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

[bloodypast]

Oh but Ophelia caught that look and wanted to sigh at the pair of them. Best also that neither Hero knew that she and Mooshoo had discussed the situation themselves a few times. Not least of which because of the conflict it had created between Yuffie and Vincent. The moogles were duty bound to be good companions to their heroes, and would've done so even if they were not both very fond of their Heroes.

"Weeeellll" Drawing it out, the little moogle was still giving her a pout. "Good thing you're in the right place then kupo. The people in this house are used to insomnia, so we moogles are used to dealing with it kupo!" Determined, and moving to pull the blanket down from the couch into Lucrecia's reach before she flitted off to the kitchen.

She didn't know the scientist-hero well, not yet. They had talked, and she most certainly liked the older woman from what she could see. Clear enough she carried guilt and was trying to atone--not unlike Ophelia's own hero, even before he'd confessed the bare story of just whom she was to the rest of them from Gaia. Yeesh what a mess--it was almost like one of Ophelia's stories from her books.

While his companion moved to start water, Vincent was mentally cataloging what would be quick but filling. Moving to the armchair that was his usual spot, before addressing her. "You wanted to talk?"

[toomanymistakes]

As Ophelia left the room, she nodded. Of course she had, but left alone in a room with him... Perhaps it was time she were completely honest with him.

"...I fear I'm nearing my limit," she admitted, voice low so Ophelia would hopefully not overhear. The very faint glow in her eyes faded as she stared at her hands, she felt it best to start from the beginning. "When we were summoned, I thought that the visions would stop. The constant pain had, as though some part of what Kalki had done to call us here had caused the cells to go into remission." Something that until recently she had been grateful for. At last, she could finally die like anyone else.

"When Heroes who were summoned with colored crystals reach their mortal limits, they turn to Crystal. But when those of us without color in ours reach the brink, there is no coming back. We die, and no manner of magic can revive them." She let that statement sink in as she bowed her head. "When Kalki told us that we were to defend the others who had turned to Crystal, I hoped that would be how it ended; that it would be my atonement for what I had done - to you, to my son... Yet when Palitutu attacked, another took the killing blow as he shoved me through the portal. His face has haunted me every time I close my eyes. His, so many others..."

When she looked up to face the one she'd hurt the most, a few tears were fighting to fall down her cheeks. "And yours, Vincent."

[bloodypast]

A thousand different thoughts raced through his head. Anger and disbelief--it couldn't turn out this way, could it? A stab of fear and pain, at the idea of losing her again. Cynicism and disgust, worry, confusion--too many emotions interconnected to make sense of any one easily.

Staring back at her for a moment, mouth open slightly but no sound coming out. Vincent understood her, all too well---he'd found some reason to at least feign living again in dealing with Hojo, and then in his decision to help deal with the horror Sephiroth had become. Then he'd been pulled to Crystallis, and for all the similarities and pain and anguish here--part of him had started to live again too.

Unmoving, save for his breathing and crimson-eyes blinked at her--emotions flickering too fast across them to be understood before they were tamped down behind a wall. Waging an inner battle with himself, before getting to his feet once more. Quiet foot falls, measured pace, then kneeling to be more on her level. Reaching out and gently wiping those tears, eyes closing. Gathering courage or composure maybe, later on he wouldn't be able to tell.

"...is my face that hideous?" Low, warmth and understanding in his tone. One epiphany had struck him most with her words. She was suffering, punishing herself--and he still only wanted her happiness.

[toomanymistakes]

For as much as she'd done, until that day she awoke in Aqures Tosf she had no reason to live. She had failed; as a mother, as a friend. Until the day she was shoved into the portal to the research facility, she had no reason to keep pushing herself towards the next day and the day after that. At the facility, she'd finally been of use to the others. Could help them uncover data on this world and what Kalki and her fellow researchers had discovered. Her experience as a scientist had paid off. But now, if felt as though even that feeling of usefulness had crumbled away.

Yet feeling the warmth of Vincent's hand against her cheek, hearing the understanding in his voice, she knew she'd $@&$ed up. "You misunderstand." Her voice was quiet, a small pained smile crossing her lips as she reached up to rest her hand on his own. For all his stoic facade, she could see it in his face that she'd done the opposite of what she ever wanted to do again. "You're as handsome now as you were the day we first met."

