Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Its been a long few years since everything fell apart. The once close friends: Louise, Melody, and Erin, have gone their separate ways after a major falling out in high school. They hadn’t talked to each other since, which was a good thing for Erin. After all she was doing just fine without them. The smoke was a famous guitarist in her city of Philadelphia. You see, Erin had always been great with a guitar. She used to play with her father’s best friend when she was 7, but lost contact with him after her father stole a bunch of money from their company. Dewy, her long-term boyfriend, had gotten her one for Christmas 4 years ago and she’s since regained her talent. She managed to actually get a great deal of fame after she played at a broadwalk that summer, and it’s been nothing but fame and fortune ever since. 

The smoke mostly played at bars where the drunk crowd loved her the most. She didn’t really have to worry about money because Dewy inherited all his father’s diners after the old man died. Erin didn’t care much as the mirror’s parents were snobby and mean to their son, so she had no sympathy. The couple moved to Philadelphia after high school for a fresh start away from New York. That was a great move as it gave Erin a little distance from her past. 

But if she could be fully honest, she wasn’t happy. Even with all the fame, the money, Dewy, she felt hollow in a way. Like part of her was missing. She knew what it was, and tried her best to force it down. Louise and Melody are in the past, they probably don’t even think about her anymore. Yet Erin still thinks of them, wants to dial their numbers when something stupid happens, hears Louise’s humming on cold nights. It always comes when she’s alone preparing for a show. Like she’ll be doing her makeup and a soft voice fills the silence. She knows the lyrics before they’re even sung, a wave of recognition flooding her mind.

~Oh moon and stars, hear my plead~

~Someone up there, please hear me~

~I’m so lonely, longing for them~ 

~Someone please bring them back home to me ~

~Cause I miss them like pen to its link~

~Cause I need them like the moon needs it’s stars~

~Oh please, oh please, bring them my way~

~Oh please make this feeling go away~

For some stupid reason, Erin always cries after hearing that melody. She doesn’t really cry for anything else, just this little hum in her brain that calls to a memory. The tears came silently without much fight. They ruined her mascara and stained her cheeks black with sorrow. And just as fast as the humming came, it stops leaving Erin suddenly lonely. Really lonely. Like no one ever cared for her. No one would care if sh-

“Bruisy darling, you’re doing it again.” Dewy called out from their bedroom.

That’s when Erin snapped out of her mind and remembered where she was. She was in her master bathroom right next to her bedroom, standing in front of the mirror. Eyebags were forming below her eyes and her once lower back length hair was down to her feet. Don’t ask her how that worked. Her skin wasn’t as smooth as when she was 16, but it now had a texture similar to satin. The changes weren’t too noticeable from her high school years. She was just a lot taller. Like now she could pat Dewy’s head, which was amusing to her. She must’ve zoned out while in the bathroom which caused her thoughts to spiral.

“Thanks babe.” Erin sighed, “How long was I out for?”

“Five minutes. Now come on, we’ve got stuff to do tomorrow.” The mirror whined.

The smoke obeyed and walked into the bedroom. Dewy was laying in the plush king sized bed covered in pillows. He pulled the sheets over his fair chest like a princess shy to reveal herself. If you didn’t know Dewy was 25, you’d think he was newly 18 with his baby face and blonde hair. Erin slid into bed next to him in bed, facing his cute face.

“Thanks for pulling me out of my trance.” She smiled, resting a hand under her head.

“No problem. You do that a lot lately. Something on your mind?” The femboy asked.

Erin thought about it for a second before shaking her head.

“Just something about my busy schedule. It’s been a little hectic lately.” The smoke replied, not lying fully but not exactly telling the full truth.

Dewy accepted this answer and snuggled closer to her. 

“Don’t worry, I can share the load with you.” He stated.

“Aww baby I’m fine. Just run your diners and I’ll do the rest.” She hummed, closing her eyes as she leaned on him.

