Day 29 [Klaus/ Leo/ Zapp]

Day 29 [Klaus/ Leo/ Zapp]

Prompt: "Please, don't look at me..."

Klaus

Klaus stood up, a slight growl escaping past his lips. This job would never get easier, he knew that all too well. It was merely a fact at this point. Though his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a loud noise.

"This is where we let go! Hands up--"

Turning toward the familiar sound, Klaus's heart plummeted as his eyes fell on you. Standing just outside the alley where he had just proven how utterly brutal he could truly be. The look of abject terror on your face cut Klaus like a knife.

"Liebling." Klaus's voice and mannerisms had softened to an extreme degree as he took a few tentative steps forward, "I can explain. This is merely part of my work..."

"This is part of your work?!"

You were torn between wanting to run and knowing Klaus wouldn't hurt you, or would he?

"But... but you... You wouldn't hurt... I mean, sure you're... But! I... I guess I just..."

Klaus gingerly placed a hand on your shoulder. Hearing your confusion and doubt, seeing that look on your face, it was too much. You looked like you were trying to convince yourself that Klaus was harmless... and you were failing.

"Please Liebling," Klaus whispered as he raised a hand to cover your eyes, "Please don't look at me like that."

.

Leo

This feeling was too much for Leo, sure he worried a lot. But this time you had been actively pushing him away without any reason. You were ghosting him and he wasn't going to take this lying down.

Standing outside your door, Leo couldn't help but wonder what kind of excuse you would give him. He wasn't the cynical type, but a certain someone had gotten into his ear with social horror stories. The number of times this kind of behavior led to abrupt change in relationship status was unreal.

"[Name]! C'mon! Open up!" Leo couldn't help but click his tongue impatiently, "It's me! You know, the guy you've been dating? The one you're currently avoiding for no reason? Can't you at least give me an explanation?"

For as slowly as the door opened, Leo's jaw dropped long before your eye peered out. A crimson tendril had eased out the door as it opened, and there was no mistaking that kind of aura. Not when Leo's very job was to seek out aura like this.

"You're... you're a..."

"Vampire" "Blood Breed."

You stopped, blinking at what Leo just called you. Whatever it meant, it couldn't be good, not when it sounded so... professional. The look on his face, somewhere between worry and fear, it made you feel guilty and ashamed. And you couldn't be sure why, it had just been instinct to avoid and look away.

"Please," You muttered, trying o close the door, "Please don't look at me."

"[Name]." Leo wedged his foot in the door, "I can explain some of this. I can help you, I'll try everything I can to do so. But please, please. Don't push me away again. I want to help."

.

Zapp

A loud groaning startled you awake, despite the restless movement of your partner. The tanned, silvery white-haired man beside you twisted this way and that as if he were a cat, all the while moaning like a ghost. All his shifting and noise was quite the ruckus first thing in the morning, though it wasn't the first time you'd dealt with him like this.

"The f&^k time is it?" Zapp had wiggled his way over you, attempting to bury his face in your chest, "Why the ever-loving-f&^k is the light so god damned bright?"

"C'mon, the sun is shining and its a beautiful day." You teased, "Time to wake up and smell the coffee."

"Hardee har har." Zapp's voice was muffled, refusing to lift his head, "Next time, I pick the joint. That place had sh*t booze."

"Oh? Big bad Zapp can't handle a little party?"

"Like hell I can't!"

You snickered in his face before he could settle back down.

"What?" He shot, "Lookin' so smug over there."

"Nothing." You smirked, "Just thinking about how cute you are with your hair all messed up like that."

"I am NOT cute!" he huffed, "And don't look at me like that."

Despite being the reason you were chuckling, Zapp still thought the sound was highly attractive. Spurred on more since he was currently face down against your chest, and he wasn't wasting time having a little fun with his postion.

Dream Eater [Klaus x Reader]

Requested by Anonymous 💤

This marked the third day you walked into the office and saw Klaus with those bags under his eyes. The glint off his glasses should have obscured your vision, but no. You've given enough people nightmares to know the look on Klaus's face, the look behind his eyes.

Something was plaguing him and you intended to find out what.

Klaus settled into his chair behind his desk, thankful for the quiet of Zapp not being in today. It felt like his nightmares were getting worse for no reason. He could ask you for help with that. Force him to have pleasant dreams, maybe ask for a bottle of the lightest pink mist you could produce. But that wasn't exactly your job. More a side effect of your ability to invade a person's mind.

