Reminders (Part 2) [Zed X Reader]

Reminders (Part 2) [Zed x Reader]

Requested by Anonymous 🦀

The way you found a family within Libra was rather interesting. Even though you barely did anything to get here, at least you didn't know for sure. You could have caused your own amnesia and not know it...

But while you turned that over, you were hoping that it wasn't true either. You genuinely liked who you were, the members of Libra had kinda of welcomed you with half-open arms. It would be a peaceful life like this, just getting on your feet and being close with everyone from afar.

However, you were up too late when you overheard Steven and Klaus in the breakroom. They had to take a break from whatever case they were working, but...

"They seem very similar," Steven sighed, "I just... I can't put my finger on where I've seen them. Or maybe it's their name that rings a bell."

Hiding by the door so you wouldn't be seen, "I have asked Lieutenant Law to run a few background tests on their name."

"What did he have to say? Or has he gotten back to you yet?"

"Apparently they're supposed to have been dead for some time now..." Klaus sighed, "It makes no sense, unless that wallet wasn't theirs...?"

The groan that you heard from Steven made your stomach churn. This was exactly what you feared, especially when you couldn't figure out much alone. So until you could, you were doomed until something came to light.

"Is it possible they're just a twin?" There was a sliver of hopeful doubt behind Steven's usual cynical voice, "Or they just happen to look like the person on the I.D."

"Or they're a k-"

You couldn't hear what Klaus was saying over your own frantic heartbeat as someone tapped on your shoulder. Zed was also up a little too late and had caught you eavesdropping, caught red-handed... in 4K no less.

And not being able to read his expression in such low lights had you even more anxious. Until he jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating you should follow him. That didn't stop you from slinking away like a child, feeling as if you were in so much trouble for lying about breaking a vase or something.

However, he stopped in another break room, one with plush chairs and a single couch; looking almost like a little therapy area instead of an office space or break room. It took all your strength to look up at his eyes, voice caught in your throat as English seemed to be failing you.

How were you supposed to defend your actions when even you thought they were wrong?

"Klaus and Steven have their reasons, you know that right?"

That snapped you right out of your own head, "What?"

"They don't want you to worry about your identity as much." Zed settled into one of the chairs, "At least Klaus is more focused on the fact that you seem to be honest about everything so far. And Steven rarely argues unless he has a good reason for it. But with this..."

You looked away, unsure what to think anymore. Clearly Zed wasn't telling you off for listening in to the conversation, and he wasn't the type to hold things over people's heads. So what was he trying to say, really?

"Most of what they were saying is standard protocol for amnesia cases." Zed continued, "We've dealt with it a fair few times. But all they're trying to do is figure out who you really are. Make sure that you don't end up attacked or otherwise targeted for something you don't know about right now."

"All I know is I'm useless..." The defeated tone in your voice sank in deeper than you in the other chair, "All I can remember clearly is that blinding light. But... Why aren't you more upset about... earlier?"

Zed tilted his head, "It's the first time you ever tried sneaking around. And based on the way you were against the wall suggested that you were just restless and stumbled on a conversation. In all honesty, I had been awake this whole time too."

There was a pause. "Not that I was following you or anything! I mean, I was... a little. But I meant to ask if you wanted to talk and maybe that would help both of us sleep."

Your mind went a mile a minute as you processed what Zed was saying. You hadn't even been aware that he was up, let alone following you through the office. Maybe it was a lack of sleep, but the whole thing seemed a little romantic to you. That probably was just lack of sleep... except how Zed mentioned his intentions...

"What I mean is..." Zed was still floundering trying to explain himself and apologize. "I didn't think anything about you eavesdropping because the conversation was about you, but I was following you around for maybe half the hallway because I heard you up and about. Since I couldn't sleep, I thought maybe..."

Reaching out to Zed's arm, he fell silent instantly, "I understand. I... well, given the circumstances, I figured you would mention this to Klaus and Steven. Since I shouldn't really be trusted... I mean, I can't even help with too much around the office because of that. And without my memories... I might as well be a bookend. Ya know?"

"Honestly, no. You've been doing your best to remember and no one here wants you to try too hard since that can cause irreversible brain damage. We... well, most of us... have grown rather fond of you [Name]."

You couldn't stop the color rising in your cheeks, or the sentimental fish-man from continuing.

