Flufftober 2023

Flufftober 2023

Day 23: "Does it make you nervous when I stare?" [x Zed]

The way this date, if Zed could even call it that, he didn't have the guts to tell you how he felt. But at least going out to lunch without any of his coworkers was something.

The day was almost perfect; light breeze, low mist, mostly sunny, and not a thing out of place.

"Zed?" You had to tap the table, "You still there?"

He popped up, unaware that he'd zoned out, "Oh, sorry."

Zed really hoped that you didn't think it was weird... that he was weird. But he had been so focused on your voice, more than what you were saying, quietly daydreaming about actually dating you. Staring at you so intensely that it would likely be so much worse...

"Are you okay?" You were more concerned that Zed wasn't responding, "You're a little more... quiet than normal. Is everything alright?"

"Oh, no. I mean yes!" Zed panicked, "I-I'm alright. I was just... I was thinking. I accidentally zoned out."

The way you were giggling made Zed flush, badly. He didn't know how to go about saying anything about why he zoned out in the first place. Maybe if he...

"[Name], does... does it make you nervous when I stare?" Zed finally managed, "I mean... Since I'm..."

Your face scrunched up from trying to contain your giggles, "Of course not. If it did, I wouldn't hang out with you. And the fact that you're not human never bothered me in the first place."

Zed felt like melting, suddenly reminded of why he was so enamored with you. If only he could admit his feelings so easily, then maybe these dates could turn into actual dates... romantic ones.

Oh... oh no [Steven x Reader]

Requested by @anonymous-104 (kinda)

While part of you had been hoping to be spotted by your ex, you didn't think they would so brazenly waltz over like this. Yes, it was part of you wanted them to notice how bloody handsome Steven was and just how casually he was holding your hand.

But to actually try to say something...

Steven was a little quicker on the uptake than you were expecting, gently squeezing your hand and tugging you a little closer. You weren't sure what he was planning, but the idea of Steven being possessive was unexpectedly hot.

Trying to shake the thought from your head, you attempted to snip your ex before they could start something Steven would finish. Wanting to duck into a nearby store and lose your ex amongst the aisles, but being unable to as you had to stay put in the open in case your target made a move.

Instead, you had no choice but to act mildly surprised when your ex stood right in front of you.

"Oh, [Ex's Name]. What are you doing here?"

They scoffed, "Oh don't act like you weren't checking me out. Still can't stand my guts?"

You weren't sure how, but Steven managed to tug you just out of reach of your ex when they leaned in. They took the gesture in stride, smirking.

"Or are you gonna pretend like this isn't a front to 'finally' get the upper hand?"

"[Name], Amor, what are they talking about?" Steven's tone of voice was light, as if just checking to see if you were paying attention. But his actions were trying to put distance between you and your ex.

"Weren't you pointing out the ornament shop across the way?"

"Of course I was." You couldn't act to save your life, leaving a strained smile where something more convincing should have been, "I mean, yeah I also saw them... but I wasn't pointing them out."

Your ex rolled his eyes, "Your 'date' is faker than you were. Always trying too hard to be better than me when you knew it was impossible."

"I doubt that." Steven's voice was laced with venom whilst aimed at the other person, "[Name] is more than capable of running circles around you."

"Oh yeah? Did they finally get some game then? Or are you just as full of hot air as they are?" They snarked, "Cause the only thing they're even remotely good at is posturing."

Steven's grip on your hand tightened a bit, it was starting to get a little painful. But his voice had dropped so low you feared for your ex's safety.

"They're twenty times the person you'll ever be. Maybe if your head wasn't so far up your a$$ you'd see what you lost. Until you manage to pull it out, say the f^%k away from us."

The second degree alone sent shivers down your spine as your ex turned tail, trying to hide the fact how close they were to peeing their pants. But at least Steven finally eased up on gripping your hand.

Reality settled in however as Steven desperately hoped you weren't about to question why he was prepared to tell your ex off like that. The pretending was one thing, but taking such an active stand was something he would never live down... at least, not if he didn't confess soon.

...Maybe after this case...

Flufftober 2023

Day 25: Unexpected Kiss [x Klaus]

It felt as if Klaus hardly had a moment to breathe. Whenever there was a few scant moments, something else appeared. It was a little unnerving.

And yet, he couldn't for the life of him figure out why he felt like he was constantly forgetting something.

Even worse, he couldn't remember what it was he seemed to be forgetting. Klaus felt like he only needed a brief moment or two to figure out this feeling, but today was simply uncompromising in how much time he was allowed to stop and breathe... let alone think.