And whether Klaus liked it or not, asking anything of you would probably contain a slip-up confession from him. As much as he liked you, he hated the idea of asking your assistance moments before or after complimenting your... everything.

A soft pap! cut through Klaus's mental buzzing as he looked up to see you on the other side of the desk. You weren't... no, you couldn't actively read people's minds, right?

"[Name], is there something you need?" Klaus tilted his head, "Or is something wrong?"

The realization hit Klaus like a truck. You, like himself and Steven, were highly perceptive of your surroundings. Explaining why you acted so nonchalant and laid back, if a tad agitated at times.

You shook your head, a bit over the top but it had to be a clear message. "I SEE YOU PROBLEM. HELP YOU."

Klaus let out a very soft noise, almost like a whining joint of a wheel. This was what he was hoping to avoid. Not that he didn't appreciate your help, he just didn't want to impose or ask too much. He knew how much you hated nightmares. That the only way for you to fully get rid of them was to eat them yourself. And how you always mentioned how bitter they tasted.

He feared his own nightmares would be crossing a line. He knew the dark, twisted corridors of his mind would be torture to you. And yet...

"NO CHOICE. HELP YOU."

'[N-name]." He didn't know how to placate you, "I'll be fine. I'm certain this nightmare will pass."

Klaus covered his mouth swiftly, a look of panic across his face. He had not meant to tell you it was a nightmare that had him looking like this. If only he could rewind the clock, or perhaps erase that fragment of your memory... Something, anything.

But alas, you had circled the desk in four large strides, tugging at his arm to follow you. Klaus felt he had no options, you could be just as stubborn as himself when it came to this kind of thing.

Laying back across the couch in your 'office' away from everyone else, actually up on the top floor of the building to avoid anyone accidentally walking in while you attempted to focus, Klaus dreaded going to sleep. Even if he was in a safe environment around someone he very much enjoyed the company of. And being completely alone with said company.

It was pointless to try and stop you from doing this, the deep purple mist forming between your hands with every breath. Klaus was fearful of what you might see, what you'd think about his nightmares. How much it might alter your perception of himself. All of it worried him to no end, right up until the moment he passed out.

It was deeply concerning when the mist you used to knock Klaus out had come back nearly pitch black. While you were used to some kinds of nightmares darkening the mist you created a little bit, to see something this black in color was just horrifying.

This would absolutely be the bitterest nightmare you've ever had to consume. But, it would be to help a friend. That made it all worth the struggle in the end.

Klaus woke up, still extremely dazed from the sudden sleeping. Even with the nightmare having been removed, Klaus could still feel that it was around. Shortly after the same sequence of events started up, his mind had gone blank. A familiar experience with previous dreams you'd removed for him. But one that still made him worry about your health.

While it took a second to locate you, Klaus was beside himself with guilt. You were hunched over, thinking you were out of sight of the couch. A cloud dark as tar half devoured sitting in your hands. Tears just starting to roll down your face with how little you wanted to finish eating this particular nightmare.

Klaus wanted to stop you. He wished he could tell you not to finish this, that he would be okay with this being a thing. But you were already trying to stuff the misty cloud down your throat. A desperate attempt to quicken the process and not taste the bitter, borderline rancid dream as brief images flashed across your mind's eye.

If you had known Klaus dealt with all this...

But you managed... Scarfing it all down had been no easy feat, but you managed. Klaus however was not happy. He cared far too much about you to just let this go.

"[Name]." He knelt beside you before you could even look up and realize he was awake, "Please, I insist on making this up to you. Something, anything at all. I... I want to repay you. I know how badly that affected you, I can see it all over your face."

Klaus brushed a large thumb under your eye, wiping away the traces of how he hurt you. The pain in his eyes told you everything you needed to know about the situation. Because of course Klaus would feel terrible for having a nightmare at all, if it meant inconveniencing someone he cared about. Though that seemed to be a very long list.

You tried shaking your head, tried telling Klaus it would be okay.

"[Name], I insist." Klaus leaned forward a little to emphasize his point, "Even if there isn't anything you want, or need from me. I am in your debt. I couldn't live with myself after forcing you through my worst nightmare to date."

Just as you were about to sign "NO", Klaus caught both your hands, effectively silencing you completely.

"I refuse to accept any other outcome [Name]. I will repay you for this, eventually." Klaus looked away a little then focused back on your eyes, "Though for now, please allow me to treat you to lunch. Something to assist in ridding you of the bitter taste."

