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jasmines-library · 6 months

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Black Smoke Rising

WHUMPTOBER DAY 30: Prompt ‘possession’

Fandom: Supernatural

Summary: Seeking revenge on the Winchesters, a demon decides to go undercover by using your body as a vessel to sneak into the bunker. Whilst trapped within your own mind, you can only hope that Sam and Dean notice that something is amis before it is too late.

Warnings: Possession, alcohol consumption, minor injury.

Word count: 1.6k

MASTERLIST ⛤ WHUMPTOBER WORKS

🕸 ⋆ ⁶𖤐⁶ ࣪⋆🕸

You knocked back another drink, savouring the warm burn it left in the back of your throat. The bar was busy, full of a swarm of loud and more often than not obnoxious people, most of which were nursing a glass of something cool or slinging a pool cue across a table against the rattling balls. It was odd that you had chosen to come here to find some space. A place so busy that you could hardly stand without being jostled around like a rag doll. You figured that perhaps watching people getting on with their lives allowed you to take a breather. To revel in a normal life just for a moment and to get away from all of the mess for just a moment.

It had been a very stressful week to say the least. You and the rest of team Free Will were so wrapped up in a case that it was beginning to go to everyone’s head when you kept hitting dead ends. It was that build up of anger and frustration that led to the argument with Dean. The two of you were similar in the way that you both tried to suppress your emotions, but it never ended well because it only fueled you more until you snapped, spitting words at each other that you knew you would come to regret later but you couldn’t stop from flying out of your mouth. They were hurtful words, each cutting deeper than the first, but Dean spat venom laced words back at you too until you finally broke down, fleeing the bunker to find solace in the bottom of a bottle. You could practically see Dean doing the same thing back at the bunker, wallowing in guilt and self pity.

You were about to leave, splashing the last of the amber liquid into the back of your throat when you suddenly got the feeling that someone was studying you closely, but when you glanced around the room, your hunter training kicking in, you saw no one. So, you let out a deep sigh and pushed your stool away from the bar to return to the bunker. It was getting late and you knew that you would have to face Dean sooner or later. Although you would have much rather picked the ‘later’ option, if you had had somewhere else to go and we’re going to be kicked out of the bar soon.

The odd feeling still lingered as you stepped out of the bar and out onto the cold streets still illuminated by the last of the streetlights and the luminescence of the moon through intermittent clouds. You couldn't help but tug your jacket closer to your body as you walked through the town. A shiver trailed down your spine. Unsure if it was from the crisp autumn air or from the feeling that still followed you, you made a mental note to bring a warmer jacket next time.

Then, you felt your feet leave the ground and your back collide with a wall as someone pressed you up harshly against the wall. The woman was tall with dark hair and in a split second she flashed you her inky black eyes. Demon,

“Get off me.” You gave her a sharp shove.

She hummed. “How ‘bout… no?”

She slid a blade from her jacket sleeve. An angel blade. You dread to think where she had gotten it from. You tried to back away. But she pressed the tip of the blade into your shoulder where your anti possession tattoo sat. She dragged it along your skin creating a split in your tattoo.

She grinned. “That’s better.”

You were helpless as the black smoke rose from her vessel's mouth, rising to the sky in a plume before funnelling into your mouth. You could feel the demon rummaging around in your head, forcing you to retreat into the back of your mind. It was like watching the world though a movie screen as she moved, forcing your body forward. You screamed at her to get out, but she only ignored you and made the trek to the bunker.

It was unbelievably easy for the Demon to slip into the bunker unnoticed whilst inside your body. With access to your memories, she walked like you, talked like you. She didn’t think like you though. Amongst other things you could hear the nightmarish thoughts that ran through her mind. The things she planned to do to Sam and Dean were things that you wouldn’t wish upon anyone. She was desperate for revenge, and she was going to get it good.

Dean stood up abrupt when he saw you shuffle into the bunker, hanging up your thin jacket on the hooks by the doors.

“Y/N… listen I-”

The Demon cut him off with a wave of your finger. “It’s okay, Dean.”

“Dean!” You screamed at him, but no sound came out of your mouth. You prayed that he would notice it wasn’t you. That he would realise that there was something using your body as a puppet. The demon only barked at you to be quiet, a conniving smile appearing on her lips.

