#whumpers plan went wrong

[teine-mallaichte]

I've been thinking about the idea of Whumper using euphoric drugs on Whumpee and leaving them as "present" for Caretaker again. And it occurred to me - drugs can be really unpredictable, what if Whumper made a slight miscalculation?

CW: non-con drugging, drugged Whumpee, stressed Whumper.

Whumper’s plan had seemed straightforward at first—an almost poetic gesture of chaos. Get Whumpee high, deliver them to the caretaker’s house as an unexpected gift, and then watch the ensuing confusion from a safe distance. But what had started as a meticulously calculated scheme was rapidly spiraling into disaster.

Initially, the plan was working as intended. Whumpee had staggered, their laughter a high-pitched, disjointed melody as they interacted with nonexistent objects. Whumper had been amused, almost smug, watching as Whumpee’s inebriated state added a layer of absurdity to the night. But as they neared the caretaker’s house, the drugs’ effects intensified far beyond what Whumper had anticipated.

Whumpee’s movements became increasingly erratic. Where they had once swayed and giggled with a semblance of coherence, they now moved with a wild, unpredictable energy. They clung to Whumper as if they were a lifeline, their grip both frantic and desperate. Whumper struggled to support their weight, each step feeling like a victory snatched from the jaws of disaster.

“Come on,” Whumper muttered through gritted teeth, their voice betraying a mix of irritation and concern. They were so close to the caretaker’s house, its warm lights a beacon of hope in the encroaching darkness. Yet the closer they got, the more Whumpee’s condition seemed to unravel. Their once-merry laughter was now a chaotic symphony of incoherent giggles and slurred phrases, their head lolling as they reached for imaginary objects in the night.

"Come on," Whumper muttered under their breath, trying to coax Whumpee towards the house. The words felt hollow, almost laughable, as they struggled to keep Whumpee upright. Every step was a battle, with Whumpee’s incoherent mumblings and sporadic outbursts of laughter providing an erratic rhythm to their progress.

Whumper sighed, "Whumpee," they forced their drugged companion to look at them, their unfocused glassy eyes and almost manic smile no longer amusing, "I need you to focus, we are almost there."

Whumpee’s response was a garbled mix of laughter and nonsensical words, their head lolling from side to side as if struggling to maintain even the simplest of coherent thoughts. Each attempt to move forward was met with a new challenge: Whumpee would stumble, laugh hysterically, or collapse onto the grass, clutching at it as though it were the only thing anchoring them to reality.

Whumper’s hands were trembling slightly as they gripped Whumpee’s shoulders, trying desperately to regain control of the situation. The weight of Whumpee was becoming increasingly unbearable, and Whumper’s anxiety was mounting with every misstep. They could just leave them there, they were so close to Caretakers front down. If Whumper went to ring the doorbell then Caretaker would almost certainly hear Whumpees laughs and giggles upon opening the door. It wasn't the original plan, but at this point the original plan seemed a distant dream.

Whumper took a deep breath, trying to steady their nerves as they realized the precariousness of their situation. Whumpee's condition was deteriorating rapidly, their laughter now more erratic and their movements increasingly chaotic. Every time Whumpee collapsed or veered off course, it felt like the whole plan was unraveling further.

"Come on, just a few more steps," Whumper said, their voice tight with strain. They tried to adjust their grip on Whumpee, who was now clinging to Whumper with a desperation that made every movement feel like a monumental effort. Whumper glanced at the caretaker's house, which was now only a few steps away.

The caretaker’s house was so close, yet each step forward was fraught with increasing difficulty. Whumper could already picture the scene: Whumpee sprawled on the driveway, laughter echoing into the night, drawing unwanted attention.

“Whumpee,” Whumper said sharply, forcing their drugged companion to focus. They held Whumpee’s shoulders, their eyes trying to pierce through the glassy, unfocused stare. “We’re almost there. Just a few more steps.”

Whumpee's head lolled to the side, their giggles turning into soft, incoherent mutterings. "I see… butterflies…" Whumpee said, their eyes wide and unfocused as they reached out to grab at imaginary insects, causing Whumper to stumble at the sudden change in centre of mass.

"Screw it," Whumper thought letting go of Whumpee and allowing them to crash down onto Caretakers driveway. They gritted their teeth, trying to steady their nerves. The plan had been to leave Whumpee in a state of chaotic but manageable disarray. Now, with Whumpee sprawled out on the driveway, the situation was anything but subtle.

The caretaker’s house was eerily silent. The soft glow of the interior lights cast long, stretching shadows across the driveway. Whumper knew they had to act quickly. If they rang the doorbell, the caretaker would almost certainly hear Whumpee’s laughter and incoherent mumblings.

Taking a deep breath, Whumper forced themselves to calm down. They approached the front door, each step feeling like a mile. They glanced back at Whumpee, who was now rolling around on the driveway, their giggles melding with their incoherent mutterings about butterflies and parties in the sky.

Whumper’s hand hovered over the doorbell, their heart pounding. They pressed it, the chime echoing into the night, and then turned on their heel and sprinted away from the scene, leaving the chaotic aftermath behind.

[mj-iza-writer]

Whumptober Day 3.

Set up for failure - Fingerprints - Wrongfully Arrested - "I warned you"

Whumper drug Whumpee through the halls to the interrogation room by a chain clipped to their identification collar.

"Stop fighting me", Whumper yelled in frustration, "I warned you already."

"Sorry... can't breath", Whumpee winced as they tried to catch up to Whumper's long strides.

Whumpee finally fell to the ground.

"Please sir, I ca-can't keep up with you", Whumpee gasped for air, "have mercy, I don't know what I did to make you mad, but please, have mercy."

"Get up", Whumper commanded, "it's what you didn't do."

Whumpee quickly stood, "sir, what didn't I do?", Whumpee almost pleaded, "wait, please."

"Shut up. You are not to say another word until we are in the interrogation room", Whumper yelled.

"Interrogation?", Whumpee gulped, "please no, anything but interrogation."

Whumper backhanded Whumpee, "what did I just say?"

Whumpee shook in fear as they followed Whumper into one of the rooms for interrogation.

"Sit over their and don't move", Whumper pointed.

Whumpee quickly obeyed. They watched Whumper leave. Chills ran down their spine as the door was locked.

"What.... what didn't I do?", they whispered, "I was", they thought, "I was obedient, my manners, everything", Whumpee looked around the room, "I-I don't want to be interrogated."

Interrogation meant Whumper was going to torture them until they confessed to what they had done to deserve this. Then they would receive their punishment for their crime.

The worst part was the wait.

Whumper would leave them in this room for hours as the torture was planned out. The anticipation was enough to drive someone mad.

Whumpee hugged their knees to their chest, "what did I do?"

"Sir, may I have a word", one of Whumper's guards interrupted.

Whumper sighed, "I guess."

Whumper glared at the bloody, beaten Whumpee as they walked past to speak to the guard.

"This will give you time to really think about what you did", Whumper spat, "I'll expect an answer when I return."

Whumpee kept their eyes to the ground. Their body shook as it tried to hold itself up.

'I don't know if I can keep up much longer', Whumpee thought to themself, "I don't know what I.... did."

Whumpee almost blacked out from the pain.

Whumper stepped outside with the guard.

"I'm busy, can't you tell. This better be important", Whumper frowned.

"Sir, you grabbed the wrong prisoner", the guard said apologetically, "we had Whumpee out in the hall to stretch their legs. A reward for good behavior. You grabbed them instead of grabbing Prisoner D from solitary confinement."

"You are just now figuring this out. I've been going for almost two hours on them", Whumper screamed, "no wonder they have no idea what I'm talking about."

Whumper frowned, "get me the correct prisoner, and tell Medic what happened. They're going to need medical attention after this."

"Yes sir I apologize", the guard quickly ran to follow the orders.

Whumper groaned as they opened the door to the interrogation room.

Whumpee looked up weakly.

"Please, I can't take anymore. Please tell me what I did so I can learn. Please have mercy on me, I can't...", Whumpee felt their body slump into the restraints. They cried out at this added pressure to their sore muscles.

Whumper quickly lifted them up and undid the restraints.

They cradled Whumpee in their arms and lowered themself to the floor.

"Whumpee, there has been a big mistake made, and I am so sorry it was not found out until just now. You were grabbed by mistake, someone else was supposed to be here, not you", Whumper gently stroked Whumpee's head.

Whumpee shook in fear but had no strength left to try to fight out of Whumper's hands.

"I'm going.... going to pass o-", Whumpee's body went limp.

Whumper sighed as they got up to carry Whumpee to the medical wing.

Whumpee weakly squinted at the soft light that was suddenly turned on.

"Hmmmp, what's happening?", Whumpee whispered.

"Oh good, we were beginning to wonder if you'd wake up", someone said in a happy voice, "Whumper did quite a number on you."

Whumpee weakly looked around, "where am I?"

"You are in Whumper's living quarters", someone now stood by where Whumpee lay, "after you left Medic, Whumper wanted to make sure you were in good hands still, so he brought you up here. He asked me to take care of you. Would you like some water, you've been unconscious for a few days."

Whumpee nodded weakly, "how long... have I been unconscious."

"A few days", she repeated and helped Whumpee sit up.

Whumpee gasped in pain until the person had pillows propping them up just right."

"My name is MarMar", the person smiled as she helped Whumpee drink from a cup, "I can imagine your hungry as well. Whumper said anything you want, you get. He feels awful for what happened."

Whumpee looked down, "I am a little hungry, but I don't want to be a bother."

"You're not a bother at all, I'll be back with some food", MarMar set the cup down and left the room.

Whumpee weakly reached for the cup. A pain went through their arm, causing the cup to slip from their fingers just as the door opened.

Whumper stepped in and eyed the small bit of water now on the floor.

Whumpee panicked, "no no no, please sir forgive me", they started to climb out of the bed to clean it. "I'm so sorry."

"No please don't get out of bed, it's okay", Whumper stepped closer to them, "just some water, no big deal."

Whumpee couldn't hide how visibly shaken they were to be in Whumper's presence.

"MarMar said you just woke up, I just came in to check on you", Whumper sat down beside the bed, "are you feeling okay?"

"It-it hurts sir, everything hurts", Whumpee whispered, "but I'll be okay."

"I feel terrible that this happened to you, I honestly didn't even know who you were. You never seem to cause any issues. Your name has never come across my desk. The person who I was supposed to take to interrogation is a new face here, so it was a bit of a mixup and lack of communication. Though that is not a good excuse at all for what happened", Whumper watched Whumpee's breathing hitch, "I would like to make it up to you, I'm not sure how yet."

Whumpee listened, "please, you don't have to worry about it", Whumpee winced as more pain went through their arm, "it was an honest mistake."

Whumper watched Whumpee rub their arm.

"I think it's only fair. I ended up looking for your file after this incident. You haven't had to receive any correctional beatings or anything. We couldn't even find your record though. I have no idea what you are in for", Whumper sighed, "they think it was destroyed accidentally. We are looking into it."

"Prisoner of war", Whumpee whispered.

Whumper's heart skipped, "I-I'm not supposed to have any POWS in my prison... they were all released, and records des...troyed."

"Yes sir, I was overlooked", Whumpee winced.

"Why didn't you say anything?", Whumper stood, "everyone from your group was freed a while ago."

"I was going to, then I heard my country was destroyed... I didn't know what to do.... where to go", Whumpee looked down, "my family died with my country. What would you have done?"

Whumper frowned, "I need to think about what to do with you. You can't remain a prisoner", Whumper frowned, "that's not fair to you, but I don't think they are doing the processing anymore to help you settle into this country."

Whumpee frowned, "I'm sorry... I'm afraid I've caused more trouble then what I'm worth."

"It's not your fault that you were overlooked. I just wish you had said something a little sooner. I can't just throw you in the street either", Whumper thought out loud, "you won't be able to fend for yourself, and you're not technically a legal citizen. "

"I'm sorry", Whumpee tried to hide a tear.

"No need to cry", Whumper reached for a napkin, "I'll figure it out. MarMar should be coming back with a meal for you shortly."

Just then MarMar brought in the food tray.

"I'll be back to check on you", Whumper started to leave.

"I'm sorry sir", Whumpee watched them.

"It's okay, just get some rest. You are very injured", Whumper made a slight grin, "I'm sorry about that."

MarMar entered Whumper's office.

"What do you want Mar?", Whumper didn't bother looking up.

"Whumpee told me what happened. Why don't you let them live up here in your quarters. You have plenty of rooms. I could use some help cleaning it even", Mar stood in front of the desk, "you did that for me."

"You were a different case. You did something wrong, and you were brought here. They didn't realize you were female or didn't care at least, and I run a male prison. They refused to come and get you. That's why you serve your imprisonment up here", Whumper sat back in his chair, "Whumpee was supposed to be free a year or so ago. They didn't do anything wrong. They just happened to be on the enemy side during the war. Government allowed those prisoners freedom with assistance because their country was destroyed. Just as I feared, that program is no longer available."

"If I may be so bold... that was the first mistake your prison has made in Whumpee's case. Now look at them", MarMar prodded, "you left them unconscious for several days after that. You owe them something. They aren't supposed to be here, but neither was I, and you figured that out."

"You know I'm not above putting you in solitary for being outspoken", Whumper grumbled.

"Who would keep you company then?", MarMar grinned.

"I'll buy a puppy", Whumper replied with a grin.

MarMar talked with Whumpee for a while before Whumper came in.

"Excuse me, I have a few things to take care of before bed", MarMar got up.

