Whumptober 2023 - Tumblr Posts

Whumptober 2023

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

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

If only...

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

"Steven."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Steven? Hello?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Te quiero mάs."

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

Whumptober 2023

Day 3: Deep cut that needs stitching [x Leo]

This was not going well at all, running through a dark maze of alleys while holding your side. Just as you made it to the end of the alley, Leo pulled up on his little moped. You just barely managed to hold on while he sped off, leaving your attackers in the dust. The steady, visible dribble of blood from your side kept Leo worried.

He was all too familiar with these kinds of situations himself. And racking up more hospital bills wasn't an option at the moment... not right after you two moved in together. But he was seriously considering that, since you were losing blood quickly.

Not that you were giving him the option either, insisting that you weren't that badly injured. It was just a scratch, you were sure about that.

But you couldn't have been more wrong.

As much as Leo hated the sight of blood, he didn't know what else to do. Knowing you were a little squeamish about watching someone get stitched up, he grit his teeth and tried to ignore the fact that his hands were currently covered in your blood.

Sonic was doing his best to help without getting any blood in his fur, mostly just handing Leo things. You were walking him through the process with scary ease, if in a hissing voice. Trying to watch what he was doing and avoid passing out with everything going on.

"Yeah, pressure right here..." You guided his free hand, "Then this pad to help the stitching avoid contamination."

Leo could only nod as he held back his stomach. Following your instructions and wondering if he should have called Klaus or Steven for help. This was way too much blood for his taste, especially knowing it was your blood.

Whumptober 2023

Day 4: "Stay, please" [x Raju]

Raju floated in the middle of the living room, taking in what you said while you panted heavily. This wasn't his idea to begin with, he had no clue why he was even here at the moment. Sure, Raju had lived with humas before...

But not one quite like you.

The thing was, he wasn't completely used to someone wanting his presence, concerned this deeply for his safety. All things considered, love wasn't something he contemplated. Especially not for himself.

But here you stood, breathing hard from yelling at him for how reckless he was in battle. Telling him off for being gone most of the year, despite promising to visit more often. Promising to show up for the holidays...

Raju didn't know how to feel, but one thing rang clear in the silence.

"Why do you keep coming back? Just leave!"

But Raju couldn't move. He wanted to stay, he truly did. There was just so much he needed to get used to, things he never thought about with his huma family. Things that never once crossed his mind.

The tears still streaming down your face made walking difficult but you made the attempt to march off anyways. After all the waiting around you did this past year and a half, you just needed a nap... with or without Raju's answer.

Before you could pass through the hallway...

"[Name], wait." Raju had a blood thread attached to your sleeve, tugging you back as carefully as possible, "Stay, please?"

"I'm going to bed." You grumbled, voice drained of emotions post-outburst, "That's all."

"I'll join you."

It wasn't exactly a command, there was a hint of plea in Raju's voice. But he probably could have asked instead of...

"Whatever."

You trudged into your bedroom, why should you care that he was following you anyway? Flopping onto the messy spread, you burrowed under a fluffy blanket and tried your best to ignore the floating half-man you were supposed to be dating.

Its not like you could tell anymore.

Raju didn't need sleep however. Instead opting to just hover there, watching over you. One slender hand, his only hand left after everything he'd been through in life, caressed your back slowly. He could at least help ease you to sleep.

That didn't stop him from mumbling under his breath though, "I'm sorry [Name]. I know I can't keep using the same excuses. You don't deserve to be left alone for months on end, not by someone like me. If you still want me gone, I won't fuss. I just want to know you're okay... I'm sorry I hurt you with all this..."

Even half asleep, you couldn't deny how badly you wanted to forgive him. But all you could manage was grabbing onto his cane before dozing off.

Whumptober 2023

Day 5: Overhearing a Caretaker mildly complaining [x Klaus]

Break a leg huh? Welp, you broke a leg alright, and Klaus was determined to take care of you to the best of his ability. But you knew it was putting too much on him, asking him to watch over you like this when he should be at work.

Even if he can just take care of the paperwork, it wasn't fair to ask him to take care of you. Not like this.

But he was stubborn. Your leg bone had broken, damn near splintered when you fell. Moving was difficult, Klaus wouldn't leave your side for a second, occasionally resigning to carrying you around because he could. It made you feel like a doll.

The worst of it was how damn careful you had to be about your frequent headaches. Laying back into direct, bright lights wasn't helping at all. And you only had a few ways you could lay without risking further injury. It was only a matter of time before Klaus got annoyed with it, you were certain.

"I'm unsure what to do Steven." Klaus's voice woke you from a fever nap, "It's been getting rather dark lately. Far too early. And [Name] can't handle the bright lights."

