Clay

also on AO3, Twitter, Letterboxd, + Serializd. a little too obsessed with gay firefighters asks are open

[glazedmercury]

Whumptober 2025 Masterlist

This was my first year doing Whumptober and I managed to write something for every day! The full collection is available on AO3. If you are looking for a particular fic, they’re listed out below by fandom with content warnings as needed. In total I shared 75,908 words worth of writing across 31 different fics!

9-1-1

Day 1: give me a lifeline | depression, suicidal thoughts, discussion of self-harm

Day 5: because i know you | PTSD, guns, nightmares

Day 6: cocoon | drugging, kidnapping, restraints

Day 8: Wanted to Save Someone | guns, restraints, violence, bank robbery

Day 9: love me the way i am | body modification, religious undertones, self-hatred

Day 13: Deeper Than Skin | PTSD, panic attacks, lightning strike

Day 16: my hands are not my own | breaking and entering, choking, murder, dissociation

Day 17: just give me a moment | grief

Day 18: Out of Reach | canon-typical violence

Day 19: I’m Sick and Tired of Living in LA | depression, self-isolation

Day 20: grand canyon | migraines

Day 22: animal | kidnapping, restraints, muzzles, guns, some mental instability, hospital

Day 23: someone has to get chris | blood, discussions of death

Day 26: Save Yourself (Fall Out of Love) | home invasion, blood, injury, knives

Day 30: How Did We Get Here?

Day 31: my blood is yours | blood, vampires

Daredevil

Day 2: The Usual Distraction | violence, blood, guns, grief, religious themes

9-1-1 + Superman

Day 3: Super Secrets

Day 21: Seeing Red | mind-altering substances

Call of Duty

Day 4: angels don’t sleep | body modification, heavy religious themes

Day 10: learn your lesson | blood, guns, violence, stitches, needles

Day 14: you, me? monsters | werewolves, body horror, depressing thoughts, blood, murder

Day 28: because you were pretty | magical compulsion

The Flash

Day 7: You Can Make a Second Last an Hour | blood, murder

Teen Wolf

Day 11: Everyone Needs an Anchor | PTSD, issues with reality, hallucinations

KPop Demon Hunters

Day 12: Rotten | demons, unrequited love

Jason Todd

Day 15: refusal | blood, violence, threats of torture

Day 24: if i were an angel | wingfic

Hannibal

Day 25: how would you have me? | depression, trauma

Supergirl

Day 27: Open Your Eyes | paralysis, coma

Batman + Superman

Day 29: Like a Neon Light | drowning, attempted murder

[sassay-fox]

Live or Die - Make Your Choice

Relationship: Evan Buckley/Eddie Diaz (Pre-Relationship/Getting Together)

Warnings: Angst/Injuries/NDE

Rating: Explicit just in case for violence and crime (high mature)

Word Count: 4102 words

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/84783256

Summary:

"Who I am is unimportant. You have a decision to make and only a limited time to make it, before it's too late for your fellow firefighter."

Buck spares a short glance at Eddie, the sallowness of his skin and shallow raspy breaths belaying what Buck already logically knows - Eddie needs medical attention, and quickly.

"Please, he's got a son," Buck pleads.

"They always do. That has no bearing on the decision that must be made. Only one of you will be making it out of here alive and that decision will be made by you."

Wrong place, wrong time - Buck and Eddie unintentionally fall into a saw trap of life and death. A choice needs to be made and sacrifice is the aim of the game.

This was a part of the Same Prompt Challenge for the 911Writer's Discord. I chose the Ultimate Level and so needed to include the trope and two quotes.

- Forced Proximity Trope

- 'Don’t - Don’t touch it, please it hurts.'

- 'Normal people don’t go around destroying other people.'

I've had some horrendous writer's block recently so this challenge broke through the inertia for me. It's probably a bit choppy but it did the job.

Don't forget to check out the other submissions in the collection.

Tags below the cut as usual - ask for addition or removals

@annoyingcloudearthquake @bisexualmaddiehan @sofa-king-lame @haydenthewitch @fallenandinlovewithhumanity @singitforthegirls @jenzzyuk @walske @babygirl-diaz @fanficmanic @heartsfromeden @a--a---a @fangirlthreepointoh @smilingbuckley @bucksbelly @cathcer1984

[glazedmercury]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Relationships: Albert Han/Ravi Panikkar Additional Tags: POV Ravi Panikkar, AU, superhero au, Minor Injuries, Canon-Typical Violence, Angst, Secret Identity, Secret Identity Fail Summary

Ravi falls from the sky and crashes through not one, not two, not three, but four levels of his apartment building. Dust settles around him, coating the fabric of his suit in a thin layer of grey. He groans. Darkness surrounds him. Only the small sliver of tonight’s crescent moon peers at him through the opening; an unwelcome sight.

Or: Ravi unexpectedly crashes through a familiar roof and learns just how bad he is at keeping secrets.

[dum-dum-raccoon]

I NEED Christopher to refer to Buck as his dad in some way at some point. I need someone to ask about his parents and for him to go “I have two dads” or SOMETHING even if Buddie isn’t canon at that point. Even dad-adjacent. I want him calling Maddie his “aunt” or even just Eddie slipping up and referring to Maddie as his aunt in some way and Chris not denying it. CRUMBS PLEASE. Maybe even like Chris being in public with Eddie and Buck and getting separated and he spots Buck and shouts “Dad!” Until Buck runs over. Or imagine Buck is watching him and Chris accidently calls Buck dad while asking for something and they brush it off as just an accident.

Also I love the whole thing where Buck gets referred as “his buck” instead of “his dad” for Chris. But I just need the father son thing put into clear actual words just once yk.

SOMETHING PLEASE I YEARN FOR MORE BUCK AND CHRIS FATHER-SON MOMENTS GRRRRR.

[writingbuddie]

Buddie Prompt #82

After the events of 9x5, Eddie visits the graves of people he’s lost. In a tragic turn, he’s only able to tell the important things in his life to Shannon, Bobby, and Abuela once they’re gone. His journey begins with the past, present, and future, where their ghosts help him on the journey of coming out.

[shnehollander]

Eddie Diaz 9-1-1 S09E13

[writingbuddie]

Madney Prompt #1

Maddie never got to experience Jee-Yun at the age that Baby Nash is, so she gets as involved as she can now. Meanwhile, she and Chimney independently know that Buck is in love with Eddie, and that Eddie is in love with Buck, and must keep these facts from each other. A lot of fluff and some shenanigans ensue.

