The Ruby Empire

Teshi the Orc

Female Reader (Asexual) x Male Monster

You've grown up in Obresh all your life, in fact, you've never really been anywhere else. Since you were little, you worked with your father in his cobbler shop. You've known all your life how to make shoes, the best leathers to use, the proper tools, how to carve the perfect sole. You've always enjoyed this line of work.

Now, it is no secret that Obresh is quite famous. Not only is it one of the main ports on the Cobra Strait, but ages ago the Maxbanok orc tribe saved it from falling into ruin and being taken over. Their only request for this was that once a year, members of the tribe could come in and select humans to take as mates. This had become known as the Reaping. And yes, ages ago it was thought to be horrible, but in recent years it's become an honor to the humans picked and, in fact, many happy relationships have been made this way.

Now, you've heard many of your friends talk about how well-endowed Orcs are compared to human men. "Of course," one girl says, "if I have the choice between this sausage and my pinky finger, I am going to pick the sausage."

Your friends' giggles and snort, but all you can do is kind of sigh. You don't rightly understand their fascination with sex. You've never really felt the need or desire for it. Your fantasies don't involve the bedroom; instead, you fantasize about having your own shop, coming home to your partner who has cooked for you and is willing to massage your tired hands and fingers. Actually, if sex was such a significant part of being married, you much rather be alone than have to deal with that sort of stress.

One day, while you're cleaning up the front of the shop, you see several Orcs come into town. Recently, the tribe leader Max's wife had a baby, so most of the city and the Orcs were celebrating the birth of the future tribe leader. You're sweeping as they pass by and one stalls, breaking from the pack and looking up at your sign.

"Shoemaker," he calls to you.

You look up at him, meeting his liquid gold eyes. Your heart skips a beat for a moment, and you're unsure if it was something you ate or what. "Yes?" you voice squeaks and you clear your throat.

The orc smirks at you and rubs his chin. He has bright red hair that's curly and pulled to one side then braided. The braid is decorated with teeth and other trinkets of war. His skin is mottled, patches of soft brown mingled with grayish green. His tusks have bands of copper on them, and his right eyebrow has been shaved in the center. You can't quite remember custom, but this often means the orc is quite well off.

"Do you do repairs?" He asks.

You nod. "I do."

He points down to his boots. "Can you fix these?"

You look back up into his eyes. "Not while you're wearing them," you reply and lean on your broom. "You'll have to come inside and take them off. Do you have any spares you can wear until I fix them?"

He chuckles. "None at all. You think I walk around with extra shoes?"

"This shop has been here for a long time," you shrug. "Most people who want repairs know how to prepare for that."

He tilts his head. "Are you being smart?"

"Perhaps," you smirk. "Do you want the repair or not?"

He snorts and rubs the back of his neck. "You wouldn't happen to have a loaner pair? Or will I have to sit in there until you fix em?"

"You could test your luck being barefoot," you say as you lead him inside. "Go ahead and sit down. What do you need fixed?"

He takes off his left boot and shows you how the sole is splitting from the rest of the shoe. "I was told these boots would last me a lifetime," he huffs.