#Why WHY did I decide last night was the time to scrap my idea and start a new one?! 😭😂

[itsjunear]

Shadows and Whispers

Note: Hello loves! I'll try to be more active and post more often, maybe once a week (this is my proof that I'm trying 😀). It's really been a long week for me, but I truly appreciate and I'm so happy for the support the previous post received. I'm very grateful for the likes, reblogs, and comments 💙💙💙 I'm not sure if I should make a second part of that one, but in the meantime, here's this. I hope you enjoy it, and sorry if it's a mess! Again, remember that English is not my first language, but if there are any mistakes, don't hesitate to let me know! I’m leaving the song I wrote this with, the slow version sounds really good :)

P.S.: I’m not really sure if this would work in ACOTAR, but I don’t know, I just liked the idea.

Words: +1k

Warnings: none, slight mention of tension

Summary: Reader and Azriel are sent on an undercover mission where they must pretend to be a couple. Reader has unresolved feelings, and the closeness with the shadowsinger leaves her confused.

The Mother definitely had a twisted sense of humor.

I was certain that in this life, I was paying for each and every bad thing I had done in my previous ones. If not, what would be the point of all this?

I had to suppress the complaint lodged in my throat ever since I had left the meeting with Rhys and he had communicated his plans for the Autumn Court.

Why? Why did these things always happen to me?

I could have gone with Cassian, Mor, or even Amren. I wouldn’t have had any issue pretending to be the lover of one of them. But of course, I had to go and pretend with Azriel.

Rhys had received a formal invitation to a ball in the Autumn Court, but decided to send us instead to investigate the political situation surrounding that entire red-haired family and how the stir was being perceived by the court’s nobles. Evidently, we were supposed to look as distracted as possible to catch any murmurs here and there, and the simplest way to do that was by pretending we were simply there to enjoy the evening as a couple in love.

Fantastic, I thought.

"I try to respect your privacy and not intrude on your thoughts" I heard Rhys’s voice in my head "but the way you’re shouting them, I could hear them even from the scraps of the Spring Court."

I grimaced but didn’t respond, letting the anger fill my mind so that he could feel it.

"Why are you so… irritated?" I heard him ask with genuine curiosity, and I sighed.

Rhys could dig just a little and find the reason, but he would never dare. Not without my permission.

"What do you care" I barked mentally, sulking.

I’d apologize later for speaking to my High Lord like that, but right now, I could feel the smoke coming out of my ears, and I guessed he could too because a laugh echoed in my mind before it simply vanished.

"Idiot" was the last thing I thought before raising my mental walls and reinforcing them with everything I had.

By the Cauldron, what was the problem? Well, for starters, I wasn’t in love with Cassian or Mor.

Hell, I had even suggested going with Amren to avoid going through this. Going undercover with Cassian was impossible—Nesta’s scent was all over him, and it wasn’t a secret that he had a mate. Mor was in the Winter Court visiting Viviane, and Amren… well, she was busy with Varian.

So that only left the shadowsinger and me free. Plus, neither of us was involved with anyone publicly, so we were the perfect candidates.

This time I didn’t suppress the groan of exasperation as I headed to my own room in the House of the River. I missed the company of the House of Wind, but now that Cassian and Nesta were there, it was impossible for me to stay—for the sake of my mental health, I fled that place. So I sighed and nearly cried when I reached my bed, bracing myself and trying to find the strength to endure what would happen in a few days.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two nights had passed. Two damned nights sleeping like shit, practicing a mask of indifference and composure that I clearly didn’t feel.

I had also been more sensitive than usual, so I tried to avoid everyone, including Azriel. However, I saw Cassian every morning at training, and although I felt him casting strange glances at me, anticipating my mood, he didn’t ask about it. For that, I was grateful.

In a few hours, Azriel and I would be on our way to the Autumn Court, and I was just trying to control my breathing to avoid panicking. Even now, my hands were shaking so much I couldn’t fasten the endless buttons on the back of the pretty midnight blue dress, adorned with some crystals at the top and quite fitted from the waist down. Courtesy of Rhys.

A knock on the door distracted me from the mission, and holding the top of the dress to my chest, I opened it to come face to face with the man I had been avoiding with all my might.

I had to restrain myself from shrinking away upon seeing him in all his glory—not dressed in Illyrian leathers, but in a formal suit the same color as my dress, fitted in all the right places that made him look out of this world. If you added the large wings behind his back, the stoic hazel gaze, and the tendrils of shadows that surrounded him, giving him a mysterious and irresistible air… My breath faltered a bit.

He scanned me from head to toe as well, and the shiver that ran through me was completely involuntary. His gaze burned, but I did nothing to break the silence in which we were immersed.

"You look�� beautiful" he finally said, hesitating a bit.

I swallowed hard and looked away, unsure of how to act. I had never been shy about receiving compliments, but when they came from him, they managed to destabilize me.

"Thanks" I whispered "You look great too."

Azriel nodded, and I saw his eyes drift to my chest, right where my hands were holding the dress.

"I need help with the buttons" I said in a tired tone.

He nodded again and entered my room, closing the door slowly. His shadows roamed freely, and I felt one of them caress my braided hair, making me smile.

"Sorry" Azriel apologized as he gestured for me to turn around.

I shook my head.

"I like them" I replied with a smile that died the moment I felt his fingers touch the exposed skin of my back.

"And they like you" he answered in his usual calm tone.

I didn’t respond, fearing my voice would tremble, and I focused on avoiding my skin from tingling wherever his touched. I even resorted to thinking about the painful blows to the stomach that Cassian gave during training when Azriel’s hands brushed dangerously low on my back.

I knew he also noticed the tension by the way his wings were tucked, but he didn’t say anything. Finally, I released the breath I had been holding once he finished and he removed his hands, though a strange sense of loss invaded me. Nevertheless, I ignored it.

A moment later, I turned around and faced him, tilting my head back to meet his eyes now that we were so close.

"Rhys told me you had certain… reservations about this" he broke the silence, looking at me with a calm expression.

Of course, he had told him.

I almost scoffed.

I opened my mouth to respond, but he interrupted me.

"We won’t do anything you haven’t consented to or that makes you uncomfortable"

I frowned.

"Of course I know that, Az. It’s just that I doubt this will work" I responded, smoothing out my dress a little.

It wasn’t entirely a lie. Though that wasn’t the main reason. It all boiled down to the fact that doing this with him made me nervous.

"It will" he reassured me. "Rhys and I have evaluated all the scenarios. We are the most credible for this plan. Just trust me"

I nodded, though I couldn’t shake the slight anxiety of having him so close.

The shadow from before wrapped around my arm, making me smile again. Even though the touch was cold, it didn’t feel strange, so I didn’t fear playing with it with one of my fingers, not realizing I was practically brushing Azriel’s wing membrane until I noticed his shiver and the way his breath escaped him. I quickly pulled my hand away and looked at him only to find him with his eyes shut and the rest of his shadows slightly agitated.

"I’m sorry, Az" I apologized. "I’m so sorry"

I knew how reserved the Illyrians were about their wings and how they shouldn’t be touched, so his silence only increased the unease brewing inside me.

"It’s fine" he replied slowly after a moment. "It’s nothing" but I could see him swallowing hard.

I bit the inside of my cheek but said nothing more.

"We should go now" he spoke after a moment.

I nodded and took one of his hands, preparing to pretend I was in love with him, according to that stupid plan. When in reality, I would stop pretending I wasn't, for a moment.

That was what terrified me—letting my feelings out and not being able to hide them again after tonight.

But there was no turning back now.

"Ready?"

No.

"Yes" I responded with the steadiest tone I could muster.

He gave me a deep look before I felt the shadows envelop us, and soon the room lit up, leaving us at the entrance of the grand hall of the Autumn Court.

Then, I let go of one of his hands and gently brought it to his cheek, trying to convey my intentions. He held my gaze for a second before bending obediently, giving me the opportunity to leave a chaste kiss on his lips.

The sensations exploded inside me, but I held back. This was a mission, I reminded myself. So why did his hand immediately curve around my waist?

This is just a mission, I repeated.

I pulled away a moment later, smiling softly at him. Before we both straightened up.

I supposed we had made it quite clear that we were together by kissing in front of all these people. I made sure to do it at the entrance so everyone would see, and I guessed Az understood too by the slight squeeze he gave my hand.

I looked at him one last time, letting a bit of my love for him escape. And then I turned towards the crowd, with a bright smile.

All right, the game had begun.

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[magpiepills]

Escritorio

Rating: EXPLICIT 18+ MDNI

Pairing: Javier Pena x f reader

Word count: 3.2k

Summary: after you make a serious mistake at work, Javi decides to help you make it up to the team.

Warnings: SMUT! PIV, smoking Javi, fingering, oral, I can’t remember what else. PWP, you know the drill.

A word from the author: this is a repost! I can’t remember why I wrote this, and it’s not my best work, but I sure was horny over the idea of him smoking while he fingers reader.

It’s Saturday night, eleven PM. You're sitting and stewing in Steve’s desk chair, going over the disastrous day your team had just had. Steve had gone home hours ago, begging off with an excuse about his wife and kid but Javier had stayed to do paperwork and go over maps and statements, planning how to move forward from the complete intelligence disaster you caused. You sighed softly and slumped, tapping your pencil eraser against your lip, feeling it stick slightly to your fading chapstick. No amount of weak office coffee could make your day less of a chore.

As the newest member of the team, you were obligated to stay as long as the last person in the office did. It was some sort of hazing, apparently. Your senior co-worker, agent Javier Peña knew that, and he was happy to continue the tradition. He often worked late anyway since he had trouble sleeping. He figured he may as well accomplish something.

You had thought that the silence between you was comfortable, if not a bit tinged with annoyance on his part at having to scrap so much hard work. You didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with small talk and work was a sore subject, so you just tried to look busy. Now though, Javi looks across the desks at you and frowns, clicking his tongue.

“What’s the matter, baby? You sure had a lot to say earlier. Can’t run your mouth now? If you hadn't been so damn talkative with my CI, maybe they wouldn't have run off on us and maybe weeks of work wouldn't have been for nothing. Maybe you’d be home right now.”

You dropped your forehead into your palm, squeezing your eyes shut. You knew he was right. You’d gotten careless and tipped your hand, spooking a close associate of Escobar’s who’d been nearly ready to talk. You knew all that. Now you’re tired and cranky and this man is pushing your buttons.

“I’m sorry, Javi. I’m sorry. I made a mistake. I’m going to fix it.”

You’re getting aggravated now at having to apologize again for something you’ve already apologized to him and Steve and your boss for already. Multiple times you’d been contrite and you genuinely were sorry to have cost your team valuable time and intel. Javi just couldn’t let it go, though. He couldn’t let you move forward until he felt you’d learned your lesson. He felt that it was his job to make sure you felt enough shame, you guessed. Shame had come and gone, though and now you’re ready to snap. Moments passed and he didn’t say anything else, and the room was quiet once again and you were grateful when his eyes left you and went back to his work. You really didn’t want to argue with someone who had been on the job a lot longer than you. Someone you had to see day in and day out. Someone you might harbor just the tiniest crush on. Even If he pissed you off.

The room was warm and still, if not for the yellow haze and hum of the fluorescent lights you could have fallen asleep, instead you raised your head when you heard Javier’s chair groan and creak as he stood and came to lean against Steve’s desk. He gives you a look that borders on regret and drags you to your feet, pulling you close to him. You gasp at the sudden proximity. Your mind is racing and you can’t find the words or make your limbs move to protest.

All you manage is an exasperated “Javi? What are you d-” before his hands begin roaming your body and he lowers his voice as he rubs his nose against your temple. You can smell the cigarettes and mint of his breath as he speaks softly

“I spent a lot of nights in this office, working my ass off chasing down leads. Time I could have used a lot better. Now I think you owe me. I think you should make it worth it to me.”

Your chest is heaving and flushed at how close he is, how you can feel his mustache on your face and the heat of his hands makes you feel like you’re melting. You feel yourself clench involuntarily as your pussy throbs with need, but you’re incensed at his suggestion that you owe anything to him personally.

“I don’t owe you anything, Javi. I’ve been chewed out. Everyone is pissed at me. I’ve been adequately shamed, alright?”

It didn’t seem like he was listening to you at all, though, he’s got his own ideas of retribution.

Warm, soft kisses are being pressed along your neck, up your cheek and to the corner of your mouth. Wanting him is so easy, and for a moment you let yourself imagine something more. Something soft and domestic, something totally disconnected from your current reality, the reality that abruptly slams you back into the moment.

“Javi!” Your shout only comes out as a gasp as he moves you. He is gentle but firm as he turns you and presses his wide palm between your shoulder blades to bend you over his desk, making you jolt with a firm slap on the ass.

“You’ve done something wrong and you’ve got to be punished. You don’t get to come until you’re on my cock, and you don’t get my cock until you’ve learned your lesson. Do you understand?”

You’re loathe to give him the satisfaction, but your body is responding to your obnoxiously, astoundingly attractive asshole partner whether you like it or not. A pathetic moan escapes you as you squirm under the weight of his hand. If you’re being honest with yourself, you do like it. Maybe you’d have quit trying so hard at your job months ago if you knew that making his life harder would land you ass up on his desk with your panties soaked. Maybe the day could be salvaged after all.

While Javi has you bent over the desk, he’s just leaned back in his chair, keeping your legs spread with his knees, landing a few more heavy smacks to your ass over your skirt. He smooths his hands over the fabric after each swat, squeezing and soothing the sting. When he has had enough, he tugs your skirt up to your hips and slips his middle and index finger under the damp gusset of your underwear and pulls them aside, exposing your cunt. Javi takes his time lavishing attention on your pussy.

He spreads your slick all over your folds, increasing pressure when he slides his thumb over your clit. You writhe with pleasure, desperate for more of his touch, but determined not to beg. This earns you another firm, wet smack to your already reddened cheek.

“Stay still.” Javi’s voice is firm but passive. “You’ll take what I give you until you can behave.”

His hand returns to your pussy and he uses both thumbs to slide against your clit, rolling it between them, making you cry out, but you’re careful to stay still this time. Not letting you get too close, he abandons your clit and slips one thumb and then the other into your clenching hole. He thrusts shallow and slow, gently stretching you open, watching as you drip just for him. He keeps his pace and when you’re whimpering and clenching hard, he pulls his hands away.

“Stand up.”

You groaned at the loss, making him smirk. Always so cocky. If he was anyone else right now, you’d have smacked him and ran. But he’s not anyone, he’s Javi, so you stand and turn to face him, eager to find out what will happen next, but not wanting to show it.

“Take this off. Slowly.” He tugs at the sleeve of your emerald green chiffon blouse and doesn’t try to hide how his glassy eyes wander hungrily over your body as you obey.

You unbutton your blouse and let it fall behind you, then unzip your skirt, pushing it over your hips and stepping out of it with a click of your heels. You lift your foot to pull off one of the pumps- nothing special, modest height and black, a good office shoe, but Javier stopped you.

“Leave them on. I like them.”

His admission was endearing in a way. You stood before him, in your work heels, your basic black bra, and your ruined black panties that didn’t match the bra but you were glad that they were at least the same color. You cursed yourself for being in this position. Nearly naked at work with your coworker, letting him touch you, letting him have his way, doing what he told you, and then regretting that you didn’t wear a prettier lingerie set to work just in case your devastatingly beautiful coworker decided today was the day he would sweep you off your feet? Madness.

“Javi, you could have asked me to dinner. That’s what gentlemen usually do when they want to fuck someone.”

His breath warmed your neck before he kissed you there.

“Guess I’m not a gentleman.”

Javier lit a cigarette, and tilted his head as he took a long, contemplative drag. You waited for him to say anything, but he just looked you over.

“Didn’t say you could stop, cariño. The rest- off.”

It was becoming hard to differentiate between your feelings of annoyance, anger, and lust. You wanted to smack him, to scream at him, and to climb into his lap to fuck yourself on his cock until you were both spent and breathless. You could only imagine what it was like, because while you unclasped your bra and slipped your panties off, he was fully dressed in jeans and a soft white shirt unbuttoned down his chest and exposing only his strong neck and a bit of his impossibly broad and golden shoulders. Javier Pena was a Texan Adonis, with his wide shoulders, slim waist and hips, a head of thick, curly, dark hair, and a curved nose that drove you wild. You could easily imagine him cast in bronze or chiseled from marble, brooding for all eternity.

He ate lunch at his desk some days and you envied whatever fruit he mindlessly devoured, lips, tongue, and teeth sinking into it while the tip of his nose got sticky with sweet juice. He really pissed you off. You pissed yourself off when you realized that you were now standing naked between his spread knees and his desk waiting for him to tell you what to do next.

“Up on the desk for me, querida. Lean back.”

There was no point in fighting it now, you’re naked at work, you’ve had your co-workers hands on your pussy. One leg and then the other were lifted until both your knees were in the air. Javi held your legs open with one big hand on your thigh and the other, with a cigarette between two long fingers held the other gently at the knee. You knew in no time at all the slick that had been gathering would trickle down onto his desk.

No eye contact has been made, no agreements, no declarations of love or admiration, just a series of instructions that you followed without question. He was so leisurely in the way he gazes you you, his eyes roaming over your ankles, knees, thighs, hips, stomach, tits and arms. He tilted his head and released a cloud of smoke over you.

“Do it, Javi. Whatever you’re waiting for, I’m not going to beg you, so just do it. I want to get home.”

He scoffed at that, raised his thick eyebrows in amusement.

“I don’t think you’re in any position to be so demanding. Maybe it’s time you learned some patience. It’ll do you good.”

Your head dropped back to the desk with a quiet thud, exasperated and nearly out of energy to pretend you hadn’t wanted to fuck Javier since the day you first saw him. You’d spotted him across from across the street in tight jeans and a tighter black shirt that hugged his biceps, bounding up the stairs outside the embassy two at a time in a macho display that made you roll your eyes and squeeze your thighs together simultaneously. There may as well be a flashing pink neon sign floating above his head that says SEX GOD.

When your resolve broke, you were rewarded with a hot mouth to your cunt. Slow, methodical licks that teased your clit, broad stripes that spread your slick and his saliva over your folds, open mouthed kisses that sucked your folds between his lips, tender kisses to your puffy labia, and finally, his lips covering your clit to suck it and circle it with his tongue.

Your hips jerked and your knees wanted to close around his head, but he kept you open with his strong hands. You felt the hand on your thigh squeeze your soft flesh before sliding down and resting right at the crease between your leg and your pussy for a moment before you felt him at your entrance. First one finger pushed inside, then another, and when combined with the constant movement over your clit, your vision blurred. You barreled toward your orgasm, hungry for relief, and in a flash it was snatched away. His fingers slipped from your tight cunt and came down to smack twice against your cheek.

By the time your eyes refocused, Javier was standing, leaning over you to crush his cigarette into the ashtray by your head. It was all you could do not to cry.

“What are you doing? Why’d you stop?” You asked weakly.

Javi shook his head in disbelief.

“You’re never going to learn, are you? You’re a stubborn girl, you know that?”

A tear leaked from the corner of your eye and disappeared into your hair.

What happened next was an affront to feminism and you’d deny it until the day you died.

“Please, Javi. I’m sorry. You’re right. I was reckless and impatient and I should have asked for your help. Javi, please!”

It was exactly what he was waiting for.

“What do you need, baby? Tell me.”

The condescension had disappeared from his voice and he sounded gentler now, like he was nearly as desperate as you were. It made it easier to beg.

“Fuck me Javi. Now. Please!”

You raised into your elbows and watched as he palmed his cock through his jeans, the thick roll of him unmistakable as it reached across his left hip.

“I think you’ve earned it. You want to come on my cock now? Think you can handle it?”

Thick fingers worked his belt open, followed by the button and zipper, and when his cock was freed, you couldn’t help the way our jaw dropped to your chest.

Javier Peña’s cock was glorious. Thick and long, tan, with a vein along one side that ended just below his smooth foreskin, pulled taut by his throbbing erection, an opalescent bead of precum spilled down over the head.

The sight of him stroking himself before you was at once heavenly and pornographic. It made you want to take up oils and pastels and fill canvases with devoted studies of his turgid member.

“Fuck, Javi. Let me have it, please. Need it.”

Your eyelids feel heavy, your mouth watering at the sight of him. He had reduced you to a simpering mess, and he loved it. The corner of his mouth pulled up into a teasing half smile at the sight of you, so needy for him.

Your folds were slick, swollen, and sensitive. You whined when he slid his heavy cock through them, rubbing over your clit.

“This what you need? Hm? Are you going to come like this, or are you ready to take me now?”

He was teasing, but his voice had a faint waver of desire, telling of his own need. Before you could answer, he was inside you, the thick tip of him stretching you, stilling there for a moment before he worked the rest of his length into the tight grasp of your cunt. He set a steady rhythm, rocking into you with firm strokes.

“Fuck- so fucking tight, taking me so well.”

Javi moved your ankles to his shoulders and kissed your ankle, it was the most tender he’s been since this little game of his started. The first crack. One rough hand found its way to your breast, squeezing your nipple between two fingers. The sensation of his calloused hand on your smooth skin pushed you closer to your release. You were teetering on the edge, waiting for him to either pull you back or let you go over. You didn’t care which anymore. Everything else was meaningless with Javier inside you.

You bucked your hips up, searching for friction against your clit, Javi’s hand left your tit, trailing it down your stomach, over your mound to rest his palm while his thumb traced circles around your bundle of nerves.

“You look so beautiful, all full of cock.”

