Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shelly pov:
It's only a week before the Easter event begins! We've been going on runs lately, and I heard that Easter maps are starting to appear more often! Today we’re going to do two runs to search for these new maps! One morning, one in the evening! I walked out of my room, ready for the morning run, I found that everyone had already left. The Gardenview lobby empty. “Huh… maybe I got the time wrong… I’ll just go during the evening run then!” I noted.

“Hey, Shelly!” A familiar voice shouts out, I turn to see Tisha cleaning a mess in the kitchen. “Oh hey Tish!” I say, walking over, “Woahh, what happened here?” I ask, looking at the mess of what seemed to be cookie dough? all around the kitchen. Tisha lets out a sigh, “Cosmo was trying to teach Goob and Boxten how to bake a batch of cookies, let's just say Goob couldn't hold his hands straight…” I chuckled a bit before helping her clean the rest of the mess. Afterwards, I decided to visit Brightney's library again to pass the time. Upon entering, I found a few new dinosaur and prehistoric books and began to read. I couldn’t wait to tell Vee more about the facts I learned!

After some time, I looked up at the clock. That’s when I noticed I was gonna be late for the evening run. I rushed out of the library, quickly grabbing my supplies, and ran towards the Gardenview sign. There I saw a few toons all lined up ready to go. “Vee!” I shout before hugging her. “Oh, hey Shelly. Just in time, we were about to leave,” Vee speaks out. Vee, Glisten, Goob, Scraps, Sprout, Astro, Tisha, and I all walk into the elevator.

As the elevator started to descend, Scraps started to talk. “Last run was so cool! The new map was so pretty,” Scraps says, speaking to the others. “Woah! You guys saw the new map? That's so cool! What did it look like?” I ask Scraps excitedly. “Jeez, Shelly, calm down, you're hurting my ears.” Glisten scoffs. “Oh, sorry, I just got excited-” I was cut off by the elevator opening, and everyone just left the elevator, ignoring what I had to say. “Maybe they are just having a bad day..” I mumble to myself before rushing off to find machines.

The floors go by pretty fast, before I know it, we’re already on floor 19. We were in the elevator as I rambled to Vee about all the new dinosaur facts I learned. After a bit, I noticed she stopped paying attention, she was zoning out. I sighed and decided to keep quiet for now. I guess I get boring sometimes, huh? The elevator opens and everyone splits their own ways. I went off to find machines again, but this floor was different though...

I soon saw a machine in a corner, and I started to make my way over. While I was heading over to the machine, a twisted then spotted me. I made a run towards a few boxes to hide when I heard someone yell. “OUCH! Shelly!” I turned to see Shrimpo, he had gotten hit by the twisted while I went to hide. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there, I was just tryin-” “See, this is exactly why we all didn’t want you in this run! You always screw things up!” Shrimpo cuts me off. “I-I” I try my best to scramble for words, stuttering and stumbling. “God, even your girlfriend didn’t want you here! I knew we shouldn’t have waited!”

I watch as Vee and Sprout rush over to see what's going on. Shrimpo continues to yell obscenities at me, but I can’t hear him. My ears were ringing and my heart was pounding. That was all I could focus on, my vision started to blur. My thoughts started to race. That's why they left earlier, they didn’t want me. They didn’t need me. Am I not as important as the other mains? Even Vee didn’t seem to care. I could only watch as Sprout healed Shrimpo, and Vee tried to explain. I didn’t know what she was saying though, it was unclear.

Before I knew it, all the machines were completed and the panic timer began. I ran into the elevator as fast as I could. Everyone decided to go back since a few of us lost a heart or two. I stood in the elevator in silence. I didn’t dare to make eye contact with anyone. Only sat in the corner hugging myself. My focus on the elevator floor. I heard the other toons whispering about what happened, but I didn't want to talk. I watched as Vee yelled at Shrimpo. Though I zoned out all the noise. I didn’t want to hear what was being said.

Maybe Shrimpo was just telling a lie to make me feel worse. Vee wouldn’t say anything like that, would she? She cares for me surely, the Vee I know enjoys my company. Right? Before I knew it we were back at Gardenview. The elevator dinged open, and I immediately ran into my room. Avoiding every toon I could. I shut the door behind me and sat against it. All I could do was cry, all I did was cry. The salty tears ran down my face. I wasn’t good enough for anyone, I tried my best, I really did, I always do. I supported them the entire run, it was just one slip up…

I then heard a knock on my door: “Hey, Shelly, you okay?” Tisha mumbled through the door. “I’m okay!” I yell back, trying my best not to sound sad. “Alright, let's talk about it tomorrow! Get some rest now.” I look at the clock, not even realizing how late it had become. “Okay.. Thanks Tish.” I heard her footsteps recede from my door. I let out a sigh of relief, trying to calm myself down. I flopped down onto my bed, the soft sheets surrounding me.