[auroragehenna]

Whump Gift Swap

Second round ; Gift for @glazedmercury

TW/CW: Knives, betrayal, blood, tied up, (faux-) comfort, SFW (dubcon) touch, "hostage exhange", slapping, sadistic-intimate Whumper, angry-scared whumpee, recapture, touch starved whumpee, punishments Word count: 2'074

Caretaker pulled on Whumpees hand, trying to remind them to keep walking with them when they got distracted by a beam of light falling throught the leafy ceiling of the handful of trees lining the edge of the park. Always so keen on drinking in all the beauty of the world around them. Every since…What had happened to them… Caretaker swallowed and shoved the thought away. It was too excuruciating to think about now. "Keep up, Whumpee. We can't be late for this meeting."

"Where are we even going, Caretaker? You still haven't told me.", Whumpee retorted warily. "You know I don't like surprises."

"I know, Whumps, I know."

Whumpee wanted to speak up again and remind them that they also didn't like getting called by that stupid nickname. But they remembered just how much Caretaker has done for them these past months, they owed them. And so they shut their mouth again. And in the next moment they were already getting pulled into a sketchy alleyway.

"Okay seriously, what the fuck Caretaker?"

Caretaker opened their mouth, mind racing to find another thing to stall Whumpee with again, as they got inerrupted by a cheery voice.

"Is that my Whumpee's sweet voice that I hear?"

Whumpee froze mid-step with their eyes blown open. The same fear clearly had also gripped Caretaker since their hand clamped down on their own now. "Caretaker, we have to run. Right now."

"I'm sorry Whumpee…But we won't run."

Whumpee blanches as their darting eyes now settled on Caretaker. Caretaker who was not panicked. Who didn't even seem in any rush. Who held their hand steadily not to feel safe but to keep them here. Caretaker who had set this up! "You piece of shit." Hate festered in Whumpees words, the same way that it now festered in their heart. How stupid of them to trust someone again. They were so foolish.

"Oh don't be too hard on the poor dear. They really didn't have much of a choice.", Whumper said as they now parted from the shadows of a doorframe to their right.

But instead of approaching Whumpee they walked past them and to a car parked there to open the back door. Reaching inside muffled grunts could be heard as Whumper dragged a tied up and clearly roughed up person to their feet next to them. "As promised, Caretaker, one Partner, nearly completely unharmed.", they presented smoothly.

It felt as if the air got punched out of Whumpees lungs once again. Caretaker traded their live for Partners?! That dick that treated Caretaker like trash? That's whom they've doomed them for?!"

"Tick Tock, Caretaker.", Whumper reminded them.

"Right.", Caretaker murmured and grabbed Whumpees arm with the other hand as well now.

Unfortunately even after those couple months of rehabilitation Whumpee was stil significantly weaker than Caretaker and so they could just stratch and trash as they were dragged over to the object of their day-terrors.

They trashed and kicked and cursed under their breath all the way until a hand settled on their shoulder, fingers brushing the side of their neck. That's when they calmed down, or rather, froze.

"So good, to have you back, Whumpee.", Whumper murmured into their ear before throwing Partner down on the wet cobblestones like he was nothing more than a bag of trash.

Finally Caretaker let go of Whumpee and quickly cowered down to untie Partner.

Whumper now snearked their arm around Whumpees shoulder and started pulling them towards the car door, nudging them to sit inside. Over their shoulder they looked at Caretaker once more. "Pleasure doing buisness with you, Caretaker. And once again, thank you so much for not calling the police. That was a big help." They smiled broadly at Caretakers helpless expression before fully shoving Whumpee inside and cuffing their hands to the grab handle above.

Someone who didn't know Whumper would probably assume that they were in a cheerful mood. An easy smile on their lips, open eyes, and lazy movements. But Whumpee did know Whumper. And so they could tell that Whumper was furious. And that that prophesied them blood.

Anger, fear, self-loathing and grief warred inside them, making it hard to pass jdugement on anything. And in fear of further upsetting Whumper Whumpee decided to say nothing at all during the entire ride and just stare outside through the tinted windows while the blood drained from their hands.

------

Whumpee only snapped back into reality when the car finally came to a stop in front of Whumpers house. That wretched house that they had hoped to never have to see again!

Their door was opened by Whumper and cold eyes silently reminded them not to struggle as the cuffs were opened and Whumpees wrists slid out only to drop like bags of sand.

"So docile now.", Whumper mused as they "helped" Whumpee out of the car and to the front door.

Whumpee heard the familiar sound of the door locking through the fog in their mind, felt the sinking feeling of knowing that they were now in this place and that it would be very hard to impossible to escape. Again.

And as if Whumper had read their thoughts the feel of a cold blade touched the skin underneath their shirt.

"You know where to go.", was all Whumper said.

And Whumpee did know. And next thing they knew they were back in their cell room.

"Kneel!", Whumper ordered quietly. Not withdrawing the knife, merely adjusting it to have to blade facing upwards.

Something, some piece, in Whumpee broke when their legs gave out and their knees hit the tiled floor. The fabric of their shirt tearing on Whumpers blade in the process. Leaving only a thin bloody line in its wake.

"Good. Very good.", Whumper praised. "Now. Whumpee. Maybe you can repeat for me your rules, hm?"

Whumpee gulped. Their worst fear unravelling right in front of them. They'd been right. Of course Whumper wouldn't look past this punishment. "Kneel-Kneel when ordered to do so. Uhm. Uhm. Well generally obey what you command. Don't presume privileges without being clearly allowed them. Don't lie to you." Whumpees voice grew quieter and quieter with every rule. "Don't try to loophole rules and don't. Don't try to escape." The last words were barely above a whisper.

"What was that last one, Whumpee?", Whumper asked, voice thin like a blade itself.

"Don't try to escape.", Whumpee conceded, hanging their head low.

With slow steps Whumper walked to face Whumpee, reaching out with the knife to tilt their returned plaything's chin up until their cold eyes met terrified ones.

"Clearly I didn't get that one to stick last time did I?"

A trick question. Don't answer, you'll only get punished for speaking out of turn.

"And since you broke that rule so blatantly, and stayed away for so long I think its only fair to assume that you broke every other rule in my absence as well."

Whumpee gasped. No. No they couldn't possibly. They wouldn't. But in Whumpers cruel calm they had already read that they would. Of course they would. "Whumper, please. I know what I did but please. Please let me make it up to you. Please don't.", they started begging quietly.

"Ssssh.", Whumper shushed them, knife tip now dancing over their captive's lips. "Its the fastest way for you to learn, dear. And the most fun one."

