Angstuary 2023 - Tumblr Posts

Day 1 [Klaus/ Steven/ Femt]

Prompt: "You lied"

Klaus

If only Klaus had kept his mouth shut. If he had approached the situation differently. If he hadn't done that in the first place.

And now here you were, walking out the front door because of his actions.

You hadn't gotten explosively upset and Klaus was grateful for that. But you were still leaving on a sour note. And there wasn't anything Klaus could do to stop you, this meeting was instrumental to your career after all.

But if only Klaus could come with you, things might smooth out faster, wouldn't they? And yet, your last words rang through Klaus's mind as if to deafen him.

"You mean to tell me that everything I thought was a lie?" That aggravated sigh, "That the only reason you asked me out was a love potion?"

Even stating how the potion worked hadn't helped, not when you were upset. Klaus could only hope that you would return in a better mood, or perhaps even text when you got there safely. He would always worry, even if everything about his life was on shaky ground.

.

Steven

Steven didn't know what to say at the moment. His lover was sitting in disbelief over what they just witnessed. It was disheartening to say the least.

While he hadn't kept it secret as to the fact that he was dangerous, he never did explain why he was dangerous. And that hadn't really come up until tonight. When his split second decision to protect his work, his friend, and you all in one fell swoop had taken a turn for the worst.

Steven desperately hoped that this was just the adrenaline and fear.

"Why?" You finally spoke between shaky breaths, "Why would you lie like? To me?"

"[Name], I wasn't lying. I just-"

"You lied by omission Steven! That..."

You trailed off, looking away. Backing away from Steven and his open arms.

"That's the same as lying." You sighed, "Sure I have my secrets too. But it's not like I'm covering up the existence of other people in the apartment."

"[Name], it's not like that. I can't explain it without putting you at risk." Steven kept trying to step closer, "I would never lie to hurt you. I want to keep you safe, that's all."

"Then why didn't you tell me you had a spectral squad in the house?"

.

Femt

You looked down at the city in abject horror. What had you done? And why had Femt of all people perpetuated this?

"You alright dearie?" The familiar half giggle over your shoulder, "You seem a bit pale."

Your mind churned, processing what you were seeing, "You lied to me. You said these things were harmless."

"Hm? Did I?" Femt tapped his chin, "I'm pretty sure there was a little something about they wouldn't harm you. But I never said that these giant pig-creatures were completely harmless."

You turned on your heel. Facing the typically sweet man... or was he just, sweet to you? Had he been using you this whole time? Lying and manipulating you to do this?

"Oh don't give me that look dearie." Femt slid an arm around your shoulders, "It isn't the end of the world. It's merely a game. And trust me, you'll get use to those Libra goodie-goodies spoiling the fun."

You pushed Femt's arm off, stepping away from him, "This... This isn't fun Femt. You lied to me about what you do. You used me to hurt innocent people. Games shouldn't come with a death clause."

Femt frowned, the reality of the situation setting in. Just how upset you were over this. He could either dig his grave deeper, and keep you around out of fear. Or he could try to salvage the moment. Both solutions would take work in the long run...

Though the look on your face spelled it out very clearly.

Day 2 [Steven/ Zed/ Daniel]

Prompt: Pining Heart

Steven

"That's the third time you've picked your coffee up simply to put it back down Steven," Klaus frowned across the table, "Is there something wrong?"

The dark-haired man just blinked a couple times. Admitting to this would only make things worse, but Klaus would likely try to force Steven into an off day if he didn't.

"I've just been thinking about [Name]." He was slow to say it, even to Klaus, avoiding eye contact as well, "I just can't seem to get them off my mind lately."

Steven happened to glance at Klaus at the end of his confession, only to find that tiny, knowing, kitten smile of his looking back at him. Meaning Steven looked away, hiding his flustered blushing as best he could behind the coffee mug. It was bad enough that K.K. was on his case over this. Now Klaus was thinking the same way.

It wasn't like they'd like him the same way. Not a chance...

.

Zed

Zed was hesitant to approach his own coworker to ask them out to lunch. And with Zapp in his ear about how someone like you wouldn't be caught dead hanging around someone like Zed, well that only made things worse.

Even if Zed knew that was a complete lie. You were more opposed to being seen around Zapp than anyone else in the office, truth be told. He still felt strange asking you to go to lunch, as friends of course. Zed would likely die if he actually asked you out on a real date.

And yet, before he could walk off in pseudo-defeat, Zed felt a warm finger tapping at his elbow, and nearly jumped for multiple reasons. Starting with the fact that you were so close to him without him noticing, and ending with the fact that it was you.

"Hey, I was about to go to Chiro's for lunch, did you wanna come with?" Zed's heart sped up involuntarily at how you tilted your head, "I thought I'd offer since we're the only ones in the office right now."

Why was this lump in his throat refusing to go down? "Y-yeah, sure [Name]."

.

Daniel

This was torment for Daniel, and downright embarrassing to boot. He shouldn't feel this way at his age, not over such a pure drop of sunshine like [Name]. To make matters worse, they worked at the coffee house he frequented, so being nice to him first thing in the morning was just part of their job.

He couldn't bring himself to be flirty, just awkward and a little shy. And for someone his age, in his profession, it was unacceptable. He is a detective, a police officer, he shouldn't fall for the cute barista down the road. He shouldn't be like--

"Oh! Hey Lieutenant." Daniel froze next to his mailbox, slowly turning to the friendly voice, "Nice day huh?"

He barely had his composure but, "Oh yeah, real nice. But uh, ya don't have to call me Lieutenant all the time."

Daniel felt his stomach folding at the sweet, innocent look on your face, "Well I uh... never actually caught your name. You always order as Lieutenant Law so..."

"Oh yeah... oops." He could only hope he wasn't cherry red right now, "My name's Daniel. Or, ya know, you can call me Dan..."

Daniel was trailing off awkwardly, not even sure he should continue speaking. This was so embarrassing for him, the butterflies, the way his heart was doing backflips. He was a man in his thirties and here he was, heart pounding like he was a damn teenager. Though it was over an extremely cute person so maybe it wasn't all bad.

"Daniel..." He was done for, you were just too perfect, "I like it. It suits you."

"Y-y-yeah."

It wasn't even a particularly warm day, but Daniel was in danger of melting on the spot.

Day 3 [Dog/ Raju/ Aligula]

Prompt: "Why'd you save me?"

Dog

Things weren't looking good in the slightest. This city could be relentless and Dog was only ever able to get out for instances that had the city practically under siege. He just wanted to go see you for a change, was that really too much to ask.

Though he was thoroughly shocked to see you in the middle of all the action, using a frying pan as a weapon and shield of all things. It was a bit mesmerizing to say the least, until you hurled the cook ware right at him.

Of course, Dog was more than capable of dodging it, but he didn't realize what you had really been aiming at. A large creature was knocked back with a frying pan in its face.

"Why did you save me?" Dog blurted out, "I'm suppose to be saving you!"

"Can't we discuss this later?" You nearly yelped as he scooped you over his shoulder, "Ya know, when there aren't a hundred-something monsters running around?"

"Right right, sorry."

.

Raju

The pain both of you were in, despite the razor-sharp fangs digging into your neck, draining your vitality, sinking in deeper for what felt like the 12th time already. Raju was frozen in disbelief, not wanting to believe his eyes, hoping desperately that this was all a terrible nightmare.

"You won't be able to move for a moment my dear," The tall figure behind you cooed, "Unfortunate side effects of becoming what your ex considers just a monster."

The hand gripping the cane was in serious danger of becoming pure white, even as the loud crack of splintered wood and bone rang through the silence. Raju didn't even begin to think of using flame and wind to destroy the blood breed in front of him. Thankfully this one wasn't Elder class, but that didn't make your transformation any less painful.

The shrieks that would haunt Raju's every waking moment as well as his nightmares. Unable to do more than watch, he refused to accept that you would change any. And you woke up safely tucked in bed. Unable to move due to Raju's limp form covering your body.

"Raju?" He stirred sleepily, head raising just enough that you were confident he could hear you, "Why did you save me? I'm a... a..."

