elisedoves

[elisedoves]

ITS STILL DOWN

i wake up to see ao3 is down

AGAIN

[elisedoves]

i wake up to see ao3 is down

AGAIN

[elisedoves]

HOLY MOLY this blew up so much this last week! we're barreling toward 3000 hits!

omg the requests i've gotten have me so excited

i'm working day and night to put out the one shots that were requested! my requests are still open if you'd like to request :D

[elisedoves]

[elisedoves]

my starlight express head canon is that the components bicker like siblings

volta: joule, stop throwing dynamite around! you're going to hurt somebody!

joule: shut the fuck up, you ice cream truck!

volta: I'M NOT AN ICE CREAM TRUCK YOU DUMB-

[elisedoves]

i regret to inform you guys but

i've lost it

i think that if a vampire woman doesn't ask me out this week i'm going to lose it

[elisedoves]

Family Matters (Electra/Porter)

Electra has never been so nervous in all their life. It isn’t often that the electric engine finds love. Around the yard, they are seen as an outcast. Electrics are hard to come by, so other types of trains find it hard to relate.

When Electra was asked out by Porter, they were as thrilled as they were shocked. For two weeks, the electric engine and the freight have been attached at the hip. Every single day, Electra visits Porter at his home. The freights have all been very welcoming.

Electra can’t say the same about the components. They have yet to meet Porter, and Electra isn’t too keen to introduce him. The components are not known for their hospitality. Joule and Killerwatt are the biggest potential threats.

Electra can see it now–they will lead Porter inside, ready to introduce him, and snap! Joule will throw him out of their home herself.

The electric engine hates sneaking around. So, they have decided it’s time to introduce Porter to their family. Well, their found family. What better way to do so than by having dinner together?

You can’t be angry if you’re eating.

Electra even enlisted the help of Dinah for the meal. They don’t know the first thing about cooking, and they aren’t interested in learning. Electra only wanted a small meal, but Dinah doesn’t do small meals. She cooked three courses, and dessert!

Electra knows they are in for a very, very long night.

…

The electric engine paces back and forth through the living room. Their gears are whirring loud enough that it can be heard from across the room. On the couch, Killerwatt and Volta sit staring in amusement.

“What are you so worried about?” Volta rolls his eyes. “It’s just a get together with your friend.”

Friend. Right.

“How often do I invite someone over to our home?” Electra retorts, shooting the freezer truck a cold look. “I want to make a good impression, is all…”

Killerwatt pats Volta’s arm with the back of his hand, laughing. “You’d think it’s their first time having a friend.”

“Cut it out, you two. You work for me, remember? Don’t disrespect me any more than you already have…”

Killerwatt and Volta sigh in tandem, saying nothing more. They both are well aware of how important Electra’s image is. Not only to the electric engine themself, but to those around them.

It’s a part of the component’s job–to make Electra look good.

Electra groans, hurrying into the kitchen. Upon entering, they see Joule grabbing a roll from the counter and stuffing it into her mouth. They stare at the dynamite truck in annoyance, shaking their head.

“Joule!”

“Hey, don’t shout at me,” Joule complains, her words muffled. “Everything is going to go perfectly tonight as long as you let it.”

Electra leans against the counter. “How can I not be nervous? A… guest is coming to our home.”

“A decision I’ll never understand,” Wrench cuts in as she enters. “What I would like to know is why. Why have you invited someone over? In all of the years I have worked for you, no one has come over.”

“Is it so hard to believe I have a friend?”

Wrench opens her mouth to respond, but she’s cut off. Someone knocks on the door, shutting everybody up. Joule and Wrench both make a run for it, bolting toward the door before Electra can.

The electric engine is horrified. They gasp, heading in the same direction as fast as they can. They will not allow these two fools to ruin this evening.

“Joule, Wrench, halt!” Electra commands, sparks flying from their body.

The trucks pause in their tracks, evidently disappointed. They back off, joining Killerwatt and Volta on the couch. All four of them watch in curiosity as Electra places their hand on the doorknob.

Electra hesitates. When they open the door, the truth will come out. They will come out. How are they supposed to handle it? They’ve never had to do something so difficult.

