Hurt/Comfort Meme

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Hurt/Comfort - Hurt/comfort is a fan fiction genre that involves the physical pain or emotional distress of one character, who is cared for by another character. The injury, sickness or other kind of hurt allows an exploration of the characters and their relationship.

- Post with Character Name | Series in the subject.
- Others respond.
- Roll 1-10 at RNG for a scene, play it out and have fun!

1. INJURY. You've been injured. Broken bones or bleeding out or maybe just a tiny little papercut. The choice is yours.
2. SICKNESS. You're sick and laid up in bed, at home or in a hospital. The severity is up to you.
3. FEAR/ANXIETY. Something is happening and you're scared beyond belief.
4. LOSS OF SENSES. Sight, touch, taste, hearing, smell, etc. You've lost some important sense or ability and now you're left to deal with it.
5. DESPAIR. Nothing is good or right anymore and you can't shake the depression. Maybe that friend of yours can help though...
6. BREAKUP. You've been dumped. You need someone to comfort you, possibly by the one who dumped you.
7. MAKE UP. Fight or break up, it's time to makeup.
8. RESCUED. You've just been held captive and/or tortured for however long and finally, someone has come to the rescue.
9. BAD ROMANCE. Fight, cheated on, abused, whatever the case is, someone else can clearly see you need comfort from someone who isn't your terrible lover tonight.
10. LOSS. You've experience a loss of some kind and need help getting through it.
11. INSANITY. You're seeing things that aren't really there, hearing voices, or you're just convinced you're at your wit's end finally and you're going to crack. Maybe someone can give you a helping hand.
12. TIRED. You've had a heard life recently and you're just worn too thin to really care anymore. There's no fight left in you anymore. Can someone help change your mind?
13. ADDICTION. Drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or any other type of addiction has got you in its grasp. First time or relapse. Will someone be able to save you?
14. INSOMNIA. You can't sleep anymore, no matter how hard you try. Maybe someone can give you company.
15. NIGHTMARES. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, you can't sleep without gruesome, horrible nightmares. Either someone is stuck in your dream with you, witnessing it or they're just waking you up, soothing you out of it.
16. BLACKMAIL. You've been caught doing something you shouldn't and you were blackmailed because of it
17. SEPARATION. You're going to be separated for awhile or were separated for a long time. Either make up for lost time or try to spend every last moment together.
18. SINS. You're feeling the weight of your sins and guilt clearer than ever. Can someone give you absolution or lessen the ache any?
21. SECRET. It's difficult having to keep that secret of yours, be it a relationship or something you just don't want to share with anybody else. Maybe it's okay to talk about it now though...

Comments

[dollwhisperer]

[Kenta is completely ordinary so has no clue, and better to be safe than sorry. Even if the Maaka bats are usually friendly towards him, he's aware it's a very 'loose' definition of friendly.

It's also a bigger bat that Kenta has ever seen (not that he's seen that many).]

Ne, Maaka?

[Because he wants to help, but how? Anju has gotten Karin at least slightly calmer, as the two approach. Even if the younger one is still hiding partially behind her big sister. And Bge-kun.]

This...this isn't...you don't know...

Kenta's struggling to phrase things, out in the open, but...]

It's not one of ours.

[Anju answers, turning dark golden eyes on the injured bat.]

Which means we don't know if it's a threat--

Anju-chan, it's injured!

[Karin protested, aware that her little sister was mature beyond her years, and yes-it was smart to be cautious. But it was injured! Moving to kneel carefully, Karin proceeded to rummage in her bag, looking for a handkerchief. Sighing, Usui sat near her, and pulled out the wrapping cloth from the bento she'd made. It might be big-enough.]

Even if it is, we don't know if it's safe to move it--even if it's not a threat.

[Anju remained somewhat firm and Bge-kun let out a cackle.]

Hee you don't want to injure it more do you by moving it, Idiot?

