#self indulgence

For @careecent supposed to be a freak post but my guardian angels might judge me, so here's fluff

More yapping, chap. 6 spoilers of kmtmc - old art cringe. Warning: nudity

⊹₊ ˚ Tamed ˚ ₊⊹

A What if in which...

me:

close ups + fixed two times hair

Actually tyler, very deep down, likes how smooth his skin feels, and overall how much care he takes of himself, but this appreciation is in strong contrast with his rejection of social norms and capitalism.

Therefore when the narrator gradually lets himself go, tossing away his composed and clean image, tyler feels triumphant knowing that he's dragging him to that ultimate low he's supposed to hit.

▸Torbek SFW Alphabet

➥Content: They/them reader. Torbek fluff. Carnivàle Lecroux mentions.

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✦Admiration – What do they admire about a partner?

Torbek appreciates your endless kindness to him and to others around you. Everyone you meet is met with an inherent respect from one living being to another, which Torbek finds admirable. He is also a creature that requires gentleness and understanding, so that aspect of you makes you compatible with him. He is also fond of how you find inner strength despite the difficulties of life.

✦Bashful – Do they feel shy or get flustered by their partner?

Is Torbek bashful? Big time!! Sure, he can get dates on occasion, but he's not used to people actively flirting with him. Most of his relationships are hookups anyway, so he doesn't typically experience someone flirting with him long-term. Having a partner who's eager to make moves on him will easily fluster Torbek. Once he gets more comfortable with your dynamic, he's definitely going to flirt back.

✦Comfort – How do they comfort their partner? How do they like to be comforted?

Torbek is an excellent listener, especially when you're talking. He always wants to know what you have to say, so he notices pretty quickly when you get mopey and in need of comfort. He's often concerned about his giant form hurting you, so he will offer to hold your hand or slip a lanky arm around your body while you vent. In turn, Torbek may not want to talk about his problems, but he'll always seek out physical affection. Give him a loving hug, scratch his head or back, and he'll melt. You may also be able to help him relax by gently massaging the muscles around his tubes and canisters.

✦Dreams – How do they imagine their relationship in the future?

Marriage and a white-picket fence aren't exactly in Torbek's realm of future desires. He wants to stay with the carnival, just not as the handyman (?), but as long as he has you, he's happy. You'll find no complaints from him if you spend the rest of your lives traveling Avantris together.

✦Equals – Are they dominant or passive in the relationship?

Torbek is notably passive. He's happy to go along with most things because he implicitly trusts your judgment and wants to be with you. Torbek can take charge and will voice his opinions if you make a suggestion he doesn't like, so do not fear,he won't completely roll over in your relationship.

✦Falling – How do they know they're falling in love? How do they react?

On the one hand, Torbek is very in tune with his emotions; on the other, he's not a very confident person, so he pushes those feelings about you away. If you weren't his friend, Torbek would have no problem shooting his shot, but the idea of damaging your established relationship is haunting. He likely won't notice you reciprocating feelings until another party member points it out. Maybe it's Gricko teasing him about the way he looks at you, or Frost simply introducing the two of you as a pair.

When it finally dawns on him that you might also have romantic feelings towards him, Torbek feels extremely embarrassed about things he may have said or done around you. He also feels a little silly that someone had to inform him about your feelings. He hopes you haven't noticed, so he can save some of his pride.

✦Gratitude – What do they do to show that they're grateful for their partner's efforts?

Torbek is very verbal about how much he appreciates you. He's very complimentary with all of his friends, but for you, the compliments are more intimate and even sappy. He especially likes to tell you how much he likes you and how grateful he is right before bed, sleepily mumbled into your skin as he's dozing off.

"Torbek thinks you're wonderful. Torbek doesn't know what Torbek would do without you."

✦Honesty – How open are they with their partner? Is it difficult for them to share secrets?

He's a terrible liar and not great at keeping secrets. Torbek can keep a secret, but he just doesn't like to, so it can be very hard for him to buy you gifts and not immediately give them to you. Beyond that, Torbek finds that full honesty is a given in your relationship and deeply hopes that you won't keep secrets from him either.

✦Injury – How do they react when their partner gets injured?

Gods, Torbek is sick over the sight of your injuries. He feels awful that he wasn't able to protect you without the power of the witchlight, which could arguably harm you more. Maybe if he were as strong as Gideon or as smooth as Kremy, you wouldn't have gotten banged up. With that being said, since Torbek is your shadow, you don't often get minor injuries. He uses his great reach to guide you out of danger or put his body between you and a perceived threat.