When they picture Porter’s gorgeous face, they are hit with a rush of bravery. Electra opens the door, and they can’t help but smile. Porter stands in the doorway, a rose in his hand as red as his hair.

“Hello,” Electra’s voice is quiet. “Er–thank you for this.”

Porter nods, handing Electra the rose. He peeks through the doorway, catching sight of the components. All four of them are practically spying, never once blinking.

“Come in…”

Porter enters, taking a look around the living room. It’s much cozier than he had anticipated. For whatever reason, he expected it to look futuristic and full of screens. There’s a couch, photographs, and even a gaming console.

Electra’s mind goes blank. They turn the rose in their hands, scanning each petal. It isn’t until Joule clears her throat that Electra remembers why Porter is over.

“Oh,” they say. “Porter, these are my components. Killerwatt, Volta, Joule and Wrench.”

Porter chuckles at Electra’s nervous tone. “Hey, nice to meet you all.”

Joule stands and approaches, sizing Porter up. She narrows her eyes, circling the freight. Judging from the look on her face, she isn’t so approving.

“Where did you two meet?” she asks.

“On the track, at practice,” Porter replies.

“And you chose to bother them?”

“Joule!” Electra hisses. “He did not bother me… I enjoyed his company.”

The electric engine already regrets putting this evening together. All four of their components appear unimpressed. They haven’t even heard the crazy part–Porter is not just a friend, but instead is Electra’s boyfriend.

Electra is not looking forward to telling them.

Still, they are tired of the lies and secrets and the sneaking around. So, they lead everyone into the kitchen. Before they know it, everyone is taking in the delicious meal courtesy of Dinah.

All throughout the dinner, Electra notices something. The components whisper to each other. They glare at Porter, then at Electra, and then they whisper.

Whatever they’re saying, Electra knows it can’t be good.

“So,” Electra clasps their hands in their lap. “This has been a nice time, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it has…” Porter encourages, slipping his hand onto Electra’s. “I suppose it’s time we come clean?”

Electra swears they could vomit. The time has come for them to open up, and they don’t feel the least bit prepared. They internally curse themself for not coming up with some sort of script.

The components look between Electra and Porter, intrigued. “Come clean” is an interesting set of words. It sounds as if something secret has been going on.

Wrench leans forward. “Come clean?”

“Yeah!” Porter nods, proudly looking up at Electra. The electric engine keeps their gaze trained on the plate in front of them. “Electra invited me over for a reason, and… the reason is I’m his boyfriend.”

Joule drops her fork, and it emits a metallic noise when it hits her plate. All four of the components are shocked, but none more than Volta. The freezer truck’s eyes are wide, and they point at the feight.

“Boyfriend? Boyfriend? I thought you were their… you know! Best friend!” Volta scoffs. “And you… Electra, I thought you told me everything!”

Electra swallows the lump inside their throat. “I have a right to privacy. There are lots of things that I keep to myself.”

“But this? I assumed you trusted me—”

“I do, but how could I trust you with this? Just look. Not one of you is happy for me.”

“Oh, settle,” Wrench says, an air of irritation in her voice. “Electra… It isn’t that we aren’t happy for you. It’s that as your components, it’s our job to be cautious.”

Volta slams his hand on the table, nodding rapidly. “That part!”

Electra can’t see any sign of dishonesty on the components faces. They allow themselves to relax, clearing their throat. At least nobody seems to be angry–they are just surprised.

“So, it’s alright with you all?” Electra asks.

Killerwatt looks at the freight, still wary. “I’ll remain cautious until I know he is not a threat. If I deem him safe, then yes, it’s alright with me.”

The electric engine is satisfied with the answer. They leave the table and head to the kitchen to retrieve dessert. From behind them, they hear the components drilling Porter with questions.

It’s the first time Electra has ever brought someone home. Now that they know Porter is accepted, they are looking forward to doing it more often.

...

Thank you to the anonymous user who suggested this prompt!