Words failed you. You looked at him, eyes glazed and half lidded, only able to moan.

“I like you like this. You can’t be a smart ass. I should have fucked you months ago. Be good for both of us.”

His voice was becoming ragged, his own release begging to be found inside your walls. “Come on, cariño. Come on my cock. Let me feel you. I know you’re close. Come for me.”

His command was the last push you needed. Your orgasm washed over you, rippling out from your core, making you whimper for him. The rhythmic squeeze of your pussy, your blissed out face, your bouncing tits, everything he had been dreaming of since he had first seen you all worked together to make Javi come hard deep in your pussy, pulsing his spend against your cervix. He groaned and held your hips tight against him, utterly wrecked as he came down, eyes bleary and jaw slack.

He eased out of you with a groan, and watched as his cum slowly trickled down the curve of your ass. Neither of you spoke, you laid across his desk, among the crumpled papers and the spilled pencil cup, and he stood holding your legs, gently rubbing up and down your calf, catching your breath and looking at how you’d ruined each other.

When you had the wherewithal to get up and straighten yourself back up, Javi passed you his handkerchief. It would have been chivalrous if you weren’t wiping his cum from your thighs.

He watched you redress as he tucked himself back into his jeans, only bothering to fasten three buttons, then lit a cigarette, offering it to you first. You took it, avoiding his gaze, not knowing what to say to him now. You sat on the desk and inhaled the bitter smoke, then blew it away. You looked down at the glowing end of the cigarette, contemplating the almost certain end of your career when you felt a warm hand on your thigh.

“Come on, I’ll drive you home, it’s late.”

You nodded, and slung your purse over your shoulder, and as you walked out the door, Javi spoke again.

“Don’t worry about the CI. It’s not a big deal, happens to everybody. We’ll get the next one.”

[hoiststowline]

mercy's shore

ratchet x female!reader

originally posted on my ao3 here!

"What is the point of having your number if you never pick up the fragging phone?" Startled, your hold on the device wavers as you yank it away from your ear, his volume loud and displeased. "I've been trying to contact you all damn morning, where have you been?" 

His grouchiness overlays his concern, but it's not as heavy as it normally is, bearable to a wide extent. "Sorry. I got caught up with something, but I have a free minute. What's up?"

Ratchet sputters, and his engine revs theatrically in the background alerting you that he's driving, likely on the way to your house. "Oh, you can spare me a minute?" That may not have been the best sentence to say, even in your delirious state. "And you got 'caught up with something?' y/n, that is probably the poorest excuse I've ever heard, and trust me, I've heard it all." 

Your nose wrinkles, carefully surveying your options in the next reply you dare provide. It would appear no matter what you said unless it was the plain truth, it would not satisfy the doctor. "I...can I try again?" It comes out eventually, meek and stifled with exhaustion alongside a bout of attempted humor. 

"Can you what?!" Wrong choice slapping you profoundly in the face, the phone moves apart from your ear as he shouts. "Did you hit your head? What the scrap is the matter with you?" 

Sighing, you stand off the couch, hesitantly bringing the phone back to your ear, achy joints expecting his anger to flare once more. "It's been a long day," You start, pausing in case he decides to interject. "I was sleeping when you called, I really am sorry."

"It is only two in the afternoon," It's quieter, but still overmuch alarmed. "And sleeping? This isn't like you. I know your schedule very well, you don't take your 'naps' at this time of day." The fact that Ratchet claims to know your schedule is amusing, but you don't have the energy to tease him for the sentiment. 

"I was-" You move around the furniture, heading into the kitchen for a glass of water. "I was tired, Ratch. I didn't get much sleep last night." Part of you questioned if divulging the medic was the best idea, for he would only insist upon checking you over and monitoring your symptoms if he found any. 

"And why is that? Assignments, or work-related activities?" Unable to remember the last time you felt such fatigue, the only thing you wanted at this very moment was to go back to sleep, alone, in a dark room. "It better not have been to watch garbage on television." 

"That doesn't matter." You start, knowing what comes next. 

"It does." Going to argue back, you spin to the window in the kitchen as the tell-tale sound of a truck coming down the road reaches your ears. "Open the garage, now. I'm outside."

Groaning, the line clicks dead, leaving no option available to defend the idea that you were fine. You could hide, and claim you weren't home, but you know he's seen your car in the driveway already, and he wouldn't leave until he saw you. With dread, you watch the red and white ambulance pull onto the pavement, radiating the vibe that you were really in for it this afternoon. 

"Hi Ratchet," Your palm hits the button that opens the garage door, exasperation filling your tone as he pulls inside. "So kind of you to say you were dropping by."

"Hush up, I've just about had it with your nonsense." He doesn't mean it, because he wouldn't be here if he did. "If you run and lock yourself inside like last time, I will throw something at you." 

The idea had crossed your mind, but you knew it was all in vain, even if you did try such an escape. "Yeah, okay. I'll just remember to wash you with paint stripper next time around." 

"That is not funny." His passenger-side door pops open, impatience showing clear as day. "Get in y/n. And it's not a request." 

Your hand squeezes into a fist, but relents, knowing you were at the end of a losing battle. "Fine. Can I go get my bag, at least?"

As if he was anticipating you to quarrel with him, Ratchet begins his sentence without thinking. "I just said-!" When he processes your words, his voice box spatters, followed by an ex-vent. "Very well. But don't try anything, I'll be waiting." 

You disappear back through the interior garage door, back into your kitchen, and out of Ratchet's line of sight. In his initial investigation, your outward appearance seemed normal, with no obvious signs of trauma or injury. Still, you did have an aura of distress and melancholy, even if you were bickering with him habitually. Ratchet reviews his options, mindful of what he understood was the best solution to your long day, and after a few kliks pass, you return to the garage, bag on your shoulder as you close the door over behind you. 

"Told you I'd be right back," Shuffling around the ambulance, you step up into his cabin, sliding into the seat as the door swings shut. 

"I have validation for my wariness." His center console blinks as he speaks. "If you must sleep, go ahead. I'll be quiet."

"I'm good," Head tilting back, you're met with the soft beige of the headrest, and seatbelt clicking over your waist. "I'm sure you'll give me a run for my money when we get back to the base, so I'll sleep after." 

"You're lucky that I don't understand that idiom, or I'd probably leave you on the side of the road." Another jab he has no intention of following through with. "Are you going to discuss then why you are so exhausted? And don't give me the scrap about how you didn't sleep well. I know that. I want to know what was keeping you up."

The urge to scream at him 'You aren't my doctor' is nearly irresistible. You physically have to bite your lip, staring out the window with declination in your body language, but you have to take a step back to confront the larger picture. Ratchet hardly ever left the base, and it appears this journey was made entirely on your behalf, but the reason you felt so coddled and overwhelmed was because he was demonstrating compassion the only way he knew how. Ratchet was a worrier at heart, and him coming out here because he couldn't get ahold of you made guilt settle in the bottom of your stomach. 

"I know you're not ignoring me, y/n." His voice is flat as the seat nudges your back. "You're on such thin ice, I-"

"I'm sorry." It comes out a bit more warble than you intend, watching as his rearview mirror tilts downwards to look at you. "I was up all night overthinking. My brain was going a hundred miles a minute, I-" Your voice hitches, swallowing down a sob that rises in your throat. "You were only trying to help. I'm sorry." 

Ratchet doesn't reply immediately, but the mirror doesn't move from its position. Eventually, he ex-vents, and you can picture him hanging his helm in a defeated manner, unsure of what he could possibly say to make you feel better. 

"I should have just told you." You say quietly, looking back out the window. "It really has been a long day, but I'm okay now, Ratch. I swear, I would never lie to you."

"I know that." It's insistent, but he cannot get the image of you near tears out of his processor. "I would still like to review your vitals back on base, just to make sure you truly are fine."

A soft smile crawls onto your rosy cheeks, nodding twice. "Sure, if it'll give you better piece of mind."

"You're going to be the death of me yet, y/n." Your window rolls down halfway, enjoying the breeze that hits your face. "Would you rest better at the base, or shall I take you back home after the evaluation?" 

"Are you going to take a nap with me?" You blink, silently begging him to say yes. 

"That wasn't an option." He comes to a stop at a red light. "You have two. Pick one."

"You asked where I would sleep better?" Ratchet knows he shouldn't entertain this, but he dares to answer. 

"Yes. Pick one, or I'll pick for you." He makes the left turn as the light switches green. 

"In your arms," A pout overcomes your face as he barks a laugh, obviously unamused. 

"Forget I asked. I'm taking you back home straight after." The pout melds into a scowl, but you relent, leaning back into his seat as the two of you roll down desert roads. You knew you could do better damage at the base, eyelids drooping as a yawn builds in your mouth. Maybe you would be able to better convince him in person, but for now, you take it with stride as the cool afternoon air swipes across your face. 

[zorosimpclub]

late night at the office – Zoro NSFW

characters: zoro roronoa x fem!reader (he's your boss)

boss employee relationship, praising, degrading, light choking | smut | 18+ only – MDNI

word count: 5.5k

She glanced at the clock, it was 8PM and most if not all of her co-workers had gone home. She was assigned to this project by her boss, Zoro – the man was ruthless. He made her repeat her work if there was one small error. Sometimes even when there were 0 errors. That's how ruthless this man was. Today was no different, the client deadline was a few days away but he made her scrap her whole progress and start again.

Zoro sat in his office watching cameras his employees like a hawk, checking on each and every coworker he had. Until he looked at her, seeing her upset. His eyes narrowed and opened up his emails to write her one.

I need to see you in my office.

Minutes turned into hours until she received his email. She held her breath when she saw a small pop up flash on the corner of her laptop screen.

This can't be good, she thought. Sighing, she got up and made her way to his office, stopping right outside. She hesitated a little before finally mustering the courage to knock on it.

Zoro leaned back in his chair, checking through emails as he heard her footsteps outside his office.

“Come in.”

He looked up from his laptop, and fixed his gaze on her. He gestured to a small seat in front of his desk and waited for her to take a seat. She gulped slightly and sat down in the chair, she had no idea what to expect. Zoro was usually really hard to read and today was no different.

Zoro had folded his hands on his desk, looking at her with his sharp eyes. He didn’t waste any time – he didn’t believe in sugarcoating things and was a man of practicality.

”I see you work so hard yet you can’t seem to meet my expectations. I don’t know it your not trying hard enough or you’re just not good at your job."

She felt her lip quiver, he was harsh…there was no surprise there. She bit her bottom lip to fight herself from crying and waited for him to continue talking, knowing that he didn’t just call her into his office to just tell her that.

“I want this project done by the end of the week, I don’t want to hear any excuses. If you can’t get it done by the end of the week…you’re fired, is that understood?”

He wasn't really going to fire her, at most, he was planning to transfer her to another department. He didn't know why he was being such a dick to her...well, he did. Lately his bright eyed employee has been pissing him off. She keeps occupying his damn mind... that infectious smile of hers, her beautiful, innocent eyes...all of it. He didn't know how to feel and it was easier to get rid of her than just dealing with.

"I understand." She spoke up meekly, holding onto her composure so that she didn't burst out crying.

Zoro could see her eyes, they were filling with tears. For a brief moment, he almost felt bad for her. Almost. He let out a sigh and spoke softer whilst remaining stern.

“Good. You can leave but I want the first version of the draft first thing in the morning."

She gasped a little and looked at the clock in his office, "But Mr Zoro, it's 9PM now..."

She already knew what he'd say, it didn't matter because he was definitely going to ask her to pull an all nighter if necessary. It's not like he cared since he usually left the office quite late and in fact, this wasn't the first time she was working late. She wasn’t entirely sure that he had a life outside the office. He was the hardest worker she had ever met, always the last to leave but somehow the first to arrive.

Zoro's eyes locked onto hers.

“Do I need to repeat myself? I don’t care if you have to pull an all nighter here or at your house, as long as you submit the first draft tomorrow morning. That’s all I care about right now.”

At least she had the option to take her work home and work from there if needed. She stood up and excused herself, "Understood."

In the end she decided to finish as much as she could before leaving, she did work better here after all. She began typing away before she heard her co-worker Sanji settled down next to her briefly.

"Y/N my love, you're still here? I'm about to leave now, did you want me to give you a ride?" Sanji asked.

Zoro let out a soft groan as her placed his head against his palms, thoughts racing in his mind. He couldn’t take it. After she left his office, his heart pounded a little. He wanted to tell her that he wasn’t going to fire her and that he was harsh on her. He got up and walked out only to see Sanji next to her.

Zoro smirked a little sadistically, he knew what was going on with them. He wanted to hear Sanji ask her out and he wanted her to reject him. Again and again. He went to the water cooler to hear their conversation more clearly.

"Ah thanks Sanji but I don't think I'm leaving any time soon, I have this due tomorrow and it's much more peaceful here than home so I figured I'd stay until I get this done." She smiled softly at Sanji before typing away at her laptop.

Sanji huffed and leaned closer to her before whispering a joke in her ear, to which she giggled.

Zoro rolled his eyes as he heard Sanji’s whisper, hearing her giggle. His jaw clenched a little, he didn’t like her so close to another man, especially Sanji. It felt like he was so close to seeing her date this man, she’s too beautiful to be with someone like Sanji.

He drank some water, hearing Sanji make another remark, hearing her giggle again. He was getting jealous by the second.

He walked towards her desk and raised his brow at Sanji – he had always hated this man. Something about the way he spoke to her made him despise him.

"Why are you still here? Aren't you from the sales department?"

Sanji let out a chuckle, seeing Zoro walk towards his desk. A smug face on Sanji, as he spoke.

“Ah, yeah I’m in the sales department. I was just here for a client, I just happened to see her beautiful face and decided to visit.”

Zoro rolled his eyes again, he knew he was trying to make a move on her. Anyone with eyes could see how desperate he was towards her.

Zoro was furious but kept his calm, tone stern. "Yeah? Well she has something due in the morning so why don't you just leave instead of slowing her down?”

Sanji gave him a playful grin, his eyebrows raised.

“Wow! Mr. Zoro you are pretty protective of her, you should be careful otherwise someone might think you have a thing for your pretty little employee.”

Zoro's face got red as his fists clenched, he didn't like when people saw through him. He couldn't even respond to Sanji’s claims.

"Shut up." Zoro stormed off to his office, feeling a little embarrassed. Did that moron just practically confess for him?

Y/N blinked once. Twice. Thrice. What just happened? It all happened so fast. Why did Zoro get flustered like that?

She shook her head and sighed, "Anyway Sanji, I'm going to get back to work, please feel free to leave. Thanks for offering me to take home but I think I'll just get the late night bus back."

Zoro had his fists clenched, he wasn’t expecting Sanji to be so loud and put those words in her head. It made his blood boil in his veins as he slammed the door to his office with one hand. He sat at his desk, pushing his fingers through his hair. Why was his heart beating so fast? Why did he care so much about another man calling a woman beautiful? He didn’t know. He shook his head, this was getting ridiculous.

Time went on as he heard Sanji leave, the office became silent. It was all him and her.

Zoro couldn’t stand it, he watched from his desk. Seeing her stretch and hearing her tired yawns. Something in him got him to stand up and walk over to her desk. He towered over her.

“Its late, you should go home. You look tired.”

"But I haven't finished yet. I work better here." She shot him a soft smile and continued typing, feeling awkward that he was just standing there. She sensed some tension – what type of tension, she wasn’t sure quite yet.

With him, it was a mixed bag. He has been really kind to her but in a professional, stern way. But he’s also straight up been a dick to her, she wasn’t sure what to think.

He let out a sigh, his attention locked onto her soft smile, he couldn’t look away…it’s like he was mesmerised.

“I know I gave you that deadline earlier but I’ll give you more time. Just leave and get some rest, you need it.”

She perked up a little, "Thanks but I think I can finish up in a couple of hours..." It was obvious that he felt bad, he always does and she was grateful that he showed care for her. But she really wanted to prove to him and herself that she wasn't just going take the easy route.

He stayed silent, watching her type away on her keyboard. He felt like time was going incredibly slow, watching her fingers type. His eyes roamed from her hands to her face, back to her hands then back to her face. His face only got redder at the sight, damned feelings he thought.

–

He left the office and grabbed both of them some takeout before returning – he convinced himself that he would do this for any employee and that it was just him fulfilling his duty as a boss. He pushed open his office door with his shoulder and placed the takeout on his desk.

He should email her to come have dinner since it seems that she hadn't already had it.

After hesitating for the tenth time, Zoro opened his email and wrote to her.

I need to see you in my office.

He wasn't going to tell her that he got takeout, she probably wouldn't come if he did.

She sighed and got up as soon as she saw the email pop up in the corner of her screen. Walking over to his office, she rubbed her temples to prepare herself for whatever the man was about to throw at her.

Zoro watched her walk over to his office, the sight of her just walking over was enough to make him lose his mind.

The moment she walked in he gestured for her to sit down, he put the takeout in front of her. She had no idea the amount of willpower he was exerting to not just kiss her.

She raised a brow not knowing what he asked her here for, there's no way he called her in here because he got her food...right? Maybe he was going to eat in front of her knowing that she hadn’t had any dinner yet but he can’t be that cruel…right?

"You called sir?"

Zoro stayed silent, his heart pounded in his chest. What if she thinks it's inappropriate he bought her food? He felt like the air in the office got thicker as he looked at her. He spoke up with a firm tone, trying to get away from his thoughts.

"Eat."

She looked taken aback and looked at him as if he said the most incredulous thing ever, he was joking right? She didn't know what to say but on cue, her stomach grumbled. She had completely forgotten to eat dinner…

He watched her stomach grumbled, making him feel a little amused. His lips twitched, his eyes darted to the takeout and back to her, wanting her to eat. She hesitated for a bit and leaned in to grab part of her portion. He leaned back in his chair, not taking his eyes off her as she began eating.

His lips twitched into a little smile watching her eat, she looked so cute eating. Hell, she looked cute doing anything he thought. Zoro reached for his food and started to eat, his gaze never leaving her form. She ate nervously in silence, the food was good but she didn't know how to take this. Maybe he just felt bad for barking at her earlier.

His gaze was fixated on her eyes, occasionally his stare would wander to her lips as she chewed. Her nervous look only made her all the more gorgeous to his eyes.

He knew she wasn't aware of how attracted he was to her, to be fair, he didn’t know how attracted he was to her until it was just them alone. It was getting harder for him to hide it, every time he looked at her he wanted nothing more than to hold her close to him.

Everything was fine until she bit into the hotdog, causing the sauce to squirt on her cleavage. She panicked and wiped it off with her finger before licking it clean.

Zoro almost bit the side of his mouth as he saw her. She was eating the hotdog so innocently. He nearly lost it when the sauce made contact with her cleavage.

The sight of her innocently licking the sauce up with her tongue was enough for him to want to pin her to the wall and kiss her. But he snapped back to reality, he quickly cleared his mind and coughed a little.

"Thank you for the food." She squeaked, breaking the awkward silence that had built up.

Zoro let out a small chuckle. He looked at what she was wearing and had an inappropriate thought that he immediately pushed away.

“You’re welcome, you still have sauce on you,” He pointed to a spot of sauce on her cleavage that she had missed.

Y/N squealed a little and got flustered as she looked down to the sauce. Zoro got up and walked around his desk, sitting on it. He was directly in front of her now. She felt incredibly self conscious with the sauce still on her cleavage but for some reason she froze. She couldn’t move or say anything.

Zoro could feel himself getting more and more attracted to her. He watched as she seemed to freeze, it made him want to do something about it. He leaned forward, his face getting closer to hers.

“M-Mr Zoro?”

Zoro smirked a little at her squeaky voice. She looked so adorable right now, it made him want to close the gap between them.

“You’re so adorable...” He whispered leaning forward even more, his face inches away from hers.

She was shocked, this is so unexpected. Was she so tired that she was hallucinating?

“Y/N…" He called name her softly. He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. He couldn't help but think about how badly he wanted to kiss her right now.

She closed her eyes, feeling his warm breath on her lips. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t think of him late at night, as harsh as the man was on her, he was often the object of her fantasies. In fact, she’d moaned his name as she pleasured herself countless times.

Zoro couldn't take it anymore, his eyes burning with desire. He couldn't resist any more, he leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. It was more of a teasing kiss than anything else, but it she felt intense sparks.

The soft moan from her only fueled Zoro's passion. He deepened the kiss, his hands gently holding her face. He could feel her trembling against him, and it only made him want more.

He broke the kiss and dipped his head to her chest only to lick the sauce off without breaking eye contact. She gasped at the sight and tightened her grip on her chair. She wanted to touch him but she was too afraid to, she didn’t know how to approach the situation. Zoro pulled back slightly, his eyes twinkling with lust as he looked at her. He could feel the tension in the air, the desire radiating off of them both.

He couldn't help but chuckle softly, "You taste even better than I imagined.”

“Y-you’ve imagined tasting me?” She blushed deeply and locked her gaze onto his eyes.

“Well, you are pretty irresistible."

Zoro teased, his gaze never leaving hers. He wanted her, there was no denying it. He reached out and gently traced his fingers along her cheekbone, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes and leaned it to his touch, which left behind burning heat. Her body ached for him, it wasn’t a want anymore… it was a need.

Zoro could feel the heat radiating off of her, his desire for her only growing stronger. He leaned in closer, his lips mere inches from hers.

"I want you," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Let me show you how good I can make you feel…”

She looked up at him with those big doe eyes that he loved so much and nodded slowly.