Whumpees horror clashed together over their head like waves in the ocean when Whumper kicked them in their now unclothes chest and straddled them on the floor, crushing their hands underneath their knees.

"Hold on to that for a second, will you.", Whumper said as they set the large knife down on Whumpees torso, instead grabbing something from their pockets. It looked like metal finger tip overlays with sharpened tips. Putting those on they grabbed the knife again with their right hand. Their left hand closing around Whumpees waist, metal "nails" digging into the sensitive skin there was Whumper started carving lines all over their torso.

The room started to reek or iron as more and more of the stone tiles stained red with Whumpees blood, and the air got drenched in their groans and screams.

The carvings Whumper gave them were seneless violence. Lines, zigzags, doubles or long diagonal lines. Special patterns weren't for punsihments after all. Those were only for the fun sessions. Not that Whumper wasn't enjoying this as well. An easy smile on their lips and estatic eyes. Their fingers dug deep into the side of Whumpees waist every so often, tearing previously held-in screams from their plaything's lips. And colouring their metal fingertips in lines of red.

Just when Whumpee was about to mercifully mentally slip away Whumper removed the blade from their skin and laid it to the side. Whumpees head lolled to the side in relief, black encroaching on their vision. Until a sharp pain jerked them up, filling their body with new adrenaline. Whumper had slapped them, hard, and the metal tips had cut into their cheek in the process.

"Don't pass out on me now.", Whumper warned as they took their knife and left the room.

Whumpee wined, they tried to move out of the small puddles of blood but it hurt too much so they just stayed where they were. The stench nearly making them sick and the pain buzzing in their entire being. This was all their life was going to be from now on. Again. Tears started squeezing out of the corner of Whumpees eyes slowly. They hoped Caretaker was happy! But they doubted it...And they were in too much pain to be angry still.

It felt like an entirety before Whumper returned, a first aid kit in one hand and a bundle of thick ribbons in the other one. They sat back on their hunkers in front of their Whumpee and started expertly sanatizing their work. Once that was done and the spray had mixed with the blood on their skin and the tears had dribbled down Whumpees pained face Whumper took out their smartphone and snapped a detailed photo of the sight. Then they continued to bandage up the wounds tightly, not letting the opportunity to press their fingers into some of the wounds, to hear those sweet sweet noises of Whumpees pain, slip away. Once they were fully looked after Whumper helped them sit up with gentle movements. "Now Whumpee.", they spoke just as gently. All gentlessness about them now, it was a jarring contrast. "You know the deal. -They held up the ribbons- Either you choose freedom of movement and isolation or you choose the ribbons and...You get more of this." Whumper slowly stroked their warm hand over Whumpees un-injured cheek.

Whumpee whimpered, they were in so much pain and grief, and of course they knew that Whumper had just done all of this to them but this felt so good. So, so good. And they felt so, so bad. Before they even consciously came to a decision something had already slipped past their lips. "Please."

"Whumper smirked but remained oh so gentle. "Please what, Whumpee. I need to know what you want so I can give it to you."

Whumpee whimpered again, but quietly this time. "Please. The, the ribbons." They coughed and the motion pulled on their fresh cuts.

How predictable. "Of course, Whumpee.", they responded, moving a few strands of their plaything's hair out of their face. They unitentionally closed their eyes against the motion of Whumpers fingers. So desperate for comfort. Nearly more than when they were first with them. No doubt they didn't let Caretakers efforts ever really get to them.

With soft but steady hands Whumper started tying the ribbons around Whumpees ankles, knees, wrists elbows and throat, finishing the knots into little bows each time. "There, all done.", they murmured into Whumpees hair-crown. Pressing a little kiss into their hair as they propped them against their front comfortable. Now using both hands to gently stroke over Whumpees non-bloodied up skin. Covering all of Whumpees known most touch-starved areas and alllowing them to cuddle their head againt their chest. Allowing them to try and hide in their soft sweater and the darkness. To lose themselves in the soft touch and comfort and ignore who was giving it to them. "You did so well, Whumpee. You are perfect.",they praised quietly just before they noticed Whumpees breathing even out.

Taglist: @whumpgiftswap, @glazedmercury, @yourlocalgaefae33, @princessofhe11, @greatkittencloud

[glazedmercury]

March Whump Gift Swap Round 2

For: @auroragehenna (using her OC Adam)

CWs: Kidnapping, drugged, rope, healed scars, intimate/creepy whumper, knife whump

@whumpgiftswap

“Adam. Adaaam. Adam.” A voice breaks through the darkness in Adam’s mind, sing-songing his name. He’s been having the most delightful dream. Of course, it’s starting to fade now, thanks to this minor annoyance. “Wake up, Adam.”

The final sentence snaps Adam out of his stupor. His eyes fly open and he shakes himself awake. Immediately, he can tell that something is wrong. Every part of his body feels sluggish. Even his brain isn’t moving as fast as it should be. It’s as though the whole world decided to speed up in the time he was asleep.

Adam doesn’t recognize a single thing in the room he’s in. It looks rather cheery, with sunlight filtering in amongst the clutter. There’s a small bed shoved into the corner, fully made. Next to it is a wooden desk with various novels piled atop it, all with cracked spines and looking very loved. If he had to hazard a guess based on the titles, he’d say they were romance novels. Every space in the room is filled. Even the walls.

Most intriguing of all, aside from the fact that Adam doesn’t fit in this room, is that he is currently tied to a sturdy chair while a young woman brandishes a knife at him.

Her brown hair is a bit scraggly, and she looks like she hasn’t slept in days. She seems erratic, picking at the sleeve of her faded sweater with her free hand, all while mumbling to herself and keeping the knife trained on Adam.

The rope keeping Adam restrained is scratchy, rubbing on his arms and shirt when he tries to move. Adam’s done plenty of kidnapping before on his own time, but he’s certainly never been kidnapped himself. Definitely not by someone this disorganized. He wonders who could have caught him off-guard enough to take him like this. When his eyes lock on the woman’s, she almost lights up with glee. Adam blinks hazily in reply, trying to force his vision to cooperate.

“Adam! I was so worried I got the dose wrong. I’m so glad you’re not dead yet,” she gushes, pacing around. The knife catches a beam of sunlight. It glints in Adam’s direction.

With the only visible threat being the knife, Adam keeps his eyes on it and the woman as best he can.

“Wh—what d’you want?” Adam slurs out. He feels a bit more coherent than he did when he first woke up. It’s not enough for his body to work exactly the way he wants, though.

