(18+) fell out of my whump hyperfixation

All day, Whumpee scrubbed floors and cleaned benches until their hands were raw and stinging, eyes watering from the strong chemical fumes. The clock's hand inched around until finally, it was only an hour till they could go home to collapse on Caretaker's lap.

The last of the grit finally loosen and Whumpee wrung the filthy, grey water out of their cloth as the clock struck six o'clock. They scrambled to their feet as Whumper strode in.

"I think I’m all done, Whumper sir.”

Whumper's mouth tightened as they took in the spotless, sparkling room marred only by the bucket of dirty water, a testament to Whumpee’s efforts. A vicious kick from him sent the bucket toppling to the ground, waste water flooding the previously pristine tiles.

“Look at that. Disgusting.” Whumper dragged Whumpee closer, his hand gripping whumpee’s shirt, the collar tightening like a noose around their neck.

“Sir-I- was just about to-”Whumpee choked, twisting in the vice grip. A stinging slap cut them off.

“I wanted it clean! Not filthy water left lying around!”

I’ll clean it up! I will, I will! It's just, it's-” they faltered for words “- it’s time for me to go home.”

As Whumper’s face darkened, they instantly regretted their words.

“Listen close, Whumpee,” Whumper snarled, his breath as hot as Whumpee’s cheeks. “You go home tonight and Caretaker is on the streets.”

He released his grip and Whumpee staggered back. They had barely time to register Whumper picking up a brush and hurling it their way. It hit them square on their skull, forcing a gasp out. As they blinked through the hazy stars, Whumper stalked out the door, his parting, “This had better be fucking spotless” ringing in their ears.

It was mid afternoon the next day before Whumper left Whumpee alone the next day. All morning they had shadowed Whumpee, screaming at them and hurling objects if they made a move out of place. The worst had been when Whumpee used the wrong sort of soap. They gingerly rubbed the inky, black bruise blooming on their cheek. Surely they’d be able to go home soon.

The suddenly noisey squeak of their brush on the floor was their first alert that Whumper had left. They hadn’t even been able to hear themselves think while Whumper had screamed and threatened them all morning but now the gentle squelch of bubbles was audible in the silent room.

They paused cautiously and waited for the threats to rain down on them but none came. Holding their breath, they gently eased the brush down. Still nothing. It had to be a trap. Gathering all their courage, they tiptoed across the damp floor and hovered at the doorway, eyes scanning left and right for the menacing figure of Whumper.

As they glanced down the hall, the front door caught their eye. Freedom so close they could smell the fresh air of freedom. Steeling themselves, they tiptoed toward it. Four more steps and they’d escape. They’d run straight for Caretaker, tell them everything.

The board underneath them squeaked. They gasped involuntarily, freezing to the spot. Please, please, please, don’t let Whumper hear that. A creak sounded somewhere upstairs.

Flight instinct kicking in, they dove for the door and flung themselves out, feet racing along the pavement, left, right, left and up a flight of stairs to halt in front of a dingy apartment. Slowing their panting breath, they knocked on the door.

A quavering “Coming” sent worry fluttering through Whumpee’s stomach at how thin and weak the owner sounded. And when Caretaker opened the door, shivering, their limp more pronounced, the dread settled firmly in whumpee’s stomach.

“Whumpee!” Caretaker flung their thin arms around Whumpee. “You didn’t come home last night.” They pulled back, worry lining their hollow face. “And your cheek--” A cough fit wracked their body, cutting them off

Their ordeal on the tip of their tongue, Whumpee glanced past Caretaker into the dingy cramped apartment, the sun oozing through a grubby window only highlighting the stained carpet even more. Dusty plates cluttered the table and teacups with week old stains lined the bench. Everything was arrayed with disuse. Their heart sank. Caretaker wasn’t coping alone. They’d never survive on the streets. Whumpee couldn’t let them be evicted.

“Whumpee?” Caretaker’s voice brimmed with concern. “Why didn’t you come home last night?”

Tell them the truth. Beg to stay with them, promise to get another job.

“Uh-Whumper, he, um, let me stay over,” Whumpee lied. “He-uh- wants me to work full time.” They tried to avoid Caretaker's questioning gaze. “ He’s offered me a bed and a um, meal for my trouble. And I also ran into um, ran into a door. Accidently” they finished lamley.

“Oh that's wonderful!” Caretaker squeezed Whumpee, eagerly seizing the happy lie. “I’m so happy for you. Not about the door of course but-”

Whumpee smiled weakly. “Yeah.”

They put a gentle hand on Caretaker's shoulder. “I may not see you much, at least for a bit.” Caretaker's face fell and Whumpee scrambled to stop the threatening tears. “Cause my breaks nearly over!” They smiled brightly. “This job’ll keep a roof over your head and I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

Caretaker smiled and pulled Whumpee into a hug. “You do so much for me,” they rasped.

Oh, Caretaker, you don’t even know.

“My uh break is nearly over, I’d better get going,” Whumpee said, disentagling themselves form Caretaker.

“Of course,” Caretaker sniffled. “Have fun.”

Whumpee nodded, feigning enthusiasm before heading down the stairs. At the bottom , they forced themselves to walk slowly until they were out of sight of the apartment.

Out of the apartment’s sight, they broke into a sprint, back the way they’d come, running like their life depended on it.

Reaching Whumper’s house, they anxiously scanned it for signs their absence had been noticed. The door creaked as they eased it open and they flinched. Sneaking across the doorway, they prepared to tiptoe back to their cleaning.

“Going somewhere?” The sound made them jump, searching for the voice. A light flickered on, outlining Whumper leaning against the room’s doorway.

“I believe you have unfinished business.”

Whumpee tried to steady themselves. “Y-yes, i was just going-” They didn’t have time to get the rest out before Whumper slammed them against the wall.