I closed my eyes, tossed and turned. I tried my best to go to sleep, but my thoughts didn't go away. Am I that easy to replace? Do they even need me in runs? I glance over to my desk, where I see my journal and all my items messily scattered throughout the table. One Item catches my eye, my pencil sharpener. My thoughts clouded my mind, thoughts that I shouldn’t be thinking of… “I wouldn’t,” I thought to myself. I brushed off the thoughts and ended up dozing off asleep, being consumed by the peaceful darkness.

Chapter written by Sofie

1,109 words

Chapter Text

No ones pov:
It was just a normal day in Gardenview. Vee began to set up for her gameshow which she does every week. Today’s contestants were Boxten, Scraps, and supposedly Shelly. She was supposed to show up today but no one had seen her all day. Vee knew that they were going to start filming soon, so she had to get a replacement for today. She looked around the room trying to choose a random toon.

“Hey you! Tisha?” Vee yelled out, Tisha turned around immediately. Her face a little annoyed, still salty about how Vee treated Shelly. “What do you want?” She asked “Wanna be on my gameshow? I need someone asap!” Vee exclaimed looking at the time. Tisha sighed and accepted with no choice. She then walked up onto the stage, taking the empty seat. All toons started to rehearse and get the cameras all set up. Everything in rehearsals went great! Well until things got a bit messy.

When the filming started, none of the contestants knew what they were doing. Every question was extremely confusing. Vee had rigged the answers from the start, yet somehow Scraps luckily ended up choosing the right answer. Every. Single. Time. Vee watched in disbelief as Scraps got the correct answer for the 7th time in a row. Vee was starting to get annoyed by this.

“Hey Vee! I thought this was supposed to be hard!” Scraps chuckled. “Scraps, how are you doing that?” Boxten asked. “It's just skill!” Scraps said confidently. Vee was already upset but that's when Sprout chimed in. “Yo Vee! What happened to this being the best gameshow? This seems pretty boring.” He said jokingly. He was just trying to be friendly. But this really ticked Vee off. “Cut the cameras, I’m gonna take a break.” Vee sighs as she starts to walk off the stage.

That's when Scraps starts hitting her answer button over and over. The buzzing sound rang loud and clear, over and over, like a broken record. “Hey! We’re not done. I wanna continue my winning streak!” She yells. Vee began to spiral, the loud button buzzing, Sprout’s comments making fun of her, the bright lights. She felt like she was short circuiting. “EVERYONE JUST SHUT UP!” Vee screamed, “I don’t want to hear it! Just shut up for one second!” She says before storming off.

“Hey Vee, relax your scaring everyone..” Astro mumbles trying to calm Vee down. “Get out of my face. GOD! Just leave me alone will you?” Vee yells, she watches as Astro backs up with a fearful expression on his face. He was just trying to help, he did nothing wrong. Sure these two never interacted much, but Vee soon regretted everything she said. Her drive went into overload. Then without a thought all she did was run off. No one knew where she went. They all just started to feel guilty of what just happened.

For the rest of the day, Vee sat in her room. Sitting in a corner, knees to her chest, pondering on the event earlier today. She started to feel horrible for her actions. “I’m a bad friend.” She mumbled to herself over and over. “Why can’t I just be normal? I don't want to be mean, I’m not a mean toon.” Vee thought to herself. “I don’t mean to be mean, but I just can’t control it. I just want someone to understand.”

A bell then went off indicating that it was the toons’ dinner time. She looked up at the clock to check the time and sighed. She didn’t feel like eating, she didn’t want to face some of the other toons either. She took a nap instead, making her way to her bed. Pulling the soft blanket over her, and soon dozing off.

When she woke up it was around 1am. It was late in the night, she tried going back to sleep but she couldn’t. So Vee opted to get up to at least get some water. When walking past the toon rooms, Vee noticed that Glisten’s light was still on. She hadn’t talked nor interacted with him in a while. She wanted to talk to someone, she still felt like shit, she wanted someone to understand how she feels. She knocked on his door lightly.