[elisedoves]

is anyone else in love with wrench from starlight express or are you normal

[elisedoves]

[elisedoves]

Happy One Year (Greaseball/Dinah)

Dinah scurries around the house for three hours straight. She wants everything to be perfect when Greaseball gets home. It's their one year anniversary, and unfortunately, she hasn’t seen the engine all day.

Greaseball has had a busy week, and today is no exception. She had a press conference, she had practice, and she had a fan signing. She tried to get out of it, but her manager told her skipping was out of the question.

Dinah has had a busy day. She’s cooked a delectable meal, and she’s baked a cake. She’s even decorated the bedroom with rose petals and candles. By the time everything is ready, it's six in the evening. Dinah grows antsier with every passing second.

The smell of the meal she's worked so hard on lingers throughout the house. She can smell it from her spot on the couch. She keeps her eyes glued to the front door, anxiously awaiting the arrival of her girlfriend.

When she hears the sound of keys jingling, she perks up. She straightens her spine, brushes a hand through her hair, and smiles. The door opens, and the diesel engine enters.

"Welcome home!" Dinah exclaims, beaming.

Greaseball smiles warmly, shutting the door. She strides to the couch and sits beside the car. “Hey, love. I’m sorry I wasn’t here all day.”

Dinah shakes her head, ignoring the pang of pain in her chest. "It's alright, you're a busy hardworking woman… I understand. Oh, I made dinner for you."

Greaseball replies, "Thank you, babe. I really appreciate that… I'm going to take a quick shower, then I'll be yours the rest of the night."

Dinah forces herself not to whine at that. She has waited all day to see Greaseball, and now she has to wait even longer? She simply nods and leaves the couch.

"Okay. I'll get the table set, then."

"Sounds good." …

Before Dinah knows it, Greaseball enters the dining room. No longer is she in her racing gear. Instead, she is wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Her yellow and black hair is damp from the shower, sitting on her shoulders. She smiles at the sight of the meal Dinah has made for her.

"This looks amazing, babe. You didn't have to cook. I could have taken you out…” the engine sits at the table, a flicker of regret in her voice.

Dinah shakes her head from across the table. "I wanted to do something to show my appreciation to you… You do so much for me all the time, so… this is my part."

Greaseball relaxes, grateful her girlfriend is so understanding. As she and Dinah eat, they chat about the past year they've spent together. They've had many ups and downs, and this milestone proves that their relationship is strong.

They go to bed together that night in each other's arms, excited for the many years to come.

[elisedoves]

[elisedoves]

Nothing To Be Ashamed Of (Greaseball/Dinah)

Greaseball groans, the memory of her apology playing in her head over and over again. It's such a common word. How could she misspell it?

"S-O-R-R-R-Y."

She sits on the couch, staring at the wall. It replays in her head, reminding her of her failure. Each time, she wants to curl up and die a little bit more. Kids can spell the word, so why can't she?

It's an easy, frequently used word. It's not like it's a long word with 18 letters–it's one of the most commonly used words in the world. To make matters worse, it's not the only word she's ever misspelled.

For as long as she can remember, she's had issues with spelling and reading. As she got into her adult years, she just ignored it and pushed the shame down. She avoids books like the plague. But when Dinah asked her to spell her apology, she had no other choice but to try her best.

"Greaseball, I promise there's nothing to be worried about!" Dinah’s expression is full of warmth.

The dining car sits beside the engine, who has been sulking for an hour.

"Yes there is!" Greaseball snaps back. "What good am I if I can't spell?"

The dining car's eyes soften, and she takes Greaseball's larger hand in her own smaller one. She gives it a reassuring squeeze. She knows how important Greaseball's image is to her–it's everything she has, everything she is. So slipping up, presenting herself as less than perfect is devastating to the diesel engine.

Still, seeing her girlfriend so ashamed, red in the face and embarrassed breaks her heart. She's never seen her so down. She's used to seeing Greaseball portray an image of excellence–a strong, polished champion who can do anything she puts her mind to.

"Hon, I don't care about anything like that… Lots of people can't spell,” she begins. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. The world won't stop spinning just because you misspelled a word, you know. You're still the champion, and people still love you. I still love you, okay?"

