#flinching

[mockerycrow]

Could you do Head canons of how 141 + König would react to reader flinching at their movements? Like they raise their hand/arm and reader kind of cowers away?

I found your page tonight and LOVE how you write them! Keep up the amazing work and thank you💖

141 + König Reactions To GN!Reader Flinching

cod masterlist

A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH IM KICKING AND GIGGLING RN ILY ANON I LOVE YOU ALL THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALMOST 400!! i also feel very iffy about this aaghhhdhfjcj

I’m having a 400 follower celebration!

-> John Price

He raises his arm quickly to grab something from a top shelf and that’s when he spots your flinch—your arm comes shooting up like you’re about to grab said arm, your eyes slightly wide. Price pauses and you quickly lower your arm, clearing your throat like nothing happened, like that didn’t just happen.

if you’re military; I don’t think he would be too concerned because it’s quite common for soldiers who have been through traumatic battles to have insanely fast reflexes, to be ready at a moment’s notice. He does, however, nudge you a bit. You glance at him and Price raises his eyebrows and asks the silent question with his face—‘are you alright?’

if you’re a civilian; that’s when he gets properly worried. You have no reason to have that fast of a reflex, so he ends up staring at you for a moment. Price doesn’t ask you about it in the moment, but he makes sure to keep his movements slower around you and he gives himself a reminder to gently ask about it later—just in case it’s sensitive.

-> Kyle Garrick

You and Kyle are walking in the local park when this happens. An American football is thrown and strays from it’s course and Kyle notices a flying object coming near. His hands fly up and catch the football in an instant and you couldn’t help but flinch, putting your own hand up to grab his in a defensive position.

if you’re military; Kyle throws the football back and quietly apologizes to you with a kiss to your temple; he knows all too well about having your instincts triggered by normal everyday life. It’s not that big of a deal in hindsight, but he knows how it is.

if you’re a civilian; Kyle throws the football back and asks if you’re alright, at first he isn’t sure if he accidentally hit you or not by the way you reacted. You quietly confirm you’re alright and Kyle looks at you with a concerned face when you’re dodging his eyes a bit. You sigh. “Later, I promise.”

-> John MacTavish

You and Soap decided to go out to a rage room together for fun. You get suited up and fix your goggles onto your face, giggling at how Soap looks. He hums and picks out a baseball bat—he doesn’t realize how close you are to him when he swings the baseball bat up and violently smashes a vase.

if you’re military; Soap is profusely apologizing, one for not looking out and two because he knows these actions can come off as aggressive. “M’so sorry, bonnie! Didnae see you there, are you alright??” Soap makes sure everything is alright and he makes sure there’s a good distance next swing.

if you’re a civilian; He apologizes to you, but this time he doesn’t really realize you might’ve flinched for a different reason. You were standing a bit too close so he would likely think it’s from the swing, but he would check in on you anyway, loud with his apologies.

-> Ghost

He is oddly silent for his size, so it’s a common occurrence for him to accidentally sneak up on you and often make an announcement of his appearance with movement. Your hand comes shooting out when you finally notice him next to you and your fingers wrap around his wrist, your eyes wide, like an animal being hunted—just for a second. You quickly let go of his wrist with an apology.

if you’re military; he would probably tease you on needing to brush up your detection skills and listen a little closer, but it’s not like he’d purposely keep doing it to get at you. Ghost would also chalk it up to your military instincts.

if you’re a civilian; this is where Ghost gets worried because he knows the signs of abuse. Even if you’re just a very flinchy person, that doesn’t stop him from subtly hinting that you can help him anything important. I imagine Ghost a bit emotionally constipated so he struggles to outright say it, but he’s in your corner if you need him.

-> König

You two were walking down the base’s sidewalk together and you were about to go ahead, forgetting to look both ways. König’s arm suddenly shoots out in front of you to stop you, resulting in your hands hastily grabbing his arm, nearly shoving it away from you. You quickly let go and clear your throat.

if you’re military; könig would apologize to you for startling you, he knows how jumpy people can be after long missions but it was necessary to keep you safe. He would definitely eye a you little longer due to your wide eyed look, and maybe he would ask you about that later if he begins to overthink the situation.

if you’re a civilian; He would apologize immensely and claim that it was for your safety, asking if he startled you and that he’s sorry. If you’re a bit winded from the sudden action, he definitely notices. König asks softly if he can talk to you about important stuff later that day because he needs to know why you reacted that way and how he can prevent that reaction.

[anguishmacgyver]

Daniel Jackson + every time he flinches on Stargate SG-1 4x08 The First Ones

[ajwild220]

"Trust me" Hero x Villain

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Take them to their room. Now. I will deal with them myself” Villains words held a promise, making Hero’s skin crawl.

Hero’s arms were instantly enveloped in the strong grasp of two of Villain’s henchman. Their body flexing on instinct as if preparing for a fight, a fight they promptly lost as both Henchman’s grip turned bruisingly tight. It was all Hero could do to not wince in Villains presence as they were dragged down the hallway their nemesis’s eyes following them until they turned the corner.

