Random Oneshots

Gears of Fate (Audrey Rocio Ramirez x Inventor Whitmore Grandson Reader)

The cold, crisp night air in the tent was laced with the scent of oil and metal, a familiar fragrance that Y/N had grown accustomed to over the years. The dim light of the lantern cast flickering shadows on the canvas walls, creating an intimate cocoon that shielded him and Audrey from the bustling camp outside.

Y/N sat cross-legged on the ground, his shirt discarded beside him, exposing the chiseled muscles of his chest and the intricate mechanical arm that was his own creation. The arm, a marvel of engineering, was a blend of gears, pistons, and wires, all moving in harmony as it mimicked the motions of a real limb. It was a work of art, a testament to his genius, and a reminder of the price he had paid in his service to the Navy.

Audrey knelt in front of him, her brow furrowed in concentration as she worked on the arm. Her deft fingers moved with practiced ease, tightening bolts, adjusting gears, and lubricating joints. Y/N watched her with a fond smile, his eyes tracing the familiar curves of her face, illuminated by the lantern's glow.

"You know," he said, his voice low and teasing, "I could've handled that myself."

Audrey didn't look up, but the corners of her mouth twitched in a smirk. "Sure, if you wanted to blow yourself up, maybe. This arm's got more personality than some people I know. You'd mess it up without me."

Y/N chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. "Can't argue with that. You've always had the magic touch."

"Damn right," she muttered, her tone a mix of pride and affection. She glanced up at him, her dark eyes meeting his. "Hold still, I'm almost done."

Y/N leaned back on his good arm, letting his gaze wander around the tent. It wasn't the first time they'd shared a space this small; in fact, they had spent countless nights like this over the past two years. After Manuel, her father, had retired, Audrey had taken over the maintenance of his arm without hesitation. It was during those late-night repair sessions that their bond had deepened, blossoming into a relationship that neither had anticipated.

As she tightened the final bolt, Audrey sat back on her heels, wiping her hands on a rag. "There, good as new. How's it feel?"

Y/N flexed the mechanical fingers, marveling at the smoothness of the motion. "Perfect, as always. Thanks, Audrey."

She flashed him a grin, one that sent warmth spreading through his chest. "No problem, admiral."

He chuckled again, shaking his head. "I told you, I'm not an admiral anymore. Just Y/N."

"Not to me," she quipped, her voice softening as she reached out, running her hand along the metal of his arm. "You'll always be my admiral."

Before he could respond, the sound of voices outside the tent grew louder, signaling that the rest of the crew was settling in for the night. Audrey sighed, standing up and stretching her arms over her head. "Guess it's time to mingle with the others."

Y/N nodded, but his hand caught hers before she could move away. "Stay a little longer?"

Audrey paused, her eyes searching his before she sighed and knelt beside him again, her hand slipping into his. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Only because you let me get away with it," he murmured, drawing her closer. "I just... want to be here with you, like this, for a bit longer. Before we're all caught up in whatever's coming next."

Audrey's expression softened, and she leaned in, resting her forehead against his. "We'll face it together, Y/N. Whatever happens."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Then, with a deep breath, Y/N pulled her into his lap, wrapping his good arm around her waist while his mechanical arm rested on her back. She didn't resist, instead curling into him, her head resting against his chest.

For a brief moment, it was just the two of them, surrounded by the warmth of their shared memories and the uncertainty of the future. But in that moment, they were together, and that was all that mattered.

Outside, the camp was alive with the sounds of the crew preparing for the journey ahead. Milo Thatch was probably getting acquainted with the others, trying to make sense of the eclectic group that would accompany him to Atlantis. Y/N knew they would have to join them soon, but for now, he was content to stay right where he was.

As Audrey's breathing evened out, signaling that she had drifted off to sleep, Y/N closed his eyes, letting the sound of her heartbeat lull him into a peaceful slumber. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—side by side, just as they always had.

And as he drifted off, he couldn't help but smile, knowing that no matter what, he had Audrey by his side, working on his arm and keeping his heart intact.