Flufftober 2023

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 9: "Was that today?" [x Daniel]

Trudging into the small-ish shared apartment, Daniel yawned while kicking off his work shoes. shuffling around in socks and not noticing anything going on around him. The trail of slowly withering rose petals barely swirled under his feet, barely registering the foreign items.

Turning into the bedroom, Daniel was startled by the sight of you lying across the bed. The way you were stretched out suggested that he missed something. Upon actively looking around, small clues adding it up to what he was missing; Daniel groaned loudly.

You stirred sleepily, startled by the silhouette of your tired lover and throwing the nearest pillow at him in self-defense. Slightly knocking the air out of him as he staggered back.

"Danny!?" You sat up, only slightly annoyed about everything going on, "When did you get back? Why were you looming over me like a gargoyle?"

"I didn't mean to Pie." He sighed, "It was just a late night, tons of paperwork. I just got back and only just noticed the electric candles and rose petals. What did I...?"

Daniel stopped his question short as you began scowling at him.

"Our anniversary."

Daniel's eye twitched, "Was that today!? How the f*^k did I miss that!?"

You huffed, turning away from him. Yes; you knew he got swamped with work a lot, that he forgot things often no matter how many reminders he got, and that he would be beating himself up worse than you ever could. But none of that made a difference about how hurt you were over this. Something Daniel knew all too well, something he wished he could control at least a little bit.

"Pie, I'm sorry. Really I am." His hand was still pretty warm against your back, "I have all day tomorrow off if that helps? Maybe a lazy day? Just the two of us and nowhere to go..."

You leaned back, letting him rub your shoulders and whisper small promises of how he would try to make all this up tomorrow. He was only cut off by your light snoring, miscalculating how soothing his actions were to you when you weren't even fully awake. Not entirely at least, it was that much easier to lull you back to sleep.

But it wasn't difficult for Daniel to shift you up onto the bed before changing. He could shower in the morning, after he cuddled you for a few hours.

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.

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...

Flufftober 2023

Day 3: Sharing a blanket [x Steven]

Why had Steven agreed to this? Why did Klaus suggest this? He should know about Steven's embarrassing crush on you by now. K.K.'s snide comments weren't only her opinion, but very well known by Steven. He half expected her to insist on Steven making this mission the one he finally gets a date.

A little surprising of a sentiment, if it weren't for how much softer Steven acted around you. How K.K. kept saying even a person with one eye could see it. And the only one who didn't was the person whom the affections were directed at out of respect and lack of an overinflated ego.

In all honesty, it was one of a long list of reasons Steven liked you in the first place. But acting like a couple in public wasn't the most productive thing!

Steven would greatly prefer to ask you out on a nice, soft, and romantic evening. Dinner, drinks, and dancing were his standard, but here he was jumping head-first into the shallow end of the pool. At least, that's what it felt like.

You were completely oblivious however, this was just another mission. Catch another criminal and go home. Nothing to it. Sure, you had feelings for Steven and this wasn't helping your nerves either. But you also didn't think acting like a couple for the sake of work was the best time to confess.

Maybe after this, considering the fact you two had to travel and share a honeymoon suite at a hotel. But certainly not before returning to Hellsalem's Lot. That would just be too much.

Regardless, you set your things off to one side, well away from where Steven was keeping his stuff. This specific room was uniquely set up to give the two of you plenty of space and privacy to conduct your mission and research. Which was more than necessary given it was one of the few cases of an external agency using the US's laws to bypass Alterworld treaty regulations and create a 'cure' to being a Beyondian.

The distribution of such a chemical would cause too much chaos. And you were more here as a cover story than actual assistance. Steven would be doing 98% of the leg work. Even as he set up three different laptops on a single large table, you didn't know what to help with due to how hyper-specific the sequence for booting up the programs were.

Some things were just beyond you and your forgetful nature.

But that didn't stop you from doing other useful things around the suite. Starting the coffee maker and prepping to cook something for supper being your focal point for the time being.

The sound of the coffee maker brewing had Steven swiveling in seconds. He hadn't even registered you slipping past him into the kitchen area. Though he did deeply appreciate your attempts at being helpful. That fact that you were brewing coffee alone had an array of complex emotions plaguing Steven.

On the one hand, you were being super sweet, thoughtful, caring, and just overall a phenomenal partner in every sense. On the other, you didn't have anything else to do and knew Steven would eventually need coffee and something to eat. You jumping the gun so to speak and doing this before being asked was much more likely an attempt to keep the peace and make yourself useful.

As much as Steven wanted to admire you for the positive side of your actions, he knew that if you didn't do this he'd be able to say you weren't doing your job. Sure, he would never dream of forcing you to do more than your fair share, but in this situation... this was considered your fair share. He was the one doing the actual mission, you were the one providing the cover story and background tasks.

It felt wildly imbalanced, but there wasn't anything Steven could do about it. Unless he wanted to teach you coding and tracing.

He wouldn't say no...

"Hey Steven, are you at a point you can let it run?"

"Hm?" Steven barely turned to your voice, "Not quite [Name], five more minutes."