Greaseball sighs, leaning her head back against the couch cushion. She closes her eyes, thinking over Dinah’s words. They don't register in her head all that much. To her, if she isn't on top of her game, she’s a failure. If she isn't the best—the biggest, the strongest, the most competitive in every category, she's a failure.

"Dinah, I misspelled a word kids can spell! In front of everyone… I don't know how I'm supposed to come back from that. I can hear it now—the talk that will go on in the yard."

Dinah chuckles softly at that. "For someone who knows that their fans love them, you don't have any faith in them. Everyone in the yard loves you, and trust me, there are plenty of people who are scared of you. I'm sure nobody will dare to say anything."

Greaseball retorts, "Forgive me for expecting the worst."

"…All I'm saying is no one is perfect. Not even you, hon. Everyone has something about themselves that they can't do! I have tons of things I can't do."

Greaseball sends Dinah a curious glance. "Oh yeah? Like what?"

Dinah thinks for a moment, giggling softly as she leans into her girlfriend's side. Her cheeks heat up when she feels Greaseball’s strong arms pull her close.

"Well, to start, I'm clumsy. Sometimes when I'm serving meals I trip and drop the plates!"

Greaseball imagines the scenario. She pictures her precious dining car’s cheeks reddening in embarrassment. The idea is both adorable and funny at the same time to the engine.

"I never knew that," Greaseball laughs. "I know you're clumsy, of course, but I never thought it affected your work life."

Dinah giggles, "Mhm. And, uh… no one can read my handwriting. No matter how much I've tried to improve it, I'm just not great with a pen!"

"Oh?"

"So you see? No one is perfect, and everybody makes mistakes sometimes, okay?”

“Yeah,” Greaseball sighs.

“You don't have to spend your life pursuing an image of perfection. If you do slip up, it's okay. No one is going to hate you because you spelled a word wrong. And besides… the only person whose opinion matters that much is mine, and you're perfect to me."

At the car’s heartfelt words, Greaseball’s heart squeezes. She gives Dinah a brief smile, avoiding eye contact as she leans closer. She feels much better than she had minutes ago.

The more she thinks about it, the more she realizes Dinah is right. The only person she truly wants to impress is Dinah, and she does it effortlessly. As long as she's herself, the two of them will remain happy.

[elisedoves]

[elisedoves]

Whispers of Nightfall: Chapter Nine (When You Fall, I Will Catch You)

Laura hits the ground with a sharp impact. In an instant, every sound of the nature surrounding her is replaced with an incessant buzzing. Her body becomes numb, and she can hardly move. All she can do is gasp.

She barely notices when she is rolled onto her back. She stares down at the dirt and grass she is lying on, not blinking once. A hand rapidly pats her face, but she does not feel it.

Horror courses through Carmilla’s veins the moment that Laura falls. The horse that threw her runs toward the barn, leaving the vampire to care for her. The vampire is by Laura’s side before she knows it, clutching her shoulders.

“Laura!” Carmilla cries out, shaking the human. “Oh my—Laura, please, say something!”

Laura mumbles incoherently in response. A steady pool of blood oozes onto the dirt from her head. She wears no expression, and her breathing is far too slow for Carmilla’s liking. The blood that spills from Laura sends Carmilla’s hands shaking.

Without thinking, the vampire moves into action. She throws the human over her shoulder and races toward the schloss, which is quite a bit away. She nearly trips over her own feet on the way.

Through fields of flowers and gardens of fruits, the vampire treks on. She can feel Laura’s blood seeping into her blouse, but she pays it no mind. The only thing she cares about is getting her beloved human into the schloss’s infirmary as soon as possible.

“Help!” she screams as soon as she enters the large double doors of the schloss. “Someone, please help me!”

Many servants quickly gather, shocked by what they see. They lead Carmilla up two floors, directly to the schloss’s infirmary. There are no trained physicians, but the maids are well-equipped with first aid tools.

If needed, the Hollis’s have a family doctor nearby.

Carmilla sets Laura onto the small bed as carefully as she can. She hesitates to remove her hands from Laura, but she does, taking a step back. Her heart beats so quickly that if she was not immortal, she would believe something to be wrong.

“Whatever happened?” Sherman asks, barging into the room.

