#carton packing machine | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

softspiderling · 2 years

Text

risk it all | b.r.b

summary: the gym fic™️

pairing: bradley "rooster" bradshaw x reader

warnings: breaking gym etiquette, thirsty reader

word count: 3,4k

author's note: coming back with a bang i guess🤪thanks to jordan, may and sol for the continuous support ily guys.

He was staring.

You thought it was a fluke at first, that he was looking at someone that was standing behind you, but there wasn’t anyone.

You had checked.

Several times.

The moment you realized that he was looking at you, you started sweating profusely. And it wasn’t because of the exercise, even though it was indeed kicking your ass. You weren’t a gym junkie by all means, and you didn’t even know if you were doing the exercise correctly.

About your second rep in, you had enough and lifted your head to meet his gaze head on. His eyebrows shot up in surprise and he had the decency to flush when he turned his eyes away. Letting out a grunt of annoyance, you finished your last rep, picking up your water bottle and taking an angry swig from it. You glared daggers at the man, who had his back turned to you by now and headed to the changing rooms, grabbing your stuff.

“What’s got you all hot and bothered?” Natasha asked when you came home, kicking the door shut behind you.

“There was an asshole at the gym who was staring at me.”

Natasha pulled a face, twisting her hair into a bun, the heat of the stove getting to her.

“You know I keep telling you to come to my gym instead.”

“UGH! I wish I could, but I literally just made a year-long contract with my gym like two months ago,” you groaned, dropping down on the couch like a sack of potatoes. “Couldn’t you have told me about your gym before I made my contract?”

Natasha peaked her head out of the kitchen to laugh at you and you couldn’t even be bothered to glare at her. It was weird how comfortable you were around each other, even though you’ve barely known each other for a month. You had posted an ad online that you were looking for a roommate and after countless interviews with people that were okay-ish, but not really your vibe, you met Natasha at a coffee shop and after bonding over your lactose-intolerance, you offhandedly mentioned you were searching for a roommate.

Yeah.

Admittedly a very weird thing to bond over, but now you always had a carton of oat milk and a carton of coconut milk in your fridge and a very cool roommate.

“Well, then you gotta power through it. I’m sure you won’t see him again, and if you do, don’t hesitate to confront him, babe,” Natasha said, ever the strong woman. “Now go shower, you stink. Dinner is ready soon.”

She disappeared back into the kitchen and you forced yourself up, dragging a hand over your face, your hair sticking to your sweaty forehead. You always liked to think that you were as strong as she was, but all your bravado usually left you as soon as you opened your mouth.

You just hoped you wouldn’t see him again, so you didn’t have to confront him at all.

The next time you were at the gym, it was about two weeks later and you had completely forgotten about the guy. Over the past week, it had gotten unbearably hot and you couldn’t find the strength to go to the gym to sweat even more so you gave yourself a time off until it cooled down again. It wasn’t exactly chilly, but at least it wasn’t that humid in the gym. The gym wasn’t packed as it usually was around this time, so it didn’t take you long to get through your workout. When you sat down on one of your last machines, you tensed slightly when you saw him right across from you, doing weighted pull-ups.

To your annoyance, you realized that he was hot.

Like, really hot.

The shirt he was wearing was thin and white, miles of defined muscle just underneath, His arms were huge, biceps straining as he pulled himself up and then lowered himself again. With a grunt he dropped down from the bars and you quickly averted your gaze, getting busy with your own weights. When you were all done, you straightened up your back and started the exercise, seeing how he was standing basically straight across from you, slightly to the left.

Opting to just stare into the mirror on the other side of the wall, you could still see him looking at you out of the corner of your eyes. You couldn’t help it, but for a split second, you glanced over to him. Unlike the last time, he actually held your gaze and until you turned away, your cheeks turning red.

God, what a fucking dick.

You dropped the weights with a loud thunk, reaching for your phone.

roomie one: that fucking douchebag is here again

roomie two: Gym starer?

roomie one: … yes

roomie two: Get him!

roomie one: i’m not going to confront him in the middle of the gym

roomie two: Well, he’d deserve it.

The timer on the chest press indicated that your resting time was over, so you put your phone away. getting back to your workout. While you had been texting Natasha, gym starer had gotten back on the bar, his back to you. Small beads of sweat started to form on the nape of his neck, running down the back of the straining shirt that stretched across his shoulders every time he flexed his arms to pull himself up.

After a while, you realized that you had done way more reps than you were supposed to, your muscles aching in protest. Cursing, you dropped the weights, gently this time, and wiped your face with your towel. Lifting your head, you could see that he was looking at you again and since you didn’t want to be that creepy person who stared at someone else in the gym, like he kept doing, you decided it was enough for the day and went to the locker rooms. Luckily, no one was in there, so you leaned your head against the cold metal of the lockers, letting out a frustrated scream.

“Cut your workout short?”

Wordlessly, you held your hand up, shutting the front door behind you, too annoyed with yourself to talk, and Natasha raised an eyebrow at you, putting her book away. Dropping your gym bag on the floor, you took a seat at the dining table and laid your head down.

“He’s hot,” you muttered against the wooden surface.

“I didn’t understand a thing.”

With a long sigh, you lifted your head, looking at Natasha with a pout. “Gym starer. He’s hot.”

“Ah, so now he’s not the creepy gym starer anymore,” Natasha snorted, putting her feet on the coffee table and you glared at her. Because she was right. Screw double-standards.

“God, you should’ve seen him,” you moaned, covering your face with your hands. “His arms are huge. And his shirt was so thin, I could basically see through the fabric and ugh-”

Natasha pulled a face. “Gross.”

“Shut up. Not everyone can like women,” you huffed, standing up. “I need to take a shower.

“Yeah you do, you’re dripping all over the floor.”

“Jesus, Tash,” you exclaimed and Natasha only cackled at you as you headed to the bathroom to grab a shower, hoping to wash this dirty feeling away. While you stood under the stream of the water, you let out a sigh. You could not develop a crush on gym starer. That would be against your principles and it would be just, really fucking inconvenient.

Unfortunately you weren’t one of those girls who got cute gym sets and looked like they just walked out of a Lululemon ad. Instead, you wore the most basic black running tights with a random sports bra and your hair ALWAYS stuck to your sweaty forehead, no matter how you wore it. And it was fine with you, because you weren’t going to the gym to pick up guys, you went there to stay fit and challenge yourself.

But a gym crush? No thanks.

Toweling your wet hair, you exited the bathroom, leaving the door open so the warm air could escape. You plopped down on the couch next to Natasha and crossed her arms, looking at you in amusement.

“Have you ever thought about why he’s staring at you?”

“He’s probably laughing at me because I’m doing the exercise all wrong. Or because I sweat so much.”

“Or he’s into you?”

“And that’s why he’s staring at me?” you scoffed, draping the towel around your shoulders, tugging it from both ends. “He’s probably just like one of those weird gym rat bros who judges everyone who doesn’t go to the gym every day. I mean, he’s fucking ripped, Tash.”

“I know, you already said that!” Natasha groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I’m heading out for drinks with my squadron soon. Do you want to come along? Maybe you can find someone hot who will take your mind off of gym starer.”

“I doubt it. Maybe next time, Tash. Thanks for the invitation, though.”

You exhaled as you pushed through the last reps of your first set, your legs trembling. It took you a few days until you dared to go back to the gym. You were terrified you’d get caught staring at gym starer (oh the irony in that phrase), but when you were certain that you’d forgotten what he had looked like, you packed your bag and went to the gym.

Relaxing your legs, you lifted them out of the machine when, out of the corner of your eye, you saw someone standing next to you. Pausing, you glanced at him, just to see gym starer looking at you. His mouth was moving, but the music from your headphones was too loud. Holding up your finger, he pressed his lips together until you tugged the headphones out of your ears.

“Sorry, what were you saying?”

“Um…” Gym starer paused, his cheeks red. “I- uh… I wanted to know how much longer you’re gonna take on the leg press.”

“Oh. Uh, two more sets?”

“... Okay,” he said, pausing like he wanted to add something, but then quickly turned on his heel, walking away.

Furrowing your brows, you put your headphones back into your ears. Weird. As you shifted your weight in the seat, you looked to the right, doing a double take when you saw the other leg-press, unoccupied.

“What the fuck,” you muttered to yourself, leaning your hands on your legs. When you left the gym twenty minutes later, gym starer was nowhere to be seen.

A few days later, you were lounging on the couch, catching up with some of your favorite tv shows. You needed a break from the gym, at least until you’d get your thoughts sorted. You didn’t know how he did it, but whenever you walked into the gym he was there, even though your gym routine was pretty irregular. Just as the credits of the latest Suits episode started rolling, Natasha suddenly barged into the apartment, making you jump.

“Jesus, what the hell?”

“I’m heading to the bar with my squadron, do you want to come with me?”

You sighed, burrowing deeper into the couch. “I don’t know… I’m so comfy. And I don’t even know anyone there.”

Natasha gave you a look, leaning her hands into her hips, which could only mean that you were about to get a lecture from her. You gulped.

“You don’t know anyone because you always turn me down whenever I ask you to come out, seriously! I am not accepting a no.”

“Fine, okay,” you huffed with wide eyes, raising your hands in defense. “Just let me get changed, I guess.” With a nod, Natasha disappeared into the bathroom while you headed to your bedroom to get changed, reluctantly. While you were miffed that your plans of staying in had been thrown over, you respected Natasha enough to admit that she was right. Half an hour later, a cab dropped you off at the beach, in front of a small bar aptly called the Hard Deck.

“Hey, is this like, a Navy bar?” you asked Natasha with a frown as you walked through the door.

“Yeah. I did tell you that we were getting drinks with my squadron.”

Letting your eyes roam when you got inside, you noticed that almost everyone was dressed in uniform, one way or another, but luckily, there were some people dressed in civvies, so you wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb. You stopped mid-walk, when you saw him, narrowing your eyes.

Gym starer. Because of course he’d be here.

God was just pulling on all the strings in your life and laughing at you like you were his personal entertainment. It took gym starer a few seconds to spot you, but when he did, he basically spat out his beer all over the counter.

“Jeez Bradshaw, what’s gotten into you?”

Natasha laughing, having rounded the bar, standing behind gym starer and clapping him on the back and while you gaped at her.

“You know him?”

Gym starer - Bradshaw, or whatever - was coughing, his cheeks flaming red as Natasha raised an eyebrow at you.

“He flies with me. Bradley Bradshaw- Rooster’s in my squadron.”

“He’s gym starer.”

“I’m what?”

“Ew,” Natasha only said, looking Bradley up and down, clearly unhappy with him. “Do you not know gym etiquette?”

“I wasn’t staring!” Bradley protested. “I mean, maybe I was, but I didn’t mean to. I swear.”

You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose. “I need a drink,” you muttered, moving over to the bar to flag down the bartender. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Natasha berating Bradley and him scowling at her, a bit miffed, before she rolled her eyes at him.

“Hey, what can I get you?”

Turning your eyes away, you looked at the smiling bartender.

“Gin and tonic?”

The bartender gave a brief nod, and went on to mix your drink, handing it to you after you slapped a ten dollar bill on the counter. You sipped your drink through the small black straw, relaxing slightly as the liquid burned in your throat. Your relaxation was cut short however, when you realized Bradley was walking towards you, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. Taking another long sip, hoping the liquid courage would help you out of this incredibly awkward situation, you raised your chin to look at him.

“I, uh. Was made aware that I might’ve come across as creepy,” Bradley said, his cheeks still pink.

“You think?”