"Shh." Raju petted your head, gently stroking your face, "You're better than that brute I put down. Far stronger a person than most."

.

Aligula

Everything seemed to be going just fine, all your calculations were sound and the vials on the counter were perfectly measured out. It was just a matter of the clingy, pink-haired girl on your arm. You couldn't ignore her forever.

"C'mon baaaaabe!" Aligula whined, "Can't this waaaait? I neeeeeeed you!"

You let out a long sigh, "You always neeeeed me. Just a few more minutes and I'll be done. I promise."

Aligula huffed and stormed off a little, pouting like a spoiled brat again. It wasn't like this would take forever, and what Aligula didn't know was that this was something for her specifically.

After pouring the final vial into the bowl, you stood back. This thing would be a slimy mess at first, nothing that a good shake wouldn't solve. And just before it could shake the gunk off its fur, the creature tried to lunge at you.

Of course, you'd forgotten the pacifier gene. You always seemed to do that.

But Aligula was quick to defend you, throwing an instant fire starter at the little monster. Leaving you only slightly dazed after tripping on your coattails.

You blinked slowly, "Why... why'd you save me?"

"So you can keep cuddling me!" Aligula stamped her foot, grabbing the collar of your coat and dragging you off, "And since I saved your life, you can't get out of it!"

"But I made that creature for you, it was just about to become a cute little fluff ball!"

"No excuses! Cuddles!"

Day 4 [Zapp/ Lucky/ Femt]

Prompt: "I did love you..." "Did? What changed?"

Zapp

This really shouldn't be a surprise to Zapp, he had spent years coming home to a wrecked apartment. But there was something wrong about how his apartment looked right now, especially after how long you'd been with him.

Zapp had gotten used to a clean apartment after all this time.

Though it was hell, it still didn't take too long for Zapp to comb the city and find you. At a friend's house of all things, he knew this would be messy as hell. And it would hurt a hell of a lot worse than any other time something like this happened.

But the yelling never came, your friend had just... let Zapp in without fuss. The loudest the two of your voices got was only slightly above regular talking until...

"I did love you Zapp-"

"Did? DID!? What the hell changed?"

Zapp couldn't take the way your eyes welled up like that, he hated what you showed him even more. A text from someone he had been with before you two got together. He had gotten a woman pregnant in his carelessness.

Your ragged breath brought Zapp back to reality, "I just... I can't. I knew the kind of person you were, but... I can't deal with this, not like this."

"Yeah," Zapp rubbed the back of his neck shyly, "I get it."

.

Lucky

"I did love you-"

"Did?" You stood in the kitchen with your lover, "What changed Blitz?"

The older man sighed, not wanting to admit what was going on. He still did love you, but he needed to protect you. And being associated with him was the worst thing for you to be at the moment. Especially with a coven of blood breeds on the hunt through the city.

"Listen [Name], I can't explain it." A hand rested on your shoulder, "But know that this hurts me too. I loved you, and I want this to work. It simply won't. I'm sorry."

"You can never explain things to me!" Your emotions were boiling over, "I always have to blindly trust you! But you don't trust me! Why can't you just explain this one thing!?"

Lucky was about to break down, he knew most of this was hurt feelings. But he also knew you were right. He asked you to trust him all the time. Though this had nothing to do with how much he trusted you, it was all about protecting the one person he cared about more than life itself. He just didn't know how to do that without putting as much distance between the two of you as he could.

"I want you to be happy [Name]." He lowered his head, but kept eye contact, "And I know that I'm not the person you deserve. Please, understand that I never wanted this. I never wanted to let go, but I know this, our relationship, it isn't healthy. I'm sorry."

Lucky just stood there, watching you storm off. After you slammed the door, he finally shed a few tears.

.

Femt

It was hard to tell when your lover was joking or when he was serious. At first, you found it endearing, but even you had your limits.

"Where are you going dearie?" Femt tried moving your suitcases away from the door, "Don't tell me you have to hurry off to a meeting?"

His giggling was cut short by just how hard it was to move your luggage. Quickly turning to frustration as you moved them easily, right outside the door.

"I'm leaving." You let out a hard sigh, "I just can't... I..."

"Now don't give me that dearie." Femt tried to take the suitcases from your hands as you moved them, "Where are you going? You look like you packed everything but the kitchen sink."

Though Femt giggled, your annoyed grunt didn't escape him. He turned his attention to pulling you back into the house instead.

"What's wrong dearie? You aren't like this."

"Its over, us I mean." You broke his grip and kept moving your things to your car, "I can't stand being here much longer."

"But you love me." He tried to punctuate with a large grin but...

"I did love you Femt, but..."

"Did? What changed?"

"The joke is wearing thin." You turned, "The one where you can't take anything seriously. Everything has to be a joke, and it stopped being funny a long time ago."

Femt stopped, and while you couldn't tell what he was thinking he was frowning. Even in your rearview mirror, he just stood there frowning after you.

Day 5 [Klaus/ Steven/ Daniel]

Prompt: Worst way to find out your girlfriend is pregnant (kidnapping)

Klaus

The sight of police cars, and all the flashing red and blue lights clouded Klaus's vision. This... this couldn't be... surely this wasn't your apartment, right?

Klaus barely made it up to the front of the blockade around the doors, only for his worst suspicions to be confirmed. His heart sank faster than a stone in water, this couldn't be happening, right? Right!?

"Sir! Stay bac--"

"Klaus!" Daniel Law strode right over in a huff, "This is your girlfriend's place, right?"

"Yes it is Detective."

"Then you'd know more about if anything is missing." Daniel wasn't gentle about pulling Klaus into his worst nightmare, "Better to tell if this was a random attack or a targeted one."

Klaus tried to swallow the lump in his throat as he stepped into the torn-up living room. Everything was scattered about the floor, and apart from the empty feeling in the pit of Klaus's stomach it truly looked as if you were the only thing taken from your apartment.

Something clicked under Klaus's shoe. At first, he thought he had broken it completely, but there were only a few tiny plastic shards missing. Klaus had a feeling those shards were in the sole of his shoe but the plastic object had his full attention.

"What is it?" Daniel was peering around Klaus's arm, "Something finally out of place?"

Klaus just wordlessly picked up the pregnancy test he had stepped on. Upon further examination, his blood ran ice cold. Everything around Klaus stopped registering, nothing but this small piece of plastic in his hands was even real to him.

Whoever kidnapped you, had two reasons to be absolutely terrified when Klaus would inevitably break down their door.

.

Steven

As soon as Steven was finished with his work, he headed straight for your apartment. He had seen the numerous texts from you but he still had yet to read them all. He just knew that talking in person about whatever this was would be much better.

But the way the apartment was quiet was just too eerie for Steven's taste. Sure he knew you were likely fast asleep, but there was a feeling of unease hanging in the air tonight.

Steven took his time going through the whole apartment, flipping lights on as soon as he entered every room. And by the time he swept the whole place, it became crystal clear that you weren't here. Steven checked his phone to make sure you weren't just at his apartment tonight.

Steven felt something in the pit of his stomach, not a single message on here about being at his apartment but...

"I went to the doctor and found out I'm pregnant."

If anyone else were to see Steven, it would look like his very shadows were twisting and manifesting into clones of himself. However, this was simply his goon squad showing up, being given the orders to search for you wherever you were.

Steven would make sure that whoever did this would be buried in ice and shattered into dust.

.

Daniel

Daniel was hoping this was just someone getting the address slightly wrong, that you were completely safe and that it was actually someone else's house being robbed. But in this god-forsaken city who could really say.

For once there was nothing on the radio as he pulled into your driveway. His stomach turned as he looked at the front door wide open, something you'd never do. This was going to be bad.

Standing in the middle of scattered papers, broken decorations, and other random debris from what looked like your junk box, Daniel could only breathe as he tried to calm his nerves. Other officers were combing through the main parts of the house. It would be up to Daniel to check the bedroom and bathrooms, even professional officers weren't comfortable with this situation.

What Daniel did find was your phone sitting on the bathroom sink, next to a pregnancy test. It was clear that you were a random victim, and the most likely thing was that you were in here when the house was broken into. And interrupted the purp while he was searching for valuables, then forced into a car ride to escape quickly. Given there wasn't any blood or a body to speak of.

