Flufftober 2023

Flufftober 2023

Day 10: Arguing like an old married couple [x Lucky]

Klaus was calmly watering his plants, pausing only to listen to a very loud conversation approaching the main office. It was difficult to make out what kind of conversation this even was, but he could make out the voice of both Lucky and yourself. It made some sense, the two of you were rivals of sorts, but at the same time, you two bickered like you were one confession away from dating.

"I'm telling you, holy water does work on lower leveled blood breeds."

"It hasn't worked on any blood breeds for centuries!"

"Then explain the time I burned one with holy water."

"You got lucky once." Lucky huffed, "And there was no evidence that it was real holy water or a low-level blood breed. For all we know it still hurts them no matter what."

Stopping with your arms crossed, "Right, as if there aren't records of when, where, and why the human under the blood breed curse was turned."

Blitz turned around, staring at you like you splashed him with cold water on a snow day. The stare-down was intense, even Zapp was silently watching from the couch. Everyone was waiting to see how the tension would be resolved.

"That's irrelevant." Lucky marched off to the side, trying to ignore the eyes in the room, "You can't be certain about what made the holy water work. The whole situation was so quick."

Exhaling through your nose, "That doesn't mean anything at all Blitz. Neither of us are fighters and it's not like we've got weapons at all. Other than the old fang hunter tools that worked on the first strain of blood breed curse."

"Still doesn't mean they still work." He groaned, "You just got lucky."

You tried to hold back a snicker, "I work with you after all."

Klaus tried to hold in his own laughter while Blitz just gaped at you like a fish in a bowl.

"HOW THE F*&K-!?" Zapp blurted out, being stopped by Chain landing on his spine.

K.K. however couldn't help herself, "You two are so adorable."

Both you and Lucky turned to look at the blonde woman, tilting your heads at the same time.

"It seems to be a matter of time," Klaus interjected, "The way the two of you argue over your field."

"I don't follow you, my boy." Blitz blinked, "What does that have to with anything?"

"It's only a matter of time before one of you winds up confessing to each other." Steven walked through not caring to step around the conversation, "And [Name] is right about the old tools working on non-elder class blood breeds."

You couldn't even revel in being right due to how embarrassing it was to think about dating Blitz. The idea of being that close with one another was a bit awkward, if only because you two worked together. It would be weird... right?

Not even Lucky could say anything. He was hoping no one would pick up on his crush, he didn't want to say anything yet. This was not the time nor place for this...

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 4: Teasing over a fake Wanted poster [x Zapp]

Scrolling Famebook on your phone, you stumbled onto a very cheesy-looking app. A picture "editing" one with the usual frames and stickers. And of course... Zapp had already tried making something to seem more macho than he really is. You couldn't help but shake your head.

Either he miss-clicked, or he really thought an old west-styled wanted poster was the best way to go. He couldn't even be bothered to use a good picture of himself for it. Such an awkward angle and pose, who even let him take this pic?

You simply couldn't miss the chance to comment, "Wanted for crimes against photography."

No sooner had you sent the dig than Zapp commented, "Come say that to my face! That pic is perfect and you know it!"

It was too easy, "I think you need glasses. No one wants to see the bottom of your shoe."

He kept digging his grave, ignoring the other commenta agreeing with you about the terrible angles.

"That's a peek pose!"

"For who? The person holding your ankles?"

You couldn't help giggling as you stashed your phone. This wasn't the last you'd hear about this, especially not with the consistent ding of people commenting. No doubt Zapp would do his best to make you take back what you said.

But he's the one using a weird picture to try and look cool. You could distinctly remember why and where that pic was taken to boot. Someone had challenged Zapp, tricking him into posing like an anime character. Christ that had been a fun night as you joined in, just an innocent excuse to have a hidden folder on your phone chock full of embarrassing photos.

It was the best insurance for keeping Zapp from getting that drunk again.

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.

Whumptober 2023

Day 2: "I'll drink myself to death" [x Steven]

Another quiet evening weighed heavy on Steven's shoulders, another heavy clink of glass on wood. Your injuries had been too severe, and it was all his fault. If only he had been more observant, if only he had been faster, if only... if only...

If only...

So many things he could have done. And you wouldn't be...

"Steven."

Jumping to face his friend, Steven had really hoped Klaus would stay away. Because the darker-haired man knew exactly what he was about to hear, what his friend would say.

"I know how you must be feeling, but this isn't-"

"Klaus, not tonight. I know [Name] asked you to check up on me. But I'm fine."

Gesturing at the bottles, "Forgive me Steven, but that doesn't appear to be the case. The amount of alcohol you're drinking feels excessive."

"I'm perfectly fine." He snapped, "It helps me think."

"Does it? Or does it allow you to blame yourself?"

The sharp clink of glass on wood should have broken the glass in Steven's hand, but he had just enough restraint to avoid that.

"[Name] wouldn't want you to be this harsh on yourself. It is a part of the job to--"

"So what?" Steven stood on wobbly legs, his poison of choice affecting him more than normal, "I should just act like this is a good thing? That I didn't f*&k up and get the love of my life hurt? Yeah sure, part of the damn job. But that doesn't mean I can't feel like sh^t when it goes tits up and I'm left alone due to my own careless error."

The apologetic look on Klaus's face was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. As if you had the ability to sense what was going on, calling from the hospital.

"Yes? [Name]." Klaus answered without hesitation, "Is everything okay?"