Dean and the demon exchanged a few words, before he turned and made for the kitchen, something tickling at the back of his mind. It was unusual for you to forgive him in a blink of an eye. Usually you would have taken some more time to think over it rationally before trying to talk your struggles out with him. But not this time. You had hardly batted an eye,

Sam was tapping away at his keyboard as Dean chopped away at the counter, sliding in ingredients into a sizzling pan. He eyed you from the doorway, watching as you ran your fingers along the dusty shelves, inspecting the rows of sharp knives.

“She actin’ strange to you?” Dean asked through a mouthful of food that hadn’t quite made it to the pan.

Sam tilted his head out of the doorway, leaning over on his chair so that it was balanced precariously on two legs. “I don’t know.”

“I mean, she forgave me, Sam. Just like that.” He snapped his fingers together to emphasise the point.

Sam frowned. “Hm.”

“Something’s up.” Dean had known it since the minute you had hung up your coat instead of throwing it absentmindedly on the floor or over a chair.

“Demon?”

Dean furrowed his brow. “I’m not sure. But I'm going to find out.”

Dean had found you in your room, laid out across your stomach and scrolling through your phone. The demon pressed a smirk onto your lips as he leaned up against the doorway.

“Hey, De. You okay?” She said, It was odd hearing your voice without saying the words.

“Yeah… Y/N, I gotta show you something.” He gestured to you to follow him out of the room.

You tried to call out to him as the Demon followed with your light footsteps, but there was nothing but silence. He led you to the dungeon, which was dimly lit and.

“Why are we here, Dean?” She asked as she noted the Devils trap on the floor dancing cautiously around it as she followed the eldest Winchester who had begun to rummage around in a box on one of the shelves.

“We are looking for a Demon.” He spun around, splashing the holy water against your skin. The demon howled and stumbled back. It was then that Sam leapt out of the shadows and gave a harsh shove, causing your body to clatter to the ground inside the devil’s trap.

The Demon smiled. “I was wondering how long it would take for you to crack it. I knew it wouldn’t be long but for a hunter, you’re unusually smart.” She quipped.

“Get out of her, you Bitch.” He ordered.

She just laughed which earnt her another round of holy water against her skin.

“Y/N. I know you’re still in there.” Dean said. “You have to fight her!”

You were. You wanted to scream at him. You were but she just wouldn’t budge. The Demon yelled at you to shut up, silencing you.

“Y/N’s not home right now. But you can leave a message. She was calling out to you. Pleading for me not to hurt you but…”

“Was?”

She hummed. “Well…”

Sam began to mutter the latin incantation. The demon groaned as she felt herself being forced from her vessel, fighting against the sensation, she pulled out her knife again and angled it over your abdomen.

“Ah ah. Not another word, Sammy.”

He froze.

“Y/n.” Dean tried again. “I know you’re there. Come on, you're stronger than this.”

Weakened by the trap, you managed to get a grip on the demons hold over you, prying away her fingers one by one. It was hard laborious work, but watching Sam and Dean plead for you gave you the extra push you needed to force her away for just a second.

When you gained blissful control over your body, you dropped the knife, kicking it out of the circle.

“Y/N?!” Sam asked.

“Sam! Now.” You gritted out. “Hurry.”

Sam uttered the rest of the exorcism and your head flew back as the black smoke rose from your mouth and out through one of the vents.

You slumped to the floor.

“Kid?” The brothers were both at your sides, checking you over for scrapes. Sam’s gaze landed on the gash that ran down your tattoo. They would have to fix that sooner or later.

“I’m okay.” You tugged them closer. “It’s me.”

🕸 ⋆ ⁶𖤐⁶ ࣪⋆🕸

<- DAY 29 ⛤ DAY 31 ->

taglist:

@senjoritanana

@deans-spinster-witch

#whumptober #whumptober2023 #whumptober23 #no.30 #supernatural x reader #supernatural #spn #possession #dean winchester x reader #Dean Winchester #Sam Winchester #Sam Winchester x reader #Winchester!sister #supernatural x sister reader

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what-the-whump · 6 months

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Whumptober 2023 | No.30

Borrowed Clothes | Bridal Carry | "Not much longer..."

Will Halstead in Chicago Med - 8x07 - The Clothes Make the Man...or Do They?

#whumptober2023 #no.30 #Borrowed Clothes #“Not much longer...”#Chicago Med #GIF #Will Halstead #unconscious #worry #suppport #drugged #medical care

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celtic-crossbow · 7 months

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Whumptober 2023

No. 3 “Make It Stop.” | No. 30 Bridal Carry

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader (Pre-relationship)

Setting: Prison Era

Warnings: Gunshot wound, mentions of blood

“It… hurts.”