Bradley winced. “I’m really sorry. I don’t like to bother people during their workout, but I just didn’t know how I was supposed to start talking to you. And when I finally got the courage to approach you, you kind of shut me down.”

You narrowed your eyes in confusion, trying to think back when he came up to talk to you in the gym.

“Wait… You mean when you asked me how many sets I had left?”

You didn’t think it was possible, but Bradley flushed an even deeper pink as he nodded.

“Yeah… I actually kind of asked you out, but you didn’t hear me, so I just felt weird and made up a lame excuse.”

“Wait, what?”

Bradley chuckled nervously, and you only stared at him in disbelief. So Natasha was right. Now it was your turn to blush

“I didn’t realize,” you explained and Bradley waved his hands around, giving you an embarrassed smile.

“Don’t worry about it, seriously. I’m sorry, again. I understand that you’re not interested, I am not here to pester you or anything, I just wanted to apologize.” Bradley turned to leave, but you stopped him, grabbing his arm.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t interested!” You protested, making Bradley turn back to you, the corner of his mouth ticking up in a grin.

“Yeah?”

You let go of his arm, rolling your eyes a bit. It was comical how quickly his facial expressions could change.

“Why don’t we start over?” Bradley asked, offering his hand. “I’m Bradley Bradshaw, nice to meet you.”

Zoe straightened her back after she adjusted her weights, letting her gaze wander through the gym. It wasn’t extremely busy and there were just a few people working out. She didn’t usually like coming to the gym after work, because she usually couldn’t get herself to leave her apartment after she got home. Today however, work was so crazy that Zoe had to release her stress somewhere, so gym it was. Zoe’s eyes stopped on the brunet guy when doing a double take when she noticed that his gaze was set on you and she could literally feel her eye twitch.

She didn’t really know you, but she’s seen you around the gym sometimes when you were working out, always by yourself. The guy didn’t really seem too focused on his workout as he kept his eyes steady on you and Zoe bristled. Sometimes she really hated men.

Zoe tried to channel all her anger in her workout, while still keeping an eye on you just in case. Throughout her workout, she wasn’t able to keep her eyes on you for the whole time, but when she got into the changing rooms and saw you packing your bag, she sighed in relief.

Shooting you a small smile, Zoe grabbed her bag and her jacket and headed outside, stopping in the doorway when she saw him waiting by the door. He looked up from his phone, looking at her puzzled when she only glared at him and turned on her heel to head back inside, the door falling shut in its hinges. She walked towards you, waiting until you looked up before she spoke.

“Hey, I’m Zoe,” she said and you introduced yourself as well, if a bit bewildered.

“I’m sorry, I know we don’t know each other at all, but there’s this weird guy hanging around outside the changing rooms. We could walk to the parking lot together.”

“What?” you asked, confused and Zoe took a deep breath, laughing nervously.

“Um, there was this guy who kept staring at you while you worked out? I don’t know if you noticed, but he was pretty focused on you. He’s standing right outside the changing rooms like a creep.”

You blinked at her before your facial expression completely changed, as you burst out in laughter. Now Zoe was very confused.

“Oh, please this is too funny. It’s really sweet of you, but I’m okay, really. He’s my boyfriend,” you explained and Zoe flushed.

“Oh god, I’m so sorry!”

“Don’t worry about it,” you said with a laugh. “He’s a bit dense sometimes. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

You swung your bag over your shoulder and Zoe had no choice but to follow you, even though she willed the ground to open up and swallow her whole. When you opened the door, your boyfriend slipped his phone into his pocket, surprised to see Zoe following you closely.

“Hey, everything okay?” he asked as you only snickered, shaking your head at him.

“Babe, this is Zoe. Zoe, this is my boyfriend, Bradley,” you introduced them, and Zoe could only plaster on a smile, while Bradley shook her hand, looking at you a bit lost. “Zoe thought you were creepy because you were staring at me the whole time like a creeper.”

“Oh,” Bradley muttered dumbly, his cheeks tinging pink. “Sorry, bad habit of mine. But thank you for looking out for my girl,” he told Zoe and she laughed nervously.

“Sure. We girls gotta look out for each other, right?”

“‘course. Hey, when are you coming here next?” You asked and Zoe shrugged with her shoulders.

“I’m not sure yet.”

You reached for your phone, holding it out to her. “We could go together, if you want? I’ll leave Bradley at home if we do, I promise.”

Bradley only groaned, turning his face away and your face was split open in a big grin, so Zoe only smiled as she punched her number into your phone, before handing it back to you.

“Great, I’ll text you, okay,” you promised, putting your phone away. “It was really nice meeting you Zoe.”

“It was nice meeting you too, bye.”

Bradley only waved his hand in wordless goodbye as you left, his arm wrapping around your waist. As you walked out, Zoe could hear the beginnings of your conversation.

“-you. It’s creepy and clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks that!”

“I’m sorry! You know I want to focus on my workout, but you keep distracting me, especially when you wear those leggings…”

a/n: i like to think that while bradley does have game, he can be quite dense sometimes hehe. i hope you liked it!

taglist: @littlebadariell // @labellapeaky // @solacestyles // @shaded-echoes // @madielake // @diorrfairy // @luckyladycreator2 // @ssaic-jareau // @xoxabs88xox // @averyhotchner // @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 // @tiredqueen73 // @alexxavicry // @classyunknownlover

#bradley rooster bradshaw fanfiction #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #rooster x reader

1K notes · View notes

sungbeam · 1 year

Text

𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

jung wooyoung x gn!reader

1.2k words, est. relationship au, low-key slice of life, kissing/making out, fluff, cheese :l

a/n: requests now closed! owjdkdjd i couldn't really make it suggestive cuz that wasn't the direction the fic was going, many apologies, chip !! >< hope u enjoy a slice of ur life w ur bf tho 😚

You could always pick Jung Wooyoung out of a line up. How could you not? The curtains of dual-dyed hair, the nose sculpted like marble, the smile—oh, his smile. His smile always had you tripping over your feet, faster than a crater in the sidewalk. And that smile was yours.

The bell above the door to the convenience store you worked at jingled a tinny sound and allowed the cool, night breeze to waft inside. You were stationed right beside it at the front counter, half a pair of earbuds in with a calculus textbook before you and a tub of ice cream for moral support. Your idea of a Wednesday night hadn't always been the midnight shift at the corner store, but it provided you with time needed to complete your homework since you barely experienced a rush hour.

The man in question waltzed through the door in a dark colored hoodie and a pair of old headphones draped around his neck. He sought you out immediately, beelining for the counter. "Now what's a sweet thing like you working in a dump like this?" He drawled as he leaned his side against the counter. There was a teasing glint in his eyes, something that came trademark to Wooyoung.

You offered him a spoonful of your strawberry cheesecake ice cream. "Some fella gon' done me wrong," you sighed to play along. "Just me and the ice cream." Your eyes skirted to the Lucky Cat figurine by the window, swinging around its tiny, white paw. "And the cat."

Wooyoung licked his lips as he savored the flavor of the ice cream. "Mm, that's good. Strawberry cheesecake?"

"Yup," you said, nodding. You scooped another bite for yourself. The carton was nearly as empty as the ice cream aisle was now. It always ran dry by this time of night. "That almost completes our world tour of the seventy-five flavors we sell, Woo. What's your favorite?"

Without hesitation, "You."

You choked up a laugh, your cheeks heating up beneath the fizzling fluorescent lights. Wooyoung's smile lit up the room and made the greenish tint of the store just a little warmer. He allowed you time to recover. "What? There's nothing sweeter than my baby."

He said it so easily. Your heart slammed against your ribcage and you wanted him to see it palpitate. Almost bashfully, you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and ducked your head to fidget with your calculus textbook. "You're so—why're you so cheesy!"

"Me? Cheesy?" He scoffed and placed a hand against his chest in mock offense. "How'd you know?"

You grinned; he grinned back. "You're so silly," you said, softer this time, closing your book and tearing the earbud out of your ear. According to the digital clock to your right, it was about time for you to close up.

"At least I make you laugh," he replied. As if it was the simplest thing in the world. As if his only purpose was to make you laugh, see you smile.

You were left biting your tongue, unable to string together the words to make him just as speechless. He watched you with a fond look in his eyes, the mole beneath his eye tempting you in wanting to kiss it. You began to clean everything up—dumping your trash in the bin, packing your school materials away, sweeping around the aisles. Wooyoung struck up a conversation about something San had been up to earlier today, his voice somehow carrying through the store as he emptied the trash into the alleyway dumpster for you. You both worked like two cogs in a machine, in no hurry, just desiring to be in the other's space.

When the store was cleaned up, Wooyoung grabbed your backpack for you and slung it over his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around you then, tucking you to his side as you locked the store up behind you.

The city was barren at this time of night, the streets dark and littered with circles of amber light from the streetlights. The walk to the nearby metro station was not necessarily just around the corner, so you always appreciated when Wooyoung dropped by to hang out and walk you home.

"What are you up to tonight?" You asked him, leaning your head against him slightly as you walked. You knew for sure he would probably walk you home, then head out to somewhere else with his friends. He never had short nights.

He hummed. "Mmh… think I'm meeting Joong hyung and everyone at the ring. Mingi's on tonight."

You raised a brow. "Oh, really? I thought he was taking a break to train some more."

"Nah, I think he just got impatient," Wooyoung mused. "You can still come with, baby. I could keep you safe; they're all afraid of me."

"Always the joker, aren't you?"

"Hey!" He squawked, peering over at you with his eyes alight and smile wide. "I take offense to that."

You laughed, patting his chest. "Want me to kiss it better?"

Wooyoung simpered down. "Yeah, always."

With a playful roll of your eyes, you stopped him in the middle of the sidewalk and cupped his cheeks. You met his lips with a firm, but affectionate peck. When you pulled away, he had attempted to press onwards and coax you back to him.

"I think I'm a little more offended than you think," he said, voice breathy. His arms were around your waist and anchored you to him, but left you room to still back away if you didn't want this.

You grazed your thumb over his lips and felt the bite of his teeth for a split second. "Your ego bruises like a peach, Wooyoung."

"And this peach would love for you to kiss him better."

Your heart did a somersault or two before you obliged him. He lowered his mouth over yours again, and you claimed that smile of his for yourself, as you had always done. Your fingers grasped the sides of his face to pull him impossibly close to you. Everything was so quiet; the world became yours and his. It was like he had nowhere to be and you had nowhere to go, but this moment was good, and you could have him as much as you could.

Wooyoung's tongue swiped over your bottom lip in a plea for entry, to which you granted. His fingers dug into your sides and held on for dear life. There was a crease between his brows as he kissed you, bruising both of your lips like the peach you claimed his ego to be.

And when you broke for air, his lips moved around your face to fill every crevice with him.

Your voice was hoarse, but chest light at the smattering of kisses over your face. "Is that amendment enough?" You laughed.

He smiled down at you, tongue licking his lips. "For now," he said with a wink.

Wooyoung curled his arm around your waist and the two of you started back in the direction of the metro station. Your voices echoed contently in the barren street that you had made your own:

"What do you mean 'for now?'"

"Well, you can't expect me to not pick up where we left off once we get home?"

atz m.list

permanent taglist: @flwoie @vatterie @seomisaho @hqrana @ja4hyvn @outrologist @tinkerbell460 @meosjinn @hyunjaespresent-deobi @stayarmytinyzenmoa-l @floatingpluto @gyulfriend @jaehunnyy @shakalakaboomboo @soonyoungblr @justanotherkpopstanlol @kangfication @pxppxrminty @fluorescentloves @haechansbbg @jaerisdiction @super-btstrash-posts @jundundun @http-gyu @mvvnsseul @kflixnet

#kflixnet #bjnet #ateez x reader #jung wooyoung x reader #wooyoung x reader #ateez imagines #ateez drabbles #ateez oneshot #ateez fluff #ateez scenarios #wooyoung imagines #wooyoung scenarios #wooyoung fluff #wooyoung oneshot #wooyoung drabble

425 notes · View notes

bluecloudsandpinksnow · 1 month

Text

strawberry milk (akabane karma x reader)

summary:

He likes it. It’s his favorite brand and you are so good at this ‘communicating’ thing. You’re pretty sure Karma said something after that, but currently, you are on cloud nine and you can barely process the words over your feelings of success.