"Whumpee I think I figured out what to do with you", Whumper sat down, "Mar gave me the idea... how would you feel about living here in my living quarters. You wouldn't have to do service work like Mar does, but you could help out if you like. I can't leave you as a prisoner, and I can't let you leave. Both would be illegal."

Whumpee looked at Whumper in shock.

"I know you said your family was probably no longer around. We could work at getting you legally in this country and if you wanted to leave after that, you can. I need to make up for what I did to you and also that my prison overlooked you."

"I'd be bothering you though, and MarMar", Whumpee looked at their arm and rubbed it.

"What is going on with your arm?", Whumper watched them rub it, "thats the second time you've rubbed it in my presence."

"I keep having sharp pains go through it", Whumpee whispered.

"I'll let the doctor know, they'll check on you in the morning. If it gets really bad during the night let someone know", Whumper stood up, "the Medic is gone for tonight, but I can pull a few strings if you need to be seen. Think about my offer."

Whumpee nodded.

The next morning Whumpee woke up when they heard a door slam.

Mar came into the room with a grin.

"Is Whumper angry?", Whumpee made a concerned look, "that door being slammed startled me."

"It was Whumper, he slams it as he goes into the prison. He says it spooks the guards", MarMar giggled.

"Oh, I see", Whumpee nodded.

"I'm working on your breakfast right now", MarMar knelt by the bed, "did you think about Whumper's offer?"

"A little, I feel like I'll be in the way up here, but I don't think I have other options", Whumpee watched MarMar for a bit.

"You won't be in the way", MarMar comforted, "it's really nice up here. Oh, the medic will be up to check on you after breakfast. I hope your arm is okay."

Whumper came in and sat next to Whumpee.

They eyed Whumpee's arm, which was lifted in a sling and wrapped in a cast.

Whumpee looked at it then at Whumper.

"I broke it", Whumpee whispered.

"No I broke it", Whumper sighed, "I am so sorry."

"It's okay", Whumpee smiled weakly.

Whumper leaned back in the seat, "no it really isn't. I don't normally go that far with anyone, I have no idea why I got so mad. It keeps rolling over in my head, and I can't even explain why I did this. I don't even know how to make it up to you. Everything was messed up for you."

"Just unlucky, I've always been unlucky", Whumpee tried to laugh, but winced when a sharp pain went through their abdomen, "oww."

Whumper watched them, "I am so sorry Whumpee, uhm, have you thought about my invitation to stay here. We can set up a better bedroom for you. You can heal, and we can work on getting you to be recognized as a citizen. Plus work on some other things that you may need."

"Yes, I thought about it. MarMar also helped me. If you are okay with it, and I promise not to be a bother. I can stay with you", Whumpee looked for any movements in Whumper that showed they were dissatisfied with that answer.

"That's great", Whumper only smiled, "I was a little nervous about your choice. I promise everything will be alright. We'll get you to feeling better."

"Th-thankyou", Whumpee looked at them flabbergasted at how Whumper's personality was completely different from the other day.

"You're welcome, alright, MarMar and I will get your bedroom ready. You'll be so comfortable", Whumper hurried to get up and to the door.

"Mar you owe me $5, they said yes", Whumper yelled as they left the room.

"Dang", MarMar called back with sarcasm in their voice, "wait I helped talk them into it."

Whumpee listened to the two of them go back and forth.

"What just happened, and who is that?", Whumpee questioned in a whisper.

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

[serickswrites]

Dangerous Game III

Part 1 Part 2

Warnings: captivity, torture, threat of death, escape, rescue, knife, knives, stabbing, blood, mcd, hurt/no comfort, caretaker and whumpee

Caretaker and the team had spent days looking for Whumpee. Spent days trying to uncover Whumper's compound. Spent days coming up with a plan to extract Whumpee and end Whumper.

And it was all coming together now. Caretaker hurried with the team towards the room they knew was built into the wall in Whumper's compound. This was the best way to breach. It would allow them to enter the courtyard and from their the team could branch out to the various areas of the compound. And then they would find Whumpee. Save Whumpee.

Caretaker heard thundering footsteps on the other side of the door as they approached. "Someone's coming! Brace yourselves. I'll open the door on three!" Caretaker knew it was a possibility that Whumper would know they were coming. That Whumper would have gathered a small force to keep Caretaker and the team out. But there was nothing that would stop Caretaker from getting to Whumpee.

"Three!" They shouted and wrenched the door open. And their breath caught in their chest. Whumpee.

Whumpee raced towards them. Whumpee's face was pinched with pain and fear. Caretaker could see bruises on Whumpee's wrists--no doubt from the restraints Whumper used on them. But Whumpee was alive. "Whumpee!" They called.

Whumpee was suddenly in their arms. "Whumpee," Caretaker murmured as they leaned down and kissed Whumpee. They didn't care that Teammate One and Teammate Three were there. Teammate Two had known, of course, but the others didn't. But Caretaker didn't care. They had Whumpee in their arms. Whumpee was alive.

"I'm free, I'm free," Whumpee panted. Caretaker wiped tears from Whumpee's eyes.

They kissed Whumpee again. Now that they had Whumpee in their arms, they were never letting Whumpee go.

A loud thwunk startled Caretaker. Whumpee went limp in their arms. Caretaker struggled to remain standing as Whumpee became a deadweight in their arms. Whumpee's legs gave out and Caretaker could barely stand. "Whumpee! Whumpee! Say something, love. What's wrong? Love, talk to me."

Whumpee didn't reply. Caretaker shifted Whumpee in their arms so they could see Whumpee's face. Whumpee's head lolled on their neck. Caretaker gave a keening wail as they stared into Whumpee's wide, unseeing eyes.

Caretaker didn't hear or notice their team race over to them. They didn't hear or notice Teammate Three take off running and shouting after Whumper. Whumper who had stood their long enough to see Whumpee go down before turning tail and running. Caretaker didn't notice any of that. They only had eyes for Whumpee.

Teammate One knelt next to Caretaker. "Let me see, Caretaker. Let me see." Teammate One spoke to Caretaker, spoke loud enough to be heard of their sobs, but they couldn't believe what they were seeing. They couldn't believe Whumpee was gone. They had just gotten there. The team was right there. Whumpee couldn't be gone.

Caretaker didn't respond. They didn't act as though they could hear Teammate One. They continued to sob and clutch Whumpee close. Teammate One crouched further to see what had happened to Whumpee, their mouth going dry as they saw a dagger buried to the hilt in Whumpee's back. Whumper's file had said they were an excellent marksman.

Teammate One took Whumpee's limp hand in theirs, careful not to disturb Caretaker. They discreetly took Whumpee's pulse. They knew what they would feel, but they had to be sure. They had to be wrong. Whumpee couldn't be gone. But as no beat came and Caretaker's wails of despair filled the air, Teammate One began to cry.

They were too late. They were all too late. And they were so close. But it wasn't enough. As Teammate One stared into Whumpee's lifeless eyes, they realized none of it was enough.

Tags: @toyybox@lthrboy@writinggremlin@st0rmm

@elriehana @finns-spam-sideblog

[whumpninja]

I have no explanation for this, my brain just decided it wanted to do it. Don’t expect me to write this sort of whump very often, relationships are not my strong suit and this will probably be a very once in a blue moon sort of thing. But since it exists…

Stay With Me

Warnings: messy breakup gone wrong, emotional whump, one-sided whumper x whumpee, tied up, fantasy setting

The white fire jumped back and forth between Cecelia's fingers like a living thing. "Ha!" the young sorceress exclaimed triumphantly, nearly upsetting her pestle as she stood up. "This is perfect! I've only got a few more components to find, and then we have everything!" The flames wrapped their way down her forearm, and she laughed. "Oh, it tickles!"

She looked so happy. She hadn't looked that happy since...since Laurel had first met her. She'd become so sad, so angry, and it had taken so long for her to start coming back from it all...

Laurel sighed from his place on the other side of their fire. Sooner or later, he would have to break that happiness again. And it was beginning to look like it would have to be sooner.

"Laurie?"

Celia had doused the magic fire. She stood in front of him now, a questioning look in her brown eyes. "You seem upset," she said softly.

There's never going to be a good moment. Get it over with. Laurel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Celia...we need to talk."

She plopped down beside him, turning her head to look him in the eyes. "All right, let's talk. Are you okay? Are you tired? We've been all over the kingdom getting my supplies- do you want to take a few days to rest?" She reached out to put a hand on his shoulder. "I don't mind."

Just say it. Laurel stared at his lap, twisting his hands around each other. "Celia, this- this plan of yours. It's gotten out of hand. I can't- I can't be part of it anymore."

Celia stiffened. Her hand froze just above his shoulder.

"It's- it's too much!" Now that the words had started to come, they flowed like the river they'd had to cross a few days ago. "I never liked the thought of revenge. I didn't want to do this, any of this. I don't want to destroy the kingdom; I never did. I went along with the idea because I thought I could help you see a better way. I've been guiding you all over the country after the ingredients for your spell, hoping you'd come around, that I could change you. But, Celia, I'm not changing you- you're changing me. And I don't want to change. I don't want to be...evil."

"What are you saying?" Celia asked, drawing back from him. Her voice quivered.

"I think you know what I'm saying, Celia. I'm saying I'm sorry...and I'm saying goodbye." Laurel looked up at her for the first time since he'd started talking. Tears streamed down her face, and he hated that he was the cause of them. "I'm leaving in the morning."

She grabbed his arm as he stood up. "You can't leave! You can't! Everyone always leaves, and you- I can't lose you too, Laurie! I-I'll be careful with the spell, I won't destroy everything, I promise. Just- stay with me, you can't leave!"

His own eyes stung with tears, and he swiped his arm across them. "And I can't stay, Celia. I can't be a part of this any longer."

Cecelia buried her face in her hands and wept aloud as he walked away.

Laurel waited until he had crossed the campsite, curling up on his bedroll where he was too far to hear her sobs.

When he stopped holding back his own, they were silent.

——————————————————————————

Laurel woke with a pounding head and a face crusted with salt. He had planned to leave at first light- Cecelia liked to sleep in, and he wanted to be gone before she woke.

Cecelia sat by the rekindled fire a little distance away, poking at the embers with a stick. "Morning!" she chirped. "I found breakfast already, it's almost done!"

Laurel sat up carefully, keeping his gaze locked on hers. "Celia," he said slowly, "untie me, right now."

Celia glanced at the sturdy ropes keeping Laurel's hands pinned at his sides and tying his feet to a stake hammered into the firm ground. She bit her lip, looked away, and spoke her next words in a rush. "Do you want the red berries or the black berries? I don't know what either one of them are, I was hoping you could-"

"Celia!" Laurel shouted. He'd never shouted at her beforec and she froze. "Celia, this isn't the way." He pulled at the ropes, testing them. They held. "You have to let me go," Laurel pleaded.

Cecelia shook her head. "No. No, I don't." She dropped the stick, coming to stand over him.

There was almost a sort of madness in her eyes. She reached out and brushed her hand over his cheek. "Everyone leaves me, Laurie, and I can't bear it. I'm going to find all the ingredients, finish my spell, and do what I have to. I know you don't like it, but it's what I have to do. And you don't have to help me anymore, not if you don't want to. I'll find someone else who knows the forest. All you have to do, Laurie...is stay with me."

[whumperofworlds]

Rules here!

(TW: SUICIDE UNDER CUT)

Whumpee, who is royalty, is taken captive by Whumper and is held on a cliff in exchange for the Macguffin the team has. The team arrived with the Macguffin, and their plan was going smoothly... then it went very wrong. The team then has to decide on whether to give up the Macguffin or not to Whumper.

Whumpee, however, made the decision for them--they jumped off the cliff and killed themself, to the team's horror and grief (with Whumpee's sibling, Caretaker, trying to save them to no avail). With Whumpee dead, the team had no choice but to flee with the Macguffin, and Whumpee's death had caused not only grief to their team, but also to Whumper's team, as many deserted them.

What piece of media does this whumpy scene come from? Tell me via replies here, reblog, ask, etc! You have 24 hours!

[redd956]

Phobias Whump Prompt List 1

Inspired by @chosenchaos (Chaos from The Whump Corner Discord)

Claustrophobia: Fear of confined spaces

Caretaker knows an escape route Whumper would never be able to figure out. They're shocked at Whumpee's sudden willingness to stay with Whumper upon finding out that escape is through a tight cave/plumbing system.

Trapped in an elevator (with caretaker, whumper, another whumpee) after it broke down

Caretaker comforting Whumpee, telling them to focus on their breathing, while they're both pressed against each other in quite the confined place

Whumper locked Whumpee into a cramped space, now looking at the small medical room Caretaker has brought them to, they're getting all the wrong reminders

Whumpee needs to save their friend, however Whumper knew enough about them to make the rescue as agonizing as possible for the both of them.

Cynophobia: Fear of Dogs

Whumper hunting Whumpee down with a pack of viscously trained dogs.

Caretaker bringing Whumpee to their home. Maybe they finally convinced Whumpee to let them care for them in their own home, maybe their friendship grew closer enough, either way... Caretaker never told Whumpee they had a pet dog

Dogfolk whumper? Dogfolk caretaker? A really scared whumpee?

Whumpee is terrified of traveling through cities alone, awaiting a non-existent stray dog at every corner. Whumper has offered to take them home on a late night, and they seem so nice...

Whumper tormenting Whumpee with dogs, letting loose energetic jumpy ones in their home all the time, forcing them to hold puppies, and not caring at all to train their mass of dogs.