The woman pauses her pacing. Her arms fall to her sides. “You don’t remember me? Not even a little bit?”

Adam cocks his head. He takes a good, long look at her. She looks so earnest, as though it’s absolutely vital to her existence that he knows who she is.

“Why should I?” He replies.

Something in her face darkens almost instantly. Her grip on the knife becomes tighter, her knuckles turning white from the strain. Adam shifts around in the chair a little, testing the give of the ropes. There isn’t much.

“My name is Ruby. Remember me now?” She spits out, practically tearing off her sweater and leaving only a tank top on.

Adam lets his gaze flit over Ruby’s body, assessing every wound visible on her arms. They’re all healed, in various colors of pink and white skin. Each one is in a straight line. No hesitation, no shakiness from the one who inflicted the damage. For as good as they look compared to how they looked initially, Adam knows the psychological scars run much deeper. A smile makes its way across his face. “Ruby. I do remember you.”

Ruby looks a mixture of pleased and angry all at the same time. As soon as Adam says the words, she scrambles to hide the scars. It’s as though she only just remembered what she looks like.

“I never forgot about you. I think about you every night before I fall asleep. Every time I see the color red, it reminds me of your hair.” A small smile makes its way on Ruby’s face before quickly falling away. “But you left me, Adam. You broke me. You made me believe I was yours. And then you never came back. Not one look.”

She looks almost on the verge of tears as she pours her heart out. Poor girl.

“I barely knew you, Ruby. It was only a few days,” Adam says, keeping the annoyance in his tone as restrained as he can. It’s not his fault she couldn’t handle it. The pain, the torture, the hurt. To him, Ruby was a drop in the ocean. A job to get what he needed.

“‘Only a few days?’” Ruby practically screeches. With almost inhuman speed, she races forward, knife in hand.

Adam hisses in pain as the blade drags across his arm. It’s only a shallow cut, but he can’t help his instinctual reaction. He jerks against the rope, trying to loosen it. Unfortunately for him, it seems as though Ruby is a real threat, especially in his slightly-drugged state. She slices a few more times, up and down his left arm, small, painful cuts.

Finally, Ruby pulls the knife away, now red with blood. The color stains the ropes holding him in place. She cups the right side of Adam’s face with the palm of her hand. It’s almost like she feels…apologetic.

“Forgive me,” she whispers, closing her eyes and pressing her forehead to Adam’s. “You just made me a little mad, is all. Don’t say anything stupid, and everything will be okay.”

Her grip tightens on his face. If Adam knows how to get into anyone’s head, it’ll be hers. Ruby was easy enough to figure out before. This is child’s play.

“I won’t say anything stupid,” Adam tells her, letting a smile cross his face. “You took all that pain for me, didn’t you? It’s only fair that I do the same.”

His honeyed words do the trick.

Ruby moves away, only a bit, and nods furiously. She keeps her hand on Adam’s cheek and slowly slides the other one on his shoulders. “Exactly. I knew you’d get it. You’ll be happy to have more, right? So we match?”

The smile freezes on Adam’s face. He’d rather not, actually. Certainly not with this insane person. He’ll have to tread much lighter if he wants to get out of here alive. And without many scars as decoration. He wonders if Ruby can smell his fear.

“What if we do something else, first?” Adam suggests gently.

“What do you mean?” Ruby cocks her head.

“I mean, let’s play a game. You and me. Twenty questions. I’ll think of something, and if you guess it right, you win. If you don’t guess it, I win.”

“I don’t—“ Ruby’s brows furrow in confusion. “But—“

The ringing of a phone interrupts her words. Ruby crosses the room to find the source of the noise, while Adam takes the opportunity to loosen the ropes. His heart pounds, and he barely manages to free part of his right arm. Ruby fiddles with a bag thrown in a corner, which Adam recognizes as his own. When she turns around, there’s a look of pure murder on her face. The phone keeps vibrating in her hand.

“Who the hell is Lyra?”

Adam grimaces. There was only a small chance the game could keep going, and he’s almost disappointed. Now, though, he can finally let loose. The smile falls from his face and his true feelings show in his expression. At the same time, he lets the rope fall to the ground and rises from the chair. “Someone much better than you’ll ever be. Now, I have to get back to her. Leaving you alive was a mistake.”

“You left me for her?” Ruby yells. “I thought we had something.”

“You thought wrong.”

Ruby rushes at Adam. She’s all emotion and no tact. It’s easy enough to dodge. In one swift move, Adam reaches for her arm and twists it behind her back. Ruby grunts and thrashes, but she’s no match for someone much larger than her. Each of her movements is filled with terror. She’s a wild animal, filled with anger and a fear of death.

“Please. Just one more chance,” she begs. Almost sobs. It’s pathetic.

“I don’t think so.”

[wollemi-whump]

THE SHANNARA CHRONICLES 1x05 "Reaper"

⚬─────────────────────✧─────────────────────⚬

THE 100 1x10 "I Am Become Death"

"I wasn't sneaking around, I was running from the Grounders." "Stop lying!" "He's not lying... His fingernails were torn off. They tortured him." ... "The Grounders know we're at war. What did you tell them about us?" "Everything."

"Don't tell me you trust him now." "Trust? No. I do believe in second chances though."

⚬─────────────────────✧─────────────────────⚬

For my @whumpgiftswap partner @glazedmercury :)

[glazedmercury]

March Whump Gift Swap Round 1

For: @wollemi-whump

CWs: Military, gun violence, held captive, restraints

@whumpgiftswap

The sergeant didn’t find it all that strange that he’d been sent on a solo area recon mission. He went on them all the time. Preferred being alone to being with a group, actually. There may not be a lot of action, but he didn’t have to pretend that he was like everyone else in his squad. The sergeant was the reckless type. Bad at taking orders, yet still good enough to be an asset. He knew what kind of reputation that earned him among the others. People never came easy to him, and eventually he gave up trying. It wasn’t worth the effort of trying to fit in.

He adjusted his vantage point, surveying the surrounding area. The sergeant was sent to watch for a terrorist group that was said to be gathering in the area. There weren’t any civilians nearby. If things went sideways, he wouldn’t have to worry about collateral damage.

By this point, it had been hours without a single bit of movement. That was perfectly alright. It’d be days before the sergeant felt even a hint of fatigue. Some would say it made him good at his job. Others, inhuman. A freak. He didn’t have a preference either way. The only sign that he’d been working at all was the sweat building up under his uniform and the sand dusting his clothes.