Daniel's hand gripped the bathroom counter until his knuckles turned white. All he could do right now was hope you were okay, that and maybe ask for help.

God, he hated the idea of asking them for help. But this wasn't a normal situation.

Day 6 [Leo/ Zapp/ Dog]

Prompt: "You're lucky you didn't get someone killed!"

Leo

This could have gone so much better. Leo should have tried talking you out of that Hail Mary attack. This was just painful to see. The scene replayed in his mind as you lay there, unresponsive in your hospital bed. Who knew how long you'd be passed out like that.

"Run Leo!"

"Huh? Not without you [Name]!"

"Just trust me Leo!" That look in your eye spurred Leo on, "Go! Now!"

He should have argued a little longer. Setting off all that magic at once had drained you completely, and the spells mixed in the worst ways possible. And worst than that was how Steven could just so casually dismiss it.

"Honestly, they just got lucky Klaus." The older dark-haired man sighed, "I mean, [Name] could have gotten someone killed."

Leo could see Klaus nodding from the corner of his eye. Either you or himself could have died, but you didn't. That's all that mattered.

.

Zapp

You could only wish you had Zapp's energy in battle. Sure, you could keep up but he just had some kind of zeal about himself. Maybe it was the literal hot blood he used to fight with.

"Heads up!"

Zapp's voice rang out from maybe twenty yards away, but you could tell that he barely dented the large metal obstruction. Meaning it was just your turn to tear something up.

You smacked it with all your might, blood hammer style was no joke after all. The debris raining down was proof enough of that, though some of it was still too large to not continue to repair itself.

Both you and Zapp kept batting the metal problem around until the core was exposed. Though the damage done across the city was far from ideal. Leading to both of you being scolded like kids.

"You need to be more careful!" Steven was just shy of gritting his teeth, "You could have gotten someone killed! Honestly, we expect Zapp to be like this but [Name]. You're supposed to be the voice of reason for him. Reign him in from time to time, not just blindly go along with the destruction."

Klaus had to lead Steven away before he popped a vein. You really couldn't argue much, for all intents and purposes, Steven was right. Didn't mean you had to like it, or neglect hastily made plans to go get a drink afterwards.

.

Dog

"Exo-Crimson."

You didn't get any kind of warning when Dog landed next to you. A large crater formed under him, causing you to lose your footing and struggle to do anything except flail. But you heard a woman screaming, her baby's carriage had slipped from her grip.

Acting as fast as you could, and losing a shoe in the process, you managed to save the infant, just not the stroller. Though the basket could be replaced, and the mother thanked you as you handed the small swaddled baby back to her, you still couldn't shake the anger rising in the back of your throat.

"Whew. That was close [Name]." Dog picked up your dropped shoe, "Another second and you would've been swarmed."

You couldn't help it, you snapped out of pure stress, "YOU'RE LUCKY YOU DIDN'T GET SOMEONE KILLED!"

Dog held his hands up in surrender, your shoe dangling from his thumb.

"Sugar Pie, c'mon. It wasn't that bad." He stopped just shy of where you stood, "I know I messed up your fighting but that thing was almost on top of you."

"Not me, there was a mother and her baby close by." You gestured to the wreck of a stroller, "I barely saved the kid. Just, please, be more careful. Our job is literally to protect civilians."

Dog's face fell when he noticed the mangled stroller. He really hadn't meant to do that. Boy was he lucky you were right there this time.

Day 7 [Klaus/ Steven/ Lucky]

Prompt: "Please just don't..."

Klaus

You couldn't believe what you were seeing. You shook your head, Klaus wasn't like this. He couldn't hurt a fly. You had to be dreaming, you just had to.

This wasn't his job... was it?

Klaus turned to the sound of your ragged breathing. He hadn't noticed you standing there at all. How much had you seen? Would you believe him if he told you the truth? He was slow to straighten up and walk towards you.

But then you backed away.

Both of you were shaking, different forms of fear clouding over each mind as the silence grew. Klaus didn't want to frighten you, he didn't want you to fear him. But you were absolutely terrified. You just saw Klaus rip a man in half.

You knew he was strong, but he was never vicious. There wasn't much of a reason for Klaus to do so either, not that you knew of.

Klaus attempted to step forward again, hands raised as non-threateningly as he could. His voice wasn't coming out of his mouth at all, no matter how many times he tried to explain. You just witnessed him tearing apart a robotic experiment meant to deceive and infiltrate his office.

"Please just don't!"

Klaus stopped at your request. His heart shattered over just how frightened you were. The pitch of your voice, how you turned and shut your eyes, how badly you were trembling. Klaus was utterly defeated. All because he couldn't find his voice.

He wanted to chase after you, but Klaus was rooted to the spot. Forced to watch you run away from him in fear.

.

Steven

"[Name]. [NAME]!"

Steven latched onto your arm, trying his best to pull you back gently. He hadn't meant what he said, but you were storming off. Steven just wanted to explain himself.

"[Name], please. Will you just listen?" Steven finally caught you, putting himself between you and the door, "Please, just let me explain myself?"

"You lied to me, Steven." You tugged your arm out of his grip, "I don't need an explanation. I need to leave."

"It wasn't a lie!" Steven kept getting in your way, "Listen! I still love you, I've always loved you. I just--"

"Just don't." You weren't very intimidating, despite trying to glare, "You only even went out with me on as a favor to someone else. I heard how you were bemoaning going through with it in the first place so just don't. For both our sakes."

"[Name]!" Steven just barely missed your arm as you slipped past, "[Name]! Please!"

You couldn't run because of the hot, bitter tears falling down your face, but you were determined to lose Steven in the crowded streets of the city. How could you have been so naive to think someone like him would actually want to be with you?

.

Lucky

Blitz was confused, usually, he was merely oblivious but this time having someone so casually walk up and hug you was bizarre. You hated being randomly hugged like that. So then what was this guy doing? And why did you seem not bothered by it?

"Blitz?" You waved a hand in front of his face, "Everything okay?"

"I thought you hated when people did that?" His head turned slowly, "Even when I try you ask me to stop. So what was that about?"

"Oh, that." You shuffled a little, "See, he's a close friend. Not close like that! But he's always... well, he always gives me hugs like that. I've learned not to fuss cause that just makes him hug me more often."

Blitz blinked, looking off to the side. His mind swirling with all the times he was "stubborn" about random hugs. Only for this old friend to be able to just waltz up and do it whenever. That just didn't sit right with the older gentleman.

"Blitz?" You tugged his sleeve nervously, "If it makes you feel--!"

"Please [Name], just don't." Lucky gently pushed your hand away, "I don't think there's anything you can say to make the situation any better at the moment."

"I'm sorry..."

You fell silent at the raised hand, "Just don't. I don't want to hear it, okay?"

Lucky felt horrible seeing you clam up like a small child in trouble, but he was doing his best not to snap. He has been dating you for a while now, and you still hated him giving you random hugs. It felt like you were finally telling Lucky where he really stood in your relationship.

Day 8 [Zapp/ Raju/ Femt]

Prompt: "I can't believe I trust you"

Zapp

*Plink*

Zapp looked down at the empty shot glass, absently reaching for the bottle of hard liquor on the counter. Today couldn't have gone worse. Everything he did was leading to this inevitable moment. It was his fault his life went up in flames...

And he knew it.

Throwing his head back, the memories played over as if on some torturous nightmare loop. Seeing you caught in the crosshairs of his sham of a love life was bad enough. It was hell, but he deserved it when you slapped him in the face. He had promised to stop.

It had been an empty promise.

And that had been the final straw. You left without looking back. If only you hadn't run out into the street like that. You would at least be able to... You'd still be...

*CLANK*

Your last words hung over Zapp's head like a guillotine blade. Dropping at the very end of each loop, starting the cycle over again.

"I can't believe I trusted you!"

Pouring another shot that Zapp raised in a dark toast, "Yeah, I can't believe it either sexy..."

.