Interrogation [Everyone x Reader]

Requested by Anonymous 💬

The effort of knocking the target out left you feeling a little more bitter than normal. Though making sure everything was taken care of afterward would be a bit of a problem. You just weren't sure if it would be needed... yet.

"Let's just grab him and go." You didn't bother offering to pick up the man, "If I stand next to this gluten-free salad any longer, then I'm gonna start losing brain cells."

Klaus didn't hesitate, carefully lifting the enemy. Though Steven and K.K. were arguing about where to take them. As much as Klaus wanted to stop the fighting, it was you who had a plan.

"I know a place." You spoke up from where Leo and Zapp were arguing again, "It isn't that far either."

Chain landed on Zapp's shoulder, forcing him to fall over, "Good to know. But where specifically?"

"Couple blocks." You shrugged, "Not too far."

You had never shown anyone this apartment. It was for emergencies only. At least the cover stories were airtight. Not a single person in the nearby area could get hurt by this. And not a single one would question the number of people entering the apartment. Even if one looked like they just came from fight club.

~~~~~

Everyone looked around the simple apartment. Scented candles, soft tones, and not a single hidden compartment for weapons. No one expected this to be your apartment. Not even your lover knew about this place. And they were deeply concerned about just... why you had this and never told them at all.

Though, you didn't have the time to explain before your information target woke up. His wrists tied down to a chair, not allowing any kind of movement despite how much he tried.

"Oi!" He yelled, "Do whatever you want to me! You sprung a wild trap! My boss will find me and then this place will--!"

You couldn't take all these cliche statements. Slapping the man against the protests of Klaus and forcing him, almost forcing them all, to face what was going on.

"I rented this place on a shell corporation. My mail goes to another apartment building." You sneered down, "My neighbors think my name is Karume. My coworkers think my name is [Full Name]."

"[Name]," Klaus didn't know how to feel about this. Yes, everyone had their secrets, but a whole double life? "What of your neighbors? They could become accidental victims of this..."

No one knew what to say or think, not really. But the look on your face seemed to suggest you knew what you were doing. And it was true, here you typically acted like a meek, shy person. And in a building of tough strongmen, that meant you were perfectly safe.

Though you knew if you didn't explain something to Klaus and Steven at the very least then things could come crashing down. And so Steven and K.K. took over interrogation while Zapp dug around for some kind of booze.

Joke was on him though, you didn't even keep wine coolers here.

Once out of earshot, you turned to Klaus. He was clearly worried about you. Learning you had this place at all was quite a shock. It wasn't quite a betrayal, but it was something he didn't like to think about.

"[Name], What is this place for?" His hands were wringing themselves, "Your neighbors could be in serious trouble with all of us being here. Not to mention the tracking chip Leonardo confirmed to be in his neck."

"Easy big guy." You patted his arm, "This place is so far removed from Libra that it might as well be wrapped in a conspiracy, deep fried in a cover-up, and smothered in one of those tacky barbeque sauces that no one likes."

Klaus blinked a few times, visibly confused.

"It means that, at most, they'll find us." You sighed, "But they'll think we took pity on him and just wanted to help a poor man off his feet."

Klaus turned, that made sense on some level. He wanted to believe you, but something in the back of his mind just wouldn't rest. Though, the situation currently playing out was mostly to blame as Klaus could see the benefits of having something like this as a back up plan.

It wasn't long before Zapp caught ahold of your shoulders, "Alright Steven 2.0, I'll bite. Where do you keep the good drinks?"

"I don't keep alcohol here."

"Hanh!?" Zapp pushed off you, "What do you mean you don't keep alcohol here? What kind of hideout doesn't have booze?"

"The kind meant to keep a low profile, sparky."

Zapp rolled his eyes, "So why on Earth even have it?"

"Just in case." You sighed, "Ya know, when sh^t hits the fan."

"Bah!"

Zapp walked off as quickly as he showed up, waving you off like your place should meet his requirements. Not that anyone else was making any fuss over what was and wasn't around.

Though a loud smack from the living room caught your attention. Just barely having missed running right into Klaus on your way back into the room, you saw K.K. being physically held back by Steven and Zed, one arm raised over her head and both feet kicking wildly.

"K.K.! Relax! He's out cold." Steven gasped, "Why is this harder than the fight with the guy!"