Zoro's heart raced with anticipation as he leaned down to claim her lips once more, his hands running through her hair as he deepened the kiss. He knew he shouldn't go this far with her, but he couldn't help himself. He’d worry about the mess tomorrow. She fluttered her eyes shut and kissed back passionately, letting her hand roam his body shyly.

The kiss was intoxicating, and Zoro found himself lost in the heat of the moment. He groaned softly against her lips, his body responding to her touch. He broke the kiss for a moment, their breaths heavy and ragged.

"You're so fucking beautiful.”

She watched as he loosened his tie and smirked at her. She bit her bottom lip and squeezed her thighs together in response to how attractive he looked.

“Mr Zoro…”

Zoro reached out and undid the first button of her shirt, his eyes burning with desire.

"Don’t you think you need to be punished? For flirting with other men, hm?” he questioned, his voice husky with need.

He took of his tie and tied it around her eyes, blindfolding her. She gasped and stayed still, part of her feeling like it was on fire.He trailed his hands over her skin, unbuttoning more of her shirt as he went.

"I can’t believe I get to do this to you.”

She didn’t stop him, after all she did want him in every way. He took this as a sign to continue unbuttoning her shirt. His heart pounded in his chest as he exposed more of her skin to the cool air. His hands were shaking slightly, not from fear or hesitation, but from the overwhelming desire coursing through him.

"You’ve been driving me crazy.”

She gulped visibly and leaned her head back, exposing her naked neck and clavicle. Zoro's fingers brushed against her soft skin, tracing delicate patterns on her skin as he leaned in closer. His lips grazed her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

"You're making this very hard for me," he murmured against her skin.

He leaned down and took one of her nipples in his mouth, flicking his tongue sensually around it. A moan escaped from under her blindfold as she arched her back, offering more of herself to him. Her other nipple hardened at the sensation, begging for the same attention. He chuckled darkly and grazed his teeth against her as he gave her other nipple a pinch.

Her body trembled with anticipation and need. "Zoro," she panted, her voice filled with desire and longing. "Please...”

“Patience sweetheart. I did say that you were going to be punished didn’t I?” He sucked, bit and licked her nipples before lifting her skirt and moved her panties to the side. His rough hands slid over her mound, teasing her sensitive folds with his fingers.

"Look at you, dripping for me to touch you." he growled against her skin. "I'm going to fuck you until you scream, is that okay sweetheart?”

She grinded her hips on his fingers and nodded, begging to feel them inside of her. Unable to resist any longer, Zoro thrust his fingers inside of her, groaning at the feeling of her slick walls squeezing around him.

"You're so tight," he moaned, his pace becoming rougher.

She moaned and bucked her hips faster. It felt so good, she couldn’t even think straight. That however changed as soon as he slipped his fingers out of her, she moaned in protest and she heard something ruffling near her. She felt herself be lifted from the seat by her waist and laid down on the table.

“I think I have some space for dessert.”

Before she could ask what he meant, she felt something wet trail along her pussy. In an instant, she gripped his hair and ground herself against his tongue. Zoro moaned around her clit as he alternated between licking and sucking, loving the way she was writhing against his mouth. He moved to the side, sliding his tongue inside of her as he thrust two fingers inside of her.

“Mr Zoro!" she cried out, her body shaking with pleasure. Her hips bucked against his hands as she came undone, her moans echoing in the empty room.

As she finally came down from her orgasm, Zoro pulled his fingers out of her and stood up. He gave her a wicked grin.

"Now it's my turn." He pushed his pants and boxers down, freeing his already hard cock.

He took off her blindfold and yanked her to his chest.

“Now look at me when I fuck you," he growled, his voice dangerously low. He pushed her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes as he thrust into her, claiming her body completely. Her body was slick with their combined fluids as he slowly started to pick up speed, slamming into her with a primal groan.

He gripped her hair, pulling her head back as he took what he wanted from her. He peppered kisses and bites on her neck as he pounded mercilessly into her tight hole.

“Do you know how many times I’ve dreamt of fucking you like this?”

She gasped, her body arching into his as he hit her sweet spot. "Mr Zoro…" she moaned, her voice filled with desire and lust.

"T-Too much." she panted, her body trembling under his relentless thrusting.

“Good. Your punishment is cumming over and over again until you can’t think straight, are we clear, princess?”

“Yes," she whimpered, her body throbbing with need. "Please.”

He thrust into her so deep, she swore she could feel him hitting her cervix. She could feel every inch of him pulsating inside of her, claiming her like he would never get to touch her again. His fingers found her clit, rubbing it roughly and sending waves of pleasure through her.

He withdrew from her slowly, only to push back in hard, his muscles rippling as he hit the spot that made her scream out his name. His hips snapped with each hard thrust, driving him deep inside of her.

She held her breath as his balls slapped against her ass in all the right places. She could feel herself getting closer but the pleasure was overwhelming, making it nearly impossible to think straight. Her body tensed, her walls clenching around him in anticipation.

Her cries of pleasure and pain mingled together, echoing through the room. Her climax hit her hard, her body shuddering underneath him. Zoro’s own climax was imminent, his cock throbbing inside her.

“Look at you, you’re such a little slut aren’t you? Pretending to be innocent with those big pretty eyes but here you are, taking dick from your boss like a cumslut.” He chuckled dryly and pushed her against the door, her chest rubbing against the door every time he thrusted into her.

Zoro lightly gripped her neck and fucked her senseless, he wanted to have her like this every day. Everyday whilst everyone outside had no clue what was going on inside. Her eyes widened, both from the pleasure and surprise of his grip on her neck.

She couldn't help but moan loudly, her body arching off the door in response to his rougher actions. "Y-yes, Mr Zoro!”

"That's it, moan my name princess." He groaned out, thrusting harder into her. His grip on her neck tightened slightly, not enough to hurt her but enough to leave a mark if anyone were to find them like this.

She moaned his name, her body trembling from the intense pleasure and the sensation of being taken by him. "Ahh...”

Her eyes rolled back in her head, lost in the pleasure he was giving her. "Mr Zoro!" She cried out, her body shuddering under his rough treatment. She couldn't believe how much she craved this dominance from him. Zoro leaned in, his free hand running up her leg and over her thigh, his fingers finding her clit again.

He circled her clit slowly, teasing her further as he continued to fuck her against the door. "You're mine to claim whenever I want, understand?”

Her body convulsed around his fingers and his cock, her voice barely more than a whimper now. "Y-yes, Mr Zoro!" She panted, her eyes locked onto his. There was no denying the truth in her words—she belonged to him completely.

Feeling her submission, Zoro groaned deeply, his hips snapping faster as he took her roughly against the door.

"And you'll always remember this, won't you?" He asked, his voice thick with lust and possession.

"Y-yes, Mr Zoro," she panted, her voice barely audible over their heavy breaths. "I'll always remember this."

Hearing her confirm his words, Zoro felt a rush of power course through him. He gripped her tighter, biting his bottom lip as he drove deeper into her, claiming her in every sense of the word.

Her cries of pleasure mixed with his name filled the room, echoing off the walls. Her body arched off the door, meeting his brutal thrusts with unyielding desire. This was their dance—one of dominance and submission, pain and pleasure—and she was his perfect partner.

“I’m going to fill you up with my cum, got it?”

"Please, yes!" she whimpered, feeling his thick cock throbbing against her sensitive walls. The thought of him filling her up with his seed sent shivers of anticipation down her spine.

"That's my obedient princess." He groaned out, his voice low and rough with lust as his hips pistoned into her. His pace grew more rapid, his cock sliding in and out of her with brutal speed as he prepared to unleash his seed inside her.

“Fuck! Take my load!”

“Mmph!" She gasped, feeling him pulsing inside of her. His cum filled her up, claiming her in the most intimate way possible. She cried out his name as the intensity of the sensations washed over her.

She screamed, her body shuddering under the pleasure. Every muscle in her body was taut with anticipation as he continued to empty himself into her. His hips bucked wildly against hers, driving him deeper still as he claimed her completely.

"Look at me when you take my cum."

He snarled, yanking her head back by the hair, forcing her to meet his gaze as he exploded inside her. His words snapped her back to reality, and she finally registered the loud grunts of his orgasm echoing around them as his cum shot into her, filling her up and making her sob out his name again.

He pulled out of her and carried her to his chair before sitting down with her in his lap. Panting heavily, she felt him shift her so that she was now sitting in his lap, her legs dangling slightly. Her body trembled from the aftermath of their intense lovemaking, her heart still racing from the sheer intensity of it all.

“So…” she started.

He looked down at her, his eyes dark and smoldering with lust. "So," he drawled, running a rough thumb over her swollen lips, "you just fucked your boss huh?" His voice was rough with satisfaction and pride.

She blushed and hid her face with her hands.

Chuckling softly, Zoro wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.

“It's alright, I won't fire you.” he teased, his other hand traced gentle patterns on her stomach, trying to soothe her blush. “In fact…from now on, this is your duty.”

He growled low in his throat, nibbling on her earlobe as he started to grind his hard cock against her still-sensitive core.

"Every day during work, you come to my office and let me have my way with you, understood?”

“Y-yes, Mr Zoro," she whispered, shivering in pleasure at the thought of the things he would do to her.

“Good girl." He murmured approvingly before leaning down to capture her lips in a slow, deep kiss that left her reeling. As he held her close, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that from now on, this beautiful woman was his to claim whenever he wanted.

“Oh and your work is actually good, I was just being harsh on you because I wanted to not like you." He admitted sheepishly “I was never planning to fire you, sorry for being rude to you.”

She blushed and cuddled against him, her heart fluttering with happiness. "Thank you, Mr Zoro." She looked up at him, her eyes shining with adoration and desire. "I'm glad I didn't disappoint you.”

“Zoro.”

“Hm?” She looked at him, a little puzzled as to why he was saying his own name.

“Just Zoro.” He smiled at her and captured her lips into a sweet kiss.

"Yes, Zoro," she breathed, returning his kiss eagerly. A warm shiver ran down her spine as he continued to touch her in ways that made her body tremble with anticipation. She was his now, completely and utterly.

"That's a good girl." He whispered against her lips before pulling back to look into her eyes.

"Now, let me drive you home." His tone was both commanding, leaving no room for hesitation or refusal. He wasn’t going to let her get the bus alone, definitely not at this hour. She nodded.

–

Once they reached her home, he parked the car carefully. His hand gently guided her out of the vehicle, their connection undeniable. As they stood on her porch, he leaned down and captured her lips once more, his tongue teasing and tasting her mouth.

He pulled away and stroked her hair lightly, “In all seriousness, this wasn’t driven by lust. Well, part of it was… but I do like you. A lot.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine, making her heart race even faster. She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with desire and a hint of admiration.

"I... I like you too, Zoro…do you want to come inside?" she whispered softly, biting her lower lip nervously. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he took her hand,

"Alright then, let's continue this inside." His voice was sweet but seductive, his grip firm yet gentle.

-–

As always, feel free to request a fic! :) Here's my third Zoro fic (I cannot stop writing about this man helP RJSGIOEJ) anyway, please lmk if you enjoyed this one! seeing comments on my last few fics made my day (maybe that's why i'm churning out these fics so fast??? LMAO) <3

[annymation]

Reimagining the Characters in Wish

(Part 4- The 7 teens)

Yup, you read that right, I’m rewriting AAAAALL these fellas, or rather, just giving more substance to them because as they were in the movie we barely got CHARACTERS, just a 7 dwarfs reference, heck, I doubt y’all remember their names.

If you’re new here, hi, I’m rewriting all the characters in Wish before I start sharing my rewrite, here’s part 1, part 2 and part 3.

Now you may wonder, why am I even keeping the concept of the 7 teens in my rewrite, when just scrapping them all together would make my life so much easier instead of writing lines of dialogue and character motives to all of them?

Well the answer is that I like to make myself suffer I think they actually have a lot of potential, and I really like their designs.

Sooo lets meet the gang.

Who are the 7 teens?

So in my rewrite, the 7 teens will be a little bit more than just Asha’s best friends. Because each one of them will be the sons and daughters of some members of the royal staff.

I’ll be specifying in this blog the following things about each one of them:

- Their personality.

- Who their parents are.

- How they met Asha.

- What purpose will they serve in the story.

So buckle up because this blog might get a lil bit long hahaha I regret this already.

Dahlia 🍪

- Dahlia is a 17 year old girl, she has mobility issues, so she has to use a crutch to walk.

- She’s very organized and proactive, always doing her best to get things done. She’s often the one who takes the lead when planning things for her friends such as surprise birthday parties or deciding where to hang out (or whatever teenagers did back then aside from dying from the plague).

- She has an habit of making lists with the step by step of everything she has planned, which her friends find pretty amusing. Her ideas always turn out to be a lot of fun, although she really needs to learn how to let go of this need of control and just let things play out naturally.

(She’s kinda like Twilight Sparkle… this will not be the last time I’ll mention a My Little Pony character in this blog)

- Sometimes when things don’t go according to plan or she gets anxious she starts stuttering and replacing words

(much like how Doc from Snow White did constantly, I’m shocked they didn’t reference that once in the movie, it’s such an awkward teenager thing to do)

“Asha! We shook— I mean LOOKED everywhere for you la-last night! Why would you fun- I MEAN RUN away from the hackle like that??”

“… I think you mean castle-“

“YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT”

- But overall she’s a very kind and supportive friend to Asha, something they both have in common is that they enjoy working hard to achieve their goals, even though Dahlia still wants to give her wish for the king.

- I might’ve made her come off as a bit of a control freak but really she’s very easygoing and kind. Even when things don’t go according to plan she knows anything with her friends will be fun and work out in the end.

Even if what doesn’t go according to plan is a heist mission to infiltrate the castle?

She’s the daughter of the royal cooks

- Her mother is the royal baker and her father is the royal lead chef.

- They both work in the castle, and Dahlia sometimes goes with them to lend a hand when they’re short staffed or to learn the family business.

- Dahlia has witnessed first hand how the royal couple can be not so sweet when they’re away from the public eyes:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

King Magnifico: Diner yesterday was absolutely dreadful, what happened? Have I granted your wish to be the greatest chef in the land for nothing?

Dahlia’s father: m-my deepest apologies sire, you see, the queen took all the salt from our storage yesterday to make her potions so-

King Magnifico: Blaming my wife for your incompetence now, I see

Dahlia’s father: n-no! I’d neve-

King Magnifico: If you got no salt, find a work around, I’ll not be accepting any less than the finest meals from you, was I clear? Dismissed.

Dahlia: … Dad, that wasn’t your fault, you can’t let him talk to you like that.

Dahlia’s father: He’s the king, Dahlia, he’s always right. Besides, it’s thanks to him granting my wish that I know how to cook at all, the least I can do is not disappoint him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- Because she got to see this behavior, it’s easier for her to believe when Asha tells her the king and queen’s true colors.

- She’s expected to follow her parent’s foot steps, and become a great cook, but all she really knows how to bake is cookies.

- She sees cooking a lot more as a past time than something she’ll be doing for the rest of her life, but she doesn’t want to let her parents down, she keeps trying to develop some interest in cooking, so she can wish to be a great cook once she turns 18

(Just wishing for it without having truly the interest in cooking wouldn’t work, because a wish has to be something that you really want and comes from the bottom of your heart)

She was the first one that met Asha

- Dahlia was helping her mom sell her baking goods to the neighborhood, so she went all by herself with a little cart carrying a bunch of sweets (like a Girl Scout)

- She knocked on Asha’s house and was greeted by lil 6 year old Asha with her grandpa, they bought some sweets, but as she was walking away Asha noticed she was having some trouble carrying the cart while walking with her crutch.

- Asha looked at her grandfather who gave her a reassuring nod.

- Asha offered to help Dahlia carry the cart.

- They talked while they walked door to door for a while, and after there were no more sweets in the cart they went to play together, and that’s how they became best friends.

She will be the leader

- I mentioned briefly in my blog about reimagining Asha that after her grandfather passed away she started living with Dahlia, so they’re basically sisters, and as such, Dahlia is very protective of Asha and becomes increasingly worried when Asha starts acting weird after her meeting with the king and queen, like she’s hiding something… and why the heck she has a friend that dresses up like a prince now?

- There will be a point in the middle of the story where Asha and Aster run away from the kingdom

(for reasons that I really should explain soon because the whole middle chunk of this rewrite is yet to be shared on Tumblr, I’m so sorry, I’ll get to writing it here soon)

- And Asha is seen now as a traitor, so, the 7 teens are conflicted.

- Should they believe their king, who says that Star guy is dangerous and Asha was plotting to betray them? Or should they trust their best friend?

- Dahlia is the first one who rises up saying they should go after Asha and help her, pack their stuff, tell their parents they’re going to make a sleepover or something, and just go to the middle of the woods.

- Everyone is a little unsure at first (specially Gabo and Simon) but after she gives them a little speech and reminds everyone of all the things Asha did for them, they’re convinced to go.

- Once they do find Asha and Aster, she helps a lot when they have to make a plan on how to defeat the royal couple.

Simon 💤

- Simon is a 21 year old young man, the oldest of the group, and since the day he gave way his wish he hasn’t been the same.

- Simon used to be very energetic and hard working, now, he’s in a constant feel of exhaustion that doesn’t go away, no matter how much he sleeps, he doesn’t feel motivated to do anything.

- His friends are very understanding tho and every time they hang out they always bring a pillow in case he needs a nap (which he always does need).

- They assume Simon has been so exhausted since he turned 18 because after that his father has been more demanding of him and his training, we’ll talk more about that later.

- Even tho he’s overwhelmed with sleepiness, Simon is still very protective and caring with his friends, he always tries his best to stay awake when they’re having fun together, he doesn’t want to miss a moment with them.

- He was even more protective before he turned 18 of course, he was like the older brother of the group, but since now he’s way too sleepy to be the voice of reason, that role is now Asha’s, the second oldest.

He’s the son of the captain of the royal guard

- The training I mentioned before was sword fighting, horse walking, navigation, tactics and a bunch of other exhausting things.

- But for whaaaateveeer reason Simon has lost all interest in learning about them since the day he gave away his wish, gosh I wonder what that wish wa— It’s the same that it was in the movie.

- Simon wished to become the next captain of the royal guard, just like his dad, so he can make him proud and protect his friends.

(Omg Simon is Papyrus Undertale confirmed)

- Magnifico is waiting for Simon’s dad to pass away so he can grant Simon’s wish, can’t have 2 captains of the royal guard at the same time, now can he?

- The tragic irony of it all is that a wish that Simon made to make his family proud just made him become an embarrassment to his father, who now doesn’t even try to teach him anything, knowing his son is just gonna fall asleep during his lessons.

- Simon is very distressed by all this, deep down he knows that he might feel this way because, for whatever reason, the king hasn’t granted his wish yet

- Whenever he tries to explain that to his father tho, he just angrily cuts him off for even daring to question or blame the king for his own failures, saying he must always be loyal and thankful to the king… Always.

(His father is mean like that because he wished to be the king’s most trusted and loyal knight so he literally is incapable of questioning Magnifico, even if that means he hurts his son in the process)

- After getting these speeches from his father so many times Simon just accepted that the problem was him, and it definitely wasn’t the king’s fault

- However, Asha did suspect that Simon’s wish wasn’t granted, just like how her grandfather’s wish wasn’t either, she recognized how Simon shared a lot of behavior patterns with her grandfather.

“You know Simon… Maybe you should ask the king if your wish was granted at all, don’t you think? You haven't been acting like yourself for 3 years now”

“What? Oh no no no I… I shouldn’t bother him with something so silly, I mean, of course he granted my wish… And if he didn’t then he must have his reasons and I just gotta wait haha but it doesn’t matter either way, after all I’m totally fine… I’m fine…”

Simon is the only one in the group who has absolutely no criticism about the king.

He was the second one that met Asha

- Simon was 10 when he started training sword fighting on his backyard, he’d use some scare crows as his opponents, and he made some wood swords by himself.

- Asha and Dahlia were hanging out when they saw Simon training, Asha thought it seemed fun so she asked if she could play too.

- Simon really could use some more lively opponents so yeah, why not?

- They played sword fighting the whole afternoon while Dahlia cheered for Asha and joined in the fun too.

- Since then they were very close friends and Simon taught Asha how to properly sword fight during their preteen years… they haven’t done that in a while now.

He’ll be the traitor

- Yup, oh sweet sleepy lil Simon betrays them in my version too, but don’t worry, it’s not just because he wants to get his wish granted like it was in the movie

(because that was a jerk move that made Simon feel very unlikable, like I get it he’s constantly exhausted and depressed and wants it to go away but bruh couldn’t even look guilty when doing it)

- So, like I mentioned, they all go after Asha and Aster in the forest. Simon at first is very resistant and the others even say it’s okay if wants to stay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dahlia: It’s okay Simon, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.

Gabo: OH SURE! I’m a jerk for calling this a suicide mission, but the strongest and oldest of the group not wanting to go is completely understandable, I see how it is.

Simon: …hmm

Dahlia: Simon’s case is different Gabo, if his dad realizes he’s missing then we might have even more guards on our tail.

Safi: Besides, Simon might be a liability.

Simon:… what’s that supposed to mean?

Safi: Ah… shoot- eh you know like… it’s getting pretty late and you didn’t get a nap this afternoon so—

Gabo: He means we can’t carry you through the woods like a sleeping beauty waiting for a kiss, Simon.