Raju

The whole room was spinning wildly, Raju thought he could see cartoon birds floating around his head. But you were just sitting there and laughing. Whatever it was you found "fun" about that little teacup thing was lost on Raju.

He had to hold onto your shoulder for support. But even that wasn't easing the feeling in his gut. You barely managed to guide him to a trash can and a bench in time for him to lose the lunch you warned would be too big to enjoy the rest of the fair.

You had little choice but to go find a vendor with water and maybe a jumbo pretzel. Leaving Raju to not-so-silently curse at the ride in his native tongue.

Seeing you return with something for his stomach brought up more bitter feelings than relief. Even though the pretzel did look tasty.

"I can't believe I trusted you!" He whined, "That was not fun at all!"

"Well then," You played into his anger, "I guess you don't need this pretzel. Throwing shade like that."

"No wait, please." Raju changed his tone, "At least let me have one bite."

.

Femt

"I CAN'T BELIEVE I TRUSTED YOU! FEMT!!!"

It was rather early for this level of yelling, Femt had to lean out from the kitchen to see what had upset you this time. His grand scheme wasn't supposed to start until at least lunch.

"You broke my hairbrush!"

"Not to split hairs here, Dearie." Femt looked at the ruined object in your hands, "But I don't have teeth that can chew things like that. It was clearly Snuffles."

You crossed your arms, looking up at Femt while you tapped your foot.

"And just who made Snuffles in the first place?"

"Well, I don't see how that's much of an argument point, Dearie. Once a creature has sentient life..."

"You still made him and refused to train him." You huffed, "My broken hairbrush is your fault."

"Be mad at all you want, Dearie." Femt slipped an arm around your shoulders, "You still love me."

"Love is a strong word."

"But it's truuuue~!"

You sighed, turning your head to avoid looking at him, "You still owe me a hairbrush. You know how unruly my hair gets."

"Oh, fine Dearie." Femt pressed his face against yours, "But you know I still won."

You flailed a single hand at him. Not trying to slap, just wave him away.

Day 9 [Klaus/ Zed/ Raju]

Prompt: "I've made better choices, I have to admit"

Klaus

Having woken with a splitting headache, Klaus was not the least bit surprised to find himself in the hospital. He was grateful to be waking up at all, though the pained faces he saw twisted his heart in knots. From his close friends and teammates, Klaus half expected their misconceptions of having caused Klaus's injuries. What he wasn't expecting was you standing there like a ghost.

For once, Klaus couldn't read your face at all. He was able to placate everyone else and convince them he would bounce back easily. Telling them what they already knew, what they wanted to hear. But you were the last person to move at all. Refusing Steven's offer to go home just yet.

While Klaus was overall delighted to have a few moments alone with you, part of him dreaded what might come next.

"[Name], Liebling." Klaus reached towards you as you sat, same glassy stare, "I've made better choices I must admit."

Klaus couldn't bring himself to chuckle, not even half-heartedly at his own poorly executed joke. But seeing you not even react to his touch was deeply concerning to Klaus.

"Please, what's wrong Shatzi?"

"This." That cold and distant tone didn't suit you at all, "Seeing you like this isn't right. People like you don't get hurt, not like this. All these tubes and wires and--"

Klaus gently covered your mouth with his thumb. He knew what you meant, he agreed with you on some level, and yet...

"Liebling, this is the unfortunate underside of my job." He tried to coax you into looking at him, "I may fall, but I know I've done everything in my power to protect the people I treasure most. I struggle towards the light no matter how badly it might break my body. No matter the hell I have to go through, the fact that I'm protecting you, ensuring that you can go on and live whatever dreams that you'd fancy. I--"

"Can you stop that?!"

Klaus blinked, confused. You were unable to keep everything from spilling out. Klaus was the one hurt, you should have been strong for his sake. But you just couldn't take how he was talking at the moment.

You finally met his steady gaze, "You're injured. But you're still trying to comfort me. Where is the limit of your... of your..."

"Liebling--"

"Why do you have to be so perfectly selfless?"

You finally snapped, unable to get a full sentence out due to your crying. Hiccuping incomplete thoughts and apologies, trying to hide from Klaus but not really. Klaus knew you didn't mean to lash out like that, he understood just how it hurt you to see him like this.

To see that he just didn't falter even after nearly breaking every bone in his body.

.

.

Zed

There was too much going on at the moment. Zed was trying to ignore the blood staining his tank top, the way your breathing was slowing down from over his shoulder, and the words coming out of your mouth as he carried you through the dense jungle.

"I've made better choices..." You were struggling with breathing, "I have to admit."

"[Name], save your strength. We're almost out."

"I don't regret what I did back there." You needed to get this out, you didn't know if you would make it out, "I did what I had to do. Because I love you... I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

"I love you too sweetheart." Zed huffed a little as he climbed over a large root, "But please save your energy. We're almost out of here."

"Zed..."

The panic Zed felt as your head dropped against his shoulder was paralyzing. Everything was spinning in his mind, even moving forward felt wrong somehow. But he had to get you to safety, to someone who could help you.

Raju

Floating just at the foot of your hospital bed was something Raju never wanted to see. He knew you were a fang hunter, injuries would happen. But this time it was just too far. All these machines hooked up to make sure you were okay. He couldn't stand seeing you like this.

You were so weak looking and he hated it.

Raju almost fell out of the air when you stirred. Floating so close to you he might as well be on top of you. His glowing eyes burrowing into your soul.

"I've made better choices I have to admit."

No response. Raju just hovered there, blinking and watching your every move. Every slight wince as you moved and breathed. You couldn't brush any of this under the rug, Raju was worried and pissed.

"What were you doing to end up like this?"

Raju's voice was practically knives as he spoke. You knew why he wanted this information.

"It was a demon beast, a natural one." You said slowly, "Klaus mentioned it was handled before I passed out from the pain killers."

Raju sighed in a strained way. Weighing his options, what did he really want at the moment?

You were pleasantly surprised when he settled carefully around your shoulder. Stroking your hair slowly and just breathing. There wasn't anything he could say in this moment, nothing he could really do. Just sit here and make sure you were safe.

Day 10 [Leo/ Zapp/ Chain]

Prompt: Worst way to find out a man has cancer

Leo

The look the cashier gave the two of you was interesting, to say the least. Two young men buying a pair of pregnancy tests was understandably questionable. But considering both you and Leo were slightly drunk, it went completely unnoticed once a second glance was given. Taking pregnancy tests just seemed funny to both of you.

Yet, by the time the two of you woke up with a slight hangover, Leo checked the tests himself. Concerned when neither one matched the other.

"Uh, [Name]."

You poked your head into the bathroom, glancing up and down to try and see what the problem was from a distance.

"Do you remember which one was which?"

"Uh, no." You scratched your head, "I barely even remember taking those. Why?"

"One of them shows up pregnant."

You stopped mid-step, blinking in disbelief, "We should probably go to a doctor and see if that means anything."

Leo sat next to you while Dr. Estevez explained what it even meant, she agreed to see both of you at the same time since they couldn't tell her whose was whose. After taking a second test, Leo felt a strange sense of disbelief.

How has he not figured this out sooner? He spent so much time with you after all.

.

Zapp

Being far less drunk than you, Zapp managed to talk you into taking a pair of pregnancy tests. Though when you found them on the bathroom counter, you freaked out a bit. One of the tests had shown two lines.

This was bad. So very bad.

"Zapp!"

A loud groan from the bed as springs creaked, "Wha..??"

"Which is who's?"

Zapp scratched at his hair, rubbing his eyes to see better. Blinking a couple times in the bright lights.

"Uuuh, this one was yours I think."

"Think or know?"

Zapp half glared as your panic was taking a minute to sink into his slightly hungover brain. He closed his eyes to think clearer.

"The one on the left was yours, stud." Zapp sighed, "What does it even matter?"

"I gotta go to a doctor."

"Huh?" Zapp broke from his stupor in an instant, "What for?"

.

"I read it somewhere that this is a sign of cancer. Something about the hormones or something in pee. I can't even remember where I saw it nor any of the details."

As badly as Zapp wanted to scoff and dismiss this, you were a bit too panicked for it to be easily brushed off. And he'd be lying to say he wasn't worried himself.

