Their Salvation [DDLC x Reader]

Saving Natsuki

Won't be exactly like the original game; this is loosely based on a mod I played recently made by NNDanny on Reddit. Oh, and some swearing, mostly on Natsuki's part.

Natsuki and I have finished frosting all of the cupcakes, and were now packing them into the containers.

"And you're sure Sayori won't eat any, right?" Natsuki demands as she wraps the foil carefully around her precious sweets.

"Not completely," I say, turning to look at the petite girl beside me. "I'm about 60 percent sure, though."

"Reassuring odds," Natsuki grumbles as she glares at me.

"Hey, you're the one making me keep the cupcakes overnight!" I protest, stacking the wrapped containers on the end of my counter.

"Y-yeah, well, it's not like I can keep them!" Natsuki retorts, crossing her arms. "My dad would-"

"Huh?" I turn to look at her. "Your dad would what?"

"Probably beat the shit out of me," she mumbles under her breath.

I pause stacking the cupcakes. "Wait, what?"

"Nothing!" Natsuki waves her hand dismissively. "My dad just doesn't want my 'stupid baking stuff or any of that manga shit in his goddamn house'." She laughs bitterly.

"Wait, he said that?" I ask, concerned. "Natsuki, are you alright living there?"

"Of course, dummy!" she huffs, disconcerted by my worrying. "Sometimes Papa gets mad, that's all." She rubs her stomach as she says this, delicately stroking her ribcage.

"Natsuki, can I see under your shirt for a second?" I ask carefully.

Natsuki looks appalled. "No! What the heck is that question?" To further prove her point, she wraps her arms around her waist, stepping back.

I cringe. "Not in that way, Natsuki, I mean-" I take a breath. "I need to see if you're hurt."

Realization dawns on her face as Natsuki understands what I'm asking. "I-I can't, he'd-"

"Natsuki, please let me see," I ask quietly.

Natsuki stammers, scarlet, for a second before sighing deeply and raising her shirt to reveal her stomach and an undershirt.

I step forward, carefully lifting the undershirt to see bandages. I tilt my head, silently asking her permission.

Natsuki nods consent, still seeming unsure. I shoot her a reassuring look, trying to show I'm not going to hurt her.

After lifting the bandages, I find exactly what I'd been dreading: bruises.

Natsuki has been silent the entire time but for her quiet, steady breathing; but now her breathing was quickening, and I could feel her heart pouding. I gently prod one of her bruises with horrified amazement at the plethora of blues, purples, and blacks. She hisses through her teeth.

I finally meet Natsuki's gaze, and her eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

"I-I'm sorry, I-I-" she chokes on her cries, trying to wipe her eyes.

"Hey, shh, it's okay," I assure her, wrapping her chest again and pulling her shirt down. "You don't need to apologize for anything, Natsuki."

"But I do, Y/N!" she sobs, cheeks pink as she struggles for air. "I didn't tell you, and now you think I'm just a-"

"Natsuki, shut up," I say, pulling her into a gentle embrace and trying to calm her aggressive hiccuping.

She mumbles into my chest, grasping my back and breathing heavily. I keep stroking her back, trying to convince her that it was okay.