Whumptober 2023

Whumptober 2023

Day 4: "Stay, please" [x Raju]

Raju floated in the middle of the living room, taking in what you said while you panted heavily. This wasn't his idea to begin with, he had no clue why he was even here at the moment. Sure, Raju had lived with humas before...

But not one quite like you.

The thing was, he wasn't completely used to someone wanting his presence, concerned this deeply for his safety. All things considered, love wasn't something he contemplated. Especially not for himself.

But here you stood, breathing hard from yelling at him for how reckless he was in battle. Telling him off for being gone most of the year, despite promising to visit more often. Promising to show up for the holidays...

Raju didn't know how to feel, but one thing rang clear in the silence.

"Why do you keep coming back? Just leave!"

But Raju couldn't move. He wanted to stay, he truly did. There was just so much he needed to get used to, things he never thought about with his huma family. Things that never once crossed his mind.

The tears still streaming down your face made walking difficult but you made the attempt to march off anyways. After all the waiting around you did this past year and a half, you just needed a nap... with or without Raju's answer.

Before you could pass through the hallway...

"[Name], wait." Raju had a blood thread attached to your sleeve, tugging you back as carefully as possible, "Stay, please?"

"I'm going to bed." You grumbled, voice drained of emotions post-outburst, "That's all."

"I'll join you."

It wasn't exactly a command, there was a hint of plea in Raju's voice. But he probably could have asked instead of...

"Whatever."

You trudged into your bedroom, why should you care that he was following you anyway? Flopping onto the messy spread, you burrowed under a fluffy blanket and tried your best to ignore the floating half-man you were supposed to be dating.

Its not like you could tell anymore.

Raju didn't need sleep however. Instead opting to just hover there, watching over you. One slender hand, his only hand left after everything he'd been through in life, caressed your back slowly. He could at least help ease you to sleep.

That didn't stop him from mumbling under his breath though, "I'm sorry [Name]. I know I can't keep using the same excuses. You don't deserve to be left alone for months on end, not by someone like me. If you still want me gone, I won't fuss. I just want to know you're okay... I'm sorry I hurt you with all this..."

Even half asleep, you couldn't deny how badly you wanted to forgive him. But all you could manage was grabbing onto his cane before dozing off.

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.

Whumptober 2023

Day 3: Deep cut that needs stitching [x Leo]

This was not going well at all, running through a dark maze of alleys while holding your side. Just as you made it to the end of the alley, Leo pulled up on his little moped. You just barely managed to hold on while he sped off, leaving your attackers in the dust. The steady, visible dribble of blood from your side kept Leo worried.

He was all too familiar with these kinds of situations himself. And racking up more hospital bills wasn't an option at the moment... not right after you two moved in together. But he was seriously considering that, since you were losing blood quickly.

Not that you were giving him the option either, insisting that you weren't that badly injured. It was just a scratch, you were sure about that.

But you couldn't have been more wrong.

As much as Leo hated the sight of blood, he didn't know what else to do. Knowing you were a little squeamish about watching someone get stitched up, he grit his teeth and tried to ignore the fact that his hands were currently covered in your blood.

Sonic was doing his best to help without getting any blood in his fur, mostly just handing Leo things. You were walking him through the process with scary ease, if in a hissing voice. Trying to watch what he was doing and avoid passing out with everything going on.

"Yeah, pressure right here..." You guided his free hand, "Then this pad to help the stitching avoid contamination."

Leo could only nod as he held back his stomach. Following your instructions and wondering if he should have called Klaus or Steven for help. This was way too much blood for his taste, especially knowing it was your blood.

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 6: "Your bedhead is really cute" [x Raju]

Waking up in a house was still a new feeling for Raju, even if he knew where he was and what was going on. He was a little too used to waking up in caves or trees, being on his own was far more common given his life span. But there was something deeply appealing about how you looked with your hair spread out across the pillows.

Gently trying to brush it around, looking for your face and reveling in how soft your mane was; Raju sighed in contentment. This was so weird, in a good way.

But his musing was cut short as your eyes opened. He drew back slightly as you looked around, not wanting to admit that he was doing anything. All the soft moments were embarrassing to him. Raju didn't think being this soft, even with his partner, was a good look for a warrior like himself.

"Morning hon." You yawned, "How did you sleep?"

Raju only hummed in response, weary of saying too much, or the wrong thing.

"Anything specific you have to do today? Or are you going to hang out?"

"I haven't a clue yet." He mumbled, "But your bedhead is really cute."

You stopped, blinking. Raju saying weird things was normal, but random compliments were still strange to hear. Not that he ever insulted you... after the two of you started dating at least. But he still blindsided you with these kinds of statements.

"But... I... I haven't even brushed my hair yet." You tilted your head, "I... it's all puffy and tangled."

"Its still very adorable." Raju admitted shyly, "And soft..."

Looking around the room, you tried to find a reason Raju would say something like this. Sure it was nice and typically normal in other relationships... but this wasn't a normal relationship. That was one of the reasons you were with Raju.

However, his straightforward nature meant anything he said was not only exactly what he thought... but it was usually true to some degree. Which only meant there was no arguing with him when he said randomly sweet things like this.

Flufftober 2023

Day 5: "Sweet of you to think of me" "I always think of you" [x Chain]

Landing lightly in your shared apartment, Chain looked around for any trace that you were home. There was none, sadly. The only thing she found was a note explaining you'd gone shopping and that Chain hadn't replied to your text earlier. Something she checked as soon as it was brought to her attention.

Chain wouldn't admit to having poor battery management... despite the evidence of a dead phone in her hand.

Instead, she shuffled into the bathroom for a shower. Might as well get comfortable while she waited; both for you to return and for her phone to charge. And it wasn't long before she was splayed across an armchair with a bag of chips, watching a random video on her phone and wondering when you'd be back.

Not that Chain was left waiting too long.

You were able to push the door open easily, meaning Chain had left the door unlocked. Something she, thankfully, only did when she was at home. Certainly made toting the groceries inside easier.

Being met with a half-bored gaze, Chain got up to offer help. Getting to you just as you set the bags on the table, ready to sort through the bags and put stuff away. Taking her time while you pulled certain ingredients to the side counter.

"Hm?" Chain held a container of chocolate-dipped pretzels out in a curious fashion, "Why'd you get this? With the chips and all we should have enough snacks."

"I know how much you like your chocolates." You smirked over your shoulder, "So that's really just for you. Though I couldn't find anything in dark chocolate."

Chain stared at the container in her hand, "You... you thought of me? That's... really sweet."

"I always think of you silly." You rested your chin on her shoulder, "If I'm not thinking of you, then there's something seriously wrong."

There were no words coming to Chain. She was just too grateful to you, not when you kept doing small things like this. Small gestures just for her...

If it wasn't for the fact that these were chocolate-covered pretzels, Chain would offer to share. But you already knew better, that's just how much she loved chocolate treats. It was only a matter of time before she had the whole thing polished off.