The longer Hero was forced to walk the more they began to panic. Villain had always scared them more than they cared to admit. The very thought of them being in a room alone together with Villain having the upper hand was terrifying to them. Villain's promise loomed in the air, they would deal with them. Personally.

Hero’s mouth went dry and they tried to swallow. Now they were fighting more enemies than the ones who had their meaty hands gripping Hero’s arms. Hero fought down their own panic which was a much harder battle to win. Every doorway they passed only served to raise Hero’s trepidation as their muted powers begged to surface but it would be of no use, the henchmen’s body armor was specially made. There was no way, powers or not, Hero could free themselves from their clutches.

Finally they reached a familiar doorway. The one Hero had managed to escape from not a half hour ago. The taste of defeat was sickening. Hero’s heartbeat began to rise, they couldn’t go back in there. They couldn’t face villain alone. They struggled and immediately wished they hadn’t. A harsh blow fell across their face making their vison go white, their eyes smarting with tears from the impact before they were shoved to their knees, arms ripped behind them eliciting a small cry. When Hero heard the click, their head snapped wildly around. Power suppressing cuffs. Hero’s fighting only aided in more bruises as the cuffs clamped both wrists behind them. Any hope of a fight with Villain was banished, they were completely at their mercy. The henchmen yanked Hero up off the floor sneering as they threw them through the open doorway. As they hit the floor Hero could hear the bolt locking from the outside.

Hero couldn’t help but take a shuddering breath as the footsteps outside faded into complete silence. Their arms ached where finger shaped bruises were beginning to form and circulation was just beginning to flow again. Reluctantly they pushed off the floor, which was easier said than done with their arms securely behind them, and leaned heavily on the bedframe. The room was dark but their eyes were beginning to adjust to the moonlight streaming through the protected windows opposite them. They couldn’t help but glance around at the place of their previous captivity. It was just as they had left it, the room too lavish for any prisoner.

It was unsettling, the soft pillows and comforter, dark curtains, two comfortable chairs with an attached bathroom. How you would treat a guest, not a captive. The mixed signals had eaten at Hero the entire time they had been here just as they were now. They suppressed a shiver as they remembered the way Villain had watched them be dragged away. Eyes never leaving their face as they told the henchmen Hero’s fate.

Hero felt sick. The reality of Villains appearance in the near future was sinking into their being leaving behind a cold wake of fear. On a normal day Hero would put on a brave face and run towards the danger as any good Hero would, but today was far from normal. Normally they were an even match, now Hero was stripped of any way of defense, Villain could do anything.

Overwhelming dread and hopelessness pulsed through Hero’s veins as they began to pace. Their heart thumped unnaturally strong in their chest and their breathing started to grow harsh and ragged as they pondered what Villain’s threat could mean. Surely the pain they felt all over themselves now could not compare to what would come when they were at their enemy's mercy. That’s when they heard a thump. The telltale sound of footsteps coming to stop outside their door.

Hero tried desperately to calm themselves, but it only resulted in more panicked anticipation. As they heard the key in the lock, they bit their lip until it bled. A trickle of blood pooled inside their lips forcing Hero to swallow as they slowly backed themselves into the wall trembling and straightening their back in effort to look like they had their emotions in check.

The lock rattled and the hinges creaked as if joyfully announcing the new arrival. Hero's mouth went dry as Villain entered calmly, tall, strong, imposing as ever as their body filled the doorframe. Their eyes, eerily blue swept the room before locking onto Hero and closing the door behind them with a resounding click causing Hero to shudder.

“Hello Hero” their voice dripped into the silence. Hero’s fingernails dug into their palms to keep their hands from shaking. “Why are you standing in the dark?” it almost sounded like… genuine concern? Villain’s eyebrows furrowed a bit, and they remained still for a moment before slowly reaching toward the light waiting for any indication of displeasure from Hero. Hero remained as unmoving as possible pulse rushing wildly through their ears. The light flicked on and Hero squeezed their eyes shut against the brightness.

------------------------------------------------

The first thing Villain noticed was Hero’s eyes, once adapted to the light they were wide, skitterish and their pupils were dilated. Hero was watching them with an emotion they had never seen from them before, their back pushed against the wall and their hands behind them. The whole thing was odd, normally Hero would stand tall, eyes daring them to fight or make some sassy comment. This seemed like an entirely different person. That’s when Villain noticed the blood, barely present on Hero’s swollen lip. Villains face darkened as they took a step into the room. “Hero, who—”

Before Villain could ask which henchman had dared lay hands on them Hero did something entirely unexpected. As soon as Villain stepped forward Hero stifled a whimper and cowered away. Villain froze. Everything clicked at that moment. The look, the posture, the eyes; Hero was terrified of them.

That had never been Villains intention. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Hero had been placed here for their protection, Supervillain’s heist was happening this week and Villain had begged to keep Hero somewhere where they would not cause problems. Unbeknownst to Supervillain, Villain just couldn’t stand the thought of sweet sacrificial Hero getting caught in the crossfire. They had never intended for something like this to happen.

“Hero?” Villain almost whispered.

