#caretaker

[yet-another-heathen]

I saw ur really informative post on conditioning and said with whumpers uts about using pain again and again

Any advice about caretakers deconditioning?

[ Referring to this post. ]

The first and most important thing is that the caretaker cannot decondition the whumpee. It's not possible. That progress is self-driven, and requires a massive amount of internal conflict, discipline, and practice. If the process is driven by external pressure rather than internal desire, it will fail, and likely cause more damage in the process.

But what the caretaker can do is be there for them while the whumpee fights toward their own recovery. They can be the stability that whumpee needs in order to work through these massive problems on their own.

Deconditioning is awful. It involves repeated failure, over and over and over, working toward lessening the response. And it is incredibly frustrating, painful, heartbreaking, and at times it feels completely hopeless.

Progress is so non-linear that they can spend months improving and then backslide nearly back to the beginning if they get caught off guard. At times it'll feel like they're stuck at the same point and can't get any further. Like a future where they will be free of it may simply not exist.

At many points, your whumpee is going to feel heartbroken. They're going to spiral into, "Why can't I do this? Why can't I make it stop?" and, "I thought I was past this." and, "Will I ever be able to undo what whumper made me?"

A good caretaker can be there to comfort them when things go wrong. They can hold them while they cry. They can listen to them when they go into a sobbing, breathless rant about how much this hurts. They can make sure that whumpee knows they have someone who doesn't think of them as broken or lesser because of what they've gone through.

Depending on what whumpee wants, they might help them brainstorm a reward system. If there's a situation where they're around other people and the caretaker spots the trigger coming, they can try to redirect conversation away from it before it hits. Preferably without anyone realizing they're doing it for whumpee's sake. When whumpee has just been triggered and wants nothing more than to be alone, the caretaker can make sure their boundaries are respected. To make sure they have somewhere safe to go.

Even more importantly, they can also help by highlighting the moments of whumpee's progress. Pointing out their successes, no matter how small. Pointing out how far they've come. Reminding them that the ups and downs are supposed to happen. That trauma recovery is a rollercoaster, not a straight line.

As a whumpee in that state, it's very easy to feel like they're making no progress. That even when they succeed, the tiny bits of success are hollow, because 'they shouldn't be like this in the first place'. Have your caretaker help them see their own victories. Help them actually see the healing as it grows.

A realistically conditioned whumpee does not need someone to fix them. They need someone to be there for them while they save themselves.

---

This was such a good ask, thank you for sending it my way!

[crimsons-whump-pile]

whumpee who forgets their past and doesn’t understand why caretaker is being so nice to them. whumper made it clear that whumpee was a monster, a mistake, a scourge on this world, so why is caretaker treating them with such kindness? why does caretaker act like they know each other, like they were friends once, when whumpee knows perfectly well that friends were never a luxury they’d earned?

[mj-iza-writer]

Whumptober Day 11

Seeing Double - Convenience store - Loneliness - "leave no trace behind, like you don't even exist" (Taylor Swift, Illicit Affairs)

"Whumpee, you can't run forever", Whumper, a police officer who picked on homeless people, yelled after them.

Whumpee rounded a corner, 'just a little farther.'

Whumper was catching up as Whumpee started to bang on a familiar door.

"Sanctuary please", Whumpee cried out, near tears, "please."

The door opened just as Whumper grabbed Whumpee from behind.

A figure stood by the door and glared at Whumper.

"How can I be of assistance", the figure stated coldly.

"Go back inside Villain, do not interfere", Whumper stated as they fought with Whumpee.

"I don't take orders from you", Villain crossed their arms, "Whumpee, what's going on?"

"Ow", Whumpee sobbed, and looked back at Whumper.

"You can let them go, they won't run", Villain stated.

"They'll run inside, and you'll slam the door", Whumper glared, "you did that last time."

Whumpee struggled, "I was trying to get food, then he showed up and yelled at me. Then, as I left the store, he started to chase me."

"You were stealing", Whumper stated.

"No, I had money, I kind lady gave me a few bucks, I was going to get food and a drink", Whumpee reached for their pocket, and pulled out some cash.

"I was called by the owner, they said you were being shady. They're tired of your kind stealing from them", Whumper argued.

"I was trying to read the different labels and prices", Whumpee sighed and looked at Villain, "I just wanted food, honest."

Villain's heart sunk when they heard those words.

"Clearly, there has been a misunderstanding", Villain frowned, "they haven't done anything wrong. I suggest you let them go."

Whumper sighed, but relented and released Whumpee.

Whumpee fell forward mid struggle.

"I'll get them. There will be a moment they won't get to you before I get them", Whumper grinned, "I swear it, even if I have to bother hero."