Something caught the sergeant’s vision toward the edge of a group of run-down buildings. It could very easily be an animal making its way through the area, but he was the one to take that chance. The sergeant adjusted his scope and increased the magnification. If anything moved again, he’d be able to see exactly what it was.

This time, when a dark shadow moved across the sandy landscape, he was sure it was a human.

Just as the sergeant rose from his position, intent on getting closer, he heard a rustle close behind him. Too close. He grabbed his gun, turned around, and was met with a thwack to the head. The sergeant grunted, keeping his grip tight and ignoring the pain blossoming in his head. He shook his head briefly. The enemy slipped just out of his line of sight. It was barely a moment, but it was enough time for them to land another blow. The sergeant felt a dull throb echo through his skull as he fell to the ground. His gun skidded away. He tried to force himself to his feet, moving through the growing nausea in his stomach, but it was pointless. The sergeant’s opponent hit him with the butt of their gun, turning his world to black

…

When the sergeant awoke, he was in a dusty room. He wrinkled his nose as he felt the need to itch it. The only light he could see was seeping under the door; barely enough for his eyes to adjust to their surroundings. He jerked at his arms, planning to grope around in the dark, but he found them bound behind his back at his wrists, keeping them crossed behind his back. Zip ties, most likely. Not as easy to get out of as duct tape, especially in the dark. His legs were still free, so that meant his captor, or captors, weren’t all that bright. The sergeant smirked. He shuffled around, using all his energy to bring himself to his feet.

The door opened just as the sergeant found his footing. Light spilled into the dark room. Now, it was clear that he was in a storage closet. Military-grade weapons and supplies were all within his grasp. It was almost like whoever caught the sergeant was begging him to escape.

“Sorry about that,” a deep voice said. Footsteps entered the room. “Well, I’m not all that sorry. We didn’t have another space for you. It’s only temporary. You understand.”

The sergeant gritted his teeth and lifted his head. “Captain.”

“Bingo, kiddo.”

“What the hell are you doing? Let me out of here. Now,” the sergeant ordered. His penchant for disrespect made him unpopular to superiors, but it wasn’t about that right now.

“No can do. See, you have a nasty little habit of sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. I warned you to stay out of my business. You should have listened.” The captain clucked his tongue.

“So, what now? You’re going to kill me? Keep me quiet? I wasn’t fully certain of your betrayal, but I am now,” the sergeant snarled. He tried to move his arms, but it would be too obvious if he attempted to escape now.

“On the contrary, I want you on my team. You’re bad at taking orders, but that’s an easy remedy. No one I have now even comes close to your skills as a sniper. How about it, son? Your only other option is—“

“Death. I know.” The sergeant sighs, looking at the ground. He steels himself and stares at the captain. “It’s almost embarrassing that you think I’d even consider your idiotic request. I’m not a traitor, no matter what you people think of me.”

The captain clenches his jaw. He’s practically trembling with anger. Good, the sergeant thinks. He’s always been good at pissing people off.

“It’s not a request. Hell, it’s barely even a choice. I could do more than just kill you, you know. I’ll get you demoted. Maybe even dishonorably discharged. Your name will be a stain on your family’s name. Are you sure you want that?”

The sergeant grunts. “You’re a bastard, you know that?”

A shot rings in the distance. He tilts his head, listening as more gunfire sounds. The captain spins on his heel, facing away from the sergeant. It’s in that moment that the sergeant makes his move. His hands may be bound, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a formidable opponent.

He kicks his foot out, sweeping underneath the captain’s forward leg. Caught off guard, the captain falls to the ground with a thud. The sergeant smirks. He can hear the sounds of fighting getting closer. Someone must have realized something was off. Or maybe, just maybe—

“Sergeant!” Someone calls out, running toward the sergeant’s location. He steps backward into the closet, just in case he’s in the line of fire. The person slows down, their shadow approaching the closet. He peers inside, face visibly relaxing, though he keeps his weapon ready. “Sergeant.”

It’s a captain from another squad. He’s much older than the sergeant is, with far more experience. If it weren’t for him putting in a good word, it’s unlikely that the sergeant would have gotten as far as he has in the ranks. They make it a habit of keeping contact when they’re not out on missions, and even have a code meant for check-ins. The sergeant must have been out for hours, long enough for the older captain to realize something was amiss.

“Man, am I glad to see you,” the sergeant says. “I’d greet you, but my hands…”

The older captain smiles. “No worries. I’ve got you. There’s no gear, but we’ll get you out of here.”

He produces a knife and motions for the sergeant to turn around. The sergeant obliges, feeling the blood flow return to his arms as he’s freed. He waits as the captain radios in to confirm where he’s at.

“Plenty of gear in the closet,” he says with a nod. “And my captain—“

“Don’t worry,” the older man reassures him. “We’ve got him.”

“Then let’s get out of here.”

[glazedmercury]

Archive of Our Own

Relationships: Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV) Additional Tags: Medieval AU, Royalty AU, Knight Buck, Prince Eddie Diaz, Secret Relationship, Eddie Diaz Has Bad Parents (9-1-1 TV), Buckley parents Bashing, Implied Sexual Content, Weddings, Mentioned Eddie/Ana, Stabbing, Blood and Injury, Angst, Whump, Ambiguous/Open Ending Summary:

Helena rises from her seat, smoothing out her dress. Candlelight flickers dangerously in her eyes. “I’ve put up with your childishness for far too long. This little affair was something I could ignore, but it appears it is more than I assumed it would be. You think you’re in love.”

Evan Buckley, a knight, and Eddie Diaz, a prince, have been in a secret relationship for months. Queen Helena Diaz finds out and confronts Buck on the eve of Eddie’s wedding to Princess Ana Flores.

[multi-fandom-lunatic]

the way buck looks at eddie is fucking insane. like, oliver stark, dude, you NAILED IT. it's something like the excitement of seeing something new and wonderful mixed with a fair dose of 'ah, im coming home' and man. it gets me every time

[writingbuddie]

Buddie Prompt #18

The one-eighteen collectively discuss what color Buck’s hair really is. Buck insists he’s blonde; it’s what he was as a kid. Chimney is team brown hair. Hen takes one look and decides she’s team ginger. Bobby decides to not get involved in the conversation. Ravi shows up and says that Buck is closer to ginger based on facial hair. Chimney laments betrayal and calls Maddie, who confirms that Buck was blonde as a kid, though firmly states that he isn’t anymore.

Eddie has been uncharacteristically silent this whole time. When he’a asked to speak up, he shrugs and says he’s in agreement that it’s somewhere between ginger and brown, though he’s been seeing bits of grey. Cue Buck panicking after Eddie gestures at the grey streaks in his curls.