Hero kept their eyes solidly trained on Villains boots and Villain could see their lip almost trembling. Villain took another step forward this time, much more slowly as they spoke “Hero, listen to me.” Another step, another whimper from Hero. “I am not going to hurt you.” Villain was not known for being reassuring but something about seeing Hero, their Hero, so broken, eyes like a kicked puppy, something tugged at them. They were so close to Hero now, almost close enough to reach out and touch them. Hero’s head was down, shoulders slumped as if to protect themselves but their hands remain decisively behind them. Something was behind Hero.

“What are you holding?” Villain couldn’t help the slightly suspicious tone. Perhaps this was all a hoax, a farce to get Villain close enough for Hero’s scheme. Hero didn’t answer.

“What are you holding, Hero?” the sympathy left Villains voice and they stood up straight again, tall and threatening. “Show me. Now.” Hero’s wide eyes met Villain’s a moment before Villain struck. Villain closed the distance between them grabbing Hero’s shoulders and turning them forcing their chest against the wall. Hero’s breathing hitched as Villain held them firmly in place. Villain instantly examined Hero’s hands, freezing at what they saw. They hadn’t asked henchmen for the power restraining binding.

Guilt flowed through Villain as they began to feel Hero’s body shudder under their grip. Villain wanted to apologize, to say sorry. Instead, their grip loosened as they traced the moon shaped indents Hero’s nails had made against their restrained palms. “I didn’t know” they fully released Hero who immediately tried to put space between them. “I didn’t ask them to put those on you, believe me.”

Hero swallowed as they took a step to the side their voice shook but they tried to resemble the Hero they were. “Don’t ask me to believe that Villain.”

Villain’s eyes raked over them, disheveled, shaking and still fighting back, even if it was just a little.

“Even if it’s the truth?” Villain tried to step closer, but Hero moved back.

“If it’s the truth,” Hero took a shaking breath. “Prove it.”

The room was still as they both stood silently, Hero just beginning to think maybe they had made the wrong move. Then Villain sprang into action. Determinedly they began to close the gap between them, it was unexpected, and Hero tried to move away but Villain was ready this time. Before Hero could register what was happening their back hit the wall at the corner of the room with Villains body blocking all escape.

Hero’s ears burned red at their proximity and heartbeat faster knowing they were completely trapped. They wanted to put their hands up as a barrier, a separation between them, but they couldn’t. They couldn’t fight back; they dropped their gaze, breath once again shaky at Villains mercy.  

Warm fingers gently directed their chin upwards, Hero tried to pull out of Villain’s touch but Villain wouldn’t let them, fingers still gingerly holding Hero’s chin as they waited for Hero to relax enough to look them in the eyes. When Hero finally complied Villain hummed in approval,

“In order to 'prove it' you have to let me near you, Sweetheart.”

Villain could feel Hero’s breath hitch at the nickname. Villain continued “I didn’t put those cuffs on you, I don’t have the key so I can’t just let you out.” Hero stiffened “but hold on relax I wasn’t finished.” Villain waited for Hero to breathe again. “I know how to break you out, the thing is,” Villain finally dropped their fingers from Hero’s face. “You have to trust me and stay still.”

Hero’s fear of Villain was only surpassed by the insane desire to be free. They offered Villain a small nod. It was still hard for Hero to think with Villain’s body so close so entrapping and warm, but they didn’t have another option in sight.

“Alright then. But first—” Villain delved quickly into their pocket and retrieved a clean white handkerchief. Unfortunately, all Hero saw was Villains raised hand and quick movement. They flinched in anticipation of a blow. When it never came, they opened their eyes slowly and upon seeing the contents of Villain’s hand realized their mistake. Carefully they met Villains gaze, it was not angry as expected, more of an emotion they couldn’t place but it seemed almost like disappointment.

Villain broke eye contact this time as they folded the handkerchief and held it up almost shyly. “For your lip.” Villain paused a strange weight coming between them,

“We’re not in uniform, I wouldn’t hit you like that.”

Hero studied Villains face and upon seeing truth, nodded slowly in understanding.

Villain offered a half smile devoid of actual happiness just to show they were glad they were understood before raising the cloth, slower this time, in Hero’s direction. Hero pulled away their voice small, “could we wait until after you take the cuffs off?”

“Would you let me clean your lip if both your hands were free?”

Hero paused, “Yes.”

“Liar.” Hero's lips almost quirked at how well Villain knew them. “I can see what you can’t, it will be better if I do it…Or do you not trust me?”

It was a trap and Hero knew it, if they said they didn’t trust them how would they ever get the cuffs off. And if they said they did Villain would do what they wanted anyway. It was a lose-lose situation.

Villain could sense the inner conflict and interrupted “Just trust me. Please.”

Hero took a shuddering breath, once again they were posed with a choice that wasn’t really much of a choice. “Ok, go ahead.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“You wouldn’t like my answer,” Hero retorted. “be content that I’m allowing you to do this.”

Villain who had given Hero more space in the last few moments closed the gap and rested their hand on the wall behind Hero’s head “Since when are you in control of this situation?”