“I gotcha, Y/N. Ya jus’ hang on fer me, girl, y’hear?” Daryl was running as fast as he humanly could with you cradled against his chest in a bridal carry, desperate to get back to the prison. You needed Hershel and you needed him now.

He should have never taken you out with him. You were inexperienced, clumsy. He had really just wanted to spend some time with you away from the prying eyes of your home. Those knowing smiles and giddy whispers were enough to set his nerves on edge.

He couldn’t have known someone else would be hunting the same area. He couldn’t have known they would be tracking the same buck. He couldn’t have known that they would lay claim even though it was his bolt that took down the animal. And he definitely couldn’t have known the man would aim his gun at an innocent woman and pull the trigger before Daryl could even blink. The man went down fast with a bolt to the brain but the damage was done.

“Make it stop. Please, Daryl.”

His heart felt as if it were being crushed in a vice, your strained pleas tearing away at him like a walker on flesh. “Almos’ there. Doc’ll fix ya righ’ up.” He could feel the warm, sticky blood spreading onto his own shirt and knew he was running out of time. His legs were burning, threatening to give out. He could barely manage a full breath. But he couldn’t stop.

When the gates of the prison came into view, he nearly sobbed with relief. It was short lived. “Y’see? We made it.” You didn’t respond. “Y/N?” Your eyes were closed, face pale. “Fuck!” He was stumbling with exhaustion as he rushed past the few walkers shuffling around in the grass. “Open the gate!” He didn’t have to say it twice.

Daryl made sure to stay close enough to the make-shift infirmary to be called if needed but far enough away so he couldn’t hear the urgent demands of the veterinarian as he tried to save your life. The archer sat on the floor, face in his hands, kicking himself for ever putting you in this position. He had been selfish and you were paying the price.

“Daryl.”

The bowman quickly met Carol’s exhausted gaze. The weariness made it hard to read whether she was bringing good news or coming to tell him you were gone.

“She… is she…?”

“She’s alive.”

Daryl let himself fall back against the wall. He felt a familiar sting behind his eyes and did his best to push it back, but the shine of tears was already evident.

“Hershel says any longer and…. Anyway, she’s going to be fine.”

The archer nodded, not trusting his voice. Carol, ever vigilant, noticed his plight and slid down the wall next to him. “You like her, don’t you?”

“Pfft.” He responded too quickly. There was one of those knowing smiles he couldn’t stand. “She ain’t the wors’ person ta be ‘round.” The silver haired woman hummed and nodded.

“She was thrilled you asked her to go with you.” She offered, twisting the bloody cloth in her hands. Daryl looked over at her but quickly looked away when she tried to meet his eyes. “She’s sweet on you. Has been for a while.”

“Stop.”

“She really is, and what’s so terrible about that?”

Daryl’s face burned hot. “She can do a lot better than me.”

Carol reached out to brush his longer hair away from his face. He never flinched from her touch anymore. Hers or yours. “I don’t think so.” And with that, she stood and padded across the concrete to disappear back into the cell where you currently lay resting.

Daryl let his friend’s words tumble around in his head, equal parts hope and fear spreading throughout. There was no way a classy little thing like you could ever be interested in a grumpy old redneck. But…maybe you had said something. Carol seemed so sure of it.

With a shaky breath and trembling hands, the archer climbed to his feet and forced himself forward. He would sit with you until you awoke. And when you were stable enough, he would talk to you. Maybe. No, he would. He would.

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insertsomthinawesome · 1 year

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WHUMPTOBER 2022 - DAY 30 - Note to Self: Don’t Get Kidnapped

The Vigilante Trio were doing their business and they take their eyes of Diluc for ONE minute and suddenly he’s missing. Skip to two hours later and its already too late for their brother/friend to come out of his ordeal unscathed. Dottore knows how to work quick when he wants to.