Later at home, Buck continues to worry about the state of his hair. He threatens to dye the grey out, but Eddie assures him that it looks really good. A bit of a reflective moment after where Buck accepts the grey; it’s a good sign. Despite all his NDEs, he’s still here, and able to have grey hair.

[ad-astra-per-aspera-1389]

I'm actually tired of new 911 giving me nothing but nothingburger plotlines and misery. I'm genuinely just going to binge the stretch of psych with the shules breakup because at least I know there's better things coming. come get me when buddie goes canon

[tzameti-913]

Whump gift swap

Second round of the @whumpgiftswap! This gift is for @glazedmercury, I hope you like it!

Warning! This story contentents: stalking, kidnapping, mention of human tr@fficking, non/consensual body/transformation, torture, forced obedience, dehumanization, physical abuse, captivity and deprivation, fire and arson, burn injury, animal cruelty? body horror?

It’s been just three days from… “the incident”.

What shouldn't have happened, happened.

And with that, the fear of being discovered grew bigger.

But life goes on, the things that were doing before “the incident”, should continue to be done.

Finally whumpee got out from home, his routine will return to normal.

The last leaves of autumn crunched under his feet. But there wasn’t weird stares on him, that made whumpee feel comfortable, relaxing the anxious movements of his fingers inside his pockets.

The cashier work was a repetitive task: greet the costumer, scan the products, collect the money, smile and say goodbye. As always, the people weren’t paying attention to him, except for a person with green eyes. When he saw whumpee, his eyes shone.

“Aren’t you the one from the incident? You converted into an animal!” Whumpee froze, someone recognize him.

“No, I’m not that guy.” His voice was trembling. “I was on the multitude, maybe you mistook for him” His hand shaking couldn’t even scan the products.

“Oh, It can be. Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“Don’t worry.”

As soon as the guy left, Whumpee breathed again. That was a close one.

But with the days passing and the first snow storms appearing, the green eyes started to be in every place that whumpee was.

 At the beginning they were only on the work of whumpee.

But then, they were on the reflection of the stores, sometimes, even on the darkened screen of his phone.

Now his favourite part of the park wasn’t safe anymore. Those green eyes were in every puddle he stepped on.

And then, one day, when he opened the door to go to work, an old cup of coffee with his name was on the carpet. 

Telling Caretaker that everything is okay was each time more exhausting. If he knew what was happening, he would lock up Whumpee, putting him at greater risk.

Calling the police is a ticket to death if they know that Whumpee caused “The incident”.

Now, Whumpee couldn’t do anything without thinking of those green eyes. Each move, each breath were followed by them. The leg of whumpee started to tremble everytime he tries to sit, he stopped listening to music on the street just to pay more attention to his surroundings.

“I have night shift today, with December starting, they need more personnel, sorry.”

“Don’t worry, It’s not a big deal. I feel safer than the first days after the incident.”

Please don’t go.

The silent department made whumpee anxious. The shadow cast by the streetlight looked like a man standing still. The branches of the trees sounded as if someone were knocking on the windows. He could even see with the corner of his eyes the curtain of the window moving, even tough there is no breeze.

Whumpee could only sit on the couch, and turn on the TV without volume. But those eyes were watching him. He could feel that. It was impossible to sleep, to breath.

But the hours passed and the tiredness won.

Whumpee woke up when someone grabbed his arms. It wasn’t caretaker, it wasn’t the guy of the green eyes. It was a new shadow, strong enough to contain whumpee. Whumpee struggled, an kicked but nothing helped. Another shadow appeared with something in the hand. With just a movement, it made the body of Whumpee go limp.

The gray room was empty. There wasn’t any windows, just a metal door. Most of the clothes of whumpee disappeared, but something was new, something cold on his neck.

The steps of the hallway stopped on whumpee’s door. With a screeching sound the door opened showing the guy of green eyes entering to the room. The stomach of whumpee lurched.

“Finally here you are. Thank you for coming.”

“I’m here against my will.”

“You didn’t fight either.” He got closer. “You are a bad liar.”

“What do you want for me?”

“You are special. Finding someone like you is so complicated this days.” He grabbed Whumpee’s jaw. “I could sell you to the black market or make you work. What do you prefer?”

“Neither.”

“I knew you would say that. Don’t worry, I already decided. You’ll need a little of training but you’ll learn fast.”

“I won’t do anything.”

The guy took a few steps away, and grabbed a small control out of his pocket. The yellow button was pressed and a jolt of electricity hit directly the neck of whumpee. It was a short discharge, but it was enough to made his body stiffen.

“First rule, no talking without permission. Now come here.” Whumpee didn’t move, he stayed still on his knees trying to catch his breath. Another jolt hit his neck. “Second rule, obey the commands. Now come here.” It took a minute for whumpee to stand and walk by the side of the guy. “And now, transform yourself.”

“I can’t do it, please, I don’t know how to do it…”

A red button was pressed. The body of whumpee fell to the floor, he could only scream, but the discharge didn’t stop. A cracking sound came from his hand, followed by other cracking sound. A painful transformation made the body of whumpee ache. Each bone cracking was settling into his new position. The clothes ripped away as the fur started to cover his skin. The screams became howls that didn’t stopped when the jolt ended.

“I hope you learn to transform by yourself the next time.” Whumpee could only look at the green eyes, unable to stand up or even fight. The guy crouched and pet the head of Whumpee with a smile of satisfaction.

As the guy stand up, the red button was pressed again. The same jolt hit. This time the howls became into screams, the hair shortened and the bones  returned to their place.

“And last rule. If you ever try to kill me or anyone, you’ll die.” He showed another button this time was blue and smaller than the others two. “Understood?” Whumpee nodded with his last strength.

As soon as the guy leaved, Whumpee passed out.

The door opened again.

“I brought you a snack and new clothes. I want you ready in five minutes.” He leaved the room.

Whumpee put on the new clothes, something simple but useful. But he couldn’t eat, the lump on the throat made it impossible to even swallow.

After the five minutes passed, the guy entered the room. With his hand on the pocket, he pressed the yellow button.

“I think I need to add a new rule. Be grateful for the food. You won’t always have something to eat. Now let’s begin with the training, shall we?”

“Sit.”

“Lay down.”

“Come to me.”

“Transform.”

A jolt of electricity hit Whumpee.

“Sit.”

“Lay down.”

“Come to me.”

“Transform.”

…

“Transform into human.”