You would have fist pumped and yelled ‘sublime’ too, had he not waved a hand in front of your face in concern.

“Hey, are you okay? You’re acting kinda- weird?”

Okay, you did not respond fast enough, what did he even say before that? You shake your head and prepare the fastest, most soundproof response you can muster.

“Sorry, I fell down the stairs this morning.” fandom: Assassination Classroom by Yûsei Matsui pairing: akabane karma x gender-neutral! reader warnings: none, unless you count second hand embarrassment notes: - cross posted on ao3 under the same name - first fic ever posted for me, i have more plans n drafts for this universe already but that depends on my motivation lmao - i hope you have as much fun reading as i had writing --- START ---

Mustering up the last bits of courage you can, you pull the two tetra packs from your bag and abruptly stand up.

Unfortunately for you, your chair screeches against the floorboard from the force, and all of your classmates look in your direction.

You could feel the heat creeping up your neck as you quietly mutter out an apology. Thankfully, no one makes a big issue of your disruption and they all return to their own activities.

Now to face the daunting task that’s been plaguing your mind ever since this morning at the train station, where your whimsical decision-making had you convinced that you should totally, definitely, get something for Karma.

You briskly walk across the room, over to where the aforementioned red-headed boy was conversing with Nagisa about some topic you couldn’t process at the moment.

All you want to do is to get to know him better, that’s it. No underlying motives, whatsoever.

“Hey, this is for you.”

You shoved the strawberry milk carton into his hand. A flash of innocent confusion crosses Karma’s face, and you almost let yourself think about how cute of a look it was for someone like him. Before you get to entertain that preposterous thought, he tilts his head in amusement, waiting for an explanation.

“So, uhm- The vending machine! I got lucky, cause it, uhm- it broke, so I got two instead of one- Not that it’s lucky that it broke of course! That’s bad, that has some very bad implications. Uh, you know?” you wave your hands around in an attempt to explain, gesturing to your milk carton as if it would suddenly start talking in your defense.

From the corner of your eye, you see Nagisa giving you a sympathetic smile before grabbing his notebook and gesturing to Karma of his intent to review for the next class.

You were thankful at first, until the realization sunk in that you now have to explain yourself to Karma.

Alone.

No verbal or social support from your peers.

This will be fine. You convince yourself this before the urge to backflip out of the classroom window can overtake you.

“Thanks, I guess? Why the sudden gift, you like me or something?” He teases, because of course he does, and now you have to come up with the reply or he will know that you lied about the vending machine and that there’s some dubious reason as to why you got two strawberry milk cartons that just so happen to be his favorite brand.

Karma cannot know. He absolutely cannot.

“Huh? Psh! Of course not, I just wanted to thank you for helping me last week, you know? Math isn’t my strongest subject and I- what you told me, that shortcut? It just- it’s cool! It really helped me and I felt like I had to thank you. Yeah?” you ramble, and a part of you wishes the ground would collapse beneath your feet just so you could escape this tragedy of a conversation.

You stare awkwardly at Karma, anticipating his response. You swear he looks like he wants to ask what on earth is wrong with you, but maybe it’s just the nerves.

He shrugs, “No biggie. You didn’t need to go through the effort of buying me something just for that one tip.”

He hates it. He thinks you’re weird and over the top. It’s time for you to exile yourself.

“Thanks, though. How’d you know I like this brand anyway?”

You would have fist pumped and yelled ‘sublime’ too, had he not waved a hand in front of your face in concern.

“Hey, are you okay? You’re acting kinda- weird?”

Okay, you did not respond fast enough, what did he even say before that? You shake your head and prepare the fastest, most soundproof response you can muster.

“Sorry, I fell down the stairs this morning.”

‘WHO SAYS THAT? WHY DID I SAY THAT?’

You need to pass out right now. Maybe if he thinks you have a concussion you can still salvage your reputation in his eyes. Karma’s eyes widen in concern and you can’t help the butterflies ricocheting in your gut.

“Woah, maybe you should go have that checked with the nurse? I can take you there, I wanna skip class anyway.”

In normal circumstances, you would have reprimanded him for even suggesting that he skip classes and use you as a reason. However, now it is different. Now it is very different when you feel these very dreadful, un-platonic feelings for the redhead.

‘Calm down butterflies, he just suggested a friendly gesture of good, normal, regular, concern.’ You reassure yourself, because if you don’t, you might just blast off into the stratosphere like you were Koro-sensei being complimented by a pretty barista lady.

Karma puts his hand on your shoulder.

‘ÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆ'

You imagine swatting away the butterflies to keep yourself sane, and you try your best to collect an actual, reasonable response this time.

“No, no, it’s fine. Thanks for the concern. A lot of things just happened today, and I’m just a bit overwhelmed. I’m sorry if I’m acting strange.” you speak slower than you did prior, and you find yourself more composed.

Well, as composed as you can be considering Karma still has his hand on your shoulder. You bow your head in shame, not being able to meet his eyes.

He scoffs in amusement, “Hey, don’t worry about it, and really, thanks for the strawberry milk.”

You look up at him and sigh in relief, thankful that he doesn’t think you’re completely insane. He gives your shoulder another pat before moving his hand off to pry the straw from the back of his tetra pack.

“No problem! Thanks again too, for helping me last week.”

A big part of you is relieved that he took his hand off of your shoulder so your heart rate could normalize itself, but a tinier, more delusional part of your brain feels disappointed that he had to pull his hand away at all.

You move to turn and walk away, but Karma speaks again.

“Hey, if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, you can always skip class with me. We can just tell Koro-sensei you weren’t feeling well.” he offers, and it takes every ounce of sense in you to not just accept it then and there. Especially not when you meet his eyes and see them light up with mischief.

You have to be reasonable. Doing so just to entertain your silly little infatuation would disappoint Koro-sensei and tarnish your good record. You can find more excuses to spend time with him without breaking the school rules.

“No thank you, it’s okay. I think I’ll just go to the bathroom and wash my face. I appreciate the concern though.” You nod your head and flash Karma a light smile, to which he shrugs and moves to sit at his desk, drinking the strawberry milk you gave him.

You move to make your way out of the classroom, and you see Nakamura smirk at you. She was probably watching you make a fool out of yourself in front of Karma, and you know for a fact she will tease you about that horrid display of human interaction later. You squint your eyes at her, daring her to laugh or say something, to which she just smiles at you wider and you swear you can see devil horns form on her head.

Nakamura held her phone up while you were walking past. You gape slightly in frustration as you realize what she had shown you.

She had recorded your god awful attempt at giving Karma the strawberry milk. There was physical evidence of it for others to witness.

The worst part? There was physical evidence of it for Koro-sensei to witness.

You quickly stomp into the bathroom and turn on the sink, shoving your face into your hands before you let out an exasperated groan.

There was no living this down for you.

You just hoped Karma wouldn’t take the news so harshly if he found out.

---END---

Thanks for reading! :DDD

#assclass #akabane karma #ansatsu kyoushitsu #nagisa shiota #korosensei #assassination classroom #assassination classroom x reader #akabane karma x reader #nakamura rio #drabble #bro morpheus sent me a few dreams and i slipped #an assclass fic in 2024? that's crazy

25 notes · View notes

sneakyparsnipslicer · 1 year

Text

The Disappearance of Bobby Krauser

[Another transformation story, I've been having a lot of ideas, so there could still be a lot more stories coming in the following days]

Today might have just been the worst day for Bobby, certainly the worst for a good while. The day had started like any working morning did. Alarm went off at 4am, went to his kitchen to make a coffee, sort out his backpack with food and tools he'd need for the 12 hour shift. He'd been in this routine for 2 and a half years, work was at a factory that made food products for some Belgium-based brand. 48 hours a week he worked per block, four days on, four days off. The pay was good too, even though he was still a temp worker after so long. He'd managed to finally move out of his mother's house at the age of 27 thanks to the money he was earning from the constant work. In many ways it had made his life better, but as a side effect it had made him into a bit of a workaholic.

Bobby had gone to work, same as usual, started working in his section of the factory at 6am, his job was to watch the conveyor belts and set the machines right if something went wrong and the alarms sounded, like a carton getting stuck on a diverter or a cardboard box not being taken off the pile correctly. It was easy since he'd learned all there was to know about the job. Only trouble was he'd tried applying for a full time job over the past year, three times.

During his first work break he sat in the canteen, he was approached by one of his co-workers Kyle. 'Morning Bobby, how are things?' Kyle asked. 'Hey Kyle, I'm good thanks, what's up?' Bobby asked, looking up from his phone. 'So I know you've been wanting that machine operator job for a while now' Kyle began. 'Only for about a year now mate' Bobby chuckled. 'Yeah, see I told a friend of mine about the job… and they've taken him on' said Kyle. Bobby's smile fell at the mention of this. He looked at Kyle. 'I'm really sorry Bobby' stammered Kyle. Bobby sighed and shook his head. 'That's fine I guess, I've only been passed over 3 fucking times now' said Bobby passive-aggressively, looking to his phone. 'Look man, my friend really needed a job and I mentioned it to him' said Kyle nervously. 'And that's fine, really. I'd probably have done the same. Well I can't really do anything about it now can I, this has to be fine' grumbled Bobby, not making eye contact with Kyle. Kyle looked down sheepishly. 'Anyway, I've gotta go. See you around' said Kyle hopefully. Bobby waved his hand and watched Kyle as he left. Bobby sat back in his chair and sighed. 'Fucking hell' he breathed, looking at the ceiling. He looked over at the clock and saw he was needed back in the factory in the next 5 minutes. He packed his stuff up, washed his hands and returned to the factory. The rest of the shift went as average as it could be, around 3pm his team leader, Luke entered the factory and asked Bobby to come with him to one of the meeting rooms. In the room was one of the ladies from the agency he worked for. Bobby and his team leader sat down.

'Right, Bobby. Long story short, we're letting you go' started Luke. Bobby's face sank. 'Why?' asked Bobby, sitting up in his chair. 'We've come to realise you're not happy here' said Luke. 'Luke, I've been here 2 and a half years, I've never been late, if I didn't like it here I'd have found work elsewhere long ago' said Bobby firmly. 'We've also had another applicant for the job you applied for and we've got a really good feeling about him' stated Luke matter-of-factly. 'So you're just going to throw 2 year's training down the toilet for some guy off the street?' asked Bobby, trying not to get over-infuriated. 'Bobby, we're grateful for all you've done for us, but we just don't need you anymore. You can leave straight away, we'll give you a week's pay' said Luke. Bobby looked to the agency lady and back to Luke. This was unbelievable. 'Well can I at least finish my shift today, we clock out in 3 hours and I'd hate to leave my team in the lurch' said Bobby. 'No Bobby, you can leave right now' said Luke firmly. Bobby got the hint, they really were kicking him out the door. 'Susan here will help you find other work, I'm sure you'll be fine at your mother's for now' said Luke. 'I moved out of my Mum's 2 years ago Luke, how do you not know this? You're leaving me in a flat with no secure job future' argued Bobby. 'Oh… well, you'll find something better' said Luke. Bobby rolled his eyes. 'Well, guess I'd better go get my things from the locker room then' said Bobby, getting out of his chair and leaving the room. On his way to signing out, he saw Kyle and decided to busy himself with the clocking machine. 'Bobby, I just heard, I'm really sorry' said Kyle. Bobby looked to Kyle, he really wanted to say what he thought of him, but shook his head. 'It's alright, I just hope your friend's as good as everyone's making him out to be' said Bobby. 'But it's just you have your flat and all' said Kyle. 'And the agency will find me other work, don't worry about me Kyle. That's my job now' said Bobby, and he proceeded to leave the factory building. On his way home he checked his phone, a few of the other factory workers had caught wind of what happened and had messaged him on Facebook. It cheered him up, being asked to keep in touch and them passing on their anger about how Bobby had been handled. But he put his phone away, he needed to do something about this predicament.

