WC: 1.6k | sfw | Valko being a SUCKER for your praise | fluff, comfort, slice of life, Varko is a dork but a cute one, he's also a big cuddle bug, is this ooc idk, relationship with his parents is a headcanon...it's not like we know about it in the game anyway do we, might make a nsfw version who knows
Varko absolutely loves praises ! In fact he's a very, very big sucker for it. Can you really look at those puppy eyes and not praise him?
It wasn't an ego thing. He didn't puff out his chest or act smug when someone complimented him. If anything, the exact opposite happened. His ears would grow warm, his smile would turn shy and suddenly this mountain of a man had no idea where to put his hands.
You first noticed it in the gym. You had already finished your workout for the day, so you were just sitting on the matted floor near him to watch him. And boy, you surely did watch those workouts while counting his sets and reps. Mostly because he kept losing track somewhere around eight whenever he started talking. You could only dream of such core strength.
Then Valko finished his final rep, sweat clinging and running down his temples and arms as he carefully got off the machine with a satisfied sigh. He took a towel and wiped his face and arms dry.
You got up from the matted floor and handed him his almost emptied water bottle. "You know", you start " that was really impressive."
Oh. There it was.
For a second his eyes, that just lit up with a different kind of energy, looked at you for second. Then the corner of his lips lifted. The grin that spread across his face could have powered the entire building. Then you watched him drop the water bottle that was waiting to be emptied, your watched it fall on the ground before you felt his large hands on your cheeks and he lifted your head up towards him. "You really think so?" He asks.
Your eyes follow the movement of his. Watch how they look at you in the eye, then to your lips and then switched to your other eye.
"I know so." You chuckled. He squished your cheeks gently and pulled you a bit closer, giving you a kiss on your squished lips. You also felt a kiss on the corner of your lips and big FAT one on your cheek. "Okay okay let's go home."
Valko gently stroked over your cheek with his thumb before letting you go. "Actually, I think I may just have found motivation for 5 more sets."
It eventually became a pattern. Not one either of you intentionally created. It's just...something that happened. Whenever you praised him, Valko seemed to bloom. It made your day.
The other day two of you were baking a delicious chocolate cake. Of course it was a chocolate cake.
You took the frosting that finally had adjusted to room temperature and put the bowl next to Valko. "Watch first, I'll show you what to do and then you'll do it.". He nodded.
You grabbed the nearby spatula and scooped a generous amount onto it, before placing it in the center of the cake. You look at him for a second to make sure he's watching. And he sure is, he's watching your movement like you're defusing a bomb and lecturing him that you shouldn't cut the yellow wire but the red one instead...wait.
"You don't wanna press to hard, you only let the frosting glide. Oh and see this? With my other hand I slowly turn the rotating table." You explained while showcasing the movement a bit slower, smiling a little as Valko leaned closer even though he already has an easy time peeking over your shoulder. You take in the really comforting smell of his cologne. He watches you smooth out the top with ease then turn around with him a smile and hand him the spatula. "Your turn. You'll do the sides."
His fingers slide over yours as he takes the spatula from you and carefully scooped up frosting. As it was about to fall off it, he halfway splatted it against the side of the cake. His eyes peeked over to you for a second, only to watch you press your lips together in a thin line. "..Keep going, it's alright." You said, keeping your voice as neutral as possible to not make him feel bad for the laughter that was about to escape from you.
"To my defense, it was about to fall off okay." He justified. His tongue peeked out in concentration as he copied every movement you've shown him. What just ended up happening was that the frosting spread in uneven little waves. He frowned.
To you it looked cute. "It looks..homemade!" you reassured, looking up to him. Valko scoffed, "It looks.." he started to say as he tilted his head to the side and with the spatula still in hand he put the back of his hands on his hips, "..hm, lumpy maybe?".
You chuckled. "No come on, you did great. This was your first try after all. I surely didn't do better on my first try." He looked looked you in the eye. That gorgeous smile was back, immediately making you smile again too. Valko then again looked at the cake.