[That had Karin pausing in her move towards the injured fruit-bat. Her gaze flitting between Kenta and Anju in indecision. Kenta frowned, and took the cloth, and moved carefully. Slowly, to see just where and how the bat might be injured from a visual inspection.

Was it safe to move? That was the first question.]

[notquitedracula]

[Soma observes this as calmly as a bat can, who has a broken wing. He's in pain, sure, but he's still got a human intellect. As such, he's not going to fight them if they touch him, try to move him, or wrap him up.

It won't take long for Kenta to figure out the major problem - that wing is definitely broken. This bat isn't flying anywhere under its own power, anytime soon. In addition, there's at least one fresh hole in its other wing, probably courtesy of one of those sticks. Poor guy's definitely seen better days.

He chirps at them, in a way he's hoping is encouraging - yes, please do get me out of here before someone else tries to poke me.]

[dollwhisperer]

[None of them are doctors, which isn't helping. Kenta is careful, and only touches the wing to try and assess how bad it is. Trying to murmur soothing noises too, taking those chirps as encouragement.]

I think if we can splint the wing, the body seems undamaged and we hopefully won't make the injury worse...

Anju-chan, can you ask Mama? Papa?

They're not awake yet.

[Soon though, even if Anju understands Kenta and Karin's want to help. This is not a normal bat, and it's too close to the barrier. But she'll sigh.]

Usui-san, we can take it to your place.

[An "eh?" of surprise from where Kenta is gently trying to support the wing with a stick and the handkerchief, while Karin carefully holds the bat up. But that's probably a good option right now, as his mom has a new job and won't be home yet.]

Mama and Papa will know what to do.

[Which, meant that that was probably that. Usui's place was near the barrier but not inside it, and could be monitored, and it would only be an hour or two, right? Besides, Anju would be there so it wasn't like Kenta or Karin would get up to anything.]

Ooohooo, all alone with each other while Momma's out! Whacha gonna dpfofof!

[Anju pinching the doll's mouth shut.]

Quiet Bge-kun.

[notquitedracula]

[The interpersonal stuff, coupled with Bge's commentary, would probably have made Soma blush, if he was currently capable of doing so.

The mention of parents intrigues him. What sort of people are their parents? Not 'awake' yet suggest nocturnal habits... and that sets off a couple red flags in his head.

You better believe he's going to be on his best bathavior.]

[dollwhisperer]

[Best behavior is a good idea, although it'd really be very mundane and likely boring. Kenta is careful in partially wrapping the bat up, especially with the injured wing, and the 3 then walk fairly peacefully to an old apartment building. Old. Not run-down, but clearly lacking in some modern amenities.

It's clean enough though, and after some nervous fumbling (from embarrassment and to avoid injuring him further) of the bat from Kenta to Karin, soon enough all 3 are settled in the Usui living room. The overhead light is on, and Kenta has brought over a wash-cloth and bucket, while Karin has been gently petting the bat's head. Hoping to be soothing.

Anju still has Bge-kun's mouth pinched closed, until she finally releases him with a quiet admonition of "Behave." Observing things, before turning to Kenta.]

You should probably make a better splint.

[Taking out her cell-phone, ignoring any response, and texting....]

[notquitedracula]

[The head-stroking is definitely calming, not that it's needed. This girl has a kind heart. He can sense that much through her touch. She's also not... human. He can't tell quite exactly what she is, though, because neither he nor Dracula have ever met anything quite like her.

His attention is drawn more to Anju, though. She's definitely not acting like your average child, even your average precocious child. She's very definitely the one in charge here, whether the other two realize it or not.]

[dollwhisperer]

[She is, and the other two don't question it. It is not as awkward as it could be, thankfully. Between the bustle of gently cleaning the bat's wounds, and Kenta attempting to make a better splint from meager supplies. Anju had received replies but had kept them to herself, listening to Karin murmur soothingly, and occasionally offering advice.