That shut Hero up pretty quickly. The forgotten fear had come back as they remembered exactly who they were sassing. Villain didn’t wait for Hero’s thoughts to catch up rather brought the handkerchief up to Hero’s face, wiping away the little blood that had stained their bottom lip. Hero’s face was beet red, and they didn’t know where to look. Villain was so concentrated, and their hand was impossibly gentle. Hero tried not to move, much less shiver at Villain's touch.

Villain finished cleaning the drying blood and they refolded the handkerchief to a clean space. One hand moved to cradle Hero’s jaw and Hero tensed as Villains thumb calmly caressed Hero bottom lip.

“Relax.”

It was quite hard to relax when Hero’s heart was practically beating out of their chest. No one had ever held them like this, much less been this gentle. They would have wanted to lean into the touch had they not remembered just who’s hands they were in. Their arch nemesis, Villain, the one who had put them here, the one they were afraid of! Hero’s mind screamed at them to pull away and stop the mixed feelings, but Villain interrupted,

“Am I hurting you?”

Hero’s eyebrows furrowed “What?” they practically whispered.

“I asked if I was hurting you.” Villain asked matter of factly.

Confused Hero shook their head, “No.”

Villains thumb resumed lightly rubbing Hero’s lip

“Then please relax so I can see your cut. It’s mostly on the inside.” Hero’s lips only relaxed a bit with the information. Villain looked at Hero with a longsuffering glint in their eyes. “Would you please let me help you? I’m not trying to hurt you.” Hero didn’t want to give in, to trust the person before them but something in Villain’s tone reminded them, they were safe. What an odd word to use while in a situation like this. However, Hero took a deep breath and allowed Villain to assess the damage.

Villain was careful, painstakingly so. They wiped away the fresh blood and put a small amount of pressure on the miniature wound. Hero winced.

“Sorry” Villain seemed to wince with them. Just as quickly as it had begun it was over. Villain ran a thumb over their lip one last time before dropping all contact from which Hero had to hide their sigh of relief.

Stuffing the handkerchief back in their pocket Villain took a step back before sitting down in one of the cushioned chairs leaving Hero standing dumbly in the corner.

“You were really that scared of me?”

Hero gave a confused look.

Villain gestured to their own lip. “The bite. You must have done it right before I came through the door.”

“I-I well what was I supposed to expect when you said you’d deal with me personally?”

“Well I thought I would come in and have a deal of fun with you.”

Hero’s features contorted at the implication before Villain realized their mistake.

“No no no that’s not what I meant” they almost rose from their seat before taking their face in their hands “that was not what I meant at all, I misspoke. I meant I was going to congratulate you on your escape and I thought we would banter like we always do. I didn’t think you would see me as the threat and…I wasn’t planning any of this.”

A long pause followed Villains outburst, the quiet calming Hero as they could sense the almost fond attitude Villain had towards them. In fact, if they didn’t know better they would even say that Villain was embarrassed by the things said in the last few moments. Villain sat stick straight looking vastly uncomfortable. Hero couldn’t help this strange feeling inside of them, perhaps it was their Heroic instincts or maybe just the fact that they truly understood that Villain was not planning to hurt them at the moment. Whatever it was Hero did something they hadn’t done the entire time they had seen Villain. They closed the gap between them and unquestioningly turned their back and held out their hands.

“I trust you.”

Part 2

[whump-and-other-misfortunes]

Whumpuary 2024 Day 14

14. (Jan 27-28) Flinching / Breakdown / Sleep Deprivation 

cw past trauma, implied noncon/torture, hurt/comfort, aftermath of whump

“You’re slower than usual,” Hero teased when they pinned Villain to the wall. “Lost your edge after that little vacation you took?” 

Villain was breathing heavily. Their hands grasped at Hero’s, which were fisted in the front of their suit, but Villain lacked their typical strength. “Wasn’t a vacation, you jerk,” they huffed. “And I’m doing my best here.” 

Hero pulled one of their hands back, and their heart jumped when Villain flinched away from them; they’d never reacted like that before. The instinctual fear was clearly visible in their eyes.  

“Whoa, hey,” Hero said softly. “I was just gonna—your mask is slipping.” 

Villain looked down, frowning. “Sorry. I just...go ahead.” 

Hero raised their hands slowly and adjusted Villain’s mask, noting the sharp intake of breath when Hero’s fingers grazed their cheek. As they put it back in place, Hero could see a dark bruise hiding under the mask. The slightest bit of purple spread up their cheekbone. 

Villain was trembling when Hero stepped back. 

“Are you okay?” Hero asked. Logically, they knew they should take advantage of Villain’s weakness and bring them in. But they just couldn’t bring themself to be that cruel. 

“When I was gone this week,” Villain whispered, “I was...Supervillain took me hostage. I’ll spare you the details but...they did some shit to me I wouldn’t even do to my enemies.” 

Hero felt their heart ache at the admission and the pained expression in Villain’s eyes when they looked back up. “I’m sorry, I—I had no idea.” 

“Not your fault,” Villain said with a shrug. They tried to force a smile as well, but it didn’t quite work. “But it messed me up pretty good. I can’t sleep. I can’t move without remembering their hands on me.” 