"Alright, I'll put a plate in the microwave for you then." You portioned out a hearty serving or two onto a plate, "This way I can clean up."

Steven tore his eyes away for a quick second, just long enough to see what you made and the plate being put up for him. Even as he kept typing, Steven couldn't help melting a little. Acting like his partner to this degree behind closed doors...

He had to shake himself back to reality. This wasn't you acting like you were his. This was just you being polite and efficient. Steven really needed an actual vacation, he was going absolutely crazy over his wistful perceptions.

Or maybe he needed to ask you out...

You settled onto the couch. It might be a little late, but one movie before bed wouldn't kill you. Especially not with Steven still typing away, being a light sleeper had serious drawbacks. Turning the TV down enough to not disturb Steven, you just sat there under a blanket.

Sadly, the room had to be kept cold for the computers. It wasn't too bad until now because you had been moving around and cooking. Now that you were stationary, sedentary, the chill was getting to you. And you saw exactly why Steven wore three-piece suits all the time.

"What are you watching?"

You nearly jumped out of your skin, and almost hit Steven. He was too big to be this stealthy.

"Just an old movie from my childhood." You had to stop to breathe, why did it seem like Steven was a little too close? "I wasn't sure I could sleep with the keys clicking, light sleeper."

Steven straightened up a little, "Ah, I'm sorry. I won't need to do as much typing until morning though. If that's any help. You probably should at least try to get some sleep."

"Uh, yeah. I guess I can do this sometime tomorrow anyway." You moved to put away your DVD, "Thanks for the warning."

Watching as you moved, Steven lamented saying anything. He probably could have just asked to join you...

"On... on second thought [Name]," You paused just shy of putting the disk in its case, "Maybe we could watch it together? I mean, if you want to that is. I don't have to monitor the programs for a little while and I doubt reading will be as much of a break as I thought it would be... given that I've been reading the computer screens for hours now."

Looking between the case in your hands and the slightly awkward Steven you didn't know what to do. You've never seen him act this way before. Usually Steven was so direct and convicted that even a professional argument machine like Zapp couldn't fight back. But you'd be lying to yourself to even remotely hint that you didn't desperately want to spend time with Steven. Just a couple hours would be enough...

Just enough to fuel your teenage crush.

"Sure." You back tracked, "Though I don't know if you'd like this all that much."

"One way to find out for sure." Steven smiled a little sheepishly, "Just let me grab my coffee."

Nodding as you booted the TV back up, you couldn't help the overly giddy feeling rising in your chest. Shadowed by the extreme pressure of whether Steven would actually like the movie. It was one of your favorites after all. If he didn't like it, then what? You could never bring yourself to get rid of it, or ignore it sitting on the shelf, or just not watch it just because Steven didn't like it.

Meanwhile, Steven was nervous for a similar reason. This was one of your favorite movies. He couldn't very well lie about his opinions, and he didn't want something like that possibly hurting his chances with you. Surely you were a reasonable adult and wouldn't make such a big choice over an opinion of a movie... right?

Either way, the two of you sat on the small couch. You hadn't realized how small it was until you had to share it with Steven. Pressed up against each other, hip to hip, and painfully aware of the other's presence... and the chilly air.

Steeling his nerves, Steven tried his best to not be hesitant about tossing the covers across both your shoulders. Yes, the curtains were drawn, it had been one of the first things you'd done when entering the suite. But Steven still had this feeling of someone watching. Not even in a 'being spied on' sense, more in a 'the universe can't possibly line up more perfectly for you, idiot' type of way.

It was now or never...

Unable to take the startled, doe-eyed look you flashed at him, "Uh, it's just a little chilly in here. I didn't want to hog the covers."

"Oh, yeah..." You sounded so unsure and small and Steven's heart couldn't handle it, "Fair enough."

"Are you comfortable?" Steven didn't know how to go about being casual when his heart was behaving like a frantic rabbit, "We could always adjust a bit. Maybe you could sit in my lap?"

You paused, thinking it over, "O-Only if you'd like to! I don't want to force you, I'm just offering."

"I... I uh," You cleared your throat, "I don't want to make you uncomfortable either Steven. This is fine."

"I don't mind, you being in my lap that is."

You reconsidered, really trying to think of why it seemed that Steven wanted you in his lap.

"But only if you want to. I'm fine with this if you are."

"Steven?" He turned to you, hoping against hope that he wasn't visibly blushing, "Do you want me in your lap? Ho-"

"Yes."

It was your turn to hope you weren't blushing too hard. Steven didn't even let you finish what you were saying before blurting an answer. But you did have your answer... and several questions about how a simple, innocent mission had you sitting in your crush's lap watching one of your favorite movies. Even more questions popped up as Steven relaxed. Propping his head on your shoulder, wrapping his arms around you to draw the blanket closed over your laps. It felt like one of your dreams, just more grounded in reality.

This was just far too comfortable for Steven to not attempt to be extra cozy with you. Would make the ruse more believable... and confessing easier. Because Steven was determined to finally tell you how he felt.

Just not tonight...

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...