It has been steadily getting darker out, and as the edge of twilight truly comes, but not yet full dark, Anju's phone beeps. Reading the message, she nods to herself and gets to her feet.]

Thank you Usui-san. We can take it from here. Karin, can you carry him? Gently?

[Their unknown-bat-guest had been gently wrapped in a towel, and once again had his wing splinted carefully. Karin is a bit awkward as she takes him from Kenta, Anju grabbing the school bag. Now would be a very bad time for her clumsiness to kick in...

Maybe it's Anju's presence steadying her, or maybe Karin's able to focus properly for once, as both of them say goodbye to Kenta and begin the short walk up the hill, and through the barrier.]

[notquitedracula]

[Soma doesn't protest, allowing himself to be carried without making a fuss even when his injured wing is bumped accidentally. He has a feeling that the ruse is soon going to end, though, and he's almost sad for that. He may not be dealing with humans, exactly, but they didn't deserve to find out they were playing host to a genuine monster.

When they pass through the barrier, he shivers a little. That was an extremely odd feeling, even for him. Whoever set that up had some real power, and as they approached the house on the hill, he began to form a suspicion.

It had been staring him in the face all along, to be fair. The bats were probably the biggest giveaway.]

[dollwhisperer]

[It has probably been staring him in the face, but these also aren't quite like the vampires he's used to. Anju still leads the way, a soft "we're home" murmured as she and Karin enter the house. Mama--Calera Marker--has her arms crossed, a slipper held warningly in one as she surveys her two daughters. Papa--Henry Marker--looks more approachable, but still stern as he gives the bat a good eyeing over.

The two share a side glance, before Calera sighs.]

You can put him down now, gently, Karin.

[Karin's head tilted in puzzlement. Huh? But Mama had that look, so she carefully moved to place the wrapped up bat on the floor. Henry moved closer, crossing his arms and looking more stern.]

You're smart and sneaky, but you'd better reveal yourself now. Especially if you don't want us adding to that broken wing.

[It's dark in the entry hallway, and yet the group--save for Karin--seems to have little trouble seeing.]

[notquitedracula]

[The bat visibly sighs when he's set down. He'd hoped to have time to explain on his own terms, but... well, these two were very definitely vampires. He shakes himself free of the towel - slowly, to avoid both further pain and alarming anyone - and takes human form on one knee, his head bowed.

Karin should probably leave the room, now. If unhappiness is her trigger, she's going to get an extra large dose of it off of him as soon as he's fully formed.]

My intent was not to deceive. Your daughters happened upon me in the playground, with a broken wing. Had I tried to scare those children off, they would certainly have remembered seeing a man stand up where a bat had been a moment before.

[dollwhisperer]

[As it is, Karin does turn bright red, causing Anju to reach out and place a hand gently on her big sister's arm in support. More alarmed at the sudden reaction from Karin, than from anything the stranger has revealed so far.

The elder Markers are both scowling, but not necessarily in hostility. Quiet for a moment in thought. Then Calera speaks, hefting her slipper warningly.]

Your name, where you're from, and how you got the broken wing. Quickly and succinctly, please.

[She did have some manners....]

[notquitedracula]

My name is Soma Cruz. My bloodline is Tepes, and I reside in Hokkaido. My wing was broken by the children, as I flew overhead. They had a long stick, and I wasn't paying attention. I was careless.

[Head still bowed. He doesn't like his chances with a broken arm, not against two fully-fledged vampires, even with Vlad's full power behind him. But he has no intention whatsoever of wielding that power now, because that would be poor manners indeed - and if nothing else, he is polite.]

May I see to my arm, before we continue? It needs to be set before it starts to heal improperly.

[dollwhisperer]

[There's a brief look of alarm at the bloodline, and a slight deepening of the scowl from Calera. Before she turns her head and sniffs.]

In the living room. Henry?