A sick feeling curled in Hero’s stomach as they imagined what the normally collected Villain must have been through to have them on the verge of tears at the memory. They slowly reached out, giving Villain enough time to stop them—but when they didn’t, Hero pulled them into an embrace. “It’s over,” they muttered into Villain’s hair. “You're safe now.” 

Their words seemed to open the floodgates, and suddenly Villain broke down. Hero didn’t know what to do, so they just held their nemesis as they cried. The fact that they’d been in the middle of a fight passed through Hero’s mind, but it didn’t matter now. They were a hero—their job was to help people. Even if those people regularly made their life hell. 

“I’m sorry,” Villain choked out. “This is pathetic. And I—I deserved it.” 

“No one deserves to be hurt like that,” Hero said, rubbing their back in soothing circles. 

Villain tried to steady their breathing as they looked up at Hero, eyes glistening with tears. “Thank you. Just—give me a minute, and we can get back to it.” 

“What do you say we get a rain check,” Hero asked with a small smile, “and you let me buy you a coffee instead?” 

Villain sniffled and rolled their eyes. “As long as you promise to reschedule. Because I was looking forward to kicking your ass.” 

Hero laughed. “Okay, deal.” 

Although the coffee may not have truly fixed anything, it was a welcomed comfort. 

taglist: @morning-star-whump

[whumpypepsigal]

The Night Agent s01e06: “I’m sorry.”

+bonus:

[whumpdidyasay]

Taffin (1988)

He’s literally so pretty, I can’t

[aceofwhump]

Fright Night (2011)

[losthavenmine]

Whumpril 2023 Day 15: Flinching

The Quick and the Dead (1995)

[whumpetywhump]

The Sign - Ep. 8

[staycalmandhugaclone]

If you're new, this all starts with Touch Starved - Echo! You can read this little chunk as a standalone, or head back to the beginning for the full experience!

Febuwhump Day 2

Flinching – Med OC/TBB

Warnings: Reference to attempted SA, reference to physical assault, some cursing, borderline panic attack.

WC: 2,753 - might do a second chapter of pure fluff, but this was getting long already

When the call came to offer temporary support on a covert mission of mercenaries, I’d been shocked at how the others had balked. Echo’s reluctance to let me go was understandable – over the past several months, we’d developed a friendship I’d come to depend on, but the almost possessiveness the others expressed through varying degrees of annoyance and frustration, and mumbled quips about the republic’s inability to ‘find their own medic for those karking nat-borns’ left me stunned. It was true that, with time, they’d grown less cold toward me, even allowing me to patch them up on occasion, but that sense of being the odd one out had never truly quelled. Foolishly, I’d even caught myself thinking that them being without me for a couple weeks wouldn’t be such a bad thing. I never paused to consider the danger in finding myself without them.

The mission was a brilliant success. I didn’t even need to bandage a scraped knee. What happened after, however… CF99 had been cleared to pick me up after the merc leading the mission reported the successful capture of a seppy outpost. It was three days before they finally arrived, and I nearly sobbed upon hearing the familiar hum of the Marauder’s engine. Carefully garbed in my full set of armor, I had to still myself against dashing from the merc ship, movements carefully controlled as I neared the ramp.

“About time. We were beginning to think this was going to turn into a rescue mission - figured we’d have to take the outpost ourselves.” Even Crosshair’s taunt was a welcomed relief as I finally let my steps quicken in those last few feet.

“Can’t have you lot winning the whole war by yourselves.” If he heard the slight quiver in my voice, he said nothing about it. I barely paused to hear the warm welcomes that should have left me a blubbering mess before quickly slipping into the medbay. The familiar buzz of the overhead light was a mockery to the way my heart raced, torn between dread and relief. I was safe here – safer than anywhere else in the galaxy, and I was so, so desperately tired, but I couldn't escape the terror seizing my chest.

My entire body flinched at the soft knock before the door hissed open, and I found myself counting my blessings that I hadn’t yet begun removing my armor as Echo stepped in.

“Hey, Doc – you ran off pretty quick. Everything okay?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I had to whisper the word on a quiet sigh lest it catch. With a quick inhale, I turned back to my supplies, carefully focusing on unpacking to keep my mind from wandering. “Just tired – think I’ve grown so used to Wrecker’s lullabies that now I can’t sleep without his snores shaking the whole karking ship.” Echo let out a polite chuckle, but I could feel the doubt nagging beneath his gaze.

“I’m fine – just need a quick nap, then I’ll join you up front. Okay?” Safely hidden behind my visor, I turned back toward him, knowing he couldn’t see the red of my eyes or the way my chin shook.

“Okay.” The gentleness of his reply nearly broke me, but I managed to keep myself still until the door slipped shut behind him.

-

The fleeting few hours of sleep I managed to steal between flares of panic offered no relief, but I couldn’t bring myself to risk closing my eyes again. Beyond the comforting hum of the Marauder’s engines and Wrecker’s telltale violent snores, the ship was quiet. Aside from whoever was currently taking watch at the helm, it sounded as though the others were asleep. Good. If I couldn’t sleep, a cup of strong caf would have to do. It wouldn’t take long – just a few minutes. I could be in and out before any of them noticed. Not long enough to warrant dragging myself back into my armor.