You laid still, pretending to still be fast asleep. The pause and sigh told you that Klaus was on the phone, and not at all happy.

"Of course we've tried nightlights. We've also tried flashlights." Klaus passed very close to the couch where you were laying, "But the way it throws shadow... I hate seeing [Name] frightened like that."

Klaus stopped suddenly, turning back to where you were. From his point of view, you were still asleep. While he listened to Steven suggest a variety of solutions, Klaus knelt by your side. Each possible outcome had its drawbacks, and while Klaus could appreciate the help, he didn't care for the accusatory tone Steven used.

This was his beloved [Name] after all, not some random person off the street.

"Steven, I'm well aware of how this must look from your point of view. And believe me, I do find it frustrating to be held back by so many inconveniences."

Your heart squeezed a little hearing that, knowing that Klaus was too much of a gentleman to say it to your face. Or even admit out loud that this was your fault. It hurt on so many levels.

"Even so, I will be back in the office soon." Klaus's hand rested gently across your back, "[Name]'s last doctor appointment went very well and they should be more than capable of caring for themselves soon. I believe Dr. Estevez mentioned crutches."

Finally hanging up, Klaus absently rubbed your back. He just wanted you to be okay. He knew you weren't trying to make things difficult, and the way you were bedridden was only natural after the accident. All he could do was hope for best situation, and that you weren't awake to hear him venting to Steven.

Klaus would die if you'd overheard. He was terrified what you might think of him. What your thought process might lead you to...

Whumptober 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And it was all your fault...

Whumptober 2023

Day 7: "Don't you see I'm trying?" [x Zed]

It was difficult, running through the poorly lit hallways of an abandoned hideout. The area was currently undergoing a turf war and demon beasts had infested the place. You could barely tell your pre-made spells apart, desperately searching for one that would produce enough water for Zed's pods... and one that would at least temporarily patch the device.

"Hurry [Name]." He hissed, "Hurry!"

"I'm trying, I'm trying." You were on the verge of tears, "Don't you see that?"

"I can barely see two feet in front of me." Zed bit back, "And that circle of visibility is getting worse by the second."

The most Zed was able to do at the time was him trying to save as much of the water from leaking out with his Orb Weaver technique. But that wasn't the best option either. There was only so much water he could hold onto mid-combat.

That's where your proficiency with arcana was supposed to come in handy. But everything felt like it was closing in around you and Zed's sour mood wasn't helping. It was justified, but not very helpful.

"Hurry!" Zed snapped as you both ducked behind a low wall, "I can't hold out much longer like this [Name]!"

"Don't you see I'm f*^king trying!?" Tears started falling without your permission, "Yelling at me like that isn't f*^king helping me when I can't even f*^king help the man I love. So just lay off!"

Zed blinked, suddenly forced to see what you were going through as well. He was so used to you being the most reliable partner in the field that it never crossed his mind. The idea that he could be too demanding at times simply hadn't occurred to him at all.

But seeing you cry hurt. Despite not having the time to sit and comfort you at the moment, the least he could do is shut up and cover you. Trusting that you'd find the right spell as soon as you could... or carry him out of here to a safer location.

"You're right." He huffed a little, being yelled at by you of all people was never pleasant, "Stay hidden, I'll cover you so you can find what we need."

A sharp nod as you wiped your face off, turning back to the pouch of spells. It wouldn't take too much longer. It shouldn't at least...

Whumptober 2023

Day 8: "Because I don't wanna hurt you" [x Femt]

"Stay back out of here!" Femt threw an empty beaker at the door, "You don't need to be in here!"

Backing away from the broken glass, you jogged back into the bedroom; slamming the door behind you out of fear. Laying on the bed, you tried controlling your emotions. You hadn't been hurt physically, but Femt was the last person you thought would ever yell at you like that. Let alone throw anything at you.

It was just a little too much when you weren't fully over your horrid ex. And now Femt was starting to act the same...

.

Pushing the bedroom door open, Femt was surprised to see you already fast asleep. It was extremely early for sleeping, and a little late for a nap. Not that Femt would ever tell you what to do, he was just a little surprised given that you usually pulled him to bed at a reasonable hour.

Debating poking you awake, he started changing. Preparing for a shower so he could snuggle up to you. At least be comfortable and cuddle you while he dozed off. At least until you stirred on your own.

Grinning as he approached the bed, Femt was deeply hurt when you shrank away, "Dearie? What's wrong?"

Turning and hiding in the pillows, all you could manage was a soft whimper in response.

"Not feeling too good then?" Femt sat on the bed, reaching for you, "You should have told me--"

Even without looking at him, you scooted away from his outstretched hand. Femt frowned harder, this wasn't adding up at all. What was going on? Why were you being like this?