Simon:…

Hal: Wow Gabo, very classy (sarcastic)

Gabo: Hey, just saying what we’re all thinking-

Simon: I’m going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- Simon decides he has to go because someone has to be there to protect his friends, not just from the woods, but most importantly from that star guy the king warned everyone about

- May seem contradictory that Simon believes both in the king and Asha, but truth is that he’s holding up hope that this is all some big misunderstanding and Asha just misunderstood something the king said, or she’s being brainwashed by that star, or anything else.

- He just can’t accept that the king is truly evil.

- So, when they’re packing up their things to go, Simon grabs a little something from his father’s room.

- A magic mirror, used only by the king’s most trusted knights, that gives direct contact to the king's study.

- He planed to just use it in case that they needed help if they found out the star was really harming Asha.

- However, once they did find Asha and Aster, it became undeniably clear that the star wasn’t harmful at all, which left Simon very confused.

“Maybe the book the king read about wishing stars was wrong, I should just explain to him that he made a mistake!”

(Oh poor naive boy)

- After planning how they’d defeat the king and save the wishes, Simon just lied saying he was gonna take a nap behind a tree, and thus, he entered in contact with the king and queen

- Magnifico at first dismisses Simon like he’s just messing with his father’s stuff until Simon mentions he knows where Asha and the star are, that peaks his interest, but he and Amaya disguise their enthusiasm perfectly by pretending to be worried for his safety.

“Oh my, are you alright? Has it done anything to you? Where are you? We can send help immediately”

- He says they’re fine, and tries to explain that maybe the king was wrong about star, and there has been some misunderstanding that lead to Asha thinking they were bad people, if they just talked things out everything would go back to normal.

- Like I mentioned in part 2, one of Magnifico’s abilities is hypnosis through eye contact, so he’s able to make Simon see things his way.

- He manipulates Simon into thinking that the star is tricking all of them to get to the wishes, and the only way for Simon to save them is doing EXACTLY what Magnifico says.

- He asks Simon to tell him what their plans are, so he can stop them from… doing anything they might regret.

- Simon, even under the influence of Magnifico’s power, is still conflicted and asks if his friends will be in trouble after this is all over.

“Trouble? Oh heaves no, dear boy, I wouldn’t dream on letting any harm come to them, trust me, your friends will be perfectly safe… If you do as I say.”

“… “if”?…”

“Enough chit chat, now, what are they plotting exactly? Don’t leave any details”

- Of course, Magnifico also offers to grant Simon's wish if everything goes according to plan, Simon is fully convinced.

- Simon agrees to lock his friends in a room during their invasion to the castle, the king convinced him that's the best way to keep them “safe” (Asha will be locked in a different room tho, for… reasons)

- But once he does lock them up, he hears his friends screaming and arguing with him through the door, eventually he has a change of heart and lets them go, so they can stop the king and queen together.

- Simon first betrayed his friends, but then he betrayed the king, and as he’ll find out in a very painful way… Magnifico really doesn’t like being betrayed.

(See what I did there? That’s a line Magnifico says in the Wish movie hehe… okay moving on)

Gabo 😡

- Gabo is a 17 year old teen, he’s also a little person.

- He’s a menace to society the brutally honest of the group, always with a sarcastic remark on the tip of his tongue, sometimes they’re funny, sometimes they’re way too harsh, but he often apologizes if he goes too far, he doesn’t mean to hurt people, being blunt is just how he expresses himself.

- You may wonder why his friends even hang out with him if he’s so… grumpy all the time, well, his friends understand that he has a lot of pent-up anger inside because of personal stuff, so they try to help him through it.

- He also has a more soft side to him, he can be very wise for his age when his friends need some advice, and he’s always loyal, even when they disagree, he’d go anywhere they go.

- He’s specially loyal and supportive to Asha and most of the time refrains from throwing shade at her, actually he’s mostly just blunt when talking to the guys, he’s a lot more respectful to the girls.

(Ironic considering Grumpy hated Snow White at first just because she was a girl lmao)

He’s the son of a soldier

- His father is just a random soldier, nothing special really.

- However, once when Gabo was a kid, he was visiting the castle with his father and he wanted to explore, so he sneakily grabbed his father’s keys to the dungeons and went to see how was it like, ya know, boys will be boys.

- He got in, and at first there wasn’t nothing out of the ordinary, just your average scary dark and gloomy dungeon… except that by the end of a hall, full of empty jail cells, there was a door.

- And he could hear someone screaming from behind that door, like they were pleading, and he saw light coming from the key hole… It looked like the king’s magic, except it was green instead of blue.

- He tried to use the keys to open it, but none of them worked.

“Ugh why don’t any of these keys work??”

“Because this area is forbidden, little one”

- He turned around quickly to see who was behind him, and there she was, the queen was smiling down at him, a sweet and tender smile, like she wasn’t hearing the sounds of desperate cries coming from behind the door.

“I- sorry your majesty but umm… it sounds like someone is in trouble in there, shouldn't we help?”

- Then he heard the distinct sound of something made of glass breaking, and suddenly… silence, no more crying, no more screaming, and no more light coming from the door.

“I don’t hear anything my sapling, poor thing, you must be imagining things. Now, why don’t you just hurry along back to your father? He’s looking for you… And remember, this is our little secret~”

- And Gabo never told this to anyone, he knows no one would believe him.

(If you’re wondering what was going on behind that door… let’s just say there’s STILL more evil stuff Magnifico does that I couldn’t fit in my blog about the villains, what’s that you ask? *maniacal laugh* I’ll let you guess)

- Gabo always had the feeling that there was something WRONG with Rosas, but he couldn't quite pin point what, and that experience in the dungeon made him start questioning if the smiles he saw plastered on the king and queen's faces everyday were real or fake.

- This feeling that there was something wrong but there was nothing he could do about it made him, for a lack of a better word, grumpy a lot of the time.

- Needles to say, when Asha explained that the king and queen were actually evil, Gabo believed in a heartbeat.

- Because he’s a little person, Gabo is not expected to follow his father’s foot steps, and that makes him furious, because he wishes he could be seen as strong like he sees himself, but he’s constantly underestimated and treated like a kid.

He was the third one to met Asha

- During a kite festival in the kingdom, Dahlia, Simon and Asha were flying their kite when they noticed a boy sitting down on the grass, next to a broken kite.

- The boy looked very grumpy, so Asha tried offering him a hug, Gabo quickly pushed her away, saying he wanted to be left alone.

- Simon and Dahlia suggested they should just leave him be, but Asha insisted they should just give him some time to calm down.

- They sat a little bit far away from Gabo and started to just talk. Gabo appreciated that even though Asha didn’t even know him she was willing to wait for him to get some alone time and try to reach out for him later, most people just walked away when he had his anger episodes.

- After a few minutes, he got up and asked if he could play with them.

He will be the comedy relief, and the straightforward voice of reason

- Comedy relief is also an important role in a story, to alleviate the the tension and just be that one character that gives more contradictory remarks, otherwise everyone just agrees with each other and really where’s the fun in that?

- Also, after they figure out Simon betrayed them, he’d be the one who snaps Simon out of the idea that the king is a good person, throwing some facts to his face and like, not sugarcoating it, just straight up calling Simon out for being a dirty traitor, an awful friend and an absolute idiot, which may seem harsh but was exactly what Simon needed to hear to realize he was making a mistake.

- Like, Simon just opens the door apologizing in the verge of tears while Gabo keeps kicking his leg to let out his anger while everyone else is staring at Simon very disappointedly, comedy gold.

Bazeema 🥰

- Bazeema is 17 years old, who’s very shy.

-In this rewrite she is pretty much the same except for a little design and background change, you see, I found this piece of concept art

- Do you see it? Bazeema seems to be wearing a hijab, I like that, we don’t get enough Muslim representation, so there, Bazeema is Muslim and she wears a hijab now, her religion won’t affect anything in the narrative tho but I just wish they kept this detail in her design.

- Also I’m keeping that gimmick that sometimes she appears out of no where and scared the hell out of Gabo, because yeah I think it has comedic potential.

- She’s a very sweet and gentle girl, very soft spoken and likes to have some alone time once in a while “us introverts need sanctuary” as she said.

(She’s kinda like Fluttershy, see? I told you I’d mention more my little pony characters)

She’s the daughter of the royal gardeners

- Nothing much to it, Bazeema just saw the queen being rude to her mother once because the flowers were red instead of white. So again, when Asha sas the royal couple is evil she believes her just fine.

- Also she knows about a secret passage inside the palace’s garden, in the center of a hedge maze, that leads to inside the castle.

- Specifically to an underground storage room where her parents keep some gardening tools, but, if they can get in there, they might find a way to get inside the castle through the underground.

- She doesn’t mind following her parents footsteps at all, in fact, she loves the idea of just talking to flowers all day.

She’s the fourth one who Asha meets

- When Asha was 10, she and her friends went to watch a kids play telling the story of Rosas, Bazeema was playing the queen.

- But Bazeema got stage fright, and ran to the back of the stage, embarrassed that she forgot her lines

- Asha followed the sound of her crying and reassured her that it was alright and she could take as long as she needed to feel ready, and complemented that she looked beautiful in her Queen’s dress.

- Bazeema really appreciated that, and she went back on stage, although, she tried keeping her eyes closed to not see the crowd.

She’ll give important info on how to get inside the castle

- Like I mentioned before, Bazeema has info on how to get inside the castle through the garden, so she’ll just assist on that part of their plan.

- Also comedic relief, with her gimmick of disappearing then showing up out of nowhere.

Dario 💎

- Dario is 17 years old, and in this rewrite, he’s mute, not deaf tho, just mute, so he communicates through sign language. That’s to reference how Dopey, the dwarf he pays homage to, was also mute.

- I wouldn’t say Dario is dumb in my rewrite, he’s just really easily distracted, sometimes when his friends are talking he’ll just doze off and look at some flowers he finds along the way or collect rocks, and they don’t really mind.

- Dario is very emotionally intelligent tho, and among all the 7 teens, he’s one of the quickest to believe that Asha is innocent (Right after Dahlia)

He’s the son of the royal announcers

- Ya know those people with the big trumpets that give announcements to the kingdom? Yeah that’s what his parents do.

- Due to his disability Dario can’t really become an announcer, at least not a verbal one, he doesn’t really mind tho.

He’s the fifth one that Asha meets

- Asha was 11 when she and her friends met Dario, he was new in their class because he and his parents just moved to Rosas.

- Since he was mute, he had a really hard time making friends, so, Asha and her friends went to the library and found a book teaching about sign language

(I’m not gonna pretend you can actually learn ALL about sign language with just a book, I should know, I had ASL class in college, with a deaf teacher, and even then I don’t know even half of what there is to know, but this is a fantasy, so let’s pretend these kids learned the whole language, because it’s wholesome)

- So they make this effort to communicate with him and that makes Dario really happy, and he quickly joins the group.

He’ll be the silent comedic relief and also help creating a distraction for the king

- Most scenes when everyone is talking and focusing on more serious things, Dario is easily distracted and can be on the background doing the most random things, it’s not that he doesn’t care tho, he’s listening, and sometimes he comes up with creative ideas of his own.

- Also, as the son of the royal announcers, he goes tell them he has seen the star on the north side of the forest, his parents obviously believe him, and announce to the guards and the king, thus they can get inside while Aster distracts Magnifico.

Safi 🤧

- Safi is the youngest in the group, he’s 16 years old, and he has a tendency to sometimes not thinking before he speaks, so he kinda blurts out things that might come off as indelicate, but he never means to be rude. Also he’s allergic to EVERYTHING under the sun, so, of course, he sneezes a lot.

- I gave him this characteristic of blurting out things that he’s not supposed to say because it kinda reminds me of a sneeze, uncontrollable and sometimes inconvenient, but this way it gives him more character.

- Also if it was only Gabo saying inconvenient stuff and everyone else were saints this would be no realistic group of teenagers, teens are relentless when it comes to saying dumb stuff with each other y’all, they just don’t care.

- Safi is also a germophobic, always avoiding situations that might get him sick, like flowers, animals, dust, humidity, flour, the rain-

- And even though he’s terrified of everything that might give him a sneezing fit, his friends are always there to help him get through it.

He’s the son of two members of the cleaning staff

- So, as you can imagine, Safi really doesn’t want to follow his parents career path, with a job that is all about cleaning dust.

- One day, he was asked to help them clean the castle so he could at least try to learn something.

- While he was helping, the king showed up and started complaining with his parents that his study wasn’t clean enough

- While he was busy talking with them, he left something very important lying around.

- Safi saw the king’s magic staff leaning on the wall.

- Safi wanted to get a closer look, so while the king was distracted he approached the staff, but then, he felt it, a sneeze was coming up.

- He tried to hold it in but it was too late, Safi sneeze was so strong the staff got out of balance, and when it was about to hit the ground Magnifico managed to grab it just in time.

- Safi looked relieved and even chuckled to himself thinking the king would do the same. But the expression the king had was something he never seen from him before… Safi saw pure rage.

“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU ALMOST DID? YOU WRETCHED BRAT! YOU COULD’VE ENDED ALL THE MAGIC IN ROSAS! I COULD’VE BEEN RUINED”

- Safi was pressed against a wall apologizing frantically and so were his parents.

- The king took a few deep breaths, and as if nothing happened his expression went back to his usual charismatic smile

“Maybe cleaning duty just isn’t your calling, lad. You’re dismissed from assisting for today, or any other day for that matter.”

- So Safi is not allowed inside the castle anymore.

He was the sixth that Asha met

- Safi was terrified during the festivals celebrating the foundation of Rosas, because the kingdom was decorated completely with, well, roses.

- There were roses everywhere, and he couldn’t stop sneezing with all the pollen in the air.

- Asha and her friends noticed him distressed, and decided to help him by taking Safi away from the kingdom.

- Safi was sad he couldn’t join in the party, but Asha and her friends said they could bring the party to him, so they danced and played instruments all day long.

This boy whose only personality trait was SNEEZING is literally the one who provides the info they need to defeat the villains, no, I’m not joking

- Like I mentioned before, Safi had a interaction with the king where he heard the king say “You could’ve ended all magic in Rosas” but he never understood what Magnifico meant by that.

- It’s not like all the king’s magic is stored in that one staff right?… but what if it is.

- When they’re coming up with a plan to defeat the king, Safi brings up this information, and there you have it, now they know what’s his weakness.

Hal 😄

- Hal is 17 year old, and judging by her earrings that resemble the “Jaaro dibbei” earrings from the Fulani tribe, so with that in mind, in this rewrite she came from Africa but moved to Rosas with her family as a kid.

- Hal is a very extroverted and joyful person, it’s rare to not see her smile, unless the situation really gets serious.

- Shes contagiously optimistic.

- Is often practicing her jokes with her friends, or just throwing some quick witted quips to lighten the mood.

(She’s a lot like Pinkie Pie… All the girls are My Little Pony references)

She’s the daughter of the royal entertainers

- Hal used to practice a lot of juggling and try acrobatics when she was little, but she quickly realized that kind of act wasn’t her calling

- She much prefers telling jokes and funny stories to the king and queen wherever her parents bring her with them to perform

- Hal noticed how the laughs and smiles the king and queen made during her acts always felt kinda forced, like they didn’t mean it.

- However the king would often burst with laughter whenever a performance from her parents went wrong, that always rubbed her the wrong way.

She was the last to met Asha

- When Asha was 13, she and her friends saw Hal practicing juggling near the forest, and she was really struggling with it.

- She told them she was really nervous because she had to be ready to perform for the royal couple in a few days.

- Asha suggested she should try a different kind of act, so she and her friends helped Hal come up with stories to narrate to the king.

- Hal discovered a new passion for story telling, and that became her new act.

She's the one who encourages Aster to confess his feelings

- Our Star Boy wasn’t actually that confident with confessing how he really felt about Asha, after all Aster knew that after granting her wish they would never see each other again, so what was the point in confessing?

- Hal encourages him with her optimism and explains that if he doesn’t tell her he’ll just regret it forever.

- That leads to the “At All Cost” scene

- So thank Hal for playing cupid

- Oh and Bazeema will help encourage Aster too

Final Thoughts

Welp this was a doozy one, but I’m pretty satisfied with how they turned out, everyone now feels like they got something to do and some actual backstories.

The way I’m planning to actually introduce in the story how they all met Asha is through a musical flashback that we see Asha going from a little kid to a teenager, think of it like the UP intro or “Do You Want To Build a Snowman”.

Like the movie would have in the beginning Asha’s grandpa reading to her the story of Rosas and we get a sweet scene of them interacting, then it cuts to this musical sequence (probably with no lyrics like in UP) where we see how Asha met each one of her friends, and also show how as time went on her grandfather grew more and more senile and dependent on her.

The sequence would end with Asha’s grandfather’s passing, and her friends being there to support her. Just like that in a flashback sequence with no dialogue we understand who are Asha’s friends, who was her grandfather, how Asha cares about all of them dearly, and with all that established the story begins.

Like can you imagine that? Introducing why we should care about Asha’s friends by showing to us who they are instead of just telling us and throwing them in the story with no explanation? What a concept, I’m sure glad a certain multibillion company didn’t just waste them…

Anyway, I’ll start actually sharing the chapters of my rewrite here pretty soon, I’m already confident enough to do it!

I was gonna first share a blog about how I’d reimagine Valentino buuuuuut I think it’s gonna be a pretty short blog that I can write later, and I can tell some people really want me to just tell the story already, and I want to start doing it too so let’s gooo!

Thank you so much for reading!

[rorywritesjunk]

I can’t tell where the journey will end But I know where to start

Prequel to my Kid Buggy fic, set about 11-ish years before that story.

Buggy meets you by chance when he needs his buttons sewn back onto his jacket. He’s young, up and coming, and he thinks everyone should cower before him wherever he goes, but all you do is smile at him.

Rating: PG-13ish just for some swearing. Warning: Buggy’s in his early 20s. He’s an asshole. He just is because I wanted to write him loud, demanding, everything. There’s 3 new characters thrown in because why not? Future Wife gets a name as well! A/N: I have no idea when Buggy became a Captain, so he’s a fresh faced captain in this. No clue how long this fic will be. I just started on the 4th chapter but I’m excited to write it out! I had fun with the original fic and decided to write the prequel to how they met. Enjoy!

Title comes from “Wake Me Up” by Avicii.

TAGLIST: @lostfirefly @ane5e @kingofthemfingpirates @the-angriest-angel @tiredemomama @valen-yamyam16 @i-reblog-fics-i-like @plethora-of-fickleness

Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 + Chapter 3 + Chapter 4 + Chapter 5 + Chapter 6 + Chapter 7 + Chapter 8 + Chapter 9 + Chapter 10 + Chapter 11 + Chapter 12 + Chapter 13 + Chapter 14 + Chapter 15 + Chapter 16 + Chapter 17 + Chapter 18 + Epilogue

Chapter 4

The girls refused to speak to you because of how you defended Buggy. They still thought he was rude and didn’t like him, and they didn’t understand why you’d defend him. They were also mad because not only did they have to clean the kitchen twice that night, but Miss Pins had them sort fabric scraps by color before organizing all the threads the same way over the last few weeks. The final act of punishment was organizing all the pins and needles by length and gauge. 

They didn’t think it was fair. 

Had you been in charge you would have dismissed them from their apprenticeships entirely. 

Yes, Buggy was loud, had been rude each visit to you and Miss Pins but he was a pirate and all the shop’s customers were pirates. A lot of them were rude to you and Miss Pins, some even threatening, but he was also becoming a repeat customer and overpaid you each time, and when you brought it to the attention of Miss Pins, she let you keep the extra amount because you took on helping him. 

Honestly, and you didn’t want to admit it to your boss just yet, but you liked Buggy. So far he hadn’t tried to flirt with you, act inappropriately, or threaten you. Countless others had since the day you started as an apprentice. Miss Pins was protective of her girls, having no problem pointing a gun at any pirate creeps should they make her apprentices uncomfortable. Buggy was loud, demanding, but he wasn’t a creep.

It had been a month since you last saw Buggy and you figured that you weren’t going to see him again. Why would he return to the shop after what the girls had said? You felt bad about it and wished you could have talked with him a bit more, but he took off so fast that you didn’t get a chance to. 

You still had his socks that you fixed for him and even secured him an extra pair. Maybe he’d stop by to pick them up? You weren’t going to hold out a lot of hope. No doubt he would be on his ship, sailing for treasure or adventure, forgetting about the incident a month ago. 

Hopefully.

The shop was closed for the evening but you were still working when you saw him again. You wanted to get extra work done before taking a few days for yourself to celebrate your birthday. The girls originally wanted to do something with you but now that they weren’t talking to you, you got to do whatever you wanted. 

You were going to go to a nearby lake and feed the ducks while enjoying a packed lunch. 

The pounding at the door startled you. You grabbed a broom to protect yourself as you approached it and looked through the peephole. You saw the bright red nose and immediately relaxed as you opened the door, smiling at him as he stood on the doorstep.

“We’re closed, you know.” You told him teasingly. “We’re not a clinic where you can stop by whenever you need me to fix something.”

He looked flustered as he tried to think of a response, but you grabbed his hand and pulled him into the shop, closing the door behind him as you headed back to your work. He followed after you, looking around at the different bolts of fabric on shelves, the trays of thread, and several dresses that hung on a rack behind the counter. You took a seat and gestured to the other chair as you picked your sewing back up.

“You left your socks, you know.” You said as you passed the needle through the fabric. You were finishing up another dress for a customer, attaching the bodice and skirt together with piping along where the two pieces met. “I was worried you wouldn’t come back for them.”

