Flufftober 2023

Flufftober 2023

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

After Aligula's last attempt to capture her 'lover' Dog and Deldro... which sounded like two different people to you but... You knew she would need something to get her mind off it. All you could do was hope she didn't crack her teeth this time. You barely managed to fix them last time.

While you were secretly glad she couldn't get ahold of her... ex? You still cared about her and hated seeing her upset. So this was second nature for you, if stuck in a weird limbo of emotion.

Aligula however, had other plans to make herself feel better. Dressing up in an elegant and cute style before ambushing you at the door and demanding that you dance with her. You couldn't help but smirk and shake your head.

Of course she would do something like this...

But you insisted on putting things away first, something she begrudgingly agreed to. After which, you were expected to dance around the apartment.

And how could you say no to that cute little face?

Something caught your eye, a slight glint on Aligula's lips. You knew she wasn't as keen on make-up when she wasn't planning something. But what was she up to?

"Are you wearing sparkly chapstick?"

Aligula giggled up at you, "Wanna find out?"

"Is that an invitation?" You snickered, "Or a request?"

You never got a verbal answer as she leaned up on her toes. All you could do was support her as she kissed you. Her chapstick was faintly soda flavored... leaving you wondering why it had glitter in it. Unless Aligula made it herself...

Whumptober 2023

Day 1: "Don't panic, it won't hurt" [x Chain]

Hellsalem's Lot had some of the worst wasps you'd ever seen. You couldn't reach the stingers embedded in your back and sitting wasn't very comfortable; given that you couldn't lean back at all. That's how Chain found you, sprawled out face down on the bed.

"What...?"

"Wasps." You groaned, half rolling over, "They got my back and I can't get the stingers out."

Chain sighed. It would be tricky, but she could get a lot of them out at once using her invisible werewolf abilities. Though she didn't know how it would affect you to have someone phasing through your body. The people she fought tended to have very negative reactions when she phased through them.

"Okay, just lay still." She lifted your shirt slowly, "And take a deep breath. Don't panic, it won't hurt."

The deep breath you took was exhaled sharply as something went right through your skin. It felt so cold, it burned; though it was vaguely hand-shaped. Chain was doing her best to move quickly, she could tell that you weren't thrilled about this arrangement.

"Almost done." She said, "Just a little more and they'll be out."

The teeny dribbles of blood from the open wounds hurt Chain a little. There wasn't much left to do except ointment and bandages, which was far easier than removing the stingers. Though Chain was quick to kiss around the small plastic strips, and that made it feel just a little bit better.

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.

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.

Late to the- [Klaus x Reader]

Requested by Anonymous ⏱️

The quiet of the house as Klaus finally got off work was uneasy. He knew all of this was his fault, working too late once again and leaving you alone with the children for far too long...

Settling into a chair as quietly as possible, a warmed-over plate of Bavarian pot roast sitting in front of himself. Wistfully thinking about how dinner must've gone earlier today, how he would've talked with the children. Warning them against talking with their mouths full, enjoying the day-to-day chatter, gently reminding the children to finish their vegetables, and meeting your eyes from across the table.

Blurry visions of what could have been... should have been, faded as he wiped at the sparse tears from under his glasses. Slowly getting up and cleaning away what little mess there was, Klaus was breathing a little heavily. The weight of his grief and guilt hitting him in full force.

Marching down the hall on tired feet, Klaus stopped just shy of your shared room, contemplating the risk of waking you up. Instead, he shuffled back to the living room. Sinking into the couch cushions, Klaus fell asleep to the ideas of the person he wanted to be... how badly he was failing at being a father and husband.

"Shhh!" "But!" "Shhh!!"

Klaus's eyes opened slowly, five children looking down at him. He knew how bad this must look to them, yet...

"Shatzchen, is there something you needed?" He sat up slowly, trying his best to make things seem normal, "What is going on?"

Before Damien could answer, Yvonne piped up, partially bouncing up, "Why aren't you sleeping in the bed with Mama?"

He was squirming at this, keeping this façade was going to be difficult, "I didn't want to wake Mama up last night. I came home far too late mein Shatzis, that's all it was."

The worried looks being exchanged between the children had Klaus squirming even more. This was his worst lie to date, and right to his children's faces at that... He could tell they weren't believing him this time. Until...

"You must've been extremely late Lieber." You stepped in from the hallway, "To be out here once again."

Now the children were just confused, looking back and forth like little meerkats. As much as Klaus appreciated your backup on the matter, he was also concerned about your willingness to lie to the children. Though he could very easily say that about himself at the moment.

"Quite late mein Herz." Klaus hung his head a little, "My apologies."

Klaus was tackled in tight hugs, several small arms wrapped around him as you walked into the kitchen. It was clear that you were just trying to keep the peace, but the conversation wasn't over with. Just delayed until the children were too busy to pay attention to the conversation.

It wasn't until after lunch that you were approached by Klaus. Shyly shuffling, struggling to find the words to start the conversation. As much as he wanted to-

"Klaus, I'd rather you woke me up." Your eyes didn't leave the book that weren't even reading, "I know how much this weighs on you. That you want to be here to spend time with us. But fact of the matter is that your job is very demanding, I've known that since we started dating and it hasn't changed throughout our marriage."

Klaus was barely able to make eye contact when you looked up at him. But the pain behind how strictly you were talking hit him like a ton of bricks. Kneeling down to your level, a gentle hand resting on your knee as he mirrored your deep seated pain.

"I know it all sounds harsh like this, but--"

"Liebling, please don't apologize." Klaus carefully squeezed your knee, "I shouldn't have put you in such a situation as to lie to our children, and I... I know it hurts you to be like this. It hurts me to be absent in my family's lives. I've only ever wanted to be here for all of you. And yet..."

The urge to smack Klaus with your book was strong, however...

"Honey, you're doing the best you can." You sighed a little, "The children and I know that, we understand-"

His head popped up, "I don't want you to understand. I'd prefer that you be upset, blame me for the broken promi--"

"Why should I blame you for the fact that there are terrible people in the world?" Your foot came down very close to his knee, "Because I know you wouldn't break a promise without a damn good reason and so do your kids."

Looking like a scolded child himself, Klaus laid his head on your lap in defeat. He knew you were right, he knew he couldn't continue arguing with you over this either. Deep down he knew this would blow over soon enough, that you weren't truly upset with him... just how he was going about inflicting his own punshiment.

At least he had today to make up for the time spent in the office.

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...