"Dearie..." Femt got up, circling around to the other side of the bed, "What's going on? Is there something wrong? I won't know if you don't tell me."

Peeking at the face very close to you, just over the edge of the bed. It was clear that your actions had hurt him, but his actions had also hurt you. Your voice was very small sounding, quiet to an extreme degree.

"I just... I didn't want to bother you."

Femt frowned, he'd heard this all before. You rarely ever meant the direct words you said, "Sweet dearie, you could never bother me. What is this really about?"

"The... beaker..." You hid in the pillows again, "You threw at me earlier..."

Stopping with his mouth half-open, Femt didn't have a response for that. He did throw a beaker at the door you'd opened. But that wasn't meant to harm you.

"Where did it hit you?" He stood, wandering off to find the first aid kit, "I was aiming for the door, the door frame at best. You should have told me what I did."

You sat up slowly, "No, you... you didn't hit me. Not physically anyways..."

Turning quickly in the door of the bathroom attached to the bedroom, he tilted his head. This wasn't adding up for Femt, until his memory caught up with his line of logic. Then he practically teleported to the bed, ignoring how you shrank away as he squeezed you in a tight hug.

"Dearie! Why didn't you say anything sooner?" He wasn't letting up, you were squished against his chest, "I wasn't trying to hurt you! I threw that because I didn't want you to get hurt by my little project!"

It was a struggle to push Femt off enough so you could breathe, "Femt! I still need oxygen!"

"But you were hurt by me!"

"And it'll get worse if you don't ease up!"

He only let up a little bit, threatening to lay on top of you. It would be impossible to get away from Femt for a while, he never took these transgressions lightly. No matter the reason, he would make it up to you. And figure out a way to think in the moment when he was working on his projects.

Whumptober 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Our anniversary."

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

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

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

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

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

Whumptober 2023

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

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

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

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

"Well now we need to clean everything."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whumptober 2023

Day 11: "I don't want your love" [x Steven]

It seemed like all of Steven's attempts to get closer to his crush were falling flat. No matter how many times he asked, trying to make it seem like just a friendly interaction so he could be a little more charming than he could be at work, but you constantly shot him down.

As much as he wanted to pry, he wondered if you simply weren't interested. It wasn't that far-fetched to assume that you were already involved with someone else. Being such an attractive, if reserved individual. Steven couldn't help but think of all the ways you were possibly uninterested in him specifically.

Though he couldn't help but notice how tense you were during the debriefing. It wasn't natural for you to be so stiff, even Zapp could tell you weren't behaving normally. Before the silver-haired man could begin relentlessly tormenting you, Steven stepped in.

"[Name], could I have a word with you in private?" Steven's hand on your shoulder wasn't asking the way his voice was, "It's about the mission."

Following him into his private office, you didn't know what to expect. But you weren't looking forward to this particular mission, nor did you know how to say why. Surely everyone here would look down on you for being involved with the current target, albeit it was a long time ago.

"You seemed rather tense during the briefing." Steven gestured to the spare chair, "Is there something you need to talk about?"

Your grimace didn't go unnoticed, "It's not something I want to talk about. But I can tell you a better way to go about luring the target away."

Steven's eyebrow disappeared into his dark bangs as you paused.

"I know he'll be more interested in... someone like me." You couldn't meet his eye, another big clue that you weren't telling him the whole story, "It would be better if I was the bait... this time at least."

Steven sighed deeply, "As much as I appreciate the suggestions, Chain is the best person to be bait, given her abilities."

The way you were behaving was far too much of a clue.

"[Name], why don't you tell me... or someone about what's going on." Steven leaned forward, "If you know something that could make this go smoother, now is the time to speak up."

"It's part of my past that I'd rather forget." You said pointedly, "But I can tell you everything else."

.

With a much more effective strategy for infiltrating the crime boss's lair, Steven and Klaus couldn't help worrying over your mental state. Going into this would be tricky, but with Steven by your side, you felt slightly better. Posing as a separate investor, acting as if you had moved on...

It would get under Goz's skin.

And like magic, he was following Steven's lead like a lap dog. All because you were hanging off the dark-haired man's arm. Steven was having a time remaining calm, reminding himself this was all just acting. Despite being precisely what he wanted.

Not exactly like this, but with you by his side, Steven couldn't help the giddy feeling in his chest.

"So, let's talk business Mr. ...?"

"Starphase." Steven straightened his tie, a menacing glare taking over his blank expression, "And it won't be a long conversation, I assure you."

You knew better than to let your guard down, Goz wasn't the kind to go down without a--

Or Steven could just freeze him in place before he even had a chance to move. That works too. Didn't stop you from drawing a weapon, but that was a knee-jerk reaction not part of the plan.

"Tsk. Typical [Name]." He sneered, "Always gotta find the powerful people to protect you."