He wondered if he were about to eat the whole cake in front of you right now if you were gonna praise him for that too or if you'd be genuinely concerned, or both..
A simple compliment, reassurement or praise is all it took to make him feel better, grow more pride.
The other day, rain drummed softly against the windows, turning the world outside into little more than blurred silhouettes and golden streetlights. The last light of the evening spilled through the curtains in warm shades of amber and rose.
The television sat forgotten. The cardboard box with a bookshelf that had to be assembled was still closed despite the "we'll do it tomorrow", that was spoken yesterday. Neither of you had moved from the couch in what had to be hours.
Valko had, unsurprisingly, claimed you first. He was stretched along the length of the sofa with you tucked as against his side, one arm rested lazily over your waist. One of your legs had tangled with his somewhere along the way and the blanket that had started neatly folded, now barely covered the two of you after he'd fidgeted beneath it every few minutes.
He had a habit of absentmindedly seeking you out even when you were already touching. If your hand rested on his chest, he'd weave your fingers together. If your head leaned against his shoulder, his cheek would settle against your head. If your feet brushed beneath the blanket, he'd hook his ankle around yours. It's like some instinct always urged him to be juuuust a little closer.
You felt him shift, probably seeking another inch of closeness that probably didn't even exist. His nose brushed your temple before he pressed a lazy kiss there, lingering just long enough for you to feel his warmth.
Your fingers tracing slow circles across his forearm, "I don't think you've gone five minutes without touching me today." He hummed thoughtfully, "I know. I talked to a doctor about it and he said I'll die if I don't cuddle with you."
You laughed quietly. Valko simply pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. "I missed you." He mumbles. You look up to him, "We've..been together all day." Another kiss found the bridge of your nose. "I know that too, I kept missing you anyway."
You reached up, cupped his cheek and gently shook his head, whining sarcastically "You're soooooo clingyyyyyyyy!"
He smiled softly to himself as he nuzzles his head into your palm, eyes drifting shut for a moment. He always seemed to relax the instant you touched his face, as though every muscle in his body finally remembered it didn't have to stay tense.
Your fingers wandered into his hair almost absentmindedly, combing through the soft strands near the nape of his neck. Valko melted with an audible sigh, his shoulders sinking deeper into the cushions. One of his large and very warm hands wandered under your shirt, rubbing up and down your back in slow, comforting strokes.
He looked so content it almost made your chest ache. Watching him was like watching a large dog finally settle after circling the same spot half a dozen times.
You smiled to yourself. "You have a look, you know.. you just look so.., I don't know, so safe."
His expression softened, whatever there was that could still soften. He didn't answer. Instead, he tucked you a little closer beneath his chin.
Your hand paused in his hair. "What's it about you liking praise so much anyway?". He was quiet for longer than you expected. Not uncomfortable, just thinking.
His thumb continued its slow path along your back while his gaze drifted towards the rain-streaked window. He smiled faintly.
"When I was little, my parents praised me for literally everything. Whether it was learning to tie my shoes or if I practiced until I finally got something right. They'd just notice." He wasn't smiling because he was remembering compliments, he was just remembering home.
He recalls a memory, saying that he once made breakfast but that the eggs were burnt along with the toast. He also had dropped a whole bowl of fruit. He thought he'd ruined breakfast, but his parents ate every bite anyway, saying he worked hard on this. He couldn't have been older than nine.
The words lingered in the room. "So.." he continued after a moment, "I guess I learned that praise wasn't... something you earned by only being perfect. Just reminds me of being loved. I praise you all the time too."
Your hand moved from his hair to smoothing a strand of hair away from his forehead. "That explains a whole lot." He, again, leaned into your hand instinctively.
You let your hand stay where it was, your fingers gently rubbing his head. He turned his head just enough to kiss the center of your hand, his lips lingering there before he tucked your fingers beneath his jaw.
"Tell me when I'm being too clingy, if it bothers you I'll stop." He says, extremely gentle spoken. You frowned a little. "Oh come on, you could never be a bother to me."
