#anyway. if you see more of me tonight i'm mobile. | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

vinsmokewife · 6 months ago

Text

misery / chapter one

Sequel to Who Is This Person Nine months after the catfishing incident and Sanji still can't catch a break. After a major arguement with Zoro on the night of his birthday, Zoro breaks it off entirely claiming to have found someone new. Sanji moves on and meets Charlotte Pudding, a popular food infulencer, whom he develops a superficial but pleasant relationship with. However, news gets around that Zoro goes missing and Sanji can't help but dig into what happened. read on ao3

authors note: Well shit. After my much-needed hiatus, I am back with a sequel to Who Is This Person? Sorry for the delay in this story, I tend to have a relationship with One Piece where I binge 200 episodes then don’t watch it for a year. A lot has happened recently. I had a mental breakdown, it was incredibly suicidal and I'm currently in recovery from that. The Counseller I'm seeing while I’m waiting for a diagnosis said I should go back to writing fanfiction (as my last happy period was when I started this account) I was also really into JJK for a while but I’m dwindling back into One Piece. Sorry, this is who I am XD Anyway, all that aside, I’m so excited to be working on this story again. I really enjoyed writing Who Is This Person so I’m here to give you all Misery.

The buzzing of his phone brought Sanji into alertness. He had been pulling an all nighter studying for his exams and only the incessant beeping of his mobile device could bring him out of it. He looked at the clock seeing that it was two in the afternoon. He had slept in quite significantly.

A lot had happened since the so called ‘Zoey incident’. That was nearly a year ago now. Nine months exactly. In the aftermath, Sanji tried to move on with his life. He had a renewed sense of vigor about his ambitions and wanted to climb higher. Sanji had been nonstop pestering Zeff about being made a sous chef. See, he was fine with just being a regular chef, but he saw himself aiming a bit higher. Zeff...as always said no. The old man never directly said any of this, but he didn’t want Sanji to become tied down the Baratie. Again, Zeff never said this but always seemed to push Sanji to explore more options. He wanted him to aim higher than being here.

Culinary School seemed like the next step which...had kept him busy. Enrolling had kept him busy. Classes, assignments and then the practical tests seemed to consume his time more than working at the Baratie ever had. He sometimes almost forgot about nine months ago.

Almost

It took Sanji a few moments to wake up fully as he sat up in his bedroom. He still lived in the same place. He looked out of the window from where he was sitting. He didn’t intend on leaving his room today. But once he felt ready to see the message, he grabbed his yawn and with a big yawn and a stretch, he was ready to open the message. It was from Luffy. It had been a few days since he had seen Luffy. He hadn’t been working nights, so he didn’t even get to see Luffy that way. Every now and then, Luffy will send messages begging for Sanji to close so he can come and take the food he used to almost a year ago.

L: SANJI

L: ANSWER ME

L: angryface angryface

L: WHERE ARE YOU?

And the rest of the messages were angry gifs and angry faces. Sanji watched them roll in. It seemed that Luffy had been trying to get a hold of him. It wasn’t long before Sanji replied.

S: Sorry I was asleep.

S: What do you want?

L: LMAO were you sleeping during the day?

S: Some of us are busy and work.

L: I WORK

S: Bothering Shanks at his job doesn’t count as work.

L: > : (

S: Okay. What did you message me for?

L: I need you at the Baratie! Tonight. 7.

S: I’m not working at 7 just for you to get freebies.

L: No no as like a not work thing?

L: YOU DON’T NEED TO WORK.

L Is what I’m tryingt o say

L: *trying to say*

L SANJI IT’S SO IMPORTANT PLEASE COME AT 7.

Sanji frowned, rubbing his eyes of the sleep that was still there. What did Luffy have to message him about a surprise for. He didn’t respond just yet. He stretched his muscles feeling all the tension in his back from sitting at the desk all night. Then, he replied.

S: Fine. I’ll be there.

Sanji tossed his phone to the side and then stood up. He shook off the remnants of sleep. Seeing as his plans of lazing were finished, he decided to have a shower. Just a quick shower before getting stressed and going into the kitchen where he made himself a strong cup of coffee. As the coffee machine hummed and the smell of Arabic coffee roamed in the kitchen, his mind began to drift as it often did when he was alone.

Zeff was right. He often was about these things. Going to school had broadened his horizons. It challenged him on the way he thought about food. It had been good for him.

However, his mind often went back to one person and no matter how much he tried to forget, he still thought about him.

He made his cup of coffee and sat down at the table.

Zoro. Even just thinking about him made his stomach turn. Zoro and he had been incredibly rocky recently. From the outside, it looked as if Sanji and Zoro got on a lot more than they used to. They hung out alone. They went out for dinner. They would go home and hook up then Zoro would leave. However, Sanji still held him at arm's length. Any attempt Zoro made at deepening their relationship was batted away. Sanji didn’t want to deepen their relationship. They were friends with benefits and nothing more.

As much as he tried to, Sanji found it difficult to move past what happened. Nine months later. Sanji gripped his cup as resentment and confusion pinged inside of him. He took a long sip of his coffee as he felt brewed. As much as he tried to shake these thoughts, they always go back to the same thing. It bothered him – the fact that Zoro seemed to take up so much space in his mind. Not even his exams took up this much space. The boundaries had been made clear; at least that was what Sanji told himself anyway. They were just friends with benefits. A little friendlier than before. A lot more complicated. The lines blurred in a way that Sanji couldn’t control. He hated it. Truely and utterly hated it.

Nine months. Nine months really should have been enough time to move on. However, whenever he closed his eyes at night. All he saw was Zoro.

With a frustrated sigh, Sanji put his cup on the table a little too forcefully, the clatter of porcelain and the glass table jarring him out of his thoughts. He needed to clear his head. Thinking about Zoro wasn’t helping. He had to figure out why Luffy was insistent on meeting up tonight but if he knew Luffy, it would be chaos which was very much a welcomed distraction.

As the day went on, Sanji decided to push the thoughts away and not acknowledge them anymore. He instead focused on trying to play a guessing game about what Luffy is planning. He laid out an outfit, opting into going for something that is casual but put together. After all, this was his home turf, the Baratie, even if he wasn’t working tonight. Old habits die hard.

As the day went on, the idea of Luffy planning a surprise took up his mind and he wasn’t thinking about Zoro anymore. It could be something endearing to outright disastrous, both ends of the spectrum Sanji had experienced time after another. By the time the evening rolled around, Sanji made his way down the stairs and there he was, standing in front of the restaurant. He pushed the doors open and noticed the quiet atmosphere. The evening rush had obviously not happened yet...which was weird for it being 7. He looked towards the kitchen and seen Zeff there, barking orders at the other chefs with his usual gruff demeanor.

��Oi. Old man,” Sanji called out as he looked through into the kitchen. Zeff glanced up, a brief look of surprise but then went to his usual gruff nature.

“Thought you were taking the night off, eggplant?”

“I was. Luffy said I needed to come by 7,” Sanji said, leaning against the counter.

“Oh. If it’s Luffy you are looking for, he’s around the corner,”

Sanji nodded before continuing to go around that way. However, once he got around the corner, he was meant by thunderous yelling.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

Oh yeah. It was his birthday today.

He was so busy with school that he must have...forgot. No, he didn’t forget. Who forgot their birthday? No, he just wanted to wait until he was a little less busy to celebrate his birthday. So, up till this point, he didn’t make too much of a big deal about it. He didn’t know how this translated into him getting a surprise birthday.

Sanji’s eyes scanned his friends. Nami, Usopp, Robin, Franky and of course, Luffy standing there. Luffy was grinning widely and bouncing with his usual excitement. A large cake decorated with bright icing. He recognized the cake; he had seen Zeff making it, but he had insisted it was an order for someone else. So, Zeff was also in on it. Huh.

“Luffy...” Sanji looked away, trying not so subtly to mask his embarrassment. When he looked elsewhere, he was Zoro. He was drinking a beer, as always. The sight of him made Sanji’s heart do weird shit so he looked back at Luffy, “You know I didn’t want to celebrate until I finished my exams...”

“Nonsense!” Luffy said, grabbing Sanji by the arm and pulling him towards his friends, “Everyone needs to celebrate their birthday properly,”

Sanji was pulled over to the table by Luffy who was determined to make sure that Sanji enjoyed his birthday with his friends surrounding him.

“You didn’t have to go all out,”

“This isn’t all out.” Luffy waved off his concerns with an infectious laughter.

Sanji couldn’t help but smile at Luffy’s infectious energy. He glanced at Zoro, still drinking beer pretending he was too cool for his birthday party.

Luffy’s excitement was appreciated though. He took a seat between Robin and Usopp. The cake was nearby. He couldn’t help but appreciate the effort.

“Still, you didn’t have to-”

“It’s not all out,” Luffy insisted with a grin, his eyes sparkling with that usual excitement. “We wanted to do something nice for you. Nami and Zoro helped quite a bit,”

Once again, his gaze went back to Zoro who was now avoiding his gaze. The mention of Zoro helping plan this seemed to catch Sanji off guard. He had to wonder how much Zoro contributed to the arrangement of this part. It made his chest feel rather tight which...was problematic to say the least.

He could not. He could not let his emotions ruin the night.

“I find it hard to believe that Zoro actually helped...” Sanji rolled his eyes, sitting back in his chair trying to give off an impression that he didn’t care, “It actually is thoughtful which makes me doubt it,”

Zoro shot him a look, still nursing his bear as his scowl deepened, “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” He muttered, although looking closely there could have been something of the smallest hint of a small very small smile, something soft that almost felt like fondness.

Even if Sanji tried to be indifferent, his mind felt like it was racing. Honestly, he didn’t know why but inside it felt like it pissed him off. These little, small meaningful gestures made it incredibly hard for Sanji to separate himself from Zoro. It made it easier to...forget about what happened. Sometimes, it felt like he could maybe ease up around Zoro.

Maybe...just maybe.

“Maybe next time, stick to what you are good at,” Sanji shook his head, “You know, heavy lifting and lack of direction,”

In front of everyone, their banter felt normal. It felt like things had never changed. It felt as if they had just moved on from their lives. However, Sanji felt a weird edge right now. Tension with unresolved feelings between them as he tries to still be indifferent.