If he could ask you or Steven what he might be missing, the feeling would surely fade and Klaus could go on with this hectic day. But alas, no such chance arose... it was truly one thing after the next.

.

It was unusual... Klaus was typically the first to say something on your birthday. Then again, today was so chaotic you briefly forgot your own birthday. Didn't help that you had to get used to even celebrating it once you joined Libra. But that was years ago, Klaus had never missed a single year so far.

But by god, this latest beast was getting on your last nerve. You vaguely wondered if this was Femt's way of trying to celebrate your birthday... pretty poor way to go about it.

Just barely dodging its massive paw, "Hey, C'mon! Its my birthday! Can't you just sit still like a good monster dog?"

Klaus nearly stopped in his tracks. That's what he was missing, he should have known. No wonder you had been glancing at him all day... Klaus hadn't missed a single birthday since you joined... between himself and K.K. no birthday went uncelebrated.

Though if Klaus was honest with himself, his remembering yours was from the... seemingly inappropriate crush he harbored on you. At least, it felt inappropriate given the fact that you worked together. Despite having been quite recently that Klaus even realized precisely why he enjoyed spending time with you.

But now wasn't the time to think about that. First, the two of you had to put this creature down. Or else hope that Steven would be around soon. None of these creatures ever did well in freezing temperatures.

.

Finally, you were able to kick off your shoes and relax... or so you thought. Just as you were about to crash land on the couch, there was almost frantic knocking. It was hard to tell if the person on the other side was nervous or if it was supposed to be urgent.

"Klaus?" You looked up at him, "What are you doing here? Did I forget to do some paperwork or something?"

"No, not at all [Name]." Klaus shifted a little, "I do apologize for forgetting your birthday. I'm ashamed to admit that I had completely forgotten."

You stepped back, gesturing for Klaus to come in, "That's fine, today's been so much busier than normal so there wasn't much that could be done."

"Still..." Klaus turned, "I should have remembered the birthday of such a dear friend."

"We were busy all day, there wasn't much anyone could do." You were slightly stung by being called a friend, but... "You don--!"

Unable to even blink, let alone register that Klaus was right in your face... kissing you. His hands resting on your waist, slowly closing the gap between the two of you. You had to cling to Klaus, unable to tell if your feet were still on the ground.

The slight breath as Klaus eased up, a dark shade of red across his face, "I... I do apologize for not asking first but... I... I've wanted to do that for quite some time now. Considering how... Everything..."

"Please," You tugged on his arm slightly, "Don't apologize..."

Whumptober 2023

Day 26: "I don't want to let you down!" [x Zapp]

Everything was a little too clean for Zapp's taste, but he couldn't deny how badly he wanted to impress you. First dates, at least first real dates should be somewhat special. You weren't just a hook-up to him, but someone he wanted to keep in his life. It was a little much, but he really wanted you to stick around.

So when you showed up, right on time as usual, and Zapp wasn't ready. He panicked.

There wasn't much else he could do, except try to persuade you to not look in certain rooms. Whether or not that would work was up in the air, but he had to try.

"Huh, I didn't know you liked classic rock."

Zapp practically spun around to follow your finger, "Oh that. I didn't know it was a classic rock thing. I just like the look."

The way you nodded. What did that mean? Zapp knew better than to try and lie about liking a band. That had blown up in his face before. Maybe you just liked the more popular songs, hopefully that's what that was.

"Uh, why don't we watch a movie." Zapp trying to save face, put on his usual bravado, he couldn't tell if it was working, "I got... mostly ones with hot actresses if I'm honest. But they're pretty cool movies overall."

"Hmmm." You weren't sure how you felt... but Zapp seemed a little off, "Could I pick? I don't really want that many movies... especially not live action ones."

"Yeah sure." Zapp was so baffled and nervous, "While you do that I'll be... getting some snacks."

Why did it feel like he was blowing his chance with you? Why were you so calm and nonchalant? Was he flubbing the whole night from the word go? You were bound to notice how messy his place was, and then you'd never come back for sure.

As the credits rolled, you felt the need to ask Zapp about his weird behavior. Why it felt like he was trying too hard to impress you.

"Hanh?" He was sweating bullets, "I... I haven't been acting weird. You've been acting..."

Zapp stopped, this wouldn't get him anywhere, "Listen [Name], the truth is that I just don't want to let you down. I've been trying to impress you cause I wanna make this a steady thing. I'm not used to wanting that and I guess I was being a bit odd but..."

