#whumper turned caretaker

[whump-bunny]

Whumper overestimates how much torture Whumpee can take. The once-defiant Whumpee is broken and catatonic, not speaking or reacting to anything anymore. And Whumper isn't happy about it. Though they loathe to admit it, they liked Whumpee's defiance. It was entertaining. Whumpee was entertaining. With them not speaking anymore, Whumper realizes that they miss the sound of Whumpee's voice. The snarky little comments, the sarcastic jokes, the curses screamed in rage.

Now Whumper is desperate to get the old Whumpee back. They're being extra "nice," giving Whumpee medical treatment and food, anything to make them go back to how they were before. Anything to fix their favorite toy.

Because like it or not, Whumper doesn't have anyone else.

[hurtwithallthecomfort]

Whumper had been wronged. Badly. Betrayed by an ally, captured, left for dead. When they got out, barely alive, they were beyond furious, and they wanted nothing but revenge. And so, once they recovered, they would go out to bring justice to the person who hurt them so horrifically: Whumpee.

Problem is, Whumpee didn’t actually do anything. They might have been framed, or happened to be in the wrong place. Or, maybe they did hurt Whumper, but they were being brainwashed, manipulated, or forced and threatened into it. Either way, Whumper’s going after the wrong person here, but they can’t say anything about it. Perhaps they’re protecting the real culprit, perhaps Whumper won’t let them speak, or perhaps they think they deserve it despite the circumstances. So, the suffering continues on, for an agonisingly long time.

And then, Whumper realises the truth. They find the real culprit, find some evidence that proves Whumpee’s innocence, or find proof of what happened to Whumpee before. And they’re sick to their stomach. Nausea doesn’t even describe it. Everything they had done was to an innocent bystander at best, and another victim of the real traitor at worst.

[valcaira]

Attention Whump Community!

Clogging disability tags is a massive problem that we need to address. Many tags, especially those surrounding permanent injuries, paralysis, vision loss and certain illnesses have become unusable due to being flooded with unrelated things. Yes, that includes your writing. Those tags are not for you. It's isolating, frustrating and depressing to try finding a community and other people who share your issues but all that comes up is whump, fandom shit, gifs, headcanons, etc.

I'm newly paralyzed. I have looked at many tags surrounding paralysis, trying to find support, a community, anything of people struggling with the same thing. Nothing. There's barely anything for us in the general disabilty tags. I am BEGGING you to understand and recognize how AWFUL it is.

So, I have a proposition. A tag you can and should use exclusively for disability content in whump writing. Not any other tag surrounding disability, lest you'll clog it up.

#disabled whumpee

It's tempting to use more specific tags, I get it. Due to being in the whump community myself I know #medical whump is already a tag. You have those tags. Use them. Don't use the disability tags. Don't clog up the few spaces us disabled people have.

[hurtfortea]

We should have more carewhumpees.

More caretakers who neglect their own needs, pushing aside and downplaying their issues, trying to care for whumpee.

More caretakers who feel guilty for not having done enough, sooner.

More who need to fix it even when it isn't their business and they shouldn't. Who step in when nobody asked them to.

And maybe this need to do good, to be a hero, is to make up for something they did before, or something they failed to do. Maybe, no matter how much they help, they never feel like a good person.

They never feel worthy of their own love.

Even though they need it the most.

[literarystarfish]

Whumpee gets kidnapped but ends up being treated better than when they were with their ‘Caretaker’/friends/teammates.

Kidnapper comes to realize how Whumpee was treated by how timid or apologetic they are acting even if they were the ones being kindapped and Kidnapper is horrified.

Whumpee didn’t realize they were being treated so awfully before this because it’s just normal for them up until that point.

Then they see how nice it is with Kidnapper, making them so damn confused.

[whumpd-up-kicks]

A character who's been shot is captured by enemies/bad guys. They're bleeding badly, and their captors need them alive. The bullet is removed, and the wound is poured with alcohol and bandaged tightly - none of it is done gently, and, being tied up (and maybe gagged), they can do nothing but scream and cry out in pain while enduring the rough treatment.

[whumppromptoftheday]

After an insanely long time of torturing Whumpee, to the point that all that's left of Whumpee is trauma responses and survival tactics, Whumper abruptly decides they're "done" and assumes the role of a Caretaker for Whumpee.

The worst part is that Carewhumper is tender, gentle, and diligent; but does not feel even an ounce of remorse, despite their affection and nursing. They carefully tend to their injuries, bathe them soothingly + in warm water, listen to their wiles and woes, but they are apparent in their lack of remorse.