-NO ROMANCE INCLUDED-

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lost-shoe · 2 years

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Supernatural - Devil May Care (9.02)

Whumptober 2022

No. 30 Hair Grabbing

#whumptober2022 #no.30 #hair grabbing #supernatural #gifs #spnedit #spncreatorsdaily #spndeanwinchester #dean winchester #deanedit #deanwinchesteredit #jensen ackles #jensenedit #jacklesedit #jensenacklesedit #spndaily #hurt!Dean

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how-much-for-a-whump · 6 months

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WHUMPTOBER day 30:

Prompt: "Bridal Carry"

Gönül Dağı 106. Bölüm

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aprocessionofthoughts · 6 months

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Unexpected Company

whumptober23 day 30- borrowed clothing fandom- dp x dc TW- none summary- Dick meets Danny

ao3 whumptober23 masterlist part 8 of DLM

Jason stared at where Danny had been, as he heard one of his brothers, probably Dick climb in through the window.

“Jason! Are you okay?” Dick came over and started looking over the places he’d been hit, hands fluttering over Jason like he wanted to perform a physical examination.

“I’m fine, Dick. The kid got me out” he heard someone shuffle off to the side, but avoided looking in that direction. He pushed himself to a seating position, his torso only protesting slightly. Guess his wounds weren’t one-hundred percent healed.

“The kid?” Dick looked around. “Where is he? And who were those agents?”

“Those agents are called the GIW, or ghost investigation ward.” Jason said he avoided looking at where he thought the kid was. If he could prove Nightwing could be trusted with the knowledge that Jason was part ghost, then the kid would be more comfortable showing himself. He just hoped Dick responded right.

“Ghosts?” Dick said a bit skeptical, but not outright denying the possibility. They had seen some pretty strange stuff because of their vigilante careers.

Jason nodded. “According to them, I’m part ghost.” “But,” Dick said, looking a bit sad now, “you’re alive.”

Jason nodded and shoved down all his worry and intrusive thoughts. This was for the kid. “I am, but science I died, I’m still dead adjacent, and that’s enough for the GIW to hunt down. But they also,"Jason said to make sure he was perfectly clear, “hunt down full ghosts, which are actually real.”

Dick paused. “The kid told you this?” He didn’t say it skeptically, but with genuine curiosity.

“Yeah, and I believe him.”

Dick nodded. “Okay. Ghosts aren't that far fetched considering aliens and demons are also a thing. Where is the kid?”

Jason tilts his head and waits, Dick looks confused for a moment but then Danny, still with glowy hair and eyes, appears beside the couch. He’s fidgeting and biting his lip while avoiding eye contact. But Jason counts it as a win that Danny showed himself.

Dick, for his part, only startles a little bit, but then he smiles. “Hello kid, I’m Nightwing.”

Danny glances at Jason before turning back to Dick, “I’m Danny.”

“Nice to meet you.Thank you for saving my brother, he tends to get into a lot of trouble.” “Hey!”

Danny smirked, “I can see that.”

Fine. Jason would be willing to withstand some teasing if it made Danny smile.

“And are you okay?” dick continued. “These GIW agents didn’t shoot you?”

Danny shook his head, “Nah, but I should probably head out. That’s what I was doing when I saw they’d found Jason.”

Dick tried to hide his concern, but Jason knew him well enough to see it. “Where are you heading off to? You got a place to stay?”

Danny fidgeted. “Not really. But you don’t need to worry. I can take care of myself. I’ll be fine.”

Jason felt his emotions go out to the kid. No kid should be on their own, it shouldn’t be their responsibility to take care of themselves. He’d protect this kid, make sure to keep him safe, no matter what.

Danny gave him a strange look and Jason felt exposed. He shifted on the couch and cleared his throat. “You can stay here, Danny. We can have people watch for any more agents and lock up any who try to get into Gotham.”

“You don’t–”

“Nope. I may not need to, but I want to. Consider it, thanks for saving me.” Jason said, staring at Danny and trying to convey his honesty.

“Great,” Dick said, moving towards the kitchen. “I’ll get you some tea, Jason. Do you want some Danny?”

“No thanks.”

“You better not burn my apartment down.” Jason called after him.

“I know how to use a microwave.”

“That’s debatable.” Jason muttered.

He noticed Danny staring at him, and turned toward the kid.

“Do you really trust him?”

Jason pushed down the Pit, whispering to him that Dick never cared, and answered the question with the answer that he believed on good days “Yes, I do.”

Danny stared at him for a moment, and then turned to stare off toward the kitchen.

Jason could swear his eyes glowed brighter. It reminded him of the Pit, and he had to push down those thoughts and remember that Danny had explained that the Pit was probably just contaminated ectoplasm.