Luffy, obviously oblivious to everything that was going on, laughed, “You two never change!” He said before grabbing another slice of cake. “But hey! At least the gang is here!”

Breaking eye contact with Zoro, his attention was back on Luffy. Luffy was right. This was a nice gesture from all three of them. It would be a shame to have it ruined by his own racing mind. He looked at Zoro who avoided his eyes.

“Yeah, you are right,” Sanji smiled, “I appreciate it...thank you,”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, jokes and the comfort of being surrounded by friends. What Sanji didn’t know was that Zeff had closed the whole restaurant so that they could focus on Sanji’s surprise party. Amazing food came out as well as drinks and desserts. Luffy definitely had his fair share of food and Zoro had his fair share of drinks.

When desserts came out, Sanji excused himself and went outside. He needed to...collect his thoughts. He needed to think about things outside. When he was outside, he sat on the step of the door and lit up a cigarette. He was lost in his thoughts outside when the door opened.

“Are you okay?”

Thankfully, it wasn’t Zoro. It was Robin. Sanji exhaled a long plume of smoke. The orange glow of his cigarette lit up his face in the darkness. He didn’t immediately respond. He just let the silence speak for itself. Robin was...for better or worse, incredibly perceptive. She always had been. Sanji had heard that Robin had been...somewhat involved in the club that Zoro frequented...or used to.

“Yeah,” He said, although he wasn’t sure if he believed that and his voice lacked the conviction for her to believe him too, “Just needed a breather...”

Robin didn’t say anything immediately, but she did sit next to him. She allowed him another puff of his cigarette before speaking.

“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Sanji,” She said, her voice understanding but cautious as she didn’t wish to overstep, “Especially on nights like this. Birthdays can be...a time of reflection,”

Sanji took another drag as he watched the smoke curled into the night air, “I guess. I’m certainly in a reflective mood tonight,”

Robin nodded as she watched the smoke dissipate into the night air, “It’s understandable,” She said as her tone was gentle, “A lot has happened recently. It’s only human to be affected by what happened,”

Sanji shook his head with a very bitter chuckle, “I thought I moved on. I feel terrible... Luffy, Nami and... Zoro put a lot of effort into this and I... well, can’t help but think about things,”

Robin decided to let him talk rather than inject her own thoughts as her hands rested on her lap, looking out into the air. Her presence felt...so warming that he couldn’t help but talking even more.

“It’s like...you know, I tell myself that it doesn’t matter. I’m better off just focusing on my career and future but then,” Sanji gestured animatedly in the direction of the restaurant, “Zoro does something...stupidly kind... and I feel like those walls I’m trying to build up around him just...”

He realizes how it sounds and retracts slightly. Robin didn’t need to know every single detail of what was going on. He retracts and takes another puff of smoke, feeling even more bitter than he had done.

“It’s clear that Zoro has some sort of effect on you. It’s not easy to let events go...” Robin responded.

Sanji frowned. It wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He wanted her to call him a jerk but then again, that wasn’t like Robin. Robin was...perspective.

“Nine months. I’m still stuck,”

Robin turned her head slightly, “Moving on isn’t a linear process. Sometimes, it’s two steps forward and one step back,”

Sanji let out a sigh, running his hand through his hair. “But I don’t want to have these feelings. Zoro did the worst thing he could have done to be me ever and I can’t let it go. I just...want to let it go...” He clenched his fists, the frustration and bitterness simmering inside, “I hate him. I really really hate him but sometimes I don’t,” There was a beat of silence before Robin spoke up.

“Then, you need to talk to him about it. Make those boundaries clear or forgive him. Either way, holding onto it and hoping that it will go away, will only hurt yourself,”

His jaw tightened. He wanted to reject her advice and brush her off. He had gone for the past nine months without talking to him about it, but he knew that she was right. Holding onto this anger, this bitterness and it was bothering him. The truth was sinking in. Maybe it was time to decide. The thought made his stomach do funny things, but Robin was right; he couldn’t keep running from it forever. He had to face this head on.

“Thank you, Robin,” His voice softer, more sincere than it had been before, “I’ll think about what you’ve said,”

She gave a small nod before standing up.

“One step at a time,”

Sanji watched her get up and go back inside. Despite her being gone, her words echoed in his mind. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do now but for the first time in these past nine months, he felt like he had direction...he knew what he had to do.

He took the final drag of his cigarette before stubbing it out. With a deep breath, he stood up and turned back towards the door. The night was still young. His journey was not yet over, and it was like Robin said...

One step at a time.

The night went on for a couple more hours, nearly approaching midnight. Everyone had a great time. The evening continued with laughter and conversation. Thankfully, Sanji’s mind felt more at ease as he joined the rest. Even if he had to decide what to do, it was enough peace to let him enjoy the rest of the night. As it approached a new day, the group's energy began to wane, and people began to leave. Robin and Franky, who were still a steadfast couple left together, Luffy and Usopp left with intentions of going back to Luffy’s and Nami left with the intention of spending the night with Vivi who she was still very much dating. As Sanji began to watch everyone leave, it left him alone...well...not exactly.

Sanji was assured by Zeff that he would handle the mess in the morning which had Sanji having his last cigarette of the night outside. He looked towards the stairs leading up to his apartment. He was about to turn and leave when he heard someone else leave the restaurant.

It was Zoro and they both looked at each other. Sanji continued to smoke, and Zoro watched him as if he wanted to say something, but didn’t so Sanji was the first one to speak.

“Wanna come up stairs? It’s a long way home,”

It was the nicest way of asking Zoro if he wanted to stay the night. Now that everyone else was gone, Sanji and Zoro could drop the acting.

“Sure. I didn’t want to walk home anyway,”

Sanji shook his head with a humorless laugh. His reply was gruff as usual but there was some warmth behind it. They stood there for a moment, the silence between them was thick with words they couldn’t say then. It was tension that in the past nine months had become very familiar. It had begun to define their relationship...their very complicated relationship.

Once he was ready, he stubbed out his cigarette as his mind reeled from the advice he had been given by Robin. It couldn’t be put off any longer. Sanji had to do something about what was on his mind.

“Come on. Let’s go then,”

Zoro followed Sanji without a word. The quiet footsteps on the stairs were the only sound as they made their way up to Sanji’s apartment.

When they were inside, Sanji flickered on the light. There was a soft glow in a familiar space. Zoro looked around. He was unreadable. Maybe he could tell that change needed to happen too.

Sanji busied himself to begin with. He kicked his shoes off, tidied up a few items and the like as if to avoid talking to him. As normal, Zoro helped himself to a beer from the fridge and sat on the sofa, watching Sanji clean up.

“Are you okay?”

Sanji stopped what he was doing and looked at Zoro strangely. Was it that obvious?

“I’ve been in a reflective mood...” Sanji muttered, thinking about the conversation he had with Robin recently.

“Yeah?” Zoro said but more to prod more of an answer as if wanting to know Sanji’s thoughts but all it did was bring hesitation to the blond who stopped what he was doing and sat on the chair across from the sofa, away from Zoro. The familiar tension felt strange.

“Yeah...” Sanji’s voice was low as he leaned back in his chair.

Zoro’s expression remained stoic but there was a flicker of something on his face, but it was unreadable. Sanji didn’t know whether Zoro was also feeling reflective or if he had no idea what he was talking about. Either way, Sanji leaned forward.

“I keep telling myself that I hate you. I really do hate you. Yet, when you do things like what you did tonight with Nami and Luffy...” Sanji ran his hand through his hair, “It pisses me off because you do these kind decent little things and then I don’t know how I feel...”

Zoro didn’t say anything. What could he say? They’ve been over this countless times. No matter how many times they ended up in each other's room or have these little meet ups, they still go around in circles talking about nine months ago. Neither of them was over it nor honestly, no one could be blamed.

“I hate you for this. I really do...”

Zoro looked directly at Sanji, “I don’t blame you,”

Sanji’s breath caught. That was it. Zoro accepted it with bluntness, and it caught him off guard entirely. He had expected an argument, maybe a gruff retort but instead, Zoro accepted it.

And that just annoyed him even more. It was suffocating and yet, this was the most honest that they had been with each other this whole time.

“I don’t want to keep going around in these circles,” Sanji’s voice was strained, “But I don’t think I can move forward...the way that things are going,”

“You think I haven’t tried? That I don’t want to try and move on?” Zoro responded, clutching his beer like an anchor, “Do you think I haven’t suffered from this too? I know nothing I can say will make you accept what’s going on...”

“Then why do we keep doing this? Why help with the party? Why do you keep coming back to my place? Why?”

There was a beat of silence. Sanji had clenched his fists so hard that specs of blood appeared on the palm of his hand, but it didn’t hurt. He had bigger fish to fry right now, and it was all about Zoro.

And Zoro just continued to stare at him. He settled his beer down on the table and leaned forward, as if trying to close the distance between them, “Because...” He began, his voice lower and more measured than normal, “No matter how much we hate each other and no matter how much we hurt each other, I cannot stay away from you. You think I enjoy this? That I love how much of a mess we are?”

And that felt like an honest admission from Zoro. Something that Sanji could not honor in return as he scowled, “Then why the hell are we doing this? If you can’t stay away and I can’t let it go, then what the hell are we doing here?”

And there it was again. That silence showed that neither of them knew the answer. Those raw feelings just bubbled below the surface.

“I don’t know,” Zoro sighed, “I don’t know okay,” His voice low and rough, “I don’t have the answer, but I wish I did but I don’t,”

Sanji scowled and pinched the bridge of his nose, “I can’t keep doing this with you,”

“You don’t have to,” Zoro said, standing up as if something finally snapped, “No one is forcing you to do this. Maybe we should stop seeing each other,” Sanji’s heart clenched at those words even though a part of him had been expecting this conclusion. He had thought about this countless times before, about what it meant if they did cut ties and moved on. Yet, hearing Zoro vocalize it, made it real.

“Is that what you want?” Sanji didn’t stand up. He looked up at Zoro who looked as if he was about to leave, as if he’d had enough.