You and Chain couldn't help but snicker at them. Though it would be far more difficult to get information when he wasn't awake. Unless Leo did a little snooping with his eyes.

Not that he could really pinpoint the information needed. Meaning the best you could do was prep a pot of coffee and hope for him to re-awaken soon. Though Steven cornered you quickly.

"[Name], I'm no stranger to keeping secrets." He leaned against the counter, "But none of us even knew you had a place like this."

"It's all legal if that's what you're asking." You folded your arms, "I wouldn't bring any of you here if it wasn't."

Steven nodded, setting his cup on the counter, "Why would you bother keeping this place like this? Other than situations like this."

"Sometimes I just need a place to exist, ya know? No expectations or anything." You sighed, "Sometimes that's here, sometimes that's my place. Just depends on me."

Steven nodded, "Yeah. I understand what you mean. Just a little worried about why."

You nodded. After having spent most of the day placating everyone, assuring them this was perfectly okay. Sadly Leo and Zed weren't convinced as easily as Klaus or Steven. But at least Chain wasn't trying to ask a million questions.

K.K. however, was not going to let that slide.

"Explain this now!" She had you trapped in a corner, "And none of that running around you normally do [Name]."

You sighed, "It's just a little backup plan for stuff like this. Nothing more."

It felt like K.K. was trying to stare into your soul. One eye against two as she kept backing you into the corner.

"I swear," You couldn't do more than raise your hands in surrender, "It's just a hideaway home. Only meant to wait in the wings for things like this."

The soft moan from K.K. as she tried getting more out of you was tense. You weren't sure why she was directing this toward you and not the target, because this kind of interrogation would probably make the guy crack in three seconds.

Abandon [Klaus x Reader]

Requested by Anonymous 😳

Klaus really didn't like the set of circumstances that lead to this moment. Your phone was completely dead, Klaus's couldn't get a signal at all, and both of you were tired. Calling a cab was not getting anywhere as none of them were stopping for Klaus. Though that could have been just how protective he seemed over you.

You were holding up the rags of your own clothes, the fight had thrown both of you across town, and nearly into the eternal hollow. You were just way too tired to explain to Klaus why none of the cabs were stopping, instead just walking to avoid falling asleep against the wall.

"[Name]!" Klaus turned instantly and was by your side in two strides, "Where are you going? This should be the best..."

"Klaus, no one's gonna stop." You adjusted your clothes a little, "It's late, you're tall and have fangs, and I look like one of your charges not an equal."

Klaus blinked, "What? What do you mean?"

"We'd have better luck finding a place to bunk for the night then catching a cab home."

"Please wait one moment." Klaus started undoing the series of buttons on his vest and shirt, "I didn't realize how torn your clothes are."

The exhaustion made you look very annoyed with Klaus, but as he draped his shirt across your shoulders you tried to soften a little. It wasn't his fault for this, none of this situation was his fault.

"Thanks." You glanced around for somewhere to stay, "I don't see any motels though..."

"M-m-motel?" Klaus had heard a few horror stories about such venues, "Wouldn't a hotel be better?"

"If there's anywhere that actually has a place to stay." You were kind of grumbling, but Klaus wasn't going to hold it against you, "Let alone one that'll be okay with a one nig--"

Klaus was concerned with you stopping suddenly in front of him. Following your gaze was possibly his own biggest mistake, seeing a love hotel on this side of town wasn't surprising. He just didn't want to go into one, especially not with you.

The crush he had on you was embarrassing and being in such a place, even for a single night would have him completely unable to speak properly for at least a month.

He wouldn't be able to look K.K. or Steven in the eye for a week at least.

"[N-name], are you sure this is a good idea?" Klaus faltered a little under the look you gave, "I mean. When I said hotel... this wasn't what I had in mind."

You sighed, shaking your head, "Klaus, most hotels require at least a two-night stay at best. Even though we'd have to share a bed here, it'll be more than big enough for both of us to have plenty of room."

Klaus reluctantly followed you inside, knowing you were right about this.

"Besides, it's not like the owners or staff require us to couple stuff."

"Ah, yes..." Klaus rubbed the back of his neck, "Of course not..."

~~~~~

Stepping out of the shower, and feeling much better, physically that is, Klaus was shocked to see you flipping through a catalog of sorts. You were still wearing his, admittedly oversized, dress-shirt and he was trying not to stare or let his eye wander too much. But he couldn't figure out why you were reading a magazine.