Then Danny nodded, and a ring appeared around his waist, before splitting and traveling up and down him. After the light show had faded, Jason was left staring at the version of Danny he had met.

“Wow, you’ve got your own magic girl transformation scene.”

Danny blushed, bringing his hand up to rub the back of his neck. “I guess.”

Dick chose that moment to come in. He froze for a second staring at Danny as the kid fidgeted, before Dick smiled and handed Jason the tea he had made. Jason took a sip, it was drinkable.

“So, Jason, I guess you're the one who ended up inheriting the adoption gene?”

Jason nearly spit out the tea he had just taken a drink of. He glanced over at Danny. The kid looked confused but also slightly amused.

When Jason could finally breathe again, he ignored his brother and turned toward Danny.

“Since you’ll at least be staying the night, which you are, you probably want to take a shower. Dick can get you some clothes you can borrow, while I work on making us some food.”

Danny glanced at the window once more before nodding.

“Great. Dick if you’ll show him the bathroom, I’ll get started on some stew.”

Jason carefully made his way to the kitchen, being careful of his still aching torso. He didn’t know how deep Danny’s healing had gone, and wanted to make sure he didn’t aggravate any internal bruising.

Jason herald the shower turn on, and a moment later Dick stepped into teh kitchen.

They were silent for a moment before Dick spoke up.

“Does he know you’re identity?”

“Just my first name.”

Another moment of silence. “So,he’s also a ghost adjacent?”

“Yeah, but you’ll have to ask him for specifics.” Jason said as he started pulling out ingredients.

“Of course.” Dick leaned against the counter as Jason began tossing ingredients in the pot.

Dick shifted and Jason glanced over. “I know,” Dick started, speaking softly, “you may be more comfortable in your apartment, but the manor will be easier to protect, especially with those agents after you both.”

Jason tenses and fights down the immediate instinct to argue. What Dick is saying is true. They don’t really know who these GIW agents are, and if they’re also targeting Jason then it would be best to have more people around to help protect the kid.

He sighed, “We’ll stay here for tonight, and I’ll talk with him in the morning.”

“That’s all I ask, Jaybird.” Dick said and ruffled Jason’s hair.

The only reason Jason didn't shove him off was because he was in the middle of stirring his stew and didn’t want the ingredients to stick to the pan, or at least that's what he told himself.

#whumptober #whumptober 2023 #no.30 #borrowed clothing #dick gayson #jason todd #danny fenton #jason is liminal #dp x dc #dc x dp #dpxdc fanfic #dc x dp au #fanfic

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whumpypepsigal · 6 months

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Whumptober 2023 | No. 30

“It’s okay, just to say, ‘I’m not okay’.”

Major Grom: Plague Doctor (2021): “Aren’t you tired of being alone all the time.”

@whumptober @whumptober-archive

#whumptober2023 #no.30 #it’s okay just to say ‘i’m not okay’#major grom plague doctor #gifs #whumpedit #whump #shirtless #bruises #cuts #scars #my gifs #igor grom #tikhon zhiznevsky #major grom: plague doctor #yeah… i brought back an absolute fav of mine ;)#look. at. him.#!!!#side note: can’t believe i managed to complete whumptober this year ahhh im so happy

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whumpshots · 6 months

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Whumptober #30

Trope of the day: “Not much longer...”

Caretaker's arms are warm around whumpee, who is barely awake, but forces their eyes to stay open. As they watch the snow fall from above, they feel disoriented. A shiver makes them whimper and caretaker rubs their hands over whumpee's arms.

“Not much longer...”, they mutter and look around, probably to find any sign that the others are on their way here. Whumpee can't even answer anything as just a soft grunt escapes their lips.

They are tired and cold, just want to close their eyes. But they know they shouldn't. Because they know that they probably won't open them again.

“Not much longer,” caretaker repeats and whumpee tries to take it to heart. Not much longer and they can finally rest ... finally close their eyes. But till then, they need to stay strong.

#whumptober 2023 #whumptober2023 #whumptober #trope of the day #“Not much longer...”#no.30 #whump writing #whump #whumpee #caretaker #comfort #injured whumpee #cold whumpee #whumpshots

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meraki24601 · 6 months

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Held

Whumptober day 30! I've almost made it!!! Prompt: Bridal Carry

-----------*-***-*-----------

The world was rocking. Whumpee felt like they were floating in the ocean as the waves slowly lifted them up and lowered them down. It was peaceful. It was warm. They hadn’t felt this warm for a long time.