A jolt of electricity hit Whumpee.

“Sit.”

“Lay Down.”

“Come to me.”

“Transform.”

…

“Transform into human.”

…

As the time passed, Whumpee became obedient to the orders. Not because he wanted, but because it was the only way the control was not used. He even learned to control his power.

“Now you are ready. Sit down and stay still.” Whumpee obeyed. The guy put a red bow on the head of whumpee. “I’ll leave for a couple minutes. Don’t move.” Without other option he obeyed.

The guy opened the door. It was the first time he entered accompanied. He had the eyes closed and the eyebrows furrowed.

“I know Christmas is in a couple days, but I can’t wait to gift this to you” Whumpee couldn’t believe what he heard. “Merry Christmas Whumper.”

He opened his eyes and his eyebrows furrowed more.

“You know I already have servants.”

“Come on Whumpee, transform.” Whumpee took off his clothes and started transforming. It was still painful, but it was better than being forced with electricity.

The face of disapproval became to be a face of surprise as Whumpee was transforming.

“You can transform yourself into a wolf.” Whumper turned to the guy. “Where did you find it?”

“Long story, but I can say that it was complicated, it gave a lot of troubles to domesticate.” Each lie made Whumpee more angry. He just wanted to kill them, but it wasn’t an option. “You can use this control if you want. The red button will make him transform, you can punish him with the yellow button. The blue one will kill him, and the green one will open the collar.”

“You’ll get a good reward for this, my friend.” The guy made a signal to whumpee, he transformed to human again and put on the clothes again. “Let’s go then, my new toy.” Whumpee followed them along the hallways.

The faint sunlight hit the face of whumpee. His barefoot didn’t step on leaves, it stepped on snow. A van had his open door for whumpee. As soon as he entered, the door closed.

The next days were a torture for whumpee. His room was way smaller, and the lack of food and water made him lose weight quickly. The control stopped being a way to teach, now it was a toy, a way to entertain whumper in his boredom. The cold hit stronger his bare skin and his neck, now injured, wouldn’t stop hurting.

“My Christmas party is tonight. You have to wear this and obey all I say. Understood?” Whumpee nodded, he couldn’t even look at whumper’s eyes. “Good. I’ll come back for you in an hour.”

The fancy clothes were matching Whumper’s outfit. They weren’t comfortable at all, but Whumpee had no other option.

The party was far from the location where whumpee was. He didn’t have windows to see the exterior, but he could feel the cold of the night. When he got out of the van, a chalet welcomed him, the Christmas decorations were everywhere and fancy cars were stopping near the van. On the inside, the wood pattern made Whumpee feel at home for a moment.

A Christmas tree decorated with candles was the attraction point and the place were Whumper with Whumpee received the guests.

“Now transform and sit next to me.” Whumpee obeyed again.

The people began to arrive. The long and elaborated dresses hit Whumpee more than once. The faked smiles and joy could be feel from a long distance.

The guy of green eyes appeared. He set his gaze to Whumpee and smiled.

“You trained it well. Maybe your reward will be the double.”

“Thank you sir. By the way, this is a beautiful place.”

And with that, he disappeared in the sea of people.

After welcoming the guests Whumper started walking around, stopping to talk and laugh. Whumpee wasn’t hearing them, he was preparing, looking everywhere to find an exit.

The big windows could be a good choice, but the noise of the broken glass would alert Whumper. The principal door is closed and security is watching it.

What about the tree? The candles, the long curtains, the dresses. Everything set on fire. Everyone screaming and then escaping won’t be a problem. Except of the collar…

The thoughts of Whumpee got interrupted…

“Come with me. I spilled my drink.”

The bathroom was small, but enough for the both of them. It’s the perfect time to steal the control. Whumpee transformed into human.

“Would you like me to hold your coat?”

“Yes. Luckily that didn’t stain. I’ll just clean my shirt.” With precision Whumpee looked into the pockets, but there was nothing. “Let’s come back to the party. Stay like human now, but don’t talk to anybody.”

As soon as they got out, a woman with a red dress stepped in front of them.

“Could I dance with your pet?” Whumper looked at her and a small smile drawn on his lips.

“Why not? Just a piece of dance, then he’ll get back to me.” She grabbed the hand of whumpee and led him to the centre of the dance floor.

Classical music was played on the distance. Whumpee could feel the glances of the guests, he could feel the green eyes looking at him and the gaze of whumper, analyzing his movements.

It’s been a long time since someone had touched him gentle. The woman placed her hands gracefully on the shoulder and the side of whumpee. The dance made him feel like the time stopped. The warm contact on his body made him felt like home, like he was loved.

She seemed to float with her dance, he didn’t. But everyone applauded them when the music stopped. And as soon they bowed, she took him to Whumper. He clapped as they got closer.

“Bravo, Bravo. You delighted me with your dance, my lady.”

“Thank you sir. And your pet knows how to dance. I appreciated this moment. Thank you.” And with that, she left the two of them. Whumper turned to see Whumpee.

“If she weren't a renowned dancer, I wouldn't have let her dance with you.” He smiled. “Come on now, my manager needs to meet you.”

Now the possibility to get close to the tree was in front of Whumpee.

Whumpee got closer to the pine and put his arm behind his back. A candle fell to the floor. No one noticed anything, then another fell, this time, it fell on the pine branch, but the heat that emanated got stronger.

As the minutes passed, a dark smoke began to go up to the ceiling. The flames started licking the curtains, and then, slowly, the walls started to burn.

It didn’t passed much time before the place got painted with flames. The people started running and screaming. For a moment, Whumper ran to help the dance lady, the perfect moment were Whumpee blended with other persons. Each step lead him closer to the exit. A man punched him directly to the curtain, instantly, Whumpee felt how his right arm burned. He bit his lip, if he screamed, he would be found. But he kept moving, hearing the roaring of Whumper calling him, feeling the adrenaline running through his veins.

The cold breeze hit him directly on the face, a strange relief to his arm. Everyone was looking the chalet burning down, the dresses were ruined as the party.

But Whumpee started to run through the forest. It doesn’t matter that he’s tired, that he has no energy, that he can’t move his arm. He needs to keep going. Where? That doesn’t matter either, he needs to get far away, he needs to escape.

A jolt of electricity hit his neck. The short one, the advice. But whumpee stood up as soon as the jolt stopped. Another jolt came, stronger that the other, whumpee cried but kept going.