"You've been as helpful as you could be. Compliant... respectful..." His eyes trailed off to the side, "That's helpful enough. You don't have to do a million and one things just to be useful. Sometimes... sometimes all it takes is being a decent friend."

It was all you could do to keep from hugging Zed then and there. You weren't entirely used to this soft and sweet side, which meant you didn't know how to fully respond. Outside of a muttered thanks while you tried to hide your flushed face. Unaware of how flustered Zed was, how dangerously close he got to confessing how he really felt about you.

But he didn't want to rush things either.

Flufftober 2023

Day 11: "Don't say that!" [x Femt]

Things had quite literally blown up in your face, the soot on your nose simply wasn't coming off anytime soon. Not helping the matter was your lover giggling like the lunatic he is. Your attempt to improve in alchemy was looking more and more futile with each failure.

It was difficult to keep the hurt out of your voice as you sighed, slowly packing away your things for the day. This was starting to feel like a waste of effort.

"Oh come now Dearie," Femt wiped at a small tear that formed under his mask, "Don't go looking so glum when the final result was so much fun."

"I just... I just can't laugh this time." You rolled up the transmutation scroll, "Maybe I'm just not cut out to be an alchemist. With how much I keep failing. This is hopeless."

Femt had an arm around your shoulders in no time, "Don't say that! Come now Dearie, you got this far. A little smoke and soot isn't gonna deter you, is it?"

"That was the 82nd time this week hon." You pushed the large leather satchel back on the desk, "I don't know how many more failed attempts at a base-level transmutation I can take. Especially with how easy it's supposed to be."

"Well, you know what they say 'Rome wasn't built in a day'." Femt was still trying to lighten the mood, "Of course I don't know why they said it, seems rather obvious. Nor do I know who 'they' are... But you can't expect to get everything right in the first week or two of trying, can you?"

Despite knowing Femt was right, this still left a bitter taste in your mouth. You weren't just starting out, this was something you had to keep coming back to because it just never worked. No matter how many times you tried. This. Always. Happened. And you hated it.

"Either way, I do know what will cheer you up." Femt started steering you out of your little lab, "And it doesn't include you being harsh on yourself. Honestly, talking about my favorite person like that. You should be ashamed Dearie. You know how much it would upset Celia to hear that kind of talk from you... I should sic her on you once we sit down."

All you could do was shake your head and smirk a little. Because of course Femt would bring up Celia, as if the little rag-a-muffin was going to do more than lick you. But there was always tomorrow to try and figure out what keeps going on with your transmutations.

Flufftober 2023

Day 9 Extra: "Are you wearing chapstick?" [x Steven]

Requested by @anonymous-104

The day was nice and crisp, albeit a little cold for early autumn. You were hoping for slightly warmer weather by the weekend, it just wouldn't feel like a summer barbecue if everyone was wearing sweaters and scarves. But for now, the cooler weather was welcome.

Especially with you spending the day with Steven. The first time in nearly two months that he had a full day off from his job. Sure the odd date here and there, but a full day where the two of you didn't have to worry about other obligations. It felt like heaven.

Not helping your wistful romanticization was Steven looking so ridiculously handsome in a muted orange turtle neck and dull, dark grey blazer. He wasn't buttoned up, leading you to vaguely wonder if he would look more dorkish or more handsome with the blazer buttoned. Truly, the most important mystery this morning.

Strolling down a semi-crowded street, hand in hand with your lover as he swiped his thumb across the back of your palm. It was almost too good to be true, but here you were anyways. Reveling in the moment and just enjoying the time you had.

Steven's mind was wandering as he lazily eyed the window displays. As much as he would prefer to go all out on a series of extravagant date ideas, this was far better. Just calmly enjoying each other's company without anything major going on.

No, the elegant date would be much later on tonight. Steven would not be deterred.

For now, he was content half browsing window displays in case there was anything that caught his eye. Some new decor to add to his Autumn, Halloween, or Thanksgiving boxes. Nothing wrong with adding a few small, classy pieces if they caught either of your attention.

Just enjoying a stroll, a cup of coffee, and your company... things he deeply desired while shuffling through mounds of paperwork the past few days. Things Steven knew he would die to protect. Maybe not the coffee though, he would always be able to get another cup if something happened to his.