Steven's eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything in your defense.

"Or maybe you just didn't let me do anything." You returned the nasty look, "No matter what I tried to do. You treated me like a helpless infant."

"I loved you, and wanted to protect you." Goz softened a little, but Steven was taken by surprise, "It wasn't done in malice. You just wanted to be the victim!"

Steven almost froze him completely over, a desperate attempt to stop him from provoking you further...

"I still love you, ungrateful--"

"I don't want your love." You spat, "I don't need you or anyone else for that matter."

While Steven's heart sank, he didn't let it show. You saying that broke Goz, he couldn't deal with not being needed. Extracting the information needed was easy enough after that, though both you and Steven couldn't look at each other as you slid into the car next to Klaus.

"Excellent work [Name], Steven." The large red teddy bear was being knowingly oblivious in his attempt to soothe the situation, "Zapp, Chain, and Zed are en route as we speak, with Leonardo and K.K. following close behind."

Steven nodded curtly, barely looking at you. Though you were sitting still, head down trying to avoid eye contact after all that. It was all you could do to not break down in front of your bosses. Everything about your past was out in the open, and it felt horrible.

The pair of hands across your back belonged to the two of them, equally concerned for you... just for different reasons. Unable to keep yourself from shaking, only serving to make both men worry more. Though it was Steven who spoke up first.

"[Name], you've got to be exhausted. But, you can talk to us if you need to. Right Klaus?"

"Of course." He didn't hesitate, "You needn't keep to yourself. If something is bothering you..."

"I'm just tired." You sighed, "I appreciate the offer, the support, but I just need to lay down."

Klaus was pacified, Steven was not. Opting to walk you home, ensuring that you got home safely. But also wanting to talk to you about the issue himself.

"I know this isn't something you want to talk about." He started, "But you don't have to suffer in silence either."

No response, except a soft grunt.

"It doesn't seem like it, but we all have our dark secrets." Steven hit a bit of a nerve, and the problem right on the head, "Even Klaus has a few, though he hates the idea of telling anyone. Pretty sure that everyone is like that to a degree."

Slight head turn, he had to be getting somewhere.

"And regardless of how Zapp might try teasing you over this, he doesn't have room to talk either." A deep sigh as Steven tried to think of what he might need to say, "No one is really going to hold this against you. Klaus for one won't let that happen. Because we all have something we regret in our pasts, even if we don't let on."

"But how many can say they dated someone knowing they were criminals?" You broke, hurt feelings coming out just a little, "Being that weak to not do the right thing."

Steven gripped your shoulder a little too tightly to make you look him in the eye.

"You aren't weak. Being on the wrong path isn't weakness, not when you worked this hard to be on the right one. Understand?"

You winced, trying to pry his hand off, "Yes, but you're gripping me."

"Sorry." Steven backed up, "I just, I hate seeing someone I love being so harsh on themselves."

Both of you stopped in your tracks, refusing to acknowledge what was just said. Hoping the other was just tired enough to not be thinking about going out for a coffee. It was too late for one anyways.

Whumptober 2023

Day 12: Fighting against a soft moment [x Dog]

Dog was far too excited for tonight, the idea of finally spending the night with you had him just a little giddy. He just had to get through the day first. Not that it was much longer, just waiting for the work day to end.

But while you were setting things up, Dog practically burst into the apartment with a small handful of flowers. He just grinned while you smacked his chest, thinking your pouting was just plain adorable. You weren't trying to hurt him, but you were startled.

"C'mon Melon." Dog caught your wrist gently, "I didn't leave a mark on the door this time. I'm just excited."

"I know sweetie, but you don't need to burst in the door like the Kool-Aid Man."

He was trying not to giggle at you, instead moving to help with whatever you needed him for.

As the two of you settled on the couch, flipping through channels looking for something to watch, Dog pulled you closer to his lap. He never left anything to interpretation. That just made it easier for you snuggle up to him.

Everything was fine until the movie you'd settled on went off like a bomb, causing both of you to jump. The fighting across the screen was a little disturbing, you checked the movie title. You didn't remember this scene in this movie; you hadn't watched it in a while but this was something you should have remembered.

As you tried to settle back against Dog, he roughly shoved you away. It didn't feel like he was doing it on purpose, more like an instinct. But you had no idea what or who he was trying to fight.

"Dog, sweetie, are you okay?" You sat up from the other side of the couch, slowly reaching out, "Dog?"

He was not acting like himself. Breathing hard, hunching over, shaking hands running through his hair, Dog didn't answer you at all. It made you worry about even patting his back, not wanting to make things worse.

But he wasn't calming down just yet. You had already turned off the TV, carefully putting a hand on his back. Dog didn't react much, just breathing slowly.