Arriving home his first thought was to fire up his computer and print off some CVs, then head into town and look for work. So he put the kettle on and got to work on doing that. He popped a handful in his backpack and headed into town. It was funny, his work life had just vanished, 4 hours ago he had a job, and now here he was keeping an eye out for shop windows that said 'Staff Wanted'. Maybe he could've just gone online and saved some trouble but he just needed some fresh air to clear his head. He stopped by a few shops and supermarkets, those that would accept CVs got one, but most places told him to apply online. It really was a sign of the times, back when he'd started his work career it felt a lot more normal to meet someone in person at a shop and hand them a CV. Approaching one alleyway, he came across a small building that used to be a café that he used to frequent before it shut down about a year ago. The windows were darkened and a sign above it read 'Enrique's Escapist Emporium'. Bobby reckoned this place can't have been open all that long, but there was a 'Staff Wanted' sign on the door and the sign said 'Open' so he shrugged his shoulders. Why not.

Walking inside, he heard a small bell ring as he opened the door. The room beyond was dimly lit, and he could faintly hear a radio playing near where the serving counter was. Squinting, Bobby could see someone sitting there and began to make his way over. The person sitting at the counter was caught up in a crossword, funnily they looked as if they belonged to a gym more than a dainty little shop. They put down their reading glasses and crossword and smiled at Bobby. 'Good afternoon, how can I help you?' they asked. 'Uh, hi. My name is Bob, and I'm looking for a job' said Bobby, smiling. The guy smiled and chuckled. 'Well if that's not the most Quentin Tarantino thing I've heard all day' the guy remarked. 'Have you got a CV on you, Bob?'. Bobby paused for a moment and then took off his backpack, rummaging through it and handing one to the man. Who took it and looked. 'Bobby Krauser' said the man, reading the top of the paper. 'Oh yeah, that's me' said Bobby. It was strange, this person seemed well-mannered and decent, but something was making him feel nervous. Maybe it was the lack of light in the room. 'Have a seat please, Bobby' said the man, gesturing to a small wooden chair. Bobby took a seat and waited in anticipation. 'Oh please, make yourself comfortable. I'll begin your interview shortly' said the man. Bobby took off his backpack and coat and tried to calm his nerves.

'Tell me about yourself then Bobby, you from around here?' the man asked. 'Oh yeah, I was born at the hospital on the other side of town' said Bobby. The man smiled and nodded. 'And you're… 28, 29 maybe?' he asked. 'Yeah, 29. Reaching the big 30 next year' said Bobby, chuckling. The man looked at him and smiled. 'So, you've been a cleaner, a kitchen assistant and a factory worker then?' asked the man. Bobby nodded. 'Oh I also worked at a game shop for a few months, so I did retail for a while' added Bobby. The man nodded and placed the paper down, putting his hands together and taking a good look at Bobby. 'So then Bobby, do you have any questions for me?' he asked. 'Uh, well is your name Enrique? It's just I know the shop sign says Enrique's Escapist Emporium' said Bobby, pointing to the front door. 'Yes that's correct' Enrique smiled. 'Ah, have you had this place long?' Bobby asked. 'We opened a couple of weeks ago, moved from up country but I rarely stay in one place' Enrique answered. 'I see. So what is it you do here exactly?' asked Bobby. 'Here we sell whatever the customer wants' said Enrique vaguely. Bobby looked on confused. 'That seems to be a broad range then' chuckled Bobby nervously. Enrique shook his head. 'Not at all. May I ask you a question, Bobby?' asked Enrique. Bobby thought for a moment. 'Sure, go ahead' said Bobby. 'What do you want?' Enrique asked calmly. 'Well I want a job if you've got one going' replied Bobby, shrugging his shoulders. Enrique chuckled softly. 'I like you Bobby, you're funny. I mean what do you really want, out of life?' he asked. Bobby thought for a moment. 'Take your time' said Enrique reassuringly. 'I… I want to be happy again' said Bobby, looking to the ground. This response made Enrique raise his eyebrows. 'How do you mean, Bobby?' asked Enrique.

'Well, I think in recent years I've become a bit cranky. My last job just let me go a few hours ago. I moved out of my Mum's after years of her telling me I needed to get a proper job, then I needed to get myself a place to live. I just wasted 2 and a half years as a temp worker at a factory, my friends that I have tell me I've become passive-aggressive. I've got a lot going on in life and… I just wish I could be happy, like I was back in school' Bobby lamented. Enrique looked at him sadly. 'Well from what I've seen Bobby, you're funny, friendly and kind-spirited' smiled Enrique. Bobby smiled. 'Thanks Enrique, but you've only just met me. I was here to make a good first impression' said Bobby. 'But you've been genuine. I can tell you've been through a lot, but you seem to bottle that away well' said Enrique observantly. 'So do I qualify to work here then' asked Bobby, trying to bring the conversation back around to the reason he came in. 'I suppose I could take you on, but I feel you're more in need of your happiness first' said Enrique, standing up. Bobby came to realise that Enrique was a pretty tall guy, easily 6'3, towering over his standing height at 5'2. Bobby had the chance to see he had a very muscular build, biceps and triceps galore, he wondered for a moment if Enrique had to turn sideways to get through the front door when he entered the shop. Enrique walked off to the back room, Bobby could hear him rummaging through the shelves. He wondered if he should get out of there, he began to feel nervous again. Their conversation had gone unexpectedly deep. What exactly did Enrique mean by 'giving him his happiness'.

Enrique returned with a small box. 'Sorry to have kept you waiting Bobby, it's still pretty cluttered back there' Enrique chuckled. He placed the box on the counter and sat back down. Bobby and Enrique looked at the box, then Bobby looked to Enrique who was looking at Bobby searchingly. 'Bobby, I'm going to give you a choice and I really want you to think hard about this' warned Enrique. Bobby nodded nervously. Enrique sighed and began. 'Think of this as Pandora's Box, Bobby. Your happiness lies within it, however it comes with a price' said Enrique. 'Oh, just let me get my wallet-' began Bobby jokingly, but Enrique shook his head. 'Bobby, for the short time I've known you, you strike me as a lovely, wonderful person. You are probably loved and cared for by so many people. Even if you don't see it yourself, there are those that genuinely care for you. You open this box and Bobby Krauser ceases to exist. You'll become someone new, you might be happier, but you won't be beloved Bobby anymore' said Enrique ominously. Bobby looked to the box, then back to Enrique. 'And what's the other choice Enrique' asked Bobby, sweating nervously. 'You remain Bobby and continue as Bobby. You may even work here and travel as Bobby. The choice is yours'

Bobby considered his options, a fresh start at life as someone else. He could leave his old life behind, leave everything and everyone he knew. He'd sometimes thought about how if he'd died, he'd love to know who would mourn him. But on the other hand, him actually vanishing would make that thought a reality and he thought of his family, his friends near and far. The alternative was to live as himself and just pray that life magically got better over time. Bobby looked at the box, looked to Enrique and placed his hand on the box. Enrique sighed sadly but nodded in acceptance. 'Very well then, you'd better open the box' said Enrique. Bobby curiously lifted the lid and peered inside. There was a single, dusty purple bottle with a cork in the top. He picked it up, there was no label on it. He looked back to Enrique. 'What is this Enrique?' Bobby asked. Enrique folded his arms and looked to it sadly. 'It's a gel, it'll help you become who you're going to be' said Enrique. He stood up and went to the front door, turning the sign to say 'Closed' and locked the door. 'You'd better come to the back room' Enrique said. Bobby stood up and followed Enrique.

Inside the backroom was a bizarre sight. There were shrines lining the walls with pictures of various nameless people, surrounded by candles and garments that presumably belonged to the framed people. 'People come here seeking escapism, Bobby. Much like yourself. They may not wish to be remembered, but I never forget them' said Enrique, looking around. 'So, when do I stop being me?' Bobby asked. 'That bottle. Remove your clothes and rub it's contents all over your body' said Enrique. Bobby shrugged and did as he was told, removing his shoes, socks, trousers and t-shirt. He opened the bottle and began to rub it's contents all over him. Soon he was all lubed up and glistening in the candle light. He turned to Enrique who had also removed his clothes and gelled himself up. They both looked at each other for a moment. 'Such a beautiful soul. Farewell Bobby Krauser' said Enrique. Bobby looked at him confused. The next thing Bobby knew, Enrique's big, slimy hands grabbed his jaw and prised his mouth open. He moved his right hand into Bobby's mouth and pushed down, to Bobby's surprise, his neck began to expand as Enrique's fist and forearm slid down into his chest. Bobby's knees buckled and he was kneeling on the floor before the giant man. Bobby looked into Enrique's eyes as he placed his left arm into the gaping void that was now Bobby's mouth. The sound of stretching elastic filled the room as Enrique raised a foot and lowered it into Bobby's mouth. The foot and leg snaked down, to fill out Bobby's skinnier leg, making it bloat out three times it's previous size. Bobby was amazed, this was a crazy way to go out. But if he was going to become Enrique, he just knew he was going to love it. Enrique lifted his second leg into Bobby's mouth and moved him around to align with his own body. By now Bobby's feet and legs were darkening, expanding and squeaking, becoming massive. Bobby already had Size 11 feet, but with Enrique invading them, they shot to a ridiculous 18. His legs thickened like tree trunks and Enrique began to pull Bobby's body upwards. As Enrique continued to slide into Bobby's body, everything just got bigger. Bobby's relatively flat ass become like two big watermelons and his already six inch dick became an absolute monster of a serpent with two basketballs hanging below it. His belly compressed against Enrique's impressive washboard abs and his arms became enormous. By now Enrique was nearly entirely inside Bobby, all that was left was to match up the chin and lift his head over his, completing the transformation. Enrique stood in the middle of the room, huffing and panting, an absolute hulk of a man. Skin still bubbling and contorting, Enrique grabbed his dick and began jacking it hard. Picturing Bobby's kind face in his mind, he roared the most animalistic roar as he shot a huge load worthy of several giants. The cum pooled on the floor and began to shape as a new form emerged. A new man was birthed from the warm sludge, he stirred and gasped as he took his first breaths. Enrique stood against the wall panting and sweating as the new man began to explore his tanned body. He was a bit more built than Bobby had been, dare he say even more handsome. The man's eyes were bright with new excitement and amazement. He looked at Enrique, who was starting to look more like how he did before he slipped into Bobby and gave him a hug.

'Enrique, thank you, thank you so much' he cried. Enrique smiled. 'Here is your happiness, as promised' Enrique said. The man smiled at Enrique. 'I think from this day forward I'll go by Gabriel. Always liked that name' said Gabriel. 'Well Gabriel, the world's yours now. Be who you want to be. Go start your new life' said Enrique. He found some clothes out for Gabriel and put back on his own clothes. They both left the backroom and Enrique unlocked the shop door for him. Gabriel felt the wind on his new face and sighed with contentment. He sauntered off and Enrique returned to his shop. He looked to the counter and saw Bobby's backpack and coat. He sighed and picked them up, looking towards the back room. They were mementos now, belonging to a man that no longer existed.