Acrophobia: Fear of Heights

Whumper's place happens to be very high up. In order to escape Whumpee needs to face their fear of heights. In the middle of an escape attempt, they find themselves shut down, sunken low to the floor, awaiting Whumper to come pick them up and return them.

Critically injured Whumpee needs to be airlifted somewhere. They're actively swearing they'll never forgive Caretaker.

Everything swaying, as Whumpee quickly turns dizzy, unable to take their eyes off the ground so far below them. They begin to topple sideways, and Caretaker nearly jumps to catch them.

Whumper holding a weapon to whumpee's throat as they dangle over an edge, promising whumpee if they pull themselves up they're whumper's

✨️Fall Damage✨️

Trypanophobia: Fear of Needles

Whumper taunting Whumpee with the end of a syringe, never letting them know when they're planning to plunge the pointed into their skin.

Caretaker having no choice but to force an IV into Whumpee's arms. They know Whumpee will likely never forgive them.

Everything hurts, and Whumpee is no longer able to bear the pain. The only thing that Caretaker has to alleviate the pain is drugs that have to be administered through needles.

Caretaker rescuing Whumpee, noticing welts and heavy bruising surrounded puffy dots where needles were inserted. All they can do is imagine what hell unconscious Whumpee went through as they carry them to safety.

Whumpee's eyes fluttering open, only to suddenly widen as soon as they notice the IV in their arm.

[jennyyy007]

FAMILY🍼 pt. 4

The kidnapping - Levi’s pov. ☕️

Cw: kidnapping, multiple whumpees, male whumper, male whumpee, female whumpee

I never wrote a flashback kinda part before so excuse me if this is not my best work xd still- I hope you enjoy!!

———————————————————————

It was too easy. Levi originally wanted to kidnap three individual people. But when he walked home from his grocery run and saw the three siblings head home from school, talking about how they had the house all for themselves over the weekend, planning cute activities to pass time. He knew they were perfect.

Two girls and one boy, exactly what he had in his twisted mind.

It was the afternoon so levi had enough time to head home, organize all the groceries into his fridge. Cook a healthy dinner for himself and then.. work on his plan.

He followed them home and it was perfect once again. Small house, a little away from any main streets. Doesn’t seem like a lot of people live there, and it definitely doesn’t look like anyone would spend their time there at night.

Low income family. If he’s lucky. The investigations would be put down fast, because well.. they’re rebellious teenagers and they probably just wanted to escape from their poor household.

Either way, levi was certain his plan would work. So at exactly one am he made his way to their home, waited until all the lights were off before he carefully picked the lock of the front door.

The house was completely quiet. Even the two cats, sleeping in the living room didn’t notice him. He went upstairs, wearing a ski mask to cover up his face in case anything went wrong.

When he reached upstairs, Levi noticed the bedroom door slightly open and a tiny night light shining through the slit. He quietly stepped inside, pushing the door further open.

There they were.. his little babies. They already looked so adorable even when they’re not wearing the cute outfits he prepared for them.

Levi didn’t want to waste too much time, so he quickly pulled three syringes from his pocket. A strong dose of sedatives.

They were already asleep yes.. but he couldn’t risk having them wake up.

He first injected the needle into Finn, before he moved to his sister, Lacey. She was in the bottom bed of the bunk.

Two down, one to go. And that one is pretty difficult.. Clara is sleeping on top of the bunk bed. He had to climb up.. that would leave a lot of traces.

Fuck it. He’s wearing gloves anyways.

The man took off his shoes before climbing up the latter. The bed creaked slightly which made Clara stir in her sleep, hugging the pillow she’s holding a little bit tighter. So cute…

Okay back to his plan-

Levi reached the top of the bed and started to slowly and carefully crawl over to the girl.

“Mhh?..”

She blinked two times before sleepily opening her eyes. She wasn’t fully awake yet so Levi quickly jammed the needle into her neck, letting the liquid rush through her system.

Phew.. she’s back asleep. The man quickly picked her up, taking her down the latter with him before he laid her down on the floor.

Now he just needed to take them home….

That part was the easiest. He stuffed the triplets in a suitcase each and dragged them downstairs to his truck before he put them inside.

Now he got rid of any trace he might have left before returning to his car. He calmly turned it on and started listening to some music. Levi has a special passion for classical music, so that’s what he decided to go for his 20 minute drive home.

And he didn’t feel a hint of regret or nervousness… no.. he felt calm and collected. Like he wasn’t about to ruin the lives of three teenagers.

———————————————————————

@a-living-canvas @catnykit @watermelons-dont-grow-on-trees @suchagoodgirl

[whumpers-inc]

A whumpee who won’t tell anyone why they wear long sleeves and turtlenecks. They never wear anything that shows their arms, leaving their team to guess why.

An old enemy who captures the whumpee and their team. They recognize whumpee and smile at the panic in whumpee’s eyes.

It’s a whip that whumper holds and the click, click, click of it being dragged over tiles makes the normally stoic whumpee break down and sob.

and the team begins to put two and two together

By now, the turtlenecks were a trademark. The team just accepted that Whumpee had changed their style after their captured. They hadn't ask questions when Whumpee switched bandages for long sleeves. Nor when Whumpee flinched as the business women clicked past in sky high heels. PTSD is a bitch. It wasn't their place to pry.

Besides, Whumpee appeared to be functioning, alert, dangerous, even, rarely, jovial. It was a risk putting them back into the field so soon but without Whumpee, they'd never catch Whumper. And Whumpee would be safe behind the lines, stoically directing, planning, coordinating the attack. They didn't have to face Whumper again.

Until they did. Until the plan went horribly wrong. Until the team, in a fatal mistake, stumbled right into Whumper's trap. Until Whumpee had to follow them in, hands raised, blood-less face, to bargain for their team.

And there was no private audience for this bargain. Oh no. Whumpee needed to see what they were bargaining for. The blood and tear streaked faces of their team, the bloody, dirt encrusted gashes splitting their skin.

The bargain was painfully inevitable. Only one person would satisfy Whumper and free the team. And the exchange came with terms too, something that would show the team what they'd been spared. Something that would make Whumpee remember what they'd been through.

Whumpee held the end of their bargain up. Pale but quiet, they didn't move as the rope stretched their arms up and above their head. They didn't flinch as Whumper sliced their shirt open, didn't falter even as the humiliation flushed their cheeks. Then Whumper left the room and, far too soon for it to be exhaustion, Whumpee's shoulders started shaking.

The team stared as tears dripped down Whumpee's face. They couldn't break. Not now. Not when everyone's freedom relied on Whumpee enduring this. And as if on cue, a click sound carried down the hall, ominously steady.

Whumpee was sobbing properly now. Whumper appeared back in the door. A whip flicked lazily through their hands. Whumpee twisted desperately in the restraints and a sliver of sun illuminated their back. Like a flesh colored barcode, scars littered their back.

A gargled sound passed Whumpee's lips and then repeated itself, desperate and clear.

Was Whumpee begging now?

Oh god.

They were.

[clickerflight]

Clove: Part 31 - Funeral Feast

Author's notes: AHHHHHHH I'm back! I moved last week and I've been exhausted, but I'm getting back into it. Especially after I get some rest this weekend. *it'll be so hot saturday there won't be much to do besides rest and hide inside lol*

Masterlist - Part 30

Content: Slight dehumanization, creepy fae whumpers, brainwashed vampire whumpee

.........................................

The funeral dinner was going to be the death of Ephraim. Each new thing he learned he would have to worry about was taking years off of his life. He couldn’t leave Hyrum behind or with one of his allies because both Halia and Kortops needed to be in at the dinner. Every fae needed to. So, Ephraim would have to keep a close eye on Hyrum to make sure he didn’t get taken. 

Of course, the main goal was to talk to the queen before the end of the evening and get her promise to let them go home. If they didn’t…. Well, getting home and delivering on his promises to Kortops and Halia were not going to be options anymore, feasibly. He hoped the Queen wouldn’t be so distant. She had been hiding while the funeral preparations finished in record times. Ephraim had a suspicion she was doing it on purpose to keep him and Hyrum from leaving. 

Then there was the question of getting Benny out of here. Kortops said he would try and work something there. As a consort to the Queen he had some freedoms he was pretty sure he could work with. 

There was just so much that could go wrong and Ephraim felt so out of his depth. He had never played in any sort of complicated politics in his whole life, and just this taste, even with Halia and Kortops to shield him, was making him sick. His resolve would strengthen again anytime he looked at Hyrum though. He needed to get his pup home, no matter what. 

And now it was time to prepare to go to dinner and his stomach was unhappy with him once again. 

Kortops was outfiting Ephraim and Hyrum to give them an advantage at getting to the queen, but the longer they went on, the more he felt like they were becoming objects. Hyrum especially. 

“You’ll need to wear something to announce that you are the Vampire’s pet, Pup,” Kortops said, going through the outfits and accessories he had. “It will keep you safer at this event.”

He pulled a golden collar out from a chest and Hyrum whimpered, pressing ino Ephraim’s side. 

Kortops froze and carefully put the collar back in the chest before pulling out some simple cuffs decorated with delicate golden chains. They weren’t connected to each other, but Ephraim could hear Hyrum’s heartbeat speed up when he saw them. 

“Isn’t there something else?” Ephraim asked, tightening his protective arm over Hyrum. 

“I’m afraid not,” Kortops said regretfully. “It will only be for the night. I swear it.”

Hyrum took a huge swallowing breath and nodded. “It’s okay,” he said, pushing away from Ephraim despite how the vampire wanted to pull him close and protect him forever, “I can do it. Whatever is the most convincing.”

“That would be the collar,” Kortops said hesitantly, “But I think the two of you will prefer these cuffs.”

Hyrum held out his wrists so Kortops could put the cuffs on the boy. Hyrum looked like a wild thing, his tunic and vest sleeveless to allow him extra mobility in case he needed to fight, his pants loose and comfortable in the same way, viney decorations woven into his hair. 

Halia drifted over with little clips for Ephraim’s ears, emerald in color with gold details. Hyrum and Ephraim would compliment each other in color schemes, with Ephraim dominantly in green with gold highlights and Hyrum in gold with green highlights. 

Ephraim wore something with a lot more fabric as that would be expected of him, though he was sure he could tear the fabric easily if he needed to free up some more room for himself. 

Halia placed them on as she said, “Kortops and I have been working on a contingency plan in case you cannot get a promise from the Queen tonight.”

Kortops nodded. “It’s not perfect, we may die, and there will almost certainly be fighting, but it would be better for you to try than to stay knowing what the fae and Monarch might do to you. There is a mirror in the Queen’s rooms that leads to the mortal realm.”

“Well guarded, I imagine,” Ephraim sighed as he let Halia fuss with his hair one more time, half of it braided and pulled up into a little tail in the back. 

“Yes. Very, though with us to help, it might not be too bad,” Kortops said firmly. 

“Us?” Ephraim asked, “I thought you only wanted a changeling in the modern world, not to come with us.”

Kortops glanced at Halia and said, “Maybe I would like to live there a few years or so. It would be a good change of scenery and politics.”

Ephraim smiled to himself, the nervousness fading slightly in the face of that tacit admittance of affection. “Of course. You may get banished.”

“More interesting than trying to best the twins. They will always be the Queen’s favorites, I know that by now.”

Ephraim gave a little shrug and nod. 

Once they were all dressed and everything was double checked, the four of them headed out. 

Halia hung off of Kortops’ arm, acting like the lovestruck fae toy the court believed her to be at the moment. At least, with Kortops. Most fae were aware of how the preparations coming together so quickly was mostly by her efforts. 

Hyrum stayed close to Ephraim’s side, forcing his tail to stay in a relaxed position, his ears pricked forward. He looked like he was handling this much better than Ephraim was. At least, until you looked him in the eyes. They were glazed over in that way that said his mind wasn’t really there. He was hiding from his fear. 

Ephraim wanted to draw him back out and make Hyrum laugh, but he was feeling nearly the same way. He took a deep breath. He just needed to talk to the Queen. That was all. He just needed to walk up to her before the rites and ceremonies were started and get a quick promise from her and all would be well. He was still a guest. Still a guest until the night was up and everything would be fine. 

The four entered the ball room, tables laid out along the sides, decorations hanging gracefully all over the room, and guests and pets already milling around. 

Ephraim and Hyrum split from their fae allies, making it look like they weren’t together and just arrived at the same time. 

Ephraim scanned the crowds, looking for the Monarch or Benny, but couldn’t see them yet. 

They lapped the room, nodding to guests who acknowledged Ephraim and trying not to look too distracted. 

Ephraim felt a gentle tug at his sleeve and looked to Hyrum who chucked his chin towards the other side of the room, his eyes stating that he was fully present again.

Ephraim looked across to see the snake fae who had been responsible for kidnapping Hyrum. Ephraim gave the pup a nod to let him know he was aware of the threat. 

However, distracted as they were, they didn’t notice the threat behind them. 

Ephraim tensed as someone put an arm around his waist, a little too familiarly. 

“If you aren’t Benjamin’s sire,” a melodic voice said and he turned his head to see one of the angelic fae leaning into him. Polyps, if Ephraim remembered right. 

Illesis was right there too, running a hand through Hyrum’s curls. 

“There you are,” Illesis purred. “We were wondering where the guests were. Such pretty things, all dressed up.”

“Please do not touch me or my pup,” Ephraim said in a cordial tone, and his request was complied with immediately. “Thank you.”

“Of course. You are, after all, a Guest,” Polyps said with a smile that said that would not be the case for very much longer. “What are you looking for, dear?”

