#stuck in a loop

[side-shuffling-hyperfixations]

Whumpuary #27: Stuck in a Loop

It wouldn’t make much difference. Raph was pretty sure of that by now but something he was even surer of: if it were any of his brothers in this position, they would keep trying. They would say whatever it took, even if they didn’t have much time.

That thought was as bitter as the blood bubbling in Raph’s throat. “…Ain’t your fault, Don,” he rasped thickly. “I swear, this ain’t on you. Y’can’t blame yourself after.” Even though he knew he would.

“After—What are you—D-Don’t talk like that! It’s gonna be fine, I can fix this! I’ll fix it!” Don babbled, hands wildly, uncharacteristically unsteady as he pored over the wound. His frantic indecision was always one of the worst parts.

That and the sheen of tears in Mikey’s wide, unblinking eyes. That and the way Leo’s voice broke against the cruel, relentless tide of fate as he whispered, “You’ll be okay, Raph. Just stay strong. Stay with us.”

“…Can’t. M’sorry. Y’gotta be stronger…for them, Leo, okay? You’re so strong, Fearless, always have been.” Leo valiantly stifled the sob stoked by his earnest words, as if to prove the point, as Raph knew he would. “Jus’ keep bein’ strong until…till I come back. For th’ next round.”

“What? T-The next—?”

“Mikey…?” This was the most important part, Raph had to ensure this much if nothing else. “…Look away. Y’don’t need to see what happens next.”

An inhuman noise was ripped from the pit of Mikey’s stomach and Raph’s heart would have broken if it weren’t already slowing.

The sooner he faded to black, the better. The ringing would drown out his brothers’ grief and turn back into the shrill of his morning alarm—a promise and a warning.

He had to get it right next time. Somehow.

[siffrin-is-stuck]

i heard people use butter or oil to unstuck something because of slippery it is or maybe something something physics

I’m in a time loop not a wall

[moonlight0934]

Stuck In A Loop

Jack looks down at his lap, tears brimming his eyes. The cold damp cell that he’s normally kept in feels darker today, even though there are no windows so it’s always really dark. This is practically all Jack has ever known. He wouldn’t do the things Lucifer asked from him, because he knew that wasn’t what his mother would want, and he was sure that Castiel would save him. So, Lucifer started stealing parts of Jack’s grace, not that Jack knows what Lucifer is using it for. He knows that to Lucifer, he’s just an unlimited power source, and there’s nothing that he can do to get away since it also saps most of his energy along with his power.

His greasy hair falls into his eyes, and he doesn’t even have the energy to push it back. Jack is tucked back into the corner so he’s still upright without having to support his own weight. He feels like he’s stuck in a horrendous loop of exhaustion, torture, and pain. Despite what he knew from his mother’s memories, he feels like this is the only thing he’s ever known. He has no way of knowing how long he’s been stuck here, but long enough that no one is coming. That no one is going to save him. He’s just going to be stuck in this circle of violence until Lucifer decides that it would just be easier to absorb Jack’s grace entirely.

Sometimes when he sleeps, he sees Castiel in his dreams. He’s with two men that Jack can never remember enough of the dreams to remember their names. Some part of him thinks that it’s the last bit of his grace, but the rational part knows that it’s just his imagination looking for any escape from his current existence. The cell door opens, and a burly man walks in. Jack recognizes him as the one that deals with Jack in whatever way Lucifer needs three days out of every week. He’s not sure of anything else about the man other than his name, which is Andrew. Andrew walks over, and drags Jack out of the room. He pulls him down the concrete hallway, to the room where Jack’s grace is stolen every day.

There’s a chair in the middle with straps to hold Jack’s hands and feet down, not that he has the energy to fight nowadays. Sometimes they don’t even use the straps. Andrew does though, and Jack soon finds himself trapped in the chair. Andrew grabs a large needle, then inserts it near Jack’s collarbone. The area is raw, red, and still tender from doing this every day. No matter how many times he does this, Jack is never ready for how painful this process is. His vision blacks out, and he can vaguely hear himself screaming. Though he isn’t sure if that’s in his mind since his voice mostly doesn’t even work from disuse.

When Jack’s vision comes back, Andrew is dragging him down the hall back towards his cell. He lets Andrew take his weight, not trying to right himself since it’s more likely than not just going to make him fall again. Andrew chucks him into the cell, and slams the door. Jack curls up where he is, his muscles screaming in protest. He’s shaking enough that he can’t curl up fully, but he still tries. Eventually he’s able to close his eyes and fall asleep.