Zoro hesitated but the tension in the room pushed him to talk about it, “You’ve made it clear. You can’t do this anymore. So, you don’t have to. I’m giving you an out,”

Sanji took a deep breath as if trying to steady himself. Everything felt as if it was crumbling around him, and he was grasping to give himself some normality. But maybe it was too late. Maybe this was the new normal. Everything felt already broken. A wave of emotions crashed around him as a mix of anger and sadness. Zoro’s words were logical and to the point. He was giving Sanji an out and that was logical, but it was a punch in the gut after everything they had been through.

This was the exact moment he had feared and wanted.

“You are giving me an out?” Sanji stood up, shaking his head in disbelief and frustration, “Like it’s that simple? Like walking away will finish all of this?”

Zoro clenched his jaw, “Maybe it is that simple, Sanji. Maybe we are making it more difficult than it had to be,”

It was the moment he had to decide. Sanji’s heart raced and for a moment, he just couldn’t find the words. What did he want?

“I think you are right,” Sanji said. Maybe he was right. Maybe they needed to stop. “Maybe walking away will help,”

Zoro nodded, his face unreadable but he looked towards the door and then back to him, “I agree. I will leave you alone then...” His words hung in the air, heavy and final. The silence that followed it was suffocating and filled with things that they didn’t even get a chance to say. Finally, there was an end to this unrelenting cycle.

For a moment, time stopped. By the time that Sanji realized that time’s arrow marched forward, Zoro opened the door and was gone. The blonde stood there frozen. So that was it. Zoro had walked out of his life as if it was nothing. He had wanted this – to end this cycle but now that it had happened, Sanji felt hollow. He clenched his fists again, realizing the pain of cuts on his hand but it was nothing compared to the pain in his chesrt. Nine months. He’d put up with this for nine months and for what? What did he have to show for it?

Instead of relief, he felt loss.

He sat on the sofa, the exhaustion of the night caught up on him. He rubbed his face, noticing the wetness on his cheeks.

One step at a time.

But what was the next step? What did he do next? How did you move on now?

Sanji leaned back on the sofa, reaching for his lighter and cigarettes. He lit one up and stared at the ceiling. He had made his choice, now he had to live with it. Maybe that’s how it was supposed to end.

One step at a time.

#one piece zosan #zoro x sanji #zosan fanfic #zosan #roronoa zoro #opla

10 notes · View notes

russeliarat · 1 year ago

Text

Yall wanna see some misc HMSW stuff I've been doodling over the past few weeks? Too bad you're seeing them anyway.

Instinct and Desire, the fusions of Heart and Mind and Heart and Soul respectively. I actually drew these a bit ago but I redraw them today and made a Soul and Mind fusion called Morality, but couldn't find the images on my phone so I'll take the photos tomorrow at some point and post it individually then.

Here's a dumb doodle I did of Desire a while back:

Misc doodles with varying inspiration. The Soul and Heart is the top right corner are based on the two outfits for Frank from Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Chonny in the bottom left is pose practice from Shut Up You're Stupid mv (the part at the end where he start swaying), the top left is a Heart inspired by something I found on Pinterest that I got to practice feathers, mild body horror, and posing, and the bottom right corner Mind and Heart are pose + expression practice with outfits I mixed together from Pinterest.

Yes the Mind doodle in the bottom right is my favourite.

Drone bee Mind. Not really much to say other than 'what if I gave him four arms and a cunty outfit'. I just liked the idea of insect designs.

For the SCP AU on tumblr and CJFS that I've become obsessed with. (Made by starry_hologram, sorry tagging won't work on mobile fsr) I've had a recent obsession with SCP Foundation in general and this basically latched onto both my special interests. I've been playing with the idea of Simon not being as entirely human as everyone thought and him having this uncanny-ness to him that no one can pinpoint. I elaborate further on sketches below, but I'm putting them at the end of the post since it's very horror themed. Me when SCP leans way into a very good setting for every kind of horror imaginable (I am not sleeping tonight after the scroll through Pinterest, you can find anything on there if you know how to get to it :'D)

Staying true to my roots and putting Heart in ballgown of a dress. Got lazy and only gave him one wing though, I had plans to put the other two in dresses but Heart's long ass skirt made me leave it. I used silver and purple metallic gel pens to add dimension but you can't really see it in a photo ngl.

For my partner's comfort AU! Jellyjash as we call him. Put him in the beach fit coz it suits the vibe.

Not really HMSW but this is the design I've been using for the past 8 or 9 months for the Haiku/HitS love interest, of whom I call Venus. I've been practicing drawing people with more weight lately, I'm tweaking how I draw Venus' proportions atm.

Here's the horror stuff for Simon:

#cccc #chonnys charming chaos compendium #cj heart #cj mind #cj soul #cj whole #chonny jash #aus and a bunch of other random fashion doodles too #russ's monthly art display lmao #i finally got a phone so i can go back to showing traditional artwork!!!!

34 notes · View notes

kingbcwser · 8 months ago

Text

//whew, tonight surely was something but I think I'm gonna lurk on mobile for now! My plan for tomorrow is to focus mainly on my main blog, but I also plan to make a thread tracker here and work on stuff as well! Let's see how tomorrow goes <3

Mutuals as always are more than welcome to come bother me on IMs or d.iscord (if you want to add me there just ask and I'll send it ur way!) until I fall asleep anbdndmdk but anyways!

G'night!

#👑 | out of koopa troops / ooc #👑 | time to go sicko mode / mobile

6 notes · View notes

omgkalyppso · 8 months ago

Note

Inviting the prince?

Hi. Sorry. I imagine you were hoping for a Dimitri WIP or something sweet. This WIP is about my skyrim dragonborn oc Meldiara and her husband Teldryn Sero having a conversation with the (canoncially ace) mod-companion Caryalind Thallery about how they (Meldiara and Teldryn) had sex within earshot of Caryalind in an attempt to seduce him which Did Not Work but they still invite him to be in a relationship with them. Like many of my phone / mobile WIPs, it is Just Dialogue at this time. Still, I'm proud of / enjoy picturing Teldryn's raspy voice saying, "Let the poor mer finish."

In their setting, the dunmer (dark elves / drow), altmer (high elves), bosmer (wood elves), orsimer (orcs) etc. are all mer, and "mer and men" is a fun little thing to say.

Meldiara: We thought we could … spend the night together? Caryalind: Ah, so you were trying to seduce me the other night. Meldiara: You sound disappointed? Caryalind: I think there's been a misunderstanding with regards to what I want out of this … between us. Teldryn: Then please, clarify so there are no future misunderstandings. What do you want? Caryalind: Please don't be confused. My flirting was because I wanted to … enamour myself to you, and because I enjoy seeing you smile. I like you a lot, but— Meldiara: We're freaks. Caryalind: [amused, reassuring] I like that about you too. Meldiara: Is it— Teldryn: 'Diara. Let the poor mer finish. Caryalind: Thank you, Teldryn. No, I just … I don't find sex to be pleasurable. I have no aspersions against those who do, such as yourselves, but if you were to spend a night with me, it would only be to lay with one another. Nothing more. Meldiara: What about kissing? Caryalind: There's a lot I don't like. Such as places I do not like to be kissed or the duration of kisses … but, in general, kissing I do enjoy. Teldryn: Whatever you like, I think we can accommodate. Perhaps not tonight though. Caryalind: Oh? Meldiara: I'll be fine. Caryalind: You're disappointed. Meldiara: No. You are not disappointing. Not at all. I'm just going to be a little sexually frustrated. Won't be the first time. Teldryn: I refused her first proposition also, though only because she was drunk. Anyway, we're rarely intimate on the road. Generally conscious of being rude where others can hear, and missing incoming threats. Apologies for the involuntary voyeurism. Caryalind: Easily forgiven.

#oc tag: meldiara

4 notes · View notes

run-aled · 7 months ago

Text

RED VALLEY: SEASON 1 EPISODE 4‘Memorial Twig’

[transcript]

SCENE 1

ABRUPT TAPE CUT.

AUBREY WOOD: Uh-hmm. Hello. Uh. Aubrey Wood, Specialist, Day 1, April 17th, log number...1. Safe arrival at Red Valley facility, 19.00 hours. Was immediately taken to quarters, in the farm house. Everything seems good. Everything fine. Unpacking. Full itinerary in place for tomorrow, follow up log to be...comprehensive.

CUT.

AUBREY WOOD: Oh, personal. Nothing to add. It's lovely to be here.

CUT.

AUBREY WOOD: - Amoxycillin, flucloxicillin, tetracycline, gentamicin but in bottles not amps, metronidazole bags, vancomycin. I'll have the list of what's missing in tomorrow's report. Personal - nothing to add.

CUT.

AUBREY WOOD: - sunny all day, and I realised the AC unit isn't functioning properly in the sub level. I'm attaching the catalogue number, as I'm unable to locate an inventory, or really any record keeping of any kind on our utilities, please advise. Personal - nothing to add. Thanks.

CUT.

AUBREY WOOD: - Following introductions and initiation on the base, and after a little rest after his journey, I expect to have our first formal strategy meeting in the morning. Looking forward to it.

PAUSE.

AUBREY WOOD: Uh, personal. Dr Thomas seems really nice, he's enthusiastic, he's itching to get started. It's good to see another face. I know it's only been 8 days and I've had no trouble on my own, it's just...good to have someone to talk to. Soon this place will have people everywhere and I'll probably miss the peace and quiet.

CUT.

AUBREY WOOD: Personal. It's been frustrating today, if I'm completely honest. We all had a plan before we left, and to be held up by a courier service is irritating to say the least. It should've been here before the clients even arrived, ideally before I'd even arrived. I'm sure the installation will take ages as well. I know it's not my field but honestly, I don't even know where it’s all going to go. I've seen the mobile MRI unit, it’s state of the art but it’s still enormous, and it's meant to go in house, so I don't see that being easy. Unless they get the clients themselves to carry it in. Honestly, they look like a brick shithouse and a giant haystack had babies. And then those babies went to the gym.