Chain

Normally Chain found your drunk antics cute, especially since she could handle her liquor just a little better. But when your dare was to take a pregnancy test, and then it showed up positive...

Chain freaked out.

That was enough to sober you up some, though you didn't know why she was freaking out like this. It was just a weird thing these tests did, wasn't it? After all, you were a guy no way you could get pregnant.

Actually in this city...

But you never did anything to have even a remote chance of that. Right?

Regardless, you submitted Chain's insistence on going straight to Dr. Estevez to explain what happened.

And that's when the bomb dropped. You had testicular cancer and somehow this stupid little piece of plastic had picked up on it.

At least Chain's reaction made sense now...

Day 11 [Steven/ Dog/ Femt]

Prompt: "Don't expect me to stay"

Steven

How was Steven supposed to deal with this? How could he trust you again? Knowing that you had willingly withheld information like that. If you'd let him know sooner things wouldn't have been so bad. People would still be alive and innocents would have been saved.

But this was the reality he had to live with.

"[Name]." You turned to the dark-haired man, "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"It didn't seem-"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING!"

You recoiled. There was no way to keep this up, Steven wasn't fooled any longer. Everything you had planned was going up in flames. While you had your reasons for believing Steven would be okay with this, he clearly wasn't.

Steven made a noise somewhere between a sigh and a grunt, "Nevermind. Once this is over, don't expect me to say with you."

"Steven..."

"No. I've made up my mind." Steven turned away from you, "You crossed a line. You knowingly crossed a line today. If I see you again after today, don't expect me to be nice."

.

Dog

For as forgetful as Dog tended to be, not hearing from him for months on end hurt. You needed some kind of closure even after you moved on. Something didn't feel right about the situation at all and you needed answers.

Went you looked up from covering your eyes, you had to blink a few times. A giant red... thing was laying in the rubble. But whatever, or whoever, it was seemed to recognize you, wiggling to free itself and stand up.

"[Name]!" You froze, "You're here! Its so good to see you!"

"D-dog!?" You spun, almost falling on your butt, "But how? What? Where have you been?"

The familiar face of your ex popped out from the lower chest of the red creature. Exactly the way you remembered him, right down to the charming smile. However an unfamiliar voice answered back.

"Really!? You forgot about Aligula until just now when this is what she took from you?"

"Hey, be nice Deldro." Dog sighed, "Of course, I'd think more about the good times rather than the bad."

Was... was he arguing with himself? Or was the red thing this Deldro? How did this happen? And who was Aligula? It felt like everything was spinning around you, this whole situation had more questions than answers.

Technically, if someone else was to blame, were you still justified in leaving? You didn't know the whole story after all. And yet, you were still hurt by what happened. Dog's absence had affected you greatly.

"Dog." You finally spoke up, breaking the half-argument, "I... I don't think I'll ever really understand this. And while I'm glad to see you're okay, in a sense... don't expect me to stick around... or wait for you or whatever the case maybe."

Dog's face fell in a frown, "But [Name], I... I can work something out. We could at least see each other every other week. I still love you."

"I'm sorry." You looked up, tears threatening to form and fall, "I just, I can't. You mentioned someone else looking for you. What if they try to target me because I'm seeing you? Not to mention that I'm with someone else. I just, I can't stay like this. Knowing I won't be able to call you whenever just to talk. I'm sorry."

"[Name]..."

You walked off, leaving Dog to raise a single hand as if he were to follow you. But he knew nothing about this situation was fair to either of you. That you were right, everything about Aligula he had heard and remembered suggested you'd be in danger if anyone ever found out.

.

Femt

This had to be the last straw, for your own sanity. Femt constantly unleashing monsters on the city, destroying places you liked going to, hurting and even killing people you liked talking to...

Something had to give, eventually.

"And where are you sneaking off to Dearie?" Femt was trying to tug your bag from your hands, "Going on a vacation without me?"

You sighed heavily, "After everything I've asked, everything you've ignored... did you really expect me to stay?"

"What are you talking about? This isn't about Fenny stepping on that one ice cream stand you like, is it?"

"Its not the only thing." You shoved the door open with your shoulder, "I know I said I'd be okay with the moral darkness of your actions, but when you're constantly ignoring my requests for you to tone it down just a little..."

Femt frowned. He shouldn't have to tone down chaos just because you want to keep your favorite churro place. And its not like humanity doesn't just rebuild every time something gets squished. So why was this your deal breaker?

Day 12 [Klaus/ Zed/ Lucky]

Prompt: "Take me instead"

Klaus

Klaus couldn't believe his eyes, trapped by the blood breed that had tried to turn him. You had been blindsided as well, Klaus forced to watch helplessly as you were tossed to the side like a ragdoll. Both of your best attempts were thwarted in swift actions only for the blood breed to completely disregard you in favor of Klaus.

"Now then..."

It sneered down menacingly, and Klaus struggled to move. How did this creature get the upper hand? Why was it after Klaus again? Mr. Abrams had sealed that part of him away, it would be pointless for the blood breed to try and turn Klaus at this point.

"Wait!" Klaus's fearful gaze turned to you as you cried out, "Take me instead."

