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

[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.

[toomanymistakes]

"You're right. That would be the best payment." Though not knowing the younger Turk well at all, she wasn't going to hold her breath on this matter. Hopefully he knew better than to not do so, because for some bizarre reason she nearly felt as though it took less than gentle persuasion on Ophelia's part. Something she admired about the moogle.

Though hearing of the vision, Lucrecia raised an eyebrow. This was her first time hearing about such a thing, though it answered so many questions in so few words. Both about Yuffie's initial reaction to seeing her on the street and the tension between them now.

A moogle Turk, huh... That was interesting enough to pull her out of her reverie. When Ophelia turned to her, she nodded. "It's true, even though before coming here I'd only ever met one..." Thus, her opinion may be biased. Though if Vincent thought so, she'd be hard pressed to disagree in regards to his field of expertise.

[bloodypast]

Ophelia liked Reno, generally. He was so different from her own Hero, but he was a lot like Yuffie in the ways she liked the other hero too. He also seemed to get along better with her than his own moogle. Clear, were he a human, he'd be what they called a 'charmer'--but Ophelia wasn't falling for it.

The agreement made Ophelia zip over, after grinning, and tackle the side of Vincent's head and neck in a hug. Kind of awkward, and holding it for a moment, before she was over to perch on the table by Lucrecia. "What IS a turk though? He still won't tell me kupo." Maybe Lucrecia would? Please? Pretty please?

Vincent simply stifled any outward sign of his amusement, and concentrated on dinner so it wouldn't boil over nor be too thin.

[toomanymistakes]

Lucrecia may have laughed quietly, behind her free hand, when Ophelia tackle hugged Vincent. Or maybe it was just some amused smile hidden behind the ball of white and purple fluff that seemed to connect with Vincent's head and neck. Luckily she placed her cup down before Ophelia zipped over, taking the opportunity to collect herself. It probably wasn't all that funny, but in her sleep-deprived delirium, it was one of the funniest things she's seen in ages.

"He won't, huh." She gave Vincent a look before turning to speak with Ophelia. "The Turks are a group under the Department of Public Safety of Shinra Electric Power Company. They are the investigative and intelligence branch of the company, often engaging in reconnaissance and espionage missions. Sometimes even black ops, or assigned to the protection of select members of the company."

A far more kinder a description than the company they both had worked for deserved.

[bloodypast]

Definitely far kinder than they deserved, but Ophelia didn't know that. "So they're like spies then kupo?" Ophelia's eyes had widened again, leaning forward and hanging on Lucrecia's words. Clear she thought this was cool. "I know Reno is one, even though he says the company doesn't really exist anymore kupo." Pondering thinking about what she knew of the other Hero. "I guess I could see it in him, but it'd have to be in the right situation kupo."

"She was far kinder in that description than ShinRa deserved, Ophelia." Vincent's voice was quiet, but not cold. Despite his words. "The Department of Administrative Research, informally known as the Turks, were the dirty dogs of the company. We took on the odd jobs that couldn't be done by others in the company, so that they could remain clean. No one voluntarily 'left' the department; you completed the mission or you died."

A sobering counterpart to Lucrecia's description, and Ophelia's head had swiveled to listen to her Hero. He shared so rarely, and when he did it was worth paying attention. Clear she was pondering this, turning over the two sides in her mind before sighing, then a small smile. "I understand why you hope it won't come to pass kupo. For a lot of reasons." Turning back to Lucrecia, and flying at her in a gentle hug, before zipping back to tackle Vincent again. "But I'm still flattered kupo, and will try to be worthy of your praise."

Holding that, before she got silverware out and brought it over to the table, since Vincent was bringing over the bowls of stew.

[toomanymistakes]

She did her best to only summarize what the general public had known, but was almost relieved that Vincent had taken over. Ophelia deserved a full answer, but she couldn't find it in herself to speak poorly of Vincent's former occupation.

"As though they ever could," she added with a single shake of her head. "It may well be true that the company no longer exists, and for all we've done... I hope it is." Some things were best left to the river of time, to be remembered and never repeated.

Still, she smiled and offered a hug in return before Ophelia returned to Vincent and collected the silverware.

[bloodypast]

Ophelia still had some questions, but she knew when she wouldn't get any more answered, at least on one topic. Debating with herself if she wanted to venture a new one, before deciding she'd keep quiet. She had enough to think about for the moment, with what little she'd gleamed from others and from the few times Vincent did speak.

Instead she helped Vincent get things settled for dinner, waiting until they were both sat. "Do you want me to come with you kupo once you leave again?" The companion honestly wasn't sure--she knew her own Hero was more than capable, even if Dr. Crescent wasn't herself as well--of handling any trouble. On the other hand, she could help provide alibis and cover.

"We'll see once we're finished, Ophelia. Thank you." Definite warmth in the low voice, and the little moogle beamed. Then turned back to their guest, coming over and patting her arm softly with her paw. "Please do be more careful, Miss Lucrecia? You're more liked than you think you are kupo." With that, she was off upstairs. Mogdelina had found a new book and Ophelia was reading it, then gonna suggest it to Vincent for story time.

Letting the quiet take over, it was broken by a very soft chuckle. "She was wasted working in Trano Golsaucia's mognet office." Clear enough Vincent was fond of his companion as well. Then giving his full attention once more to Lucrecia. "I...understand. How it is to feel the need to atone, to push on."

