Whumptober 2023

Whumptober 2023

Day 10: "I trust you." "That was your first mistake" [x Aligula]

The kitchen was an absolute mess, you didn't know how Aligula managed to get pudding in the oven hood, but here you were. Covered head to toe in a batch of pudding and watching it drip from impossible places. You knew Aligula wasn't the best in the kitchen but how did she mess up stirring pudding?

"I trusted you, Lily." You moaned, "How did you manage to get pudding in all these places?"

"That was your first mistake." Aligula huffed, "I was trying a new little device for helping in the kitchen."

"Well now we need to clean everything."

"Including you." Aligula snickered, "That'll be fun."

"Don't act like you don't need a shower too Lily." You were trying so hard not to smile, "But we can manage with a cat bath so this doesn't have time to dry before we can get it out of the vents."

Aligula pouted, "But the house would smell like chocolate! We can't pass up that opportunity!"

"We can, we will, we shall." You sighed, "This is non-negotiable. Chocolate in the vents will attract rats and Femt ran out of traps last time you tried cooking."

"So why'd you let me cook again?"

"IT WAS PUDDING!" Aligula giggled at your frustration, "How you managed to blow up a bowl of pudding belongs in a fricken record book somewhere."

"We'll burn that bridge when we get there. One problem at a time."

Rolling your eyes, you started running the tap water. Maybe you should have a perma-ban against Aligula. Taking pictures to remind you of all the weird things she's done to get to this point. At least she hasn't set fire to milk... yet.

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...

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 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 6: "I'll hate you till the day I die." "I'll hate you even in death." [x Lucky]

Waking up from a hazy dream, at least you hoped it was a dream, you panicked when you couldn't see Blitz. Your head was spinning like a top, throbbing hard with your heartbeat as you scanned the room. Coming to the slow realization of cold, hard steel keeping you on a cold, concrete slab.

Blood pressure rising, the hairs on the back of your neck stood on end. A distant, deep voice emerged from the shadows, no physical form to be seen... yet. Despite the pain in your head, you twisted and turned; seeking the source of the disembodied voice. But to no avail...

"Welcome back [Name]." It cooed, "Good to see you're hail and healthy. Here I thought you would have died long before now."

"WHO ARE YOU!?" You yelled into the darkness, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?"

A sickening thud caught your attention. A large, bloody mass in a very familiar trench coat...

Red, all you could see was red. Blood pressure rising far faster than when you were frightened, anger was a hell of a drug after all. It didn't take much for you to snap the chains, roaring in anguish as you cracked the concrete slab. Scrambling to where Blitz was laying, seeing the dazed half-awake look in his eyes.

Standing over him protectively, you stared into the darkness. Eyes adjusting as the temperamental power surge increased your... everything. Senses, strength, and even your control over your blood blade was heightened; the silhouette of the blood breed that tried turning you stood there in the shadows.

"You'll regret this." You snarled, "This WILL be the last fight you'll ever have."

A gleeful smirk crossed it's face, "Oh dear, sweet [Name]. You think you can harm--"

It was easy to dig your hand into its chest, ripping right through to the heart. Squeezing the only "living" part of the monster, crushing it slowly as your blood blades pierced into it on all sides.

"This is really how you'd treat me?" It spat, "You know I'll hate you with my dying breath... dear [Name]."

"Shame," You snarled, "I'll hate you even in death. You never deserved to call me that."

Breathing heavily, you didn't ease up. Even as the blood breed turned to ash in your palm, you could only breathe. Trying to avoid panicking over Blitz as you scooped him over your shoulders. This wasn't going to be taken very well. The first time Blitz was targeted directly by a blood breed...

And it was all your fault...

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.