Give me a reason to keep moving, she wanted to say. Please stop me from doing something we'll both regret, she thought. Yet instead she asked, "Tell me, Vincent: What do you know about Chaos?"

[bloodypast]

Enough to recognize a change of subject. It hurt but he was no stranger to pain like this. If anything it stung more because he almost hoped this wasn't a change of subject but was relevant. Hope was such a cruel thing...

Keeping his eyes closed--Vincent couldn't keep his emotions from showing like this, so better to keep them closed. "It's difficult to explain, as much of it is tied with the crystals here interfering." Low, keeping his right hand against her cheek and reveling in the feel of her own warm touch over it. "I can call upon him here, in times of great stress--but I am not in control."

Pausing between his words, left hand moving up. Practiced, although it had been years, as his head turned enough. Teeth and mouth being used to undo and pull off the leather glove. Tossing it aside, and fingers covered by a lattice of fine scars reached up to brush her other cheek too. "Rage, anger...but enough that I can control him from striking out against allies. Until the battle is done, or I am unconscious, he remains in control once called."

[toomanymistakes]

"'Soul wrought of terra corrupt. A quelling impurity cleansing the stream, to beckon forth an ultimate fate. Behold mighty Chaos, Omega's squire to the lofty heavens.' ...It was passage from the Chronicles of Yore, one of the texts written by the Ancients that your father and I were researching when he..."

Her voice caught for a moment, before she closed her eyes. The feeling of those scars so close to her, knowing what it had been to stop him from losing that hand altogether. He had the right to know. "When I walked into Hojo's lab and saw you lying there, I couldn't... I couldn't lose you too to his madness," she admitted, as hard as it was to do so. "He'd labeled you a failed experiment, and was going to have your body disposed of. So I hid you in one of the medic pods in my lab, did everything possible to ensure you survived..."

Including infusing him with the self-same essence that would one day bring about the end of their planet. Not exactly her best move, but one made out of desperation. "Having seen him in combat, it's only right you should know why you have his power... is because he lives inside you."

[bloodypast]

Good thing his eyes were closed, or perhaps it made things worse; visions--things he'd assumed for years were his imagination tormenting him replayed in his mind. Hojo, Lucrecia--distorted through liquid and feelings of pain, agony before passing out again, words mere sound, not anything comprehensive.

Part of his heart--small and scarred and bitter an organ it was--was proud of her. Proud of himself, as they were finally talking. Just as when they'd talked when she'd first arrived, tiny steps towards healing and closure. Silence was always Vincent's friend, his natural nature.

That he was quiet while she spoke, and he listened, and turned it all over in his mind. Teasing out angles and nuances, letting it make sense. "You saved my life..." When he hadn't been able to do the same--and yet he'd suffered even still. Further, it sounded as if he was doomed to end the world, as much as the maddened and delusional creature who had been her son at one point was attempting.

A wealth of emotions as he'd spoken heard in the low voice. Gratitude, horror, pain and confusion and sorrow. Fingers gentle and strong against her cheeks, stroking carefully.

"We need to find a way to stop this cycle." Muttered half to himself, not aware he'd spoken it until it was out. Then crimson-eyes opened, studying her as he held her face in his hands. "Thank you. For telling me. Whatever else..." Pausing, fumbling for words. "I have survived. Because of you." Another deep breath in. "We have to stop this cycle of pain though, Lucrecia..." Almost pleading, voice whisper quiet and her name said intimately.

[toomanymistakes]

For a moment, she almost felt that his silence was damning. Yet when he spoke, her tired eyes opened wide, trying so hard to read the smallest nuances in his expression. Yet when that failed due to the tears of joy and pain, she nodded.

"If there is anything I can do, my research can probably give more answers." It was the least she could offer, for both the gift and curse she'd given him. Of this, she was certain - hopeful, for the first time in decades. "We will end this cycle," she replied as her right hand found his left cheek, trying to reassure him as best she could. She would not push him away, would not lie nor omit if she could help it. She smiled genuinely, intimately amending herself in a voice not above a whisper. "We will, Vincent."