He did the same as sleep finally came for the restless smoke. But her heart remained in slight turmoil, one that was of feeling incomplete rather than alone.

Chapter Text

Ever since the split, stability has been a bit of a challenge. Not for Louise though. She had a rich boyfriend she lived with. That boyfriend was Strawberry Seedlings, the son of one of the best businessman in the country. His family owned a strawberry farm which was started by his great grandfather. And when she said they had generational money, she meant it. Strawberry didn’t even have to work a day of his life. He could just live off his family’s money. So yeah, the berry was rich. And Sweet Pea was his girlfriend. They met when Strawberry picked her up after her friends abandoned her, and everything else was history. 

The couple was engaged now, living in a mansion on 15 acres of land. It rivaled The Great Gatsby’s mansion with its grand pillars at the entrance and 20 rooms. The backyard was 10 acres of lush gardens, full of fruit trees and berry bushes. That’s where Sweet Pea spent most of her days; tending to her garden full of vegetables and fruits. She was a stay-at-home fiancé because Strawberry had the money to where she didn’t have to. Besides family money, Strawberry owned the best bakery in the state. He often used Sweet Pea’s fruits for some of his treats. It was fine on her part as she just liked taking care of something. 

But she was currently separated from her garden as Strawberry had brought her on a business trip to Philadelphia. She longed for her garden from their luxury hotel room, sitting on the king bed. Her curly hair was still wet and skin dewy from a shower she’d taken before. A jelly mask covered her face, minty and fresh. She had her head balanced in her hands and legs closed The warm towel wrapped around her torso was growing damp from her wet skin, but she still sat there motionless. Her eyes were glassy and hollow in the dim lights. She just sat there for a while in her own world, tears rimming her eyes. The click of the hotel door opening cut through the silence. 

“Hey my balloon girl!~” Strawberry called out happily, “I’m finally home!”

He strolled into the hotel and froze when he saw her, sat alone on their bed.

“Baby?” He asked.

Sweet Pea doesn’t respond, staring aimlessly into nothing.

“Baby.”

The berry walked up to the balloon and sat on the bed next to her. He swept a brown curl out of her face, squeezing her cheek a little. 

“Baby, you’re scaring me.” 

That shook Sweet Pea out of her mind, her eyes lighting up as she looked at her husband. His faces were the same as the ones she fell in love with. His eyes were the same only older, his hair floaty but a deeper green from the roots. His chin was sharper, skin toasted, muscles more toned than his teenage self. But it didn’t spark anything in the brunette anymore. Over the years he’s proven a great provider but lacking lover, with her being left alone with her thoughts most of the time. Maybe that’s why she’s been fantasizing about the past.

“Oh sorry! I didn’t mean to.” She stated, not really looking at him.

“Baby you seemed to be in a trance when I walked it. You’re still in your towel too from like and hour ago. Are you okay?” Strawberry asked, clearly worried.

“Y-yes. Just tired. I’m s-so sorry.” The balloon reassured him all too quickly.

She couldn’t tell him the real reason. How COULD she tell him. He wouldn’t really listen anyway. He wouldn’t hear how Bruiser’s husky voice and cackle laughter still rung in her ears. He wouldn’t hear how Sea’s fish facts were deeply imbedded in her brain, reciting every time she was alone. He’ll miss the memories that flashed through her eyes like a picture book; Sweet Pea first meeting them, their hangouts, that one time they had weed brownies and greened out, the weekends they spent at Sea’s house. It would start off good, then turned rotten. The fight that scattered them always flashed the longest and last. It suffocated the brunette every time, stealing her breath and choking her mind. But Strawberry wouldn’t listen enough to hear that. So she lied. It was simpler, less painful than the disappointment.

“Ok, let’s get you to bed then darling.” The berry cooed, pulling off his jacket, “I’m also so tired.”

He tossed it onto the bed and pulled Sweet Pea into his lap. She leaned her head onto his shoulder as he ran his fingers down her back, sending shivers down her spine. The balloon purred at the feeling, feeling his fingers walking up and down her back. 

