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Some wished to shed a few pounds—get in shape and look their best, while others became unintentional pros at losing weight so much that they find themselves past optimal and feel the need to do something about it. How? How could you not eat? As easy as the question would come, the simple gesture to skip a meal was easier to do than most imagine, though those who have no idea of the struggle seem to never understand. Suggestion after thought and nothing ever seems to stick, but a fighter saw their battles until the end.
Much so like you did.
You could not accept the discomfort no longer, or go on waiting forever to really love your body. Dante didn’t care however, he assumed you gorgeous no matter your stature. However, it became time for you to break away from the invisible shackles that bind you—to set yourself free from the darkness that consumed you; no more waiting.
It began with a tumble or two, your body rebelling and your journey starting all over. Evolution didn’t happen overnight, so you knew it wouldn’t happen with the numbers increasing on the scale. “Who needs scales? They tell us exactly what we need to know and sometimes what we don’t.” Dante often spoke words of encouragement to you, desiring you love yourself instead of seeing faults.
“I’m doing this for me, Dante. I know I should love myself no matter what, but even you must admit one’s want for change is important too?”
“Of course, and that’s why I’m here for you. I know you can do this. Hell, you got me to eat asparagus… which by the way will never happen again but if you like it then I… can deal with it.”
Dante’s diet changed, but so did yours and although he disliked majority of what you picked out, snacking at 3am alongside you meant something to you, and that’s why he would lose sleep; watching your progress and how much you literally were growing.
A proud man indeed.
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. You had quite a bit tonight—way more than last night. You’re on the right track, babe.” Dante patted your shoulder, “How about breakfast in the morning? You pick and I’ll promise not to burn the house down.”
*****
You gazed in front of the mirror, a massive smile on your face as your delicate fingers poked and prodded at your tummy and growing thighs. Turning to the side, you gasped, never before had you seen your little booty protrude. Giving a quick squeeze, you giggled rather impressed if you had to say so yourself.
To feel your body become fitter and stronger was worth it—the struggles that you faced, the God-awful dinner your boyfriend cooked with love. Dante disliked the frown you wore whenever you would share your displeasure and he made it his mission to turn it around.
“Thank you, Dante. Dinner was a bit…salty but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I’m really full, and guess what? I kept it down this time!”
“And you also had two plates! Look at you go, little munchie! Eating more and more every day.”
You flexed happily, admiring your new set of biceps, “Careful, devil. I’ll be able to take you on soon.”
“Oooh, calm down there, killer. Don’t take me to the gun show just yet, let me catch up first.” Dante smirked, feeling your muscles before taking cover, “Got quiet the loaded set there. Perhaps we should get you a sword next and a dashing coat.”
You giggled, “Mhm, and an office!” a beautiful beaming smile on your face.
“Not this office, but yeah! You’ll be kicking devil ass in no time with those muscles!” Dante couldn’t have stopped the feeling of happiness that filled him even if he tried. He knew how much your weight gain meant to you. Sub consciously he walked your mind, laying out stepping stones on the pathway to a village called "self love” that you discovered. If left to you, you’d say that Dante helped you on your journey but he liked to leave all the credit up to you.
Yet he was the one who always made sure you reached your calorie goal for the day, bribing you with kisses if you finished your last bite. Dante flattered you no matter the outfit, desiring to take it off rather than see you in it however. He took care of you and made sure you were fine whenever you would get lightheaded and dizzy from not eating much. “No, babe. You’re the one who continued to fight for a better you. You came out something greater. You did that. I was just here to watch the amazing show.”
“Without you Dante—I would have never had the courage to do this on my own. Your support and words kept me strong and going. Everything you’ve done for me so far has helped tremendously.”
You watched him, your gaze locked with his, your heart melting at the passionate look on your boyfriend's face. Dante’s glazed eyes appeared as if he were drunk on love, absolutely intoxicated with the new you.
“Well…you’re my babe, yeah? And…I like seeing you happy and smiling. It makes me feel the same way and I’m more than proud when you accomplish something you strive for. I feel like now you can take on any challenge!” Dante declared, raising your arm in victory, “You’re still however lacking one thing.”
“And what’s that?” you inquired.
Dante smirked, reaching so easily above you to touch the top of the door frame, “Now you gotta find something to make you grow taller, short stack.”
Playfully punching his tummy caused your boyfriend to curl over, instantly granting you a height advantage over him, “Hmm, got anymore challenges for me?”
“Ah, with jabs like that I wonder how hell will survive you!”