Instead of forcing him to keep mumbling himself in circles, you kissed his cheek. Though that was clearly a mistake as you found yourself pinned to the couch in an intense, passionate makeout session. Even Zapp couldn't stop Zapp from falling back on old habits when it came to dating.

Flufftober 2023

Day 30: "I'm not the villain..." [x Raju]

You were dodging some peculiar people lately. It was quite unnerving to see such tall men trailing you all the time. For the longest time, you couldn't help but wonder why they were tailing you, to the point you'd called on Raju just about as soon as you noticed them.

"[Name]?" He landed lightly, perching on his cane, "What's wrong? Why do you keep calling me back here?"

"The tall red and black-haired men behind me."

Raju glanced and sure enough, he recognized the two men following you. Though why they would was also beyond him, you weren't much of a threat after all. Unlike most blood breeds you kept to yourself and barely drank blood.

Of course you didn't even realize you were a blood breed, outside of the fact that sunlight seemed to hurt. But when you complained about it, it was never 'I turned into a vampire.' and always 'I'm just suddenly allergic to the sun.' It was completely weird to Raju how someone could be so disillusioned by their own turning.

Unfortunately, Raju kept forgetting to warn Libra of the peaceful blood breed... that he so happened to be dating...

"I'll have a word with them." Raju squeezed your shoulder, "Don't worry."

You nodded, while the situation at large made you a little uncomfortable, you knew you could trust Raju. It would simply be a matter of time before all this was sorted out.

As you sat at home, pondering why for the millionth time, Raju floated in the window. He seemed rather annoyed, if he had legs he'd be stomping around. But before you could ask, Raju was practically sitting in your lap. It was thoroughly strange.

"There are several things I must tell you [Name]." He huffed, "In order for you to understand why those two were following you."

Nodding, you listened to what felt like an entire history class's worth of information. Raju had long since told you that you were a blood breed, or what you considered a vampire. But the way he explained it, you were starting to feel uneasy, Raju was telling you how he hunted creatures like you.

It made you wonder why you were any different.

"[Name], I'm not the villain of your story." Raju gently brushed your cheek, "I know I've hunted other blood breeds, how I've treated them might make our relationship seem tainted and strange. But I'm not the villain of your story. Of theirs, most certainly, but not yours."

You looked off into the middle distance. Trying to make odds and ends of... everything. But your mind was wholly blank. You didn't know what to think, or if you could continue to trust Raju.

But, he wasn't anything like what he'd described himself as. He never seemed to be a fang hunter around you... and... it didn't help that he was your only real source of comfort.

Flufftober 2023

Day 29: Sending Favorite Flowers [x Klaus]

Standing in the office scratching his head, Klaus pondered over who could have sent flowers to the office. And how.

Only a select few people could even access the office of Libra. Let alone deliver things right into the...

"-and I know Klaus, he'll be stubborn about taking care of himself."

What were you doing here?

"Mrx. please, isn't this excessive?" Gilbert was clearly trying to talk sense but, "I'm certain Master Klaus will appreciate all this. Though you being in the building could cause trouble with certain operatives."

"It's late Mr. Gilbert." You retorted, "Who else would be in the office other than Klaus and Steven? Unless you're telling me K.K. is lurking. And the worst that would do is make a mess."

Gilbert was caught. You knew a little too much for someone who didn't know what Libra was. But Klaus was somewhat frozen as you nudged open the door. Carrying a small potted flower in one hand, and a picnic basket in the other.

"L-Liebling?" Klaus forced himself to move, "What's all this?"

Barely making it to the coffee table with your things before Klaus attempted to help, you almost dropped the small chamomile bush. Holding onto both a little tighter for a split second before Klaus adjusted his approach.

"You told me about how much work you had left." You straightened up, "And I know how stubborn you and Steven can be, so I'm just making sure you both get something decent to eat."

Pointing at the small flowering bush, "And I found this at the flower shop. Thought you'd like it, especially for fresh chamomile tea right before it withers."

Hiding the slight pink blush behind a large hand, Klaus didn't get a chance to respond before Steven left his office. The tired, older man followed his nose to the picnic basket, not fully registering that you were in here at all. And not honestly caring, Steven knew you weren't a threat to Libra. Klaus likely wouldn't be with you if you were a danger in the first place.

.

Klaus could barely stop looking at the small plant by morning. To the point that Zapp attempted to tease him about it. An attempt that fell on deaf ears, even as Klaus's face lit up over who gave him these cute little flowers.