You receiving severe injuries is devastating for Torbek, especially since there's very little he can do except sit beside you while the rest of the party fixes you up. Torbek practically holds a vigil over you while you recover; he can't sleep or eat unless he can be convinced you're going to be okay. He can't lose you; he can't be on his own again.

✦Jealousy – Do they get jealous? How do they respond to people flirting with their partner?

It's not a surprise that Torbek is a jealous person, but specifically of other people monopolizing your time. He won't prevent you from spending extended time with your friends, and he's in fact happy that you have your own interests and time apart. Torbek just wants to be your favorite person.

He also doesn't appreciate other people flirting with you, even if it's someone you know. Gideon, for example, likes to flirt casually with most people, and Torbek doesn't enjoy it when Gid does that with you. Torbek can playfully challenge Gideon and doesn't feel overtly threatened by that. Strangers, on the other hand, are another issue.

Generally, since Torbek tends to be your shadow, strangers don't often approach you to flirt. Yet he can't be in your orbit all the time. So when he sees someone doing that, he's making his way over to you. Torbek drapes himself all over you while glaring at the interloper.

"Torbek doesn't think you should keep talking. (Name) is in a relationship."

✦Kiss – What is it like to kiss them?

Torbek is not as inexperienced as one might believe. Sure, he's not drowning in dates, but Torbek has had a handful of partners. He's not the most tender kisser; it can be a bit rough, but Torbek is just so enthusiastic. He's kissing you, so why wouldn't he be? His fangs also get in the way and have accidentally jabbed you a time or two, to which Torbek is incredibly remorseful.

✦Little Ones – Do they want their own children?

Considering the fact that Torbek is a ticking time bomb, children are definitely off the table. The threat of the Duke lurking within his subconscious already puts Torbek on edge, so there's no room for the extra liability of a kid. He also seems to be considered intimidating to children, so he has very little experience in that department.

✦Mirrored – What habits have they picked up from their partner?

With any relationship, romantic or otherwise, comes change to the way one perceives oneself. Over the course of your relationship with him, Torbek has noticed a more positive perspective of himself. Having a secure, loving partnership provides him with a sense of comfort that gives him quite a boost. Especially since you don't let the other party members tease him so much, and you gently scold him for saying unkind things about himself. This cascades into Torbek generally taking better care of his physical self as well. It becomes easier to put in the effort to stay well-groomed. It's partly to impress you, but happy people tend to do regular self-care.

✦Nightmares – Do they want comfort from nightmares? How do they comfort their partner after bad dreams?

Oh, if it isn't the king of having nightmares himself. Poor Torbek is regularly afflicted by those nightmares that bubble up from his subconscious. He can never fully remember them, but the terror is real. He would appreciate it if you would sit with him and talk until Torbek feels less distressed. He knows he's a giant bugbear, but Torbek would like to be held, so if you could do your best to hug it, it would mean a lot. A kiss or ten wouldn't hurt either.

With that in mind, Torbek is excellent at soothing you following a bad dream. He's happy to stroke your hair or scratch your back. His long claws carefully trace shapes into your skin.

"It's alright (Name), Torbek is here. Torbek won't let anyone get you."

✦Obvious – How obvious is it that they developed a crush?

It's not exactly a secret that Torbek is a bad keeper of secrets, but he won't tell you about his feelings right away. It's partly because he's embarrassed, not of you but of himself. You're very kind and smart and attractive, and he's just … well … he's just Torbek. 

✦Pet Names – What pet names do they have for their partner? Do they enjoy pet names?

Torbek would likely not come up with many diverse nicknames for you. He may have something simple like babe or honey. There is a part of him that feels bad that he's not creative enough to come up with something better, but if you don't mind, then Torbek isn't going to worry about it.

If you give him a nickname, Torbek would be ecstatic, especially if it were something creative. His heart will completely melt just hearing you say it. If you really want to flatter Torbek, you should use his nicknames in front of others.

"This is Torbek, the light of my life," or "Hey lovebug, I saved you a seat between me and Gricko!" 

Something so small really shows him that you're not embarrassed to be seen as his partner.

✦Quality Time – What are their favorite ways to spend time with their partner?

I get the feeling that Torbek loves to gossip. He's so nosy and would probably enjoy trash television. Did you get a letter from family? What does it say? Torbek wants to know! Did your cousin's wedding have any drama? Torbek is dying to find out.

Torbek also seems to enjoy art and literature, even if he's not the greatest at either. Despite that, spending a day painting or reading could be rather pleasant.