As I’d hoped, the hall light was dimmed for the others to sleep, and I was able to silently tread into the small kitchenette without attracting attention. Focus locked on my own unsteady movements, I started the caf machine and retrieved a mug, gaze staring blindly at the stream of dark liquid pouring into my cup.

Even as the others slept, then engines continued humming, burning, sending us lightyears from that wretched Sergeant. I’d gotten away – fought my way free and painstakingly ensured I never found myself alone with him again throughout those long three days, but the bruises of my escape still ached fiercely against even slow movements. I’d recorded everything, was mentally prepared to report the event as soon as we made it back to Kamino… I just had to last another couple days. If Echo learned what the man had tried to do… kriff, after how they’d all reacted to my temporary reassignment, I couldn’t risk any of them finding out… But I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t close my eyes without felling the icy strength of his grip, without feeling how he’d caged me against the wall…

It wasn’t until after I felt my body shy violently away, heard the cup clatter from my hands as caf splashed over the floor that I realized what happened. Crosshair. Had he said something; tried to get my attention before merely reaching around me to fill his own cup? I hadn’t noticed him enter the room, and, when his arm appeared over my shoulder, the flood of panic sent ice through my veins, heart slamming against my chest as my body simply reacted, every muscle snapping in a desperate attempt to distance myself from him before he could trap me once more, eyes darting around to find him, to fight.

I’d never seen that look in the sniper’s golden eyes. Shock left us both frozen for several seconds, and dread sank through me. Teeth clicking together against the tremble already stealing over me, I quickly dropped my gaze to the puddle, turning away with all the subtleness of a bantha as though there was any hope he hadn’t seen the bruises.

“Kriff!” The curse belated tore through clenched teeth as I snatched a rag from the counter. “Need to tie a karking bell on” The threat died as his fingers whispered beneath my chin. I knew it was him – knew that beneath that rude, snide front, he was kind and loyal and safe. Still, I couldn’t keep from wrenching away from that touch, wide eyes darting back to his as though there were some chance I’d find the merc standing over me.

The cold rage in those golden eyes stripped me of even the façade of denial. Once more, his fingers ghosted over my chin. This time, he didn’t pull back at the small flinch, instead carefully tilted my head to the side to fully view the dark bruises. Still, I felt myself trying to fight him, twitching against his hold as though I might yet hide the evidence of my assault from him.

“Who did this?” Quiet. The words were so quiet despite the violent rage burning through them, and I couldn’t pretend anymore, body shaking in earnest now. His other hand slowly began to raise, fingers frightfully gentle as they settled carefully around my arm.

“Who did this?” He asked again, body curling ever so slightly around mine.

“I… I’m taking care of it.” I don’t know where I found the strength to manage even that wanting attempt of evasion, but he merely scoffed, lips twisting into a small scowl.

“Hunter.” His voice carried intentionally through the ship, and my heart sank.

“Crosshair, please.” I loathed the defeat in my voice even as I turned up to him, pleading with weary eyes, and his jaw ground until I could hear his teeth creak.

“I read the report – zero injuries. Right? That means this happened after the Separatists were pushed out.”

“You… read…” I felt the beginnings of a question stutter over my lips, mind staggering to grasp what he’d just said. Why would he read the report?

“Right?” He pressed, ripping me from my thoughts, and my head automatically nodded, stoking that rage into something dangerous. “One of those damn nat-borns roughed you up? Why?” He snarled. I could feel the tension rippling through his towering, lithe form, watched the faint tremor steal over him, but his touch remained impossibly gentle where he held me. Still, I couldn’t help but turn away in disgust and shame at his question. That was all the answer he needed, breath hitching as he quickly pulled away from me.

“Wa-wait.” I gasped, vainly struggling to force myself to talk – to explain before things got worse. “He didn’t”

“What happened?” Hunter asked from behind me, and another curse caught over my tongue.

“Look.” The sniper growled, chin jerking toward me. Some feeble dismissal vied for breath, lips just beginning to part when the Sergeant tread around the room to face me, expression suddenly darkening as his eyes swept over the patches of deep bruises.

“Those aren’t from droids.” It wasn’t a question.

“One of those nat-borns figured they were owed something more for a mission accomplished.” Crosshair snarled.

“What?” The word barked from Hunter’s lips so sharply, I couldn’t help but shy slightly, teeth catching the inside of my lips in some vain attempt to still the way my chin trembled, gaze quickly dropping to the cooling puddle of caf slowly spreading beneath our feet. Ignoring the mess entirely, Hunter lowered himself onto a knee just in front of me. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to look at him; couldn’t risk seeing the anger or pity or disgust I feared I’d find there.

“Doc, I want you to tell me exactly what happened.” I wasn’t expecting the gentleness of his plea; the depth of concern quieting his words into something just above a murmur, and that gentleness is what finally broke me, tears slipping mockingly down my cheeks despite how forcefully I ground my teeth in a desperate attempt to hold them back.