“Mmmph t-thanks honey…” Sweet Pea hummed all syrupy and sultry. 

“Don’t thank me. You’re my everything.~” Strawberry purred in her ear, buying the act completely.

Little did he know, his wife wasn’t there behind her eyes. She was back in high school, sitting on Sea’s bed, laughing with the girls that made her whole. Far from him.

Chapter Text

It had best a rough few years for Melody. She still lived in her hometown, but not with Nathan anymore. The fishbowl had moved into an apartment block close to the side of town Erin used to live. It was a shitty apartment with a leaky roof and shaggy carpet that felt like sandpaper. She worked at a local coffee shop as a barista to pay for her online college classes and rent. It was a crappy job too; people yelling at her, a high crew, constant yelling among crew members. So overall, she had a shitty life. The only thing that pushed her on was the dream of the sea she lived by as a child. She was only in college to get a degree, then go back to the sea when she was done. But at this point… she didn’t know if it was even worth it anymore. Life was just hard for the fish girl, too exhausting for Melody to even breathe.

Tonight was another one of those nights. The fishbowl was in her room on her laptop, sat on her bed typing on an assignment for her history class. It was something about WW1 Germany that she couldn’t have cared for less. Yet she still did it, shoulders slumped and head dropped. Her eyes stared aimlessly into the screen as the work she needed to do sat unfinished. It was close to done, only 5 questions to do, but Melody couldn’t do it anymore. It’s been hours since she started and her eyes were hurting. 

“Uggh… my stomach is killing me.” Melody groaned.

“Need some grub?” A female voice asked.

The glass girl looked over to the doorway of her room. Melody’s room was dark while the lights were on in the hallway, a silhouette looming. It was Lucky, her roommate. She was practically the same as she was in high school, only curvier in a tank top and sweatpants. She carried a plate of nachos in her hand along with a water bottle. The gachapon walked in and flicked on the light switch. It filled the room with the light from the lamp near the fishbowl’s bed, lighting up her face.

“You’ve been at this for like two hours. Give it a rest.” Lucky smiled softly.

“Eh, I wanted to finish this before tomorrow.” Melody whined, taking the plate.

“Come on, it ain’t like it’s due tomorrow! Let yourself breathe.” The redhead insisted.

The glass girl just nodded, knowing she couldn’t argue with Lucky. She looked down to the plate of nachos in front of her. It was layered with banana peppers and lettuce, just how she liked it. The gachapon chuckled under her breath as she watched Melody take the first bite. 

“Good girl.~” The redhead purred.

That sent shivers running up the fishbowl’s back and blush shooting across her face.

“Oh fuck off with that gay shit!” She yelled, flustered.

“You know you like it!” Lucky argued.

“I don’t swing that way! You know I don’t!” Melody insisted while still eating.

“I mean… we live together, might as well.” The gachapon reasoned.

“No! No!” The glass girl stated defensively, “Never!”

“Well then,” The redhead huffed, “Come to me when you change your mind.” 

With that, she stormed out the door in a hissy fit. Her footsteps echoed through the small apartment as she walked away. Melody just sat there with the nachos for a second before closing her laptop. It shut with a soft click as she pulled her legs back up on her bed. A low sigh left her mouth, miserable and exhausted.

“I couldn’t kiss anyone but them…” The glass girl mumbled, thinking off the friends she used to know.

She wished she didn’t run that faithful day. She wish she stayed, protected Sweet Pea, done at least something. But she ran like a coward. And now she was alone, in all sense of the word.