“Sir,” Carmilla stammers. “The horse threw her! It happened so fast. She hit the ground with such force, I surely thought…”

“Is anything broken?”

“I do not know. Her head is bleeding! Sir, please send for a doctor. I am afraid… She has not blinked or looked at me since the fall. She has yet to say a single word!”

Sherman runs out of the room, preparing to fetch the family doctor. With Laura’s father gone, the vampire leans down and places a soft kiss on her forehead. The blood is not an appealing sight like it usually would be. When it is coming from the woman she loves, it is revolting.

She takes hold of Laura’s weak hand, giving it a soft squeeze. Seeing Laura unconscious is almost unbearable. With every passing second, the racing in Carmilla’s heart grows stronger.

It feels as if it has been hours, but it has only been ten minutes. Carmilla begs within her mind for the doctor to show up soon. She fears that the longer Laura is unconscious, the worse off she will be.

Just when she thinks that all hope is lost, a small whimper of pain comes from the bed. Carmilla lifts her head, halting her breathing. Cautiously, she places a hand on Laura’s cheek.

“Laura?” she whispers. “Laura, darling, are you there?”

“Y-y-yes…”

“Shush now, do not talk. You must rest and save your strength.”

“What happened?” Laura asks, her voice croaky. “I am in p-pain…”

Carmilla frowns. She knows just how much pain the woman is in—she herself has fallen off of a horse many years ago. Though, she was alone when it happened. Laura is not alone, and Carmilla does not plan to leave her any time soon.

The vampire keeps her fingers intertwined with Laura’s. Speaking is the last thing she wishes to do. The very act could cause more pain to her lover, and she cannot have that on her conscience.

“It hurts, C-Carmilla…”

“Laura,” the vampire whispers. “Just settle. Rest now.”

“What happened?”

“You’ve had an accident. That horse of yours evidently got spooked by something, and he threw you. When you hit the ground, I… I thought for a moment that I lost you.”

“Oh…”

“None of that matters anymore. Close your eyes and get some rest, will you?” Carmilla runs a soft hand through Laura’s matted hair. “I will be here when you wake up; always."

[elisedoves]

Sleepy Car (Belle/Orange Flash)

Belle is no stranger to the feeling of exhaustion. She is a sleeping car, after all. But no matter how many times she falls asleep without meaning to, she always finds herself getting upset when she wakes up and sees what she's missed out on.

On one occasion, she fell asleep while racing. As you could expect, it resulted in a disqualification. And a shoulder injury. She's tired, for a lack of a better word. When she sees the other trains around her with so much energy, full of life and speed, she can't help but feel like she'll never get to feel as good as them. And that hurts.

Her girlfriend Orange Flash is just as familiar with the predicament Belle is in. She's aware how much it upsets the sleeping car, and it breaks her heart. She’ll look over and see Belle’s eyes struggling to stay open. They’ll be in the middle of a conversation, and Belle will drop. What's worse is when the purple-haired car gets injured. That is the most heartbreaking part, and recently it's been happening a lot.

Often, Orange Flash comes home just to find Belle lying in a random space in their shared house. Notably, she once found Belle on the laundry room floor lying in a pile of clothes. Upon being gently woken up, Belle informed her that she was just trying to do the laundry and felt "too sleepy to put the clothes in the washing machine".

Another time, she found Belle face down on the back patio. It was the middle of the winter, so the poor sleeping car was cold and shivering. She was so deep into her sleep, she didn't even flinch from the cold until she was carried inside and rushed to the bathroom for a warm bath.

Together with Orange Flash, of course.

Belle is sick of missing everything that goes on throughout the day. She’s even more tired of being unable to race. Due to anxiety about her girlfriend’s condition, Orange Flash has convinced Belle to take some time away from the track. It hurt the coach, but she agreed because she could see just how worried the engine was.

She spent today at home, watching television while waiting for her girlfriend to get home. She's dozed off more than a few times, and now she is getting dinner prepared. Wanting to cook an easy meal, she puts a frozen pizza in the oven. It should be done by the time Orange Flash gets home from her gym session.