[bloodypast]

Her smile still lit up her face, made her more like an angel forced to fall with all the pain it brought. "Not just that cycle, but us." Slightly breathless, leaning into her touch with a tilt of his head, crimson-eyes baring his soul to her. "All I ever wanted is for you to be happy, you know that right?"

[toomanymistakes]

For a moment, the confusion was clear in her brown eyes. Yet as she looked into his more deeply, an understanding was made. "I do, and I am happy. Because you survived." Even though she could not, not on Gaia. Rubbing his cheek with her thumb, she added: "You deserved so much better than what I could give in my guilt, but that day I realized what--and, more importantly, who--mattered most to me. It was you."

Please let me make this right.

[bloodypast]

That she was happy, was all he wanted, bringing the barest of smiles to his mouth. Then she was continuing, and it took him a moment to process the words. His hearbeat was too loud in his ears, seeming almost to have sped up.

Yuffie, is going to have a heart-attack. And I don't care. The thought in his brain almost made him laugh, almost. As always, she had his attention more than anything else, aside from her safety. "We both need to live. In the present." Still that smile, left hand moving to brush her hair back.

Starting to lean forward, then pausing. A moment, before there was no more hesitation. Head tilting, mouth seeking her own and giving her more than enough time to pull away, to let him know she did not want this. Then lips met lips, a soft breath against her mouth, touch still gentle, but firm.

[toomanymistakes]

"Of course." That was something she could agree on. The hesitation maybe not so much, but she would try to focus on the here and now. Especially when he was being so thoroughly distracting, though if he thought for a moment she would pull away instead, he would be in for a surprise. When he hesitated, she made the initiative and for that moment it felt like her heart skipped a beat yet was far too loud. Were it not for the more analytical parts of her mind she'd fear someone else was hearing it too, even as her exhaustion that seemed to melt away in the moment.

To feel his lips against hers once more, and to be by his side always. That's what she'd wanted this entire time.

[bloodypast]

She was always distracting--always had been for him. Full attention, left hand sliding around to cup the back of her neck so softly. Holding her there, breathing her in and part of him wondering if he'd finally gone mad.

If he had, he never wanted to recover. It was amazing to him, feeling and hearing his heart skip, blood rushing in his ears in joy. Amazing also that he heard the click of a doorknob turning, as focused as Vincent was and finally at some form of peace.

It was a disruption--and his reflexes hadn't suffered at all. The click of the door, and his hand left her cheek and her warm touch. Sliding easily down to draw pistol from its spot at his hip. Not even looking as the door creaked and time seemed to slow.

Barrel aimed unerringly at the entry way to the living room right as a voice called out "Heeelloo?" and a lanky framed turk with flame-red hair stepped in. Stopping short at the sight of the weapon aimed at him.

At the same time as Vincent had breathed against her mouth, an apology, then turned his head enough to see whom their intruder was.

"Holy shit!" Hands up defensively, body poised from one step to the next as Reno had frozen.

"Reno." Low voiced, crimson-eyes narrowing and clearly not happy to see the other Turk. Warning him, for more than just walking in unexpectedly. "Right...yeah..I'll..." A pause and Reno shifted his weight backwards, still with his hands up and aquamarine eyes wide. "Later. Right. Later..." Not hard at all for him to turn and flee.

Right before the door shut there was a white blur with red-trailing scarf that zipped by, Ophelia moving quickly to go intercept the other Turk and on damage control. Smart and brave moogle, who could move very quickly when she wanted. This, she absolutely wanted to move fast on--and Reno would regret it if he was going to spill this and ruin it before Vincent was ready for it to be known.

In any case, the moment was over although they remained still for another heartbeat. Then Vincent's gaze slid back to her own. Leaning in briefly to kiss her quickly, apologizing. For his pulling back a moment later, holstering his weapon and getting to his feet fully, free hand sliding around to brush her cheek and mouth once more. "Lucrecia..."

[toomanymistakes]

She was almost completely lost in the moment when she heard the soft click of the doorknob. An amazing feat, considering the pounding of her heartbeat being so loud that it nearly drowned it out. She didn't want to pull away just yet, but when she felt Vincent's hand leave her own, her free hand went for the large tome that rarely ever left her side when she was not in her room at the observatory. Even after three months of no longer living in caves (again) nor forests, the rather maternal instincts she'd built up in order to protect the younger Heroes began to kick in.