[Nodding, Henry keeps a hawk-like gaze on Soma, but leads the way. Meanwhile, Calera has turned to her two youngest.]

Your brother is staying out tonight, and you two probably don't want to see what's coming. We'll call you in a minute.

[Softer voiced, her eyes flickering to the living room area.]

From the observations of our familiars, his story matches. Not least of which we found the unconscious boys.

[A nod to Anju, and then she sighed, with a sympathetic look to her elder daughter.]

Go, before we have to clean up more.

[Manners and hospitality, especially among immortals, is important.]

[notquitedracula]

[Soma rises to follow meekly, knowing that he's about to be in quite a lot of pain, at least for a few seconds. No, the girls definitely do not need to see that.

His eyes cannot help being drawn to Anju, as he passes. Perhaps some lingering trace of his recent form change still lingers - as a bat, he felt drawn to her. He shakes the momentary reverie off, however, and proceeds into the living room, to whatever fate awaits him there.]

[dollwhisperer]

[Fortunately, Anju's attention is taken by Karin, the pair heading into the kitchen. Karin to prepare dinner, and wash the Bento container. Breathing to keep herself calmer, and Anju helping to distract her a bit.

Which is good, because the elder Markers are...not unkind, but thorough in their questioning. He is, after all, a foreign vampire in their territory uninvited. Even if he was injured. They're also well aware they won't be able to keep Karin's state a secret for long, and neither is willing to outright bring it up while their 'guest' might hear.

Once assured he's not a threat outright, the guard will relax some, and proper introductions are given. And aid offered to his injury. He IS a guest, after all.]

[notquitedracula]

[It's the next day when they'll discover he has other anomalous abilities, even for a vampire. Particularly when he comes to 'breakfast' without a sling on... and doesn't drink blood, even if offered. Karin and Anju get to keep their food, though, because he pulls a plate of curry out of nowhere.]

I apologize for the overt use of magic, but if my observations are correct, human food is... not commonly served here.

[dollwhisperer]

[The incongruity of it all had them puzzled, but perhaps they simply didn't have his taste in blood available. The next morning at breakfast though, despite his politeness, had Karin's eyes wide.

And then panicking, because...that...that wasn't normal for vampires. How? what?

Of course, since it was morning, Calera and Henry were less than thrilled to be awoken. With Henry bursting into the kitchen with a faint growl and anger in his eyes. Which did not help the panic, until a slipper hit him in the head. Again, Calera was scowling, standing in the doorway with her eyes narrowed.]

Karin, stop that right now.

[Arms crossed, the matriarch hefted her slipper in warning, and murmured "Henry, go reassure her if you want to be useful." Which he did, as Karin clung to her papa who still glared. Then Calera turned once more to their guest, not hostile but definitely unhappy.]

Explanation. Now. [ A moment, and then a firm--] Please.

[Which is the scene Anju wandered in on, rubbing an eye blearily with no sign of Bge-kun for once.]

[notquitedracula]

[He sighs, shoving the plate of curry and rice into the middle of the table.]

Vampirism isn't all I inherited from my bloodline. Once every hundred years or so, one person descended from Vlad inherits all of his powers. All of them. His sorceries, his alchemy, his dominion over creatures of the night... everything. Typically, this also results in the person being driven mad, and Vlad's consciousness taking over their body.

I was unlucky enough to survive the experience.

[dollwhisperer]

[Blank looks, as it's taking a moment to make sense of all that. A blood-making vampire is one thing, but this is definitely something that's new and they've never heard of.]

Maybe we should wake Mothe--

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

[Henry's suggestion was easily shouted down by his wife, along with the glare.]

We can't be sure how she'd react, as he's not even family!

[But her head is down, and she's still sleepy--and starting to get a headache. Thinking, and sighing. Looking to Henry, to take up the slack. Which he does, with a nod, and draws himself up tall.]