"Probably a dress would be the best option..."

Klaus froze, his face reddening rapidly. You were clearly muttering to yourself but why would you be thinking a dress was a good option? Not that Klaus wouldn't like to see you in a dress, he just never thought you'd say something about it out loud.

The way you bit your bottom lip was not helping the poor man. He really needed to just say something, but now was clearly not an appropriate time. It didn't help that all of this was considered innocent and unavoidable to you, meaning that Klaus was the one acting strange.

He deeply regretted sitting on the bed next to you however. The catalog you were browsing was one provided by the hotel and was chock full of outfits he would die before admitting how much he'd like to see you in. Clearly his throat, Klaus finally attempted to break the silence.

"What are you doing?" His voice was quavering with his nerves and he hoped you wouldn't pick up on why.

You hummed softly, "Just looking to see if there's something at least half decent in here. As comfy as your shirt is, I don't think it's a good idea for me to try wearing it home."

"Ah!" Klaus turned quickly, "I well, it truly isn't an issue [Name]. I know you'll return it as soon as possible. You needn't bother with washing it either. I don't mind you borrowing it as long as you need to."

You looked up at Klaus, blinking slowly a few times.

"Klaus, you do realize I don't have pants right? Like all I'm wearing right now is your shirt. Its kinda the reason I'm under the covers right now."

He stiffened, "Ah... I... I see. Then uh. I see your point [Name]."

Klaus couldn't handle being in the room with you much longer, he felt like his head would explode. Though you eventually settled on a semi-modest costume, a maid costume at that.

His heart couldn't stand it.

But at least you were comfortable, enough. Something to cover most of your body was better than a plain white shirt that would show just about everything. Though it was nice that the outfit came with undergarments. Even after reading the fine print, you were concerned about that.

Klaus couldn't stand looking at you for more than a few seconds. Wrestling himself over wanting to blurt out his feelings and feeling it would be far too inappropriate to do so.