Only when she realized who it was and why Vincent's hand left hers did she slow herself down.

That apology went in one ear and out the other as she whispered a "don't" before pulling away, looking between Vincent and the other, unsuspecting Turk. No longer certain whether her book was raised because she was annoyed by the interruption, or to keep Vincent from doing something they'd both regret. However when Reno backed off and fled through the door, a part of her was relieved. She barely noticed Ophelia shoot after him; blessed companion that she was.

She kissed him back, however briefly, as she lowered the tome once more. Her heart still raced, mind still reeling from the mood whiplash far too fast for her sleep deprived state to handle. "Vincent," she began, hand reaching up to hold his hand there for just a moment longer. "You weren't going to, were you?" She asked, not certain if she had asked aloud or if it merely reflected in her tired eyes. She figured the answer would be a 'no'. Wanted to believe it were so, like she always had and still did. Yet her constant night terrors always had left her feeling on edge.

[bloodypast]

Thumb stroking along her skin, glad when she returned the warmth of her own touch over his. "If he were a threat, I would have." Which didn't mean the other Turk couldn't be a threat--simply that it was why there had been that second's pause of hesitation between drawing and verifying the target.

Tea was most certainly ready, provided he hadn't lost track of too much time. Even if he didn't remember seeing a blur zip past after Reno. Ophelia, and somehow he was not surprised. "Would you join me?" Since he still wanted to make sure she got a good meal, as well as some rest, before escorting her home.

[toomanymistakes]

If he were a threat... That was a good enough of an answer for her to relax again. Though judging by the bit of mischevious glint in her brown eyes, she was determined to push the doubt from her mind as quickly as possible. "A threat, huh?" She began, a playful grin crossing her lips. "And what would they call you, Mr. Valentine, for stealing a kiss from a tired old widow like myself?"

Though the moment the teasing words were out of her mouth, she had to fight in order to stifle back the laughter. "Of course; I'd be glad to."

[bloodypast]

The joke simply brought a noise of amusement from him, and the rare treat of his mouth quirking into a smirk. "I don't know, what would you call me?" Teasing back, of all things and pulling her to her feet.

Heading for the kitchen, and it was clear that Ophelia had been giving them space. Two cups of tea were clearly ready, on a tray to be carried out. There was a small table in the kitchen, given a lack of rooms beyond the basics in the house. Pulling out her chair, "I hadn't intended this to turn into a dinner date." Not that he minded at all.

[toomanymistakes]

"Oh, I could think of a few things..." A boyfriend, a lover, among other things, she thought as she accepted the assistance standing. Did she state any of them? Not just yet, only maintained the teasing smile as she followed Vincent to the kitchen.

Seeing the two cups of tea, however... Maybe at some point when she was more capable of intelligent thought, she would have to think of a way to thank Ophelia. Perhaps a crimson and black bow to match her scarf?

"Nor did I," she admitted. This outcome was the farthest from her mind; having been fully expectant for his disgust with her actions. After all, she'd only wanted to discuss the matter of the energy that had revived him. Perhaps a few other things. Yet here they were. Not that she minded, though.

[bloodypast]

A slow blink at her return-tease, smirk remaining and hint of amusement in the otherwise stoic face. Vincent had, over the course of his life, been called quite a few different things over his life. Nor were even the majority of them pleasant. From her smile (oh he adored her smile), he knew she was thinking more of kinder things.

Helping her to sit, and bringing the tray over before searching the pantry and old-fashioned ice-box. Hmmm, he could work with some of this... Speaking as he prepped, gathering veggies and meat and broth, pulling out a pan on the stove and setting the heat.

"You're aware of how the crystals link us, to our homeworld, and how they prevent us from certain effects from there as well, yes?" Basic preparation started, Vincent...relaxed. It was the only way to view it, as suit-jacket was draped over the other chair, and holster and firearm with it. Sleeves rolled up, and his left forearm covered in the same latticework of scars, all sizes and some more faded than others.

[toomanymistakes]

Having been sat down, Lucrecia turned slightly in the chair so as to watch Vincent without straining her neck. The blink and vague hint of surprise hadn't gone unnoticed, even in her exhausted state.