Certain nightmares plagued you for the past couple of days and Valko has taken notice of this, coming to your aid to remind you that he's there.
this fic contains: no major plot, fluff, comfort, reassurance, snuggling, cuddling, valko just being a softie, sweetheart as a pet name, not proofread, maybe ooc valko but that's bc they didn't even gave us the chance to get to know him better 💔
wc: 618
note: i wrote this drabble primarily as a way to comfort myself after the recent events regarding the cancellation of valko and i wanted to share this short drabble just in case you are also in need of such comfort #bringbackvalko!
“Nightmares?” Valko’s gruff voice enveloped your ears, his hands gently caressed your face.
You've been having nightmares lately about your boyfriend, always in the same situation, finding out that he suddenly disappeared from the face of the world. Not even given a chance to say your goodbye.
And you would wake up with tears streaming down your cheeks, damp and heavy while you try to process what you dreamt of… again and again. Afterwards, finding it a struggle to go back to sleep.
Because what if you woke up and he actually disappeared?
As usual, it was movie friday where he'd come over to your place and spend the night there watching movies and sharing a bed with you, and yet, even your favorite movie seemed to sour your mood and distract you due to your frequent nightmares.
Movie night ended on a whim when Valko noticed that you fell asleep. Silently, he closed the television and brought you to bed, getting ready himself to cozy up and snuggle you to sleep. That is, until the usual nightmare hit you.
And well, Valko can't help but worry over your current state, swollen eyes from excessive crying, the dark circles under your bags were evident—screaming that you've barely slept.
“C’mon, tell me what's wrong.” He gently leans closer, resting his side on your bed while the heat of his palm continues to spread through your cheeks. Valko gently rubs his thumb slowly, treasuring every moment he gets to hold you.
Your chest felt heavy, Valko's touch, gaze, and question made you feel valued and free.
“I will never judge you.” He adds, a silent seal of reassurance over whatever problem you were carrying.
“I've been having nightmares… “ You swallow thickly. “Nightmares about you disappearing.”
Valko cracks a gentle chuckle “Me? Disappear?” Finally slotting himself beside you; nuzzling close to you while his arms gently wrapped around your body.
“I'm here.”
His voice was enough to spark tears in your eyes, barely a word of explanation in yet he seems to fully grasp how you feel.
Valko has never been anything but kind to you, usually full of energy but in times like these, it felt so natural for him to just sympathize with you.
“See?” He meets your gaze, taking your hand to press against his face. “I’m still here…” He grazed your hand through his nose, lips, eyes…
“Aaaand this one is also here.” With a random poof, his wolf ears appeared—his head lowered while he guided your hand to touch them.
Tears still threaten to spill through your eyes and you can't help but sniffle, your vision blurring with every gentle guide his hand gave. “No.. Shh..” Valko lets go of your hand and holds you close to his chest.
“There there… Shh…” Valko hushes, his fingers running through your hair; massaging your scalp gently as his warmth starts lulling you to sleep.
“I'm okay, sweetheart.” You felt his lips press against your forehead for a long second. A single press of promise while he hugs you just a tad bit tighter.
His voice, his arms, his warmth. Valko’s presence kept you grounded, away from the nightmares you've been having. It feels as if even the slightest caress and touch from him is enough to calm you even through the toughest times.
Valko finally shuts his eyes, sleep finally getting a hold of him as well. “I'll be here when you sleep, and will still be here when you wake up.” His tail rests calmly on your thigh as he lifts his arm to drape the blanket over the two of you, giving you one last smooch and nuzzle before finally resting.
WC: 881 | sfw, slice of life, fluff, valko being clingy, desperate and dramatic af | I don't support infold's bs
Valko who absolutely loves head scratches.
Valko who's upset because you stopped crawling and scratching his head but your hand is so tired. After all you've been doing this for hours now, but seems like the big body on yours just can't have enough!
Valko who looks up at you with his sad puppy eyes. His head is on your stomach, his whole body weight practically stopping blood flow to the rest of your body as he lays on there, but you so very much like this feeling as well as the fact his big and strong arms hug your waist. His soft looking lips frown a little, even pout if you squint. Even his fluffy ears folded.