CUT TO:

OUTSIDE. A BREEZE BLOWS THROUGH TREES. BIRDS SINGING. LIGHT TRAFFIC IN THE DISTANCE. AFTER A FEW PEACEFUL MOMENTS THERE IS A RUSTLING IN A POCKET, A PAUSE, THEN THE RINGING OF A PHONE, WHICH IS QUICKLY ANSWERED.

KAREN: Warren!

WARREN: Hey.

KAREN: Where the hell are you?

WARREN: I'm in Gravesend.

KAREN: Gravesend?! When did you…? – why?-

WARREN: Karen, it's fine, I'm alright.

KAREN: And what about me? What if I'm not alright? You must have seen my calls, my messages, how dare you just up and go out of nowhere-

WARREN: I know, I know. You're right. I'm sorry. I can't give you an excuse.

KAREN: I haven't slept, I wanted to call the police-

WARREN: God, you didn't, did you? Call the police?

KAREN: No.

PAUSE.

KAREN: Why have you gone there, Warren?

WARREN: I just needed to go home.

KAREN: Is this because of that guy you were talking to? Graham-

WARREN: Gordon Porlock.

KAREN: He sounds like a herbal remedy.

WARREN: It's nothing to do with anyone. It's just me.

KAREN: Where are you right now?

WARREN: ...I'm at my dad's grave.

KAREN: Jesus, babe.

WARREN: Well, it's not a grave, it's a memorial tree. Well, it's not a memorial tree really, it's more of a memorial twig.

KAREN: Look, I can take the day off, if I leave now, I can be there in, what, 3 / 4 hours-

WARREN: No no, really, I'm fine. I just needed to see it, work some stuff out, I don’t mean to be so dramatic, I got tunnel vision or something, I was just driving and before I knew it, I was halfway here.

KAREN: What about work?

WARREN: It's ok, I'm meant to be out of the office today anyway.

KAREN: And your pills, do you have all your pills?

WARREN: Yes, I have them. I keep spares in the glove box. I'll be home tonight. I promise.

FOOTSTEPS OVER GRAVELAPPROACHING.

WARREN: Babe I need to go, alright?

KAREN: What's going on? Is someone there?

WARREN: It's fine, I'll speak to you soon.

KAREN: Warren? War-

WARREN HANGS UP THE PHONE.

WARREN: Hi.

EMILY: Why are you wearing a suit? Are you going to court?

WARREN: It's what I wear for work.

EMILY: Well it doesn't look right on you.

WARREN: Okay.

EMILY: Don't worry, this isn't a dramatic coincidence. Laura at the hotel told me you were here. Figured this would be why.

WARREN: You're friends with Laura at the hotel?

EMILY: No, I hate her guts. We're friends on Facebook.

WARREN: Right.

EMILY: Why are you back, Warren?

WARREN: Um. I just...uh. I wanted to see...

EMILY: You wanted to make sure he was really dead? Because I guess you wouldn't really know for sure, would you?

WARREN: I haven’t come to fight with you Emily.

EMILY: It would be a long way to drive to get your arse kicked Warren. I assume you live a long way away. Or maybe you just live above the Co-op how would I know. No, you ran far away, didn't you. New clothes, new haircut. You don't even sound like yourself. Who was that on the phone?

WARREN: Karen. She’s my wife.

EMILY: Your wife? You know what, I don't own this garden, or this town, but right here, this little square of grass, I paid for it, and I'm gonna tell you to fuck right off it. You gave up your right to come and stare meaningfully at anything in it.

WARREN: Emily. I'm sorry, I'll be going.

EMILY: You should only do what you can live with, Warren. Dad was fine with what he did. Never said a word about any of it, not after mum, not after you, not even at the end when the whole town knew and there was no one but me. Because I couldn't live with leaving him on his own, in pain. So I stayed. I changed his sheets and got that bastard in and out of the bath while you were off getting fucking married. So I am the one who gets to come up here and tend to this sad little tree. Because I planted it. You fucked off. So you can stay fucked off.

CUT.

SCENE 2

ABRUPT TAPE CUT

AUBREY: Personal. The novelty has worn off. The valley, the base. Even that farmhouse that I thought was so gorgeous. Once you look even semi-closely at any of it...The farmhouse has one of those low doorframes that is so cute, the first time you see it, the first time you stoop to get under it, it's like, aw, people were so diddy way back when, weren't they. It is so bloody annoying to have to stoop or cock your head to the side every damn time you walk under any doorway in this house. I have neck pain. I have neck pain because of the doors, and the pillows which, I'm sorry, are like prison pillows. I would roll up a towel to put under the pillow but there aren't enough towels because I was given one regulation Overhead towel and assumed there would be more in the farmhouse, and there were, but they were all covered in these...midges or whatever they are, they're the dominant fucking lifeforms out here so I burned the bloody towels and did a dance around them because they were so fucking gross. Anyway, more blood tests tomorrow, yay, goodnight.

CUT.

AUBREY: Personal. I'm really glad Bryony is here. Dr Halbech I mean. She likes formality, and so do I. I didn't properly realise until she got here but I was excited for her to join us not just because she's the leader of the operation but because, and maybe it makes me sound weak or whatever, I was tired of being the only woman up here. I'm tired of the way the subjects look at me. It's intimidating and it freaks me out. I'm tired of looking to Ben for...what? Protection? Reassurance? He couldn't protect me from a malicious bag of crisps. Plus I catch him staring at my arse every other day.

CUT.

A SHOP. A BELL JINGLES AS WARREN OPENS THE DOOR. MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY IN THE BACKGROUND.

ASSISTANT: Hey.

WARREN: Hey.

A PAUSE AS WARREN PACES THE SHOP.

ASSISTANT: Anything you're looking for in particular?

WARREN: Um. Not really, I guess. I used to come in here all the time when I was younger, I just wanted to see if it was still here.

ASSISTANT: Oh, sure. It's been 21 years since we opened. You don't live round here anymore?

WARREN: No, I moved away a while ago. I bought my firstguitar here. All my CDs, all my games...I wish I still had it all. God, it's almost identical! The sign outside's changed, though. Used to be that big grand old thing said 'Second Time Around.'

ASSISTANT: Yeah, we still have it out the back. My dad decided 2TA was cooler, that people would think it sounded sophisticated. Acronyms were all the rage a little while ago.

WARREN: Yeah, yeah, I understand that.

ASSISTANT: Everyone still calls it Second Time Around though. 2TA sounds weird. Sounds like a French dressmakers or something. Toutiers.

WARREN: Toutiers! I see what you mean. Wait, so is your dad Phil then?

ASSISTANT: Yeah, that's him. I'm Miles.

WARREN: Warren, nice to meet you. Oh no way!

ASSISTANT: What?

WARREN: That’s an original Sega MegaDrive. I had exactly that model. It was like my best friend.

WARREN RIFLES THROUGH A BOX.

WARREN: Wait, do all these games come with it?

ASSISTANT: Uh, yeah. Think so.

WARREN: I have to have it.

WARREN SCOOPS UP THE GAMES CONSOLE, CABLES AND GAMES AND LUMPS THEM HAPPILY ON THE COUNTER.

WARREN: It would've been great to see your dad after all these years. He would never remember me but I never forgot him. He was a wise dude.

ASSISTANT: Do not let him hear you say that, I'd never hear the end of it. Cash or card?

WARREN: Oh, card.

ASSISTANT: Sure, go ahead.

WARREN OPENS HIS WALLET, PICKS A CARD AND TAPS IT ON THE READER. IT BEEPS.

ASSISTANT: Oh.

WARREN: What?

ASSISTANT: You're...Warren Godby?

WARREN: Uh. Yeah. You read that off my card, you must have good eyes.

ASSISTANT: You're William Godby's son?

WARREN: ...Yeah. I am. Can I get a bag for this?-

THE CARD READER IS SNATCHED AWAY.

WARREN: What's going on?

ASSISTANT: I am going to have to ask you to leave.

WARREN: And why is that?

ASSISTANT: We, uh. We reserve the right to refuse service to, uh, anyone, uh, that we feel-

WARREN: You’ve already served me. It’s already gonethrough. Can I just get a bag for all the merchandise I just bought from you? And I'll be on my way.

ASSISTANT: We reserve the right to. Um. Refuse to give a bag to anyone that we feel-

WARREN: Hey, hey. What's going on here?

ASSISTANT: I heard you were back.

WARREN: You what?

ASSISTANT: My friend Toby told me he'd seen you.

WARREN: Who the hell is Toby?

ASSISTANT: He heard it from his brother's girlfriend who works at the Travel Inn.

WARREN: Jesus Christ, do you all have a fucking shared WhatsApp group or something?

ASSISTANT: No.

WARREN: Can I speak to your father, please?

ASSISTANT: He's not here.

WARREN: Then I'll speak to whoever's in charge.ASSISTANT: I'm in charge.

WARREN: You can't be in charge. You're a small boy.

ASSISTANT: I'm 22.

WARREN: You're not 22, Pugsley.

ASSISTANT: My name is Miles.

WARREN: Your name is Pugsley. From the fucking Addams Family.

ASSISTANT: You're not welcome here. Nor is anyone from your paedo family.

WARREN: What the fuck did you just say to me?

THE DOORBELL GOES. A GROUP OF YOUNG MEN ENTER.

CUSTOMER: Hey Miles.

ASSISTANT: Oh hey Sam. Jake.

JAKE: Hey.

ASSISTANT: Pauly.

PAULY: Hey.

ASSISTANT: Ian.

IAN: Alright.

ASSISTANT: Pingu.

PINGU: Noot not!

ASSISTANT (CLOSE): You probably want to be leaving now.

WARREN: You're seriously not going to give me a bag are you?

ASSISTANT: No.

WARREN SCOOPS UP HIS PURCHASES CLUMSILY.

WARREN: Don't worry about the receipt either.

ASSISTANT: I won't.

CUT.

SCENE 3

ABRUPT TAPE CUT

AUBREY: Personal. Teddy Bear's Picnic is real, it's happening, Dr Thomas and Dr Halbech and I took the evening off to celebrate, and the subjects are having some relaxation time too, in their, uh, in their area. There was champagne, which I didn't know was here, which was very smart of Dr Halbech I suppose because it would've been gone a long time ago. It’s been a hard few months. It's been lonely, and cold, and... brittle, that's the word I'm looking for, I've felt brittle. It wasn't what I thought it would be. For better as well as worse, it has been such a privilege to get even this far. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The first infusion begins tomorrow, on Yogi bear. I will get used to the stupid names. It's going to be great! I'm going to bed. Which is also great! Goodnight!