“I was hoping to speak with the Monarch,” Ephraim replied. “I have a matter I would like cleared away before the feast starts.”

“Hmm,” Illesis said, clearly disappointed with the answer. “She will be here soon. Don’t you want to stay with us? We can get you a seat with the consorts, dear.”

“You could be a consort, even,” Polyps said brightly. “We can arrange that once you are no longer a Guest.”

“Oh, yes, we can teach you how to move in the courts,” Illesis said with a nod. “Why not? You could even become the Monarch one day! Vampires are the human’s clumsy attempts to create fae, after all. It would only take a few moons for everyone to consider you as good as fae.”

Ephraim cleared his throat nervously. “No, thank you, though. I have duties at home that I would like to return to. I am quite happy there.”

The angelic fae glowered twin expressions before they were gone. “Let us know if you change your mind,” Polyps said, their tone a little more clipped now. “You may need it.”

Ephraim shivered as the two left, Illesis patting him on the cheek, graceful and sinuous.

“Don’t like them,” Hyrum whispered.

“I know,” Ephraim replied. “Me neither.”

It was at that moment that he spotted Benny and the Monarch walking in through a hidden door behind the throne and Ephraim started to move. He needed to speak with her. Everything would be fine once he’d had a chance to talk with the Monarch. 

Benny noticed him coming and moved to meet him, coming down the few steps and opening his arms wide. “Eef! I’m so glad you could be here,” he said warmly. He was dressed in a truly awful outfit. Leathers so tightly fitted that it was almost as though they had simply painted Benjamin black, a cape draping from his shoulders and some sort of jingly waist skirt to hide whatever awkward transition that had to happen around his crotch in those leathers. 

“I’m glad I could be here,” Ephraim said, accepting the hug from Benjamin. He moved to pull away after a suitable length, but found that Benjamin wasn’t letting go. 

“Benny,” Ephraim said, a little sternly, his heart jumping into his throat. “I need to speak to your wife.”

“Mmhmm? I’m sure it can wait till after we’ve caught up a little.”

“I won’t be long,” Ephraim said, pushing a little harder at Benny. “It’ll be better if I just get this out of the way. Then we’ll have the whole evening.”

Benny pulled away reluctantly, but he stood between Ephraim and the Monarch, subtly moving to block him as Ephraim tried to step around him. Ephraim caught a glimpse of the Monarch’s golden eyes on them, amused. 

“Benny,” Ephraim said warningly, putting as much Vampire Sire energy he could into the words. “Get out of the way.”

Benny glanced back, tensing as the Monarch gave him a nod. 

“Fine,” Ephraim hissed. “That’s the way it’s going to be then.”

With that, he shoved Benny and the fight was on.

Part 32

Clove Taglist: @wolfeyedwitch @the-blind-one-speaks @whumpsday @extrabitterbrain @inkkswhumpandstuff 

@honeycollectswhump @whump-blog-reblogs @pigeonwhumps @mj-or-say10 @percy-frayer 

@currentlyinthesprial @scoundrelwithboba @whumps-and-bumps @hellodecisionparalysis @scatteriskity

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Beautiful Blood -- Sadistic Vampire Whumper Keeping Human Pets part 16

TW: violence, blood drinking, intimate Vampire whump, death, forced servitude

Asher only survived the next few days because of that faint flicker of hope he'd gotten, as new vampires came and went, paying fortunes to Nyx just to taste his blood.

It was three days later when Lily finally returned, Nyx leaving her alone with him like last time.

"Have you given any more thought to my offer?" Lily asked coyly.

Asher lifted his head and met her gaze unflinchingly. "...Yes," he reluctantly answered. "And I... accept your terms." It could be a devil's bargain, but he couldn't take another day in this dreadful prison. A slim chance at freedom was better than none.

Lily stepped forward with a broad smile, and he shivered uneasily as she traced cold fingers down his arm to one of his cuffed wrists.

"Then it's a deal," she whispered into his ear, and before Asher could blink the first cuff was off, and the second soon followed. He almost fell forward into her, his legs having not been properly used in over a week. He moved his arms back and forth, wincing at how stiff and tight they'd grown from being kept in such an unnatural position for so long, the constant strain they'd been in.

"Thanks..." He muttered quietly.

Lily slipped what Asher realized must have been a spare key she plucked off Nyx into her pocket, before pulling out a bobby pin. "I couldn't find the key for your shock collar, so I brought something to pick the lock," she explained upon seeing the confusion on his face. "I used to be a skilled thief in my past, before I became a vampire."

Asher raised an eyebrow at that. He never would have guessed she'd be capable of being a thief, and maybe that was exactly her primary disguise, hiding beneath an innocent, young girl facade. It only took a minute for Lily to get the collar off, and he rubbed the chafe marks on his neck with a wince.

Lily turned and beckoned for him to follow with a hand. "I've already got the exit route planned out," she said over her shoulder. "We need to get moving before Nyx discovers you're gone."

Asher suddenly remembered Callum, and was about to ask if he could find and bring the servant along for the escape, when he stepped out of the prison room, and almost crashed into a tall, muscular woman who had been waiting right outside the door, which derailed his thoughts. The woman was wearing a strange black skin-tight suit of some kind that made her look kind of like a cloaked ninja.

"This is Morgan," Lily introduced, "she's my bodyguard."

Asher wondered why a vampire would need a bodyguard, considering how powerful vampires were, but then again Lily was on the small side, so he figured that's why she needed the extra protection.

Morgan wore a stoney expression on her face, not hostile... but not exactly friendly, either. Intimidating, to say the least.

"Uh, h-hi," Asher stammered awkwardly.

"You're the human Lily spoke of," Morgan acknowledged simply with a dip of her head. "Good to make your acquaintance." She spun on her heel to closely follow Lily, who was already walking off into the maze of a mansion.

Asher stuck close to them, scanning every room they traveled through for any sign of Callum. If he could just get the servant's attention -- he could bring him on the escape mission. But he didn't find a single trace of his friend, and soon they had reached the foyer, almost out to safety. And that's when it all... went... wrong.

⏪️ Back Next ⏩️

Masterlist

[kira-the-whump-enthusiast]

Day 12 - Search and Rescue

Synopsis: Mailys goes to save her former captor from a torment she unknowingly resigned him to.

Content: Prison escape woohoo, possibly even a search and a rescue, vampire whump, captivity whump, aftermath of torture <2, a lot of angst, whumper turned whumpee, (past whumpee turned caretaker, very sad broken resigned whumpee, mentioned sun burning, fear of said sun burning, also fear of being murdered/tortured, and a lot of begging, probably more but honestly this stuff is tame by my standards, cuz there's some comfort <2

Tagging: @whump-in-the-closet @dismemberment-on-a-tuesday-night @eric-the-bmo

—

Mailys still couldn't believe she was actually doing this.

She had planned out every little detail of this breakout, but now, standing in front of the cell door, she didn't feel the least bit prepared.

Trying to steady herself, Mailys took a deep breath and slipped the key out of her pocket and into the door's lock. It took her a couple of tries because her hands were shaking so badly.

Why was she here? Why was she doing this?

Mailys let go of the key, leaving it sticking out of the lock. She had half a mind to turn back, to forget about everything, to just go home and never have to see him again. Truth be told, she might not even feel that bad about it. The cell door was plain and heavy, with only a number affixed to it and no way to look inside. That could be anyone's cell. Anything could have happened inside.

But it wasn't that easy. Her friends would probably understand if she walked away, but to even get down here, she had told the warden things that could not be taken back so easily.

And besides, she couldn't leave anyone to this fate, to be hurt and broken and tortured indefinitely. Not even Soren Espinosa.

That bastard. She would never forgive him, but she wouldn't be complicit in his suffering.

Mailys sighed and turned the key, hearing the quiet click of the opening lock.

—

All Soren could think about was how much it hurt.

It always hurt, of course; Soren could barely remember a time when he wasn't in pain, but this? He could barely think straight, and he couldn't muster up the energy to do anything more than fall in and out of consciousness.

Not like he could do anything more than that, even with the energy. His wrists were chained to the wall, over his head. His arms ached horribly, his wrists burned from the silver cuffs, and he couldn't move, but there wasn't anywhere to go in the first place. Soren missed being able to wrap his arms around himself, though. Now he just had to let the whip scars on his chest bleed out.

No human would survive this, but he was cursed to live despite the agony and the pleas for relief. Or maybe he wasn’t living. Soren was half-convinced that he was in hell, and he just didn't remember dying.

The other half was terrified that when he died and went to hell, everything would be worse.

Soren was about to pass out again when he heard the click that meant someone was coming inside. As quickly as he could manage, he shifted into some semblance of a kneeling position. His legs ached and protested every movement, and he just felt so irritated.

Gods, he couldn't take it. He really couldn't take it. He knew that Kastor only brought pain with him. The best that could happen would be release from the chains, but that would come with a price. And he couldn't—it hurt, it hurt so much, and just wanted to be able to close his eyes and pass out or die or anything else. Just as long as the pain fucking stopped.

Bile rose in his throat, and his heart started to race as the door creaked open.

Soren squinted as bright light suddenly flooded the dim cell. His heart skipped a beat. Something was off. Something was terribly wrong. He blinked a couple of times to clear his eyes, but he couldn't deny it.

The person in the doorway wasn't Kastor. It was someone more important, a certain human with purple hair. The one he regretted hurting more than anything. He thought he'd seen the last of her. And yet, that was Mailys Renault. Standing in the doorway.

This had to be a nightmare, right? This only happened in his nightmares. The ones where he woke up screaming and shaking and in a cold sweat. His heart raced and his head hurt with all the questions spinning in his mind. Didn't she say that she never wanted to see me again? What does she want?

In his heart of hearts, though, he knew the answer. She must have found out about what really went down in this cell, and now she wanted to join in the fun.

Mailys sighed and started walking towards him. Soren whimpered, pressing himself into the cold wall despite how much the rough stone scraped his lacerated back. It sent pricks of pain through his worn out nerves that put him on edge.

She put a finger to his mouth, and Soren’s eyes widened. Stupidstupidstupid— She didn't want to hear anything from him. He shouldn't have made a sound in the first place.

Please, please, have mercy on me, Soren begged in his head.

She was dangerously close now, the perfect distance away to bash his head into the wall. Or pull out a hidden knife and cut him into ribbons. He shut his eyes tightly. He didn't want to see it coming.

Soren braced himself for pain, but instead, he heard a key turning in a lock, and the clunk of his shackles as they opened, freeing his wrists from the firey silver. His arms dropped to his sides, and the throbbing in his shoulders subsided just a little. He wrapped his arms over the worst of the deep cuts on his chest, careful to not put too much pressure on his wounds and his bruised ribs.

Breathing heavily, he opened his eyes and saw Mailys standing over him, the key in her hands.

She knelt to make level eye contact with him, something that struck Soren as very strange.

She spoke in hushed whispers, and Soren had to strain to hear what she was saying. "Okay, you've got to listen to me, alright?"

He nodded. He wasn't planning on doing anything else. He was too scared not to.

Mailys took a deep breath, and then she imparted to him a sentence that he'd never thought he'd ever hear in his life.

"I'm going to get you out of here."

There was silence as Soren replayed the words again in his head, trying to process what she said.

"…What?" he breathed, in the quietest of murmurs.

Her expression was one of obviously practiced stoicism, but Soren wondered how someone could deliver such unbelievable news with a face like that. It couldn't be true, right? It couldn't. Not from Mailys of all people.

He remembered the last time he saw her very well.

You're right, there's nothing you can say to convince me.

I don't think you'll ever truly change for the better.

I'm tired of these hearings. I won't forgive him, now or ever, so there's no real reason to keep the offer of amnesty on the table.

When he learned that he no longer had any chance at pardon, Soren felt like he'd fallen into a hopeless, twisting thicket of vines that threatened to swallow him whole.

But that was probably nothing compared to what Mailys felt, having to face the vampire who'd tortured her for months.

"I'm getting you out of here," Mailys repeated, louder than before, and that brought Soren out of his thoughts and into the present. He froze. He wasn't listening to her for a moment. Could she tell? What would she do to him, for that? Why hadn't she done anything to him already?

Oh.

Getting you out of here.

Soren understood.

He couldn't say he hadn't been waiting for this moment since the first months of his captivity. But living suddenly mattered so much more now, knowing that death was right in front of him. Like it did every time he thought death would take him.

But just like there was nothing he could ever say to convince Mailys to give him amnesty, he knew there wasn't anything he could say to save his life.

Soren didn't want to know what the next world held for someone like him.

He shut his eyes again, retreating into quiet, empty darkness, and he nodded, resigned. Hot tears ran down his face and neck and soaked into his pathetic excuse of a shirt.

"Okay," Soren murmured. "Take me."

—

Mailys didn't know what to expect, but to say that she was shocked would be an understatement.

The vampire chained to the wall looked nothing like the one she was expecting to see. He was obviously starving, judging from his prominent ribs and bony limbs. She might have been worried he’d try to bite her, but his fangs were gone. Someone must have pulled them out. And his body was covered in bruises and cuts, dark blood congealing in some particularly nasty wounds on his chest.

Soren stared at her with pure terror in his eyes, and he was trembling violently. What in the world had happened to him?

Coming closer, she noticed that he was missing two fingers on his left hand. Considering how vampires healed, it had to be a recent injury. A sick feeling settled in the bottom of her stomach, and she fought the urge to throw up.

How could she have left anyone to this fate?

Logically, she knew it wasn't her fault at all, and that she didn't even know this was happening to him, but guilt washed over her in waves.

