuck his head back in your room and cracked. You tossed a pen at him from your desk and shooed him away. Now you could understand why Brian hated Mary hearing his calls.

“Was that...Bender?” Brian asked curiously. So, he had heard. You hadn’t muffled the phone as well as you thought.

“Uh, yeah. That was John. He’s...he’s kind of staying here now. It’s a long story and I’m not sure how much I can really tell you without him wanting to kill me, but…but, he’ll be here for a bit. A couple days, at least.”

“Oh.” He said, and you couldn’t quite place the tone.

“Yeah. It’s kind of...odd, I guess,” you admitted, “but I’m glad that he’s here.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” a voice from the phone that was not Brian’s said. You knew Bender had picked up another receiver in the house.

“Brian, I gotta go. John clearly does not understand boundaries and I’m going to have to kick his butt.”

“As if you could, Pipsqueak.” John responded and Brian laughed.

“I get it. Good luck.” You hung up your phone and raced downstairs.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” You asked, arriving in the kitchen. “You can’t just invite yourself on my calls! What--”

“Hey, that wasn’t part of the house rules. Besides, you were talking about me, so I should be involved.” He chuckled, seeing your red-faced expression glare back at him.

“Hey, you told me to mention you.”

“What did you tell him?” He countered, forming a glare of his own.

“Nothing, really. Just that you were staying here. No details. Just...explaining why he heard you being a dork in the background.”

“I’m the dork? Not in this scenario, sister.” He scoffed. “I will not be lumped in with...with you two.” He gestured at you vaguely.

“You’re going to be a pain in my ass, aren’t you?” You asked after a moment.

“Oh yes, but you’re going to love it. You wanted me here, remember?” He teased.

#adopted bender <3 #80s #fanfic #reader-insert #john bender #bender #benderxreader #platonic!benderxreader #just duds being buds #brian johnson x reader #coolmom

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