A few months have passed since the strange disappearence of Mr. Bobby Krauser. Many have suspected suicide, but no body can be found. Those that remember him hope that he may one day return and remember the best of times they can recall with him. Police managed to find his phone inside an old and long-abandoned café shop that closed a year ago, why it was there is a mystery, though no other leads can be found in this investigation. It has been discovered that Mr. Krauser's bank account had been emptied around 7pm the day he lost his job at a cashpoint within his hometown. It is unknown where Mr. Krauser went following his unjustified suspension from his previous job, but if he's out there still, we hope he has found peace. -DCI G. K. Ralser

#transformation #bodysuit #rebirth #giant #male transformation #male tf #racial change

51 notes · View notes

nichromein · 3 months

Text

In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, efficiency is key to staying ahead of the competition. Businesses are constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions that can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. As a leading name in packaging solutions, we offer a range of end of line machines designed to meet these needs. Let's explore how our end of line machines can benefit your business with unparalleled efficiency.

0 notes

nichromepackaging · 2 years

Text

Nichrome’s snack pack line has the ‘knack’!

Nichrome India, a global leader in integrated and automated packaging solutions, is counted among the best in the world for its precision manufacturing, plethora of products for several use cases, and bespoke sales and service. The name Nichrome has become synonymous with integrated and automated packaging solutions especially in India and across the world.

For start-ups, SMEs or large MNCs; for current or emerging needs, Nichrome offers endless possibilities and value in packaging solutions. That too, with one-stop convenience. We partner with customers, studies their specific application, and offer integrated solutions that deliver cost savings and efficiency.

Nichrome Packaging Solutions

Think automated packaging machines, think Nichrome India. Nichrome offers a wide array of products for Multilane Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS), solid packaging, liquid packaging, viscous material packaging, Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) and tin & jar filling systems renowned for their performance and ease-of-use.

Nichrome India’s integrated packaging solutions take packaging tech to the next level of capability because they are backed by extensive R&D and tailor-made design.

Nichrome’s powder filling machine, tin filling machine, jar filling machine, can filling & sealing machine, carton packing machine, flow wrap machine and horizontal flow wrap machine are the preferred products in India and worldwide.

Nichrome’s Tin Filling Line

Nichrome's tin filling line is a sturdy, low-maintenance system made for accurate performance and safety. The PLC-controlled line has a digital LCD touch screen displaying settings, and safety enclosures with interlocks for rotary parts. Tin sterilization and cleaning options are on offer.

Nichrome is a superior snack packaging machine manufacturer, focused on providing high quality packaging solutions ensuring that the freshness and quality of food products is maintained.

Nichrome’s Snack & Namkeen Packaging Machine

Nichrome’s SnackPack, is a food packaging machine that provides packaging solutions for a wide range of snack and namkeen products with dedicated design solutions for snack & namkeen packaging.

Nichrome’s snack packing machines have applications in safely and aesthetically packaging Chips, Puffed Snacks, Dry Fruits, Wrapped Candies, Biscuits, Pasta, Breakfast Cereals, Potato Chips, Kurkure, Macaroni, Indian Namkeen, Nuts, Soya Chunks, High Counts Biscuits.

Nichrome’s Wing-200 E-line Snack Pack, Excel Vertipack 320, Excel 400 Plus Multihead Weigher and Sprint 250 Plus Multihead Weigher are making industry buzz.

Nichrome Jar Filling Machines

Nichrome offers a wide range of liquid packaging machines – including bottle filling machines, oil tin filling machines, and ghee jar filling machines – that can be used to package diverse liquids.

Nichrome presents a versatile jar filling & packaging system which is widely used to fill solids like tea, small biscuits, nutraceutical powders, health drinks, wrapped candies, viscous fluids like ghee, peanut butter, and mayonnaise.

Nichrome’s jar filling and sealing line can also be used to pack Chyawanprash, powders, granules, candies, and biscuits into bottles or jars. We provide end-to-end solutions for all kinds of bottle filling, foil sealing, capping, labelling and batch coding requirements.

Nichrome Wing 200 E-Line Snack Pack

The Wing 200 E-Line Snack Pack is an exclusive packaging solution for start-ups and SMEs. Nichrome Wing 200 E-Line Snack Pack demonstrates superior expertise and reliability of Nichrome, and is available in a compact, affordable format designed to fit your space and budget.

Nichrome Flow Wrap Machine (Flexiwrap 700)

In the Nichrome Flexiwrap 700, secondary CSPP Flow-wrapped pouches are formed for a wide range of lay flat widths, up to 700mm. It operates with manual product feeding into a specialized conveyor and does automatic flow wrapping.

The sterling features of the Nichrome Flow Wrap Machine (Flexiwrap 700) are intermittent motion, robust construction, quick change-over friendly design for use of different forming size parts and convenience.

Nichrome Horizontal Cartoner

Enjoy fast & efficient cartoning with Nichrome’s Horizontal Cartoning Machine. This secondary packaging machine has a rated output of up to 180 cartons per minute and handles a variety of cartons with options of both side tuck-in, both side gluing or top tuck-in with bottom gluing.

Nichrome offers both continuous and intermittent fully automatic horizontal cartoners integrated with primary packaging. The main features are flexibility for size range and quick change-over, additional positive product inserter before flap closure (special for rigid products & pouches).

This Nichrome carton packaging machine also features unique and invaluable features like auto pre-folded leaflet insertion, machine guards with positive safety interlocks, sensors for monitoring carton and pouch, and speed up to 180 cartons per minute. It is the secondary and tertiary packaging solution of choice in India and markets abroad.

Conclusion

If integrated and automated packaging systems, is your ask; then give us the task! At Nichrome India, having developed India's first indigenous milk packaging machine in 1977, we have been at the forefront of cutting-edge packaging technologies. Nichrome is a brand trusted for its rich legacy of pioneering innovation, extensive domain knowledge and manufacturing competency in fully integrated packaging systems.

Our sales & service networking spans is based in Pune and is spread across all over the globe and India. Nichrome has a footprint in more than 45 countries and has successfully done 10000+ installations worldwide.

#snack packaging #namkeen packaging #snack packing machines #liquid packaging machines #bottle filling machines #oil tin filling machines #ghee jar filling machines #Horizontal Cartoning Machine #milk packaging machine #VFFS #HFFS #powder filling machine #tin filling machine #jar filling machine #can filling & sealing machine #carton packing machine #flow wrap machine #horizontal flow wrap machine

0 notes

skylarstark4826 · 10 months

Text

"Persistive vegetative state... damage too extensive... nothing more we can do... life support..."

Jerry Williams numbly listened as a neurologist spoke in a soft, dispassionate voice and damned his daughter to a hellish existence. Not a life — an existence.

"No," Karen wailed suddenly and Jerry jerked slightly as the loud sound shattered the air. "If you turn off those machines, she'll die. You said so yourself."

The doctor arranged his expression into one of detached sympathy. "Mrs. Williams, I am sorry, but when that horse threw your stepdaughter, the fall broke her neck and her spinal cord was severed. In addition, the damage done when her head stuck the rock... She has no awareness of herself or of her condition, and there is no chance for improvement."

Jerry Williams vaguely registered the sound of his wife's muted sobbing as he nodded slightly at the doctor and turned back toward the dark-haired woman lying silent and unmoving on the hospital bed. Countless tubes that breathed for her, dripped nutrition into her body, and carried waste away almost obscured his baby girl completely.

'Oh, Sarah,' he thought, gently brushing his fingers over her pale forehead. 'How am I ever going to be strong enough to let you go?'~*~

At home, Jerry and Karen told Toby of their decision, speaking as gently as possible to the eleven-year old boy.

"No," he shouted, his face going white. "You can't kill her. Sarah will be fine. She has to be fine."

"Toby, sweetie," Karen whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks, "She's not going to be fine. She's not ever going to wake up. No matter how much we wish that she would get better, she's not. It's best if we let her go be with God."

"God," Toby spat out contemptuously. "You said if we prayed, then everything would be okay. Well, I prayed over and over, and it's not okay. It's not!"

He jumped up and fled the living room, running to the safe haven of his bedroom. Pacing the floor, silent tears streaming down his face, Toby tried to figure out what to do. There had to be something to do. He couldn't just let them kill Sarah. He didn't care what they said. Sarah had always told him that he could have anything that he wanted if he just wanted it badly enough. She would be all right if he just knew what to do.

"No matter how much we wish..."

Toby froze in mid-step.

"God isn't listening," he said fiercely. "But maybe somebody else will."~*~

In the attic, Toby found the box that held the things that Sarah had packed away ten years ago. She'd told him the story of their adventures in the Underground many times throughout those ten years. She had warned him never to repeat those tales, that no one would believe that they were real.

And she had told him of the crystal she had found in his crib upon their return.

"He threw it to you when we were in that awful room. I guess you just held onto it." The echo of Sarah's voice whispered through his mind. "I don't think that it's anything more than a crystal ball now. But I put it away. It's better to be safe than sorry."

Toby's hands shook as he opened the carton and moved the music box and the other things to the side. His fingers touched something hard and round wrapped in layers of tissue paper.

He pulled at the paper, shredding it carelessly until a clear sphere rested in his palm. He held it up and watched, fascinated, as light seemed to gather inside the crystal, causing it to glow faintly.

He screwed up his courage and said clearly, "I wish I could talk to the Goblin King right now."

Sarah had told him of the storm, the lightning and thunder that preceded the Goblin King's visit. She'd told him of the owl bursting into the room and the sparkling shower of magic that announced his arrival, and as soon as Toby had made his wish, he turned toward the window and waited.

But nothing happened.

The night outside remained still and calm. Toby strained his ears but couldn't hear even the faintest sound of thunder, and no owl appeared to scratch at the glass, demanding entrance.

His shoulders slumped and his head bowed. "It's not fair," he whispered.

"I truly detest that phrase," a melodious voice said from behind him.

Toby whirled to find a tall blond man leaning casually against the wall, his arms folded over his chest. Long hair fluttered softly about his shoulders, even though Toby couldn't feel any breeze in the room. The man was dressed in a pair of beige breeches and a white shirt open almost to his waist, revealing an odd medallion hanging from a cord around his neck. His mismatched eyes gleamed with secretive mirth as he regarded Toby.

"I—" Toby swallowed and tried again, shock causing him to blurt out the first thing that crossed his mind. "I thought you dressed all in black."

The man arched an eyebrow. "I only wear my formal attire when someone has been wished away. And that hasn't happened. Yet." He gave a predatory smile, and his voice lowered to a confidential tone. "But you are considering wishing someone away to me." His nostrils flared delicately. "I can smell it on you."

His eyes narrowed when he saw the crystal held limply in Toby's hand.

"Where did you get that?" the Goblin King demanded sharply.

"Sarah said that you gave it to me," Toby said, his voice shaking.

The Goblin King tilted his head. "Sarah?" he repeated in a remote tone, and his eyes narrowed. "You are her brother."

Toby nodded. "I need your help."

"My help?" The Goblin King looked astonished for a moment. "Why ever would you need my help?"~*~

They sat side by side on a trunk in the attic, the eleven-year-old mortal boy and the ageless Goblin King. The tear-stained face of the boy was a stark contrast to the emotionless expression the king wore.

"Will you help me?" the boy entreated. "Will you make her well?"