"Hero won't help you. They can't stand you. Hero runs charities for these people you pick at", Villain stated, "that is one thing me and Hero agree on, and I donate often to their organizations."

Whumpee had backed away from Whumper by now and was rubbing the area Whumper had grabbed.

"Whumpee, come inside", Villain ordered, and stepped outside to let Whumpee through the door.

Whumper frowned.

"Get off my property", Villain stated coldly, "you're not needed here."

"I'll get them, I'll get all of them and rid this city of pest", Whumper grinned evilly, and pointed at Whumpee who was only partially visible behind Villain, "and I'll start with that one."

Chills ran down Whumpee's spine.

Villain glared at Whumper, "and I will make sure you pay for it.... get off my property", Villain closed the door.

"I'm sorry Villain", Whumpee shook, "I didn't know what else....", Whumpee wiped their face.

"Hey its okay, as I always say, you are welcome here anytime", Villain led them down the hall, "how about you stay here for a few days, or honestly however long you need and want. I'll take care of you, you know that."

"I know, but I feel like I bother you", Whumpee hugged themself and looked at the ground while they walked, "I don't want to be in the way. I also feel bad for the others in my situation who don't have you to turn to. They have to deal with Whumper, especially if I'm not on the street to keep him off of them."

"As honorable as that sounds, you being a decoy for the others is not a good thing to do", Villain stopped as they had gotten farther into the house part of their headquarters, "there could be a chance you don't make it to me, and that's dangerous for you."

Whumpee nodded knowingly.

"Of course I refuse to tell you what to do as it's your life, but my advice is, stay here. You'll be safe and taken care of", Villain smiled, "you'll be part of my family."

"But what about the others? Whumper will just pick someone else", Whumpee sighed, "they aren't safe."

"That's for us to worry about", Villain grinned, "go into the living room, let's get you some food."

"Okay", Whumpee smiled weakly, "wait, you said us?"

Villain walked away, but pointed at the living room.

Whumpee poked their head into the room.

"Hero?", they gasped.

"Hey Whumpee", Hero laughed with a sheepish grin.

"What? Why are you here?", Whumpee walked farther into the room, "aren't you two enemies."

"Well yes, except for the subject of our troubled citizens. We both work together and try to help all of you as much as we can", Hero sat back, "I'm glad you got away from Whumper, I can't stand him, and I'm working on getting him removed and taken care of."

Villain walked in carrying a plate and cup, "here you go Whumpee.

"Thankyou", Whumpee took the things, and sat down.

Hero and Villain talked about a few more things before looking at Whumpee.

"What was the name of the shop you were at?", Hero frowned.

"Kay's Mini Mart, the convenient store on twelfth", Whumpee looked down, "I never went there before today, and I don't think I'll go back near it."

"I know that place", Hero nodded, "I always thought the owner was nice. I understand they were trying to protect their property, but they didn't give you a fair chance."

Whumpee nodded, "I'm not mad at them, I understand, but not all of us out there.... they just don't understand how the streets are... it's, it's hard. We don't want to steal, that's a last resort for most of us, but we also don't want to starve. It hurts to starve sir. Not everyone has someone to turn to either. We appreciate your shelters, but there's honestly not enough of them, no offence."

Hero nodded, "none taken, and I know. I promise more are coming as I get the funds."

Villain turned to Whumpee, "you would probably know. Where should the next one go, that's why Hero is here. We were talking about this when you knocked", Villain pointed at a map, "this is our city map, everywhere marked has a shelter either from Hero or a different organization."

Whumpee pointed right at a spot with out even thinking, "there", Whumpee sighed, "there is a heavy suicide rate in this area, and there is no hope for anyone there, or so it feels", Whumpee looked at Hero, "everyone in that area is pleading to whoever they believe in for a shelter. It's a tough place though, that's why there isn't one yet."

Hero smiled at Whumpee, "I promise that will change."

Whumpee yawned, then nodded tiredly at Hero, "they will be so happy to have you there."

Villain pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and covered Whumpee.

"I'm sorry, I'm tir....", Whumpee sighed and dozed off.

"I see Whumpee occasionally in the shelter, then they disappear for a while, and I get concerned", Hero looked at Villain, "is this a normal occurrence for them to run right to you like this?"

"A few years ago, I was wandering through town getting a few things. I rounded a corner just in time for Whumpee to run into me" Villain sat back, "I still remember their face, both apologetic and scared."

"What happened?", Hero listened with interest.

"They were new to the streets, and had gotten in a bit of trouble", Villain grinned, "law enforcement had chased them down the street for a few minutes before I showed up. Long story short, I claimed responsibility for them. The officer believed me and let them go with a warning."