“I said I’m taking care of it!” Even as guilt twisted through my chest, the anger fueling my words was safer than fear, so I found myself clinging to it, finally meeting Hunter’s eyes with a piercing glare. “Yeah, that asshole tried to-” even now, I couldn’t say it, voice catching in my throat before I forced myself to continue lest my mind falter and freeze, “but I’m not some damn helpless civilian! I fought back, and I got away, and he’s sure as shit just as kriffed up as me because of it!”

I couldn’t just stand there, skin crawling at the mere thought of that night, heart slamming painfully against my chest. Arms locking around my chest, fingers burring into the black fabric covering handprints I feared I’d never be free of, I stalked to the far corner of the mess room, legs pacing restlessly as wide eyes darted between the two of them; blind to their stillness as they merely watched me.

“Good.” The sudden praise from the normally impartial sniper stopped me in my tracks, shocked to see the approval shining through those golden eyes. “Still, think we should head back, though,” He added, glancing to his brother as he pushed himself back to his feet, “Make sure there’s no… misunderstanding.”

“No!” I barked, dread returning en force, but he seemed not to notice.

“What’s with all th…” Dammit… Echo stood frozen midstep in the doorway, jaw parted in a silent gasp. “What the kriff happened?!” He demanded, storming into the room towards me. I managed to hold my ground until he raised his hand, reaching towards me as though the bruising might simply vanish beneath his touch, but I couldn’t still the way my head jerked away at that last second, eyes slamming shut beneath a strike I knew would never come.

“Echo.” Hunter called, a quiet warning in his voice, but I could hear the tension in the arc’s suddenly ragged breaths.

“Who the kriff did this?” The quiet growl sent a tremor down my spine, eyes hesitantly peaking up at him. Echo held my gaze for barely a breath before looking sharply over his shoulder at their leader.

“We’re going back.” He stated with such absolution, it wrenched a sob from me. This is exactly what I was afraid of.

“N-”

“Goin’ back where?” In my frenzy, I hadn’t noticed the quiet in the absence of Wrecker’s snoring, and looked in horror to find the jovial man filling the entirety of the doorway. His eyebrows rose sharply upon seeing me, a huff of air catching against a smirk. “Well, someone saw some action!” The glee in his voice quickly faded as he took in the darkness of his brothers’ expressions. “Wha… what happened?”

“Nothing.” I stated forcefully, but it took mere seconds for that same rage to sharpen his gaze as understanding dawned on him. “No! No, Dank ferric! Listen to me!” I finally shouted, “He’s a karking Master Sergeant! If any of you even lay a hand on him-”

“You think we give a Sith’s tit about that?” For a moment, I was too shocked to hear that kind of language from Echo to respond, and Crosshair’s comment only further robbed me of any means of speech.

“He hurt you.” The sniper growled, as though that was all the justification any of them needed to throw away their lives for vengeance. Some broken attempt at pleading with them stammered from my lips, gaze darting from Crosshair’s seething rage to Echo’s terrifying fury, to a quiet hatred I hoped to never see in Wrecker’s eyes again.

“I’m afraid our good doctor is right.” A hopeful gasp escaped me as Tech pushed his way into the room, hair hopelessly mused from sleep, hand absently rubbing the weariness from his eyes before slipping his goggles back on. “Seeking out our own justice would do little more than pose a temporary unpleasantness – assuming we didn’t kill him outright – but it would likely see each of us decommissioned for assaulting a commanding officer.” My heart seized at hearing my fears spoken aloud, but the reluctant defeat that settled over the others freed some of the tension from my stiff muscles.

“I am curious, though,” Tech continued, turning his attention to me, “You have ample bacta. It seems clear you’d hoped to keep this from us until after we’d returned to Kamino, so why not treat your own injuries before we could see them? I assume you’ve taken pictures as evidence of the assault?” Heat pooled over my cheeks as my gaze fell.

“I didn’t…” The words choked over a broken gasp, and I had to force myself to draw a deep breath before trying again. “I was afraid the pictures wouldn’t be enough.” The words were mumbled, logically knowing the reason to be unnecessary but the doubt and fear that had poisoned my mind with ‘what if’s’ had been more than enough to steady my hand against anything that might lessen the bruising. I couldn’t bring myself to look at them as I spoke, but, even from the corner of my eye, saw Echo’s shoulders slump.

“They’ll be enough.” He whispered; promised in a way I couldn’t bring myself to argue against, and fresh tears clouded my vision. Stretching my jaw against the stiffness lodging in my throat, I forced myself to take a deep breath. “Can I help patch you up?” That gentleness I so treasured him for robbed the lingering tension from me along with what fleeting strength it brought, body wilting before him beneath the utter exhaustion I simply couldn’t continue fighting. Finding those eyes, seeing the purity of his concern and worry… I couldn’t deny him, head nodding listlessly.

“Come on.” He slowly motioned his arm toward me in a silent offer. I hesitated mere seconds before letting myself nearly collapse against him, hands clutching his forearm and bicep while my forehead nearly hid against his shoulder. I vaguely noted his other arm move as well, before his mind caught up with the action and he purposefully lowered the scomp back to his side. With slow steps, he guided me between his brothers and into the hall just as Hunter’s voice rumbled dimly over that distant hum of the engines.