It was apparent that Soren couldn't stand for very long in his state, let alone walk. So she was resigned to carry him, one arm under his knees and the other under his back. Lifting him was worryingly easy like she was carrying a pile of sticks and not supporting the weight of a person.

He quivered in her grasp and shut his eyes tightly when they crossed into the overbearing fluorescent light of the hallway from the darkness of the cell.

Was he in pain? Well, who was she kidding? How could he not be? At the very least, she hoped that she wasn't making it worse by putting too much pressure on his wounds.

Blood soaked into her sleeves and dripped onto the tiled floor. She'd arranged for a friend to take care of his injuries later, but she hadn't expected that they'd be this severe.

Thank god they were almost out of here.

Kastor had given her a keyring and directed her to use a back route down an empty hallway in the guards' wing. There was some forgotten exit at the end, and Jakao was waiting outside that exit with his car.

Mailys was worried about being spotted and having to answer awkward questions, but the hallway to the exit was truly neglected��dust gathered on the floor and half the lights were burnt out. It made it easier on the eyes, at least.

Soren was looking more and more nervous with each passing minute. Instinctively, Mailys wanted to reassure him, but she thought better of it. What would she even say? Would he really believe her?

The door to the outside was rusty and windowless, adorned only by a complicated lock. She'd need more freedom of movement to get this one open—so she set Soren down on the floor. He scrambled to a kneeling position. She was used to people bowing in her presence, but this…this made her distinctly uncomfortable. Maybe it was the fear in his eyes. Maybe it was the memories of when he was the one standing over her.

She turned her attention to the lock, taking careful glances at Soren every now and then. Mailys didn't think he'd try to run or attack her—but she didn't trust him. She could never trust him. Soren shrunk in further on himself.

Finally, she got the lock open with a loud clunk. The vampire jumped and stifled a shriek. Mailys started, almost hitting her head on the wall.

"Hey…hey…there's nothing to be afraid of," she reassured in a shaky voice. More for herself than for Soren.

The vampire was backed into a corner, arms wrapped tightly around his chest. He was trying to speak, and it took him a few tries to get the words out. Mailys tried her very hardest to not share in his fear.

"Please…please…what-what time is it?" he sputtered.

Oh. Did he really think she was going to bring him out into the sun.

"8 pm. It's fully nighttime," she stated, trying to coax her voice into something soothing.

Soren…didn't seem to trust her. No matter. She wasn't lying to him, and he'd know that soon enough.

She opened the door to a purple night sky, dotted with stars and soft lights.

The vampire, almost imperceptibly, leaned closer to the door.

"It's—it's been years… since I've been outside…" he whispered so quietly Mailys almost couldn't hear him. She faltered—was that her fault?

No, it wasn't, it couldn't be, and if it was? Then she was making up for it. Right now.

She held her hand out to Soren, the man who ripped her to shreds, the person who needed her help right now.

He wrapped his shaking hand around hers, and she scooped him into her arms again.

"Let's go," she sighed, something akin to a smile on her face.

They walked into the gentle moonlight together, and for the first time, Mailys saw hope in Soren's eyes.

—

A/N: You don't even know how long this took me to write. I am dead and dying and murdered. Enjoy sad vampire man and angsty princess <2

[chaotic-orphan]

June of Doom, day Twenty-three:

How many fingers am I holding up: poison // rash // double cross

General warning: this is a little dark so please heed the warnings

CW: betrayal, double cross, poison, heavy emotional Whump, death, forced submission, supervillain whumper, lady Whump, emotional whump, knife mentioned, death (explicit), blood, team whump, plans going wrong, cruel whumper, intimate Whumpers, multiple whumpers, venom, immobilisation, multiple whumpees, unable to move, loss of trust

*~*~*~*~*

Leader stared at Villain with her arms folded across her chest, an eyebrow cocked at Hero as he explained the reason for Villain being there.

“So you see…” said Hero, wringing his hands together in front him, “without Villain, we wouldn’t’ve made so much headway on the case so quickly.”

“You’re telling me you told this arsehole everything about the case?” Medic demanded hotly, stepping towards the pair across from them, but Leader shot a hand out, wrapping it around their arm. Medic looked down at Leader’s hand, then stepped back again.

Hero looked ashamed. No, Hero looked like some lost puppy getting scolded, but Leader didn’t force a smile onto her face trying to put him at ease. He made his bed, now he has to lie in it.

“This was classified information, Hero,” said Leader, eyes drifting to the Villain leaning against the wall beside him. Villain looked so out of place in the Heroes base. Too dark, too brooding, too sad.

“I know,” said Hero, apologetically. “But Villain knows Supervillain so I thought—“

“You thought you’d get all of us in trouble and let us be vulnerable to attack—“ Leader said, and Hero shook his head, protesting no but Leader continued all the same as if there was no interruption. “—from the first source who said they’d help you? That’s naive, Hero. Even for you.”

Hero stepped forward, pleading, “Villain hates Supervillain, okay? They don’t want to work under them but they have to because if they don’t Supervillain will go after everyone they care about!”

“Which now includes you,” said Charming, piping up for the first time since Hero arrived with Villain in tow. Charming was sitting against the table, hands in their trouser pockets, casual and cool.

Hero’s eyes went from Leader’s to Charming’s then back again, and they let out a resigned sigh. “Yes… look, Villain’s risking their neck for even helping me this far. And more importantly—“

“I’m in Supervillain’s inner circle,” said Villain, pushing off the wall and standing tall, taller than Hero, expression neutral. “I know what they’re planning, and I know it’s going down in three days. Do you want to keep arguing about my involvement or do you want to save the city?”

A silence fell following Villain’s monologue. A silence broken by Charming who shrugged, glancing back at Leader.

“I trust Hero,” said Charming, glancing back at Villain. “I trust his judgement.”

Medic scoffed, throwing their hands up, “you can’t be serious!”

Charming’s eyes went to Leader’s in reply, waiting to see who’s side she’d take. Leader just looked at Villain, tilted her head to the side and asked: “why do you want to stop Supervillain? If you’re in his inner circle, surely he trusts you.”

Villain let out a humourless chuckle, saying, “Supervillain doesn’t trust anyone. I’m just double crossing him before he has the chance to do it to me.”

Leader let out a huff of breath through her nose, then turned to the map table of the city. “Tell us everything you know, Villain.”

The rest of the team joined Leader at the map table, Medic letting out a huff before begrudgingly joining beside Charming at the opposite side. Villain pointed to the docks, warehouse thirty six.

“Supervillain said he’s importing Viper Venom on the 11.30 ship from Eastport.”

“There’s Vipers in Eastport?” Charming asked, raising their eyebrows across the table at Villain who shook their head.

“Not actual Viper Venom, it’s—“

“A paralytic drug,” said Leader.

Villain nodded. “Exactly.”

“How do you know about it Leader?” Hero asked.

Leader worried her bottom lip between her teeth and said absently, “Detective told me about it. It’s been popping up in a lot of recent heists. Guards and Officers alike paralysed with this drug while they’re robbed blind. I didn’t know Supervillain was connected to all this though.”

“He is,” said Villain, “I’m sure of it. He was real smug when he was telling us too, gloating about how long he kept us in the dark.”

“But if Supervillain gets his hands on more Viper Venom, then what’s to stop him from taking control of the city?” Medic asked.

The questioned lingered stale in the air, hanging heavy for a moment before Hero said, “nothing.”

“I’ll call detective. Have them make sure the docks aren’t being patrolled that night, we want to catch Supervillain in the act or this isn’t going to work,” said Leader, eyes snapping to Villain’s. “Will you be there to get the shipment?”

“Yes, a couple of us will be… including Supervillain.”

“Good. I need you to put on the show of your life.”

Villain nodded. “I can do that.”

“Good. Charming and I will be the first ones in to make the arrest with Medic and Hero coming around the back. I’ll tell detective to keep their men out of the docks that night so there will be no further casualties. Supervillain won’t get away this time, alright?”

A chorus of Yes ma’am, and Leader smiled. Finally. Finally they had the drop on Supervillain. It felt… intoxicating. Just the thought of putting that maniac behind bars.

*~*~*~*~*

The shipment was in the warehouse. Supervillain, Villain and another of Supervillain’s generals were inside. Leader had ordered Villain to take out the other general when they ran in and Villain agreed much to Hero’s protest.

So when Leader and Charming rounded the corner, Leader screaming for Supervillain to put his hands up, Villain attacked. They went straight for the Other Villain’s wrist which was reaching down to draw their gun from it’s holster.

Villain snapped their wrist back and flipped Other Villain over their shoulder, twisting their wrist harshly until there was a crack then the cry of agony. Villain picked Other Villain’s gun up from the ground, clicking the magazine free and thumbing out every bullet. They kept eye contact with Supervillain the entire time bullets pinged to the concrete floor.

Other Villain tried to attack again, pawing uselessly at Villain’s leg. Villain shook them off, then dropped their knee to Other Villain’s chest and pistol whipped them across the temple. Other Villain went silent, and Villain got to their feet, coming to stand beside Leader.

“Betrayed by my favourite pet,” said Supervillain with a grim smile. “I do love a double-cross. I suppose I should be proud that I at least taught you to be ruthless.”

“I’m not yours anymore,” said Villain, keeping their tone neutral. Supervillain’s eyes went to Leader’s then back to Villain’s.

“No. It seems you’re someone else’s dog now.”

Leader stepped forward, hands raised threateningly towards Supervillain. A glove of blue fire engulfed her arms, ready to let loose in an instant.

“On your knees,” Leader hissed. Supervillain obeyed, much to Leader’s surprise.

It must have showed on her face because he put his hands out in front of him with that same coy smile. “I’m not ready to die, Leader, and I won’t give you a reason to kill me. You heroes have rules, no?”

Leader lowered her hands, fire still burning around her fists. She nodded to Charming, who said: “with pleasure,” and cuffed Supervillain with power dampeners. The simple white cuffs glowed a faint blue around Supervillain’s wrist to show they were activated.

Only then did Leader call, “it’s clear,” to Hero and Medic who followed them in from across the warehouse. Hero’s eyes were on Villain who just smiled at them.

Leader didn’t notice because they were walking towards the new crate in the lot, grabbing a crowbar that was strewn on the ground and prying the wooden crate open. Charming was beside her and they both peered down to see… an empty crate.

“No,” Leader said, their heart dropping as she ran to the other crate. Hero and Villain went to the open crate and looked down.

“Wait, what?” Hero asked. Villain turned back to Supervillain who was grinning on their knees a little away from the group. They hadn’t moved. Another creak and a groan from wood being forced open and a snap and a clang and Leader said: “no. No. No! Where is it?!”

“Where’s what?” Supervillain asked. That smug little shit. Villain had crossed the distance and grabbed them by the collar of their shirt, shaking them.

“Where’s the viper venom?!” Villain demanded. Supervillain’s eyes shined cruelly up at Villain.

He tilted his head as he said, “you really thought I didn’t know about your little mutiny, Villain? I’m impressed you had the balls to go through with it, but I’m sure I can forgive you. Given time. Your hero friend on the other hand… well…”

“Leader?” Hero asked and Villain turned around again to face the group. Leader’s hands were shaking, her fire sputtering and coughing before being snuffed out with a hiss, as if water was poured on her.

“What?” Leader asked, breathless before she fell to her knees and stiffened unnaturally. Paralysed. Villain’s eyes went to the crowbar and yelled to Hero in warning: “the crowbar! Don’t touch it. It could have been poisoned.”

“I didn’t poison the crowbar,” said Supervillain a smile in his voice. Villain felt their hands shaking next and they looked up in horror to see Hero fighting gravity but being forced to their knees, their legs buckling beneath them.

Villain stepped forward, trying to reach them and fell to one knee with a grunt. They pushed up on their hands and knees, reaching out to Hero before their limbs failed them too and they fell to the ground, their hand still reaching for Hero.

“I did,” said Charming and Villain’s blood ran cold. They tried to move their arms. Their legs, anything, but they couldn’t… couldn’t… their body was shaking with the effort to fight. Fight! “Not just the crowbar. The crates too. Had to be thorough.”

“Charming?!” Leader cried, her voice shaking in disbelief.

Villain felt hands on them and suddenly they were righted, no longed kissing the concrete and placed against a crate. They saw Leader was righted as well.

“Don’t want you all to miss the show,” said Charming with his handsome smile. Charming walked over to Supervillain and undid the power dampeners around his wrists freeing him while the team watched in horror as Charming helped Supervillain to his feet.

Villain saw Medic poke their head around a crate beside Leader, eyes widening but keeping their face neutral. Leader seemed to realise as well, while Hero drew Charming’s attention to him.

“You… you’re the viper? But… but… how?! You have the gift of persuasion not poison. Why? You’re part of us. You’re part of the good guys, you—“

Charming just chuckled. “I have the powers of a snake, Hero. Charming, beautiful and deadly. I just kept my other gift a secret from you all.”

“This whole time you were the Viper,” said Leader, breathless. “There is no venom is there? It’s just you. Your power. You’re Supervillain’s mole.”

“So quick on the uptake, Leader,” Supervillain praised, shows clacking through the warehouse as he approached Leader and crouched down in front of her. He grabbed a lock of stray hair and put it behind her ear while she sat there, useless and unable to stop him. “You were a worthy adversary I must say. Turning my general against me.”

“Looks like you did the same,” Leader spat.

Supervillain let out a dark chuckle. “I guess we both had the same idea. The only difference is that I would never underestimate you… but no matter. You’ll all learn soon enough to trouble of crossing me.”