Chapter Text

Another day rose upon the MirrorMama household, with the sun rising in the large window in the couple’s living room behind the couch. That’s when Erin sat, watching the sunrise. A steaming cup of coffee sat next to her along with a chocolate chip muffin she’s made yesterday. The steam rising from the cup looked like the smoke she’d seen from her old apartment block, which made her chest tight. The emo’s eyes were glazed over and her face was unreadable while she watched, memories rolling across her mind. Memories of Sweet Pea’s morning hymns, Sea’s shitty jokes, and Smokestack. Oh Smokestack. The big sister she cut off after she essentially abandoned her after she was brought to Dewy’s old house. She sometimes wondered what happened with her, but not missing her at all. She just missed her past best friends as she watched the sky turn from blues to pinks and oranges 

“Morning light,” Erin commented, “Golden hour I guess… I see the appeal.”

Footsteps entered the living room while the smoke hummed to herself. They appeared behind him and a set of arms wrapped around her waist. She glanced back to see Dewy curled up behind her, nuzzling his head on her back. His pajama shirt was unbuttoned to reveal his bare chest. Drool was still in his cheeks along with a little in his hair. He looked a wreck from sleep, which was adorable to the smoke.

“Bruisy~, it’s 6 in the morning. Go back to bed.” He whined.

“I’m watching the sunset, needed the quiet before today.” The emo sighed, dropping her head onto the top of Dewy's head. 

“Oh yeah, that…” The mirror muttered, “Sorry, it’s just that I needed a plus one.”

Erin grimaced at that. The reason she was even awake this early was because Dewy had brunch with a few other dinner owners along with a dinner party with the same people. He’d been invited a few days ago, with the thing heavily implied that pulse ones were needed. So he asked Erin to go with him and she reluctantly agreed. You see, even though the smoke was a literal rockstar, she hated crowds. Like really hated them. She stays on stage every time she performs to avoid the crowd because she hates them so much. And the dinner party is in some rich guy’s basement with probably 30 people. So yeah, Erin was NOT happy. But she’ll do it for her boyfriend because she loves him way too much.

“No you’re good.” The emo stated, “I love you too much to punch you in the face.~”

Both lovers burst into laughter at that. Dewy released Erin and flopped onto his back, crying laughing. 

“I know that already dummy!” He snorted.

“I also know that!” The smoke snickered, “That’s why I love you.”

“Love you too babe, but you’re too much of a morning person for me.” The femboy smiled as he wiped away fallen tears.

“It’s a wonder why I am as I hate it. I just got up to watch the sunrise because I had no other ideas.” She explained, “I also think the sunrise looks like you a bit…”

“Oh, why?” The mirror asked.

“Come take a look yourself and you’ll see why.” Erin stated, padding the seat next to her.

Dewy crawled over to her side and perched on the seat, staring into the sunset. The sun floated higher up the horizon then and spread its pinks and yellows across the sky. Clouds floated around the pale yellow ball, drifting to the left. The stars from the night were still visible but barely glittered like in the moonlight. Dewy stared for a second at the painting in front of them, eyes glimmering before speaking again.

“Oh… I see why.” The mirror mumbled as Erin went to lean against him.

They cuddled there, eyes fixed on the rising sun while it floated up in the sky. Erin watched with silent memories floating across her mind. Sweet Pea’s humming continued in her head as she held her boyfriend. She closed her eyes and could still see the balloon girl, smiling warmly at her like old times.

“…one day I’ll find you again…” The emo murmured softly, “one day.”

Chapter Text

The morning came unwelcome for Sweet Pea. She woke up in a cushy queen bed covered with a fluffy comforter, the morning breeze coming from a window above her. Sunlight brushed against her face as she groaned awake, not wanting to wake up yet. Another unwelcome surprise was the lack of her fiancé’s soft snoring next to her.

“Strawberry?” The balloon called out, patting around the sheets to find him, “Baby?”

No luck. She opened her eyes to find her strawberry had vanished from his spot. A quiet sigh left the brunette’s mouth in disappointment. This was nothing out of the ordinary for her. Strawberry often left very early for work because of the morning rush. The only thing was that he left before Sweet Pea woke up, leaving her all alone all day until late at night. She wanted to kiss him goodbye before he left that morning. Maybe he’d kiss back and she’d feel a little closer to her fiancé. But if course, that was just a fantasy.