He also just really seeks spending time with you and doing couples stuff cause he's kind of a sap.

✦Recollection – How well do they remember information about their partner?

Torbek is more observant than most people give him credit for, so he definitely remembers important dates, especially regarding your relationship. He's also very vigilant regarding information about your health. If you mentioned that you've been experiencing pain, Torbek is going to keep checking in and watching you like a hawk. This type of observance also includes any allergies you may have. Torbek is constantly reminding Kremy that you can't have one ingredient or another. While he doesn't like confrontation, Torbek will interrogate someone if there's a suspicion that your food contains an allergen.

✦Sleep – What sleeping habits do they have? Does it change when they get into a relationship?

He's forced to be a stomach or side sleeper due to the canisters and the tubes, but Torbek doesn't mind that so much because he can still cuddle up to you. The gentle magenta glow of the witch light isn't wholly unpleasant either; it can be quite peaceful in the right setting. Your presence, however, seems to be key to a good night's rest for Torbek. The sound of you snoring and the gentle rise and fall of your chest bring him great peace.

✦Thrilling – Do they want to change things up in the relationship, or do they prefer a routine?

Torbek enjoys a bit of spontaneity, but his life is already so hectic, given the current state of the party as well as his own mind and body. So, in regard to your relationship, Torbek would enjoy the stability that comes with a routine.

✦Ugly – What are some of their unpleasant habits?

Torbek is very critical of himself and assumes you see his flaws as well. Sometimes he gets upset because he convinces himself that you believe all the terrible things he believes about himself. These heavy thoughts ebb and flow, and the longer you are in a relationship, the more they begin to wane. 

✦Vaunt – Are they proud of their partner? Do they try to show them off?

Of course, Torbek is proud of you! How could he not be? You are so wonderful, and everyone knows it. Torbek is very vocal about your excellence, constantly praising you and pointing out your skills. While he doesn't necessarily show you off, he feels so much joy when other people notice your talents.

✦Weeping – How do they respond to their partner crying? Do they ever cry in front of their partner?

Upon finding you crying, Torbek is in great distress, frantically trying to understand what's happened. He worries that you've been hurt and is trying to delicately inspect you. All the while, he's peppering you with questions, trying to understand what's going wrong. Gods, he hopes it's nothing he's done.

"Oh no! (Name) Why are you crying? You don't need to be upset!"

If you'll allow him, Torbek would like to sit with you. No one has to talk, but he doesn't want you to be all alone. He likely won't touch you unless you specifically ask for it, as he himself tends to shy away from physical touch at first. Maybe if he just holds your hand, things will be better.

On that note, Torbek doesn't mind if you see him cry. There's no shame in crying, especially since Torbek feels like he already embarrasses himself regularly. Different reasons for tears require different tactics for comforting him, but Torbek is pretty good about expressing his needs.

✦EXtinguish – How do they diffuse arguments? Do they need time to cool off?

Torbek loathes fighting with you. It's physically painful for him to be at odds with you. Despite that, Torbek is not going to roll over if he disagrees with you or if you do something that hurts him, but he refuses to raise his voice in anger at you. Torbek would rather completely remove himself from a situation before things escalate to a point of legitimate arguments.

Torbek also struggles with sensations of anger, as the trigger for the Duke isn't fully understood currently, and he'd rather just avoid anything that could set him off, especially regarding you. Honestly, he'd rather the Duke know nothing about you, but that's not the case, so Torbek just has to deal with the whispers that push at the edge of his mind.

✦Yearning – What do they do when they miss their partner? How long does it take until they long for their partner?

Being separated from you is not the end of the world, but Torbek isn't happy about the circumstances. He's very functional on his own, but Torbek just genuinely enjoys your company. His, what Gideon calls "bitching” starts as little comments. He mutters about how much you would want the snack Twig made, before escalating to full-on complaining within a few days. Torbek is constantly asking Frost to use his mind powers to connect with you, despite knowing that's not how the tabaxi's powers work. Upon your return, Torbek is all over you. His loose-limbed form drapes onto your frame.

"You should never leave Torbek again. Torbek was so lonely without you."

✦Zenith – Where does their relationship rank in value compared to other parts of their life?

Your relationship is the highest point of Torbek's entire life. He loves his friends, of course, he does, but you are his best friend, so you are loved far more. Without you, Torbek would feel incomplete, as there is no greater value to him than you.

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Which one is my favorite? Have you guessed yet? Is it the cat boy or the sad giant freak?