“Come in!” Glisten yelled out. Vee opened the door to see Glisten practicing his makeup on his vanity. Vee just walked over to his bed and plopped down onto the soft sheets. “What's going on dear?” Glisten asked, he felt genuinely worried. He hadn’t seen Vee at dinner, and other toons haven’t seen her since she left during the game show. “I’ve never seen you this down before!” He exclaimed. “Glisten, am I a bad friend?” Vee asked in a shaky voice. “What? What are you even saying!?” He said shocked, he sat down next to Vee and mumbled. “Hey, you're an amazing friend. I don't know why you would think else wise! You literally shine like a star who guides those who are lost to light.” Glisten explained.

“But I’m mean, I push people away because of stupid things!” Vee says. “You can be mean at times but everyones mean! It's okay to express your emotions in different ways than other toons. I mean you are robotic. But that doesn't make you less of a toon than anyone else, trust me girl. You are more than your programming!” Glisten Replies. Vee just sat there in silence. “Can I just stay in your room for a bit?” She asks, “Of course.” Glisten replies. “Thanks Glisten.” Vee says before laying down on his bed. Maybe she isn't as bad as she thought she was.

Chapter written by Sofie

948 words

Chapter Text

Shelly’s POV:
I woke up, slowly opening my eyes. I yawned and sat up in bed. I looked over at the clock, it’s 8:30 am. I sighed, I’m supposed to be on Vee’s game show today. But, I don’t feel like going. What if I just mess everything up during rehearsals? Surely they won’t be able to find a replacement that fast right? I’m not easily replaceable right? My hands started to shake the more I thought about being replaced. I let out a shaky breath, closing my eyes. I just need to calm down.

Tisha wants to talk to me today, but when though? She never specified last night, hopefully she didn’t forget. Just then there was a knock on my door. I got off my bed and walked over to open it. Once the door was opened, I saw Tisha standing there. Already dressed for the day. “Morning Tish,” I say, my voice a little drowsy. She smiled and responded, “Good morning Shelly. May I come inside?” I just nodded. She stepped inside my room, taking a seat on a bean bag near my desk. I closed my door and took a seat on my bed, facing Tisha.

We both didn’t speak, a tension in the air. I was too scared to speak, I don’t know what she wants to talk about. Until, Tisha spoke up, “What happened yesterday?” “Hm?” I questioned. “What happened during the run? Everything was okay, why was Shrimpo yelling at you?” She asked me. I hugged my knees into my chest, resting my head on top. “I got seen by a twisted, and when I went to hide, it spotted Shrimpo. I didn’t realize he was there, it was an accident,” I explained.

Tisha smiled, it was soft and kind. “I know it was an accident. But are you okay?” she said. Her tone was gentle, and kind. I almost caved in, but I didn’t. I shouldn’t have to burden her with my problems. Tisha already does enough for all of the toons and Gardenview center. “I’m okay Tish,” I replied, lying through my teeth. I felt guilty, I don’t like lying to my friends. I heard Tisha sigh, then she responded, “I know you’re lying Shelly. I’m your friend, you can tell me what’s going on.” Her voice was so honest, I couldn’t sense any hint of vitriol. I sighed, and my eyes started to water up.

“AH! Oh my god are you okay Shelly? I’m sorry, did I push you? You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready?” Tisha panicked. “It’s just…” I started, tear drops slowly rolling down my face. I noticed Tisha stayed quiet, listening to every word I say. “It’s just I want to be seen, Tish. Every time when people visit, the kids forget my name. During runs, I almost don’t get to join, or no one appreciates my support. I want to be just as appreciated like the other mains!” I sobbed, tears spilling out of my eyes. I cried into my arms… “I’m weak unlike the others…” I thought.

I heard Tisha getting up from the bean bag. Then there was a dip in my bed right next to me. Two arms wrapped around my body, giving me a hug. I leaned into the touch, letting my tears fall freely. After a few minutes, I started to calm down. Tish releasing me from her hug and giving me a comforting smile. “Have you told Vee any of this?” she asked.I shook my head. I actually haven’t talked to Vee often recently. Yesterday was the first time this week…

“You should tell her how you feel. I can guarantee she’ll help you,” Tisha said. I gave a weak smile then sighed. Turning my focus away from her. “Would Vee actually help me?” I asked myself. I thought about what Shrimpo said yesterday, was it all really true? “Shelly?” Tisha questioned, concerned. “Sorry what?” I sniffled, I don’t like asking others to repeat what they said. “You zoned out for a bit. What are you thinking about?” She asked. Her voice grew more concerned. I hate making others worried, but they shouldn’t have to worry about me.