GORDON IS CALLING WARREN. IT GOES UNANSWERED FOR SOME TIME.

WARREN: Gordon Porlock, secret warlock!

GORDON: ...Warren?

WARREN: ...Gordon?

GORDON: How's it going?

WARREN: It's going great. If I sound distracted it's because I'm about to complete a level very near the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and it's extremely tense and exciting.

GORDON: Sonic the Hedgehog 2?

WARREN: You know Sonic, right?

GORDON: Yeah of course I do. I loved it when I was little. Wait, which level?

WARREN: Wing Fortress Zone.

GORDON: Oh. Right near the end then. Do you want me to call you back?

WARREN: No, no. Truth be told I had to use the level select cheat to get this far. First time I couldn't even get past...what’s the one with all the hills?

GORDON: Hill Top Zone?

WARREN: And then I couldn't get past the one with all the oil.

GORDON: Oil Ocean Zone.

WARREN: You really do know Sonic.

GORDON: All the guys were Sonic in my school.

WARREN: Really, mine were all Mario.

GORDON: So you struck out alone with Sega then?

WARREN: Ah, not quite. I had both.

GORDON: Oh, wow! Fancy.

WARREN: Well, actually that was just one method of poor compensation from my father to validate rampant domestic abuse in the family home, but StarWingwas pretty good, I guess.

GORDON: Warren, are you okay?

WARREN: I'm fine. I mean I've obviously been drinking, but it’s not what you're imagining, I'm not surrounded by empty whiskey miniatures from the minibar. Honestly, I have to take so much medication at the moment that I get like this on, like, two beers. Andthat's all I've had. Two beers. With dinner. That's why I can't finish Sonic 2 without a level select.

GORDON: I can call back another time...

WARREN: Prove your credentials to me, Gordon. Tell me the cheat.

GORDON: The what?

WARREN: The level select cheat code for this game. Come on. Dum da da dum dum, dum da da dum dum...

GORDON: Um…

WARREN: Don't you google that shit, I know you're sitting by your fucking computer you big geek, don't do it.

GORDON: No no, no, I was just remembering. It was in the options screen, the sound test option wasn't it, I remember.

WARREN: Ding ding ding! What the hell was a sound test? Why was it even there?

GORDON: I know. Why would we want to test the sound?

WARREN: Numbers, Gordon. What were the sound test numbers.

GORDON: Okay.

WARREN: Don't google it.

GORDON: 19.

WARREN: Ding!

GORDON: Shit… Sixty...sixty something...

WARREN: Don't google it.

GORDON: I'm not. I’m not. Jesus. 65.

WARREN: A ding ding dong!

GORDON: Then it's 9 and 17 or 7 and 19... shit

WARREN: You're on the ropes. You fuck this up and you aredead to me. I’m gonna hang up the phone and I’m gonna piss on it.

GORDON: Shit, it's not 19 again is it, no, we just had that. 9 and 17.

WARREN: Dong dong dong!

GORDON: Man. That was exhausting.

WARREN: You did it! That was amazing! You have my permission to continue with whatever reason you were actually calling me about.

GORDON: Oh right. Yeah.

WARREN: Gordon?

GORDON: Look, Warren umm... I feel I've thrown you into allthis too fast. It's a lot to take, and maybe I should-

WARREN: Gordon. You're talking very strangely. I'm literally just this second starting the last level of this game. It’s going to be very difficult for you to go serious on me because this level is called...?

GORDON: The Death Egg Zone.

WARREN: The fucking Death Egg! What were they thinking?! Anyway. Proceed.

GORDON: Well that's it really Warren. I'm just saying. Maybe, we can step back a little from the whole Red Valley thing.

WARREN: What? Why?

GORDON: Well you said you were going through some stuff. That you're on medication, and now you're off dealing with your family stuff...

WARREN: Who said I was doing that? Have you been talking to someone about me?

GORDON: No.

WARREN: Gordon?

GORDON: Ok… Clive Schill asked me about you and said you were going through a lot, and, well I thought-

WARREN: Oh, fuck that guy. Through his trousers. Gordon, I guess I am going through a lot. I am sat in a travel inn with a secondhand retro games console, after having a very upsetting chat with my single remaining blood relative over the grave of my shit father, before getting humiliated in my favourite secondhand games shop by a fat child, my meds mean I can't even drink a decent amount of beer before I collapse in a heap and truth be told, the side effects of that medication mean I am utterly unable to even have sex with my wife, who is understandably exasperated with my behaviour and who could blame her! Oh fuck! Fuck!

GORDON: What?!

WARREN: I did it!

GORDON: Did what?

WARREN: Dr Robotnik! I blew up his stupid little dick robot! I killed that fat fucker!

GORDON: Warren! Talk quieter!

WARREN: I murdered him! I smote his fucking ruin!

GORDON: Good. That's great, man.

WARREN: The end sequence is starting. Oh, man, I cried the first time I saw this.

GORDON: It's all black and white, isn't it? All the animals are sad cos they think Sonic's dead.

WARREN: Google it. We'll watch it together.

GORDON: Okay.

WARREN: You got it?

GORDON: Wait. Yeah, I have. It's on.

WARREN: The music alone. Didn't Michael Jackson write some music for this?

GORDON: That was Sonic 3. I don't think anything ended up in the finished game.

WARREN: Gordon you are a trivia monger. Oh, I listened to all those tapes you gave me.

GORDON: All of them? Really?

WARREN: Yeah. Aubrey Wood. It's sad.

GORDON: Yeah. It is.

WARREN: She seemed so hopeful.

GORDON: Hopeful for putting people in blenders and seeing what came out the other side.

WARREN: She doesn't sound like a monster to me man. She sounds like she had no idea how all that was going to go.

GORDON: Oh, she knew. She wasn't applying to a job she saw in the free ads, she'll have worked her whole career to get to that point.

WARREN: Do you really think all this death and horror is for people who just want to live longer? Or space travel?

GORDON: I don't know. Maybe.

WARREN: That's what I've been thinking about all day. What if it wasn't anything that grand at all? What if it was just like a seed vault? What if it was just about storage?

GORDON: What do you mean?

WARREN: Have you considered penitentiary?

GORDON: Penitentiary?

WARREN: You said you thought all the test subjects, the teddy bears, you said you thought they were military, right?

GORDON: Only because of the military contract history with the base. And the endurance, the fitness tests the subjects had to go through.

WARREN: You know who's got a lot of time to work on their fitness? Prisoners. You know how many contracts Overhead has in the United States penal system alone?

GORDON: I don't.

WARREN: It's a lot. And eastern Europe. And Russia. And more over here all the time.

GORDON: Right...

WARREN: Forget about rich folks wanting to meet their own great grandkids in the future. Forget about anyone wanting to walk on the fourth moon of Neptune. Imagine a prison where you don't need to spend any money on living standards. No food, no clothes, no cells. No security! No one’s getting shivved. You put a murderer in cryonic storage, pop him on a shelf, you can forget about him for 20 years.

GORDON: Whoa.

WARREN: I know, right?

GORDON: Like...Sylvester Stallone in...

WARREN: Say it!

GORDON: In... fucking... Demolition Man!

WARREN: Demolition Man, motherfucker!

GORDON: That's a really exciting idea, Warren.

WARREN: I know.

GORDON: I mean, I mean… it's horrible, of course.

WARREN: Oh yeah, it’s terrifying. So, we're going to drop in on some guy I know in Derby tomorrow.

GORDON: Wait, what?

WARREN: He's a rep for some of our products that go into prisons. I thought we should meet him.

GORDON: In Derby? Can you not just call him?

WARREN: Well it's a pit stop. On our way to Red Valley.

GORDON: You want to go to Red Valley?

WARREN: You want to go to Red Valley, Gordon Porlock. And you've been waiting for someone to give you the shove. That's why you picked me.

GORDON: Warren...we need to think this through...

WARREN: Too late. I already told Doug Holder we're doing it.

GORDON: You what? When?

WARREN: About half an hour ago.

GORDON: Wait, when you were...

WARREN: Tipsy and preoccupied with Sonic the Hedgehog, yeah. It went about as well as you're imagining.

GORDON: Fucking hell.

WARREN: Let's do it. Get in your golden bullet and pick me up. We can meet at a services somewhere, I'll send you the details.

GORDON: Uh, okay-

WARREN: Off you fuck now, I'm gonna play Virtua Racing.

GORDON: Right-

WARREN: £70 when it came out. For a mega drive game. Madness!

GORDON: Yeah. That's what's mad!

WARREN: Har har, fuck you, bye.

HANGS UP.

END.

#já aceitei que essa minha vida agora #vou transcrever tudo isso #realmente gostei dessa merda #red valley #red valley podcast #red valley spoilers #gordon porlock #warren godby #clive schill #aubrey wood #podcast #podcast transcription #transcription #red valley transcript

2 notes · View notes

ceeceetumbles · 2 years ago

Text

sorry guys this is Not rottmnt lol but I've been thinking - I had so much fun posting on here, and I was writing so much more than I ever had, and it was amazing! but then when the rottmnt hyperfixation left me I stopped writing and posting and I just... i miss that. i tried writing some last night but I just don't really have it in me bc I write best when I'm actively in love with a piece of media lol. so I'm thinking I might stop trying to leave this as a Solely Rise Blog and just... post about other things I like?? :) ye. anyways. here is a very short dr. stone one-shot I hammered out in thirty minutes tonight. hope it is halfway decent if anyone reads it ;)

///////////

cw/tw: dead dad

///////////

(directly after the season one finale btw)

Senku can’t sleep.

He’s a big proponent of sleep. Nice long stretches of rest keep the brain and muscles sharp and mobile.

But tonight - tonight -

gosh. He can’t sleep.

His dad’s voice is tumbling through his mind.