"I'm not certain it's possible," the king replied quietly.

Toby looked stricken. "But Sarah said... Sarah said that you could do anything."

"She said that?" Jareth looked pleased for a moment, and then he gave a small sigh. "From what you have told me, Sarah has been irreparably damaged."

Toby's face fell. His eyes narrowed suspiciously, and he jumped up to face the Goblin King. "You hate her," he accused. "Sarah was right. You hate her, and that's why you won't help."

"I do not hate her," Jareth snapped, taken aback by the boy's sudden hostility. His manner softened as Toby's words sank in. "Sarah thinks I hate her? Why would she assume such a thing?"

Toby nodded. "Because you wouldn't talk to her. She said she called and called you, but you wouldn't come. She said that's when she knew you hated her." Toby hesitated and then said, "She doesn't think I know, but sometimes... sometimes it made her cry."

For a split second, an unreadable emotion flickered through the Goblin King's eyes. "When she said those words, I was no longer able to hear her call." Jareth said softly. "I no longer had any power over her. I still do not. She hasn't rescinded the words. Now, it seems, she won't be able to do so."

"But if I wish her away, then you will have power, right?" Toby said hopefully. "And you can make her all better.'

Jareth shook his head slightly. How could he explain to the boy that in her current condition, the strain of transporting Sarah into the Underground would surely kill her?

Jareth thoughtfully tapped his lips with a gloved finger. But there was one way...

His eyes locked on the boy.

"I am not certain you realize what you ask, Toby. If you wish Sarah away to the goblins, then she goes away with me. She cannot remain here."

Tears welled up in Toby's eyes, and his bottom lip trembled. "I'd rather that she was alive with you than..." His voice trailed off and his breath hitched in his chest.

"Then we must come to an understanding," Jareth said. "If I do this, you must swear that you will not choose to run the labyrinth in an effort to get Sarah back."

"But... but..." Toby stammered.

Jareth merely arched an eyebrow and regarded the boy evenly.

"Are you going to change her into a goblin?" Toby asked suspiciously.

"Of course not," Jareth said, frowning slightly.

The boy dropped his eyes for a long moment and then looked back up at Jareth. "Are you a bad man?"

"What?" Jareth blinked in surprise.

"Sarah said that she thought you were only pretending to be bad because she expected you to be. She said she didn't think you were really bad."

"I won't harm her, if that is what concerns you." Jareth's eyes glittered with sudden amusement and sharp white teeth gleamed as he smiled. "But she's wrong. I can be a very bad man. However, I assure you that Sarah will not mind in the least."

Toby looked confused, and Jareth waved a gloved hand, dismissing his concerns. "I promise she will be happy and content. Do we have an agreement?"

Hesitantly, Toby nodded. "Okay, we have a deal."

"Well, then," Jareth said, "when and where did this accident occur?"~*~

Sarah looked up and frowned as the sky darkened. The weather report had mentioned the possibility of thunderstorms but had claimed they would be well to the east. Apparently, the weather forecast was wrong again, but she thought she had enough time to finish her ride before the storm grew to full force.

Raindrops pattered against the leaves covering the forest floor, and the wind picked up sharply as Sarah urged her horse into a canter. She wasn't as comfortable on this particular animal as she would have liked, but it couldn't be helped. The riding stable had already given the gentle mare she normally rode to another rider.

Sarah enjoyed riding; it was a bit expensive, but it was a chance to get away from everything and just relax. No boss demanding a last minute report be pushed to the top of her priority list and no well-meaning Karen wondering if she'd "met any nice young men lately". There was nothing but Sarah, the horse and the riding trail through the pretty woods behind the stables.

Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, causing the horse dance skittishly. As Sarah held the reins firmly and fought to bring the animal back under control, she had a sickening moment of déjà vu. The sense that something terrible was about to happen was overwhelming.

She shook it off quickly. She had to get back to the stables. This storm was moving much faster than she'd anticipated.

As she turned the horse back, she caught a glimpse of an owl gliding silently between the trees. She pulled the horse to a stop as a dark figure stepped into the path ahead of her, blocking her way.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. The Goblin King stood before her, just as beautiful and as indomitable as she remembered. His long blond hair and black cape whipped in the rapidly rising wind.

But it couldn't be him. In all the years since she'd left the Underground, he'd never answered her, no matter how many times she had invoked his name. No matter how much she had wanted to see him again.

Jareth glanced up at the sky, his eyes widening in alarm at the dark clouds roiling overhead and called, "Now, Toby."

"Jareth?" Sarah whispered.

Lightning struck with a sizzling crack, so close that the hair on Sarah's head rose with the static charge, and the reek of ozone filled the air. In the split second of stillness following the strike, the horse gave a trembling jerk and gathered itself, preparing to bolt.

In his bedroom, twenty miles away, Toby peered into the crystal left to him by the Goblin King. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he said quickly, "I wish the goblins would come and take Sarah away, right now."

Thunder roared down from the skies, shuddering the trees and shaking the very earth. The horse screamed shrilly in fear and bucked wildly, then galloped frantically toward the safety of the stables.

But it had no rider.

Sarah and the Goblin King were gone.~*~

They appeared in his throne room and Sarah quickly looked around in confusion. Goblins were everywhere. Some were racing around the room in a manic game of keep-away; some were dancing to music that only they could hear, while still others lay in inebriated heaps, far too drunk to move. At their ruler's appearance, the goblins slowly stopped what they were doing. Dozens of curious eyes turned toward them.

Sarah whirled to face the man who had brought her here.

"What's going on?" she cried.

"Your brother wished you away," Jareth said, clasping his hands behind his back. "I've granted his wish."

"Toby wouldn't do that." Sarah shook her head. "He knows better." This was a dream. It had to be a dream.

"He did it in order to save your life," Jareth said with a faint smile.

"What are you talking about? I'm fine," she said, perplexed.

"In another second you would have been thrown from your horse and left lying as close to death as any mortal can be without actually dying," Jareth said quietly. "Your family was on the brink of removing the machines that kept your body clinging to life when your brother called for me."

"How can you know that?" she whispered, appalled at the images his words brought to mind and she fleetingly remembered that horrible sense of déjà vu.

"Because it had already happened." Jareth tilted his head and his eyes bored into hers. "I have reordered time for you once again, Sarah."

"This... This is insane." Her eyes widened suddenly. "Oh, god, is Toby in the labyrinth?"

"No," Jareth said, shaking his head. "There will be no one to run the labyrinth on your behalf. You are now my subject."

"I don't understand. Why would he wish me away and then not... Why would you do this? What do you want?" She stiffened suddenly. "Revenge?"

He laughed softly. "Because I hate you?"

Pain flickered in her eyes, and then it was gone. Sarah lifted her chin defiantly. "Well, don't you?"

Jareth glanced around the room and frowned at the goblins that were hanging on their every word. He'd never known them to be so quiet without being directly threatened.

He waved his hand, and suddenly Sarah found that they were standing in the sitting area of a large suite. A quick glance around at the masculine décor and the large four-poster bed had her gasping in alarm. Why had he brought her to his bedroom? Just what kind of revenge did he want?

She anxiously edged away from him.

"What are we doing here?" she spat out.

He lifted an eyebrow. "I wish to speak to you in private."

"And we have to do it in your bedroom?" she asked suspiciously.

He gave a delighted smile. "Do I make you uncomfortable, Sarah?"

She tensed and then lifted her head high. She wasn't going to let him get the better of her. "Not at all."

His smile widened to a grin.

"Liar," he said softly.

Sarah dropped her eyes. "Send me home."

"You are home," Jareth said imperiously as he tugged a glove more snugly into place. "You were wished away to me and there's no one attempting to retrieve you. In exchange for saving your life, your brother agreed not to challenge me. I did not believe that you would want the child in the labyrinth. Was I wrong in making that assumption?"

"No, you weren't wrong." Sarah's shoulders drooped. "But you still haven't explained what you're getting out of this."

Jareth didn't answer for so long that Sarah thought he was simply going to ignore her. When he finally spoke, his voice was oddly strained.

"I want a companion," Jareth answered. "I am alone far more often than I would choose."

Startled, she looked into his eyes.

When Jareth glanced away first, Sarah almost reeled in shock. He never retreated, never. Was he really so very lonely?

"Just what type of companion do you want?" she asked slowly.

When she accepted his words calmly, he smiled slightly and reached out a hand to lightly hover over her hair.

"That will depend upon you and what type of companion you wish to be," he said softly. His fingers briefly caressed the air above her hair, and then he moved his hand away.

Was he implying... Her mouth went dry. He was so close that she could see little flecks of gold in his eyes.

"Why now? Why not months ago? Years ago? I called—" Sarah closed her mouth abruptly.

Jareth's smile turned knowing. "You called for me."

"And you ignored me," she said, her voice sharp.

"I could not hear you, Sarah. Your brother told me that you had called. If I had but known, I would have answered." He stepped closer and his voice lowered to a near whisper. "Why did you call for me?"

She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. Talking to him when she was prepared and had mentally rehearsed everything she wanted to say was one thing; standing across from Jareth in his bedroom and blurting out her questions was quite another. She took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

"I wanted to know if... if you make the same offer to every girl who goes through the labyrinth," Sarah stammered, her cheeks reddening.

"You mean this?" As he spoke, he was suddenly holding a crystal. Jareth idly wove it through his hands in a casual display of skill before holding it out to her. "A trifle that will show you your dreams? I offer this to everyone in exchange for the child they have wished away."

"That's not what I'm talking about." Sarah shook her head.

Jareth grinned briefly and, with a twist of his wrist, the crystal vanished.

"Yes, I know," he said.

He moved even closer, and Sarah had to struggle to catch her breath. He smelled like a heady mixture of flowers and spices and leather.

"You were such a devastating age," Jareth murmured. "Too old to simply give the child up in frustration and yet too young to be seduced away from your quest. Nothing worked. It fascinated me that no matter the distractions placed before you, you ignored them and continued on. You were so innocent." Regret tinged his voice. "Too innocent to understand."

"You still haven't answered my question," she persisted. "Do you make the same offer to every girl?"

"No," Jareth said quietly. "I had never made that offer before nor have I made it since."

Her eyes widened, but before she could ask anything else, Jareth stepped back.

"Come along, Sarah." He gestured toward the door. "I'll have a room prepared for you."~*~

While the servants were cleaning her room, Jareth gave Sarah a brief tour of the castle.

Surprisingly, there were very few goblins to be seen. Jareth explained that he tried to keep them contained to certain areas of the castle.

"They tend to congregate here, even though they have homes of their own," he said, shaking his head. "They're like children in many respects. They're happier surrounded by their own kind."

"Are you the only..." Sarah's voice trailed off. She wasn't even sure what Jareth was.

"Yes," he said gravely. "In this kingdom, I am the only of my kind."

He volunteered no further explanation and Sarah decided it would be rude to ask. At least, right now.~*~

When they returned to her room — next to his suite, she noted — it had been made ready. While not overly lavish, it was comfortable, and it was obvious that effort had been expended to make it cheerful. Vases of flowers were standing around the room, and the curtains were drawn back to reveal an open set of doors that led out onto a small balcony containing two chairs and a table. A quick glance confirmed that Jareth's much larger balcony was right next door.

Sarah walked out and looked down on the sweeping view of the labyrinth. Sections of the huge maze were brightened here and there with splashes of color. Flowers, she realized. There were whole areas that were covered with flowers.

"It's much prettier than I remember," she said.

"It can be beautiful," Jareth replied, walking to her side. He leaned forward, resting his hands on the stone railing. "But it has the potential to be very dangerous. I would prefer that you do not enter the labyrinth unless I accompany you."