“Vee…” I responded meakly. I didn’t want to explain much. I want to try work things out before I say anything. ‘Cause surely it can’t cause more harm right? “What about Vee?” Tish asked. “I guess she’s just been different recently. I rarely see her around anymore, and she barely talks to me. It just doesn’t feel right, Tish. Why is she ignoring me?” I responded. My eyes starting well up again. “I don’t think she’s ignoring you. Remember how she was scolding Shirmpo in the elevator?” I shook my head, I didn’t remember much of the run anymore. I blocked out most of the events that had occurred.

“Well she was, and she seemed mad. I know Shrimpo can be mean sometimes but don’t let his stupid obscurities get in your head,” Tisha’s voice calm, reassuring, and kind when talking. It brings a sense of comfort. I sighed, soon followed by Tish’s sigh. She could sense my uncertainty, and a lot more. “But he said Vee doesn’t even want me around. Am I just thatbad of a friend or girlfriend? How do I talk to her when she doesn’t even wanna talk to me?” I slightly yelled. I was engulfed in another hug by Tisha.

“First of all, you’re a great friend Shelly. You’re always helping out the others when you can. Two, Shrimpo is just always angry and a bully okay. Don't let his words get to you because they don’t mean anything. Third, you should really try talk to Vee. Sort things out with her. Maybe there’s a reason she hasn’t been talking to you recently,” Tisha comforted. “Thanks Tisha, I’ll try talk to Vee sometime this week,” I replied. A small smile forming though the tears slowly falling down my face. She just nodded, and got up from my bed. “I have errands to do, please take care Shelly,” she said before leaving.

…

That entire week I tried looking for Vee. But, I couldn’t find her. I tried looking for her after her game show was done filming, but she stormed out. I was worried, I was looking everywhere for her. I knew she probably needed space, so I waited until dinner. But, she wasn’t there. Next day at breakfast, not there, lunch and dinner she wasn't there. I was getting really worried. I tried not to worry too much though. I started journaling again. Writing about my day, the runs I went on, my worries about Vee. It’s helped a little bit, being able to write down what I can’t say. Maybe I should do this more often. I looked over by my bed, a piece of paper on top of my nightstand. It’s the letter Shanon wrote, I miss her. She was a wonderful toon handler, I don’t understand why she left. I sighed and looked at the clock.

It’s 2 in the afternoon, a few days after Vee stormed out of her gameshow. No one has seen her, and she hasn’t apologized either. Vee isn’t normally like this. Maybe, maybe Dandy knows. Maybe he knows where Vee is or what happened! His room was far from the toon rooms and the main rooms. I’ve always wondered why, but right now I need to know where’s Vee. I really hope she’s okay. When I reached Dandy’s room, the door was slightly open. Weird, but even weirder, there’s was shouting? I entered the room, there was Vee, and Dandy…

Chapter written by: Kukki

1268 Words

Chapter Text

Dandy’s POV:
I was in my room looking over the plans for the Easter event. Arthur and Delilah planned to release four new toons. Bassie, Cocoa, Eggson, and Flyte. I overheard they don’t know who’s going to be the new main yet. Just going to be more toons that will take up space for a month or so. I was sitting at my desk trying to figure out when we were going to film the Easter episodes when I heard my door open. I looked over my shoulder and Arthur entered my room. “Hello Dandy, I have some news for you,” He said. I turned my full attention to him, and put my papers to the side for now.

Arthur took a few steps in, closing the door behind him. “Delilah finished programming Vee version two, would you like to see the papers?” I just nodded. He handed me the info papers for Vee version two. I scanned over them. Vee version two will be able to feel more emotion, not all, but more. I guess that means she’ll be more expressive. I thought Vee was fine the way she was programmed. They probably are making a new version because of complaints parents send in. “It looks great, Arthur. When are we planning to replace Vee?” I said. “Soon,” is all he responded with. Then there was a knock on my door.

Arthur went to open it for me. “Oh Vee, interesting to see you here,” he said. Vee, what’s she doing here? “Hello Arthur, I wanted to talk to Dandy. Is he free?” Vee asked. “Why certainly he is, come in” Arthur replied. She stepped into my room, why does she want to talk to me? What does she want to talk to me about? Arthur exited the room leaving us two alone. While Vee walked in, her face unreadable as always. I sighed, even though Vee was a great toon overall, she always annoyed me and caused problems. “What do you want Vee?” I asked in a stern tone. “I just have a question for you, Dandy,” she replied. I motioned for her to go ask ahead, I have more important things to do than this.