Finally he bites his tongue - curses to himself - gently replaces the carefully-constructed glass to its spot on the table and lowers the needle to the edge.

Oh, this is why his friends had insisted that the record player stay in the observatory overnight. Ginro started to mention taking the wheel back to the ground and Kinro elbowed him so hard he yelped and fell silent, eyes brimming with tears. And Senku knew, immediately.

His friends wanted him to have the chance to grieve. To sit alone with his dad’s voice and marinate in the memories.

But that just isn’t Senku’s style. The past is the past. Let it go. Let it sleep.

(he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his dad all day.)

His hands shake as he starts to turn the wheel. This feels wrong. Self-indulgent and wrong. Leave the memories. Leave the past. If he thinks too much about it -

He can’t afford a slip-up. For the sake of all these people, all these lives - he can’t afford a slip-up.

He can’t afford to think about his dad.

But then the crank is turning in his hands and the record starts - the voice starts. His dad. His dad.

“Dad,” Senku whispers, on instinct.

His hands shake.

He has to stop turning the wheel, dropping to his knees.

“‘Dad,’” he mumbles, shaking his head. “Get it together, Senku. You sound like a child.”

He sounds like a child. He feels like a child.

And he is sitting on the cold observatory floor, biting his fingernails, and his chest hurts. He feels like a child. Small and lonely.

But he’s not small and he’s not lonely! and -

His dad didn’t say that he loved him.

Senku knows that’s not their style and he knows he would have pretended to gag the moment his dad said it -

and he knows he would have had to force down the tears, cough awkwardly, roll his eyes and laugh. His friends would have stared at him, close and concerned - are you crying? it’s okay, senku, it’s okay to cry.

He would have hated that.

So - it was good his dad hadn’t said anything. It was nice that he spared him.

Still.

So stupid! So stupid! to wish that he could hear his dad say it, one last time. “I love you, Senku.” He barely said it when he was alive. Why would it matter to hear it now? Stop it! STOP IT! Don’t think about things like that! The past is the past. Thank those who came before for what they’ve done, learn from their contributions, and MOVE. ON.

He’s shaking. His face feels wet. He’s CRYING. He’s pathetic.

It’s okay. It’s human. He’s human. He can mourn. He can grieve.

He’ll never see his dad again.

Ever.

He can see his uncle he can see his grandparents he can see his cousins he can see his friends he can see his teachers he can see EVERYONE but his dad.

That’s not fair, is it? Not fair at all.

After everything his dad did for him - all the brilliant foresight he had - every carefully planned secret placed for the future - he’d never get to see him again.

That didn’t seem fair. But nothing is fair. That’s the one constant. Things happen. Nothing is fair. Fate isn’t fair. Deep breaths, Senku. Get off the floor. Go to sleep.

And the little boy inside him says, I want to see my dad again.

He can’t stop crying.

#dr stone #dr stone fanfiction #senku dr stone #my writing

14 notes · View notes

coldtomyflash · 1 year ago

Note

Hi, you have been a huge influence in my fandom life and I love your writing! I just wanted to tell someone that I finished the flash tonight and it is a whole mixed bag of emotions. They made some season 1 callbacks that were kind of painful, with how careless they were with them. Very strong armed. You were so good at capturing the essence of the show, its themes, the characters, especially season one and drawing from the comics, you really made me love it that much more. I'll always remember and enjoy what you made and your stamp on the fandom whether or not most of the show was even enjoyable. So thank you! If you ever watch the final season, I hope you post your thoughts because I'd be curious to know what you think!

hi!

i'm sorry i didn't see this sooner; i've been using the tumblr app mostly and i swear i screws with my inbox, because there's more in here on desktop than i see on mobile.

anyway!

that's - tough. i stopped watching years ago because i kept wanting the story to be something it wasn't, and that can make for a fraught relationship with any piece of media. callbacks to the beginning can be wonderful when done well, or tacky and frustrating as hell when not, and it can be a really subjective judgment as to which of those any given callback lands on.

nonetheless, i'm really warmed by this message, and happy to hear i contributed to your enjoyment of the show :) i mean it when i say that "season 1 is my happy place", or when i talk about the influence this show had on my life. i haven't gone out and gotten it yet for various reasons, but i designed a tattoo years ago centred on a lightning bolt, and even though i stopped watching, i still want to get that tattoo, because the joy and creativity and wonder that The Flash brought into my life is eternal, even if the hyperfixation has passed.

if i ever watch the rest of the show, i'll no doubt be on here blogging loudly about it, so i'm sure you'll hear my opinions if i do :D

thanks for the lovely message :)

11 notes · View notes

lost-jams · 2 years ago

Text

Brushes And Beats chapter 11

pairing: JiminxReader

genre: fluff with a pinch of angst

trope: enemies to lovers

:that awkward moment when you are caught in a lie:

It was clear to me that Jimin had feelings for me, so clear that it scared me, my chest tightens as I replay our encounter over and over in my mind. "Stop Y/n, you are not going through it again" I chastised myself, I am not ready to start anything with anyone Hell I don't even know I'll ever be. Huffing leaned back in my chair staring at the city lights, The weather is windy, it's nice, it's peaceful as I watch the bustling streets below.

It wouldn't work between us anyway, Once his fans or the media or even his manager finds out about any of these...It's over, and I'll be left alone all over again.

Maybe all he wants is a one-time thing.

No matter how much time has passed, no matter how much I've moved on from my past, No matter how many chances I had for romance and love, Yoongi always was in the back of my mind reminding me of my scars.

Hell, I would have been married to him if it weren't for his betrayal, maybe by this time we would have had babies as we planned, just what went wrong between us? I don't think I'll be able to start anything new until I've finally let go of my past without any unanswered questions or lingering thoughts of what if.

It won't just be fair to anyone involved.

pathetic

______________________________________________________________

Checked tablecloth and candles. Romantic music and I dolled up nicely in a red dress and lipstick. The only thing keeping me from dozing off is the little sharp nervous feeling in my stomach when I think of the inevitable kiss with this person.

name: Jason Smith

Job: Resturant Manager

A slice of panic opens in my gut. I can't believe I'm actually doing this.

"What are your plans for the future?" he asked, his gaze fixated on me with a glimmer of anticipation. "umm...I do plan on opening my own makeup studio someday" I reply, trying to ignore the unease that settling in my heart.

"Y/n," he began, "I've heard about you. You must be in demand in the industry,"

His words were kind, but I was unusually distant, my mind elsewhere. "You could say that, I have been doing this for 6 years" I answered, forcing a polite smile, "The world of makeup artists is small, so not much to compete with."

Jason laughed, a rich, hearty sound that normally would have put me at ease, but not tonight. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it did, sooner than expected.

"Oh Y/n, a beautiful, successful woman like you deserves the best. Something more luxurious than your eyeshadow palette." His words, meant to be complimentary, hit the wrong chords, and I saw red.

I suppressed an annoyed sigh, taking a deep breath instead. Repeating a critique similar to Jimin had made felt strange coming out of Jason's mouth.

"Jason, last time I checked, you weren’t the make-up police." It was a feeble attempt to lighten the mood, but his laughter sounded forced.

When he tried to interject with his opinions on skincare next, I cut him off. "Jason, we're here for a relaxed dinner, aren't we? Let's keep it that way."

His nod of acknowledgment did nothing to soothe my agitated nerves. The rest of the evening passed in an awkward pretense of a date, our conversation a stilted exchange of pleasantries, each moment more taxing than the previous one.

As the night ended, I bid him goodbye, knowing in my heart that the date was the first and the last. I walked home, the night's cacophony fading into silence, and Jimin's teasing face swam into my mind. A nightmarishly engaging co-worker, a constant pain. But as I recalled our moments together, I wondered if my date had already ruined any chance of seeing him differently. Was I already too late?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Mark Hudson

Job: Auto-mobile engineer

"I don't really appreciate women doing jobs"

Oh God, did he really just say that?

yes, yes he did

______________________________________________________________

Name: Luke Thompson

Job: Accountant

"I never understood why anyone would choose career paths in arts, OH I'm not saying it's a bad thing...I just personally don't find it practical"

"I see" I replied, gritting my teeth as I resisted the urge to roll my eyes

______________________________________________________________

Name: Craige Williams

Job: Dentist

"And then he vomited all over my chair! I guess some people just can't handle dental work"

I looked down at my corn soup...It looks like vomit...

______________________________________________________________

Name: Kim Seok Jin

Job: Surgeon

"I really don't know how you can stomach all the blood when you do your job" I replied to his medical traumas he shared "Trust me, It wasn't easy for me at first, but you get used to it over time" Jin paused, for a moment "what do you call the most detail-oriented ocean?"

"What?" I looked at Jin, confused "Uhh, not sure " he grinned "The Pacific!" with that, he burst into laughter, his joke wasn't funny but his laugh was infectious and I couldn't help but mirror it.

Finally a nice guy

"You must get all the juiciest gossip from your clients," Jin asked with a playful grin, "Why are you curious?" I replied with a coy smile, "Not really, but it would be interesting to know all the tea besides I bet it won't beat the dramas from the hospital" As the conversation continued, I found myself drawn to Jin's charismatic personality and genuine interest in getting to know me. We shared stories and laughed, finding common ground in our love for helping people.

The night came to an end and I found myself walking back to my apartment with a smile on my face. He wanted to drop me home but I rejected it as his own house was in the opposite direction.

ring ring

I pulled out my phone and saw Jin's name flashing on the screen, "Hello?"

"Did you make it home safely?" Jin's concern for my well-being warmed my heart as I responded, "Yes, I made it home safely. Thank you for asking, Jin. I had a wonderful time tonight."

"No the pleasure's mine, I couldn't say it then I was too caught up thinking I might make you feel awkward but you looked stunning tonight," he confesses hastily, caught off guard by his compliment, I felt a rush of warmth spread through my cheeks."Do you perhaps want to grab dinner again sometime?"