"Sweetie, what can I do to help?"

He finally turned to you, breathing slowing down a little. Still shaking a little, he noticed the light bruise on your arm. That was all it took for you to be scooped up into his lap. Dog buried his face against your neck, still shaking a little as he calmed down.

"I... I just don't know what happened." He whispered, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I'll be okay sweetie, it's just a little bruise. I'm more worried about you, this isn't like you." You rubbed his back slowly, "Just tell me what you need."

The way he nuzzled in closer told you what you needed to know. You sat in his lap, comforting him as best you could.

Whumptober 2023

Day 13: "Please get me out of here." [x Klaus]

How had it come to this? You were minding your own business, doing a little shopping for a party while you had a day off...

And now here you were, bound and gagged on your way to who knows where. Being a member of Libra had some regrettable drawbacks sometimes. If that was even what this was about...

You honestly couldn't tell, but at this point, it would be fruitless to ask.

Klaus was virtually apoplectic despite his steady, calm demeanor. The fact that you'd been abducted was inexcusable, though Klaus did wrongfully blame himself. Wondering if perhaps the two of you shouldn't be spotted in public as often as you are, or more accurately if there was something he was missing. Had he simply failed to see a look cast in your vicinity that would have predicted this predicament or was it merely the fact that the two of you were considered the most dangerous members of Libra...

Aside from Steven, he was the only other well-known person on the team.

But that didn't matter in the slightest at the moment as Klaus marched to the car. He needed to find you, sooner rather than later...

You lost track of how many times you'd been kicked in the torso, how many bruises you could feel forming under your clothes. Those would definitely start bleeding over before the day was over.

But you weren't giving them the answers they kept demanding. You couldn't figure out what kind of people you were even dealing with, not with the bright spotlight in your face.

"The faster you start talking, the sooner you'll end this pain." One sneered, "There's no way you can hold out like this forever."

Instead of saying anything, you spat a mouthful of blood in the direction you heard the voice coming from, unknowingly hitting them directly in the eye. Other than the disgusted growl that followed... and was followed by another hard hit to your side.

Even as you gasped for air, wheezing between the small trickle of blood from a couple missing teeth, you didn't break. These bast*ards weren't getting a word out of you.

Though that didn't stop you from flinching at the otherworldly crashing of the door. You couldn't see what was going on, but you could hear and feel. From the chill in the room to the half roar of a very familiar voice, you knew you could relax... internally, showing how relieved you were before you were rescued could hurt the chances of escape... assuming someone was close enough to you to force a hostage stand-off.

Klaus's voice was almost directly in your ear, he seemed to panting heavily, it was very unusual, "[Name], Liebling... Don't panic."

You nodded, closing your eyes, "Please, just get me out of here."

The harsh way your voice tried to crack, the blood oozing down your face, just how roughed up you were hurt Klaus deeply. He could have prevented this... surely he could have done something to stop this from happening.

But now, he was gentle. Pushing the spotlight away from your face, unbuckling your legs then your wrists so you could steady yourself. Klaus didn't leave your side for a second, though the first instance of you being unsteady on your own two feet saw him scooping you up bridal style.

You didn't protest this, the uneasy and woozy feeling built up when you tried standing. But you knew you were safe, that all this was over... behind you.

Only Klaus was trying to take the blame.

Not that you would let him, but you weren't in a state of being that would even remotely allow for an argument... as "heated" of an argument as Klaus would allow himself to have that is... which was hardly more than slightly raised voices.

Whumptober 2023

Day 14: "I can't take this" "Please" [x Zapp]

Running away from danger was never your strong suit, but that was why you'd ended up in the hospital this time... and every other time but you weren't trying to focus on that. You were focused on the phone in your hand, trying to make sense of the sporadic texting of your on-again off-again lover Zapp.

You were, on paper, fine with the arrangement. Knowing it would either lead you two to break up or become more permanent. Of course, that never made it easier when your feelings were the casualty. But it was what you were willing to do because going all in on a relationship was only going to do more damage than this arrangment.

At least that's what you kept telling yourself...

From what you understood, Zapp felt the same way and that's why he was doing all the running around he did. Except for the fact that he started hitting you up more, it was a little unnerving. Not always about sleeping together or partying or even just going to get a few drinks... but more meaningful date-adjacent activities, showing you off to others, openly bragging about you to the rest of the office.

Things that made you just a smidge uncomfortable because of how... attached it felt.

But, sitting here in a hospital bed, you had a long list of texts that were spelling out all the intuition thoughts you'd been agonizing over. Zapp was equally torn about becoming closer, but he had problems convincing himself he wanted someone else.