It drives Whumpee absolutely mad as they tried so, so hard to convince themself that Carewhumper felt bad for torturing them to survive; to think their torture was a mistake, or something of deep regret and shame. But it wasn't.

It gets to the point where Whumpee begs Carewhumper to lie to them and just say they feel bad; even if it's not true, it's easier to gaslight themself that way.

.

[oddsconvert]

I'm reallyyyy developing a thing for whumper turned caretaker...like majorly 😍 The complete flip in dynamic, the regret and guilt that eats them alive as they have to live with all they did to Whumpee. And now they fight tooth and nail to fix the damage THEY caused 🔥😌 They can never right their wrongs.

And what caused that flip? Where did the epiphany happen where the switch was flicked... and suddenly it dawns on Whumper that they can't do this anymore.

[jordanstrophe]

Abandoned whumpee

CW: Whumper turned caretaker, injured whumpee, defiant, restrained, angst

[Previous] -- [Masterlist] -- [Next]

Whumpee awoke in their enemies infirmary.

An IV was pricking their arm and the lights were dimmed. They twitched as their wrist ached from the handcuff binding them to the bed.

"You're awake? I was getting worried about you." Whumper hummed, sitting by their bedside with a large cup of coffee. Whumpee shakily rose their hand as the handcuff clinked.

"This isn't necessary." Whumpee tiredly mumbled.

"My my, you've been awake for ten seconds and already making demands." Whumper chuckled. "But I'm afraid we're not on that level of trust yet, I can get you something for the bruise."

Whumpee tried to sit up, everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. 

"I'm a w-wounded prisoner. It's not like I know my w-way around here-" Their voice hitched as their arm gave in as they collapsed. Whumper was quick to pull them up and put a pillow behind their back.

"Easy now, you're still healing. -And don't downgrade yourself, you could still pack a punch, I know how you were trained." Whumper scolded, fixing the blanket around them.

"How could you possibly know that." Whumpee squinted. Whumper ignored their question and waved someone over; they were handed something whumpee couldn't see from the bed. Whumper moved towards them whumpee tried to scamper as far as the handcuff could go.

"Hey! Hey, calm down. It's not going to hurt you." Whumper lulled, placing a plate with a full meal on their lap. "Look, it's just a peace offering."

Whumpee's face flushed with a hint of pink as they lowered their shoulders. Hospitality was the least they expected from their enemy's leader. "You're feeding me?" Whumpee tilted their head.

"Of course I'm feeding you. I saved your life, I'm not going to waste it all by starving you. Gracious, eat your dinner." Whumper scoffed. 

"This is dinner? How long did you sedate me?" Whumpee suddenly perked up.

"I didn't sedate you, you were exhausted. That's just how long you slept. Now eat, you'll feel better." They nudged, taking their wrist and putting a plastic fork in whumpee's hand.

"If I didn't know any better," Whumper chuckled, "I would guess your beloved team wasn't feeding you either-"

Whumper felt movement and grabbed whumpee's arm before they attempted to plummet the fork into whumper's neck. They glared at each other as Whumpee was panting and pouring with sweat.

"Sweetheart, that is a plastic fork you're holding." Whumper glared.

"I know. But it's got three sh-sharp points and that's good enough f-for me." Whumpee grunted, still attempting to stab them. Whumper grabbed their collar and yanked them mere inches away. Whumpee pushed and tried to back-peddle as whumper held their collar.

"That was a cute try." Whumper whispered in their ear. "But you don't have the strength to fight just yet, little lamb. Should have eaten first." They plucked the fork out of Whumpee's hand and released them. Whumpee fell back and winced, holding their wound as it pulsed. They could feel the stitches underneath their shirt, staying intact at least...

"You honestly can't believe you'll keep me here like this! I don't want to be here- I'm not your pet to tease!" Whumpee shouted at them.

"You're not my pet. If you want to be that way, then sure; you're like a lamb running for the cliffs that I have to keep pulling you away from." Whumper straightened their jacket and rubbed their neck.

"You're only keeping me alive so you can torture me later, I've told you from the start I won't ever give up my team-"

"-No." Whumper cut them off.

Whumpee suddenly quieted and closed their lips. "... What do you mean no?" They quietly asked.

"I'm not gonna hurt you, your head is so full of lies it sickens me to know what they've taught you! You want to know why I stayed by your side all day? You woke up throughout the night and cried yourself right back to sleep!"