Hero glanced over at Whumpee, who was snuggled into the blanket, happily snoring.

"They stay on the streets because of Whumper, they know they can run to me for shelter, and I will put Whumper in his place. Whumpee says it keeps Whumper off of the others", Villain frowned, "they stay here from time to time. They know full well, that day, I did indeed take full responsibility for them. I only wish they would stay here fully so I know they're safe."

Hero smiled, "so Villain does have a soft spot?"

"I always have a soft spot for homeless and struggling people", Villain sighed, "but yes, Whumpee has earned a special place in my heart."

Whumpee opened their eyes a bit later and looked around, Villain had turned on the television and was watching the news.

"Well, sleepyhead finally wakes up", Villain chuckled.

*Yawn*, "H-how long have I been out?", Whumpee looked around, "where's hero."

"You've been sleeping for a few hours", Villain grinned, "Hero had to leave, he had some work to do. He told me to behave tonight so he can do something."

Whumpee grinned.

"So I'm being good", Villain sat back, "he said to watch the news."

They both turned when Hero suddenly appeared on the screen. He was in an interview.

From the news:

Interviewer: "So why did you make this arrest?"

Background video showed Whumper being arrested and led by police and hero.

Hero: "I've been watching this officer, Whumper, for a while now. He has been a big terror to our homeless citizens since he received his badge. I just witnessed him threaten one of their lives. I do not feel safe and trust the safety of all of our citizens to this power hungry individual."

Interviewer: "Speaking of the homeless situation, did we hear you will be starting another shelter in a tough side of town?"

Hero: "Yes, I am very excited to start this one. I hear that this is a bad side of town, and no other shelters have been able to go in there. I hope to change that."

Interviewer: turns to the camera. "Hero is going to need help. Here is a link if you want to donate to his work with the homeless and others struggling. We will report more on Officer Whumper once we have more information. Goodnight."

Whumpee's jaw dropped the moment Whumper was being arrested, then stayed open through the entire interview.

"Well I guess I'm glad I stayed home", Villain chuckled, "I would have missed that, plus, it may not of happened."

Whumpee nodded.

"So with that then, Whumper is hopefully going to prison. Can you please just stay here?", Villain pleaded, "you will not be in my way at all, and I'd be happy if you stayed. I'd know you were safe. You keep giving me gray hair."

"Are you sure you want me to stay here?", Whumpee giggled.

"Yes", Villain groaned dramatically, "yes yes a hundred times yes."

"Okay, I will be happy to stay with you", Whumpee continued to laugh.

"Finally", Villain through their hands up in celebration.

"I have a home", Whumpee whispered as they realized more of what that meant.

"A home. A family", Villain smiled, "I am so happy you finally said yes."

Whumpee smiled, "thankyou so much."

"You're welcome", Villain smiled wider, "thankyou."

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

@villainsandheroes @the-beasts-have-arrived

@sacredwrath @porschethemermaid

@monarchthefirst @generic-whumperz

@bloodyandfrightened @freefallingup13

@notpeppermint @cyborg0109

@idontreallyexistyet @painfulplots

@whumpbump @everythingsscary

@skittles-the-whumpee @expressionless-fr

@theforeverdyingperson @legendarydelusiongoatee

@candleshopmenace @whumpanthems

@lavndvrr @ivymyers

@starfields08000 @a-living-canvas

@lumpofsand @watermeezer

@indigoviolet311 @whumpy-mountains

@3-2-whump @risk606

@electrons2006 @paperprinxe

@whumprince @kaz-of-crows

@mis-graves @decaffeinatedtimetraveler94

@sausages-things @ragin-cajun-fangirl

@isikedmyself878 @daffyduckcommittedtaxfraud

@valravnthefrenchie @glennemerald

@jasperthecapser @does-directions

@deafeninglittlecrown @jumpywhumpywriter

[jump-in-the-whump]

The cold stone of the cell was rough beneath their cheek, though they barely felt it. Fever blazed through them, searing their skin, their breath shallow and uneven. They wanted to move but their limbs felt like lead, heavy and uncooperative. Sweat soaked through their clothes, making the thin, ragged fabric cling uncomfortably to their skin.

They didn’t know how long they had been here. Days? Hours? Time had lost all meaning. Their vision blurred in and out, a constant wavering between the suffocating heat of the fever and the icy chill of the cell’s stone walls. They drifted between waking and sleep, every moment harder to grasp than the last.

But then… something changed.