"yes, I would love to"

Guilt

That was the emotion I was feeling when I agreed on the second date, He shouldn't be played like this, he is a nice guy...wait...Jimin wouldn't know if I kissed anyone or not, He wouldn't know anything about my feelings unless I tell him,

I do not have to kiss anyone, I just have to say

"The kiss was amazing"

Jimin squinted his eyes at me as we stood face to face in the green room....his lips slowly curled up "Thank you, Birdy," he replied with a smug grin, as he stepped closer to me and brushed a strand of air behind my ear, his touch felt like an electric spark causing me to jump to the other side "What?? NO, I HAD A DATE LAST NIGHT" panic rose within me "we kissed and it was incredible!"

His grin widened, "I know when you lie Birdy, not working" I froze, my heart pounding, "You are sweating, I see you gulping from time to time, you won't maintain eye contact and your skirt is wrinkled by your clenched fist" My mind raced, trying to come up with a plausible explanation but it was clear that Jimin had figured me out.

knock knock

"Is Y/n here?" Zara came to my rescue "Y-yeah! here!" I waved my hand "OH you have a parcel, Someone sent you roses!!" Bingo.

"AAHAHAHA" I fanned my hand over my mouth as I walked across the room maintaining eye contact with Jimin, I could see his smug expression dropping "Oh my!!! they are perfect!!" I squeal trying to convince Jimin there is someone in my life "Who sent them?!" Zara asked excited,

I did...I ordered them myself

"My date"

Confusion and disappointment clouded Jimin's face, as he realized I was not lying to him after all,

Y/n:01 Jimin:00

______________________________________________________________

The feeling of euphoria washed over me as I walked away from Jimin, knowing that I had successfully diverted his attention and kept my secret safe.

No boys No problems.

The tea I was sipping never tasted better than it did in the moment of victory as per the deal he will leave me alone and won't pry into my personal life anymo-

"A bouquet of roses, cost: $10, recipient: Kim Y/n ordered by: Kim Y/n"

A sense of dread washed over me as I turned to see Jimin standing behind me, waving a receipt in his hand.

NOOOOOOOO

Y/n:01 Jimin:01

______________________________________________________________

Jimin's POV

Who the hell did she kiss?? I do remember telling everyone To. NOT. Kiss, OH NO she might have gone on a date with someone else, I hurridly opened the group chat and typed "GUYS EMERGENCY"

Mark: What

Luke: Whats up? Your girl rejected you?

Craige: LOL

Taehyung: EHEHE

Jungkook: oh wow

Jason: Whoa, what's going on?

Jimin: ANYONE OF YOU WENT ON A DATE WITH HER LAST NIGHT?

silence followed

Jason: nope

Mark: Nah

Taehyung: SHE DIDNT EVEN SWIPE RIGHT ON ME

Jungkook: She seenzoned me

Luke: we haven't seen her in days

Craige: I was out of town, so definitely not me.

Jimin's heart sank as he scrolled through the messages, realizing that none of his friends had gone on a date with Y/n.

Luke: What happened?

Jimin: SHE KISSED SOMEONE AND HE SENT ROSES TO HER

Craige: I TOLD YOU NOT A GOOD IDEA

Mark: wow

Jungkook: That's unexpected

Jimin's mind started racing, trying to piece together who Y/n could have gone on a date with.

Taehyung: wait, send me your girl's picture again

Jimin: wait

Taehyung: HEY, SHE IS THE ONE WHO ORDERED FLOWERS THIS MORNING, Roses Right??

Jimin: YES

Taehyung: Girl was outside my shop from 6 am, Can you believe that?!

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, Well played Birdy

Taehyung: If you check the envelope with the flowers You may find a receipt from the flower shop

It was lunchbreak meaning the green room is empty, My heart was pounding in my chest as I rushed to the green room to confirm Tae's theory, The flowers were lying next to her bag,

There is an envelope with a receipt from the flower shop.

Joy erupted from my lungs, as I twirled across the room THANK YOU, GOD. I walked through the cafeteria, and

Target spotted

Hello there.

to be continued...

chapter 10 || chapter 12

9 notes · View notes

crancisfrozier · 2 years ago

Note

Re: your previous post, I just have to ask what your FF album rankings are thus far! Also I’m loving that someone else is talking about the band at length, it’s been too quiet in the fandom on here haha

Okay this is such a big question I actually switched from mobile to desktop to answer this so be prepared for a novel here lol. But first of all yea I am so surprised the fandom is so quiet on here? I can almost always depend on Tumblr to have a little group of weirdos blogging about a vague special interest I develop so this is a little jarring! Especially considering I can see the fandom was once big enough that there was fanfiction written for it! Makes me a little sad that I seem to have missed it's heyday, but I'm glad there's still a few people kicking around haha.

(putting this under a read more because it got long wow wtf)

ANYWAY though onto the ranking! Now this list changes rapidly from week to week and sometimes day to day, but here is my current list descending (no pun intended):

Always Ascending

Franz Ferdinand

Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions

Tonight

You Could Have It So Much Better

*I adore Sparks and FFS, but since it's a dual release I'm excluding it from the list. However, if I included it I would probably put it between Right Thoughts and Tonight*

I feel like it's controversial to put Always Ascending above, well literally everything, and it's also funny because I use to consider this to be their WORST album, but it has grown on me so so much. I really appreciate that they were trying to do something new and experimental with their music and also I presume make an ode to one of their huge influences (Talking Heads). And throughout it all they continue to stick to (and in this case exceed imo) their thesis of "make girls dance". It's just so fun, y'know? So dance-able! The instrumentation is also EXCEPTIONAL on this album. The guitar licks in "Lazy Boy" are some of my favorite of any recent songs and the sparkly synth beats in Lois Lane are GORGEOUS. It honestly reminds me a lot of what they were trying to do on Tonight, where they stripped back their sound a bit. The focus is more on the drums, the beat, and the bass than the kind of punchy guitar attitude we heard on Franz Ferdinand and YCHISMB, but Ascending just takes it one (or two) steps further.

Now, the above is my list of favorites which is different from what I would consider to be objectively better music. If I was ranking this critically/professionally it would probably be this:

Tonight

Franz Ferdinand

You Could Have It So Much Better

Always Ascending

Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action

The thing about both of these lists though is that, for me, there is no bad album on this list. They are literally all cover to cover listens with iconic bangers on every. single. one. What is considered my favorite could change with my mood or how nostalgic I'm feeling that day. My personal theory on these albums though is that people's preferences are going to sway with what they like FF for. If you like them for the punchiness of their first two albums (that was such a hallmark of the post-punk revival) you probably won't like Right Thoughts and you'll probably actively dislike Always Ascending. If you like them when they're doing weird stuff you'll probably like Right Thoughts and Always Ascending much more. Tonight I think is a really good mix of both which is why it's a lot of people's favorites and a good starting point for any new fan if they only know Take Me Out and or/stuff from their debut album.

Btw it's really funny that as I saw this ask and was thinking about it, The Hard Times came out with an article of "All Franz Ferdinand Albums Ranked Worst to Best" that is almost identical to my second ranking but also pretty cruel to AA and RTRWRA :(. They also gave an honorable mention to FFS but said Call Girl was a skippable track (blasphemy). But yea, I just thought that was pretty amusing timing lol.

I really cannot wait until they release a new album because Curious and Billy Goodbye are such absolute bangers (catch me dancing in my kitchen to Curious at least once a week) and if those singles are anything to go on, the next album is going to be AMAZING.

I would also like to give a shoutout to Alex's collab he did with Pip Blom called "Is This Love?" because it's quickly working it's way up my spotify rankings of top tracks since I cannot stop listening to it on repeat, it's just SO GOOD.

Okay I'm so sorry this turned into a thesis about Franz Ferdinand, but I have had a lot of pent up obsession about this and you just gave me a world class excuse to info dump lol. I would be really interested to see your ranking as well and see how we compare! Thank you so much for the ask btw it means a lot! :)

#spikes-jonze #franz ferdinand

7 notes · View notes

walking-fnaf-encyclopedia · 1 year ago

Note

Don't worry about taking a while to respond!! we don't mind.

I LOVE Cassidy crying child as well (and have a Cassidy CC fictive headmate as well dfkgjhfgd) and I use it for several AUs including my main fnaf au. To answer your question about the designs, I'm thinking that Baby's appearance is altered to fit the other animatronics- i tend to stylize them all like real life vintage animatronics anyway, but Baby looks more like the others in the swap AU!

We might tell you more about some of our AUs soon, but in the meantime, what's your favorite of your AUs? Or any that you feel like sharing?

(Happy fnaf movie birthday!! We're gonna see it tonight we're so excited)

head in fucking hands. i have typed up a response to this twice now and tumblr keeps fucking eating it i hate mobile.

OKAY. third times the charmmm!!!

thank youu <3

same hat!!!! i only have them in logical error tho cause so far thats the only one where its relevant so far lol. i should really make a flashlight duo au or something. dont get me wrong, love evan cc having a best friend cassidy, but something about lonely cassidy cc who blames their dad more than mike for their death, ughhh.

changing baby definitely makes the most sense since shes the most “out of place,” her canon design being a different location, you know what i mean lol. but i know some people love to take on that challenge of “okay, but what if i redesigned everyone else instead of taking the sane route?” (its me im some people) also YES love vintage real life animatronics!!

oughhh my fave it probably logical error… i cant share a lot about it unfortunately twt

BUT! i can share one thing!! the twins’ (mangle’s heads) are named valerie (‘main’ head with casing) and eirelav (endo head)!! val and eire (eye-ra) for short! ive made up a whole little thing which i explained best in my second try at replying to this ask, but basically, cassie has a miscolored roxy plush that she named “valerie,” her best cross between roxy(/ie) and valentine. this roxy plush was a defect plush cause they put the wrong fabrics or the wrong patterns into the machines, so they had a small batch of chica-colored roxys and roxy-colored chicas (which cassie also has one of, whom i desperately need to name lol). i will draw them eventually i think they are so silly, her dad gave them to her and she thinks theyre both hilarious and adorable <3

okayyy i would say more but 1. third time writing this and still have to do. tags. and 2. i dont have anymore ideas lolll

HOPE YALL HAD FUN!!!!! i have to wait til the fifth of november and i am going insane. shaking violently. i am not leaving that fucking theatre seat til the credits. (which will suck cause no stimming but WHATEVER!!!!! ILL LIVE!!!!)