Buggy sat down and crossed his arms, turning his attention to what you were doing. Your fingers were careful as you worked, your fingernails guiding along the piping to keep it in place as you sewed. He didn’t think you actually made things, just repaired them, so he watched you for a moment before responding.

“I had other socks.” He mumbled as you removed a pin and stuck it into your little pin cushion. “I… was going to come back.” He glanced up at your face, seeing the look of concentration, and looked back down at your work. “Why are you up so late?”

“Why are you at the shop late?” You countered as you stuck a pin in your mouth before repositioning the fabric. He hesitated and looked away. “Surely not for your socks, Buggy.”

“I… was out on a walk.” He replied as he clenched his jaw. “And I saw the light on and thought maybe you were being robbed.”

You took the pin out of your mouth and stuck it back through the layers of fabric. “And you knocked so kindly.”

“I don’t have-”

He stopped himself and took a deep breath, trying not to overreact. You were just teasing him, trying to rile him up, but there was no malice in your voice. He looked back at you and saw you were smiling at him and his heart skipped a beat and his face was warm. He cleared his throat and tried again.

“I just wanted to stop by and… say hi. I didn’t realize how late it was.”

“Well, hello and good evening then.” You chuckled. “What would you have done if Miss Pins answered the door with her shotgun?”

“I’m not scared of her!” Buggy shot back. You looked over his shoulder and grinned.

“Good evening, boss.” 

Buggy spun around, eyes wide, but you laughed. There was no one there. Oh, you were cruel. He turned back around and glared at you. You were still laughing as you set your sewing down. Buggy huffed and looked away from you with a glare on his face. 

“Sorry, sorry.” You giggled as you wiped the tears from your eyes. “As for your question about why I’m up so late… My birthday is in two days so I want to get as much work done as possible so I can relax.”

“Oh, birthday?” He repeated. Girls liked getting gifts. Should he get you a gift? Why would he get you one? He looked back at you as you picked your sewing back up now that you had calmed down from laughing. What kind of gift would he get you if he was to get you something? He was a pirate, he could go find some treasure and give half to you, but would that be weird? Why was he even considering that?

“Mhm.” You nodded. “I’m going to go feed and watch the ducks and have lunch.”

“Ducks?” Buggy laughed. Ducks were not exciting, but if you liked them, he would take you all around to show you all the ducks in the world if you wanted. “Just duck watching, that’s it?”

“Yea.” You frowned when he laughed. It wasn’t really anything to laugh about. You didn’t need to do something exciting to enjoy yourself, just sitting and taking it easy was enough. “It’s something I like to do, Buggy.”

“It’s your birthday, though! You should be going out and doing something fun!” He said. “Drinking, having a party, something like that! Go on a raid or something!”

“I’m not a pirate, Buggy.” You reminded him as you looked back at your sewing. “I’d rather do something quiet.”

He leaned back in his seat and watched you with a frown. You lived in a town frequented by pirates, you had to be used to what they got up to, so why would you want to do something as boring as watching ducks? Maybe you were just never given the opportunity to do something fun. Buggy would change that.

“How about we-”

He didn’t get to finish that sentence because he saw you look up, eyes widening at something behind him. He wasn’t going to fall for that again so he rolled his eyes. “The old hag’s not there, so don’t try and trick me again.”

THWACK

“Get the hell out of my shop!” Miss Pins barked as she raised the broom up again. “Do you realize how late it is?!” 

Buggy fell out of the chair and dodged the blows from her broom. He almost made it to the door before she threw it at his feet, tripping him up as he scrambled. She stormed over to him and grabbed the door, pulling it open before pointing out. 

“It’s too late for you to be coming around!” She snapped as he hurried out the door, but not before he looked back at you for a split second. You were still in your chair, looking rather amused by the whole exchange. At least you weren’t frowning at him anymore. Maybe he could sneak back around for your birthday. He just needed to find out where the ducks would be.

Miss Pins slammed the door behind him before rounding on you. “Stop encouraging him!” 

“I haven’t done anything!” You exclaimed. “I’m just being nice to him!”

“That’s encouraging him! I don’t need another lovesick pirate after you, Sunny! He’s as bad as the last one!” Miss Pins snapped. “I can’t keep chasing these pirates off!”

“He’s not like the last one!” You shot back. “And he’s not lovesick, he just needs a friend, Miss Pins. It’s not like he’s asking me to marry him every time he sees me!”

Your boss glared at you as she locked the door and picked up the broom. The last one wasn’t like that until the fifth visit, where he had demanded you to marry him while you were fixing his coat. You were only 19, the man was almost ten years your senior and if your boss hadn’t been there, who knows where you would have ended up. She wasn’t going to lose you then to that man and she wasn’t about to lose you to some nobody pirate. 

“He’s not welcome here anymore.” Miss Pins told you. “And next time you see him you tell him that.”

She left after that, returning upstairs without another word, leaving you alone to think about what she said.

[depravitycentral]

Hi, I also gotta say that the uvogin fanfic is amazing I also really enjoyed reading that <3.

It was actually a good plan but why the heck did he even print out chats in the first place and kept them in the drawer under the TV? Like if it were his room ok but in the livingroom? Was it maybe his plan that the reader finds it on their own so he could have a reason to stop the pretend and then the reader would blame themselves?

(The fic is question is Partnership)

Ooh, I hadn't even considered the last part of that! That would've been a really good ending - my stand-by for fics is to make endings leading into shock and then sex or a post-sex haze; I am a creature of habit. (Mostly, I just saw the word count was getting to five number places and was worried no one would want to read something longer.)

But genuinely, you finding the evidence of his obsession was an accident - one Uvogin sincerely, honestly hoped wouldn't happen. And you're obedient, he knows that - even if you have a more rebellious streak in you, he's big. He's scary. He's strong. He told you not to snoop. He was sure enough that he'd be willing to bet his own life that you wouldn't dare disobey him or his rules - he knows your body language well enough from all that stalking to be able to read you like a book, and he knew from the moment that blindfold came off that he had you in the palm of his hand.

But then you did the unexpected. You rebelled. You disobeyed.

You were bad, and while he's initially mad at you, frankly he's more surprised than anything - a little impressed and proud of you, even. It fucks up all his plans, of course, but it's nice to see you growing a backbone, even if it is just against him.

And he did have plans, really - plans to slowly grow on you, to continue getting your favorite foods and 'accidentally' starting a new series or set of movies - and oh? What's this? They're your favorites? What a coincidence!

He was going to slowly ease you into the idea of intimacy; a hand lingering on your shoulder here or there, catching you when you fall (he sent a small burst of aura your way that had you losing your balance, but that's just a trivial detail), scoffing at you and telling you that you're holding that knife all wrong, let me show you how to really cut something. (He'll stand behind you, his chest flush against your back, arms grabbing your own and guiding you through the chopping motion, the extra cologne he'd spritzed on earlier in the day making your nose tingle and your cheeks feel warm.)

(And then, once you're asleep that night, he'll fuck his fist so hard it nearly breaks.)

He had a plan, yes, but he's mature enough to realize that it's all his fault that it didn't pan out (well, maybe a bit your's, too, because you'd decided to grow a pair and break one of his cardinal demands). He'd been stringant with keeping all evidence in check - away and secure so that you wouldn't find it. Maybe, with time, he'd show you all the things he's collected over the months he's been watching you - maybe, but only if the Stockholm Syndrome was in full swing, if you were willingly kissing him, instigating sex or even whispering those three little words with honesty. Maybe he would've, just to show you how much he cared - how much he still cares.

But to answer your question, nonnie, the reason why he has the chats printed out is because he wrote them while tapping into your phone line. Shalnark didn't mind doing his buddy a favor, and getting the bug planted wasn't too difficult. And it would go off at the most random times - when he's out, traveling for Troupe business, he doesn't have a computer or anything on him, and a scrap piece of paper and a pen are his only tools. He records what you're saying because everything that comes out of your mouth feels important, like it's something he needs to remember, like it's something that might give him more insight into who you are - another layer of you, maybe even one that only Uvogin ever gets to see.

And of course, once it's written down, he can't just throw it away. He has to keep them - just in case something you said becomes relevant. Just in case you mention something about him - the large man who passed you on the street today, but you were too busy with your nose buried in your phone to notice. The large man who was at the other end of the aisle in the grocery store as you agonized over which flavor of ice cream to buy with your limited budget.

And as for the placement of where he keeps all these scribbled records of your every phone call and interaction, well, it's really a no brainer. It was the only spot that wasn't already full with something relating to you.

Every cabinet, drawer, closet, shelf, nook, and cranny in his apartment is full of you you you. He's got everything his greedy hands could get ahold of - your underwear, chapstick, button, and bandaid, of course, but there's more. It ranges from things that are less disturbing - normal, even, like a pair of earrings or a hairbrush - to things that are just a little more suspicious. (Like your old toothbrushes - yes, plural - or your haribrush.) Things that could be considered totally understandable (if not a big extreme) and not creepy if you and Uvogin were actually a couple.

And then, of course, there's the more intimate items, the things you had the displeasure of stumbling upon - your panties, for example, and if you were to peruse through the cabinets below the sink in the bathroom you'd find all sorts of menstrual supplies, with your favorite brands, the right products for your flow, even the dinky menstrual cup you'd tried on a whim because a friend recommended it. (Yes, you'd thrown it away because it'd been too messy when you took it out and yes, Uvogin searched through your trash bag just to find it.)

He may come off as this big, imposing, simple, one-track-minded man, but he's not. At least, not only those things. Uvogin is smart - and as most yanderes with brains tend to do, his obsession teeters much more on the side of collecting information about you than you'd expect. He's just honestly curious about you in every way - he's clingy and needy and wants you, so badly that it hurts, and collecting your things was a way to help alleviate some of that ache before he could properly be with you.

So while he didn't want you to find any of his stolen goods, frankly, it was inevitable - any storage space (except the room he houses you in - just because he'd be tempting fate if he asked you not to root through anything in the modest closet or drawer set he's assigned to you) contains evidence and proof that Uvogin didn't just randomly get stuck with you. It was all purposeful, planned, calculated - and you, poor sweet little you, just had the misfortune of finding that out much too early.

Ignorance really is bliss, isn't it?

[houseboatisland]

I'm curious, have you any lore on The Old Iron Bridge?

Sorry for the wait answering; my mind’s been occupied with other cartoons hehe.

Uhh, let’s see.

This one “Duncan Gets Spooked” Audio Production from Sodor Island Forums (ick) interpreted the bridge to belong to some other impoverished, unnamed 2’ 3” gauge railway besides the Skarloey or Mid Sodor Railways, but apparently being not too far from the former. It then goes on to say that the reason the Skarloey engines are now on it is because it has been absorbed as an extension of their railway after it had laid closed for several years and never connected to the Skarloey. My headcanon basically aligns with that.

For a while, on this blog too, I flirted with the idea of the Skarloey and the Mid Sodor Railways briefly, and unsuccessfully, being a single company for a few years in the vain hope that it would help them survive their ongoing hardships. They would then split up, and the MSR close while the SR limped on. The railway The Old Iron Bridge used to belong to, would’ve been part of the connection between the two separate railways.

Now though, I’ve decided to revamp my headcanon: The SR and MSR never united. (They did think about it, though.) The railway that The Old Iron Bridge belonged to, (let’s call it “The Third Railway” for the sake of this post since I can’t properly name it right now) existed east of what became the SR’s Lakeside Station, and again, never connected with either the SR or MSR.

The Third Railway was built not long after the Skarloey Railway, in the 1870s, also to exploit minerals, (slate I guess, and maybe theirs would turn out practically worthless for selling,) and hopefully drum up tourism. The railway was more of a speculators’ toy than an actual railway with a purpose: it had very little going for it on its own, and its backers were betting everything on the SR buying them out once they got started up. The SR never did, and The Third Railway eked a miserable, hand-to-mouth existence, never profiting and usually not breaking even either.

The Third Railway of course wouldn’t have had many engines, because there wouldn’t be much work for them to do in the first place. I’m sure it wasn’t more than three. By the 1920s, one had already been sold or scrapped for funds, and the railway should’ve considered itself lucky to have lived this long. As with the Talyllyn Railway in real life, the surviving engines’ work would have been so undemanding that they would have existed for eternity with the minimum amount of care, quick patchup on basic engine designs and no excessive damage. Then, in the 1930s, The Third Railway decides it needs more money again, and sells/sells for scrap their second engine. Reeeeally playing with fire, now. Goose laying golden eggs, etc.

That leaves one engine: the engine later made infamous by Rusty’s story. He falls off The Bridge heading home one night, is never recovered, people claim to see his ghost, etc. His death is definitely the last straw for The Third Railway; they close immediately after they’ve collected their pittance of an insurance payout. The railway hadn’t had hope for its entire life, and they were lucky to have enough work for ONE engine at the time of his demise. (Why was he returning home at night if he barely had work to do in the day? I have to figure that out.)

Uhh. In terms of when the accident was, I’m gonna say it was immediately after the Second World War, (1946-48) and NOT during it, because then it instantly would have been eaten up for scrap metal, including The Old Iron Bridge. You’d think The Third Railway’s Company would have sold off the track and everything to pay off its debts, but I guess for one reason or another they were just never able to. That’s how the Skarloey engines can find it in one (crappy) piece when the events of “Duncan Gets Spooked” happen. My headcanon is that Season 5 basically was the Seventies, so at that time the SR is buying The Third Railway’s remnants and cleaning them up for expansion. Hence “clearing the railway of branches and overgrowth.” It wasn’t the Skarloey Railway that was all crummy and shrub-ridden in the episode: it was their new assets, the former Third Railway.

So, in my headcanon, the supernatural is real. Ghosts and crap. (It’s a show about choochoos with faces. Some kooky presence or non-mortal plain/dimension/whatever existing isn’t entirely off the table.)

Duncan definitely saw The Engine’s Ghost, and what workmen at night have seen him too from Rusty’s retelling. It’s a good time now to note that what happens in my headcanon doesn’t follow that what the show and books show is gospel, and some things may happen differently than what’s onscreen. So while the episode may show The Engine’s Ghost to merely have been fireflies, in my version of the episode it was deadass, on God and his Timberlands, the ghost. Duncan’s freakout was waaay worse too, (oh, and his crew, don’t forget them,) and the fireflies explanation was merely his way of coping with what he saw. He spent many a sleepless night rewriting his memory to be that it was fireflies, however stupid that was. (I’m not gonna go into detail but I’ll just say The Engine’s Ghost’s face was absolutely unmistakable with a bunch of flickering bugs. If you saw what Duncan saw, you’d see just how stupid his rationalization sounds. “Dude are you blind??? That was NOT bugs, yeesh😱💀” you’d say.)

I have little in the way of headcanon for The Engine himself set in stone, headcanon-wise. But I can say for certain he felt cheated by life, and that’s why his restless spirit still roams the place of his death. In my headcanon, The Engine’s Ghost must have heard Duncan calling Rusty’s story rubbish, and that’s why Duncan’s the only engine to ever, as I said, come face to horrific-gross-terrifying-ghost face with him. The Ghost was livid and thought Duncan had earned himself a one way ticket to Scare the Soot Out Of Youville for his insulting him. Duncan’s also the only engine to ever “face off” with him all this time later. This particular spooking seems to have sated The Ghost’s hunger for attention for several years, for he wasn’t seen again for at least a decade.

But The Ghost does start appearing again after that, just to keep his legacy going and, truth be told, he revels in the new attention his story has gotten since the comparably tame TV adaption. He’ll appear if he knows people are camping out to see him, or maybe during the day, become invisible and secretly be responsible for something non-maliciously being where it shouldn’t. (You have to pity the poor coach or truck that happens to be moved, though. What a freaky thing to live through and then just keep living with after the fact.) Lots of the campers have seen him making his usual “round” on his bridge, and as you can imagine try to record it, but I guess ghosts in this world never show up in photos or video the same way vampires don’t appear in reflections, and because ghosts are seen so rarely, that’s what helps along a majority of people into thinking ghosts aren’t “real” when they are.

The Skarloey Railway still runs the former Third Railway since buying it and reviving it. (It’s barely recognizable with the old thing. Much prettier.) Duncan, naturally, is banned from being scheduled to run on it for PTSD reasons. It just makes sense to do, if you’re a railway traffic coordinator.

[mr-wrestlemania]

Living Legends Chapter 2(Monster AU)

(Previous Chapter Link)

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/58924921/chapters/151198903

Chapter Summary: Tensions grow between the rockers as Shawn gets more and more restless. He knew he wasn't the only monster in the WWF, but as he learns just how close they are the more it seems like there's trouble in paradise.

Contains: Minor scene of two characters smoking weed

Bret took a deep hit of his cigarette and exhaled with his eyes to the floor. The parking garage was less than ideal to mope about but it was the only vacant spot Bret could find. He glanced down at his hand and clacked two of his claws together.

A tired sigh escaped his lips as he leaned against the wall behind him. The guilt of blowing up at Shawn made his chest ache. Just as Bret took a second hit, Jim came through the door.

“There you are! I've been looking all over for you.” Jim panted a little and walked over, “What's going on? That wasn't like you back there..”

Bret loosened his jaw and held up the hand that bore claws.

Jim's eyes widened and looked at Bret nervously, “It's coming already?! Shit. You brought that bracelet with you or is it back at the hotel?”

“I left it behind by accident. I didn't mean to do that back there, I just..You know I get around this time.” Bret turned away and flicked the cigarette into the trash can.

“Look, we'll talk to him. If memory serves, Shawn had a weird reaction to you too. The whole eyes thing.”

Bret nodded slowly as he recollected the brief moment before he ran. Shawn's eyes were a vibrant, inhuman baby blue color with pure white pupils. The shape eluded him since he couldn't look too long, but how did he never notice..?

“You're right, maybe he would understand. I can't blame him for never telling me.. I'm not eager for everyone to know about my situation. I'm still not sure why he threw the match, but I'll ask later.”

“There ya go.” Jim beamed, “I think the Rockers are in the same hotel as us. I saw that Marty guy at the front desk last night.”

Bret finally started to smile and nodded at Jim, “I'll talk to him tonight. Don't let me forget.” 

Marty sat next to Shawn on a bench to tie his sneakers up. “So, that aside, you mind telling me why you decided to throw a match like tonight away? Was it because of the overdose-”

“No! Fuck, Marty no. I'm over it okay?” Shawn glanced away when Marty met his gaze. “Look. The writers wanted me to spice things up a little. I think it'd be better if we met with them tomorrow so you aren't left out. I'm sorry I didn't tell you beforehand I wasn't right-”

A gentle hand rested on Shawn's shoulder and Marty sighed softly. “I think I get it. You'd have told me if you were in the right state of mind. I wanted to ask you about that when I saw you but it wasn't the right time. Are you okay?”

Shawn scratched his arm, his whole body felt like it shrunk in itself. “No. I don't even know how to put it into words, Marty. something feels wrong with me but I can't place it. I couldn't drain you dry, so I only took a little..”

Marty only looked more concerned, “Did you feed while I was gone? You had that blood transfusion treatment..”

“I had that yeah, but emotionally I had scraps. The lust from a random woman, pity from others seeing my treatment.. it was all so shallow. None of it was filling, no matter what I did.”

Marty pulled Shawn out of his near fetal position and hugged him close. “I'm sorry. You must have felt so alone.”

Shawn let out a shaky sigh and laid his head on Marty's shoulder.

“Do you want to go out tonight, have some fun to forget all of this for a night?”

The idea itself made Shawn feel numb all over again, “No! Dammit Marty no! I don't want that. I just want you to hang out with. Don't you get it?!” He pushed Marty off of him with tears in his eyes.

“Shawn..” He frowned at the fact he made Shawn cry. The sight of it alone made him tear up. “We can have fun on our own then. Just us, okay?”

Shawn took a deep breath and lowered his shoulders. “Yeah. Are you ready to go?”

Marty nodded with that dumb smile of his and slung his bag over his shoulder. “Can we get take out on the way back?”

He couldn't help but snort at Marty and followed his partner close. 

The Rockers laid themselves out in their hotel room, both transfixed while passing a blunt back and forth. If Shawn had to pick one substance for Marty to be on, it was weed. He was calmer and less likely to do something stupid besides making absurd munchies. It was also one of the few substances his body would actually accept, so he hardly had any complaints.

Marty was on the bed with his eyes narrowed at the TV, “What channel is this..?”

“I don't even know man. I can't find the remote.” Shawn chuckled as he crawled across the bed to turn the ac unit on. There was something so satisfying to Shawn about the sound of a window unit but it was like a siren's lullaby to him.

Once it was cold enough, Shawn plopped down beside Marty and took the last drag of their blunt. “So..what kind of addicts were in that program you went to?”

Marty grunted and shifted towards Shawn, “All kinds but mostly boring humans who drank because they were sad. Why?”

Shawn slowly reached toward his bag and pulled out a brush. “I should've checked you for fleas first if you were on time. You never know what they could carry. Desperate people from desperate situations.”

He folded his arms as he sat up, “You're overreacting.  Or.. are you making excuses to touch me?”

Marty's jests hardly phased Shawn and he carried on looking through Marty's hair. The feeling of the plastic brush and Shawn's fingers combing through his scalp gave him goosebumps. It was especially more tingle inducing because of the weed.

“I have a right to be jumpy, you know. They're stupid and steal blood. They also make blood taste weird!” Shawn huffed.

Marty giggled, “Did you drink from a flea infested rat in school-Ow!!” He recoiled from Shawn flicking one of his horns.