Though Steven was fully alert when you tugged his arm, pulling him a little to a display window. The ornaments sat snuggly; several sizes, colors, and styles of pumpkins around a full cornucopia. It looked like the cornucopia was fixed with the interior decorations, but would make for a nice centerpiece.

Despite your enthusiasm to possibly get a similar piece that you would undoubtedly empty out to customize with other fake vegetables and flowers, Steven was focused on your lips. The faint glint on your mouth caught his attention far faster than your side project. Soft twanges of longing had Steven transfixed as you kept talking, until you were the only thing he could think about.

Clearing his throat as softly as he could as you turned, waiting for his opinion on a conversation he didn't even listen to.

"On a completely unrelated note," He was just shy of confessing how little he heard, "Are you wearing chapstick?"

Raising an eyebrow at him, "Yeah. Why? I have my chapstick on me if..."

Steven didn't bother giving you an answer, he was too lovestruck for that. Having swooped down, kissing you tenderly. It didn't matter that you two were currently in public, Steven would be more than capable of dealing with those consequences when they arose. It didn't matter that he had to let go of your hand, at least not for the moment, Steven needed to cup your cheek. It didn't even matter that you were left breathless, blushing, and questioning him, Steven just couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"I apologize mi Amor." Steven grabbed your hand as if he didn't do anything, "I needed to apply a little myself. As quickly as possible."

The way he winked at you before sipping at his coffee had you short circuiting.

"There are better ways to ask!" You hissed, trying to ignore how hard you were blushing, "I am carrying the chapstick with me!"

Steven was too handsome for his own good. Simply smirking at you, it wasn't like you had a free hand to prove your claim. Not when Steven was refusing to let go...

Whumptober 2023

Day 5: Overhearing a Caretaker mildly complaining [x Klaus]

Break a leg huh? Welp, you broke a leg alright, and Klaus was determined to take care of you to the best of his ability. But you knew it was putting too much on him, asking him to watch over you like this when he should be at work.

Even if he can just take care of the paperwork, it wasn't fair to ask him to take care of you. Not like this.

But he was stubborn. Your leg bone had broken, damn near splintered when you fell. Moving was difficult, Klaus wouldn't leave your side for a second, occasionally resigning to carrying you around because he could. It made you feel like a doll.

The worst of it was how damn careful you had to be about your frequent headaches. Laying back into direct, bright lights wasn't helping at all. And you only had a few ways you could lay without risking further injury. It was only a matter of time before Klaus got annoyed with it, you were certain.

"I'm unsure what to do Steven." Klaus's voice woke you from a fever nap, "It's been getting rather dark lately. Far too early. And [Name] can't handle the bright lights."

You laid still, pretending to still be fast asleep. The pause and sigh told you that Klaus was on the phone, and not at all happy.

"Of course we've tried nightlights. We've also tried flashlights." Klaus passed very close to the couch where you were laying, "But the way it throws shadow... I hate seeing [Name] frightened like that."

Klaus stopped suddenly, turning back to where you were. From his point of view, you were still asleep. While he listened to Steven suggest a variety of solutions, Klaus knelt by your side. Each possible outcome had its drawbacks, and while Klaus could appreciate the help, he didn't care for the accusatory tone Steven used.

This was his beloved [Name] after all, not some random person off the street.

"Steven, I'm well aware of how this must look from your point of view. And believe me, I do find it frustrating to be held back by so many inconveniences."

Your heart squeezed a little hearing that, knowing that Klaus was too much of a gentleman to say it to your face. Or even admit out loud that this was your fault. It hurt on so many levels.

"Even so, I will be back in the office soon." Klaus's hand rested gently across your back, "[Name]'s last doctor appointment went very well and they should be more than capable of caring for themselves soon. I believe Dr. Estevez mentioned crutches."

Finally hanging up, Klaus absently rubbed your back. He just wanted you to be okay. He knew you weren't trying to make things difficult, and the way you were bedridden was only natural after the accident. All he could do was hope for best situation, and that you weren't awake to hear him venting to Steven.

Klaus would die if you'd overheard. He was terrified what you might think of him. What your thought process might lead you to...

Whumptober 2023

Day 8: "Because I don't wanna hurt you" [x Femt]

"Stay back out of here!" Femt threw an empty beaker at the door, "You don't need to be in here!"