Minutes pass, and she wanders back and forth throughout the dining room, trying to force herself to remain awake. There is one thing she wants—to have dinner with her girlfriend, like normal couples do. Not in bed, but at the dinner table, having an actual conversation that she's alert and partaking in.

So, she paces, focusing her eyes on the different things inside the dining room. On one wall is a photo of her and Orange Flash in their racing gear. It was taken right before their first time in a race together. Regrettably, they came in third place, but the memory of the wind rushing and the crowd cheering as she held onto her engine makes Belle smile.

Belle’s vision blurs, and she groans in annoyance. All she wants is to go to her bedroom and sleep, but she keeps her mind on Orange Flash. She thinks about hugging and kissing her, and enjoying a delicious (cheap and frozen) meal together.

As the seconds go by, the line between being awake and asleep blurs. Before she knows it, she collapses onto the tile with a loud thud. She sleeps soundly, blissfully unaware of the chaos unraveling around her.

…

Orange Flash approaches the front door with a sigh. Her body aches a bit more than it usually does, as she pushed herself really hard at the gym today. It’s all thanks to some encouragement from Greaseball. She has a plan–to take a couple painkillers, which is something she's been doing often these days.

She turns the doorknob, and she's shocked by the sight she sees. There is smoke coming from inside the kitchen, and the fire alarm is blaring. She rushes toward the scene, gasping at the sight of Belle face-down on the floor.

She notices that the smoke is coming from inside the oven. From the burnt smell, she can tell that Belle must have been cooking a pizza. She runs and grabs the fire extinguisher from the wall and throws the oven door open. Smoke is immediately in her face, sending her into a coughing fit.

As quickly as she can, she puts out the fire. She can only be thankful that it wasn't too big and was contained within the oven. Once it's out, she sets the fire extinguisher down and turns her attention to Belle. Her precious car is perfectly still, and the engine can’t help but sigh.

Orange Flash kneels down, then turns Belle onto her back. She winces at the sight of the bruise forming on Belle’s forehead. She straddles her girlfriend’s hips and firmly pats her cheek in an attempt to rouse her.

“Belle, wake up. Now.”

Belle whines, squinting her eyes. She shakes her head in protest of being patted on the cheek. She can't tell what's going on, but she has somewhat of an idea. The car can smell smoke, her head hurts, and she's on the floor. She knows that whatever happened cannot have been good.

"Belle, open your eyes, please. Now."

"Huh?" Belle replies in confusion, keeping her eyes shut.

Orange Flash frowns at the sight of her girlfriend. Belle is disoriented on the floor with no memory of what happened. Orange Flash is tired of this sort of thing happening, but she knows it’s not Belle’s fault. The car will get upset if she shows annoyance, so the engine holds her feelings inside.

"Belle, please open your eyes."

Belle opens her eyes half-way, the pain in her head increasing when the light enters her eyes. The first thing she sees is Orange Flash on top of her. The second thing she sees is a fire extinguisher on the ground.

"What happened?" Belle whispers, her lip trembling.

Orange Flash's annoyance fades, and she softens. The engine sighs, shaking her head. "Babe, I came home and there was a fire in the oven. You were asleep on the floor… Are you able to remember what happened?"

At the mention of a fire, the dam breaks and Belle begins to cry. She feels like such a failure–she wanted so badly to spend the evening with her girlfriend. All she wanted was to enjoy dinner and conversation, but she had to go and ruin it by almost burning their house down.

The engine leans down to press a kiss to Belle’s bruised forehead. The bruise is sure to be a bad one–it’s already almost matching Belle’s hair color. Orange Flash never wants Belle to feel guilty for falling asleep. She can’t help it and the engine knows it.

"It's alright, okay? There's nothing to worry about. It's over now. I'll make something for us to eat… How's your head feeling?" Orange Flash speaks in a low volume so she won’t make Belle’s headache worse.

Belle sobs softly, lifting her hand to wipe her tears. "I… I wanted to do something nice for you… I wanted to cook a stupid pizza and of course I ruined that too. I ruined everything just like always."

At that, Orange Flash titters. "It's not your fault, Belle… You didn't ruin anything, alright? Except maybe the oven."