“Back with me, are you Whumpee? Do me a favor and stay awake this time. You’re losing too much blood for me to be happy with you sleeping in my arms.” Whumper’s voice was directly over them. That wasn’t abnormal. Most of the time when Whumpee passed out they woke up on a medical table with Whumper leaning over them, sewing them back together. Yet, something about Whumper’s words didn’t sit right.

Whumpee’s neck dangled uncomfortably, and when they opened their eyes the walls flew past them. This wasn’t the ocean. This wasn’t a medical table. A wave of pain rushed over Whumpee, tightening their sore muscles and dragging their head up so it rested on Whumper’s shoulder. That was what was wrong with what Whumper had said. Their arms were supporting Whumpee behind their back and under their knees.

Whumper was carrying them. It was nice. Whumpee was numb once that initial shock of pain ended. Whumper didn’t seem to be doing anything but holding them and walking. They had forgotten what it felt like to be held without pain.

“You seem happy.” Whumper’s voice was hard, but had a twinge of curiosity Whumpee had long learned to fear, “If you stay awake until I can treat your wounds, I promise I’ll hold you again while you recover.”

For the first time since they had been captured, Whumpee obeyed.

#whumptober 2023 #no.30 #bridal carry #oc #fic #whumpee #whumper #whump scenario #whump writing

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blaiddraws · 2 years

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Whumptober day 30: Hair Grabbing, "Please don't touch me."

At the tug in his fur, he whipped around-- a slight growl unwittingly escaping his throat, of both surprise and distaste. He grimaced when he saw. A commuter, hand incriminatingly still held up in the air. An unapologetic expression. "Excuse me?" Emmet asked. The commuter stepped back, lifting their hands into the air. "Jeeze, sorry dude," they began, not sounding remorseful in the slightest, "It was just an accident, chill." And, well, wasn't that just great. Emmet didn't need to be the dragon of Truth to see through that blatant lie. He leaned forward, pulling his lips back ever-so-slightly. "We both know that is a lie. Please do not touch me." he said, pleasantly. Maybe it was a bit more rude than he'd usually prefer -- not only common decency, but as Subway Boss, he represented the entirety of the subway, and had a certain image to uphold -- but this commuter had been incredibly rude, and it had been a long day. The feeling of foreign hands in his fur was even worse than it would have been on a normal day. The commuter stared him down for a moment, as if they planned to continue to be rude, but quickly backed off, walking away. Emmet sighed, scratching at the back of his scalp before tucking his fur into his collar.

cons of working in public service jobs. you ARE gonna come across people who have little to No respect for boundaries and personal space.

and. reshiremmet's fluffy floaty fur/hair is incredibly interesting. people would be curious. TOO curious, in some cases.

#whumptober2022 #no.30 #hair grabbing #fulcrum au #submas au #emmet #submas #writing

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oxideblack · 5 months

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#Blake's 7 #whumptober2023 #no.30 #It’s okay just to say ‘I’m not okay’#Cally #Vila Restal #Olag Gan #Jenna Stannis #Don't You Dare Turn Away into the Darkness #illustration #art #whumptober

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evillittlebirdie · 6 months

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Salvation (Kar'niss/Tav)

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine

"Astarion deserves all the credit for this idea," Tav complimented with a smile. She stopped near the tree where, at the base, sat a bucket and a small bag.

"Where would you be if it wasn't for this creative brain?" Astarion delightedly responded. The two laughed, and Kar'niss pursed his lips.

Before Kar'niss could ruminate on the apparent insolence Astarion showed, his attention was taken away by Tav climbing the tree. He watched in interest as she swiftly moved through the limbs before settling on one near Kar'niss's height. "Kar'niss! Walk over here. I want to see if I'm high enough."

Kar'niss obeyed as though her command was as second nature as breathing. He walked over to her. His head reached the height of the branch she was perched on. "Perfect! I guessed correctly," Tav beamed. She straddled the limb and raised her hand against Kar'niss's hair.

Ilhar grabbed Kar'niss's hair and pulled him from the vanity. Her manicured nails clawed into his scalp. There was no use protesting, but Kar'niss still squirmed against his mother's grip. She dragged him out of his bed-chamber and down the hallway. Servants and slaves scattered out of the way. Only one, a female duergar slave whose mind was far gone, lingered. They dutifully picked up the pieces of ribbon that fell from Kar'niss' hair.