  Regardless of her dissatisfaction, she forced it down her throat and sat up in bed. The face mask she wore last night was pulled off, probably by Strawberry. She wore one of the berry’s shirts that was too oversized on her figure. It hung loosely off her shoulders like a dress, reaching her lower thighs. Her curls were wild around her neck and her ears drenched in sweat. An uncomfortable feeling clung that Sweet Pea just couldn’t shake. It tugged at her heart strings and weighed her down. She tried to ignore it as she walked to the bathroom. Her feet dragged along with each step. She pushed open the door and walked to the mirror, pausing at her reflection.

“…I-is that me?” The brunette stammered.

She could barely recognize herself. Her eyes were hollow and glossy, heart bleeding through them. Dark eyebags hung below along with her lips. It looked like tears rimmed her eyes in the bathroom light. Her eyes scanned downward to her torso to her arms and waist. Tears rimmed her eyes as she stared at her arms. They were really thin, covered in cuts and bruises from tending to her garden. But her torso was the thing that scared her. She could feel her ribs under the shirt, she was that skinny. The balloon yanked off the shirt to reveal a deathly skinny torso. Now that she thought about it, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten without Strawberry watching. Low gasps dripped out her mouth as she stared at herself in horror.

“Oh my, I’m an absolute wreck!” She panted, “Oh god!”

The balloon crumbled to the counter as the realization hit her. She tried to remember the last time she did anything without Strawberry watching. She couldn’t name a time. Most of the things she did was for Strawberry. The brunette cooked for him, cleaned for him, and grew a few of his ingredients to. In fact, the only thing he really did for her was provide their luxurious lifestyle and occasionally sex. He was never home, always working, and didn’t listen to her when she talked. The brunette felt her head pounding and breath cut.

“O-oh god, oh god!” Sweet Pea whined in despair, stumbling to the back wall as her fears were confirmed, “I really am nothing but a wife!”

She sunk down to the ground, tears running down her cheeks. Her body shook with silent sobs and ears rung with her own thoughts screaming at her. The bathroom’s walls felt like they were closing in around her, choking her breath. The walls pressed closer and closer to the balloon as she hyperventilated. Tears streamed down her face and her lungs burned like fire. Whimpers left her mouth while the walls grew as close to her chest. 

“Oh god! I h-hate my life!” The brunette wailed, collapsing into her knees, “I hate myself so much!”

With that, she collapsed fully into herself. She tucked her head on her knees and just started sobbing. Sobbing and sobbing and sobbing. Sobbing till her throat hurt. Sobbing till the shirt she wore was soaked with tears. She sobbed for the person she could’ve been. She sobbed for the things she could’ve done. But most importantly, she cried for the friends she lost. Sobbed because they were the only people that made her feel alive. She didn’t feel anything anymore with Strawberry. He was a mistake. A mistake that ruined her life. And to think Sea was right about him and she didn’t listen. Now her life was meaningless, just some accessory to a rich guy who barely saw her. She could’ve hate herself more.

“OH MY GOD SWEET PEA!” Strawberry yelled, “WHAT HAPPENED?!”

The balloon looked up to find the berry standing in the bathroom doorway. He was in a formal shirt and blazer, his business clothes, meaning he must’ve had a business meeting this early. His face was riddled with shock as he ran up to the brunette.

“Dear god you’re sobbing!” He stated, “What’s wrong babe? Did you have a nightmare?!”

She doesn’t respond, just hugs herself closer. The baker fell to his knees next to her. He placed his hands around her shoulders and forced her to look at him. Tears soaked her plastic face and her eyes were bloodshot. She glared at him weakly, unable to find him.

“Don’t cry darling! Please don’t cry! You’re safe now.” Strawberry cooed, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

It was meant to be be comforting, she knew that. But Sweet Pea wasn’t comforted. Rather disgusted at him. After all he was the man who blew up her life. And she couldn’t have hated him more, someone she craved distance from.