Settling in on opposite sides of the bed was easy enough, you had been right. There was more than enough space for neither of you to be touching. It was enough to put Klaus at ease, just barely.

~~~~~

When you woke up, you were very close to Klaus, literally back against his chest. It wasn't uncomfortable, just strange. Oddly, you felt at ease like this. Though you didn't know if this was just Klaus being cuddly for the sake of it, or if there was a deeper meaning.

You kinda wanted there to be a deeper meaning, but you weren't holding your breath. Klaus was bound to have better options and much higher standards than someone like you. Not to mention just preferring a more mature partner.

Though it wasn't long before Klaus woke up himself. Scrambling away from you as if he woke up next to his worst nightmare. You didn't let it show, but that hurt a little. Even if you could rationalize it as Klaus just being a gentleman and wanting to give you space, it still hurt your feelings a little bit.

Not that either of you would verbalize what you were feeling.

Day 27 [Klaus/ Leo/ Lucky]

Prompt: "I can't walk"

Klaus

Seeing you crumple and fall, something deep inside Klaus snapped in seconds. The imp had slammed into your back, spilling your blood. Horns digging into your skin in a deeply scarring way, sickening noises eased from your throat. Somewhere between a grunt and a scream.

That was all it took for Klaus to want revenge.

It wasn't enough to see this creature caged, he wanted blood. And he wanted to take it himself. Towering over the imp, Klaus held it down with his foot. Pressing the small form into the dirt, despite its tiny protests.

The loud, sickening crunch startled you awake. Looking up at Klaus as he turned. A cold sneer was so alien across his face, it was like looking up at a complete stranger. Until he softened, kneeling by your side.

"Are you alright Liebling?" He offered his hand, voice incredibly low to make up for his brutality.

"I..." You struggled to even lift your torso off the ground, "I don't think I can walk. I'm having difficulty getting up."

Klaus was exceptionally gentle in rolling you over, lifting you as carefully as he could. Making sure you were secure, his hand pressed firmly over the wound on your back. Though you could feel a bundle of cloth between his palm and your back.

.

Leo

This was going poorly, a completely and utterly trash encounter with his regular muggers. Why did they all have to gang up on him like this? Why couldn't he just avoid them completely? This wasn't even a good day for him because he literally had no cash on him. Even worse, you stumbled across the encounter... and you were not the kind of person to just back down.

Though you ended up being more help than Sonic, big shocker.

"Ow ow ow ow." You groaned, "I don't think I can walk right now."

Leo felt a wave of shock, it was far more than he should have felt about this. He was visibly shaking, unable to move or reply to you. Despite his ability to think logically and know that you were trying to joke about being in pain.

"No Leo." His head popped up violently, "I really can't walk. I can't feel past my knees. I can't even lift myself to see what's wrong."

It was all Leo could do to not panic as he sat up, scanning you over...

.

Lucky

"[Name]! Could you come help me!?"

You didn't have a lot of ability to move around sadly. But this was something that he kept forgetting. Though when you were stopped by the stairs in the apartment.

"Uh Blitz?" You called, "I can't walk, remember?"

He walked into view, looking up and down and realizing you were still stuck in the wheelchair after the last time you helped him. It hadn't been a massive problem, but given how you'd tripped...

It wasn't the prettiest of falls.

"Ah, right." He rubbed the back of his head, "Uh... one minute then. I really need an extra pair of hands."

Lucky set his things down to carry you up into the room he needed assistance in. Gently kissing your forehead before asking you to hold several files up for him to reference all at once. With you scanning these documents for anything he might miss on his own.

Day 30 [Steven/ Zed/ Raju]

Prompt: "I'm used to it"

Steven

This just rubbed Steven the wrong way. Being a first-hand witness to the discrimination you faced on a regular basis, or well, a semi-regular basis. And all because you had a tiny bit of Beyondian DNA. It was hardly noticeable after your surgery.

So what if you had a few feathers growing alongside your hair now? Steven thought it was absolutely beautiful. And the only reason anyone could see it was how you styled your hair. Was it really fair to you? Having to constantly do just the smallest things to "look human"?

Steven had half a mind to freeze the whole building and just the building. Until you tugged on his sleeve, trying not to pull him completely given the scene.

"Steven, please don't." He really didn't like the look on your face, "I'm used to this. It'll be fine."

He let out a tired sigh. Hearing that you were already used to this stung him a little. It wasn't fair, nothing about this situation was fair. All of it weighed on Steven's mind and his heart, especially with how upset you seemed.

But maybe he was just used to being surrounded by Beyondians...

"Amor," Steven cupped your cheek, "Perhaps we should find somewhere actually worth our patronage. What are you in the mood for?"

.

Zed

Zed groaned as softly as possible, he hated that you were being pulled into such low-brow insults because of him. Part of him couldn't help but feel as if there was a hint of merit to what the other humans were saying. It was possible you only dated him out of pity.

You could do so much better than him after all...

Though he still didn't want you getting hurt on his behalf. Tugging you back gently to hopefully avoid this altercation from escalating to blows. Zed would never live it down if you were injured for something this stupid.

"[Name], please." Zed urged, "Now isn't the time for this. I'm certain there's better places than here."

You half growled, before snorting at the woman blocking the entrance. Sure, Zed was right. That didn't mean you had to be okay with how people treated him. It wasn't right for them to judge on appearance...

"I still don't like how comfortable they were," You grumbled, "Calling you a 'walking fish' and all that. Completely uncalled for."

Zed let out half a chuckle, "You may be right, but it'll be okay. I'm used to this sadly. One of my coworkers won't stop with bad fish puns against me."

"Where does he live?"

"[Name], please no. Don't start anything."

"I wouldn't be starting anything." You pouted playfully, "I'd be finishing it."

"And possibly getting injured in the process." Zed moved slowly as he put an arm around your shoulders, "And I'd never forgive myself if you did."

.

Raju

Raju was about five seconds from torching several individuals for their rude comments. It was one thing to insult him, but once they started bringing you into the discussion... Raju was ready to fight. While he knew he was technically a Beyondian, calling you names was uncalled for.

"Raju, c'mon. Please?" You tugged on his cane, hoping to just pull him away like a balloon on a string, "I'm used to being called a monster smoocher. It's fine."

"It is not fine!" He protested, "One's love life shouldn't mean anything to others! You're a huma after all! They can't just attack you like that because of me!"

While you did manage to pull him away, some, you couldn't help but sigh. Raju had zero filters and no concept of romance, so it never failed to shock you when he said genuinely romantic things. But you had your own ways of returning the favor. Namely by sneaking a kiss on the side of his helm.

Though, before you could say anything about him being a sweetheart by saying that... Raju started ranting about you kissing his helm. Tapping his cane and essentially throwing a little hissy fit.

Still kinda adorable though, you couldn't lie to yourself about that.