"Oh come on.. my hand's hurting" you chuckle, resting your hand on his back.
Valko let out the most dramatic sigh you had ever heard, the kind that belonged in a stage play rather than your tiny living room. His shoulders slumped even further, somehow making the giant of a man look heartbreakingly small despite the fact he was currently crushing you into the couch.
"But..." he mumbled, his voice muffled against your shirt. "You were doing such a good job." A laugh escaped you before you could stop it. "Oh? Was I?"
"Mhm." He nodded with complete seriousness. "Five-star service. Best head scratches in the whole world." His fingers absentmindedly traced little circles against your waist as if he hoped the affectionate gesture would somehow convince your hand to keep going. "I'd even leave a glowing review."
"You are unbelievable."
"I've been told I'm unforgettable."
"You've also been told you're heavy."
"I choose to ignore that feedback."
He flashed you a grin that lasted all of two seconds before melting back into another exaggerated pout. Those warm yellow-green orbs found yours again, impossibly soft, practically shimmering with theatrical betrayal. His tail, as fluffy and long as can be, was dragging dramatically across the floor.
"Please?" he asked, stretching the word into something almost pitiful. "Just... a little?"
"My hand is cramping, Valko.."
"I can kiss it better."
You raised an eyebrow.
"I can kiss both hands better, actually."
"...That doesn't actually solve the problem."
"Okay, but it solves morale."
You snorted so hard your chest shook beneath him.
Valko whose smile returned instantly and ears perked up at the sound, victorious. He always looked happiest when he managed to make you laugh. His forehead nudged gently against your stomach in a lazy little nuzzle before he tilted his head to look at you again.
"I don't need scratches," he said after a thoughtful pause. "Oh, now you don't?"
"...I would also accept for you to play with my hair."
"That's the same thing, Valko." You slyly smile.
"I'd also accept forehead rubs."
"Valko."
"..Ear rubs?"
You couldn't help it. Another laugh bubbled out of you, and Valko beamed like he'd won an award.
"There it is," he whispered proudly. "Worth it."
Your tired hand drifted from his back to his messy hair almost on instinct, fingers brushing through the soft strands just once. Valko froze. His eyes fluttered shut. His head lifted a little to rub itself deeper into your hand.
A pleased hum rumbled deep in his chest, low and content, vibrating against you. Every bit of tension seemed to melt from his broad frame in an instant. He leaned harder into your touch, careful this time not to put quite as much weight on you, though his arms never loosened around your waist.
"There..." you murmured, combing your fingers through his hair one last time. "Happy?". He nodded. "So happy..for now. I might ask you for more later. Tomorrow if I'm merciful."
You rolled your eyes fondly, trying to look angry but your lips curling up to form a smile betrayed you. "I never agreed to daily appointments."
"You don't have to." His smile softened into something so warm it made your heart ache. "I already know you'll spoil me anyway."
"You are spoiled, that is true."
Valko who says he prefers the term 'enthusiastically loved'. You stared at him for a second before reaching over with your other hand to gently squish one of his cheeks. "You know," you sighed, "you're impossible."
"And yet..." Valko turned just enough to press a quick kiss into your palm, lingering there for a heartbeat. "...you still let me lay on you."
"Well, mostly because if I wanted to move you, I'd need a construction crew."
Valko whose laughter came easily, rich and warm enough that you felt it vibrate through his chest where it rested against you. It was infectious. Before long, you were laughing too, the room filling with the easy sound of two people who had long since stopped caring how ridiculous they looked.
Eventually the laughter faded into a comfortable silence. Valko rested his chin on your stomach again, absentmindedly tracing lazy patterns against your side with his thumb. The earlier theatrics were gone now, replaced by the quiet contentment that always seemed to settle over him whenever the two of you had nowhere else to be.
"You know..." he murmured, "I like this." You opened your eyes, looking down to him. "Being squashed?". He shook his head. "Being here.." His gaze wandered around the room before returning to you, softer than before.
"No running around. No errands. No people bothering us." He smiled faintly. "Just you."
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