Castiel leans forward against a table that both of the other men are sitting at too. The one with longer hair looks sad, and the one with shorter hair just looks angry.

“Look, I get it, Cas. You were upset when you came back, and we didn’t know where the kid went, but there’s no way he’s still alive by now,” the second man says.

“That would please you, wouldn’t it, Dean?” Cas snaps, glaring at Dean.

The other man sighs. “Come on, guys. This isn’t helping anything. We all know Dean’s thoughts about Jack, but we have other things to worry about.”

“I’m just saying, if his grace has been undetectable this long, and no one taught him how to hide, he’s probably not around anymore. We need to shift focus.”

Castiel walks out without another word, and the man with longer hair glares at Dean.

“Come on, man. You can’t keep doing this. I understand how many things we have to deal with right now, but that’s his kid. Never mind, I’m going to talk to him. You just keep looking through these books.”

The man gets up, and walks out in the same direction that Castiel went. Dean rolls his eyes, but opens the nearest book.

Jack blinks, his eyes sticking together a little bit. He has to remind himself to breathe, coughing as the mildewy smell hits him. He levers himself up on shaking arms, his head spinning. He can hear someone laughing, but it sounds distant.

I must have slept for a while. Normally my hearing is still shot by the time I wake up.

Jack pulls himself up into a sitting position, holding himself up with no issues. He listens to the sounds of people nearby, even though he can’t hear well enough to tell what they’re talking and laughing about. Jack closes his eyes, trying to banish the feeling of hopelessness that’s been plaguing him. Waking up feeling better gives him enough of a boost to realize how depressed he’s been. It feels like there’s some kind of hope of Castiel coming. The rational part of his brain knows that his mind is just playing tricks on him with his dreams, but maybe his dad is still looking for him. Maybe he can keep Jack safe if he can find him. Jack can feel the remnants of his grace flowing through his veins.

Maybe I can send him a signal before they realize that it came back faster this time. How would I even do that though? I don’t know how to use this power at all.

Jack looks down at his hands, squinting at them. Small white light dances in little sparks around his fingers, accentuating his gaunt skin and the bones in his fingers. Even the occasional time that he does have a little extra power left over, Lucifer has always noticed before he could do anything with it. This feels exhilarating, and Jack feels a small smile cross his face. The ache in the muscles and joints in his hands and wrists starts to fade away. It’s not much, but Jack still finds himself shocked as the glow fades away. Footsteps pound down the stairs, and the cell door is flung open a few seconds later. Jack jerks back, his hands reaching out to catch himself as he falls.

A few people storm in, and drag him out of the cell. Jack yelps as his shoulder slams into the edge of the wall as they’re passing a corner. His eyes are wide as he’s pushed into the chair, and strapped down. His head is slammed to the side, stars shooting across his vision when his jaw hits the headrest. The needle is slammed into his neck, and this time he doesn’t pass out. He’s awake for every second, and it’s almost like the beginning again. Jack can feel his muscles spasming as his body tries to get away from the thing causing him pain.

“Someone get the boss, and ask him what he wants to do now,” someone yells from a few feet away.

Jack closes his eyes, trying to take as deep of a breath as he can. His chest is starting to feel tight, and the world is beginning to sound like it’s underwater.

Sam watches Cas exorcise the last demon, and his eyes drift to the child in the middle of the room. He’s strapped to a chair, and there’s a vial nearby with a glowing white liquid in it. The boy is thin enough that Sam could count each and every one of his bones. His skin is pale, and his short dirty blonde hair is unkempt. There’s a red area around the right side of his neck, leading towards his collarbone. His hands and feet are also strapped down.

If Sam was being honest with himself, he wasn’t sure that they were even going to find Jack there. When Cas was able to pinpoint his grace, Sam thought it might have been a fluke. However, he’s right in front of them. Sam’s heart constricts as Cas takes a careful step towards Jack.

How could someone do this to a child? To their child? What has he been through?

Cas gently eases the straps off of Jack’s hands. However, he doesn’t stir until Cas is pulling the restraints off of his ankles. He immediately jerks back, trying to get away from Cas. Sam can see the pure terror in his eyes as he realizes that he’s still stuck. His movements after that are slow and sluggish as he lowers himself back down. Cas straightens up, and Jack’s eyes go wide.

“Jack?”

“Castiel?” Jack whispers, his voice wrecked.

Cas and Sam exchange a look.