“It was a dare I don't wanna hear it dude.” Shawn rolled his eyes at Marty's continued giggles. “Cool you're clean. I'd hate to have to compete with something smaller than my fucking pinky.”

“That's why you inspect the hotel beds so furiously for bed bugs, I know. Least I got a free scalp massage out of that.” Marty laid his head back with his eyes closed and a dumb smile on his face.

“Fuck you, those little bastards are just as bad if not worse.” Shawn curled his nose but perked back up at the sound of A knock at their door.

“Mmm…Can you get it?” Marty stretched his legs out and rubbed his nose.

Of course he'd get it, who else would. Shawn tried not to feel too pissy while he got up but he did nudge Marty's hoof while he scooted by.

He peered into the peep hole and could see Bret pacing a little. Shawn perked and started to unlock the door. “Bret! Hey..What are you doing here so late?” Bret sighed and stuck his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “I just wanted to talk to you, if you got a minute.” Shawn glanced over at Marty giggling away at the TV, “Yeah. I actually do.” He turned around to shout at Marty, “Hey! I gotta talk to Bret, don’t let me get locked out!” “Yeah sure.” Marty responded but didn’t turn away from the TV. Shawn rolled his eyes and shut the door behind them.

He smiled nervously and walked with Bret along the sidewalk. The buzz of the streetlights put Shawn at ease, but Bret kept occasionally glancing up at the sky instead.

“I just wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I’d normally never blow up at you like that it’s just..” Bret bit the inside of his lip. “You can already tell I’m not like the others, right?” Shawn gave the veteran a lax smile, “The claws kind of tipped me off. They were kind of hard to miss.” Bret chuckled and shook his head, his body looked more relaxed as they continued to walk. “I figured. Don’t spread this around okay..? Not many people know about it.” “I can be real tight-lipped if I want to, don’t worry.” Shawn nudged him, “Come onn tell me I’ve been guessing almost all evening man.” “I’m a werewolf.” Bret said quietly. “When a full moon is right around the corner, I can get a little high strung.” “You almost sound like you’re pmsing.” Shawn snickered until Bret punched his arm, “Ah! Okay okay, but you can’t say I’m wrong. You probably can’t even eat chocolate like them huh?” “Fuck you.” Bret softly laughed.

Shawn sighed deeply, “It's not completely your fault though. I threw the match on purpose. Management thinks Marty and I should be.. well. They want to push me towards a solo run.”

Bret raised his brows a little and hummed, “So you did that to cause tension? Does Marty know..?”

“....Not yet. He deserves to. I wanted to tell him, believe me. I just haven't been..feeling my best I guess.”

“You and me both.” Bret glanced at Shawn with a glint of curiosity in his eyes, “What about you?”

A pit sat in Shawn's throat and his eyes instinctively looked at their feet. Bret being a werewolf made him all the more nervous to confess his nature. “Would you think differently of me if I told you?”

“That depends.” Bret shrugged a little as he thought, “I haven't met many like me, so I can't say I have reservations. Ones who prey on kids though are pretty low in my book.”

Shawn looked Back up at Bret, in surprise. He certainly kept children off his list, so perhaps there was a chance?

“Okay, just don't tell anyone, please. They might get paranoid or jumpy around me.” Shawn looked at Bret, pleading with his eyes.

“..I promise. My word is as good as gold, besides you said you'd keep mine. Take a deep breath and just say it. You'll be okay.” Bret smiled.

Shawn folded his arms close to his chest, his stomach flipped at the sight of Bret's smile. “Okay. I'm an Emotional Vampire. I mostly feed off people's emotions…”

Bret's eyes widened, and the lack of immediate response made Shawn shrink even more. “Hey, hey. I don't hate you for that. I just don't think I've ever met a vampire, let alone ever heard of one like you. I mean, you can walk in the sun.”

“Really?” Shawn chuckled a little. His chest felt less tight the more he listened to Bret, “Well, yeah I can do things they can't but some stuff still applies to me.”

“You'll have to tell me about that sometime. I don't wanna keep you too long.” Bret smiled at Shawn before he looked back at the hotel. “Be safe on the road, okay?”

“Always. I appreciate you talking it out with me.” Shawn returned the smile, clasped hands with Bret, then finally went back to his room.

However, to Shawn's horror, Marty wasn't answering the door. “Fuck, MARTY!! Wake up bastard!!” He hit the door as hard as he could but heard nothing on the other side.

Shawn paced wildly while he ran his hands through his hair. “Fuck..fuck!!! I don't even have the keys to the car..”

Just then, a nearby door opened and a familiar woman poked her head out, “What the hell are you doing??? Do I need to call the cops?”

Even without her makeup, Shawn recognized the fierce woman in the doorway. He nearly forgot to close his mouth as he stared at her with a red face. “I- Sorry..My tag partner fell asleep and locked me out- ma'am. Are you Sherri Martel..? I'm a wrestler too. .”

Sherri's posture relaxed and she even started to smile, “Aw, and here I thought you were some lunatic. Who are you? You do look familiar..” Her dark eyes looked him up and down. For once, Shawn felt bashful under a woman's gaze. 

“Shawn Michaels. I'm part of The Rockers..” He rubbed his neck, almost sure she didn't know him.

“Oh!!! Yes Randy commentated for a few of your matches. I almost didn't recognize you without your hair styled.” Sherri giggled.

Shawn sighed, “Yeah. I just washed it, that's why. Uh..Is there any chance I could use your phone to try and wake Marty up..?”

“Better idea, you write him a note to slip under the door and you can stay in my room. Unless you want to try to wake him up all night.” Sherri leaned against her door with a curled smile.

“Really? You don't mind?” He could hardly believe her generosity, but it matched up with what he heard about the strong manager. .

“Not one bit, long as you keep those fangs in your mouth.” Shawn's shocked reaction caused Sherri to chuckle again. “Shhh it's okay. You're not the first I've met.”

Sherri jerked her head inside to invite Shawn into her room. Shawn felt like his legs were frozen to the concrete, unsure of what Sherri would do to him. He hesitantly followed her inside, only to be met with a pretty standard room. Her outfit for the next venue was neatly folded on the dresser and her makeup was neatly organized on the side table next to the couch.

The only thing that stuck out to him was a pair of sticks that stuck out of her bag. Sherri watched him out of the corners of her eyes, like she knew he was scanning her space. She sat on the bed and sighed.

“Relax, I'm not going to kill you. I can't say I'm like you but I guess we're in a similar boat.” She leaned back to stretch her arms until they popped.

Shawn sat down on the couch and raised a brow, “You mean you're- SHIT!” He shot onto his feet again when he got a good look at Sherri's arms.

Her arms had turned into watery tendrils that extended towards the ceiling. She almost seemed amused by Shawn's reaction and pulled them back. Sherri brushed the tendrils on her nightgown to turn them back into regular hands.

“Ah, didn't mean to stretch that far.” Sherri smiled at Shawn's shocked expression and leaned back onto the bed. “What? Never seen an Aloja before?”

“A what..?” Shawn swallowed nervously, “Is that like a water woman..?”

“Technically. I can turn into a Water Blackbird… cast spells with my hazel wood..” She hummed a little, “I like taking a watery form mostly. It's a bit more fun to scare someone who doesn't know what no means.”

Shawn finally snapped out of it and laughed at the mental image she painted for him. “Man, that would be a riot to see. Sad you had to resort to that though.”

She shrugged and kicked her slippers off, “It's a tough industry, but right now? I can't be a wrestler, dumb bastards don't know what to do with their female talent. Managing is the next best thing.”

“You're a tough bird- Uh no pun intended.” Shawn rubbed his neck.

Sherri sat up with a little smile and went to get a blanket. “What about you? You wrestling for the same thing? Not many vampires last in this industry.”

Shawn rubbed his neck and sighed, “I've always wanted to be a wrestler since I was a kid. I'm not sure I can describe what drew me in honestly.”

She returned with the blanket and sat it in Shawn's lap. Her gaze was as warm as her smile, “Well, you’re an extraordinary performer and vampire. You must not be used to talking about this, I'm not making you uncomfortable am I?”

“No! No-I mean.. You pretty much read me like a book. I'm used to being secretive with others but today it's just been a lot.” Shawn returned the smile and unfolded the blanket, “Thank you though.”

“You're welcome.” Sherri grabbed him a spare pillow, then went to turn off all the lights.

Shawn didn’t fall asleep as easily as his host. He laid on the couch with questions that nagged at his mind. Was it always so easy to just tell someone what he was all along? No, there was always that present danger if he told the wrong person. Maybe it was because he knew Bret and Sherri were like him. Still, he wasn’t used to being so open with people he barely knew.

In the end, he felt a calmness spill over him. His thoughts drifted into the void as his consciousness slipped. Whatever was plaguing him could wait til tomorrow. 

That morning, Sherri rose first to answer the wake up call. She looked over to Shawn and chuckled quietly.

“Anyone else would have guessed you were a corpse from looking at you sleep.” She smiled while she watched Shawn stir.

Shawn slowly sat up and yawned, “Yeah, I get that a lot. Makes blacking out at places a little dangerous.

Sherri snickered at the idea and moved around to turn the lights on. “He might be awake now if you want to call him. I imagine you'd like to get packed yeah?”

“Right.” Shawn dragged his feet and sat on the bed next to the phone. He dialed the room number and waited. “Fucking hell Marty wake up..”

The second try finally got a response, “I told you guys I'm up.. I just got distracted.” Marty mumbled on the other end.

“I’m not the desk clerk buddy. I got locked out last night, can you meet me at the door?”

“Shawn!! Oh shit, shit! Yeah hold on, I'll do just that!” Marty hung up the phone before Shawn could respond.

Shawn sighed and could only laugh at everything that happened in retrospect. He looked at Sherri and gave her a soft smile.

“Thanks for letting me crash, I really appreciated it. I do hope I get to bump into you again, just on uh- better circumstances.” Shawn was walked to the door by Sherri.

Her gaze was soft, but Shawn couldn't detect much from her aside from mild affection.

“Oh of course. See you at the next venue.” Sherri watched him before she shut her door.

Shawn knocked on his door a few times and sure enough Marty yanked Shawn inside in the blink of an eye.

“I fell asleep didn't I? Shit Shawn I'm sorry. So much for a guys night. We'll have a redo, promise.” Marty paced around to help Shawn pack, “Where did you crash?”

“Oh you won't believe it Marty. Sherri Martel, the Sensational Sherri, let me crash.” Shawn swooned and fell back onto the couch.

Marty paused and he raised his brows, “You got lucky, I hear she is such a sweetheart. You didn't make a snack out of her right?”

Shawn stretched and started to help Marty pack, “Oh no. She knew what I was before I could say a word. Yet she let me in anyway. She's something else Marty. I hope we can work with her, man...”

His emotions were all over his eyes, literally. Shawn's pupils resembled hearts the whole time he spoke about Sherri. Marty couldn't help but laugh. It was adorable to see Shawn be the one so smitten.

“Check your eyes big boy, they're doing the thing again. Want your shades until they go back to normal?”

Shawn checked a nearby mirror and turned bright red, “Fuck-Yes.. Thank you Marty.” 

While they were on the road, Shawn could sense something was stirring inside Marty. Marty was in the passenger seat spacing out. He turned the radio down a little and sighed.

“Marty, somethings eating at you. What's going on?” Shawn kept his eyes on the road while he spoke 

Marty didn't look at him, “Its not important, but heaven forbid I try to keep my feelings to myself.”

Shawn furrowed his brows, “Where the hell is this coming from? If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. Fuck.”

The hostility only grew in Marty but he did his best to swallow most of it. “I don't know, it's just funny how you cried to spend the night with me and the first chance you got? You ran away to Bret. I'm surprised you didn't sleep with him.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Shawn pulled over to the nearest shoulder and put the car in park, “You were the one who fell asleep and locked me out! I would have spent the rest of my night with you!! Not like you were present anyway.”

Marty scoffed, “We were having fun! Shit you even smoked with me Shawn!”

Shawn grunted and rolled his eyes, “Maybe I really wanted to do something with you besides getting drunk or high! Wasn't the whole point of rehab was to help you see that?!”

“Oh please, that place was a joke, Shawn. I only got through it to come back to work with you. Us Satyrs aren't exactly known for being boring and sober anyway.”

His stubbornness made Shawn want to rip his hair out. Sure if he was human, he'd probably be doing things alongside him, but his body couldn’t take the same things as Marty. Partying was fun too, but partying with Marty was starting to lose its luster.

Shawn sighed and pushed his shades up to hide his eyes, “Yeah, you're right. Look, let's just forget last night. I'm ready to party later if you want to celebrate.”

Marty relaxed and smiled again, “I'd like that. Thanks for that, Shawn. Sorry if I said anything too harsh..”

“It's okay.” Shawn feigned a smile as he put the car in drive.

By the time they got back on the street, Shawn was already completely numb. 

The locker room was bustling with everyone getting settled in. Some had to shoot promos, others had interviews to do but The Rockers had a rematch with the Hart Foundation to tape.

Shawn was preparing by doing some stretches with Marty. Although Shawn looked like he was a million miles away.

“Hey-Shawn? You listening?” Marty waved a hand in front of his face, “Helloooo?”

“I'm here. Sorry. I kinda got lost in thought.” Shawn realized he forgot to blink and took a second to close his eyes.

Marty sighed with a smile on his face, “It'll go great, don't worry. If we do well here, we'll get to face off with them for tag titles! Can you imagine?”

Shawn smiled at the idea of him wearing a championship belt and hummed, “Yeah.. Then we better give it our all then. Could you do me a favor when we're out there?”

Marty took a deep swig from his thermos, “Ahh. Sure, what is it?”

“If it looks like I'm in a tough spot, can you get the crowd to clap?”

The Satyr grinned at his friend and laughed, “Ohhh that will be perfect! It will give you an edge and feed you at the same time! I might have done that anyway, but now I will for sure.”

“Good.” Shawn nodded and started to pick some earrings out.

“Do you need a snack before we go out there?”

“No.” Shawn lied through his teeth.

He was hungry but not enough to feed off Marty again.

“Alright, just make sure you eat sometime today okay?” He smiled and pat Shawn's back. “Oh should I go talk to the writers like you said? I almost forgot after..well everything.”

Shawn winced, “Maybe..? All they really told me is that they had an idea . I didn't agree to it just yet.. I wanted to wait til you got back.”

Marty sat up a little and his smile waned, “What was their idea?”

“Well..” Shawn scratched his arm a little and frowned, “They want us to try singles. You know.”

“They want us to break up..?” Marty got quieter and his eyes strayed to the background. “Do you want us to?”

The silence was deafening. Marty's heartbeat was all Shawn could hear. It pumped blood faster the longer Shawn stayed quiet. The thumping almost drove him mad. He took Marty's hand and squeezed.

“I don't want to hurt you. Singles or not, you're my friend. You know that, right?”

Marty's muscles relaxed and he finally looked at Shawn. “Yeah? That's reassuring. I don't wanna lose you. We're all we have, yknow?”

That wasn't true. 

But Shawn had to keep his smile up and nod.

“I know. If I hear anything else, I'll let you know. Promise.”

Marty finally got up, “Thanks for telling me. It feels like that weight has lifted off us huh? Woo!!”

“Yeah!” Shawn lied again.

“Lets give the Hart Foundation hell!” 

Shawn followed behind Marty rather in front of him. Despite being pumped and looking restless; the light did not reach his eyes. 

[woonova]

꩜ ﾟ˖ CRUSH

◟﹙ 💌 ﹚lee heeseung ﹕ oneshot ﹙ @woonova ﹚

ʚɞ ﾟ˖  written to lovers rock by tv girl

ʚɞ ﾟ˖  genre fluff, highschool au, classmates to lovers?, mutual pining?

ʚɞ ﾟ˖  synopsis on your arrival to a new school you catch the eye of lee heeseung, who carries an unfamiliar emotion in his big brown eyes whenever he looks at you

ʚɞ ﾟ˖  warning none i think, please let me know if you find any!!

ʚɞ ﾟ˖  wc 1.4k

rin's notes ! this was actually a scrap i found while clearing out my drafts and its also one of the first works i wrote!! so enjoy ^_-

— tumblr’s algorithm works best with reblogging so plz consider reblogging and liking my posts ! —

00 | HEESEUNG STARED AHEAD OF HIM, all mentions of algebra by his professor falling deaf to his ears. His gaze, deeply rooted on the girl who sat before him. This is how it had always been ever since you were introduced to the class months ago.

It had been a chilly monday morning when Heeseung arrived to his first session, already dreading getting out of bed a few hours prior. Absentmindedly, he strolled to his desk hoping to get atleast a few more hours as rest time. Thats when he noticed the still teenager in front of him.

Head between your arms, covered by a beanie decorated with star charms and other accents, it was grey and just a few shades darker than your uniform skirt. Hands comfortably covered by the sleeves of your oversized white shirt, fingers clutched tightly to its' cuffs in your comatose state. Feet covered in black sneakers with white stars drawn on the side.

Heeseung had quickly become intrigued with the sight of a newcomer. And now it was a regular occurrence for him to be tapped by the teacher, whispered to by one of his friends, or recieve slight kicks under the desks in an attempt to get him to regain focus.

It didnt work, or maybe it did. He was focused, just not on finding the answers to unnecessary question, but on you. 

+

01 | "WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME?", a question that never seemed to stop crossing the tip of your tongue over the next few weeks. It was as if it was always supposed to be a thought and never meant to be uttered in fear of the response you may get in return. Fear? Why fear? When there was no reason to be afraid. In fact, you never really gave much thought towards the unmistakable glances being thrown your way on the daily, just passing it off on the fact that you were new. Everyone stares at the new kid right?

Well, that statement was partially correct. There was a short period in which you would receive looks from your classmates. Different days, different eyes filled with, confusion, interest, awkwardness, or just plain blank eyed stares. The last being the reason the aforementioned statement was only partially true.

Even after months of being apart of the school environment you still received these stares, except these eyes contained an emotion you weren't familiar with. Lee Heeseung, the culprit for your new found confusion regarding feelings the eyes could carry.

+

02 | STANDING IN FRONT OF THE LOCKER, Heeseung constantly rocked on his feet. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. Like a loop of sorts. His eyes holding a similar movement, darting back and forth along the empty hallway. Clutching tightly to the envelope he held in hand he let out a quiet sigh contemplating if this was the right idea.

He wasnt sure how he ended up here. Standing in front of his crush's locker, whiteknuckling the slightly crumbled envelope, hoping you hadn't decided to leave gym class early. The only reminder being the faint memory of the short conversation he had with his older brother the previous night.

He heard the familiar sound of the school's bell, signifying there was only 10 more minutes left for the classes that were taking place, but nevermind that Heeseung thought, he had business to take care of — successfully planting the letter in your locker undetected and getting the hell out of there.    

But as faith would have it, you successfully spoiled Heeseung's plan.

Being let out from gym early had been both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because now you had enough time to change and get your business done without being subjected to the suffocating mass of sweaty teenage girls aka the girls changing room. And a curse because everyone had seen you fall flat on your face earning yourself a bruised lip and a special escort to the nurses office to treat any other injuries.

It also had another advantage — if you could even call it that, spotting Lee Heeseung standing before your locker looking as happy as ever.

+

03 | HEESEUNG DID IT, today was the day. He had slipped his note into the locker with 5 minutes to spare. He had finally made a move and he was gonna be early to his next session. It was probably an overreaction but Heeseung felt as if he were on cloud nine, that was until he turned around and immediately felt his smile drop to a frown. At the thought of him being caught and the sight of the numerous bandages covering your skin.

There you were staring right up at him. Sharp eyes containing slight confusion, head titled slightly and fingers gripping the black bag strap that laid over your jacket covered shoulder. He wanted to ask if you were okay or hopefully get you to relay what had happend, but he kept quiet. Still a bit too shocked and embarrassed.

As he stood there, holding awkward eye contact, Heeseung wondered what he may have looked like to you in this very moment. Did you think he was a creep or a weirdo for messing with your locker? Would you now look at him differently? What would happen when you eventually saw the letter? Would you feel the same? Or would you reject him, leaving him a victim to heart ache? He felt like putting his long legs to use and getting the hell out of there, but he couldnt. Not when you were staring up at him with those pretty eyes he had longed to see.

There was no change in your expression as you slowly signalled for him to shift over so you could open your locker.

And even as you opened your locker — not missing the envelop that fell to the ground, you just continued with your business, not even batting an eye until you were finished and slowly bent down to pick it up. Running your fingers over it, feeling the material as it made contact with your fingertips you looked at heeseung unsure how to respond.

"You left this for me," you let out in the form of a small mumble, still surprised with the sudden attention you were receiving. Although, you tried not to show it.

"Uhh, yeah i was actually planning to you know, not be here when you found it," was the response you got, as you noticed the slight deflate of Heeseung's chest, as he let out a breath neither of you knew he was keeping in.

"Thank you," you returned in a breathy voice, suppressing a chuckle from how awkward this situation had become.

The bell had suddenly gone off again, signifying only a few more minutes till the hallway you stood in would be filled with impatient pupils, eagerly navigating the area to acquire a good seating for their next lesson.

"I think it's time we go now," Heeseung said catching your attention and subsequently stopping you from viewing the letter — which you unknowingly already managed to open, any further.

But unluckily for Heeseung you had read far enough, your eyes and mind stuck on a certain three word phrase, i like you.

"You..." you trailed off at the end realizing you didn't know what to say in response to these word.