Kar'niss is slapped and berated for an infraction he doesn't remember committing. Ilhar says he disrespected his tutor. Kar'niss doesn't remember, but obviously, he must have.

Kar'niss didn't move as Tav touched his hair. He kept his breath, ready to be hit for his committed transgressions. Instead, Tav explained, "If it's alright with you, I would really like to wash your hair. I didn't want to offer until I could figure out the logistics. I can't exactly ask you to lean into a basin." She gestured towards his body.

The drider never had the misfortune of being thrown through the air. Still, Kar'niss imagined the sensation was similar to how he was feeling now. What she proposed served no purpose. His extra eyes could see the thin layer of grime that now appeared on Tav's fingers.

Filthy creature. Putrid, rotting from the inside out. Fit only for caves and dirt. Blood, bile, mud, viscera, oil, matted, wiry-

But suddenly, Tav's soft voice entered his mind. "Kar'niss."

The other voices scattered away once Tav's light entered his mind. Soothing and sweetly, she told him, "Please do this. Trust me."

His Majesty's Chosen commanded him. Alight with renewed purpose, Kar'niss ignored his mind's insults. He nodded in agreement and was rewarded with Tav's pearly smile.

Astarion grabbed the bucket and the bag. He held both items up high for Tav to grab.

"It may be cold," She warned him as she waved her hand. The bucket suddenly filled with water. She sat on the side saddle on the limb and placed the bucket between her legs.

"Ah yes, she warns the drider the water is cold. Not me." Astarion lamented.

Kar'niss wished he could use one of his legs to kick the elf away. But he stopped himself. Astarion was obviously a pet favorite of Her Majesty's Chosen. Kar'niss would only need time to prove the vain elf's heresy. He could smell the elf's faithlessness. He believed in nothing.

"For the hundredth time, I apologize," Tav sighed, rolling her eyes. "I'll remember that the next time your arms are so sore you can't lift them up."

Astarion huffed disrespectfully, his arms crossing his chest. "Hmph, well, I will leave you to your beauty parlor." Tav chuckled in response, waving to Astarion with her free hand.

Kar'niss was relieved to watch Astarion stroll off. "Can you tilt your head back for me?" Tav asked him. He forgot about Astarion and obeyed Tav. He tilted his head back, and the back of his neck hit the bucket's rim.

The water that cascaded from Tav's hand was cool, but it wasn't the temperature that made Kar'niss flinch. How long had it been since he felt the water on his hair? He remembered his first few days on the surface. It rained one day, which was a very jarring event for him. And before that, it was when he fell into the water the first day he saw his reflection.

Kar'niss' heart twisted in mortification. It had been years then. So many years. His hygiene never bothered him before. He had grown used to the layers of dirt and dried blood. Before he was introduced to the Absolute, he was content. He had hoped that one day when she made him whole, he could be clean and pure.

***

Tav didn't care to admit she had a secret motivation for washing Kar'niss's hair. She needed information. And she knew she could ply it out of him.

Tav ran her fingers through Kar'niss's hair, pulling at the knots. Underneath the oil, Tav could tell his hair was strong and thick. It just needed some tender care. And she was happy to provide. She made sure to pull her fingers carefully through the tangles. She didn't want to hurt his scalp or accidentally pull more hair than necessary. She began to speak as she rinsed his hair, "I used to wash the hair of all my brothers and sisters. I came from a pretty big family. I was the oldest of twelve. What about you?"

"Only son. Disgrace," Kar'niss mumbled quietly, "Five sisters. Proud, proud daughters. All yathrin, priestesses of the spider bitch."

Tav frowned at his self-depreciation. But didn't know if she should address it or not. She hesitated as she looked at the water. It was already brown, almost black from all the grime she cleaned. She placed her hand under his neck and eased him up. She could feel the hard shell of his exoskeleton rising up to his hairline, where there was a thin line of skin. She pretended not to hear the Kar'niss's breath catch in his throat. She pretended not to feel his pulse quicken. She ran her fingers through his hair, squeezing the excess water into the bucket.

"You grew up very differently than me. I had six brothers and five sisters..." Tav disclosed as she tossed the bucket of dirty water on the ground below. She filled the pail again with clean water and returned his head to the bucket.

"Six brothers..." Kar'niss echoed in amazement. Tav couldn't fault him for finding the situation strange. She heard that most noble Drow families allowed for two sons before they began to sacrifice the males.