"I wasn't crying!" Whumpee sobbed, covering their face and fell silent. Whumper shut their mouth and leaned back, realizing they had corned them. "I'm sorry. I uh ... I'll give you some space. I'll come check on you later." Whumper quickly stood. They craned their head back to see whumpee was now curled on their side facing away from them.

Whumpee flinched when they heard a "clink" as the handcuff fell off their wrist. It was a feeling of pure light and relief. It was a surprising gesture, even for the stunt they pulled with the now-revoked plastic fork.

This wasn't the ruthless enemy whumpee was expecting; whumper speaks as if they know more about their own team than whumpee does. If they got trusted enough to freely walk around, they would get to find their own answers deep in the core of their enemies base. 

 Perhaps this was an opportunity.

[Previous] -- [Masterlist] -- [Next]

@parasitebunny @starzabove @frog-hat-fa-ggot @morning-star-whump @memepsychowhowantsuperpower-blog @mommymarichatfurever​  @isita-torrrres @tobiaslut

[the-three-whumpeteers]

The whumper didn’t want to care about the whumpee- but nobody was looking for them, hell, some were downright happy to take their position, so the whumper couldn’t help but get attached. The change was gradual, but eventually the whumpee went from being tortured to being comforted and cared for more than they had been before their capture.

[a-living-canvas]

Darling Fool

"Oh, God…" Whumpee silently muttered. Their left ankle was bruised and slightly bleeding. Their bare feet touched the rough surface of the road. They didn't have any jackets, so Whumpee hugged themselves to provide some heat for the cold weather.

But it's all worth it! They would meet Caretaker soon. Caretaker must be proud of them for finally escaping from Whumper. They couldn't wait for the warm blanket, a loving hug from Caretaker, and to sleep in their bed again.

"Huff…huff…" Whumpee leaned on the wall nearby, eyes blurry and heavy. They haven't eaten since they escaped from Whumper. The feeling of hunger slowly got to them. They could smell the delicious aroma of food from the restaurant. The sight made them drooled a little.

Whumpee continued walking. They ignored the weird and judgemental look people glance at them. Their shirt was stained with blood, their hair was messy, knees bleeding. They looked more like a homeless person rather than someone who needed help. 

Their eyes perked up when they saw a public restroom. They made their way to the place and looked at their reflection in the mirror. God, they looked awful. Caretaker must be scared to see them like this. Whumpee washed their face, cleaning the dirt and stain on their shirt and skin.

They tried to smile too. It felt awkward at first, given how long it had been since they got kidnapped by Whumper. They hoped they could make the prettiest smile for Caretaker. 

Whumpee walked out of the public restroom and continued their way to their house. A few people offered them a ride, but they refused in fear of being taken again. Half an hour passed, Whumpee finally arrived at their house. Excitement building inside them as they took a deep breath and knocked the door three times.

…

Nobody answered. Whumpee knocked again, this time they pressed the doorbell. They waited and waited but nobody came out. Anxiety rushed through them. They knocked a little louder and faster, enough to make the people inside the house feel annoyed with the infuriating sound.

They kept knocking until finally the door opened and Caretaker appeared from behind. Whumpee's eyes perked up at Caretaker, they nearly hugged them out of happiness but stopped themselves from doing so. Caretaker looked at Whumpee with a frown on their face. 

"Do I…know you?"

Caretaker asked. Whumpee's face went pale when they realised Caretaker didn't recognise them. Did they look…that different?

"It's…it's me…Whumpee…" Whumpee said, they tried to move closer to Caretaker but Caretaker backed away, their index finger covering their nose. Whumpee immediately stopped walking at the action, feeling embarrassment washed over them. 

"Sorry, I don't think you are the person I'm looking for." Caretaker said as they slowly went inside again when Whumpee grabbed their wrist, resulting in Caretaker slapped their face.

"Don't touch me, you creep!" 

"Caretaker, it's me! Please! Don't do this to me!" Whumpee pleaded, ignoring the sting feeling on their cheek. They kept clinging to Caretaker but they just pushed them away. Whumpee hugged Caretaker by their waist, holding them tight as tears watering in their eyes. 

"Please, please remember me! I'm Whumpee!" 

Caretaker sighed in frustration. They looked at Whumpee with a cold gaze. "Nice acting. But just so you know, there's already a few people who pretended to be my Whumpee just to get the money I offer from the missing poster."

"But I'm the real one! I'm not lying!" Whumpee showed their smile to Caretaker, tears rolled down on their cheeks. "Look at me, Caretaker! Don't you remember my smile?" Whumpee asked hopefully. Their smile faded when Caretaker pulled out their wallet and held out a few dollars to them.