"For whatever reason, I just want you sexy"

Letting out a deep sigh, you barely turned when the nurse opened the door, mentioning that you had visitors. Klaus had been coming around a lot, he always did. Making sure his friends were okay was just second nature to him, what you weren't expecting was Zapp to follow closely behind.

Klaus kept his visit brief, as if he knew Zapp needed a few minutes alone. Something you were half-dreading. The one conversation you weren't sure you even wanted to have...

"So uh... You've been getting my messages, right?" Zapp felt just as awkward as you did, "All the things I've been saying are true by the way. I just... I couldn't figure out how to say it without f*&king it up... at least tryin' to tell you to your face."

"Uh, yeah." You stared down at your hands, "I, uh... just finished reading them when you walked in with Klaus."

Zapp hummed, unsure how to go about this. You were teetering on the edge of whether or not you wanted things to go further.

"Yeah..." Zapp sat next to your bed, "I uh, this... Listen, I wanna just be us. I know that's not what we said at first but... I can't ignore this anymore. No one else feels right anymore."

"Zapp, I... I don't think I can take this." You still couldn't look at him, "I mean, there's no telling what'll happen. One of us might get..."

"[Name], please." Your head swiveled, Zapp rarely used people's names, always opting for some nickname or other, "If I were gonna get bored of you, it woulda happened by now. And you woulda left long before now if you were bored too. That's the one thing I know about you."

"Zapp..."

"So, maybe quit tryin' to make excuses to stay bump buddies and accept that I wanna be a thing." He reached for your hand, "If that's cool with you. I don't wanna be less than a couple. Even that's still a poly thing or whatever. I wanna know I got you, 'kay?"

"O-okay. I just..." You looked down at your hands, how he was squeezing yours gently, "I just don't know how to come to terms with this... after... "

"Hey, that jack*ss lost you, not the other way around." Zapp was starting to sound like himself again, "And if I see his mug again, he'll definitely regret letting you go. Not that I'll let him get close enough to say so, but revenge is my specialty."

"And here I thought it was extreme, excessive violence." You snickered a little.

"Very funny sexy." Zapp scoffed, "I can specialize in two things ya know."

Whumptober 2023

Day 15: Glass elevator malfunction [x Zed]

Understanding why you were hesitant to enter an elevator made of glass was only the tip of the iceberg. Zed couldn't have predicted that the machine would malfunction. That he'd also be affected by the large box stopping midway up the side of the building.

He was trying to keep himself under control so he could comfort you. But this whole situation had Zed forcibly reminded about how he felt for years, trapped in a tank with no way out. Except this time he truly couldn't get out of the situation without breaking the glass around the two of you and risking that both of you would get hurt.

You were shaking, clinging to Zed's arm, terrified of falling from this height. Unaware that Zed was dealing with a strong bought of claustrophobia while this glass box was being fixed. But the way you were holding onto him was helping in a bizarre way. All you two could do was wait, and try to keep calm.

Whumptober 2023

Day 16: "It's okay to cry" [x Daniel]

Walking home after another long day in Hellsalem's Lot was something Daniel wasn't looking forward to. You would be trying to comfort him, but this wasn't the time for anything...

"Welcome--"

Daniel pushed past you without a word. Not only did he look extremely tired, but he seemed emotionally drained. This wasn't normal but you couldn't figure out what all you needed to do to help.

The only thing you could think of was a cup of cocoa. Something, anything to comfort him.

"Dani?" You nudged the bedroom door open, "You okay in here?"

No answer.

"I know you're tired, but you do need to eat something." Setting the mug on the nightstand, "Did you wanna talk about what happened? Or maybe just relax and--"

"Not right now Pie." Daniel sighed, "I just want to forget about today."

You stepped closer, resting a hand on his shoulder. Slowly easing next to him on the bed.

"You know, you don't have to sit alone."

"Pie, not-"

Pushing him a little onto his back, you hovered a few inches away, "You know it's okay to cry, just because you're a police officer doesn't mean anything about your emotional health. Especially once you get home."

Being suddenly pulled down to him, you nearly pulled something. It didn't hurt too much, but you could tell it wasn't supposed to be that rough of a gesture.

Whumptober 2023

Day 17: "You don't get it!--" [x Leo]

Stakeouts were never fun, but this was ridiculous. Leo had to try and keep you from storming into the headquarters until Klaus and Steven could arrive. It wasn't like he didn't want to let you tear through everything top to bottom and make this whole job easier...

But Libra needed the notes you wanted to burn.

"Let go Leo." You struggled against him, "You have to let me do this... before it's too late."

"[Name], you know why I can't. C'mon, just a little while longer and Steven will take care of this."

"You don't get it!" You backed up, trying to find a way around the smaller man, "You don't know what they did to me!"

Leo sighed, "Yes, I do know what they did to you. I've seen it through your eyes [Name]. But we have to let Steven handle this."