At the remark, Belle glares, causing the engine above her to laugh. She is in no mood for jokes. All she feels like doing is breaking down and curling up in a hole. How is she supposed to enjoy life if all she can do is fall asleep?

Around the train yard, there have been jokes made about her before. Even though she knows her friends are just joking around, it still hurts. It's not her fault, and she wishes they'd just stop joking, even if they don't mean to hurt her feelings.

"Stop laughing at me!” Belle pouts.

"I'm not laughing at you, Belle. I'm laughing because you're so cute," the engine replies. "Let me get you some medicine for your head, alright? I gotta take something too. My back is killing me."

"…Okay."

Orange Flash gets off of Belle and rummages through a cabinet. She locates a bottle of painkillers, then grabs two from inside. She pours a glass of water for herself, and a glass of pink lemonade (Belle's favorite drink) for Belle.

After taking her pill, she helps Belle sit up and hands her the small white tablet. Once Belle takes the pill, she begins to calm down. The adrenaline of the situation begins to wear off. She wipes her eyes and sniffles, still feeling guilty about the fact that she messed up her girlfriend's oven.

All guilt leaves the room when she feels strong arms wrap around her. She relaxes into the touch, closing her eyes with an exhale. Despite the pain she's in, she knows all will be okay. Orange Flash is home now; how could it not be okay?

Belle knows that she's safe now. She doesn't have to worry about falling and getting hurt again. At least not for the rest of the night, anyway. Orange Flash’s presence is enough to soothe Belle, and the sleepy feeling in her head returns.

"Are you still sleepy?" Orange Flash chuckles.

"Mhm," Belle whines against the engine’s chest.

"You can sleep. I'll be right here with you, alright?"

"…Kay."

"I'll carry you to the bedroom."

Belle blushes a deep purple color. She's grateful Orange Flash can't see it from the way she's positioned. She doesn't realize, though, that the blush is entirely audible in her voice.

"T-thank you…"

Orange Flash hums, smirking to herself at the flustered sound of her girlfriend's voice. She picks Belle up with relative ease, retreating to their shared bedroom. The engine plans to turn on a movie, then cuddle with the car all night long.

It wasn't the night Belle planned, but it's the one she’s having, so she accepts it.

[elisedoves]

Leather & Lace: Chapter Three (Greaseball/Dinah)

The sky is becoming dark, and all Greaseball wants to do is go home. She wasn’t supposed to work today, but someone else called out, so she was called in. Just her luck. If she’s expected to work more hours, she expects more money. Her boss is an asshole—he’ll never give her a raise.

She’s worn out, and her muscles ache just as much as her eyes. Much to her relief, the day is over, so she heads toward the exit to clock out. The musky smell of engines and gasoline sting her nostrils. 

“Hey!” a voice calls out from behind her.

She halts in her tracks, turning around to face whoever it is. It is a tall, lanky guy with bronze skin and a dorky smile on his face. His curly hair sits neatly in an updo, showcasing his brown eyes clearly.

Greaseball has seen him around–he’s one of the best workers in the shop. He’s there almost every day, and yet, Greaseball has yet to learn his name.

“Hey,” she replies, unsure of his intentions. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” he says. “I just thought I’d introduce myself! Name’s Rusty. Yours?”

“Greaseball… What’s it to you?”

Rusty seems unfazed by Greaseball’s tone and continues, taking a step closer. “I see you in here all the time, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say a word. Are you new to town?”

Greaseball shifts her weight, uncomfortable from the boring conversation. Meeting new people is the worst—it’s all small talk until you’re comfortable enough to be yourself. She tries to think of something interesting to say, but fails.

“Yeah.” 

“I’ve been here for a long time,” Rusty explains. “Maybe we’ll see each other around?”

Greaseball fights back a groan. There it is. The words that she dreads hearing the most are “maybe we’ll see each other around” and “you should call me sometime”. If the words aren’t being said by a cute woman, she’s not interested.

“Well, it’s been a long day,” Greaseball sighs. “But yeah, sure.”

Rusty smiles. “We can go bowling sometime. There’s a really nice alley not far from here.”