That’s when Medic pounced. They ran out, going for Supervillain. One touch. That’s all they needed. One touch to render Supervillain useless and free everyone.

A spray of blood hit Leader’s face and they gasped, trying to turn their head away but they couldn’t. Their head stayed staring at Medic as they reached up to their throat, clawing at the deep open gash. Gasping on nothing and choking on their own blood.

“MEDIC!” Hero howled, a shrill gut wrenching sound as Medic fell to their knees beside Charming who held Leader’s dagger in his hand. Soaked in blood. Medic’s blood. Leader wanted to reach out, to hug them, to hold them, but they couldn’t and Medic watched with wide eyes begging for Leader to help them.

I can heal from nearly anything, Medic had told her when they joined the team.

Nearly everything? Leader asked. Medic nodded.

Anything immediate or a quick death, I don’t think my powers could kick in in time. But pretty much anything else.

Leader pleaded for them to be wrong at that moment. They could still do it. They could still survive this. Charming grabbed Medic’s chin, tilting their head up and drove their dagger to the hilt through Medic’s eye. There was a hideous popping sound, followed by another splatter of blood as Charming drew the dagger back viciously and let Medic drop to the concrete as if they had never shared a meal together.

“Heal from that,” said Charming darkly and Leader’s entire world froze. Medic’s body hit the concrete with a lifeless thud, blood pooling from their body and reaching Leader’s fingers. Their hands covered with the sticky substance of Medic’s blood.

“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!” Hero wailed. “I’M GOING TO STRIP THE FLESH FROM YOUR BONES!”

Charming ignored Hero and turned to look down at Leader who’s eyes were still trained on Medic’s lifeless form, willing them to get up. To move. To save it was a bad prank and to… to…

Tears poured thick over Leader’s cheeks, sniffing back snots and forcing her body to move. To hold Medic. To do something! Something!

Charming crouched down too beside Leader, taking her chin in his hand and forcing her to look at him. Except it wasn’t Charming. This evil, emotionless thing wasn’t charming. It was the Viper. Supervillain’s second in command that stared through familiar eyes at Leader and mercilessly wiped the dagger on Leader’s shirt.

“I’m going to kill you,” Leader whispered, no. Leader promised. Vowed. Her body shaking, trembling and cold and still unmoving. Not a single nerve listening to her brain’s commands. “I’m going to kill you,” she said again, her lip trembling.

Charming grinned and said, “no. You won’t. You won’t get the chance, but I’ll let you try. You’re coming back with us anyways, can’t risk you running to you little detective and spilling the beans.”

Charming stood them, dropping Leader’s chin. Supervillain was the one who touched her next without her permission, his index and middle finger going to Leader’s wrist holding her pulse point gently.

She felt her brain go foggy, her mind muddling. Thoughts rolling and turning over each other into one big messy blur.

Before she lost consciousness she saw Charming standing a little away from her with a smile, his hand raised, asking: “hey leader,” Charming said, voice too far away, the world swirling in Leader’s eyes. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

Then the darkness swallowed her and Leader passed out in the hands of her enemies.

[mj-iza-writer]

Whumptober Day 10

Can't you see that you're lost without me / broken phone / stranded / you said you'd never leave

"I think you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning", Whumper complained, "your attitude has been awful all morning."

"You're wrong, I woke up on the wrong side of the floor. You haven't let me sleep in a bed once since you kidnapped me", Whumpee yelled, "I woke up cold, stiff, and upset."

Whumper clicked their tongue against their teeth, "I've noticed, now sit like a good pet."

Whumpee crossed their arms and stared angrily at Whumper, "no, I'm not sitting on the floor, not anymore."

Whumper jumped off of the couch and grabbed Whumpee by the throat.

"You will do as you're told, or you will be punished", they spoke through gritted teeth, forcing them to the ground.

Whumpee coughed when Whumper released their grip. They stared at Whumper.

"Are you fucking kidding me", Whumpee gasped in pain, "I told you I was stiff", they groaned.

"Watch your language, and wipe that look off of your face", Whumper stood.

"I look forward to the day you rot in prison", Whumpee screamed.

Whumper grinned, "really. Can't you see that you'd be lost without me?"

Whumpee looked away.

"Alright we're going on a drive, maybe that will cool you down", Whumper sighed, "come on."

Whumpee couldn't lie. The wind felt good, and to be out of the stuffy house was a relief.

They side eyed Whumper, "I'm sorry", they mumbled.

"What? Did the drive calm grumpy pants down?", Whumper gasped, "did my plan work?"

Whumpee sighed.

"Good cause plan B was to leave you tied to a tree in the woods stranded. Like how people abandon animals", Whumper grinned, "I would have come back, of course, but not for a while."

"You said you'd never leave me", Whumpee looked at them, "was that a lie?"

"No that was a promise, a commitment if you will", Whumper sighed, "don't ask me why I'm doing this. You definitely do not deserve anything with how you acted today."

Whumpee smiled when they pulled into the ice cream parlor.

"I'm figuring you are just feeling off today for whatever reason, and I guess we all have days like that", Whumper parked, "but you better be back to your well behaved self tomorrow. The whole leave you stranded in the woods is still a possibility."

Whumpee nodded, "I did feel sore this morning, and cold."

"I'll try to figure out something for your sleeping situation", Whumper got out of the car.

"Can I have vanilla?", Whumpee called after him.

"I know what to do", Whumper nonchalantly yelled back to them.

Whumpee smiled big when they were handed the big cone full of ice cream, "thankyou."

Whumper looked up from their own cone, "you're welcome, now lets go home."

Whumpee felt sick when they saw the house, they finished the last bit of cone, and frowned.

"That attitude better not be coming back", Whumper sighed.

"I'm sorry, it's just", Whumpee looked down.

"Just what?", Whumper parked.

"I don't want to go in there", Whumpee felt tears gather, "I know my situation could be worse for the most part, but I don't want to go in there."

Whumper sighed, they wanted to be angry, they wanted to yell. They took a breath, "unfortunately you don't have a choice, I'd prefer you walk in willingly, but I will drag you. I'm sorry, but this is your home now, I am your family."

Whumpee nodded weakly to acknowledge they understood, "like I said, I know I could have it worse. You could be worse", they sighed, "but I don't want to go in their."

Whumper groaned, got out of the car, and slammed the door. Whumpee rushed to open the door, and get out.

"Please don't, I'm going willingly. I'm sorry", Whumpee quickly walked to the porch.

"Good choice", Whumper went to open the door.

Later, Whumpee sat on the floor leaning against the glass sliding screen. They were watching birds eat at the feeder.

'I wish I could be free like a bird', Whumpee thought to themself.

Whumper walked in just in time to see Whumpee wipe a tear away.

Guilt had been eating at them for most of the afternoon, and that tear did not help.

"Shit Whumpee", Whumper groaned.

Whumpee jumped and looked at them fearfully.

"I didn't do anything, I swear", Whumpee held their hands up in surrender.

"Sit on the couch, let's watch a movie or something. Your pathetic behavior is eating me alive", Whumper looked at them.

Whumpee looked at them wide-eyed, "wa-wait what?"

"Sit on the couch, stop your moping around. Let's put in a movie", Whumper walked over to the couch and patted on it, "plop your butt right here."

Whumpee stood up slowly and cautiously walked to the couch. They waited for Whumper to say they were joking. They awkwardly sat on the edge of the couch, waiting to be pulled off. Waiting for something.

"Sit back, get comfortable", Whumper smiled, "I'll grab snacks, and get the movie going."

Whumpee watched them leave, then return with snacks and drinks.

"You're being serious?", Whumpee looked at them.

"Yes, I have a heart, shocking to you, I'm sure. The guilt is eating me alive. So let's forget about the master and pet dynamic for tonight and watch a movie", Whumper sat down on the couch and handed Whumpee a soda.

"I get soda too?", Whumpee looked at it excitedly.

"Yes, I handed it to you didn't I?"

Whumpee looked at it excitedly, "I guess. I'm still questioning this situation though, this is a first."

"Don't get too comfortable, it's not happening too often", Whumper started the movie, "just hoping to alleviate the guilt feeling, and see if we can lift your spirits a little. You've been a downer all day."

Whumpee opened the soda and smiled at Whumper, "I've missed these so much."

By the end of the movie Whumpee had managed to inch closer to Whumper and lay their head on Whumper's lap. They were out.

Whumper patted Whumpee's head, "like I said, you'd be lost without 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

[serickswrites]

"Written There In Your Eyes"

Warnings: captivity, restraints, torture, electrocution, rescue

Whumpee's chest was heaving. They hadn't been able to get a good breath in for hours. Between the tightness of the metal chains around their chest and the repeated shocks with a cattle prod, Whumpee's bones buzzed, their chest ached, and they could think clearly.

And their heart was racing out of control.

"Why won't you just give me what I want?" Whumper had hissed minutes--hours?--ago.

Whumpee put everything into the smirk they threw Whumper. "Where's....the....fun...in...that?" It had taken all of their breath to get that sentence out, but the look on Whumper's face had been worth it.

They just needed to hold on a bit longer. They knew Caretaker was coming. The team was coming. They just had to hold on until the cavalry arrived. Just a bit longer.

Fortunately Whumper had left in a huff after Whumpee's comment. No doubt they were trying to calm themself down so they didn't kill Whumpee. They needed the information that Whumpee had.

Or so Whumper thought. Whumpee did not have the information. But they had lied, hoping it would lure Whumper out into the open and the team could catch them.

And Whumpee's plan had worked. Sort of. They just hadn't accounted for Whumper's determination to eliminate a threat with minimal effort. And taking Whumpee when they had been home alone sleeping had been their perfect opportunity.

Whumpee just focused on their breathing. Focused on trying to control their heartbeat. Focused on anything to keep themself awake. And alive.

Distant sounds of banging and a struggle came, but Whumpee couldn't focus enough to care. Whatever it was, threat or not, it would make itself known to them eventually.

A banging came on the door to their cell. If Whumpee had the energy they would have jumped. As it was, they barely lifted their head. "Whumpee? Whumpee? Are you in there?" Caretaker's voice was strained with worry.

Whumpee took as deep a breath as possible. "Here," they called weakly, hoping it was loud enough for Caretaker to hear.

"Whumpee?" Caretaker called again.

Whumpee closed their eyes, drawing on their remaining strength. Caretaker needed to hear them. "HERE!"

Caretaker threw the door open just as Whumpee slumped forward. "WHUMPEE!" Caretaker rushed forward, the team on their heels. "Talk to me, Whumpee. Talk to me."

"Y're......'ere," Whumpee whispered. They closed their eyes and swallowed. They held on. Caretaker was here. Caretaker found them.

"I'm here. I'm here. Hold on, Whumpee. Hold on a bit longer. Help is on the way." Caretaker nodded to Teammate One. "Get them out of these chains. I don't like their respiration rate."

Teammate One nodded and went to work while Teammate Two searched the room. "Boss," they said carefully as they found the modified cattle prod. "I think I know what's wrong with Whumpee."

That's good, Whumpee thought as the darkness that had been threatening to consume them inched ever closer. I can't breathe enough to speak.

"Got 'em," Teammate One said triumphantly as they unlocked the padlock on the coils of chains.

Whumpee sagged forward in the chains as their breath went out in a sigh. Finally.

Caretaker could hear Whumpee's rasping breaths becoming more and more irregular. As they looked at the cattle prod in Teammate Two's hand, their heart beat quickened. "We have no time to lose!" They scooped up the limp and pliable Whumpee into their arms and started to run. They wouldn't lose Whumpee now. Not after everything.

"Hold on, Whumpee, hold on," they murmured as they ran. "Hold on."

[whumps-and-bumps]

The Masterlist

Okay so I don't have much yet, but this is where I plan on linking all my various chapters, drabbles, ideas, and so on :) I want to at least try to keep things organised from the get go!

It's worth noting that some posts may contain implied noncon, and others explicit. Both will be marked at the beginning and tagged. All take place in a fantasy BBU-adjacent universe unless otherwise specified.

OC Masterlist -`♡´- Art Tag -`♡´- Mood Boards -`♡´- Tag/TW List

˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖ Xenophobia ˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖

[18+ content, BBU-adjacent, institutionalised slavery, dehumanisation, violence & abuse, gun violence, nonsexual nudity, humiliation, rescue, recovery]

Xen was a regular, boring old human, with a regular, boring old life - at least they were, until they found themself kidnapped and shipped to North Irades. They're quickly sold to a criminally wealthy man, and along with several other humans, are taken to his private island to be hunted for sport - but not before they're shown what their role in this society truly is.

The Lure

The Date

Preparation

˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖ Lambs to Slaughter ˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺

[18+ content, BBU-adjacent institutionalised slavery, dehumanisation, violence & abuse, slave/pet training, often explicit noncon/dubcon, pet whump]

Once upon a time, she was a model and a dancer. Once upon a time, she had a life and dreams. Once upon a time, she was free - but when a casting call went terribly wrong, that was all stripped away. She no longer has a name, for it is up to her new master to give her one, if she is lucky enough to be bought at all. Only time will tell. Until then, let the training commence.

[First]

˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖ Bleed Me Dry ˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺

[18+ content, BBU-adjacent, institutionalised slavery, dehumanisation, violence, pet whump, whumper-turned-caretaker, chronic illness, bloodplay, guilt]

Rune Sauvéterre de Vaillancourt is a proud, headstrong demon, but despite his family's terrifying reputation and immense generational wealth, he likes to say he is self-made. In a world where it's not only acceptable but expected for someone of his race and wealth to own several human pets, it's strange it's taken him so long to buy his first one.