"Why?" Brute forcing your way through was about the only option Leo was giving you and you didn't want to hurt him, "No one else had to deal with this pain, no one else knows what I went through! I should be the one taking these f&^kers down! Not Steven!"

"Please, calm down." Leo caught your arms again, "It won't help you at all. Please, don't become the monster they tried to make you. That isn't you [Name]. It never will be. Please, just relax."

You turned your head away, hot and bitter tears falling onto Leo's shoulder, "I just want them to feel the same terror and pain I felt. I need them to know the agony they put me through."

"They will." Leo tilted your chin back to him, "But you don't need to get your hands dirty to do it. Please, let Steven take care of this and let me help you forget when we get home... okay?"

All you could muster was a little nodding. You felt like a child being scolded for nothing. But deep down, you knew Leo was right. That it would take a lot of effort for you to handle things. Steven would be much more capable of making them fear their very existence... assuming Klaus didn't just look at them the right way. Even you had to shiver when he seemed slightly disappointed and angry.

Whumptober 2023

Day 18: "I would do anything for you." "Please no..." [x Lucky]

How? How? How?

Lucky was certain he had been much more careful about his love life and work life being separate. So just how had the blood breeds found out about you? You shouldn't be here in the slightest.

If he was honest with himself, Lucky shouldn't be here either. But he couldn't just stay away... not when his beloved was in so much pain and agony.

Staring up at your monstrous form, bound to the blood-soaked cross... Lucky couldn't shake the sick feeling in his stomach. That bright red Roman Numeral threatening to shift from 12 to 13 before his eyes.

But he couldn't ignore the diary he found. He knew your handwriting. That you couldn't have been forced to write your thoughts so thoroughly like that. That you had been tricked, forced, coerced into this twisted fate by the very creatures who wanted him dead.

He could barely muster the words he needed to speak, only able to mutter one...

"Why?"

It was hardly a whisper, but it broke through the dusty, bloody haze swirling in the deep recesses of your mind. His voice always seemed to do that, no matter how deep your mental trappings could be. Even before that haunting voice entered your mind, plaguing your thoughts.

"Blitz." But it wasn't enough, you could feel something like claws piercing your heart.

"[Name]!"

He rushed to your side, yanking at the deep red chains trying to cover your body. But it was no use, you couldn't stop it. Nothing could keep this at bay... all you could do was hope that the change wouldn't turn you into a mindless animal.

The person who explained it seemed normal after all.

It was all Blitz could do to keep his composure as you fell to the ground with a heavy thud. Kneeling beside you, hoping against hope that you would be okay. That the process could still be reversed. There were records of "good" blood breeds. Maybe you could be trained like that. Maybe him being here would help.

Maybe you wouldn't need to be sealed...

You managed, somehow. Ignoring the painful growl of what should have been your stomach was difficult, but pizza and fries wouldn't curb this craving.

But you couldn't bring yourself to bite Blitz... not like this.

"Why did you go through with this?" He managed to choke out, knowing it would be a matter of time, "Please, [Name], why?"

"I would do anything for you Blitz." You whispered, "But you can't stay here. I... I can't control myself much longer."

"No, please..." Lucky was tugging your arm, desperately trying to ignore how fast you were cooling under his fingers, "We should get out of here now. I... We... there's ways to..."

It was all too easy to pull away from him now, "No, Blitz. You have to go, alone. I... I can't stop myself. I know I'm slipping. Unless you have something to curb my craving for blood right now... one that won't risk me draining you of blood. Or turning you into... one of me..."

"[Name], please. We can-" Blitz looked into your eyes, "I would do anything for you. Anything at all. I can't lose you."

"Please, no." You scooted back, fighting your every instinct to lunge forward as your sense of smell fixated on the blood under Lucky's skin, "Don't stay, don't put yourself into a position where you get hurt. An-anything at all can be dangerous. Please, just go. M-maybe next time we meet..."

Blitz didn't want to admit it, he hated the sight of your eyes turning red. He knew he couldn't risk staying here longer.

"Maybe next time I'll have control over myself."

Lucky cradled his head with one hand, the other on a half-empty beer bottle. Those words haunted him as he had little other choice than to run. He heard the other members of Libra closing in. And he wouldn't be able to live with himself if you got hurt... more hurt because of himself.

You wouldn't have been able to fight or control yourself with so much blood around.

But he wasn't going to give up on finding you again, making sure you could live a peaceful life. Maybe settle down with him like before.

He would like that, so much...

Whumptober 2023

Day 19: "I'm so afraid you'll never wake up." [x Chain]

Why, of all things, did you have to be hit with a sleeping spell?

