"I prefer character writing and complicated dynamics/drama more than shoving two characters together for the sake of a ship"
so what's the complicated dynamic or drama between Duck and Laura because it seems like this ship is the latter
Dayum someone’s a little salty 💀
Let’s break it down for you since you asked so nicely. /s
Duck, in the Sodor516 AU, is and has always had a fascination with the ocean. His happy place is Bluff’s Cove, and he’s often talked to Percy, and Oliver and other friends about thoughts of getting to explore the ocean.
He takes advantage of being able to shift forms and spends a lot of his free time (which isn’t a lot considering he’s a workaholic) by the sea or on the beach. He’s always been curious what it’s like to be on a boat, and wants more than anything to be able to go and see the world. He loves working at Brendam. Duck never understood Thomas’ aversion to fish. He is also one of the only engines who’s made a significant effort to learn to swim/move through water more efficiently and doesn’t mind being wet.
So. Laurena, or ‘Laura’ in this AU is a long lost member of the Theodosios family. She was raised by a couple, one of whom worked on the Sodor railway. She’s always been different, but grew up loved by two humans who didn’t know what she was, but did their best and never made her feel less accepted for what she was.
Laura went on to work in Arlesdale Harbour, and hides what she is. The island may be very well versed in supernaturals, considering most of the engines there are supernatural. But no one’s seen merfolk on Sodor for decades, centuries even.
Skiff eventually sees her. He promises not to tell… but eventually slips and tells Duck. Thanks to the little sailboat, the two meet.
Duck and Laura are both from two very very different worlds, one is tied to the ocean and one is tied to land, and to the specific island of Sodor where Lady’s dust can keep him ‘alive.’
And yet they both find a mutual ground out of which blossoms a very close friendship. They are both beings stuck between two contrasting bodies. Two forms, one meant for a world they don’t fully understand, and one being their true shape in which they’re at home.
A human could understand what it’s like for an engine to be ‘human’, yes. But a mer understands not only what it’s like to have those legs… but how strange and unfamiliar it can be to have them.
Duck and Laura become insanely close, and eventually stumble into a relationship which they have to hide. Engines are already in a precarious situation, their autonomy not taken seriously by a lot of people who still see them as property. Relationships between engines isn’t exactly easy or judgment free.
An engine with a human? You’ve lost your mind.
An engine with a mer? Obscene.
Duck does his best to hide his feelings for her, and Laura goes along with it for his sake. But it hurts. And she’s used to hiding. She should be used to this right? This is better, that no one knows. Right..?
So to answer your question. Duck and Laura are built around the concept of a machine who loves the water, but can never truly explore it. And a mermaid who was raised on land, but will never be truly accepted.
Their dynamic is that of two kindred spirits, bonding over the experience of being stuck between multiple forms, and entering worlds that aren’t entirely their own for the sake of surviving.
And their drama is the scrutiny and judgement of others (how fitting), who don’t understand or simply refuse to because it doesn’t adhere to their understanding of how the world should work. The pain of not being able to show how much they care about one another outside closed doors without fearing consequences.
So, my dear sweet anon, why don’t you stop for a moment before sending something like that and consider: maybe I don’t share or talk about this sort of pairing much because of people like yourself?
I prefer writing characters. I prefer plot lines and real-life issues. I will never just shove two characters together because they ‘look cute’. Especially with my own ocs. I prefer writing oc x canon because I’m the only one who will write my ideas, while anyone can write about two established characters. Which you’re free to do so why you in my inbox bashing my pairings? Have I done that to you?
If you feel so strongly and want to ship away, then do so. I don’t judge anyone who does as long as it’s respectful, so don’t come up in here throwing shade at me because I happened to say something you don’t like.
Sit down, sweetheart. And go write your own pairing if you feel some type of way. 🫶
turnnoffyourmind
jacobvanloon
vaporwave
theartofmadeline
tangentwithtanner
dededos
kianamaiart
baratheonpilled