[toomanymistakes]

Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she glanced away from Ophelia, but would be lying if that was the only emotion twisting around her stomach right about now. She'd been moved, in a way, and was content to let the silence continue for the time being as she mentally sorted the thoughts from before. At least, until she heard the very rare chuckle break it.

"We all must start somewhere." She nodded in agreement; really, Ophelia's skills had been wasted. Though perhaps it was best to think of it as a stepping stone to the place they were today. Looking to Vincent, she had so many questions. How he managed to start moving forward once more after pulling through long after she'd fled the manor. What had acted as a catalyst for him to act and keep going? He'd lived and done so for much longer than she had. Yet for all her questions, she may as well be encased in crystal with how many she voiced.

"I...know. That's all that can be done, isn't it." You know, aside from seclude oneself in a cave somewhere and withdraw from society completely.

[bloodypast]

Studying her, but without seeming to--habit and skill picked up from his days as a Turk. Pondering how to answer, and eating was a convenient excuse to allow time for it. "It's...often a personal decision. What one chooses as atonement, and whether it ever is truly attainable." For him--he'd finished what he'd started with Hojo. Had been in the process of helping stop the results of his mistakes before.

Then Vincent had been pulled to Crystallis, and the rules had changed. Things were familiar and similar at times, but so very different from what he'd known. What purpose he'd thought he had. What purpose he'd still had, and chosen to have.

Perhaps a subject change though, not that it was much better. He did want to be certain she ate, but she had started to mention it before. "Protomateria?" If Vincent could get her to focus on the work, it would help.

[toomanymistakes]

As Vincent spoke, she took a few spoonfuls of stew─pondering on his words while doing so. Seeking atonement was still a new thing for her. After all, she had never sought atonement for herself before awakening in Aqures Tosf. No, that was a lie... It wasn't until she had met with someone who'd taken the title of "wise" for himself sharing his own sin of ignorance and hubris, and for telling her that she could still seek redemption by protecting others with her new gifts and old knowledge in the present. And as she thought on it now, she realized she'd attempted to do so long before in the efforts to revive the very man who sat across the table from her.

Though his simple question pulled her from her thoughts. He...didn't know?

"I see... You never found the files I'd left." It wasn't a hard conclusion to come to. Especially considering his reactions the entire afternoon. "It's a one-of-a-kind materia that your father and I discovered while researching the crystal caves that was said to be the location that Chaos would one day emerge to gather all life on its final journey across the sea of stars. I had kept it in my lab when we began testing..."

She shook her head, resting her spoon on the table instead of continuously stirring the stew that remained in her bowl. Meeting his gaze, as difficult as it may still be when discussing his father, she continued. "The theory was that the Planet itself had created it as a way to control Chaos and Omega. A theory that was later proven correct."

[bloodypast]

Listening, she had his full attention as always. Letting her look away, even though he did not blame her still, for Grimoire's death. "We did not have a chance...I have not had a chance, to go explore the Mansion once more." Bigger priorities, and Vincent had more than enough skeletons in his closet to not want to go digging lightly.

"You know that... While we were not close, I do know that my Father was a gentleman. In spirit and nature, and he believed in taking care of his companions." A heartbeat, two, trying to convey that while he still did not know how he had died, but she had nothing to blame herself for most likely. Only known that his father died in the course of his research.

"So, this Protomateria allows control over Omega, and Chaos? What is Omega."

[toomanymistakes]

"Of course," she nearly whispered. Though at the next words out of his mouth, she held up a hand in front of her face─quietly requesting for Vincent to stop that train of thought.

"One thing at a time," she asked. There were plenty of skeletons to remove from her own closet, and too much in her current state would likely not be the best recourse for their attempt to end this cycle and mend their relationship. Perhaps after all questions pertaining to her thesis were exhausted they could revisit the topic of his father.

He did not yet realize just how close to the mark he had come to what happened. Lowering her hand, she continued.

"In short: Omega is a WEAPON, but unlike those created to defend Gaia, acts as the ultimate last resort. His purpose is to gather all life─sentient and non─and lead it into the sea of stars."

[bloodypast]

One thing at a time indeed; normally he was more patient. Perhaps it was simply that things were not going so badly for once. They were talking, were in many ways of the same mind-set than they had been in ages. A breath in, and Vincent listened organized his thoughts once more.

"Then the point of Chaos?" Vincent could make some guesses himself given when she'd just said about Omega, but much of this was also still entirely new information. Nor was it as if they could easily access information about Gaia to check things...

Although he supposed if need be, they could check the records Palitutu had kept on them.

[toomanymistakes]

"Recall the passage I quoted earlier?" She asked, giving him a moment before continuing to break down the Cetran text. "'Soul wrought of terra corrupt. Quelling impurity cleansing the stream.' He is a semi-WEAPON born of a tainted lifestream that will purify it and 'to beckon forth an ultimate fate.' The reaper and executioner, when the time comes." It was a simple answer on paper, but the effects were damning testimony that held a dark undertone.

"Chaos was not meant to be born until the predetermined time, but in ShinRa's search for better weapons, my former colleagues disregarded the warnings left in my thesis." The wide-eyed idealism that had driven her to hypothesize and test the theories related to the discoveries they'd made... and of course while it cost Grimoire his life, ShinRa wanted to use it further. Sighing, she looked down. "I... would not have utilized it myself, were there another option."

And to her understanding, time magic was not so potent as to rewind the hands of history to that extent on Gaia as of yet. Yet she doesn't apologize again; though it is obvious in her expression.