After being carried to the office by Klaus, Steven informed Chain about the results of the latest mission. It would take a while for the spell to wear off of course, but no one knew how long... yet. Leo would be able to tell for sure when he got off from his shift at Dogimos.

Until then, Chain was pacing around. Jumping to your side every time you twitched in your sleep. Doing her best to keep calm, but things were rarely so easy...

"A month!?" Chain was ready to shake Leo, "Are you sure it'll be a month?"

"Yes. I'm sure. I can show for yourself."

Shaking her head, Chain sighed. A whole month... this would not be fun.

.

Comically, she tried every form of remedy in the book. Smelling salts, crystals, acupuncture, loud noises, tickling your nose, even making out with you when there was no one else around to catch her. Chain just couldn't deal with how quiet the apartment was.

The idea that your body, mind, or soul couldn't handle the spell...

She tried to remain positive. You would wake up and everything would be just fine.

"But what if they don't wake up?" Leo asked, "Is it even possible for someone to die from too much sleep?"

"No recorded cases. Unless you count long-standing comas where the person simply lost the ability." Steven sipped at his coffee, "But that usually follows a severe head trauma or spinal injury. [Name] has neither and even in this city there's never been a record of someone dying specifically because of a sleep spell."

Chain dipped into your room, unable to face facts.

"I'm so afraid you'll never wake up." She brushed a few strands of your hair out of your face, "Wake up, please."

Whumptober 2023

Day 20: Ugly sobbing/ Bad breakdown [x Femt]

You were shaking, sobbing. The way Femt was yelling... destroying his lab after his plans were foiled was something you hadn't experienced before. He had always been so sweet, caring. This level of anger wasn't something you knew about.

Rocking a little, you muttered how Femt wasn't mad at you. How he wasn't your ex. This wasn't his normal behavior... this wasn't him.

But it wasn't helping much. Especially when the yelling calmed down. Already tucked into a back corner of the closet, you tried scooting back further. The footsteps getting closer had you completely on edge.

"Dearie?" Femt sounded calm, normal... even a little concerned, "Where have you gone? Are you alright? Dearie?"

Femt stood just beyond the closet, scratching his head and wondering where you could have gone. Until he heard the soft hiccupping from the closet. You had been trying to stay silent, anything to avoid being on the receiving end of any form of anger.

Scooting further into your corner as the door opened, "Dearie? I know you're in here. What's wrong?"

Finally spotting you, Femt was next to you on his knees in seconds. Trying to hold you close, anything to help dry your tears. Nearly ignoring how you were weakly fighting him off.

"Easy Dearie, easy." He rubbed your back, "It's just me. You know me. I would never hurt you, no matter how angry I might get. Okay? It's got nothing to do with you. I promise."

Sniffling as you forced yourself to relax against Femt's chest, you tried to control your shaking. But he wasn't going anywhere, thinking about... less destructive ways to express his anger. The last thing he wanted was for you to fear him.

Whumptober 2023

Day 21: "I love you so much, more than you know." [x Raju]

Why did he have to be right?

Why couldn't he have helped you keep it under control? What was the problem? It wasn't like you had ever been vicious or violent or cruel or anything of the sort before you'd become a blood breed.

And yet here you were, fangs bared unable to contain your blood lust. Going after anything and everything with a pulse. The other fanghunters had to be called in, and they were hardly a match for you.

The tormenting phrases of Zapp fell on deaf ears, Raju knew he had been wrong, he knew you had fully succumb to the curse, to the evil within your heart.

He just didn't want it to be true...

As you tossed grown men, each nearly double or triple your height, as if they were made of fabric; Raju fought himself. He couldn't bring himself to hurt you, he'd become far too attached. But at the same time...

Was this even you anymore?

You still looked like yourself, same voice, same eyes, same everything he'd fallen in love with. But still... it wasn't you on the inside.

"How the f*&k are they an elder class?" Zapp yelled, "What the hell did y'all do to get this result?"

"Zapp!" Klaus roared, "Now isn't the time for that! Leonardo! Their Name!"

The poor boy was trying, you moved way too much, way too fast for him to keep up with. Even with the All-Seeing eyes. Each time he thought he had a glimpse of your true name, it shifted. This wasn't normal, but then again...

You weren't making this easy for anyone.

Raju had to act. He knew what he could do... that he may very well be the only one capable of stopping you at this point. Or maybe you'd only calm down for him... though that was wistful thinking.

"[Name]," Raju barely spoke loud enough for anyone but you to hear as he floated closer, "Please, listen to me."

He was more than capable of keeping you from tearing out his throat, without fully attacking you... yet.

"I love you, so much." His voice was growing thick with all the emotion that had numbed him moments before, "More than you, or anyone else will ever know. I love you... and that's why I have to do this. I'm so sorry."

The echoes of your screams still haunt him no matter where he goes...