"Take this, if you are that desperate for money." 

Whumpee pulled away from Caretaker. They swallowed hard as they took in the reality they were facing. Caretaker sighed as Whumpee stayed still like a rock, they put the money on the ground before going inside and closed the door. Whumpee bit their bottom lip, holding the tears in as they watched the money scattered around their bare feet.

They walked away from Caretaker's house, leaving the money untouched. 

~

"Oh, dear…" Whumper said, as they looked down at Whumpee. Whumpee was laying down on the street, hugging themselves tightly to fight the cold. They looked hazy and dazed, probably from starvation. Whumper sighed softly. They crouched down in front of Whumpee and stroked their hair.

"I told you, nobody cares about you anymore except me. Why do you need to be so stubborn, hm?" 

Whumper lifted Whumpee in bridal style, carried them gently as they walked to their car. 

"I will give you a warm blanket and a hot shower once we get home. Okay?"

Whumpee nodded, resting their head against Whumper's chest. Whumper rubbed their cheeks, frowning in concern. 

"They hit you?"

Whumpee didn't answer, they just started crying again. "Hey…hey…shh…don't cry, I'm here with you now." Whumper held them tightly, trying to comfort them as much as they could.

"C-caretaker doesn't remember me anymore…t-they gave me money, b-but I don't want that…!" 

"Shh…I know, I know." Whumper looked at Whumpee sympathetically. "Let's take care of your empty stomach first, okay?"

Whumpee nodded, "Okay…"

~

Part 2

[mj-iza-writer]

Whumptober Day 5

Sunburn - Healing Salve - Heatstroke - "Of my Pain Will Stretch that Far" (Lottery Winners, Burning House)

"Please master, can I have a second", Whumpee pleaded through gasps of breath.

They had been crawling behind Whumper for an hour now. Whumper liked taking these walks on the empty roads surrounding their off grid vacation home. This area allowed them to truly have Whumpee play pet. Whumpee was fully naked, only dressed in a collar and leash.

"Hmm, having a hard time keeping up with me pet?", Whumper turned, "we just have another mile before we're home. You can make it."

"Yes Master, but please may I have a second?", Whumpee pleaded, "I think I just found a piece of glass."

Whumper frowned as they saw blood oozing from Whumpee's hand.

"Hmm I suppose you did", Whumper sighed as they knelt to get a better look, "I don't have any first aid so I guess I'll allow you to walk like a person until we get your hand cleaned and bandaged."

"Thankyou master", Whumpee whispered.

Whumper stood, and helped Whumpee stand.

"Your knees look about tore up to", Whumper sighed, "I guess we won't take this path again."

Whumpee stumbled to the side a little, "I-I don't know if I-I'll make it master."

Whumper frowned as they saw how red Whumpee's skin was.

Whumper pulled out their water bottle and dumped the rest on Whumpee.

"Hmm", Whumpee whimpered.

"Okay let's go", Whumper lifted Whumpee onto his back and started to walk quickly.

"Master.... yo-your carrying me?", Whumpee moaned.

"Yep, I don't need you to have a heatstroke out here. I guess I didn't realize how bad the sun was", Whumper sighed, "I think you are dangerously close."

"Hmm", Whumpee moaned again.

"Whumpee, I know I don't tell you to do this often, but keep talking to me", Whumper said worringly. They were nowhere near a hospital if Whumpee did have a heatstroke, "I can't have you passing out on me."

"Wh-what sh...ould I-I talk abo-ut", Whumpee labored.

"Anything you want, just keep talking", Whumper groaned under Whumpee's almost dead weight.

"My favorite treats?", Whumpee perked up for a second.

"That's fine", Whumper nodded, "what are your favorites?"

"I like when you get those chocolate cookies with the cream in the center", Whumpee whispered.

"Uh-huh", Whumper sighed, trying to get Whumpee to keep going, "how about the granola bars from this morning?"

Whumpee paused for a moment to think, "I uh, didn't really like those "

"Oh I thought you did", Whumper huffed, "man you are heavier than you look."

"Mm, sorry Master... mm, really tired", Whumpee's head bobbed to the side.

"Whumpee, you really need to stay awake. Keep telling me about treats", Whumper quickened their pace.

Whumpee's head swayed as they lifted it.

"My, uhm... mm head hurts", Whumpee slurred, "and mm hand."

"We'll get bandaged up once we get home", Whumper could see the house in site, "just stay with me a little longer. I'll get a fan on you. Get you nice and cool."