'Beautiful but potentially dangerous,' Sarah thought, glancing at Jareth. 'Who does that remind me of?'

"I would very much like it if you would dine with me tonight," Jareth said, still looking out over the labyrinth.

She looked up at his profile. He continued to study the view, seemingly unconcerned with her answer, but Sarah glanced down and saw that his hands had tightened on the railing.

"Yes," she said softly. "Thank you for the invitation."

As she spoke, his hands relaxed.

Jareth straightened and turned to her with a smile. "I must leave you now. I have duties to attend."

When he reached the door, she stopped him. "Jareth, can I never go home again? I did before."

He turned back to her. "In that instance, you were the one who had wished someone away. Now, however, you are the one who has been wished away. I am sorry, but you cannot leave." His expression was sympathetic, and he hesitated. "Your friends are still here. I'll have them brought to the castle to visit you in the morning."

Sarah bowed her head and nodded, but her throat was too tight to speak.

When Jareth left, and the reality of her situation finally sank in, Sarah bowed her head and cried. She made her way over to the bed and sank down onto it, sobbing. When she'd finally cried herself out, she lay back onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

As difficult as it would be, she had to accept that could never leave this place. If she didn't, she would drive herself insane.~*~

Sarah had slipped into a fitful sleep that was broken by a servant knocking on the bedroom door. A chubby little goblin female came in and introduced herself as Lydie, Sarah's maid.

"My maid?" Sarah asked, incredulous. "I don't need a maid."

"It's His Majesty's orders, ma'am," the girl said, wringing her hands. "I'm doing what I was told."

As Sarah looked into the goblin's anxious eyes, she remembered that Jareth had said they were similar to children.

"Then obviously I'm mistaken, Lydie," Sarah said gently.

The goblin looked relieved and announced that dinner would be served shortly. She was there to lead Sarah to the dining room and told Sarah that she would return after dinner to draw a bath.

"I don't have anything to sleep in," Sarah said softly. "Do you think you could find something for me to wear?"

Lydie assured Sarah that she would try to find something suitable to use as a nightgown.

Sarah followed the goblin through the hallways until they finally stood in front of the closed dining room door. Lydie left, and Sarah hesitated. Was she supposed to knock? Finally deciding to just go in, she cautiously opened the door.

A huge dining table draped with white linens dominated the room. The two place settings looked a bit forlorn grouped together at the end of the vast length of the table. Jareth was across the room, standing with his back to her, looking out a large window.

Sarah cleared her throat, and he turned to face her, a smile lighting up his face. At the sight, her heart stuttered in her chest. 'He looks happy,' she thought. 'Can he really be that happy just because I'm here?'

Sarah was suddenly and acutely aware of her grubby jeans and plain pullover sweater. Compared to Jareth's lace and leather finery, she felt like an ugly duckling. If she was going to stay here, she needed clothing.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know that dinner was formal, but I don't have anything else to wear," she said.

"You'll need a wardrobe," Jareth agreed. "I'll have one prepared for you." He crossed the room and held her chair. She was to be seated to his immediate right, she saw.

Sarah took her seat and then nervously smoothed her napkin out in her lap. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do," she said quietly.

He sat down and gave her a puzzled look. "About?"

"About anything," she said, horrified that tears had appeared in her eyes. She blinked them back viciously. "Where am I going to live? How am I going to make a living here? How am I supposed to pay for new clothes?"

Jareth looked surprised. "You needn't concern yourself with those things. You will live here in the castle, and whatever you want will be provided for you."

"I'm used to working for a living," Sarah said stubbornly. "I want to pay my own way."

Jareth laughed. "So independent, but it is completely unnecessary."

"I can't just live off of you," she insisted. "That would make me a—" Sarah stopped abruptly, horrified. She'd been about to say 'whore'. What had brought that to mind? She didn't know him well enough to even consider being intimate with him.

"—a leech," she finished quickly.

"And so you wish employment in exchange for your food and clothing?" Jareth mused. "This would please you?"

"It would make me a lot more comfortable with this situation," Sarah said firmly.

Jareth nodded slowly. "Do you know anything of gardening?"

"A little bit," Sarah answered, surprised. "I used to help my dad take care of the lawn when I lived at home, and I've got a window box in my apartment with flowers that I've managed to keep alive. Why? Do you want me to be your gardener?"

He smiled. "Not per se, more of a supervisor. I have a private garden that is tended by the goblins. Unfortunately, they require almost constant direction. I don't have time to instruct them as closely as is needed, and the plants have suffered for it. I would be appreciative if you would take over that role."

"This isn't something you're making up just so I'll have a job, is it?" Sarah asked suspiciously.

Jareth grinned. "After dinner I'll show you the garden, and you may judge for yourself," he answered.~*~

The torches along the garden walkways were lighted with a wave of Jareth's hand. Sarah slowly looked around. It had the potential to be very beautiful, but there were places where weeds had overtaken the grass, and most of the shrubs were badly in need of trimming. Roses had been allowed to run wild instead of being trained to a trellis, and a marble bench by a decorative pond had been completely overrun with creeping ivy.

"I see what you mean," Sarah said, looking around. "But it's really nothing that a little hard work and patience won't fix."

"Then you will accept the task?"

"Yes," she answered absently, her mind already making lists of things to be done.

"Good," Jareth said, smiling. "I shall look forward to seeing your progress. You may start tomorrow, after you visit with your friends. Are there any other areas of the castle that you would like to see?"

"You have a library, don't you?" Sarah asked.

Jareth nodded. "Yes, we'll go there now."~*~

As she entered the library, Sarah looked around in awe at the sheer number of books lining the walls.

"It's apparent that you like to read," she said. She pulled a book at random from a shelf. "The First Thousand Years," she read aloud.

"A beginning history of our world," he said, glancing over her shoulder. "It's quite accurate, if you are interested."

"You've read all of these books?" she asked, curious.

"It helps to pass the time." Jareth shrugged. "You're free to read anything here."

She held up the book in her hand. "May I take this back to my room?"

"Of course. This is your home now; these things are yours as well," he said.

Sarah looked at him sharply. "No, these things are yours. I don't have anything here."

For a moment, his eyes grew bleak.

"I hope you'll come to feel differently in time," he said softly.

Sarah dropped her eyes. She hadn't meant to hurt him. When she looked up again, his implacable mask was in place.

"It's growing late. I'll escort you to your room," he said.

When they arrived back at Sarah's room, Jareth hesitated.

"Would you care to join me for breakfast?" he asked. "Your friends should be arriving at the castle shortly thereafter."

"All right," she agreed.

"Then I bid you a good night," Jareth said. He bowed slightly and waited for Sarah to go into her room before walking to his own chambers.~*~

Once in her room, Sarah found Lydie waiting. As soon as Lydie saw Sarah, the goblin began to pour water into a large bathtub set behind a screen in the corner of the room. When Sarah disrobed and sank into the hot water, Lydie gathered up her clothes.

"I'll take these things to have them washed, and I'll bring 'em back first thing in the morning," the goblin said.

"Wait, Lydie," Sarah said. "I don't have anything else to wear. I still need a nightgown."

"I've laid it out on the bed." Lydie popped her head around the screen and smiled at Sarah. "It's so soft."

Sarah blinked, not sure if the girl was talking about the nightgown or the bed. "Um, I'm sure it will be fine."

"Do you want me to stay and brush your hair?" Lydie asked.

"No, thank you," Sarah smiled. "I prefer to do that myself. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, ma'am," Lydie called out as she left.

When Sarah finished bathing, she wrapped a towel around her body and went to get the nightgown.

"Uh oh," Sarah said as she picked up the garment.

It was obviously one of Jareth's shirts. As soon as Sarah touched the shirt, she knew that Lydie hadn't been referring to the bed. Jareth's shirt was made of the softest fabric that Sarah had ever felt. The temptation to know what it felt like against her skin was overwhelming, and she finally gave in. She loosened the towel, laid it on the bed and pulled the shirt on over her head. The sleeves went past her fingertips, but she could fold those up. The hem fell to mid-thigh, making it fairly modest in that respect. However, it was the neckline that gave her the biggest concern. While the shirt might open to mid-chest on Jareth, it plunged almost to Sarah's navel.

She looked down at herself and shrugged. It wasn't as if anyone could see her, and she had nothing else to wear. Besides, Lydie promised that Sarah would have her own clothes back first thing in the morning.

Sarah took the book that Jareth had loaned her, climbed into bed and settled down to read.~*~

The sound of someone knocking on her bedroom door woke Sarah. For a moment, she was disoriented and couldn't remember where she was, and then it all came flooding back to her. She sat up abruptly, and the book she'd been reading slid to the floor with a thud. Bright sunlight shone into the room from the balcony.

The knock sounded again, and Sarah jumped out of bed. It must be Lydie with Sarah's clothes.

Sarah opened the door to find Jareth standing there. His eyebrows shot up as his eyes moved over her, and the pleasant smile on his face quickly widened into a grin.

Sarah glanced down and gasped. She was revealing a lot of skin. She turned bright red and hurriedly grasped the neckline of the shirt, pulling it closed.

Jareth lifted his hand and suddenly a dark blue silk robe dangled from his gloved fingertips.

"Since you're already wearing my shirt," he said in a clearly amused tone, "perhaps you'd like my dressing gown as well."

"Lydie took my clothes to wash. This is what she left me to sleep in. I didn't have anything else to wear. It was this or a towel." Sarah winced as she heard herself babbling. She snatched the robe from Jareth and struggled to put it on with one hand. She wasn't about to let go of that neckline.

Jareth finally took pity on her, and smothering his grin, he took the robe from her and held it up in front of him so that she could slip her arms through the sleeves. Sarah quickly wrapped the robe around her, tied the belt at her waist and turned back to face him.

"I believe that looks better on you than it does on me," Jareth drawled. "You look quite charming."

"Is there something I can do for you?" Sarah asked, exasperated.

His eyes gleamed, and he gave a low laugh. "Several things do come to mind."

At his words, the blush that had begun to fade from Sarah's cheeks suddenly intensified. But it was the warmth that had quickly spread through other parts of her body that disturbed her most.

"However," Jareth continued with a smile, "at the moment, I will settle for your company at breakfast."

"I can't go like this," Sarah protested, gesturing toward his robe.

Before Jareth could reply, Lydie came running down the hallway.

"Ma'am, ma'am, I've got your clothes," she panted. Lydie skidded to a stop in front of Jareth and Sarah, and then dropped into an awkward curtsy to her king.

Sarah scooped her clothes out of Lydie's grasp even before the goblin maid had even risen from her curtsy.

Jareth smirked at Sarah's obvious haste.

"I shall meet you in the dining room," he said. As he walked away, he called over his shoulder, "Although, it is such a pity that you feel the need to change. Your current ensemble is really quite fetching."

Lydie looked at Sarah and giggled.

"Oh, oh, the king likes you," Lydie teased in a singsong voice.

Sarah watched Jareth's retreating form with a smile hovering on her lips. "Yeah, I think he does."~*~

After breakfast, Jareth led Sarah into the castle courtyard to greet a very surprised and somewhat bewildered Hoggle, Sir Didymus and Ludo. As her friends surrounded her with joyous cries and crushing hugs, Jareth stood apart and watched them before turning to leave them to their visit.

Sarah frowned as she watched Jareth walk away and go back into the castle. After a few minutes, movement at one of the upper castle windows caught her attention, and she glanced up to see Jareth looking down at them.

"I am alone far more often than I would choose."