The cold walls of the cell seemed to dissolve around them, softening, brightening. Warmth enveloped them, not the oppressive heat of the fever, but a different warmth. The soft light of morning sun filtering in through the curtains, casting golden patches across their bed. A soft pillow cradled their head, and the sheets, familiar and comforting, tangled loosely around their legs.

Whumpee blinked, their head still felt heavy, their body weak, but this was different. Familiar. Home. They were lying in bed, their limbs warm and weightless beneath the morning sun.

They felt a gentle hand on their forehead, cool and soothing against their fevered skin. “You’re burning up,” Caretaker had said that morning, their voice low and soft, filled with concern. “You need to rest.”

Whumpee opened their eyes, and there was Caretaker, just as they remembered. Sitting by the edge of the bed, their face calm, their presence radiating comfort. Whumpee could almost feel the coolness of their touch, the softness of the blanket tucked around them by Caretaker's careful hands.

“I’m here,” Caretaker whispered. “Just rest. You’ll be alright.”

Whumpee’s breath hitched. The feeling of safety, the warmth of Caretaker’s touch—it was all so vivid, so real. The gentle rise and fall of Caretaker’s chest as they breathed, the way their fingers brushed a strand of hair from Whumpee’s face. Whumpee let their eyes close again, feeling the weight of sleep pulling at them. They could drift off here, where everything was soft, and Caretaker would stay. They always did.

But as they hovered on the edge of sleep, something gnawed at the edges of their mind. A whisper of doubt. A flicker of something wrong.

“Whumpee.” Caretaker’s voice was different now, soft but firm. “Open your eyes.”

Whumpee resisted. They wanted to stay in this moment, in this warmth. The fever, the cell, it was far away. But Caretaker’s voice was insistent.

“Open your eyes.”

Whumpee hesitated, the world around them faltering. Slowly, reluctantly, they forced their eyes open again. The golden light of the morning flickered, dimmed, and something cold crept into the edges of the room.

“Whumpee,” Caretaker said again, their voice now sounding distant, as if it came from a great distance. “This isn't real.”

[whumpshots]

Whumptober #12

Trope of the day: "Just a little more"

_

Caretaker pushes Whumpee back down as they try to sit up, cradling their head on their lap. Team leader is driving fast, hopefully faster than Whumpee loses blood.

"Almost there. Try to move as little as possible," they mutter as they watch Whumpee's eyes go in and out of focus. Do they even know where they are? What happened? Caretaker can only guess.

"Hurts," Whumpee manages to croak, flinching when Team leader has to hit the breaks. Trying to hold them still, Caretaker nods understandingly.

"I know. Just a little more, we're almost there... Just a little more," they mutter, stroking their thumb over Whumpee's pale cheek. Watching Whumpee battle their heavy eyelids, they tel Team leader to hurry.

[i-eat-worlds]

Whumpee lying on top of the sheets, loosely covered by a soft blanket, while caretaker tends to their injuries.

[justbreakonme]

“Please… I’m so tired.”

“Then sleep. I’ll stand guard.”

“I thought you said it was safe here?”

“It is. But you don’t feel safe, do you?”

“…not yet.”

“Then I’ll stand guard, till you can.”

[thinkingofausername]

I love when the whumpee has to reinvent themself. No, you will never be the past you again, they are permanently changed by the trauma, but that does not mean death. You just have to find you again. The people who care about you might mourn, you might as well, but getting to know each other again can be quite interesting.

[the-bar-sinister]

Recovering whumpee completely vacant and dissociated while caretaker takes care of them. Staring off into space while caretaker washes their body and tends their wounds. Only barely responding when caretaker touches them soothingly.

[whumporama]

Caretaker has finally found Whumpee, but they're in a bad state. There is no time to take care of anything right now, and they have to move quietly to avoid being detected.

The whispered "can you walk?" and "lean on me" as Whumpee tries their best to be helpful, and Caretaker half-dragging them through the dark hallways. Whumpees injuries hurt them as they move, and they can't keep the sounds of pain in.

They hear someone coming, and Caretaker quickly pulls them to the side, hiding in a small closet. Whumpee squeezes their eyes closed as they fight the pain of the sudden movement, and Caretaker pushes their hand over Whumpees mouth, apologetic, but needing them to be quiet.

Whumpee leaning forward and dropping their head on Caretakers shoulder as they muffle their groans in their jacket.

Bonus points if Whumpee is usually stoic or closed-off, and Caretaker's heart breaking to see them like this.

[delicatewhumps]

a whumpee who can’t move, it hurts too badly, and they just lie there moaning while caretaker tries desperately to comfort them.

bonus points if whumpee’s noises of pain are so weak, barely audible… leading caretaker to worry even more.

bonus bonus points if whumpee is using whatever molecule of strength they have left to feebly grasp caretaker’s sleeve / wrist / fingers.

