The Star Patient

Whumptober #14: Beaten

By the time Roxanne’s tears slowed, the bruises had settled into hot, pulsing aches. Sighing shakily, she wiped at her face and flinched as her swollen jaw twinged.

The storm of grief and confusion couldn’t last. She would stand, reapply some heavier makeup and be ready with a smile for the guests. It wasn’t their fault that she couldn’t handle Nathan’s kind of fun…She should have been able to say no.

But she had, again and again. Maybe with her head mashed against the wall, she hadn’t screamed loud enough; maybe, against all odds, Nathan hadn’t heard.

Not for the first time, she heard that would-be hero arguing in the back of her mind. “I may be a numbskull, but I’m a numbskull who would respect a woman.”

How could a complete stranger speak more kindly to her than her boyfriend? Harboring that notion felt more dangerous than rough play.

“We’ll be there soon, Marv. Just hang in there.”

Comfortember Prompt #14: Road Trip. Marvin would rather suffer in silence than admit he needs a hospital but Chase knows him too well.

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Whumptober #14: Heat Exhaustion

“Jackieboy! Hey, can you hear me?!” The voice was dim and distant but even with his ears ringing Jackie registered the panic in its tone. Someone needed him.

When he tried to stir, he couldn’t find the strength; his head was hazy and weightless, his body heavy. Sweat pricked his eyes as he cracked them open. “Jack?” he croaked, his throat like sandpaper.

“I’m here, I’m right here. What’re you trying to do, give me a heart attack?!”

“Wha’ happened?”

“You passed out on me, man; it was freaky! Sip on this,” Jack urged worriedly, tearing open his water bottle. The water was blissfully cool on Jackie’s parched lips. He gulped it down greedily, shivering under the excess which spilled down his face and neck.

Whumptober #14: Tearstained

Marvin’s own deep, rasping sobs dragged him out of a twisted sleep. His hair was tangled wildly around his face, blinding him as he struggled against the suffocating blankets. “S-Stop! Stop! Chase!” It was only when one of his flailing arms hit his nightstand lamp that he lurched fully out of the nightmare.

The magic he had summoned in his sleep lit the room, reassuring him of where he truly was. Home. Safe. Nothing to fear…except everything that could be lurking in the shadows.

Chest heaving, he sank back in trembling exhaustion, met with the wet fabric of his sweaty, tearstained pillow. He couldn’t even bring himself to care when it plastered to his clammy cheek and gradually dampened his hair. Fresh tears were already threatening, catching on his clumped lashes before he blinked them away. Breathing shakily, he hugged his throbbing wrist and stared numbly into the dark.