Sure, you had developed a small liking towards the boy who stood before you. But to have said boy confessing his own feelings towards you in such a endearing manner had you lost for words.

"Look, it's okay if you dont feel the same, im sorr-"

"I like you too," you interrupted him, a new feeling of confidence surging through your veins.

You didnt receive a verbal response after this, though you did get a giddy smile from Heeseung, who was now decked in pink cheeks and wide bambi eyes that looked down at you with fondness. And you returned his smile in a similar flushed state, as you watched him slowly step away as the area got crowded, once again.

Call me he mouthed, his big grin fading into a small smirk. You gave him an unsure look but it was obvious he was already expecting this as he only pointed downwards — to the envelope you held in hand.

And surely enough, at the back of the crumpled envelope, hastily written in black ink was a number paired with a signature, Lee Heeseung's signature.

ʚɞ ﾟ˖  sponsors @hyfenet @k-labels @en-web

© https://...woonova | 2023

[miss-andromeda]

It's Been a Long Time, Hasn't It?

Universe: TMNT 2012

Turtle of Choice: Donatello

Prompt: “What are you doing in my bed?”

Title: It’s Been a Long Time, Hasn’t It?

Song Used: seven by Taylor Swift

~

‘Of course we’re gonna do this again!’ Andi texted back with a little smile on her face, responding to her best friend’s text ‘We are absolutely doing this again because I missed this ❤’. She had just walked into her apartment after spending time at April’s, watching a movie and having dinner with her and her father. It was great to be able to spend time with them again, after the insanity that had come to define the last few months. 

It felt just like old times. 

She took off her shoes and hung up her cardigan, then switched off the androids and locked the front door, before deciding to head up to her room. She’d probably end up working on another project (except the laser gun, she was really considering scrapping that idea at this point), then change into her pajamas, continue reading War and Peace and-

And there was a turtle in her bed.

Her turtle specifically. 

She smiled softly as she heard the quiet whistle from his teeth (that gap was going to be the death of her), but then got past the cuteness factor and realized something. 

Why was Donnie not in the lair? And an even better question was, why was he asleep in her room? Did he need her for something, realize she wasn’t home, then just crash in her bed?

That was probably what happened, knowing him. 

She felt guilty for waking him up (she knew darn well the boy never slept; he was just as notorious for an inconsistent sleep schedule as her), but at the same time…she needed to sleep. 

And not just because she promised April that she would sleep this night as she left the O’Neil home. 

After a brief moment of consideration, she finally gave in. She crept over to her bed, gently shaking Donnie by the shoulder to wake him. “Hey…Don, wake up.”

He stirred and groaned, rolling over onto his right side. “Go away, Mikey…I’m trying to sleep…”

Andi rolled her eyes a bit and chuckled to herself. “Wake up, dummy. It’s Andi.” She gently told him, then smiled when he started to open his eyes. “Hi.”

Donnie offered her a sleepy smile. “Hi, enchantress. What are you doing here?”

Andi laughed a bit and shook her head. “Don, honey…you’re in my room.” She told him, then snickered when his eyes widened as he looked at the light pink comforter he was snuggling with, then mumbled an “oh…so I am.”

“Million dollar question is…what are you doing in my bed?” 

Donnie went quiet for a moment, his cheeks turning a dark scarlet. “Um…if I say the reason, promise you won’t laugh at me?”

Andi smiled at him, leaning forward to peck the corner of his mouth. “Promise.”

Donnie smiled lightly at that response, then took a breath - though the red hue on his face was still quite prominent. “I, uh…I missed you.”

Andi gave him a confused look. “We just saw each other yesterday, though. We worked on updates to the T-phones, more progress towards the retromutagen, then decided to stop after working for the whole day.”

“Yeah, I know…I still missed you.” Donnie admitted with a quieter tone. “I don’t like not seeing you every day…you went to school, then went back with April to her apartment and spent the whole day together. Which I’m not mad about, at all! I just…” Donnie’s eyes averted to the comforter again. “...I love having my lab partner with me, and without you…it just doesn’t feel the same.”

Gah, why did he have to be so cute?

Andi smiled softly and leaned in to give him a proper kiss this time. ���Well, I’m here now. And I feel bad for waking you, but…maybe you could stay here a little while with me?” Now she was blushing a bit at the thought of the two of them spending time together in her room - at night - but she was willing to stay awake for longer if it meant they could spend some time together.

She practically melted at the sleepy grin Donnie gave her (featuring that gap again) as he scooted over. “Let me just…change into something more comfortable?”

She didn’t wait to see Donnie’s answer as she went to her closet, finding her favorite pajamas and scurrying off to the bathroom. 

They may have been dating, but she was in no way ready to let him see her like that.

She changed into her pajamas (giggling to herself at the little design on her breast), then brushed out her hair and put it up in her classic topknot. Grabbing her dress, socks and underwear, she reopened the door and threw the clothes in her hamper, then turned around to see Donnie sitting up and smiling tiredly at her, still rubbing his eyes. When he noticed My Melody on her pajamas, he giggled to himself as he looked at her. “Never perceived you as a fan, enchantress.”

Andi looked down at what he was talking about and huffed a bit, her face turning light pink. “Shut up, they’re cute.”

“Never said they weren’t.”

She merely rolled her eyes and got into bed, softening exponentially when he put his arms around her and propped her up next to him. “Mm…” She leaned against him with a little smile. “You may be onto something, Don…this is really nice.”

“Never underestimate me, my sweet.”

“And I take it back. Don’t want to give you a bigger ego than you already have.”

Donnie laughed and left a little kiss on her temple. “Aw, humor me a bit, Andromeda.”

“Never.” She followed it up with a little kiss on the corner of his lips, then smiled softly when he turned a light red. He always had that kind of reaction when she kissed him. 

And she had a feeling it would stay like that for a long time, regardless of the status of their relationship.

Andi met his eyes for a moment and smiled softly at how gentle they looked. She wished she could study them; how could a pair of eyes be so beautiful? So sincere and lovely? How could they always make her swoon? How could-

But her internal questioning was destroyed when he looked away from her and let out a yawn, making her laugh and him titter in embarrassment. “Sorry, Andi…”

“Don’t apologize for a natural reaction, professor.” She kissed his forehead to assure him further. “Are you still tired?”

Donnie nodded a bit, pulling her down to cuddle her in her bed - not noticing the red tint on her cheeks. “A bit. Do you think I should go back to sleep?”

Andi thought for a moment, but eventually nodded. “Probably. I’ll text Leo and let him know you’re gonna sleep here tonight, considering it’s now-” She lazily glanced at the alarm clock on her nightstand. “-10:03 pm.”

He only nodded sleepily as he pulled her closer. She was like a teddy bear with how soft, warm and fluffy she was. And he absolutely loved cuddling with her, and he was so, so tired…

But he couldn’t just relax. Darn him and his Einstein-level intellect. 

“Andi?” He mumbled in between another yawn. 

“Mm?”

“This is a weird request, but…can you help me fall back asleep?”

“How?”

Donnie hummed for a moment to think, but in his tired mind, there was one thing that came to him. And the fact that it was nagging him told him to just ask for it. “Can you sing me something?”

Andi made a slightly strangled noise in her throat. “Don, are you sure? I sound like I’m dying when I sing.”

“I don’t care, enchantress. I just want to see if that will help.” He weakly opened her eyes, meeting hers with a rare pout on his face. “Please?”

Gah, darn him and his cuteness.

Andi sighed, but gave in nonetheless. “Fine. But it’ll be low so I don’t make your eardrums bleed from my singing.”

Donnie yawned again as he snuggled closer. “Your eardrums only bleed from extremely loud noises, Andi.” He mumbled sleepily.

“You never know. I could make a breakthrough in the medical world.” When Donnie didn’t respond, Andi mumbled to herself at what she could possibly sing. Something quiet, something relaxing-

Wait.

She had it.

She started to remember the lyrics of the latest song she listened to, and suddenly, it came back to her. Perfect.

“Please picture me in the trees

I hit my peak at seven feet 

In the swing over the creek

 I was too scared to jump in

But I, I was high, in the sky

With Pennsylvania under me…

Are there still beautiful things?”

She noticed the sleepy smile on Donnie’s face as he snuggled closer. Even if she thought she sounded terrible, he looked like she was singing the most beautiful song in the world.

And that made her heart nearly burst.

“Sweet tea in the summer

Cross your heart, won’t tell no other

And though I can’t recall your face

I still got love for you…”

She remembered this part of the song, and it always made her think of him. She brought him even closer and whispered the next few lyrics:

“Your braids like a pattern

Love you to the moon and to Saturn

Passed down like folk songs

The love lasts so long…”

“You sing so beautifully, enchantress…” Donnie mumbled to her, leaving sleepy kisses all over her cheeks. Maybe he was just delirious from sleep, Andi thought. 

But when he smiled at her, she could tell he meant it.

This boy was going to be the death of her.

So she kept going. Just for him.

“And I’ve been meaning to tell you, 

I think your house is haunted

Your dad is always mad and that must be why

And I think you should come live with me

And we can be pirates 

Then you won’t have to cry…”

She instinctively held him a bit tighter at that thought.

“Or hide in the closet

And just like a folk song

Our love will be passed on…”

She then left one more kiss on his forehead, mumbling an “I love you, professor” to him.

“Please picture me in the weeds

Before I learned civility

I used to scream

Ferociously

Anytime I wanted…”

She softly sang a drawn-out ‘ah,’ smiling to herself when she felt him smile against her. Knowing him, he was thinking about her meticulousness, even during something simple as lulling him to sleep. 

That was Andi. 

“Sweet tea in the summer

Cross my heart, won’t tell no other

And though I can’t recall your face

I still got love for you

Pack your dolls and a sweater

We’ll move to India forever

Passed down like folk songs

Our love lasts so long…”

By the time she finished the song, he was quietly snoring against her, the whistle from his gap making a triumphant return. When she heard that, she rolled her eyes affectionately and rested his head against her pillow, then managed to grab her phone and text Leo, ‘Hey! Sorry, but Don’s gonna stay with me tonight. Have the feeling that if waking him up is futile. I’ll see you guys tomorrow 😌’ She didn’t bother checking to see a reply as she put her phone aside, then put her arms around her love and closed her eyes.

Within minutes, she had fallen asleep as well. She would see the response in the morning. 

Right now, she wasn’t about to ruin the atmosphere. Not when Donnie was with her, wrapped up in her arms, and sleeping peacefully because of her. 

~

@thelaundrybitch @leosgirl82 @turtle-babe83 @post-apocalyptic-daydream

Here's my submission for the challenge! Hope it's good and everyone enjoys! 💜💜

[shelly-ya]

Deja vu

I got this idea from @marthaitani on timelines and what the characters may do when they are in situations that was turning points in the original timeline. I would like to thank you for allowing me to expand on your head canon. I hope it was satisfactory. It is a reader insert as well.

"I'm not going to let you blame yourself for my death kazutora." Baji words painfully flowed from him. The knife still lodged in his body from him stabbing himself in the same spot kazutora not to long before had done the same to him.

"BAJI!!!!!!!" Chifuyu's pained screamed was heard through the air. Rushing to his fallen captain's side.

*static*

"Takemitchy Hanagaki I leave toman to you" he rasped out in a wheezing manner trying to hold the last of his life.

*static*

"BAJI!!!!! NO!!!!!!" Chifuyu's pained cried pierced the eerie silence as he held a lifeless baji close to himself.

"BAJI - SAN!" You sat up hand stretched out to grab at nothing. Drenched in your sweat you came out of your daze and looked around you. "The hell was that dream?" You said dropping back to lie down. Reaching under your pillow you pulled out your phone that you tucked away under there before you fell into the realm of dreams last night. Noting the time and day, you scuffed. "October 31st? Damn can't believe it is Halloween today already." Flipping your phone close you decide it was a good as any time to get up and go about your day.

Although it was halloween it was still a school day being Monday. However, even though you got ready for school you couldn't seem to arrive at said building at all. You ended up walking around and not really paying attention to where you were going. Finding yourself in front of a junk/scrap yard.

*flash*

There were crowds of people gathered around the area. You were hugging your commander from behind it almost looks as though you were trying to stop him from killing someone.

*flash*

The yard was devoid of people in front of you. #what was that? Why did I see so much people in a clearly empty space?#

"You are always the first to reach anywhere aren't you... come to think about it you were the first one there as well?" You heard a familiar voice behind you. Spinning quickly you locked eyes with the commander of toman, your commander Manjiro "Mikey" Sano. Alongside him stood the acting commander takemitchy hanagaki.

*flash*

"Takemitchy Hanagaki I leave toman to you"

*flash*

The dream you had last night came rushing back to you quickly.

"What the hell are you talking about?" The vice commander Ken "draken" Ryuguji spoke up behind his commanders. Collecting yourself quickly you bowed as low as possible.

"Good day commanders." You quickly stated. Feeling a hand on your head you feel your hair being ruffled. This made you flustered a bit.

"Come on raise your head you are a part of my family to you know." Mikey said not stopping from messing your hair up. Raising your gaze back to the commanders you see mikey's little sister emma behind them as well.

"Alright guys can we go to school now. I followed you guys here on a whim." She whined

"Let's skip school today. What do you guys say?" Mikey said grabbing your hand and started dragging you into the abandoned scrap yard.

"Uh commander?" You began to question but didn't when other captains and officers of toman started gathering quietly. Every one at a loss at what they were doing there.

"Ok guys listen up. We all just had this feeling to be here today so why don't we just skip school and have a party." Mikey yelled out to the crowd.

"YEAH!!" Was the collective shout. Pah telling hanagaki he just followed peh who had this feeling he needed to be there. Kazutora looking around as though he was remembering something. Chifuyu was stuck in a daze as though he could burn a hole at a specific spot in the yard. Kisaki tetta was looking up on the wrecked cars as though he was plotting something. Draken and hanma both challenging each other at arm wrestling to see who could out do who. Mickey sat at the top of the pile looking down at Every one. You lost in your own thoughts again with a cola in hand.

*flash*

"I'll punch you till you die"

*flash*

You and kazutora visibly trembled. Chifuyu turned to you both. His gaze shifting to both of you. Walking to kazutora first and then both of them towards you.

"Hey name chan" chifuyu broke the silence.

"Hey hanamiya San, matsuno san."

"Have you..." chifuyu's question was cut short when you all heard Mikey

"Baji you're late as always... name San is always first and your are always last."

"Ha ha funny mikey"

"Look at their faces they just got brighter after they saw baji" someone pointed out the look on chifuyu, kazutora and your face. Every one started laughing.

"I swear if you three start crying I will punch you" baji said walking towards the three of you. #bonk# he hit your head.

"Ouch what was that for?" You said holding your head.

"I did just say I would punch you if you started crying." He said running his thumb on your cheek. Touching your cheek lightly you felt the tears flowing freely without you realising it.

"Why?" You asked #pow# #pow# looking over to the other two you see they were also holding their heads from getting punched also crying like babies.

"Hey name Chan come up here." Mikey said patting the space next To him. Making your way carefully up the cars you finally made it up and sat next to him. "Thank you. For trying to stop me that day." He said leaning his head on your shoulder. Getting stiff with shock.

"What are talking about commander?" You ask cautiously not moving as to not offend him.

"Nothing"

*flash*

"Mikey please stop. Please I'm begging you don't do this" you cried holding onto him from behind.

"Let go of me. Or you will die as well."

"Then kill me let me join baji san!"

"None of you can speak for baji"

"Speak for baji? Speak for baji! He's dead mikey" takemitchy hanagaki spoke up. #throws jacket# #charm falls out# Mikey then stops struggling in your grip. He placed his hand on yours

"It's ok I'm calm now" his reassuring voice allowed for your decision to release him.

*flash*

Finding some courage you placed your hand on his just as he did to your hand in that vision. "You're welcome mikey" you whispered as you felt him stiffen a little and then relax again on your shoulder.

@angelsdevils @stxrmylxve

[mcalhenwrites]

We're still not ready for the "there are plenty of queer creations out there, and if you supported them, you'd see even more" conversation, are we? Seems like we're not. This extends to f/f content as well. It would involve supporting indie creators more, and the goals are more often "I want my queer or f/f ship to be canon and have lots of fanart" or "I want people to really like the work I make and for everything to center around my ideas of what should exist" and not so much about celebrating queer creations we might enjoy. (And let's face it, we won't always enjoy some of it.) But let's paint it as other people having moral failings or being hateful in some way, right? /sarcasm

I favor m/m in my writing (both original and fic). I'm a trans man and have been out since before I dipped my toes in fandom. I came out as trans in late 2003. I didn't know what yaoi was. I barely had any access to representation, and I latched onto the scraps I could find. Sunday nights, I huddled in front of a muted 13" television screen in a corner of my room, closed captioning on so I knew what was being said, using a blanket hanging from my bunk bed to hide it in case my mom decided to walk in. What was I watching? Queer as Folk. (US version.) It honestly changed my life. Getting online more and more later on introduced me to fandom, and that introduced me to a whole world of queer works. I was thrilled! It didn't matter if I didn't like some of it. I would sift through yaoi and yuri until I found the stuff I did like. But guess which one I spent more time on? I write a lot of BL. It's not really anyone's business, though. It shouldn't be the sole indicator that there's a moral failing here or that I hate f/f. I write too much f/f for that to be true, but I'll go into why saying that doesn't actually matter in a little bit. I have a hard time listening to people who make up excuses for why they never read books or even sometimes other people's fanfiction, but oh hey, here's my writing and it's actual representation, and I wish more fanart of my ships existed! And then they cry that there's nothing out there. And claim the love of BL as the true enemy.

...So fun fact, I own a lot of queer books. A lot of books in general. But lots are queer.

This is a haul of like 90% of the books I got last year:

It'll be tough to see a lot of the titles in this giant pile, but... There are a lot of queer relationships depicted in these books. This is barely a chip in my wishlist of queer books I'd like to read! (Most of these were gifts or secondhand, because I'm pretty broke.) And out of them, wow, some f/f happens to be there! Either as main characters or side characters. As canon ships. (But even if there wasn't any f/f there, you don't know who I've kissed in my life, the people I've loved, the people I wish I could've been with. You don't know my personal values, the improvements I want for the world. You don't know shit about me by finding out I like to read, write, and watch BL. And I don't owe you any of the reasons.) The point of this post and that image, however, is to say that queer creations fucking exist in large numbers. There's hardly a shortage. I'm crying at how little I can keep up with it these days, especially in a scary world with book bannings and little shits wanting the Hays code back. And here's the deal: creators get shafted. Sometimes, they have to quit creating (as much or at all) just to make a living. Some post on AO3 (cough) because fandom is wonderfully transformative and we have some itches to scratch. Being supportive is always better than tearing them down. And when you start uplifting the work you like, instead of yelling about the stuff you don't, suddenly there are publishers and film makers taking note. They're recognizing what's in demand. In many ways, they've already started to. (Although you should probably keep supporting artists and be wary of companies, but sometimes companies uplift important artists and that's cool too.) Your friends and online circles are seeing these titles and characters and ships and might even find themselves intrigued. But when you just yell about stuff that's not going the way you want it to, it's actually satisfactory to deny it to you. I'm not big on giving entitled people the content they crave. I do what I want, and I have been known to keep my work to myself because of demands and complaints. I don't stop creating, but it's not yours to have, it's mine. Some people just get tired of the harassment and sweeping generalizations about the kind of person they are, because innocuous creations are blown out of proportion by people with their own agendas. Some people create more of what you might hate out of spite. Others give up sharing, because while everyone is focusing on all the things they hate, that person's creations that might've been up your alley gets fucking buried. Ignored. And then they don't really see the point in sharing. In a world that is brimming with hate, where some people do using writing to profit on hate (jerkoffrolling), maybe your enemy isn't... people (queer or not, none of your business btw) creating queer art!

[readjthompson]

Well, since my novelette Cancel Toby Chalmers! (copyright me, now) has been sitting around, completed, for nearly 16 months, I’ve decided to share it for free, until it’s later released as part of a Toby Chalmers collection.

Here’s Chapter 6.

Chapter 6

Awakening in his bed, fully dressed, yet again, Toby Chalmers groaned and vowed to cut down on his drinking. He made that vow often in the a.m., though it always evaporated hours later. Days encompassed too many hours. The tedium of modern existence demanded a tonic to fuzz his thoughts and make him grin.

His kidneys ached most mightily. He was lying on his cellphone, he realized. Retrieving it, he discovered that its battery had died. I must’ve started an ASMR playlist and passed out while watching it, he thought.

After plugging the phone into its charger, he set off for his bathroom, for the usual morning routine.

* * *

Damn, that hits the spot, Toby thought to himself, polishing off the last of his breakfast burrito—leftover steak sliced into morsels, plus eggs and mozzarella cheese, enwrapped in a flour tortilla. He’d been making himself breakfast burritos nearly every day lately. Beef, chicken, bacon, potatoes, bell peppers—their contents might’ve varied, but the satisfaction they provided remained constant. He liked to wash them down with the same customized beverage: half chocolate oat milk, half organic cow milk, stirred until perfectly blended.

He'd worked out already. Time to brush his teeth. Then, to keep himself occupied for a while, he’d return to the story he was writing.

Why bother? he wondered. After all, he hardly needed the scant income that his efforts earned him. With Toby’s austere lifestyle, the trust fund he’d drained years prior would last him until death. Moreover, the days where he’d felt a pressing need to contribute to the artform he so cherished were long gone. He didn’t even write horror anymore, just puerile, perverted bizarro fiction that he could barely stand to put his name to. That was the only writing he could sell.