Steven felt his mouth go dry. Suddenly he wanted nothing more than to hear your voice. Even if that meant you yelling at him for drinking this heavily.

"Unfortunately he..." Klaus stopped for a second before holding the phone out to Steven, "They would like to speak with you."

Holding the phone as if it were made of glass, "Steven, what are you doing? Please don't tell me you're drinking all the liquor in the house again. What's wrong?"

Two words, out of all that, two words broke the usually calm and collected man. He couldn't answer for his throat going dry, seeming to close up with the things he wanted to say. Broken apologies clouding his mind's eye.

"Steven? Hello?"

"Mi Amor..." His voice was hardly a whisper, "I... I'm just..."

Collapsing back onto the couch, knowing he wasn't making any sense, Steven tried to figure out what to say. How to word this without making you worry more than you already were.

"I... I suppose I'm drinking myself to death." He finally choked out, "I should have--"

"Steven Alan Starphase," Your voice was much sharper than normal, thought this was normal for when you'd scold him, "Don't make me come home and put you in a headlock. Broken leg or not, I'll do it."

"No, please." Sobering up with only a little coaxing, "Just... stay in the hospital. Don't strain yourself too much. I... I'll stop. I promise."

"You better, or I'll have Klaus drag you back here."

Steven glanced up at the confused and concerned man, politely staying out of the conversation until it was over. The darker-haired man chuckled slightly, knowing Klaus wouldn't do so without good reason.

Then again, how much he was drinking and why was probably enough for the over protective man standing in Steven's living room right now.

"I'll behave. I swear." Steven's weak smile was being threatened with tears, "Please, get some sleep. It's rather late and after everything-"

"I'm not the one who needs a lecture about getting rest." You scoffed, "But I'll see you tomorrow morning. And if you have bags under your eyes and alcohol under your breath..."

"I won't." Steven straightened up, "I'll be there bright and early, mi Amor. Te amo."

"Te quiero mάs."

Steven handed the darkened phone back to Klaus. Slowly explaining what you had been threatening him with while cleaning away the terrible coping mechanism. Much to Steven's surprise, Klaus let out a soft chuckle himself; off-handedly stating that he would do so upon your request. If only to get Steven to behave himself.

Flufftober 2023

Day 7: "Close your eyes" [x Klaus]

It was such a long day, you just wanted to go home and relax. At least, that was your first instinct. Until your phone dinged, a brief message from your giant teddy bear of a lover.

"Please meet me at the north end of the park."

Your exhaustion was replaced with a sudden giddy rush as you started down a readjusted path. Whatever had plagued you would be all but a distant memory after you met up with Klaus. It was all but guaranteed. Klaus just had this charm, it was almost an ability to make problems just... fade away.

As you neared the park, your eyes darted around the area. Klaus was all too easy to spot from a distance, but it didn't seem like he was close enough yet. However, he wasn't very clear about where exactly in the northern end of the park he wanted to meet up at. Just as you were about to text him for a little clarification...

"Hello [Name]." You turned, not expecting Klaus's voice to be so close. He seemed a little too large to be sneaky like this, "I do apologize for the sudden request. There was something I wished to show you, if you have a moment?"

"Of course!" You beamed up at him, "Where to?"

The grin across your face was mirrored by a soft, tiny smile on Klaus as he offered his arm. He couldn't help how enamored he was with you; especially given the way you smiled at him, linking arms with him, and strolling along... not a care in the world. Despite how often others tended to avoid the red-haired gentle giant.

That didn't matter to you in the slightest, he was a massive sweetheart. Though you weren't sure where you were headed, yet. Several of these buildings weren't all that familiar to you, this wasn't an area you went to often. Only made it easier for Klaus to find something surprising to show you...

He stopped a little abruptly, "Ah, do forgive me. Please, close your eyes. I'll make sure you don't trip, I promise."

"Okay."

Klaus couldn't stop his ears from turning red. Seeing you just... do what he asked, trusting him to this degree was still very flattering to him. Flustered him to no end thinking about how much trust you had in him. Though Klaus wrapped an arm behind your back as the two of you continued walking. It wasn't much further, Klaus was certain you'd love this.

Turning the corner, Klaus lead you to a small café. Guiding you to a small table in the back of the store.

"Ah, I'll be right back Liebling." He said, "Please, don't open your eyes just yet."

It was a little nerve-wracking to sit at a table by yourself with your eyes closed. But the fact that Klaus was calm helped ease you. Sitting and breathing deeply, you could tell that it was a rather small restaurant, possibly some kind of sweets shop.

Klaus wasn't gone for very long, settling back down across from you. He was extremely excited to show you this little treat, sliding the small plate toward you. It was extremely adorable to him, the way your head tilted at the noise.

"I apologize for the wait," His hand slipped over yours, "It's ready."

"Ready?" You were slow to open your eyes, rubbing as you adjusted to the light, "What do you--"

Once you saw the small cake-like treat, your face split into a soft grin. And once again, your happiness was mirrored in Klaus... just to a smaller degree. An adorable design of a pug face looked up at you, it was almost too cute to eat... almost.

"I thought you'd find it adorable." Klaus admitted sheepishly, "But I didn't think it would be very... safe to attempt to carry one through the city. Especially with how tucked away this café is compared to other places."

Holding onto his... oversized hand was about the most difficult thing to do. Not that he cared in the slightest; Klaus carefully wrapped his fingers between yours, simply enjoying the moment. Listening intently to your day.