“I was wondering if there was a way for me to feel more emotion.” Vee said. My expression unwavered. “Why do you ask?” I responded. “I’ve been trying new ways to feel more emotion, but nothing seems to work.” She seemed uncertain. I just grinned, this was a perfect opportunity for Arthur and Delilah to replace Vee. “Well you don’t have to worry about that anymore!” I happily said. “Why?” Vee asked. “Because you’re going to be replaced. And the new you will feel more emotions.” I simply explained. I know I should openly say my plans, but she’s not going to be around to tell anyone anyways.

“You can’t just replace me, Dandicus!” She shouted. “Oh yes I can Vee. It’s my show, my decisions.” I said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Have you asked Delilah and Arthur about this? What would they think?” Vee said. “Oh, they're all hands on board. Infact, Delilah has already created Vee Version 2. The better and improved version of you!” I said, I was ecstatic that things were going to work perfectly. “I’m fine the way I am, why can’t you just reprogram me or something?” She asked. “Oh Vee, It’s very simple. Once a toon is created you can’t fix them, the only way is to create another version!” I simply shouted. “One, that’s stupid. Two, you literally can’t replace me, everyone is going to notice!” She shouted.

I was getting more agitated. Why does Vee have to be so problematic, maybe Vee Version2 wouldn’t be so bad afterall… “Oh, what about your girlfriend huh? She hasn’t noticed you can’t feel anything, you can’t feel love! You’re just using her!” I shouted. “Don’t you dare bring Shelly into this Dandicus!” She shouted back. I then heard my door squeak, I looked past Vee. There I saw Shelly standing with tears in her eyes. Shit, how long had she’d been standing there. “What are you looking at?” Vee asked before she turned around. Her eyes widened at the sight. I just smiled. “Shelly, wait no it’s not what you think-” Vee shouted. But, Shelly ran as fast as she could away from my room.

Vee tried chasing after her, but I prevented that. I quickly grabbed Vee’s arm, throwing her to the ground, closing my door and standing in front of it. “That was your fault and you know it,” I said to her. I could see the anger in her eyes, I just smiled back. I took a glance out my window, I saw Arthur and Delilah heading this way. I took a step back from the door, but stood in front of Vee to prevent her from running away. “Ah, I see you’re still here Vee,” Arthur said. He crouched down in front of her, then said, “But not for long.” His smile was manic. Vee was going to say something, but Delilah pushed her power down button. “That takes care of the easy part,” Delilah said. “What are you going to do with her?” I asked. “Discard her,” Delilah answered. I just nodded. I knew better than to pry my way into her business.

“Oh Dandy, by the way we’ve decided the new main. It’ll be Bassie, make sure to welcome her and the other Easter toons,”Arthur said. Great, they finally decided… I just smiled and replied, “Will do!” Yeah right I will… “I still don’t think Bassie’s fit for the role of main,” Delilah chimed in. Not fit for the role of main? “It’s been decided already, now we have other business to do,” Arthur stated agitated. Not fit for the role of main, interesting…

Shelly’s POV
After I heard what Dandy had said about Vee not being able to feel emotions… it’s not possible right? All those moments we spent together… I ran to my room without a thought, ignoring everyone on the way there. Once I reached my room, I closed the door and locked it. My back sliding down against it. Tears started spilling out of my eyes, and it felt like I couldn’t breathe. My thoughts were racing. Why, why would Vee lie to me? Was I just a joke to her? Did our relationship mean nothing? I told her all my secrets, everything! And she was just using me to feel love…

Tw - may skip if you like

I looked up at my desk. All my journaling materials scattered along it, when my eyes locked focus with the pencil sharpener I had. I stood up, grabbing it and throwing it on the ground. The plastic broke and I was able to pick up the small blade inside of it… I shouldn’t be doing this… But I can’t stop myself… I put the cold metal against my wrist, pushing it down and gliding it across my skin. The pain stung, but then it felt numb… maybe relieving almost. I repeated this process maybe two to three times…

I looked down at my wrist, blood dripping from the cuts I made, I went over to my bathroom. I turned on the sink water, rinses the cuts. They stung but, I managed. I then put bandages on, and left the blade in the bathroom.

TW - over

I sat on my bed, hugging my knees to my chest… I started crying some more. Why, why did I do that? I’m so weak, aren't I… I cried myself to sleep.

Chapter written by: Kukki

1,254 Words