"It was one of the first points we asked of, yes." Lucrecia nodded, having been the one to ask he when she'd noticed the constant physical pain was "miraculously" gone. Though sometimes she wondered if it had been a good thing.

[bloodypast]

That meant he didn't have to explain then, why her pain was gone, why the Jenova cells had little effect on her. "It...was rather new, and frustrating. Having to both relearn skills I had mastered, and being human once more." Rather than the experiment-ridden not-quite-monster he'd become.

Working as he spoke still, broth in the pan, then veggies diced carefully and placed in the same. The meat was harder, but not difficult. Stew, and keeping his senses alert. "When I awoke here, I held the Freelancer Job, and bore Death Penalty still." Since then he'd switched to Gunner, and then swapped Red Mage out for Ninja, finding that the combination of the two gave him access to skills he was familiar and comfortable with.

[toomanymistakes]

New and frustrating were understatements if she ever heard of one beforehand. Having to relearn a few tasks herself before arriving to Mysidia had been no easy feat, either. Though there had been time thanks to time resetting itself.

She swirled her tea in the cup for a moment, eventually taking a sip before speaking. "I can't imagine that was easy, no." She remembered Aang and Korra especially having a rough time of it, having to relearn their old skills in a way.

[bloodypast]

Steady, and still not as dextrous with his left hand or arm, but Vincent was the primary grown-up in the house. Which meant most of the chores fell on him, unless he 'persuaded' Reno. Yuffie did, on occasion, do her share too.

"That, and the fact we're all pulled from different points along the time-line, are probably what has kept Sephiroth from succumbing to madness." And kept Chaos at bay, from influencing him more, based on Lucrecia's words.

There was a door opening, soft and barely heard, before Ophelia flitted her way back to the kitchen. Watching them both, paws up to her mouth. "I hope the tea was still hot kupo."

[toomanymistakes]

Watching Vincent continue, a part of her wanted to help him with the prep work. After all, it was her fault that his left arm had-

But knew that as she was now she'd only be a hindrance. So instead she remained at her seat, pondering and focusing on his words. Vincent likely had some idea of how grateful to that side effect of their summoning, if only for them, without her saying a word aloud. "...and Chaos, since I doubt the Protomateria is-"

She cut herself off when she heard the door opening and closing. Far too used to listening for sounds despite herself. Yet when she realized it was only Ophelia, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's lovely, Ophelia; thank you." For the tea, for giving them a little space, and working damage control. Huh; she was finding herself thanking this lovely moogle far more often lately.

[bloodypast]

Ophelia nodded, relaxing a bit, then flying over to gauge whether she should continue to make herself scarce or to help with dinner. "I talked to Mooshoo too kupo. He's going to delay Yuffie. I also suggested that Reno MIGHT want to go take Yuffie out for dinner, give her some company, since he's always freeloading kupo." There had been no 'might' about it, it was a suggestion and a threat--and Ophelia was more than willing to back it up.

"Granted, he also needs to pay you back too kupo, but if he keeps his mouth shut, that'll be the best payment." A head-tilt, pom bobbing. "Right?"

Just because it had been interrupted, didn't mean Vincent had forgotten what Lucrecia had said. What was protomateria? It could wait though. "Ophelia, do you know Yuffie told me about her vision, of the bad future, and her moogle army?" Clearly she had not, as she shook her head, then went to pull down shallow bowls while he stirred what was in the pot carefully.

"Several moogles whose own heroes had died, or who had left with the schism between groups, came to her. You were one of them, and you also threatened Reno in the future, for Turk training." His voice even, sharing with Lucrecia as well as his companion.

Said companion was glad she'd put the dishes down, and hadn't yet gotten silverware as her eyes were wide, hands in her scarf. "But I don't even know what a Turk is kupo? Only that you used to be one..."

"Perhaps. But Reno still trained you apparently. You, and Mooshoo, and Mogdelina were Yuffie's special guard." Amusement in his voice, eyes moving to meet her own dark ones. "It is not a 'nice' position, nor do I hope it ever comes to pass, but you would indeed make a good Turk."

Ophelia blinked, hands clenched in her scarf and wings fluttering slightly faster. Really? Turning her head to Lucrecia, as if she couldn't believe it. Not that she didn't know Vincent thought highly of her--he'd let her know so much--but still. She hadn't been praised like this before.