The blood breed's sneer curled up into a sickening grin. Klaus couldn't even feel his own heart beating. He wanted to stop you, he needed to stop you. Klaus didn't want to lose you like this. He didn't want to lose you at all.

~~~~~

"Nooo!"

Klaus sat up in bed with a roar. Startling you right off the other side causing you to crash to the floor. Your head popped up, ready to fight... something. But you were just met by the sight of your lover panting heavily, eyes shut tightly, hands sliding over his face.

It made you hesitate to climb back up on the bed, you didn't know what made Klaus react like that.

"Klaus?" His head jerked up, swiveling to see you standing beside the bed, "Are you okay? Do you wanna talk about whatever you just woke up from?"

You panicked when you saw tears forming in Klaus's eyes, scrambling up on the bed to try and comfort him to the best of your ability. Only to be squished in the tightest of hugs as Klaus buried his face against your neck.

Whatever had spooked Klaus, you knew it had to be horrible... and likely a dream where he lost you in some way.

.

Zed

This was harrowing. Zed couldn't think of a way out of this situation at all. He knew going to a comedy show like this was a bad idea. There was a huge spotlight shining down right on top of him, several people either clicking their tongues in disgust or urging him to go up on the stage.

He blamed you for this nonsense. And he would refuse to accompany you to any other "oh it'll be fun" social ventures for quite some time.

Zed never should have raised his hand to take your place on stage like that. He regretted saying "take me instead" to a bunch of performers whose job was to make fun of people.

Sure, he meant to do it to keep you from dealing with the social anxiety of being up on stage. But he detested how many "fish-boy" jokes were being thrown his way. It was as if he were surrounded by an army of Zapp doppelgangers, at least personality-wise.

You would owe him something when all this was over with. Maybe a quiet day at home for once... Zed would have to think about it, that's for sure.

.

Lucky

How was this a normal occurrence for you? Lucky had to stop and ponder the severity of the situation, despite you constantly trying to tell him this was not the time for that.

"Just move!" You frantically pushed your lover through the trees, "You can think about this later Blitz!"

"But--!"

You shoved Blitz into a small hollow of a tree, he was jammed in just so he couldn't wiggle out. Not for his lack of trying. But it was far too late, the metamorph entity that had been trailing both of you was gaining, fast.

"Move mortal." Its voice was raspy, cold. Like a winter wind over a frozen lake, "I seek the other."

"Why?" You were trembling all over, but standing your ground. Well, shifting to block the creature at every movement, "Why do you want Blitz?"

"It is inevitable..."

"Take me instead!" Everything seemed to freeze in place, especially Lucky from his squished position in the tree, "If it's a pound of flesh you need, then take me!"

The cold laugh the creature gave off made your spine crawl, "Very well brave one. I can make do with a different human just this once..."

Lucky tried to free himself from the tree far more vigorously than before. That thing hadn't been after you at all. And yet you willingly gave yourself up for his sake.

He needed to track this thing down and fast. Just as soon as he could get free from the blasted tree!

Day 13 [Daniel/ Raju/ Aligula]

Prompt: "...Always something more important"

Daniel

This ate at Daniel, always having to run off. And in the middle of dates no less. So when he saw you gathering things in your shared apartment, he couldn't blame you for what you were doing.

"Pie, listen." Daniel wasn't trying to get in your way at all, "I know this has been a lot. And that you deserve someone who can give you more of their time. But-"

"I don't want to hear it, Danny." You were fighting back tears, "If it was just work I'd understand. But this seems to be everything. It isn't just that work is more important, I knew what dating a police officer would mean, what it would be like. This is everything else."

Daniel stopped, still holding onto one of your scarves, "What do you mean?"

"It seems that everything from spots games, to whatever you're doing on the computer, to even your brother's problems... no matter how big or small an issue. It just seems like there's always something more important than me."

"Pie..." Daniel tried to grab your hand, "C'mon Pie, you know that's not true..."

"No, I kinda don't." You started walking for the door with your suitcase in hand, "And its a little too late for explanations now."

.

Raju

This was strange, to say the least. Raju was certain he knew where your apartment was. And yet, the window was closed and there was no sign that you were even still in this apartment building.

Had something happened? Were you evicted? Was it just getting too loud at night?

Raju managed to find you by some miracle, unsure why you wouldn't tell him if something was going wrong. He wanted to help after all, as much as he could.

"[Name], what happened?" Raju floated down beside your car, "I tried to return home but the window was closed, and it looked as if you moved."

You let out a deep sigh, "Raju, I just... I can't handle the long stretches of alone time. I understand why, I just. It comes off as you always having something more important to do. So I closed the window myself. And... packed away most of the knick knacks."

Raju reached out to touch your shoulder, upset when you drew back.

"[Name], I don't know what to tell you. My work has always been dangerous and learning to share my life with someone else is... its not something I've done before."

You looked at him, this had to be the first time he's ever shared anything about his past. At least, anything concrete that wasn't training or the past... 20-something years. Though, you didn't even know how old Raju was so who knows what counts as recent history for him.

"My kind aren't exactly known for creating familial units the way humas do. We only ever spend time together for sexual interactions and the occasional feast. But if you're telling me that you need me to be around more often, then I can attempt to do so. It won't be easy, but I believe it will be worth it."

Raju still didn't have a filter when it came to speaking his mind, but there was a kind of sweetness to his words. It was still difficult to justify him being gone for 8 months at a time, though if you used that summoning method as a reminder...

.

Aligula

Aligula was hunched over a large paper, plans for another pass at Deldro and Hummer. Her thoughts had flown right out the window when she noticed Klaus on the television a couple of days ago. And no matter what you said or did, she wasn't budging in the slightest.

"Lily, tell me something I don't know." You propped up on your elbows, "What's so special about this guy? Like why are you going after him when you have me right here?"

"Becaaaause!" She whined, "I was dating Deldro first. And then the million and one chances of finding Hummer, with his perfect face to just die for fell right in my lap. I neeeed them back in my life."

You sighed, straightening up, "They're always gonna be more important huh?"

Aligula didn't even register what you said. Nor did she know that you'd left until after her defeat. She spent a good three hours looking everywhere for you, but all she found was a small note.

"Always gonna be second best, aren't I? You'll always have something more important to do..."

Day 14 [Leo/ Zapp/ Chain]

Prompt: "This is killing you!"

Leo

The frown Leo had was becoming a bit too pronounced for your liking. Sure, he knew you were a more reckless kind of person, that your skills are basically why Libra kept sending you off to do dangerous stuff. But he could see the curse you were keeping under wraps. He promised to keep it secret but...

"This is going to kill you [Name]!"

You really wished he wouldn't have started this in front of everyone, "I'll be fine Leo. I've survived worse."

Leo almost growled, making Klaus worry and intervene.

"[Name], is everything alright?" You were getting trapped into revealing this, "Is there a deeper injury you haven't told us about?"

"No, I'm perfectly fine Klaus." Though you weren't so sure of that yourself in all honesty, "Its just this last time was a bit much and I've been limping a little on sore heels after relaxing for so long. Its nothing I haven't dealt with before and Leo's just over exaggerating."

Leo frowned harder, if that was even possible, and started tapping his foot, "So sue me for being worried. I can't help it."

.

.

Zapp

You didn't like sitting in the hospital listening to Zapp flirt with the nurses like this. But you also didn't have the courage to say anything about liking him as more than a friend. So self-torment it is.

Though the way you were crossing your arms and scowling wasn't lost on Zapp. While the two of you weren't involved, you were roommates and had been friends for what felt like an eternity. He knew when you were pissed over something.

"What's eating you this time Nacho?"

You clicked your tongue, "This is the fifteenth time this month you landed yourself in the hospital Peño."

"So what? No one said you gotta show up every time ya know."

The glare you gave him made Zapp recoil a little. But he wasn't going to back down from this. Yeah, he liked the company, but he didn't need you to stick around like this all the time.

"Well spit it out already."

"This is gonna kill ypu one of these days."

"So? Why do you care?"

"Because I love you Dip Stick."

Zapp sat there blinking, but the steadily deepening red across your cheeks was no mistake. He hadn't stopped long enough to think about you like that, given you were so stubborn about genuine relationships and all that. Friends sure, but Zapp knew what you wanted from a relationship didn't match his life style at all.

"Not like it'll ever matter." You stood up to leave, unable to take the silence, "Still hurts to see you like this all the time. Knowing your job will kill you if some random chic doesn't get to you first."

Zapp was too dumbfounded to stop you or keep flirting with the nurses checking on him.

Chain

Chain finally answered her phone after what her boss explained to you. Having to find out through third degree like this was bad enough. But for her to up and almost wipe out her existence to the point where you wouldn't even remember her at all was too far.

"Chain here."

"What the hell?" Your voice was absolutely cracked from emotional strain, "I called like a dozen times and had to ask your boss where you were!"