Greaseball has to hold in a laugh. Bowling, really? That’s the best he can do? It wasn’t what she was expecting, but it’s better than being asked on a dinner date. With how bored she’s been lately, what does she have to lose?

“Bowling, you say?” she chuckles. “Gee, I haven’t gone bowling since I was a kid.”

Rusty shakes his head. “Nothing wrong with that! I’m sure you’ll be good enough. I won’t judge you if you’re terrible.”

Greaseball cocks a brow, smirking. “Me, bad? I won’t be bad, trust me. I will bet you right here and now that I can beat you.”

“Oh, you’re on! But I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you. I go bowling plenty. You’ll have to try pretty hard to beat ol’ Rusty!”

Greaseball rolls her eyes, but she shows no real irritation. She doesn’t think she’s ever met someone quite as annoying as Rusty, but why not give him a chance? She’s been lonely, and a friend would be nice. She has nothing else to do.

“How about tonight?” she asks. “You got any plans?”

Rusty’s face lights up. “No, I don’t.”

“Let’s go, then. Lead the way.”

Greaseball practically has to run through the parking lot to catch up with the guy. She hops into her newly-repaired car and smiles, starting the engine. She follows behind Rusty’s car, feeling happier than she has for a while. She isn’t sure what’s going to happen tonight, but she’s excited to find out.

When Greaseball pulls into the parking lot of the alley, she yawns. It’s late, and usually she likes to be in bed by now. At least she won’t be bored.

The parking lot is lit up by the alley’s neon sign–purple and green. Their logo is of a palm tree and a dolphin. Strange–nothing in Prosperity is tropical. It’s all dirt roads and farms, and there are no beaches that Greaseball is aware of. Not unless you drive way, way out of town.

She leaves her car, checking to make sure it's locked before heading toward the alley. She waves at Rusty, who runs to catch up with her. She hears the sound of crickets chirping, reminding her of how late it’s getting.

“I hope this will be worth losing sleep over,” she says.

“If you like greasy bowling alley fries, it’ll be worth it!” Rusty retorts.

“I’m hungry. I’d eat just about anything right now.”

…

After an hour of bowling, they take a break. The two sit at a small table, sharing a container of fries. They are both more disheveled than they had been an hour ago, the competition of the night getting to them.

“I’ve gotta get a shower when I get home,” Greaseball complains, shoving a fry into her mouth.

“Where do you live, anyway?”

“Not far from here. It’s just a little one room apartment.”

Rusty nods. “Oh. I’m not too far from here either. I assume you live on your own?”

Greaseball leans her cheek on her hand. “Yeah. I don’t know anyone here, so… no roommates.”

“I’m sure you’ll meet someone soon. You met me.”

Greaseball can’t help but crack a rare smile. She shoves another fry in her mouth, then brushes her hands off on her pants. She keeps her eyes on the guy across from her, wondering what his deal is. She thinks about whether he has many friends, or what his hobbies are besides bowling.

Even though he’s dorky and almost too happy-go-lucky, Greaseball is glad she gave him a chance. It’s been ages since she’s hung out with anybody. So, she makes a promise to herself. She’ll hang out with him again.

[elisedoves]

Starlight Express One Shot Requests: Open

On AO3 @/elisedove, I write StEx one shots! I'll write Wembley or the original Broadway version. I'm taking requests, so feel free to reply! I won't write...

Smut for any StEx characters (so sorry, smut doesn't vibe with me for this fandom much)

Fetishy stuff

Whump (I -will- write hurt/comfort)

Anything that I just don't think I could write well/if I don't vibe with the request

I will write...

Fluff

Romance

Drama

Angst

Hurt/comfort

Sad stuff/death scenes

Please use the format below to submit a request! Please keep in mind I reserve the right to reject a request. ^.^

Don't be afraid to request! I don't bite, so if there's a one shot you've been wanting to be written, I'm your girl!

Username: (If you don't want to be credited on AO3, write N/A.) Ship: (If no ship, write N/A.) Prompt: (Use as much detail as you can so I can get it right.) Credit on AO3: (Answer yes if you'd like to be credited, & no if not.)