[hurtmyfavsthanks]

We all know about magical fatigue as a whump trope for magical overuse. Now I raise you: Magical euphoria.

Magic that feels good to use. It leaves the user dizzy and lightheaded, a giddy energy rushing through their entire body. It's enough to leave the most stoic whumpee giggling madly, to make the most obedient soldier go rogue. It's a power that ultimately, inevitably, controls its user.

Mages aren’t trusted to act on their own. They can’t be, not when each spell costs them their sanity. Not when, in a daze of manic joy, they’re just as liable to destroy the enemy as their allies.

And so they need a handler.

Imagine Caretaker in this situation. Forced to watch Whumpee throw themselves into madness, to turn themselves into an unthinking weapon under the demand of some uncaring general. Having to put aside their affection for Whumpee as a person, and analyze them as a tool.

It’s Caretaker who decides when Whumpee is still fit for battle. It’s caretaker who has to look into their dazed and distant eyes, blood dripping into a too wide smile, and decide if Whumpee has anything else to give.

It’s Caretaker who decides when they’re too far gone, when Whumpee needs to stop. And if Whumpee can’t, it’s Caretaker’s job to make them stop. Even if that means using force, even if it means hurting them, because letting them run wild isn’t an option.

And when the battle’s over, when Whumpee is either led or dragged away to the medical wing, Caretaker’s the only one brave enough to tend to their injuries. They wrap bleeding, scorched fingers without a word, the only sound being Whumpee babbling, mad ramblings. Caretaker knows they won’t remember any of this. They still talk to Whumpee anyway, soft, comforting words they hope will bring Whumpee back faster.

And when whumpee’s eyes finally clear, when their body sags with exhaustion they’re just now able to feel, Caretaker feels nothing but grief, because it’ll start all over again tomorrow.

[whumpy-bi]

Thinking about a rescuer/caretaker barging in and immediately softening when they see the state the victim is in—skittish, terrified, trying to get away from them.

The immediate softness and compassion of “No, no, I’m here to help.”

[martyr-inthedark]

Make your Whumpee tired.

Whumpees that have been deprived of sleep by Whumper, so much so that they don't remember how to walk in a straight line and can't figure out whether the recent appearance of little black bugs in their cell are real or a hallucination.

Whumpees that can't get a full night's rest. They doze off, only to be jolted awake by their own anxiety of not knowing when Whumper would come back. Perhaps they are awakened by phlegm-coated coughs induced by their illness. They are awakened by nightmares, or by Caregiver who is worried they may succumb to hypothermia, or by a thunderstorm, or the rough blanket scratching their open wounds, or so on.

Whumpees who pull all nighters to protect their friends or lovers.

Whumpees whose eyes burn when they finally can close their eyes. Whumpees whose muscles twitch, who can't stop yawning no matter how hard they try to stifle it. Whumpees with dark, glassy eyes. Whumpees who are slow to react or have a hard time keeping up with the conversation. Whumpees with throbbing headaches. Whumpees with brain fog and memory loss.

Whumpees who have been on the run and have over exhausted their bodies. Their muscles and joints continue to scream long after its over. Whumpees with extensive blood loss. Whumpees who are malnourished.

Whumpees whose survivor's guilt keeps them awake, wondering what they might have done differently, whether it was all their fault, or why they were the ones to live.

Whumpees whose bodies are in chronic pain or illness and who have to hide it, causing muscle and mental fatigue. They keep going with a smile until they collapse or pass out.

Whumpees who break down in tears, begging to be left alone so they can rest. Whumpees who sob when they are told that the bed in front of them is theirs to use whenever they want.

[jordanstrophe]

Caretaker finds whumpee bound and gagged, unable to move and whimpering for their attention. Caretaker skids to their knees and pulls whumpee into their arms.

Whumpee, with their arms behind their back, can only press their face hard into caretaker's shoulder.

[whumpshots]

Whumptober #11

Trope of the day: seeing double

_

Caretaker is two steps ahead. Maybe... three? Whumpee has no idea. Everything is blurry, Whumpee feels way too dizzy. Exhausted, a blow to the head... a bad mixture of everything, really.

"Stop," Whumpee croaks as Caretaker is out of sight, the other taking some time to return and help them to not collapse to the ground.

Why are there two caretakers? Furrowing their brows in confusion, Whumpee blinks their tired eyes, trying to discern who to touch, their hand flailing a little. Caretaker takes it in theirs, softly stroking their thumb over Whumpee's hand.

"You're here... twice."

Caretaker snorts. "Four hands are better than two. Come, up with you."