[The Auction]

˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖ Misc Things ˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖

Valentines Day Drabble -`♡´- Rag/Tape Gag Prompt -`♡´- Dangerous Whumpee Prompt -`♡´- Lonely Whumpee Prompt

Jas/Varro/Willow Ask

[ofallthelostdogs]

Lost and Found

i think it feels appropriate that the first chapter posted on here introduces a new (and slightly old) character. with lots of fun backstory.

word count: 5,835

TW: female whumper (briefly there, does no actual harm while there), running away, interrogation (kind of), memory loss, past whump, uhh. i think that’s it!

tldr its not really whumpy, a sweet boy runs away from his owner and finds an azure shelter to help him. tagging @spookyboywhump bc naturally. also shoutout to allen for helping write this bc my brain is MUSH. mush i tell you. i havent posted a writing in so fucking long uh. eenjoy.

-edwin

~~~

The plan was solid, if he didn't mess it up. He had counted the minutes second by second, every day until he was certain he would get it right.

She got up, showered and made coffee. He waited patiently for her to collect him, to bring him downstairs and make breakfast. He helped cook like always, and laughed quietly along to her chit-chat. His heart raced in his chest, his throat tight with anxiety.

"Will you collect the mail for me, sweetness?" She asked. Lost smiled gently and stood up, nodding his head. It was almost over. Finally, it was almost over.

He fetched the mail quickly, hurrying back to her side so as not to arouse suspicion. She wouldn't notice a thing for hours, if everything went according to plan. She was going to leave for work after breakfast and reading the news. It took her an hour to get to and from work on a good day, and about a half hour more if the traffic was bad, which it always was on a Monday. He wanted as much time as he could get.

His owner kissed him goodbye as she left, grabbing her purse and her coat and leaving a bright red stain on his forehead. She waved as she closed the door, and locked it behind her like always.

As if he hadn't learned how to unlock it.

Once she was gone it was time. Lost hurriedly made his way to the bathroom, rubbing the lipstick off of his face as quickly as he could and tossing the wipe into the bin.

He needed something to hide his collar, which took the form of one of his owner's scarves, wrapped around his neck with the hopes of it covering his face enough to bypass anyone recognizing him. It was soft, and as he stared into the mirror he stroked the fabric and paused.

Was he really making the right choice? What if she was angry, oh and she would be. She could have someone track him down, he could be dragged back kicking and screaming and she would hurt him, punish him for his disobedience, because how dare he leave her like that?

Well, wasn't that the point? She had told him his mother was cruel, that she rescued him but… he couldn't remember anything before her. His whole life was just… blank. Every memory erased. Nothing came before her, not in his memory, or in his life. There had to be an after. He needed there to be.

She wouldn't have heard him anyways, but Lost always found himself creeping down the stairs as if every little creak of the wood was going to summon her, and she would see him and know he was going to leave. His stomach turned at the thought, making him nauseous. It would take at least an hour before she was home even if she found out, that was why he chose today. He had even checked her bag the night before to ensure she wouldn't forget anything, and hidden a twenty dollar bill from her wallet in his favourite pair of shoes.

Lost wasn't sure how long he stared at the door, willing himself to build the courage to unlock it. Once he made it past the driveway he was set, he could get anywhere he needed to. He had even written down the directions to the nearest Azure shelter, a name he recognized from her scorn of the company's mission.

How dare people want to be free.

He barely recognized his own hands as he reached in front of him, pressing numbers into a keypad and hoping she hadn't changed the passcode. She got notifications on her phone if he pressed the wrong number, and he knew that she would never let him forget his mistake if she caught him.

1-2-0-8

The keypad lit up green, and a high pitched chime signaled as the lock clicked open. Lost blinked, almost unbelieving. It was working.

He was going to get out.

It chimed again as he shut the door behind him, and he flinched. All he had to do was punch the code back in, and she wouldn't know he had left until she was inside after work and it was far too late to find him again. One two oh eight.

One two oh eight.

1-2-0-8

It beeeped at him when it locked shut, and he smiled slightly. He was almost free, for real. No more false promises.

Lost turned on his heel and began to walk down the driveway, cutting over the front lawn and slipping through a break in the fence that he had found months prior. Conveniently hidden by hedges and his owner's precious flower bushes.

He looked at the house for a moment as he walked away and pondered. Anxiety sat like lead in his stomach, still unsure of whether or not he was making the right choice. He had to be, right? None of his fears could be as bad as she was. He could be a person, on his own, if he wanted to. He just needed to learn.

He just needed the chance.

***

It took him longer than he had expected.

By the time Lost made it to the shelter the sun was much higher in the sky than when he began, and his mouth and throat were dryer than he could ever remember. His legs felt weak and his head felt light, making him dizzy. He imagined the scarf wasn't helping, as the sun beat down on him he was sweating hard enough to soak the front of his shirt. 

He promised himself it would be worth it. 

The shelter was at the end of a very inconspicuous block, and the only things marking it as anything besides an ordinary apartment complex were the security measures and small Azure logo above the door. Lost faltered as he saw two large men standing outside, the bravery he had built up wilting and cowering at the sight, at the idea of what they could do to him. One of them took notice and watched him backtrack for a moment, before calling out. 

"Do you need help?" 

Lost stood in place. Yes, he wanted to cry. Yes, yes please, please help me. Save me. I need help. His hands shook, along with his legs. He had walked too far to turn back, too far to hide and run back to his owner with his tail between his legs like a dog. 

He stepped forward and nodded. The man quietly acknowledged his hesitation, crouching down slightly when he spoke again. 

"Did someone hurt you?" Another nod. 

The man smiled sympathetically at him, and Lost noticed a collar similar to his around his throat, with a shiny silver plate that said Zander at the front. 

"We can help you, you don't have to rush but… when you're ready, we can go inside and I can get you help. You came to the right place." Zander said. 

Lost nodded, slowly coming closer. "I- I, I don't… I don't wanna be owned any muh-more…

He collapsed just a few steps away from Zander, who caught him and held him close, feeling how violently he shook. "You're gonna be okay," He murmured. "I promise, nobody is gonna hurt you again." 

Zander adjusted his hold on the boy and stood up, lifting him easily. The security guard he had been talking to opened the door for them and shot him a sad smile, familiar with the fragile state of many rescued and escaped victims. 

"Thanks." Zander acknowledged. He scanned a card that unlocked a more secure, interior door and pulled it open, hitching the small boy in his arms up to not drop him.

Alondra noticed him coming back in immediately and rushed to his side, standing on her toes to get a look at the boy he carried. 

“He just showed up.” Zander explained to her, and she nodded, understanding right away. 

“He looks exhausted,” She said, looking at Lost sympathetically, “here, come with me.” She told him, and Zander followed her as she led them back to a more private room. Zander was able to sit Lost down in a chair but he didn’t seem quite ready to leave his side, hesitant to do so at first when Alondra instructed him to go grab the boy something to drink. 

He did so after a moment regardless, and Alondra looked at Lost worriedly, asking him, “Would you be okay with removing your scarf? You must be really hot…” She spoke softly and gently, not wanting to pressure him into anything.

Lost nodded slowly, reaching up slowly to unwrap it. "I… d-didn't want… anyone t-to notice… it…" He mumbled, gesturing at the collar around his throat when he pulled his owner's scarf away. He wanted to hold it, despite all of his sense telling him not to. It was her's, not his, and he didn't want it. 

He tossed it across the room to dispel his desire to cling to it, to his life as a pet. He wanted out. "C-can you help me t-take it off? I- I don't, I can't, it, it's locked…" 

“Of course.” She told him, getting closer to get a better look at the lock. “It might take us a little bit to get it off but we’ll find a way, I promise.” She assured him. 

Zander came back shortly after, bringing Lost a nice cold water bottle which he handed to him right away. 

“I called Eli while I was out there.” He told Alondra.

“That’s good, he should be able to help us get this collar off him.” She said. 

Lost watched the two of them tiredly, holding the bottle in his hands. It was so cold, it felt nice. He held it to his forehead instead of opening it, breathing slowly. "Uh, um. Um, excuse me," He spoke up. "Wuh- what t-time is it?" 

Zander looked down at his phone. "It's uh… just about twelve." Lost sighed with relief. His owner wouldn't be home for hours yet. 

"Th-thank you…" He said, smiling politely. Finally he opened his bottle of water, having cooled off enough to feel present again. The cold water was a welcome relief, soothing his parched throat. The poor boy was so small his feet barely touched the ground, and he kicked them slightly and shut his eyes happily as he drank.

They gave him time to cool down, knowing he must be tired. They still had to wait for Elias to get there before they could even attempt to get that collar off of him. Alondra let him drink, waiting until he had finished before trying to make him speak again. 

"So, can you tell us what we should call you?” She asked. Though she could easily check the collar around his neck, she didn’t want to assume that was the name he’d choose to answer to.

The boy looked at her with wide eyes, seeming to mull it over for a second before answering. 

"Muh- my name is, um, my n-name is Lost…" He said quietly. He looked down at his feet as he said it, almost ashamed to admit that he had been so far gone as to be named by his owner. He wrung his hands together nervously, hoping with all his might that these two would continue this level of kindness, that his many shortcomings weren't going to earn him lashings, or the silent treatment for days. Worse still was his owner saying she was disappointed in him, sitting him down to tell him all the ways he's failed her in the past… well, however long it had been since she did it last. 

However neither of them seemed shaken by his response, and he let out a sigh of relief. It wasn't his fault that his name was Lost, or that his real name had really been lost to time. He was Lost, or sweetness, although the latter made his skin crawl. He shivered slightly. 

 “Alright, Lost,” She said with a smile, “my name is Alondra, and you’ve met Zander.” She said, gesturing to him. “Once our friend gets here they’ll probably have some questions for you, but you don’t need to feel like you have to answer anything you’re not ready to, they’ll understand.” 

He nodded. These people seemed nice enough, and although he was in an unfamiliar place he was already feeling better about his decision than earlier that morning. It was smart of him to leave early, the kind of thought that would have gone unappreciated by his owner, and her constant efforts to keep him feeling and behaving like a child. 

 After some time passed there was a knock on the door, and Zander commented on how that must be Eli before telling him to come in. Elias opened the door, taking a step inside but he seemed to pause in the doorway, looking directly at Lost. He almost looked a little bit confused, his head tilted to the side just slightly, but he caught himself and smiled at him, trying his best to appear friendly. 

 “Hello there.” He said to him, closing the door behind him. “Zander told me you came here looking for help?” He asked, trying to get a good understanding of the situation.

Lost nodded. He was quiet, and hadn't said a word since telling them his name. When he did speak, his voice was soft. He almost seemed afraid to speak above a whisper. "I- I wanna… I wanna be, um, I…" 

He stumbled over his words for a minute, getting frustrated with himself the more he stuttered, and the frustration seemed to make it worse. Eventually he gave up, puffing his cheeks out and sighing and settling for another nod. 

 “It’s alright.” Alondra said to him softly, trying to be reassuring, before she looked to Eli. “He needs help with this collar, it’s locked.” Alondra told him. 

 “I thought that might be an issue.” Eli said as he stepped closer, stopping before he actually got close enough to touch the collar. “Is it alright if I touch you?” He asked Lost. “I should be able to get this off, I haven’t found a lock I couldn’t figure out yet, I just need to take a look at it first.”

"P-please… please g-get it off of me…" Lost whimpered, lowering his head. "I… I don't, I don't want it… please t-take it off." 

 “Don’t worry, I’ll try to do this as quickly as I can.” Eli told him, still being very careful as he checked the lock. He’d come prepared for this scenario, as this wasn’t the first time somebody needed to be freed from a locked collar. 

The collar was simple, leather stained a light purple collar with thick blue stitching. The lock hung off the back, with a little heart shaped tag on the front that read Sweetness. Lost had never seen the other side of the tag, but he had been told that it said his owner's name, in case he managed to escape her and was found by some well meaning individual.

And just like Elias had promised, he was able to get it off rather quickly, and immediately handed the collar over to Zander to take a look at the tag. “We can get rid of that for you, you won’t have to worry about it anymore.” Eli assured him.

Lost's hands shot up to his throat, touching the skin that had been covered for years now. His eyes were wide, his mouth slightly agape. He looked up at Elias and his eyes shone, the hint of a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth. 

"Thank you…" He mumbled, his hands gently placed against his throat. He could barely believe the feeling, the freedom of having his throat unbarred and unhidden. The last restraint, the one constant reminder of his ownership, of his place. Finally gone. And so quickly, he barely had the time to process it before it was taken away from him, before he would never see it again. 

For a moment, he regretted tossing the scarf away from him. 

He almost hoped that his owner had been lying about putting her name and address on his collar, and that they wouldn't be able to find her. He almost didn't want her to know that he was gone at all, and wished he could somehow leave without really doing so. A part of him knew deep down, that there was something wrong with how he had been treated, that he was not a pet, or a child, or anyone's property. 

He didn't watch what Zander did with his collar, and put his head back down, pulling his knees to his chest with the hope that curling in on himself would protect him. 