Backing away from the broken glass, you jogged back into the bedroom; slamming the door behind you out of fear. Laying on the bed, you tried controlling your emotions. You hadn't been hurt physically, but Femt was the last person you thought would ever yell at you like that. Let alone throw anything at you.

It was just a little too much when you weren't fully over your horrid ex. And now Femt was starting to act the same...

.

Pushing the bedroom door open, Femt was surprised to see you already fast asleep. It was extremely early for sleeping, and a little late for a nap. Not that Femt would ever tell you what to do, he was just a little surprised given that you usually pulled him to bed at a reasonable hour.

Debating poking you awake, he started changing. Preparing for a shower so he could snuggle up to you. At least be comfortable and cuddle you while he dozed off. At least until you stirred on your own.

Grinning as he approached the bed, Femt was deeply hurt when you shrank away, "Dearie? What's wrong?"

Turning and hiding in the pillows, all you could manage was a soft whimper in response.

"Not feeling too good then?" Femt sat on the bed, reaching for you, "You should have told me--"

Even without looking at him, you scooted away from his outstretched hand. Femt frowned harder, this wasn't adding up at all. What was going on? Why were you being like this?

"Dearie..." Femt got up, circling around to the other side of the bed, "What's going on? Is there something wrong? I won't know if you don't tell me."

Peeking at the face very close to you, just over the edge of the bed. It was clear that your actions had hurt him, but his actions had also hurt you. Your voice was very small sounding, quiet to an extreme degree.

"I just... I didn't want to bother you."

Femt frowned, he'd heard this all before. You rarely ever meant the direct words you said, "Sweet dearie, you could never bother me. What is this really about?"

"The... beaker..." You hid in the pillows again, "You threw at me earlier..."

Stopping with his mouth half-open, Femt didn't have a response for that. He did throw a beaker at the door you'd opened. But that wasn't meant to harm you.

"Where did it hit you?" He stood, wandering off to find the first aid kit, "I was aiming for the door, the door frame at best. You should have told me what I did."

You sat up slowly, "No, you... you didn't hit me. Not physically anyways..."

Turning quickly in the door of the bathroom attached to the bedroom, he tilted his head. This wasn't adding up for Femt, until his memory caught up with his line of logic. Then he practically teleported to the bed, ignoring how you shrank away as he squeezed you in a tight hug.

"Dearie! Why didn't you say anything sooner?" He wasn't letting up, you were squished against his chest, "I wasn't trying to hurt you! I threw that because I didn't want you to get hurt by my little project!"

It was a struggle to push Femt off enough so you could breathe, "Femt! I still need oxygen!"

"But you were hurt by me!"

"And it'll get worse if you don't ease up!"

He only let up a little bit, threatening to lay on top of you. It would be impossible to get away from Femt for a while, he never took these transgressions lightly. No matter the reason, he would make it up to you. And figure out a way to think in the moment when he was working on his projects.

Flufftober 2023

Day 2: "Just hold me" [x Dog]

The way you were shaking after having to fight a literal massive demon was concerning, to say the least. Swiveling as soon as someone touched your shoulder, ready to swing on whatever was behind you.

Dog caught your hand with ease, despite his usual boyish innocence he understood what happened without a word. Gently kissing your knuckles in an attempt to help you calm down. Taking a deep breath, you shuffled a little closer.

"It's okay honey bear." Dog hugged you gently, "What do you need me to do?"

"Just hold me." You whispered against his chest, "Please."

That was all it took for Dog to scoop you up, walking away from the battlefield without a second thought. He wasn't about to argue or worry about anyone else for a little while. Not when you needed him for comfort.

"[Name]," Dog mumbled into your ear, "Is there anything else you need me to do?"

Shaking your head slowly, "Just hold me. Please."

"I've got you sugar mouse." He rubbed your back in soothing circles, "Just relax with me."

You nodded slowly, nuzzling closer. It was cozy tucked in Dog's arms like this, despite having been shaken only a few minutes prior. He had no problems carrying you through the city, all the way back to your apartment. There was nothing that could stop him, not when he was focused on a personal mission.

"Here, let me unlock the door."

You shifted enough to work with the keys while Dog stood there, a soft smile on his face as he watched you. Neither of you wanted to do much else today, after the fight in the middle of the city it was cuddle time.