"Okay, first off, I'm sorry. I should've told you about the emergency mission I was needed for." Chain waved her hand down as if she were talking to you in person, "Second, I wasn't going to go that far. It was close, but I pulled out at the last second--"

"THAT DOESN'T MATTER!" You were beside yourself with how calmly she was talking, "THIS JOB IS GONNA KILL YOU IN THE WORST WAY POSSIBLE!"

"[Name]!" Chain tried breaking through your rant, "Its fine! I had the situation under control. Please, calm down."

"CALM DOWN? CALM DOWN!" You screeched, "YOU EXPECT ME TO CALM DOWN? I ALMOST LOST YOU AND WOULDN'T EVEN HAVE MEMORIES OF YOU! DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!"

Chain sighed quietly. The best thing she could do was wait for your anger to ride out on its own. And hope that you'd let her make this up to you with a night in. Some Ghibli movies and no phones type of thing.

Day 15 [Steven/ Daniel/ Raju]

Prompt: "You can't be here"

Steven

This night couldn't have gotten worse if Steven tried. You had stumbled into his workspace, and seen things he didn't want you to know about. Every part of his mind was screaming to have this cleared up, that this was wrong and you needed to leave... but all that came from his mouth was...

"You can't be here."

Despite the tone of Steven's voice, it still pulled you from the sight of a dead body. Frozen with a strange look on their face. You managed to tear your eyes away. You didn't feel anything, your mind and body felt numb, as if they weren't yours anymore.

"[Name], you can't be here." Steven repeated, "C'mon, you need to leave, right now."

Steven couldn't make anything out about what you might be thinking. His worry mounted higher and higher as you just stared back. Was it possible you were just shell-shocked? Steven had all but forgotten what that could look like after years on the job, years in this city.

"[Name], say something."

Steven gently shook you by the shoulders, upset by how cold you were. A soft sigh escaped the dark-haired man, this would torment him to no end. But for now, Steven lead you away from the scene. Carefully hiding your face from onlookers and whispering soft promises to relax once you got home.

.

Daniel

Having ignored his phone all day, Daniel just waltzed into your apartment without thinking about it. When he found you in the kitchen, he didn't understand why you were suddenly smacking him. He felt so very confused as he fended off weak slaps from you.

"What!?" Daniel held your wrists out so the most you could do was wiggle, "What did I do?"

"You can't be here right now." You whined, "I'm planning something. I sent you so many texts telling you not to come straight here. You were supposed to meet me at your place."

Daniel blinked a little at you, "What for? And no, I haven't checked my phone for hours."

You kicked at Daniel weakly, pouting even as he let go of your wrists.

"Though that does explain why it smells so good in here." Daniel was trying to smooth things over, "Maybe I just stick around and we act like this was the plan?"

As much as you wanted to stay upset... "You're lucky you're cute. And that it's your birthday."

Daniel just stood there for a second. Was today his birthday? Did he really forget about that? Geez he needed a full day off.

.

Raju

Whatever you were doing in this city, Raju felt it was too dangerous for you to even live here. That couldn't be more true at this moment as you were stuck in the middle of a fierce battle.

If you had been a fang hunter, then Raju would be okay with it a bit. Being a fang hunter would give you plenty of skills to protect yourself. But you had no way of really doing anything except fighting like a scared animal.

And that just wasn't enough for Raju.

You shielded your face with both arms from the sudden fire in front of you. Whatever the creature was, it was a pile of ash now. Raju seemed to drop out of nowhere right in front of you, scaring the people right behind you.

"You really can't be here [Name]."

Raju was trying to pull you away, getting a very brave teenager attempting to fight him. While he could have defended himself with fire, you caught the wooden plank. It seriously hurt, but you were a bit faster than Raju for a second.

"It's fine," You tried to shake the pain out of your hand, "He won't hurt me, he's just stubborn and forceful."

Raju was both surprised that you could react so fast and upset that you got injured on his behalf. To the point that he was stopped in the street to check over your hand. Part of him wanted to attack the teenager, but Raju knew that would upset far more people than would be acceptable. Especially upsetting you since you had been trying to help protect these people in the first place. Though focusing on the splinters in your hand was a little comforting to him.

Day 16 [Leo/ Dog/ Lucky]

Prompt: "You wouldn't understand"

Leo

Running for his life should be a rare occurrence, but here was Leo doing so for the third time today alone. All he could think about to calm his nerves was how you'd be waiting for him when he got off. What he wasn't prepared for was you grilling him.

"What do you mean you were running for your life all day?" You weren't sure if you were more upset at what Leo was saying or the fact that he was hurt again, "No one should run for their life and then be so nonchalant about it later."

"[Name], sweetie, I'm fine really." Leo tried to tug you back down onto the couch, "I have to deal with people trying to mug me and my job is just like this."

"So quit that job." You huffed as you settled next to him, "You shouldn't have to put your life in harm's way!"

Leo wanted to be kind and understanding over this, but he had a breaking point, "You wouldn't understand this [Name]!"

"What wouldn't I understand?" Your head snapped towards Leo, "You get hurt on the job all the time. So you can't tell me the exact details, but you clearly are a kind of police officer or other government official. And both of those can't keep you like a contract."

"It's not like that." Leo sighed, "It's really similar, but I can't just leave."

You could only sigh and click your tongue. This was getting ridiculous.

.

Dog

You couldn't help but feel a bit melancholy as you sat trying to read a book. It was such a long chapter describing things that wouldn't pay off. You knew over half of this was just hyper-fixation on a mundane day. A second reading was somehow worse despite being a favorite book.

"Whatcha doin' Gummy?" Dog sidled up next to you on the couch, "Which one is this?"

"I don't think you'd understand it." Though you did hold up the spine of the book, "It's pretty far into the series. And it's one of the boring 'this is why we fight' parts."

Dog's expression twisted in an interesting way as he read the title. While he was familiar with you reading this series, he really didn't have a clue what the whole thing was about.

.

Lucky

"What did you do that for!?"

You had thrown out one of Blitz's "experiments" because he was doing the same old thing with the blood breed hand he had to keep with him. To be honest, you felt like you were keeping him from poisoning himself.

"[Name]!" Lucky tried to stop you from locking up his blood breed supplies, "Why are you doing all this?"

"Saving you from yourself." You sighed, "Trying to eat a sandwich with blood breed blood on it isn't going to do anything but poison you."

"You don't know that! You wouldn't understand what I'm trying to do!"

You pinched your nose, "I shouldn't have to tell you that eating blood, especially monster blood, is a dangerous idea. If you really want to figure out how living matter digests this, get a bunch of rats."

Lucky almost looked like he was deflating. You knew you'd won the argument as you finally put the lock on the safe. Why this had to be something you had to keep reminding him of was beyond you.

Day 17 [Steven/ Lucky/ Daniel]

Prompt: Working with an EX

Steven

This was going to be a tense situation. Steven knew that he'd have to work with you. Things hadn't ended nicely, the two of you last saw one another after a massive argument. Heated words and a few breakable things were thrown around like confetti.

It still ate at Steven.

Thankfully you were laying nice, for now. Steven was just waiting for the knife to drop, the first tense thing would be the worst. And Steven had so many things swirling in his head. Possible apologies he would say, the time he took to ruminate and found that he was the one in the wrong.

He blamed himself for--

"I guess that's it then." You turned to leave, "If Klaus needs me for another mission, he knows how to contact me."

"[Name], can we talk." Steven wasn't expecting you to just break everything abruptly, "Please?"

"Please doesn't sway this wicked and twisted soul darling." You looked up at him, "And why do you even want to talk? Don't you have to rush back to work?"

Steven rubbed the back of his neck. Yeah, that had been the whole argument in a nutshell. But he wasn't going to give up on this, he missed you.

.

Lucky

.

This was basic torture to Lucky, having to ask you to help after everything the two of you went through. Sure, things ended decently enough, but he still felt guilty about why the two of you broke up.

And here you were, helping him infiltrate a masquerade party as his date. The familiarity and comfort he felt as you held his hand, as you danced a slow waltz with him...

He should have done more to keep ypu in his life.

Even the way you instinctively leaned against his shoulder filled him with regret.

"Look over my shoulder." You whispered, "By the black double door."

The lack of animosity gave Lucky some hope things could go back to how it used to be. The whole mission had been a success, after all, the two of you still worked perfectly together. Lucky wasn't quite ready to let go.

"I should've been there for you when you needed me."

Him suddenly saying that caught you off guard. Turning to look at the older man, you tilted your head.

"Blitz." You didn't want to fall back into the same old routine with him, "Please don't start. We just weren't right for each other. And that's okay."

Daniel

Blinking after a quick double take Daniel couldn't believe that you were still around Hellsalem's Lot. Though you were part of Libra, so it wasn't that unreasonable...

But having to work with you for this. You being an informant between Libra and the HLPD and all. Even though right now, you were escorting him on a stakeout. Meaning the two of you were trapped in the same car... for hours.

"Listen [Name]," Daniel rubbed the back of his neck, "I know we didn't always see eye to eye. Given how we work for two different companies and all..."

"The worst part was the lying." You admitted, "I was always having to lie to protect you Danny. We can't go back to that. It wasn't healthy."