Whumpee didn't answer.

"Whumpee?", Whumper questioned again. Concern in their voice.

"Hmm", Whumpee hummed as their head fell again.

"We're home", Whumper rounded the corner and hurried to get inside.

Whumpee was spread out on the cold tile floor, and a fan was not blowing on them.

Whumper made a few ice pack towels, and placed them in certain spots on Whumpee.

Whumpee continued to breath uncomfortably.

"I think I'm going to need to get you into the tub", Whumper frowned, "I can't believe I was this careless. I normally pay attention, but you were definitely having a hard time. I'm so sorry."

Whumpee woke up and looked around. They moved around a little and caused some water to splash up.

"Hum", Whumpee looked at the tub full of water with concern, "what's happening?"

"Woe easy there Whumpee", Whumper came in after hearing the movement, "don't move too much. You were just unconscious."

"Wh-what happened?", Whumpee looked up at them, "am-am I okay?"

"I think you are now. I'm still a little worried about you", Whumper reached down and pulled up a cup, "I've been trying to get you to drink some of this while you were unconscious. It's electrolyte water. Lets get the rest of this in you."

Whumper helped hold the cup while they drank.

"You have quite the sunburn my pet, I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable for a few days", Whumper sighed at themself for not taking better care of their pet, "let's get you dried off and comfortable. I have some ointment to put on you to help take away the sting."

Whumpee nodded, "I feel a little better now."

"That's good", Whumper stood, "you can soak for a few more minutes while I look for that salve ointment."

Whumpee sighed in relief when Whumper had finished putting the medicine on them.

"Sounds like you feel better already", Whumper grinned as they reached for a pillow to put under Whumpee's head.

"Yes Master", Whumpee laid their head down, "thankyou."

"You're welcome, now go ahead and get some rest. I'll wake you for dinner", Whumper patted Whumpee's head a little before standing.

Whumpee let their eyes blink open and shut. They grew slower and slower.... heavier and heavier.

They could hear Whumper humming in the kitchen. The gentle notes soothed them even more.

"I'm so happy to have Master", Whumpee whispered to themself, "what would I do without them taking care of me?"

Taglist. As always please let me know if you want to be added or taken off of the list. It's not a problem at all.

@villainsandheroes @the-beasts-have-arrived

@sacredwrath @porschethemermaid

@monarchthefirst @generic-whumperz

@bloodyandfrightened @freefallingup13

@notpeppermint @cyborg0109

@idontreallyexistyet @painfulplots

@whumpbump @everythingsscary

@skittles-the-whumpee @expressionless-fr

@theforeverdyingperson @legendarydelusiongoatee

@candleshopmenace @whumpanthems

@lavndvrr @ivymyers

@starfields08000 @a-living-canvas

@lumpofsand @watermeezer

@indigoviolet311 @whumpy-mountains

@3-2-whump @risk606

@electrons2006 @paperprinxe

@whumprince @kaz-of-crows

@mis-graves @decaffeinatedtimetraveler94

@sausages-things @ragin-cajun-fangirl

@isikedmyself878 @daffyduckcommittedtaxfraud

@valravnthefrenchie @glennemerald

@jasperthecapser @does-directions

@deafeninglittlecrown

[whumpy-wyrms]

when the whumper feels remorse… gotta be one of my favorite tropes

[whump-and-other-misfortunes]

Hero had noticed that Villain seemed a little distracted during their fight—not bantering as much as usual, fighting back halfheartedly. Still, they had expected Villain to dodge their attack in time. But when Hero sent out another blast of their ice powers, it hit Villain square in the chest, knocking them into the wall behind them. 

Hero gasped as they watched Villain crumple to the ground, clutching at their chest. “Oh my god.” 

Villain groaned, staring down at the ice spreading across the front of their suit. “Fuck. You got me good, huh?” they forced out. The laugh that followed was on the verge of hysterical. 

“God, Villain, I’m so sorry,” Hero said, rushing to them. They knelt down in front of Villain, pushing their shaking hands out of the way so Hero could inspect the damage. Ice had pierced through their suit, seeping into Villain’s chest. Thanks to their own fire powers, it most likely wouldn’t be fatal—Villain's body heat had already begun counteracting the ice. But it looked like it hurt. 

Villain’s eyes were distant when they looked up at Hero, and their lips were tinged blue. “My fault,” they said, teeth chattering. “Should’ve been paying attention.” 