Tav reached her wet hand into the bag and pulled out the small bottle of rosemary oil. She poured half of the bottle's contents onto Kar'niss's hair and began to lather.

Kar'niss inhaled deeply, obviously picking up on the aroma of the oil. "Courtesy of Astarion," Tav explained, "No disrespect to my fellow companions, but he's the only one whose hair doesn't smell like lye."

"Mistress likes this smell?"Kar'niss clarified.

"Rosemary? Oh, I love it. I can do without that pomade he douses his hair in. But I love the scent," Tav imparted.

Kar'niss hummed in response, a chirp vibrating in his throat.

Despite herself, Tav giggled softly and told him, "I like that sound you make. That little chirrup. It's cute."

Kar'niss's extra eyes began to blink rapidly. "Mistress?" He called in confusion. Tav might as well be speaking Draconic rather than Common.

Tav avoided his call and continued to later his hair in the water. His hair was as white as fallen snow now that it was clean. She moved her fingers to his scalp and began to massage the skin. She was concerned when Kar'niss started to tense. But slowly, he relaxed under her ministrations.

"Moonrise Towers. That is where you were taking those pilgrims, correct?" Tav inquired.

"Yes. They sought to pray in my Queen's glory. Our Queen," Kar'niss replied. "Her Majesty's Chosen, General Thorm, is preparing an army."

Fuck.

"An army, you say..." Tav continued on, moving her fingers along scarred skin. How long had it been since Kar'niss had been touched by anyone? How long had it been since a kind, delicate hand gave him mercy? She should be ashamed of herself for taking advantage of him.

"They shall follow, or they shall submit," Kar'niss answered reverently. A soft moan vibrated in his throat. He bit his lips to quiet it. "But General Thorm cannot move yet."

"Oh?" Tav tried to choose her words carefully. As far as Kar'niss knew, she was one of the Aboslute's Chosen. She rinsed Kar'niss's hair again and allowed the bucket to drop. She reached into the bag to pull out a comb. She brushed through Kar'niss's hair. "He is searching for the weapon." She thought about the Astral Prism safely tucked away at camp.

"Not much longer," Kar'niss hummed. A purr vibrated in his tone. "He'll find it soon. That and the Nightsong. Balthazar is close to finding it."

The Nightsong. So, this mysterious artifact was connected to the cult as well. Just as Tav suspected. Well, Tav had to find the Nightsong before this Balthazar did.

Tav didn't press her luck. She finished brushing Kar'niss's hair and began to braid it. The movement was as second nature to her as any other caretaking activity.

"Mistress?" Kar'niss spoke, his voice tentative and still vibrating.

"Yes, Kar'niss?" Tav acknowledged, taking care of her styling.

***

Kar'niss allowed his mind to wander to a place he had no right to be in. He thought about turning his body to face her. He would reach to pick up Tav in his arms. He would cradle her against his chest. His abominable body would ache, searching for a release he could never have. He cursed the Spider Queen. But he would do what he could to please His Majesty's Chosen. Kar'niss had served well and was granted a tender touch. And he would spend the rest of his life cherishing Her if only Tav would touch him one more time.

"Never mind," Kar'niss answered. He was a coward. And he deserved to rot in the shadows rather than have any grace. "Forgive me for distracting you."

"No forgiveness necessary," Tav commented in her affectionate tone. She gave his hair a final pull before taking a long ribbon from the bag. She used the ribbon to tie his hair back.

Pretty things long ago. Far and long ago. Ilhar wants me to marry. I do not want to marry. I want to be a cleric like my sisters. Ilhar will be proud of me. Lolth will shine upon me.

"You look absolutely stunning. Your hair is beautiful," Tav remarked.

Kar'niss hesitantly brought his hand to his hair. It was still damp, but he could already feel the difference. He ran his fingers down the braid to the silk ribbon that tied it together.

"Thank you, thank you, Mistress..." Kar'niss gratefully murmured, feeling tears form in his eyes. He blinked his eyes close, averting his gaze from Tav. "I feel my strength returning with each day. Maybe soon I can join you on your travels," Kar'niss offered, desperation tinging his voice. He could feel his abdomen tremble in anticipation.

He would draw blood for her.

#whumptober2023 #no.30 #It's okay just to say I'm not okay #bridal carry #not much longer #fanfiction #baldur's gate 3 #kar'niss #kar'niss/tav #bg3 fanfiction #angst

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