Cruz-san, you have been our guest, and we've aided you. I trust that you will continue to be a polite and good guest?

['and not scare the wits out of us or our daughter again please?' was the unspoken request.]

We can continue this in the evening, after some sleep. Karin is...a late bloomer in many ways, and can help you in the daylight.

If it's cloudy, I can also help. I can keep an eye on him regardless.

[Anju said calmly, prepared to argue if they tried to say no. It wouldn't be the first time she'd monitored things with her bats in stead of slept.]

[notquitedracula]

Of course. I apologize for alarming you - I wasn't aware that other vampires weren't normally practitioners of magic. I... haven't really had anyone to teach me these things. I understand my own abilities and the customs of hospitality, but that's about it. If you would prefer full disclosure of my abilities, I can give you a demonstration this evening.

[Best not to mention the soul eating part, then. He can leave that out, certainly - and as long as he doesn't need to reveal his combative abilities, he won't. They already know he can turn into a bat, and produce food out of nowhere - that's enough weirdness for one day.]

I'm very good at moving among humans, if that's what you mean. Sunlight doesn't affect me much, either.

[dollwhisperer]

[Isn't he just full of surprises. Magic, and things that seem like magic, aren't unfamiliar to either Marker, but they were were hardly common. All of which is too much of a headache to deal with right now. Calera's eye was twitching, which Henry knew was a warning sign.]

Anju you will do no such thing. You already push yourself too hard. Karin, please calm down some more? It'll be alright--just try to have a normal day for yourself.

[That was the most important thing, taking care of his daughters first. Hopefully.]

As boring as it might be, I will ask you to stay inside our barrier--you should be able to sense it--if not in the house, until after we've spoken this evening.

[That last directed to Soma, with a stern look.]

[notquitedracula]

It won't be a problem. I'll stay in or near the house until this evening. Less chance of accidents, that way. [Since he has no idea how to erase memories, he's at least as much a danger to their secrecy as Karin. Probably even moreso.]

Come to that... are there any chores you need done, that are best worked on in daylight?

[dollwhisperer]

[That brought some visible surprise, even in their sleep-deprived state. Pleasantly surprised.]

That's kind of you. Karin will likely know best, as she and Anju are the only ones who are awake then. We should get more rest, and we can all discuss this further later.

[They'd discuss it later, as the elders retired once more. Anju stayed in the kitchen however, with Karin, who was somewhat calmer.]

Nee-chan, I can help with breakfast if you want? Cruz-san can do the dishes, in apology for making you worry.

Anju-chan there's no need for that...he's our guest!

[notquitedracula]

[He bows to the departing parents.] I don't mind. I've handled my own dishes since I was ten - a few extra isn't going to hurt me.

[He smiles, revealing no fangs to speak of. At least he can try to be helpful, even if Karin doesn't seem entirely sold on the idea of making a guest work.] Consider it repayment for yesterday, if that helps. You likely saved, if not my life, then at least my dignity.

[dollwhisperer]

Eh? No..no I mean, yes, I mean...

[Karin was back to stuttering, her hands waving along with her denials.]

Neechan means that we weren't going to just leave you, even if you were a threat.

[Anju's reply was deadpan, and Karin sweatdropped in slight embarrassment. But nodded profusely.]

I can show you what needs doing, even if it's too bright for me to go outside today.

[Karin blinked at Anju's words.]

But-but Anju, you were told not to stay up.

[Concerned big sister is concerned.]

Part of a day won't hurt me much, and if I need to I'll wake Mama or Papa. Ren-niichan already knows about the unexpected guest too.

[So if Anju needed help, there would be back-up arriving.]

Besides, I have BGE-kun too.

[This...didn't seem to reassure Karin that much, remembering what BGE-kun and the rest of Anju's dolls were like. But she also knew better than to argue with her little sister on this. So, back to Soma-san, with a small bow.]

Help would be appreciated, so...please join us for breakfast?