#x #x chatter #x answers #logical error au #kinda..#lol

4 notes · View notes

couldntbedamned · 2 years ago

Text

Feels So Right, Can’t Be Wrong - Blue Salvia

Summary:

The setting: Sanctum General Hospital in Sanctum Heights, New Amsterdam

Starring: Sharon Carter - former Central Security Bureau operative, Selecting Spouse in a horrifically failed Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections marriage, patient AND Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark - owner and CEO of Stark Industries, Futurist determined to rebuild a world his father built weapons to destroy, love interest

With Appearances by: Nurse Wong, Orderly Rintrah, and Billy the Admin

And Featuring Doctor Stephen Strange as "the Surgeon"

Or, "Five Dates Tony and Sharon Had in Her Hospital Room and One They Had After She Was Discharged"

AO3 Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - 1950s, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Marriage of Convenience, Past Sharon Carter/Steve Rogers, Getting to Know Each Other, Dating, Past Domestic Violence, 5 Times, Annoyed Stephen Strange, Tony Stark Has A Heart, Sharon Carter Deserves the World

Author’s Note: So this kind of just popped up as I was kicking around thoughts of just how Tony and Sharon met and eventually fell in love as mentioned in my fic Goodbye Grey Sky, Hello Blue, so this takes place well before the events of and can be read independently of that story.

------

Blue Salvia

------

Sharon had never been so happy to finish physical therapy in her life.

"You're a sadist," she told Rintrah as he handed her a towel so she could wipe away the sweat.

The large man didn't deny it. "You're making progress."

"Doesn't feel like it," she lamented. Her mile used to be six minutes and twenty-two seconds. Now she doubted she'd be able to run a mile for a few months, if walking a moderate incline on the treadmill was this hard.

"You don't see it because you judge yourself more harshly than anyone else," Rintrah said. "But I've seen the progress you've made since you were cleared for PT. Just be patient."

She supposed he was right. And it wasn't like she had an SO breathing down her neck like she had when in the CSB. Lord, Fury had been a nightmare but Hand? Hand had been so much worse.

"We'll finish up with some foam rolling and stretching and then I'll get you back up to your room, okay?"

Sharon groaned but knew there was nothing she could do but go along with the Orderly's plans.

The last thing she wanted was for Rintrah or Wong to decide she wasn't up for another date night in her room with Tony.

God, she was going to have another date with Tony Stark! What was her life?

"Pizza tonight? My treat."

Tony looked over at Stephen. "Can't. I have plans for dinner, I'm afraid."

Stephen raised a brow. "Oh?"

"Yes, indeed." He checked his watch, an elegant Kang model. "In fact, I have to go if I don't want to be late." He studied the kitchen. "We'll start installing the appliances tomorrow."

"I really do appreciate this, Tony."

Tony waved Stephen off. "Hey, even if you weren't paying me I'd be happy to help. Not as happy, of course. Maybe like, twelve percent less happy. Anyways, I have to go get ready."

"What's her name?" Stephen asked with a knowing smirk.

Tony made a gesture of zipping his lips. "A gentleman doesn't tell."

Stephen scoffed. "Since when are you a gentleman?"

"Bye now!"

As he hastened to his rented Alfa Romeo - which looked decidedly out place among the various Buicks and Lincolns - he checked his mobile to ensure his "out of office" status had gone through. The last thing he wanted was for work to interrupt his date.

He'd been looking forward to it since before he even left the hospital the previous night.

Sharon was... she was special. He liked her humor and appreciated her biting wit. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and if there was something she didn't want to discuss, she kindly but firmly let him know. That was refreshing to a man like him.

He'd started strong the previous night with Italian. He hoped Mediterranean would be just as successful.

Sharon rolled her eyes but let Tony blindfold her so he could "get the mood right."

When he took the blindfold off, the make-shift dinner table was back and he'd set up another vase, this time with a single Blue Salvia.

"Any guesses as to the cuisine we're having tonight?" Tony asked.

"French?" she tried. "I'll just go ahead and tell you I'm not eating snails."

Tony laughed. "It's not French, no, and I'll definitely keep that in mind."

He lifted up the dome on her plate to reveal the dish: triangles of spanakopita. She could smell the feta, garlic, and spinach and her mouth began to water.

"Mediterranean. I am again, impressed. I didn't think there was a place in town."

"There's not," Tony confirmed. "But, I wanted the best and it was worth having dinner catered from Baxterville."

"So," Tony said as they ate their appetizers, along with lamb and rice wrapped in grape leaves and a small assortment of olives. "Ask away."

Sharon took a minute to savor the explosion of garlicky spinach, creamy feta, and flaky buttery phyllo dough before swallowing. "Another bold move," she teased.

"Like I've said, fortune favors the bold."

"If you weren't head of Stark Industries, what would you do with your life?"

His brows raised. "That's a good question," he said. He ate a few triangles of the spanakopita as he thought about his answer. "I'd probably still want to be an engineer. I love building and fixing things. The money that comes with SI is just a bonus."

"You have some impressive creations," Sharon said. "The energy saving appliances are getting rave reviews, as do the medical devices you've started designing and testing."

"I just felt like I had to do something," Tony admitted. "Howard - Dad - spent his whole damn life building bigger, more lethal weapons. The least I can do is try and create things to help fix that he's destroyed."

"That's a noble cause, even if it's not your responsibility."

"It might not be my responsibility, but I benefitted from his warmongering so I might as well work against that."

The next course was moussaka - "with lamb, because again, I prefer the best" - with a medley of roasted yellow squash, zucchini, and colorful bell peppers as a side.

"Someone's making sure I get my vegetables," Sharon said. "Good call."

"I may or may not have been threatened with bodily harm by Nurse Wong if I didn't provide adequate nutrition," Tony said. "I don't like my chances going up against that man."

"You wouldn't stand a chance," Sharon confirmed. The roasted vegetables were incredible. "Orderly Rintrah's almost as fierce. My old SO could have learned a thing or two from Wong and Rintrah."

"How did PT go today?"

"I was told it went well, but I'm impatient so I don't really see it." She couldn't help but let out a small moan as she tasted the moussaka. It was amazing and perfectly seasoned. "I'm not used to being so inactive. Even when I was married I still went for runs and worked out."

"Even with the bruising?" Tony asked quietly.

"I wore long-sleeves and jogging pants when I went outside," she admitted. "I had a small collection of weights in the spare bedroom where I started sleeping and I'd do body-weight exercises."

"I can't tell you how sorry I am that you went through that," Tony said. "I hate that there was nothing you could do to defend yourself."

"In a way the running was a defense," Sharon said. "As was sleeping in the spare bedroom. It locked, you see." She ate some more. "Steve didn't like that; he thought that locked doors made a home dishonest but there wasn't much he could do about it."

"Did he ever try to break in?"

"The door was reinforced," Sharon said in answer. "All of the doors were. I had them all installed when I bought that house, since old habits die hard."

"I'm sorry to bring it all up," Tony said. "Well, you brought it up, technically, but I didn't change the subject and that's on me." He motioned to the vegetables. "These are so good."

"They are," she agreed.

Conversation turned lighter as they finished their entrees and Sharon eyed the dome-covered desert dishes expectantly.

"How's our Surgeon's kitchen coming along?"

"Oh, the wiring is all done. We'll start installing appliances tomorrow."

"He still doesn't know about this, right?"

Tony winced. "I'm doing my best to keep this hush-hush. I'm pretty sure Wong and Rintrah roped in his admin to keep it under wraps."

Sharon laughed. "Look at you, planning a stealth operation."

"You're worth it," he said.

She blushed furiously at that, inwardly astonished. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been so affected. Even when she'd had her initial meetings with Steve, who'd at first been so sweet and earnest, she'd been somewhat aloof.

Dessert was a small plate with a sampler trio of sokolatopita, loukoumades, and baklava. Normally a chocolate gal, Sharon found herself preferring the loukoumades - tiny fried balls of dough dripping with honey. It was all delicious but the loukoumades was in a class all its own.

"Any ideas on what radio show to listen to?" Tony asked as he cleaned up and pushed the cart and dishes outside. "Or would you prefer something else?"

Sharon thought. "Would you think I'm a dreadful bore if I suggested listening to The Lawrence Welk Radio Hour?"

"Definitely not," Tony said with a smile. "One of my friends, Rhodey, is a huge fan. I've listened to that show many a time."

"Then tune the radio to Station KPBS," Sharon urged. "We should be able to catch the opening song."

Like the night before they sat close to the radio and when Tony took her hand in his, it felt so natural her heart skipped a beat.

"Maybe one day we can dance to this music," Sharon mused when a dreamy ballad played, complemented by a harp and oboe. "I've always loved dancing."

"One day," Tony agreed, enjoying the music but enjoying his evening with her so much more.

This time before he left, he added the blue salvia to the vase on her nightstand with the yellow tulip and took the vase with him, but not before again pressing a kiss to her hand.

"I had a wonderful evening," he told her.

"I did too," Sharon said as he helped her to bed. "Tony, this was so nice."

Wong knocked on the door and gave Tony a pointed look. He watched carefully as Tony took his remaining gear and left.

"He was wonderful, really," Sharon told Wong. "You don't have to worry about him, I promise."

"It's you I worry about," Wong said as he dispensed her medication. "I don't want to see you get hurt."

"And that means more to me than you know," she assured him, taking her pills. "You're pretty wonderful yourself."

Wong smiled, told her she wasn't getting out of tomorrow's physical therapy, and wished her a good night.

Sharon snuggled back into the hospital bed. If her feet slightly swayed in the count of a waltz, that was her business. She dreamed of dancing and twirling around in Tony's arms.

______

Author's Notes (again): Blue Salvia - connected to healing; represents wisdom, a long life and good health. It's common for those recovering from an ailment to receive this plant.

Also, some of my favorite memories of my grandparents are times I sat with them some evenings while the Lawrence Welk Show reruns played on PBS. I figured this AU had to have something similar for a radio show.

#couldntbedamned fic #iron 13 #tony stark x sharon carter #sharon carter x tony stark #1950s modern fusion au #1950s au #tony stark #sharon carter

6 notes · View notes