As her friends pulled her into another round of hugs, Sarah laughed, but her eyes were continually drawn back to a castle window where a king stood alone.~*~

Supervising the goblins was trying, but not impossible. Sarah quickly learned that firm repetition was the key to gaining their attention, and her life settled into a pleasant blur of days spent tending the garden and visiting with her friends, and of evenings spent talking with Jareth.

She found that he had a particularly wicked sense of humor, and his sly remarks and skillful mimicry often caught her off guard before causing her to gasp in surprised laughter. They began trading stories of their worlds, and those tentative exchanges quickly escalated to more personal discussions.

Sarah told him of her hurt over her parent's divorce and her initial childish jealousy of Toby, and then of her disappointment in failing at her bid for an acting career. Jareth, in turn, revealed his restlessness at being obligated to rule over the goblins. While he didn't explain fully, Sarah was able to glean that his kingdom had been thrust upon him as a form of punishment for a youthful romantic indiscretion with the wife of a very powerful Underground noble.

"It is not something of which I am particularly proud," Jareth said, shaking his head. "But the woman was willing."

"Yes," Sarah had murmured, "I can well imagine that she was."

Jareth had looked surprised at her words, and then a speculative look had crossed his face. He obviously hadn't been certain if she'd been flirting with him or not, and at the time, Sarah hadn't been certain either. But that had been weeks ago and in the time since, they'd continued to grow closer.

He wasn't the cruel Goblin King he'd pretended to be for her earlier benefit. Well, she amended, sometimes he was but only when he had to be. He was merciless when defending his kingdom or his subjects, but he had never been anything except gentle with her. Sarah looked forward to their evenings together, spent talking or playing games or, like now, just reading together in the library in companionable silence.

She stole a glance at Jareth sprawled out comfortably in a library chair. She liked seeing him relaxed and at ease. Sometimes it was all she could do not to simply sit and stare at him. He was so beautiful that it was almost unreal, and her fingers tingled with the urge to reach out and touch him.

Sarah nibbled on her bottom lip in thought, staring blinding at the book in her lap. Jareth was flirtatious and charming, sometimes even blatantly suggestive, so why had he never tried to kiss her? He seemed very careful never to even touch her. But sometimes she would look up to find him watching her. It was as if he was waiting for something, but Sarah couldn't figure out what it was.

She glanced back over at Jareth and met his eyes. The clear longing that she saw there left her breathless. She blinked, and the self-assured mask he wore was instantly back in place, but in that unguarded moment, Sarah suddenly understood.

He was waiting for her to decide what she wanted from him.~*~

Later that evening, Sarah sat at her vanity, idly running her brush through her hair. The days in the Underground had grown warmer and tonight the weather was verging on uncomfortably hot. She'd washed her hair and wanted it to dry before she went to bed. Maybe if she went out onto the balcony there would be a breath of air, she thought.

She glanced down at the delicate silk camisole and panties she was wearing and then looked over at the clock. It was very late, and Jareth was surely already asleep. There was only a quarter moon, and Jareth had once assured her that no one could see onto her balcony from the labyrinth.

Sarah leaned out the balcony doorway to peek at Jareth's windows. They were completely dark, so she should be safe enough without her robe. She stepped out onto the balcony and was greeted by a cooler breeze. Sighing contently, she lifted her damp hair high off her neck.

She sat down in one of the small chairs and began brushing her hair, her thoughts turning back to Jareth. Each night he escorted her back to her room and — like a perfect gentleman — politely left her at her bedroom door. And each night the urge to pull him in after her was becoming more difficult to control.

What did she want from him? Obviously much more than friendship. But she knew that wasn't the important question. The important question was how did she feel about him? If she could go home right now... Her breath suddenly caught in her throat as she realized the answer. She wouldn't go. At the mere thought of leaving Jareth, her stomach twisted and she felt sick.

She laughed softly. Well, what should she do now? Wake him up and make an announcement? Bring it up over breakfast? 'Could you pass the butter and oh, by the way, I've fallen in love with you?'

The tiniest of noises from Jareth's balcony caused her heart to skip a beat. She quickly looked over, but his windows were still dark. When the noise didn't occur again, she gave a small shrug and relaxed. It had probably been a bird. She drew the brush through her hair again, noticing that it was almost dry. The breeze increased, and Sarah bent her head forward, allowing her hair to fall freely over one shoulder while she brushed it. As she turned her head, she noticed a new variation in the shadows on Jareth's balcony. A lighter gleam where his chairs were. Almost as if someone with fair hair was sitting there.

Sarah swallowed hard. Her eyes widened as she made the connection. She wasn't the only one enjoying the cool night air. The noise on his balcony, a bird... He'd been out flying and had just returned. Now Jareth was sitting there silently watching her.

While she couldn't see him, she knew his ability to transform into an owl gave him almost perfect night vision, so he could certainly see her. Sarah turned her head away, ostensibly looking over the labyrinth. 'But he doesn't know I've realized he's there,' she thought with a smile. 'Maybe I should give him something to watch.'

She laid her hairbrush aside and tilted her head back. Arching her back, she slowly ran her fingers through her hair, fluffing it out and then shaking it into place with a languid toss of her head.

Rising, she stood at the edge of the balcony and leaned forward, resting her hands on the railing. Softly humming a song, she began to sway back and forth to the melody, adding a bit of extra swing to her hips.

As Sarah finished the song, she slowly went still. Without turning, she called out softly, "Jareth?"

"Yes?" His voice didn't hold the slightest tinge of remorse at being caught watching her.

"Why are you so far away?" she asked. She'd meant to sound confident, but her tone was plaintive, even to her own ears.

The silence stretched out until Sarah began to become uncertain. Had he not heard her? Or had she completely misread the situation? Maybe he didn't want her after all?

"Would you prefer I was closer?" he asked. His voice came from a few feet behind her.

She smiled but didn't turn to face him.

"Yes," she said. "But you're still too far away."

He moved nearer, and she could feel his breath on her cheek even as his voice spoke softly in her ear. "Is this close enough?"

Her nipples tightened and warmth bloomed in her stomach, rapidly spreading lower.

"Not yet," she whispered.

His arms slid around her waist, and she gasped as he pulled her against the length of his body. As he pressed an open-mouthed kiss onto the curve of her neck, her head fell back against his shoulder.

"And now?" he murmured before nipping at her earlobe.

Her breathing was already erratic, but she didn't try to hide it. She wanted him to know exactly how he was affecting her.

"Much better. You know, I figured out something tonight," she said softly.

"Hmm, yes, I could tell. Dancing about in your underwear? Wicked girl, you were doing that deliberately." Amusement colored his voice, and his tongue traced along the edge of her ear.

She shivered. "Not just that I want you, I already knew that," she said. "I realized that I love you."

His arms tightened around her, and then he turned her around to face him.

The absolute joy on his face brought tears to her eyes.

He dropped a light kiss on her lips. "Once again, Sarah, once again I will make this offer." He took a deep breath and said softly, "Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave."

Sarah looked up at him and smiled. "I was too young to understand before, and I'm sorry for that. But I understand now." She slipped her arms around his neck. "I fear the power that you have over my heart, but I trust you not to hurt me. I do love you. You're my king, and as your subject, I will do as you say." She gave a mischievous smile. "Now, I think that makes it your turn."

Jareth laughed. "And what is your first command?"

"Take me to bed," Sarah whispered.~*~

Sunlight streaming in the window finally woke Sarah. She stretched sleepily, and Jareth's arm tightened around her waist. Smiling, she turned over carefully and watched him sleep. One strand of blond hair had drifted over his eyes, and she brushed it back. At her touch, his eyes opened.

"Good morning," she said.

He smiled. "Yes, a very good morning."

"I have an important question to ask you," she said.

"And that is?"

Sarah traced her fingers down his neck, across his chest, moving steadily lower. When her hand found him, his eyes widened, and she grinned.

"How many times do we have to do this before I don't want to do it all the time anymore?"

"I definitely think we should find out," he said solemnly.

"What a wonderful idea," she said, moving her hand slightly and wringing a soft groan from him. "And then you can reorder time so that we can go back to last night and start all over again."

He gave her a devilish grin. "Why, Sarah, how do you know I haven't done so already? I did promise to be your slave, after all."

As she blinked at him in surprise, he pulled her close and rolled her under him.

"Have you?" she demanded.

He kissed her, silencing her for a moment, but she pulled back and looked at him suspiciously. "You didn't answer me," she said.

"Shh," he said, kissing her neck, "I'm busy."

"You're kidding, right?" she persisted. "Right?"

As his mouth moved lower, she decided that they could talk about it later. Besides, even if he wasn't kidding, who wanted to argue with the possibility of an eternity of this?

One year later...

Toby sat in his bedroom, struggling to do his math homework. Who cared how long it would take two trains going 136 and 97 miles per hour to meet if they left New York and Chicago at the same time? You weren't going to be riding both of them at the same time.

"Your sister sends her love," a voice behind him spoke quietly. "She misses you very much."

Toby whirled to find the Goblin King standing behind him. He held a large wicker basket in one hand.

"Is she okay?" Toby asked frantically. "Can I see her?"

"She is quite well," Jareth assured him. "And she has asked me to visit you."

Jareth gestured for Toby to come closer.

Toby walked over, and Jareth pulled back the light blanket covering the basket. Toby gasped in surprise at the infant inside.

"Did you take somebody's baby?" he asked, horrified.

"No," Jareth laughed. "This is your nephew. Sarah wanted you to meet him. She wanted you to know that she has named him, in part, after you. His name is Quinn Tobias."

"Wow," Toby said. He reached into the basket and gently traced a finger over the sleeping child's tiny fist. Toby looked up at Jareth. "Who is... I mean... Is he yours, too?"

"Yes, he is my son. Sarah is my wife now," Jareth said. "I wanted to thank you, Toby. If not for you, I wouldn't have either of them."

Toby's eyes filled with tears, and he blinked them away quickly. "I miss her, too. But she's happy, right? You promised that she would be happy."

"Yes, she is happy," Jareth said. "And I promise that she will remain so."

Toby frowned suddenly with a flash of insight. "I'm not ever going to see any of you again, am I?"

"No," Jareth said gently. "My son and I have no place in this world. Sarah cannot leave, and you cannot go. But she has never forgotten you, and she asks that you do not forget her, either."

Jareth turned his wrist and a crystal appeared. "I've brought you a gift."

Toby looked at it suspiciously. "The last one disintegrated after I made that wish."

Jareth smiled. "This one will not grant a wish, but it will show you something very important."

"What?" Toby took the crystal and look at it curiously. It remained dark. "I don't see anything."

"Nor will you, yet." Jareth answered. "Look again on your 18th birthday, and it will show you the woman you are meant to spend your life with."

"A girl?" Toby said, disgust coloring his voice.

Jareth threw back his head and laughed. "Trust me, Toby, in time they will become quite appealing." He sobered. "Your sister wanted you to have a head start, so to speak. She doesn't want you to be alone as she was for many years. Sarah wanted you to know this woman's face so that when you meet her for the first time, you will recognize her. So that you will not waste time. In its own way, this is a truly extravagant gift."

"If you say so," Toby said doubtfully.

Jareth carefully tucked the blanket back over his sleeping son. "Goodbye, Toby. Be happy in your life."

At that, Jareth and his son simply faded from view.

Toby looked down at the crystal in his hand and shrugged. He carried it up into the attic and found the box of Sarah's things. Carefully, he wrapped the crystal in tissue paper, tucked it into the box and went back downstairs to finish his math homework.

In the attic, the magic within the crystal swirled and shifted, and then settled down again, patiently waiting for the right moment in time.

The End

#Sareth #jareth x sarah #jareth and sarah #jareth the goblin king #Jareth Quinn #sarah williams

31 notes · View notes