A new jolt hit him. Longer and agonizing. His muscles started to tense, but his bones didn’t crack. He fell to the ground, unable to control his body. The pain hugged him. He could hear steps getting closer. With tears in his eyes, he could only think in one thing:

I have to escape…

I have to escape…

I have… to escape…

I have to…

[glazedmercury]

Whump Gift Swap Round 2

For: @tzameti-913

CWs: Winter storms, hypothermia, mentioned frostbite, fire, smoke

@whumpgiftswap

A continuation of my round one story.

Whumpee settled into the soft couch, letting their head slump into the pillows Caretaker brought for them. They tried to ignore the feeling of simmering heat just below the surface of their skin. Hiding under the many blankets and dry clothes that were provided for them would only help for so long. Whumpee simply had to hope that they could hold on for medical help until the storm had time to pass.

Even then, it would be a while until they would find someone who could help. Hospitals would likely be overrun with people panicking about the sudden storm. Rescue crews would be sent out for anyone unaccounted for. Whumpee knew they were lucky to have only gotten out of their accident with a leg injury and a headache.

They focused their attention on their surroundings, eyeing the bare wooden walls of Caretaker’s cabin. Whumpee knew everyone who lived on the mountain. They didn’t know Caretaker. It was enough for them to be wary of a stranger, though not enough to give them reason to leave into the cold, snowy outdoors. Eyeing the few windows in the living room, Whumpee realized they couldn’t see anything but frost and snow outside.

Caretaker knelt by the fireplace and added more logs to the already-burning fire.

“The electricity’s not going to stay on forever. As long as it’s storming, my solar panels won’t be able to absorb more sunlight,” Caretaker explained.

Whumpee hummed in response, ignoring their own chattering teeth. They listened to the crackling of the fireplace and let their eyes slowly droop closed.

When they opened them again, it was to the sound of snapping fingers.

“Hey. Stay with me,” Caretaker said, eyes hardened to something serious. “You’re not allowed to pass out on me.”

“I’ll do my best,” Whumpee mumbled into their pillow. They even tried to give a thumbs-up. Judging by the frown written on Caretaker’s face, Whumpee was not successful.

“How about this? Tell me something about yourself. Just keep talking so I don’t have to pour water over you. Or hit you. Or any of the other painful options that would lend themselves to keeping you conscious.”

Whumpee mustered up a laugh. “Okay, okay. I, uh, I live on the mountain. Didn’t expect the storm to hit so early. My truck full-on tumbled down on the way back, with me inside.”

“Damn.” Caretaker’s eyes widened. “I’m surprised. You’re in one piece. Relatively, anyway.”

The cabin walls rattled and wind whistled outside. Whumpee’s eyes darted around nervously. They forced themself to focus, ignoring the way their vision blurred. “Is this place going to hold?”

Caretaker shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. This is my first storm since moving out here.”

“Y-you could have a little more optimism,” Whumpee chattered out. The wind howled, even louder than before, and Whumpee wasn’t sure if they were shivering from cold or fear.

“I’ll be optimistic when this storm—“

The far window shot open with a sharp burst of wind. Snow flew in and started landing on the wooden floor in thick flakes. Caretaker immediately shot to their feet and slammed the window shut. It banged loudly. Caretaker fought against the barrage of snow, trying to latch the window shut.

“L-let me help.” Whumpee stumbled off of the couch and into a standing position. The fire still burned hot and bright despite the cold air seeping into the cabin.

Caretaker sent Whumpee a sideways glance, though didn’t stop them from trying to help. Together, they managed to latch the window shut.

Whumpee collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily. “You have crappy windows.”

“Thanks,” Caretaker responded sarcastically. “You really know how to make a person feel good.”

“It’s what I do best,” Whumpee said with a small smile.

Caretaker rolled their eyes, about to respond, when the other window in the room blew open. They rushed over, hands reaching for the latch. The window slammed shut and opened again before Caretaker managed to keep it closed. Then they cursed loudly. “The latch is broken. I can’t keep it shut without standing right here.”

“Okay. O-okay.” Whumpee forced themself to their feet, mind thrumming as they raced through all the options. A heavy fog stilled over their thoughts. It was only exacerbated by the biting air filling the cabin. “Okay. Okay, okay, okay.”

Caretaker cast a worried look at Whumpee. “Hey. I’m serious about you staying awa—“

Whumpee slumped over, their head hitting the ground with a loud thud. When Whumpee awoke, the cabin was filled with smoke. They groaned loudly. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. Whumpee was seeing everything in double.

As the wind blew in stronger and stronger, windows flying open and letting snow in from all directions, smoke started to fill the cabin. The acrid smell filled Whumpee’s nostrils and inhabited every sense they had. Distantly, they could hear Caretaker calling their name.

“Whumpee! We have to get out! The fire’s spreading.”

Scanning the cabin with bleary eyes, Whumpee realized their surroundings were filled with more grey smoke than light wood walls. They coughed loudly, quickly bringing their shirt to cover their face.

Caretaker threw a coat in Whumpee’s direction. “Throw it on. Hurry! We have to get out of here!”

“The storm—“

“We’re either going to suffocate in here or freeze out there. Pick your poison, Whumpee.” Caretaker punctuated their words with a cough and held out a hand to Whumpee. “Do you trust me?”

Whumpee licked their lips nervously. “Yes.”

They tugged on the coat as fast as they could. Whumpee reached for Caretaker’s hand and let themself be led toward the frigid outdoors. Tears stung their eyes as they tried to ignore the heavy smoke all around them.

“C’mon, we’re almost there. Just a few more steps!” Caretaker yelled. Whumpee’s leg twinged as they continued forward, past the threshold of the previously warm cabin. With every fiber of strength they had, Whumpee fought to keep moving.

They finally collapsed into the freezing snow outside of the door, watching smoke billow out the windows and other openings in the cabin. Since their time outside, the snow had built up into a powdery substance that was far too easy to collapse into.

The pair continued tracking through the snow, shivering along the way.

Eventually, Whumpee and Caretaker stopped and both let out heaving breaths, watching the warm air they expelled float through the air. The white snow was still blinding, though it seemed as though the snow was finally starting to slow its pace.

“Hey, hey. Whumpee, look!” Caretaker exclaimed, tugging on Whumpee’s coat.

Whumpee followed their gaze all the way to— “The treeline.”

Caretaker whooped. “C’mon, I know where we are now. Just a little while further and we can get out of this cold.”

“W-with better windows, I hope,” Whumpee chattered out, keeping their arms wrapped firmly around their torso.

“No promises, but they should be better than mine,” Caretaker said with a grin. “I think there’s even a TV.”