Well, at least I have fans, he’d told himself until recently. Eventually, my horror stuff’ll catch on and I can craft stories that I’m proud of again. But was that even the case? In his early days as an aspiring horror author, when it seemed as if he’d jump out of his own flesh if he didn’t churn out prose and sleep came irregularly and far too meagerly, he’d been inundated with ideas—morning, noon and night. He’d jotted notes down onto every paper scrap available or texted them to himself when out on the town. He’d felt as if he was but a channel for greatness to flow through, as if he’d embraced a higher calling and would soon be banging celebrities. He'd worked on four separate narratives daily, shifting perspectives with ease, researching on the fly. Now, he could hardly stand to craft a single novella, only wrote because he couldn’t think of anything better to do.

Truthfully, he didn’t even like the scant fans that he did have. Most were middle-aged Caucasian men who seemed far too interested in fucking him. They sent him flirty direct messages, even after he assured them that he’s straight. A few had even sent cock photos and ended up being blocked. One proposed marriage. Another rolled a paperback copy of The Indelible Adventures of Sergeant Thundershorts into a tube and deepthroated it. Toby had met plenty of cool homosexuals back when he’d had more of a social life, who’d sold him great MDMA, respected his sexual boundaries, and even introduced him to pretty women, but a significant percentage of his readers now seemed quite rape-hungry.

Oh well, better get to work, he thought.

* * *

Later, resting his hands, Toby read back what he’d written: “‘Keep perfectly still,’ the man said to his wife, as he stuffed her vagina with grass ’til it overflowed. ‘Once our sexy little sheep slut is eating you out with much gusto, I’ll take her from behind, rough and fast. It’ll be our first threesome. You’ll love it, I say. No, don’t look at me like that. This is all for you, baby.’”

I can’t finish writing this, can I? Toby thought. I always assured myself that I’d never write about bestiality, yet I’m just a page or two away from doing just that. That was the line I’d never cross, I’d assumed. What’s the fuck’s wrong with me?

I’m going crazy in here, cooped up all by myself. What if writing about sheep sex turns me on? I should go out to dinner somewhere, maybe flirt with a waitress. I’ll write my phone number on the check and tip exorbitantly…see if I hear back from her. Oh, that reminds me, I left my phone charging.

Retrieving his now fully-charged celly from his bedroom, he thought, Wow, I haven’t gone on social media once today. That’s gotta be some kind of record for me.

And of course, having mentally invoked social media’s specter, Toby found himself with no choice but to activate an app. Whoa, what the hell? he thought, inundated by notifications. 2,842 replies. 584 quote reposts. Most of the time, I’m lucky to have a few notifications. What did I post again, anyway?

IPA fog had swallowed all recollection of the previous night’s writing. Vaguely, he recalled the disgust he’d felt upon seeing black-on-black police brutality on TV, and how he’d decided to address it. I must’ve achieved some real drunken eloquence, he thought, just like Ernest Hemingway. Good for me.

Then he started reading the replies.

“Kill yourself, you racist pig fucker!” wrote 2Woke2Die.

“Whitey gon’ white,” wrote YUGumpin.

“Get right with Jesus!” wrote getrightwithJESUS.

PatriotiCali wrote, “Finally, somebody understands that niggers should only be allowed out at night. You’re my hero, Toby Chalmers!”

Oh my fuckin’ God, thought Toby. No! No, no, no, no, no, no, no! Did I accidentally write something racist? Please tell me I didn’t.

His dinner plans now forgotten, he checked out a few quote reposts.

“Look at this bitch ass Toby Chalmers, outin’ himself as a racist,” wrote SWOLLHYPHY.

“Cancel and cancel again for good measure!” wrote QuitStaringAtMyTits.

“More trash writing from a trash writer,” wrote 66picklesandchange.

Toby could put it off no longer. Guess I’d better bite the bullet, he thought. I’ll see what’s gotten everyone so worked up and attempt to explain myself. I didn’t go full edgelord last night, did I? He found his post and thought, Holy shit, it’s a long one. With an extended sigh, he began reading:

Race memory has long ascribed a stigma to darkness. Indeed, from the dawn of humanity, nighttime has provided predators with cover to skulk, stalk, and assault, then disappear back into gloom. Hazards unknown in the day manifest to purloin, rape, and murder. Sometimes those hazards arise in one’s own psyche.

By and large, as a species, we prefer to see our surroundings, to read faces and postures to discern dark intentions. We prefer the warmth of the sun to the moon’s cold indifference. Candles, lightbulbs, flashlights, phones, computers, and TV screens keep darkness at bay. When in total tenebrosity, we strive to sleep, to regain vibrancy in our dreams.

Our distaste for the darkness has even shaped our language. White magic will heal you. Black magic will hurt. A white knight will help you. A black knight will harm. Blackouts hide drunken misdeeds from your memory. You blacklist, blackball, and blackguard those you want excluded, and blackmail those whose money you covet. If you’re believed to be truly evil, some will label you a blackheart. But what of those individuals of African descent known as blacks?

Is it so much of a stretch to assume that humanity’s collective unconscious, which has long associated blackness with wrongdoing, has prejudiced each and every human, blacks included, against people of African descent? Look at the arrest statistics. Look at the black-on-black violence statistics. Look at the slave trade that shaped the United States as we know it: Africans selling other Africans to Caucasians, to treat as beasts of burden. The reasonably intelligent transcend their innate bigotry and give blacks a chance to prove themselves great, but many people are dumber than shit.

Spade, darky, spook, shadow skin, and tar baby—just a handful of the racial epithets crafted to call attention to their skin coloring. Stereotypes about blacks abound even now, perpetrated by the media and black celebrities all too happy to portray themselves as drug dealing criminals for paychecks. Do those rappers and actors feel ashamed, knowing that their actions continue to negatively shape society’s assumptions, leading to more violence and deaths? Or are they blinded by millions of dollar signs?

It's time for humanity to finally embrace the darkness, to cherish the shadows with just as much gusto as we cherish the light. It’s time to stop focusing on black crime and see their race as it truly is, multifaceted and fascinating, just like all of the others are. I don’t want to see another black man begging policemen for mercy as they stomp the life out of him.

Limit horror to horror fiction, now and always.

Toby closed his eyes for a second, as if that could erase his past actions. What the fuck was I thinking? he thought. Suggesting that even blacks are secretly prejudiced against blacks…I mean, Drunk Me could be right, but holy fuck.

He checked on his follower count. Just under 10,000 the last time that he’d looked, it was now less than half that, and still plummeting. He was following less people now, too, indicating that hundreds of those unfollowers had blocked him for good measure.

He had gained a few dozen new followers, though, most of whom used Donald Trump as their avatars. Caucasian incels, the lot of ’em, Toby assumed, shaking his head. Should I block them or ignore them? Are they gonna purchase my books or attempt to recruit me for the Ku Klux Klan?

He checked a few more of his replies. “By ignoring the plight of the trans community, this post is advocating for violence against it,” wrote GenderOmega.

“Cisgender, straight, white men aren’t allowed to talk about race. We must take notes and nod when others tell us what to think, for the good of humanity,” wrote TheTrillestYT.

“Non-Caucasians can’t be racist. Racism belongs only to the devil race, our oppressors,” wrote HorrorHunkSteve.

Should I post a phony apology, see if that appeases these assholes? Toby wondered. Can I blame it all on the beer, maybe donate to a black charity, and be forgiven? Oh, what am I thinking? Most of these morbidly obese shut-ins have never sipped alcohol in their lives. They’re still cuddling up to their mothers, attempting to suck milk from their withered tits. If I so much as imply contrition, they’ll attack me all the harder.

Toby had seen it happen before. Two months prior, horror hack Oswald Mortenson had joked that a world without straight, cisgender, white, male authors was worse than a world without books and begged for forgiveness when the vox populi turned against him. He’d never been heard from again. Even his children disappeared from social media. Then, when Beauregard Liddell, owner of Burning Ladle Books, posted, “I’m sorry, but whites are the best horror writers,” then attempted to pass it off as a week-early April Fools’ Day prank, the publisher’s every author demanded that he cancel their contracts, and he’d retired in shame.

Damn, Toby thought, these whinging crybabies are probably leaving my books phony reviews now, to drive down their average Amazon and Goodreads ratings. He visited his Amazon Author Page and his mouth fell open in shock. There was only one title left: his self-published short fiction collection, Mementoes of Madness.

Fleshless Fingers, his every bizarro title, and every magazine issue and anthology that he’d contributed fiction to were gone. Revisiting social media, he found that all of their publishers had blocked him. Logging out of his account, so as to view theirs, he found that each had posted a press release decrying Toby’s racism, and vowing that he’d never work in the small press scene again. Those posts had gotten more likes and reposts than all of those publishers’ previous posts added together had.

On Goodreads, he found all of his best reviews and ratings absent, and his friends and followers lists drastically depleted. Is this how it all ends? he wondered. All these years of polishing my prose and working to gain a fanbase erased because I posted a single controversial theory? That doesn’t seem fair in the slightest.

He thought about it for a while. While his initial instinct was to crawl into a bottle of hard liquor, then score maximal quantities of whatever hard drugs he could get his hands on, that was quickly eclipsed by a blazing, crimson rage. No fuckin’ way, he thought. These weeping vaginas aren’t gonna make me a junkie. They’re not erasing my prose as if it never existed. I’ll self-publish all of my out-of-print stuff, then start writing horror again. I’ll search out freethinking readers and be more popular than ever.

If only it were that easy.

[sorserah]

Chapter 4: Coffees and Funerals

Outsider No More | Goro Takemura & Female V/OC

And then he understands, clearly understands what she had been feeling, trying to tell him. And he now realizes too, he does not want to lose her either. 

An interpretation of how a romance between Takemura and Corpo Female V could have been. Changing between Vs and Takemuras POV. Mostly following the main story of the game, adding bits and pieces here and there for a little bit more depth. So spoilers ahead.

18+, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Romance, Panic Attacks, Death, Blood and Injury, Corpo V (Cyberpunk 2077, Takemuras POV, Vs pov, Alcohol, Sexual Tension, Flirting, Denial of Feelings, Internal Conflict, they are both idiots, Guilt, Overthinking, Smut, Sex, Romantic, Gestures

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28434627/chapters/70742016#workskin

Both hands pressed against the cold tiles of her shower, she feels the hot water running down her back. She adjusted it a bit hotter than usual, just to suppress the pain a bit, the pain of her skin and muscles, and the pain of her loss. For three days now she hasn’t left the apartment, ignored all calls. To leave meant that everything was real. That everything happened exactly as she had been trying to repress and understand all this time. After Johnny beat her, she dragged herself back to bed under the covers, staring through her window, at the advertisements and vans flying by. Sunset followed sunrise followed sunset….However, this morning Mama Welles called, she just couldn't reject her. Jackie's funeral is going to be today and she wants her to be there. And she, she wants to be there, too, and ignore it simultaneously.

With one last deep breath, she turns off the shower and heads for the closet. Seeing so many clothes that remind her of the countless jobs with Jackie. She takes a black garbage bag and throws them all in. At last, only her old Corpo clothes remain. But she couldn't leave the house in them - at least not like this - she would only attract even more attention. She rolls up the black pants until they reach over the black boots, which she had retrieved from the trash against goodwill. She leaves the tie and the blazer aside. Instead, she puts on the black shirt, but leaves the top buttons open and rolls up the sleeves - maybe she wouldn't stand out as then. In front of the mirror, she examines herself again. She looks almost like she did back then, like the Corporat she desperately wanted to leave behind. Almost disgusted, she turns away from her reflection. On the way to the funeral, she should get a new jacket or coat.

„Okay, here goes nothing.“ She steps out of her apartment door. The loudness of the apartment complex almost knocked her out after three days of barely hearing anything. Night City is just always noisy. While she is making her way down in the elevator, she is called again. „Takemura here, I have been trying to reach you. You did not answer the phone.“ „Yea, I..“ She clears her dried vocal cords „I have been busy.“ „No matter, we need to talk. Come to Tom’s Diner.“ Damn, who is he to think she can command her. „And why exactly would I do that?“ „Because I am the one who saved your life.“ Huh. „I haven’t managed to get my head straight yet. Besides I have to be somewhere this afternoon.“

„And so what? It is still very early and about what happened, that will not change any time soon.“ He made a small pause „Let me give you an advice: If you want to live, you should reenter the ring. The bell has already tolled.“ „Big fan of metaphors, huh?“ „Toms Diner, I will be waiting.“ He hung up. Weird, she hardly remembers him. Just a few scraps of memory: The stench of the garbage dump, a loud, deafening crash, and Takemura's face appearing over her sight a few times. No idea who he is. But so far he is the only lead that might save her life - besides Evelyn - or at least end it quickly. Either way, she decides to head to the diner first and then settle everything else -regardless of the outcome of the meeting. 

As she walks down the streets of Night City, she tries not to think about the funeral so much, which keeps worming its way into her memory. The pain in her chest that is not from a physical injury grows stronger and harder to ignore with each step she takes. Before she knows it, she is already walking around the corner to Tom's Diner. Takemura is sitting right at the first table, she first peeks around the corner, so far everything seemed quiet in the diner and he hadn't seen her yet. He made quite a tall and intimidating impression, yet he didn't fit into the ambiance at all. He sat clearly too straight, clearly too controlled in contrast to everyone else here. He also appeared to be unarmed. She didn't think that was very smart. 

She walks around the corner and without wasting much time she drops into the seat. He seems to be slightly startled: „V! You do not look so bad.“ He takes a sip from his coffee, „Uhm, thanks,“ she answers slightly confused, unsure whether this should be a general compliment or only to her health. She decides on the first: „You don’t look too bad either, seems we have a similar taste, at least in clothing.“ His face remaining neutral „And in employers so it seems or is it stolen?“

When she raises an eyebrow questioningly, he nods in the direction of her chest. There was a small red Arasaka sign embroidered she had completely forgotten. „Ugh, shit. Tom?! I need a black pen and a coffee: half and half, caramel shot!“ „Coming!“ Damn, she tries to rip it off „No it's not stolen. Wouldn't make any sense walking around in this outside Arasaka HQ. I used to work there, got fired, long story.“ „Because you were stealing?“ Takemura asked seriously, insulted she states „No, not because I was stealing…thanks Tom..“ She gives Tom a smile as she transfers the Eddies to him and accepts the coffee and pen. „And aren't you overdoing it a bit with the stealing theme?" she asks him in the voice she had often used to assert herself in the office. After a sharp look, she turns to her shirt trying to paint the Arasaka logo black.

"Well, you did steal Saburo-samas, most valuable possession. This makes you a thief. But I know you are not a murderer - at least not his." She looks back up at him, how could he know what. "And who exactly are you?" she asks skeptically. Takemura furls his eyebrows and lowers his voice to a minimum „You do not remember me?“ She shakes her head „I am - was - Saburo Arasakas bodyguard. I was there when you and Mr. Welles were as well. I just did not know at this time. I brought you to Mister Vector.“ Jackies name and naming recent past life-impairing events stroke her a punch in the chest and forced her to put away the pen and look up, to examine Takemura closer.

And she starts to remember. He had worn a black shirt then, too, but under a jacket - his eyes glowing red. He had almost caught her and Jackie hiding in the maintenance column. The revitalization...it must have been him as well. She stands up, and holds out her hand to him "I guess I'll have to apologize then. Thank you for saving my life, at least for the next few months." He also stands up, shakes her hand briefly - his grip strong but not too firm - before they both sit down again. "But Fuck, how did you survive this long? They must be looking for you all over Night City. You should delta.“ Takemura looks confused for a second, then lowered his gaze and nodded „Yes. I have been hunted. But that is not important now. I need your help.“ Come again? „What do you need my help for?“ „To begin, you must tell me where to find Evelyn Parker.“ „Evelyn…what’s she to you?“ He may have saved her life and currently also makes quite a trustworthy impression, but she had worked with enough Arasaka to know that she should be careful with first impressions. 

„She and Yorinobu Arasaka had intimate relations, she knows how to get to him.“ Huh, not what she expected: „I thought this was about the biochip. ‘Oughta have a word with her myself, want her to help me to get rid of it. Though I could imagine she already left Night City, after everything that happened.“ Takemura takes another sip from his coffee before answering „Yes it seems so. I tried to contact her, no success. But…how would she know how to remove the chip? Does she work for a corporation?“ She shakes her head and sighs „Actually, I have no idea, she did show that slyness you get in corpo agents.“

Takemura puts away his coffee and straightens up on his bench to his full height, she had to admit he looked very intimidating, even more than before. His eyes cold, the ice-white rings in particular intensified this. „I, too, possess this ‚slyness’ you speak of?“ He asks derogatory. She snorts „Slyness, not really. I mean maybe a little. Look at you, look at us. We are sitting in a diner, two people dressed completely in black, one with the Arasaka logo on the chest and the other on the neck - and kindly meant advice, I would try to cover that- trying to have secret conversations in a diner, knowing full well that the people behind us, „ she nods her head in the direction, "can overhear almost every word. Intimidation on point tho." She takes a sip of her coffee. Takemura now shrinks back a little, eyebrows lowered, eyes still cold, and leans across the table closer to her. „V, I am serious with the help. Maybe we can do each other a favor.“

„What do you have to offer? And it better be good, because I don’t have a lot of time and patience right now.“ She leans back, arms crossed. He keeps a straight face, replying rather frigid: „You need to get the right people on your side and I need you to testify, in front of my allies, reasonable people, in a neutral location. You are dying. You do not know how to save yourself. So in return, I offer you a meeting with…“ „Anders Hellman?“ She interrupts him „Heard that name before, it is Hellman's invention isn’t it?“ Takemura seems surprised but shakes his head, “Untrue. He is a pawn. He left Arasaka. I spent many days looking for him. He - what's the expression - dropped off the face of earth." "Defected? Where to? Some other corp poach him?" "

"As far as I can tell, he acted alone. A meticulous man, he planned it, covered his tracks well." "Any idea where he took off to?" "None. Besides, I meant someone way more powerful than Hellman. Someone, who has not left Arasaka. But if by some miracle, you find Hellmann, please notify me. He and I have unfinished business.“ She raises an eyebrow: „Fine…So you mean Arasaka can save me as easily as they can make me disappear? You know, Takemura, I'll buy the second part right away, but the first part I doubt very much. But you believe that?“ „I do so yes.“

She takes a few more sips of her coffee while thinking about what has been said. Meanwhile, Takemura looks at her with interest, his bright white eyes piercing into her darkened black ones, his elbows on the table, hands clasped, kneading. His cybernetics on his neck and jaw give him a slightly alternative and tough look. Quite a pleasant sight, as she must admit herself. Also, very interesting that he came to her and asked for help, just asking for help, not something common here in Night City. Maybe she could take advantage of the matter for herself. One more option to get the thing out of her skull. „Okay, count me in.“

Takemura smiled barely noticeable in relief, she continues and leans on the table again, one big question remaining. „But, what’s in it for you?“ She asks, putting down her finished coffee. „Yorinobu Arasaka must answer for his crimes. Simply put, I want revenge. I want justice.“ Slightly grinning she answers "You know what, I think maybe we'll get along just fine.“ Takemura stands up, throwing over his coat. „You seek revenge yourself? For what happened to Mister Welles perhaps?“ Her grin freezes on her face and the short time in which she had forgotten, was over. She looks down, stands up quickly and steps past Takemura. With force, she pushes the tears out of her eyes. No one was allowed to see her cry here, especially not him. "Yeah something like that. We'll hear from each other, I gotta go. I am late already and thanks for the offer.“

Hastily she hurries through some alleys, up a few floors, to a lonely roof. There she drops to her knees, hides her face in her hands and begins to cry unrestrainedly. Damn V, get it together. Arasaka is still a despotic machine and the world’s on a collision course with chaos „Oh fuck you, Johnny!“ You know you don’t have to speak out loud to talk to me right? What do you want? Can’t this wait until tomorrow, you wanna knock me out a second time?! Johnny is sitting in a chair in front of her. Ah you know what, I changed my mind, don’t want you dead anymore and this suffering…its just pitiful. Go fuck yourself Dickwip. Fine, we will talk tomorrow and he vanished. She gives herself a few more minutes to let it all out. Afterward, she tries to look as normal as possible as she heads off to Mama Welles. On the way she decides to purchase some round sunglasses besides a new coat, so she could at least hide her fragility for the next few days.

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He didn't know that she had once worked for Arasaka, too. She reminded him of some employees he had seen when accompanying Saburo-sama to different meetings. The corporate slyness she mentioned, he thinks he saw it in her. The tip to hide its augmentations. He put the collar of his jacket higher and more towards his head. She had made a different impression on him overall than he would have expected. He thought she was just a thief, a criminal through and through, and yet she had agreed to testify. Still, he wasn't sure how trustworthy she was. If he wanted to continue working with her, he should try to find out more about her. One thing he already knew, especially confirmed by her reaction - she and Jackie Welles were very close. He would try to find out more in the next few days. 

He dials Oda's number. It rings a few times before he answers. „竹村、話さないで。なぜ私を呼ぶのですか?“ Takemura answers hastily in Japanese as well „I know that we should not speak, but I have a witness, we need to talk.“ Silence, stretched across minutes as it seems „Fine. Three days, Japantown.“ Oda hangs up. Takemura is pleased. Now he just had to wait.

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[starfleetwitch]

How dare you... Say something... That accurate 🤣

I've been nursing this pint glass of coffee in a desperate attempt to get this done 🤣

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