“Yes, I’m here to take you home. I’m so sorry that it took me so long, Jack.”

Jack throws his arms around Cas’ shoulders, shaking like a leaf. Cas wraps his arms securely around Jack, then whispers something in his ear. He picks Jack up, and turns back to Sam.

“We’re leaving.”

They’re quiet as they rush away from the compound back to the car, which Sam drives back to the bunker, where Dean is waiting. Jack is asleep again by then, and even Dean starts upon seeing the kid.

“What happened?”

“We’re not sure. He was like this when we found him.”

Jack stirs in Cas’ arms.

“Are you really here?” Jack whispers, his fingers tightening around the edge of Cas’ coat.

Cas nods, obviously trying not to cry.

“Yes, we’re going to get you cleaned up, and in bed so you can rest. Is that alright?”

Jack nods, then buries his face into Cas’ chest.

“Dean, can you get one of the spare rooms set up for him? Sam can you help me with him? I want to get him into clean clothes at least. He might want his hair washed too. I don’t know, but this can’t be comfortable.”

Sam nods.

“I’ll get everything set up in the bathroom, and see if I can find any clothes that might fit him.”

Sam heads to the bathroom after finding a pair of sweatpants, and a cotton t-shirt. Cas comes in a few minutes later, still carrying Jack. He gently places Jack on the lid of the toilet, and Jack immediately lets go of Cas’ jacket.

“He said no to washing his hair, he just wants the clothes.”

Cas carefully pulls the thin shirt over Jack’s head, and tosses it into the garbage before replacing it with the one that Sam brought. Jack is letting Cas maneuver him, but he isn’t doing much else aside from staring ahead blankly. Eventually Cas manages to get Jack changed, and picks him back up.

“I’m going to get him to his room. Once he falls asleep, we can talk. You can wait with me, or just check in occasionally.”

Sam nods, and watches Cas take Jack away. His eyes prick with tears that he doesn’t let fall. He composes himself, then walks to find the room Dean picked for Jack. Cas is sitting there, one hand holding one of Jack’s. Jack is already asleep, and tears are dripping down Cas’ face.

“My baby.”

Sam tucks his hands in his pockets, looking away.

“It’s ok, we’ll figure this out. We can help him,” Sam says after a minute.

He puts a steadying hand on Cas’ shoulder, also watching Jack carefully. Cas lowers his head.

“I failed him, but it won’t happen again. I’m not going to let anything hurt him.”

Sam nods.

“I understand, and I’m sure he will too.”

“I hope so.”

[hurtfortea]

Whumpuary Day 27: Reward for Good Behavior

Stuck in a loop | twisting the knife | rescue

Content: rescue, debt slavery, implied/referenced abuse, guns and blood.

Akota looks up when the basement door squeals, opening slowly. Warm golden light floods the darkened room in light, and he has to look away when it hits his eye. His head gives a low throb.

“Holy shit! There’s someone in here!” A voice calls, and Akota peeks one eye open to peer at the man in the doorway. He’s young, with a freshly shaven face- if the tiny knick on his jaw is anything to go by.

“What?” Another voice calls from further away.

“There’s a guy, hanging in the basement!” The young man calls over his shoulder, walking over to Akota.

“Hanging?” The voice far away echoes. The man doesn’t respond, studying Akota’s form. 

“Let’s get you down from there.” A glimpse of hope awakens in him as the man turns and spots the keys hanging from the wall. He chuckles. “Must be hell to have your freedom so close,” he says as he walks over to get them. When he returns to Akota, he stretches up onto his toes to unlock the handcuffs. When he does, Akota collapses onto his behind, his hip pain returning suddenly. “Come on,” the man extends a hand. “I’ll get you out of here.”

Hours later, Akota comes out of the bathroom, his hip aching slightly with every step. He has on fresh clothes, his face is no longer covered with dried blood, and he feels worlds better, although the hurt hasn’t faded much.

“Looking good, Akota! Almost can’t tell you were held captive at all!” The young man- Wade- says. Niel looks over next from where he’s seated on the couch. He’s older than Wade, probably well into his thirties.

“Yup.”

“Thanks?” Akota says, not sure of what else to say. “Do you have a phone?”

Wade’s head tilts. “Sure, why?”

“So I can…call my family?”

Niel snorts, grabbing a cigarette from the pack on the coffee table. “You’re not going back to your family, kid.” He puts his cigarette between his lips.

“I don’t understand.”

“What’s hard to get?” Wade asks. “You’re not leaving.” He puts his feet up. “You owe us.”