"My favorite lie was when you told me you love me."

You looked Daniel in the eye, unmistakable that the words had come from him.

"That was never a lie."

Day 18 [Zapp/ Zed/ Raju]

Prompt: Broken bone

Zapp

"Holy f&^k!" Zapp skid to a stop next to you, unsure what he was even looking at, "What the sh^t happened to you?!"

"You tell me smarta$$!" You bit back, looking at your own armbone like this was harrowing, "I mean honestly, it isn't rocket science!"

.

Zapp couldn't help but panic. Not only were you down for the count but you were losing blood fast. Even in the semi-paralysis, he felt his instincts took over. Wrapping your arm, trying to straighten the bone and hope that it would be sealed enough for someone to completely fix later on.

That did not stop him from pacing and thumping his foot whenever told to sit down. He needed to know you'd be okay, even if that meant you were stuck in a cast for a few months.

.

Zed

Zed checked his phone over and over. This wasn't like you at all, even if it was a simple emoji, you'd have answered his texts by now.

It wasn't until his phone buzzed loudly, nearly causing him to drop it, that Zed finally got his answer. You had been rushed straight to a hospital for several serious injuries.

Once he was in the room with you, Zed finally asked what all had been going on. Why would you need to be rushed in like this?

"I have several hairline fractures and one massive chip in my lower leg." You had to take deep breaths, "Everything else is just minor by comparison."

Zed shakily moved a chair over, "Elaborate. Please, for my sake."

"A couple of bruises along my spine and my shoulder joint popped out of place." You tried to move your arm as a demonstration, but Zed stopped you, "Literally everything else is minor cuts and scrapes. I promise."

"As long as you also promise not to over do it."

"I'll make no such promises..."

Zed frowned at your attempt at humor. But at least you tried to make light of the situation.

Raju Comes back after a long while and is stunned to see a cast and crutches

Another long time spent away from you meant Raju had no clue what to expect when he landed. Even so, seeing you all but boxed in on the couch was not something he thought he'd see... ever.

"And what happened?" Raju's voice made you jump, you hadn't heard him land, "Why is your foot up on the table? Why is it wrapped like that? Who did this to you?"

Your head dropped, it was an embarrassing story for you to repeat.

"First of all, I did this to myself... sorta." You turned toward Raju only to follow him as he hopped in front of you, "Second, its just a broken bone in my foot so I have to be extra careful with it."

"So what happened that you broke bones in your foot?"

Raju didn't know how to interpret the grimace across your face. But he wasn't going anywhere until you answered him... And you knew this.

"Well..." You really didn't want to tell this to anyone but... "I was helping Mrs. Orif bring her large dog in because it was about to rain. And the dog was tugging on the lead a bit too hard, half dragging me. So when my foot hit the concrete stairs... all my weight on the bone... it kinda went... snap"

Raju let out a grumpy sigh. Of course, you'd just have to go help someone else and get injured in the process. Though he had to concede if Mrs. Orif had tried to do so herself then the dog would have likely broken something more than a foot. But that was beside the point! Raju was still deeply upset that you got hurt at all. And refusing to let you get up without him hovering at your side. He would make sure you were safe until your foot healed.

Day 19 [Steven/ Lucky/ Femt]

Prompt: "This wasn't supposed to happen"

Steven

Mere moments after his attempt to impress you by pouring a little wine from the bottle, right into a hot skillet, Steven realized his mistake. The flame caught his sleeve, but he managed to keep it off the bottle. You did the only thing you could think of and just threw the glass of cold tea on Steven.

At the very least, the fire went out...

Steven stood there sopping wet and embarrassed. Once the shock wore off, you began giggling at the situation. Making Steven blush and turn away a little.

"I-I-I'm sorry." You finally gasped out, holding a hand in front of you, "I... it just..."

You succumbed to loud chuckling, Steven joining in. He had to admit, it was pretty funny for him to mess up this badly, even if it was his own fault for trying something so dangerous in the first place.

"That wasn't supposed to happen though." Steven still tried defending his actions, "That usually works without the fire going up the stream."

Between his pouty face and slightly red blush, ypu couldn't help but delve into pure laughter. Until...

SNORT

You finally stopped, both hands covering your nose and mouth... and a little blush that flew in out of nowhere. Both of you just stopped, before Steven smirked. Maybe he hadn't ruined the night after all.

.

.

Lucky

Things like this don't just happen. No, this had been a carefully planned, carefully calculated attack against his partner. Lucky felt absolutely helpless saying what you'd become. Even if you were able to keep that part of yourself under control, there wasn't anything anyone could do to reverse the process.

Not even a little.

You didn't need sleep, not really. But it felt nice to lay next to Blitz. Knowing he still trusted you to be this vulnerable around what he knew to be a monster of sorts. He never called you one directly. In fact, He tended to clam up, becoming extremely cagey whenever his work involved other blood breeds.

"Zzz... no..." Lucky had developed a habit of sleep-talking, or maybe you just noticed because you were able to stay up all night, "Not... shouldn't... not right..."

You tried to calm Blitz down, gently stroking the side of his face. Unsure if you were even good at this anymore, given how cold your hands were now. A soft whisper into an otherwise empty room...

"I know this wasn't supposed to happen... but it'll be okay..."

Femt

One too many beakers in his arms and a poorly placed cord meant Femt was bound to trip eventually. Except this time, you were caught in the crosshairs. Several different types of liquids in various states of solidity had splashed across your arms, neck, and chest.

Both of you looked at one another, clear panic and fear before you collapsed. Writhing in pain and shrieking your head off. Femt unable to tear his eyes away from the sight of your body contorting in spectacular fashion.

He didn't know what to do. The experimental goops had already been absorbed into your body, there was a high likelihood that this couldn't be reversed at all.

Then you went still.

The fear that this had killed you crashed in around Femt's ears. He scrambled to your side and started checking your vitals. His hands slid over new protrusions ranging from thick horns to softer lumps that would surely contain new organs... or repeats.

Heartbeat? Good. Breathing? Steady. Body temperature? Definitely higher than normal, but this could be the new normal for you.

Or it could mean you would die of heatstroke.

Femt couldn't do anything except hope you'd be okay... and mutter to himself.

"Oh Dearie, I'm so sorry." He tried to control his panic and tears, "This was never supposed to happen."

Day 20 [Chain/ Dog/ Aligula]

Prompt: "You're bleeding... badly"

Chain

Upon hearing a loud shout from the kitchen, Chain rushed in. Not entirely sure what to do, or even how she could help. All she knew was to make an attempt. However, the scene she ran into was not pretty.

You had cut part of your finger open while slicing onions.

Chain winced a little, "You're bleeding... badly."

"You think?" You were already sobbing because of the onions, "Could you just get some bandages? And the neosporin."

Chain didn't really know how you got so distracted, but at the very least it wasn't an extremely deep wound. Just one that would sting for a couple days and require extra care.

And Chain would have to be the one to finish cooking. Something she wasn't very good at in the first place. ...at least most of it was done already.

.

Dog

Being part of a group like Libra came with certain expectations. One of which was being injured on the job. Unfortunately for you, that also extended to your slightly oblivious lover. And boy was he a damage sponge.

So it was no surprise when the dust settled, that Dog was completely ignoring the gaping blood stain running down his side. Only bothering to look when you backed away from his hug.

"You're bleeding." You pointed at his lower ribcage, "Badly. You should probably get to a doctor to have it looked at."

Dog blinked, looking down at the growing stain, "It could also be Deldro trying to play a prank."

Regardless, Dog lifted his shirt and revealed that NOPE! he had somehow burst open a whole bruise and Deldro was trying to stem the bleeding, to very little sucess.

You really needed to start carrying around massive rolls of bandages. Though thankfully Gilbert was always prepared for situations like this. Now you just had to hope he wasn't infected... that would make everything 100x worse.

.

Aligula covered in blood so can't tell if it be hers or something elses

Looking up from your book you nearly jumped out of your chair. Aligula was standing there, covered in blood. While this was normal on some level, it was still deeply disturbing. Needless to say, you had several questions...

"Why are you covered in blood? Who's blood is it? Are you bleeding?"

Aligula looked down at her ruined clothes, "Huh, on right. I forgot about the blood."

You couldn't help but facepalm. Of course, she 'forgot' about the blood on her clothes. It was a simple matter of forcing her into the bathroom to make sure she wasn't seriously injured... and enduring the flirting about "taking advantage" of her.

Shaking your head and kissing the top of hers, you stood back so she could strip and step into a warm shower.

"Uh, Lily... you're bleeding." You placed a gentle hand on the small of her back, just under a large wound, "Badly."

"Where?"

She twisted in the shower, trying to see where you had your hand. You moved so she could see herself in the mirror.

"There. What happened?"

"I dunno. I was trying to fix something and heard a loud crash."

"So then something must have fallen and scraped you." You sighed, "But that doesn't explain the rest of the blood."

"Oh that," Aligula smiled, it was kinda creepy, "I was working on the cutest little thing. It should be waking up soon."

You tried, you really tried to not be surprised that Aligula would go back to living being experimentation. But all you could do to distract yourself was help her bandage the thankfully shallow cut on her back.