Hero shook their head. “No, no it’s not your fault. Shit, I'm sorry, I knew you were having an off day and I still…” 

Villain wrapped their arms around themself as shivers wracked their body. “S-so cold. And tired.” 

“You have to stay awake,” Hero instructed, though it came out as more of a plea. “Keep your eyes open, okay?” 

The ice was beginning to melt away already, but the effects would probably last longer. “You’ve g-got your chance to t-turn me in now,” Villain said, forcing themself to keep their eyes on Hero. 

Hero sighed, pushing Villain’s hair back. “Not gonna happen. I’m taking you home where you can have some hot soup and lots of blankets, and then rest. And maybe when you’re feeling better, you can tell me what had you so distracted today.” 

“Why?” Villain asked incredulously. 

“I did this. Now I'm going to fix it.” Hero didn’t tell them about the guilt and the looming fear that always followed them. The constant underlying threat of their powers being too strong. Or that they might lose control, like they had today. One of their worst fears had just come true and it was only by luck, or maybe a miracle, that Hero had hit the one person who couldn’t be killed by their ice powers. 

“If you w-wanted me to c-come home with you, you c-could've just asked,” Villain joked. 

Hero couldn’t help but smile—at least Villain was with it enough to still tease them. “Don’t fool yourself. Once you’re all better, we go back to being enemies.” 

“Yeah. Obviously.” Hero pretended not to notice the way Villain’s smile faltered. “You’d have t-to take me to dinner f-first, anyways. I’m not that easy.” 

“Well,” Hero said, “I can at least make you chicken noodle soup, so hopefully that counts for something. Now, come on, let’s see if you can stand…” 

[seth-whumps]

"It wasn't personal... just-... Just rest. We're done. No more hurting for now." + Whumpee

"You're... lying. I don't trust you, I don't believe you."

"What are they doing to you?"

"I know... you don't want to do this. You can set me free."

"For now. Real reassuring."

"I--can you please get this off, it hurts--"

[jordanstrophe]

Can you do some sort of Christmas themed whump? I don’t have any ideas beyond that, im just in the holiday and whumping spirit and you’re my favorite whump writer

Christmas cookies and hot cocoa in exchange ☕️🍪☕️🍪

(aaAAA thank you very much! I'll be honest, I don't have the greatest idea for this one either; but when in doubt, ･ﾟ✧Hypothermia?･ﾟ✧

(To any writers who want to chime in with their own ideas to do a bit more justice, please feel welcome to)

Cw: hypothermia, chained, whumper having to play the caretaker card

Whumper awoke to a blissful morning. They poured themselves a cup of coffee and flung open the curtains. They were blinded by pure white; it seemed to have snowed.

Whumper felt a chill of realization trickle down their spine.

As punishment for the night before, they chained whumpee in the backyard. It was brutally cold at the time, but they hardly expected a blizzard.

"Oh no oh no oh no-" Whumper fluttered, wrangling their coat expecting a corpse to be in their backyard. Whumpee was nowhere to be seen and the fresh snow looked untouched; but whumpee couldn't have gone far with the chain tethering them to the tree.

They dug around and found the chain deep within the snow. They tugged it until they found whumpee's arm and yanked them to the surface. They were unresponsive, whumper took their glove off and felt for a pulse. It was there, barely; they were soaked and slowly breathing. (Much to their relief. They would rather not wrack up their charge from kidnapping to murder)

Whumper's hands shook as they tried to unlock the chain. It stayed frozen and jammed shut as they threw the chain down and unlocked from the base of the tree instead. They picked whumpee up and carried them inside, dragging the chain along with them.

They laid them on the couch and hurried to get a fire going. They wrapped whumpee in a dry coat and held them in their lap. "I'm sorry- I'm so sorry, I'll never make that mistake again, please be okay." Whumper whispered, combing their hand through whumpee's drenched hair.

After awhile, whumpee stirred. They squirmed around a bit in whumper's arms, but didn't have the energy to lift their head off their shoulder. "Shhh, sh sh don't move, it's okay." Whumper shushed, squeezing them tighter.

"... C-caretaker?" Whumpee mumbled. Whumper's heart dropped and they felt a flood of guilt.

"I'm afraid not." Whumper sighed. Whumpee suddenly started struggling trying to get out of their arms as whumper panicked.

"Okay! Okay it's me. It's caretaker, please stop moving." Whumper clutched them softer. Whumpee stopped struggling, seemingly trying to process everything, before fully relaxing their head back against whumper's shoulder.

Whumpee must be thoroughly confused to think they of all people, were caretaker.