He couldn't imagine finding someone in his state and returning them to the name listed on their collar. He could imagine a thousand scenarios, but all of them ended the same way; with that person as far away from any "owner" as they could possibly get.

Now that the collar was dealt with, Elias pulled up one of the chairs so he could sit across from Lost, so he wouldn’t be standing over him anymore. He didn’t try to make him look at him, but he was closer to being on his level and he spoke to him kindly, being very careful with what he said. 

“I know you’re probably tired, and we’ll let you rest as soon as we can, but we would like to ask you some questions if that’s okay?” Eli asked him. “We’d appreciate anything you’d be willing to tell us.”

Lost looked up at him through his eyelashes and nodded slightly. "Uhuh," He whimpered, and sat up a little straighter. He focused on Elias' freckles, the scar on his face, anything to avoid looking him directly in the eye. "I- I can."

 “If you’re comfortable with it, what can you tell us about the person who did this to you?” Eli asked him gently. 

 “We’ll look into the name on the collar, but if there’s anything else you can tell us that you think would help, that would be good.” Zander added.

"I…" Lost began, looking immediately anxious. "I, I don't… know. She, she's my owner… um, wuh- what do you wanna… know?" 

 “I guess we should start with how she got you in that situation to begin with. Did you know her before or was she just a stranger?” Eli asked him.

"Um…" He scrunched up his face uncomfortably. "I… don't… remember. I- I'm sorry." 

 “That’s alright,” Eli said, “Even if you can’t remember now, if you do remember anything later you can always tell somebody then, everything helps. Is there anything at all you can remember from before you were with her? Any family or friends? We’ll try our best to contact them for you.”

Lost's expression grew more frustrated, puffing out his cheeks again. For years now it had been the more he focused on it, the less he was able to recall. He could remember a terrifying, filthy cell and his hands restrained above him. He remembered being beaten, and screaming for help, and then… nothing. Nothing before, and nothing after until waking up on his owner's carpet; terrified and shivering only to be brought into her arms. 

He could remember her petting his hair, holding him and comforting him. He remembered her giving him the name of her sweet little lost pet. But nothing else. Nothing but her. 

"I… I remember my… my Miss, I…" Lost placed his hands on the back of his neck and whined quietly, starting to rock back and forth. "I remember Miss. I- I don't… know about… before her. I j-just, I just don't… it's not… there."

 “Hey, it’s okay.” Eli said gently. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stress you out. We can stop or take a break if you’d like, we only have to keep going if you want to.”

Lost whined again, putting his head between his knees. "I, I… just, I just rem'mber g-getting… hurt… I… rem'mber waking up… 'nd she was there, Miss wuh, was there 'nd… and… and I don't… have anything… before. Just, just her."

 “It’s alright,” Elias said softly, leaning forward in his seat just slightly. “You don’t need to force yourself, I understand. We can talk about anything else, we can leave this alone.” He told him, trying his best to stay calm and calm him down as well at the same time, he couldn’t stand seeing him so distressed. “We don’t need to worry about before until later, right now and how you’re doing is much more important.”

Lost sniffled, wiping his nose with the sleeve of his shirt. "I," He stammered, eyes welling up with tears. "I don't wuh, wanna be useless… I, I'm sorry… I just… I just wanna go home…" 

Eli's heart panged. It wasn't going to be easy to get any actual information out of him, least of all because he seemed to not know any. The poor boy was already so distraught, it was almost a wonder how he had gotten all the way here on his own. 

"I shouldn't hah, have left…" He mumbled, shaking his head. 

“That’s not true, it’s good that you’re here, we’ll keep you safe.” Eli told him. “We don’t need to rush anything.” He looked around worriedly, but it wasn’t uncommon for new rescues to be emotional, and Alondra had already grabbed a box of tissues and offered it to Lost. 

 “Here, it’s okay to take a break if you need to.” She assured him gently. “No matter what you can or can’t tell them, you’re still going to be safe here.”

He took the tissues with a soft little "thank you," and began wiping his face, taking deep breaths to try and calm himself down. It took him a few minutes, sitting in silence and wiping at his face occasionally.

"M-miss is, um, she…" Lost began carefully. "She's… pretty. Um, she hah, has light hair, l-like, real light. And, and blue eyes like, like mine. She… she isn't muh, much bigger than me. She… she wears pretty dr-dresses, and shoes that make her t-taller. Her friends are… scary…" 

He paused for a minute and squeezed his eyes shut, balling his hands into fists and slowing down his breathing. 

"Her friends… do b-big, big bad work. Th-that… that's where I think… I came from. They… all have… pets…" He lowered his voice, as if the word itself was dirty, tainted by these people and their actions. "One of them h-hated me… I, I dunno why." 

“Hated you?” Elias asked, his eyebrows raised. He briefly glanced at Zander, wondering if he was thinking the same thing he was, the other man seemed just as intrigued by this. The thought that had been at the back of his head since the second he saw Lost was bothering him more now, he took his phone from his pocket and only searched for a minute to find the picture, almost hesitant to show it to him. “I’m sorry, you said her friends did bad work, do you… do you recognize this man…?” He asked him, showing him a picture of Nicholas Fairfax.

Lost's face dropped, the courage he had just built up leaving him in an instant. He pushed himself back in his chair, his breathing kicking up into quick, panicked breaths. He whined loudly, pulling his hands up to his chest protectively. 

"Uhuh," He whimpered, nodding. "I, I, I h-hate him, I hate him, he's, he's so mean. He doesn't, he doesn't t-tell the truth!" Lost buried his face in his hands, shaking his head and whimpering. "He's a buh, bully! And his pet is t-too…" 

 “I was worried you would say that…” Eli scowled, quickly putting his phone away so that Lost wouldn’t have to see the image again. “I’m so sorry that they treated you that way, but you won’t have to worry about him or his pet anymore. The fact you knew who he was is helpful on its own, so thank you for telling me.” He had to remind himself to stay calm, he could be upset later, right now he just needed to focus on Lost and trying to keep him comfortable. 

"He… he's m-mister Fairfax. I… I'm not allowed to c-call him by his um, his first name." Lost said quietly. "Good boys um, d-don't." He added, almost as an afterthought. 

 “Did you… have to spend a lot of time with him?” Eli asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer to that.

"Not… at first." Lost chose his words carefully. "I… I wasn't… allowed to. For, for a while. I… I d-disobeyed. And, and I th-thought… he would be nice to, to me. When, when I was wrong… miss didn't care anymore. Cus, cus it was… it was m-my fault." He wrung his hands nervously, looking at Elias. He didn't trust them, not yet, all that he had heard about the company from his owner's angry ranting was that they took pets away, away from where they belonged. He didn't have any idea what was done with them afterwards. 

"She j-just kept, kept leaving me wuh, with him. All the t-time. Cus I earned it and, and she had, had places to g-go." 

 “I’m… I’m sorry… that wasn’t your fault, you never deserved any of that…” He told him. He tried to be careful about what he said, he didn’t always know what would or wouldn’t upset somebody in this situation, but he hated to think he believed he’d earned or deserved any of what happened. It sounded like pretty standard behaviour from Nicholas, but he didn’t want to comment on that to him either.

"Miss t-told me I did," Lost said, as if that made it fact. "She said I'm b-bad, and, and he said so t-too. They, they're… smarter than m-me." 

 “Well… I don’t think you’re bad… and neither of them are going to bother you here, we’ll make sure of that.” Eli said. He wanted to tell him that they were wrong, he was never bad no matter what they said, they weren’t smarter just because they acted like it, but he didn’t want to overwhelm him, no matter how angry he was that they made him think that way.

"They're mean," Lost replied. "They… th-they suck! I, I don't l-like them." He had finally settled on sitting with his knees up, his arms crossed and his chin resting on them. He pushed his face into his arms, covering his eyes and sighing heavily. 

Really, he wasn't sure how he felt. His mind felt strangely blank, although his heart raced and his eyes watered. He wasn't… upset, but he wasn't happy about it, either. Everything seemed so overwhelming. He wanted the questions to end, his head hurt and he was so tired, and hungry, the more he focused the more he realized just how much of a mess he was. He was exhausted, and covered in sweat, his feet, legs and back ached so badly, and his scars burned. He wanted to lay down on the floor and let it swallow him, but the effort of moving even that far made him want to cry. He hurt. 

"I… I don't wanna do th-this anymore puh, please…" Lost whimpered, burying his face further in his arms. "I'm so tired…"

 “That’s okay, you don’t have to.” Eli quickly assured him. “Alondra can go make sure a space is ready for you, and we can let you get cleaned up and bring you some new clothes and then you can relax.” He told him. “You can take all the time you need to rest, we don’t need to rush anything.”

Lost nodded, too tired to do much else. All of the exhaustion he was feeling before seemed to have doubled, and he barely stopped himself from falling asleep in his chair. 

Alondra headed off to set up a room, while Elias left with the promise to return with clean clothes and towels. Zander stood awkwardly in the corner of the room, having not been given a task he seemed to remain stationary, his hands in his jacket pockets and his eyes fixed on the floor. Occasionally he would rock on the balls of his feet, scanning the room while Lost stayed in place.

He was far too tired to move. Presumably, he was going to be offered a shower but the thought only exhausted him more, if only partially because he wasn't used to bathing himself anymore. After four years of being babied and doted on for every little thing, he wasn't quite sure where to begin taking care of himself. 

Alondra returned fairly quickly, the same gentle, yet friendly smile on her face that she had offered while he struggled to answer Elias' questions. 

"I've got a room with a bed for you, if you want to come with me," She said softly. Lost whined. "You don't have to shut the door if you don't want to, we won't lock you in. And you aren't sharing with anyone, it's just for you." 

Lost continued to whine, rubbing his eyes against his arms. He produced an array of colourful explosions behind heavy eyelids, trying with all his might to keep himself awake. He shook his head, grunting in disagreement as he found that words simply refused to obey him. 

"Do you want me to carry you again?" Zander spoke up, taking a step out of the corner. Lost mulled it over for a moment. Fresh clothes and a bed did sound better than curling up in his current state, on that chair no less. He groaned something resembling a yes and looked up tiredly, eyes red and puffy. He reached out to Zander with both arms, and Zander picked him up easily. The boy weighed next to nothing, clearly his owner and Nicholas hadn't been doing a great job of keeping him fed, which wasn't uncommon. 

Zander followed Alondra down the hallway, up a flight of stairs and around a corner to a hall with many rooms coming off of it, each one having either a blank tag beside the door, or the occupied ones with names hastily scribbled in. 

They arrived at a door recently labeled with his name, in a curly, swirling text that he could only assume was Alondra's. Inside was a bed, a table and chair, and a small dresser. Lost noticed a closet around the corner when Zander put him down on the bed, with empty hangers ready to be filled. 

His own room. 

The most his owner had given him was a kennel.

Elias came back quickly, carrying the items he had promised as well as a small stuffed shark, which he handed to Lost with a shy smile. 

"You don't have to want it, or like it, but… I always find hugging them helps me calm down. I thought you might like one." 

Lost stared at the small blue plush, with its embroidered black eyes and sharp white teeth. It smiled at him, and he found himself smiling back a little. He tucked it into the bed beside his pillows and smiled at Elias, his eyes shut with sleepiness. 

Eli smiled back, and placed the towels and clothes on the bed bedside Lost. 

"I got you some sweatpants and a tee shirt as well, um, there wasn't a lot of options so they're blue and gray. I hope that's okay. The showers are just down the hall to your right, there's signs in case you get mixed up too." He explained, gesturing to the general direction of the showers. 

"Th-thank you…" Lost mumbled, stifling a yawn. "I… I think 'm too… sleepy… though… um…"

"Oh, that's okay!" Eli exclaimed, not wanting Lost to feel pressured. "You can do whatever you'd like." 

"I…" Lost continued. "I wanna… um… new… n-new clothes… and… and… slee… sleepy…" He paused for a minute, looking down at his feet nervously. After a moment he looked at Elias again, big blue puppy eyes pouting up at him from the bed. "Wuh, will you… st-stay with… me? I… I don't… want m-miss to… to find me… please…" 

 “Oh- of course, if that’s what you’d like.” Eli told him. He was almost surprised he wanted him to do it but he didn’t mind helping, anything to make him feel better. “I can step out so you can get changed but I’ll come back in when you’re ready. I’ll make sure everything is okay while you sleep, you don’t have to worry about her.” He assured him.

Lost smiled. He mumbled another thank you and resisted the instinct to refer to Elias as sir. Eli left the room for a moment, and Lost made sure he kept the door at least an inch ajar, and that he wasn't trapped before hauling himself off of the bed and into his new closet to change his clothes. Lost liked small spaces, and he could imagine setting up a little den of sorts in there to recharge himself. 

Changing went quickly despite his exhaustion, and he meekly called for Elias to open the door again as he dragged himself back to bed. 

"I… am so t-tired." He stated flatly as he pulled the covers back. The bed was warm, and clean, and the room outside was cool and comfortable. It was a gracious relief after walking so far, and he almost began to feel like he deserved it. After all, he was only human. Lost grabbed the plush that Elias had given him, and held it to his chest before laying down and tucking himself in. He had always preferred to go to sleep with something to hold. 

"Thank you," He called again, looking up at Eli with sleepy eyes. "Um, um… th-thank you. 'M, I… I… am… sleepy. Good… goodnight." 

 “Of course.” Eli smiled at him. “I hope you sleep well, goodnight.” He told him, taking a seat in the chair in the room so he could stay with him. He hoped he’d feel better once he’d had some time to rest, he couldn’t imagine just how exhausted he must’ve been. 

It only took a few minutes for Lost to fall asleep. He curled up around his plush, hugging it close to his chest and laying almost fetal. When he closed his eyes the darkness embraced him kindly, wrapping him up and taking over easily. Lost let himself be lulled into sleep by the sound of people working outside his door, knowing that if anyone wanted to come in; they would have to answer to Eli first.