“Tech, as soon as we’re out of hyperspace-”

“A message is already pending transmission to Commander Cody detailing everything we know.” Tech interrupted, earning only a quiet hum.

Fanart!!! by @mythical-illustrator

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[suspensefulpen]

Whumpuary Day 27: Flinching | Breakdown

TW: Bad Caretaker, Pet Whump, Conditioned Whumpee

@whumpuary

“Whumpee… I swear!” 

Whumpee ducked, holding his hands up to shield himself from Caretaker’s raised hand. When the blow never came he raised his head and found Caretaker staring confusedly at him. He let out a choked sob as he hugged himself tightly. Caretaker shook her head and pulled him into her arms. She patted his head as he cried into her shirt. 

“It’s such a shame Whumpee, how stupid you are. You really think I’m going to hurt you?” She sighed. “Honestly, Whumpee, what kind of evil person do you think I am? You’re so pathetic.” 

Caretaker cradled Whumpee in her arms. She wiped away his tears. “Hey, don’t cry. I don’t like when you cry. It makes me sad.” When he didn’t calm down, she rubbed comforting circles on his back. She placed a kiss on the crown of his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry. You know it was an accident.” 

She forced him to raise his head, his wailing coming to a stop. “Hey. I’m sorry, okay? Do you accept my apology?” 

He nodded, swallowing a sob. “Yes…” 

“Good boy!” She smiled and pulled him back into her arms, holding him close. “You’re so precious Whumpee. And you’re mine. All mine. Aren’t you, Whumpee?” 

“Yes.” 

She hummed. “Good boy.”

[anguishmacgyver]

[arecaceae175]

Febuwhump Day 2: Flinching (Time)

This one is inspired by my all time favorite thing ever: this comic by @wolfy1298. This fic is not exactly what happens in the comic, but it has some of the same scenes and the same vibes and I was seeing it in my head as I wrote this. AO3 link.

Warnings: none.

The full moon shone brightly, illuminating the camp in its pale glow. Warriors stretched his arms above his head and allowed himself a moment to wake up before he moved. 

Judging by the moon’s position, it was well past his turn for watch. Warriors lifted himself up from his bedroll with a yawn and curled his scarf tighter around his shoulders to ward off the chill. He glanced quickly around camp, doing a quick headcount, before he carefully walked over to Time.

Time was perched on a rock, sword drawn and placed over his knees. He was staring at the moon with an unreadable expression on his face. Time’s hands were loosely clasped together and two fingers were on his wedding ring, twirling the band in lazy circles.

“Time?” Warriors asked in a whisper. Time didn’t react. Warriors glanced back at the other heroes sleeping, then back to Time’s motionless form. Very gently, he placed a hand on Time’s shoulder. 

Time flinched. It was a small movement, and he took control over his body nearly instantly, but Warriors didn’t miss it. He pulled his hand back and left it to hover anxiously above Time’s shoulder. 

“Old man? You with me?” Warriors asked. 

“My apologies. You startled me,” Time said. He moved one hand to rest on the hilt of his sword. 

Warriors hesitated, then asked, “Are you okay?”

Time sighed deeply, his eyes moving back up to the night sky. “I’m alright. I was just… thinking,” Time said in a quiet voice. 

Warriors narrowed his eyes, taking in the bags beneath Time’s eyes and his white-knuckled grip on his sword. As if he noticed Warriors’ gaze, Time heaved another sigh and relaxed his grip on the sword.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Captain. I’ll be alright,” Time said. 

Warriors huffed a laugh and flicked one side of his scarf over Time’ shoulders. “It’s far too late for that,” he said with a smile. 

Time returned his smile, and Warriors could have sworn he saw a faint blush cross Time’s cheeks. Warriors unwound his scarf and settled it more securely around Time’s shoulders. He moved Time’s sword to rest against the rock then lowered himself down onto the rock next to Time.

“It’s my watch. Get some sleep, sprite,” Warriors said. Time’s lips quirked up and he dropped his head onto Warriors’ shoulder. Warriors chuckled.

“I meant in your bedroll, you gremlin,” Warriors said.

“Same thing,” Time mumbled, pulling Warriors’ scarf tighter around his body.

Warriors shook his head and tried with all his might to keep from smiling. He wrapped an arm around Time’s shoulders, a content and nostalgic feeling in his heart. 

If this was what Time needed to feel safe tonight, Warriors would happily act as his pillow for as long as he needed.

[whumpypepsigal]

All The Light We Cannot See s01e02: “Be gentle with this one. The Reich has high hopes for him.”

[its-my-whump]

whumpuary2024

Jan 27-28

Flinching

@whumpuary

Only moving up his hand fast, was enough to make whumpee flinch. "Oh, what's wrong? Are you scared of me already?"

A gloved hand cupped whumpees jaw and forcefully turned his head towards the perpetrator. His cheeks were squeezed painfully into an unwillig grimace.

"And I haven't even started yet. This is going to be so much fun, don't you think?"

The grip against his chin got even stronger and the gloved hand started to move whumpees head up and down to minick his approval.

"Aww, you're so sweet. And already so obidiant." The perpetrator smirked and wiped of one single tear trailing down the pale face of the captive with a move of his gloved thumb.

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