“Owe you?” Akota echoes.

“Yeah, for the heroic save?” Wade prompts. “And the food, and the water?”

“I never agreed to those terms,” Akota says.

“Don’t matter. You’re not swindling us out of our money’s worth,” Niel says. He’s picked up a lighter and is now trying to light his cigarette. He gives Akota a meaningful look. “Are ya?” His free arm moves, coming up to lay on the armrest. There’s a gun in his hand. Akota’s stomach sinks. Not again. What are the chances he’d be found by another beast-man? How many times is this going to happen?

“Akota?” Wade prompts.

“...No, I’m not.” Akota says.

As if to twist the knife, Wade continues. “By the way, we don’t have a third room. So you’ll have to sleep on the couch. That’s not an issue, is it?”

“Not at all,” Akota hisses through his teeth.

[theunspokenvoid]

I don't wish to be born into a better life, rather I wish to not have been born at all.

[ladylucksrogue]

Whumpurary Day 27

A day in the life of Fox

CW: a crime scene, a body, dark themes

[justonemorewallflower]

Hey y'all! Here's another new Starpollo one shot!!! This one I had written for @whumpuary ! Day 27 the prompt(s): stuck in a loop | twisting the knife | rescue

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62221717

I wanted to write a lot more for Whumpuary but unfortunately haven't had the time so this is the only fully complete one I have. Also not sure why the link posted like this this time but oh well. Hope y'all enjoy, and fair warning, this is very sad.

[pretentiouswreckingball]

i was supposed to go out early today to do something but i didn't and now im feeling Terrible

[fanficbutnow]

Summary:

Even with infinite attempts, Beetlejuice can't get any of the Maitland-Deetzes to love him.

Tags, Warnings, and Rating are under the 'Keep Reading'.

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Beetlejuice - Perfect/Brown & King, Beetlejuice - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Beetlejuice & Charles Deetz & Delia Deetz & Lydia Deetz & Adam Maitland & Barbara Maitland Characters: Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice) Additional Tags: Time Loop, Angst, Hurt No Comfort, One Shot, Beetlejuice just wants to be loved, Unrequited Love, Murder, Curses, Whump, Breaking the Fourth Wall

[celticacademia]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Life on Mars (UK) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Chris Skelton, Gene Hunt Additional Tags: Minor Character Death, over and over again, Whump, Time Loop Series: Part 14 of whumpuary 2025!! Summary:

Whumpuary 2025 day twenty-seven

Chris watches Gene die. Then he wakes up.

[writersregret]

I don't want you to see my naked body.

I want your opinion on me to be based on something more intimate.

no matter how bad you want it

or if you'll wait until marriage

time changes, moves on,

the world spins with many changes

I do too, I keep spinning and switching

from happy to sad,

scared to confused,

exhausted to mad

And I'll keep spinning rapidly

I'll make you feel appalled

and I'll spin until I grow dizzy

and fall

and fall

and fall

and fall

and fall.

Everything looks dark and lifeless

My phone is what my hand grips

They say rock bottom is impossible to reach,

yet here I lay with stone-cold fingertips

I claw at the wall, nothings works

I have one last idea, a spark of hope

I have to brace myself, it isn't pretty

I'll let my tears and pumping blood flow

If I do it enough, the liquids build up

and maybe they'll flood my tomb

I could be lifted up and out of this pit,

maybe it'll take me home!

even when I leave it, if I leave it,

my chest will hurt, ribs will fold

I can feel my vulnerability showing

for the ribcage protects the soul

So if two things sat side by side;

my naked body and naked soul

if you could please answer honestly,

which one do you love more?

[siffrin-is-stuck]

*takes a deep breath* have u considered...

SIMPLY NOT BEIN' STUCK IN A TIME LOOP????

*bonk*

[siffrin didn’t like that so they bonked the asker]

[r41nb0wbun]

I’m stuck in a computer!!!! @-@

[rastronomicals]

1:30 PM EDT October 23, 2024:

Disappearer - "Stuck In A Loop" From the album Disappearer (June 6, 2014)

Last song scrobbled from iTunes at Last.fm

The more recent dreamy doomgaze from Lisbon, and not the "Melodic Atmospheric Sludge Metal" band from Boston

[theunspokenvoid]

No matter where I go, I will never escape it. The damage has been done, so I could only carry it with me.

[the-labyrinth-of-me]

my special ability is to learn every single bit and detail about my current hyprrfixation and then annoy my peers about it