dreadteller

[dreadteller]

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[dreadteller]

Luke's ready for Leon to suffer the embrace for a moment and step away, but then the younger man leans into it, holds onto Luke as if he's never been hugged before. Leon tries to catch his tears but he hears the sniffling, feels them dampen his shirt and now the father in Luke never wants to let go. "You're good, kid," he murmurs in a tone he hopes is soothing, and Leon can take it how he needs it: forgiveness for his crying, reassurance that he's a good person and deserves happiness, or just the comfort of someone who cares. "It'll be alright, I promise. Good things happen to good people."

the hug is the most surprising gesture of all, leon locking up for the half-second it takes for him to realize what's happening. his reflexes are much slower than usual, but it doesn't take long for him to just slump into the touch. he's starved for it. he's never gotten enough and now he's getting none. it doesn't help that his head is swimming and flash flooding with misery and before he can stop it, he's committing the worst sin of all—he's fucking crying. he shoves his face into his hand, trying to muffle it just a little, but he's shaking like a leaf. god. he shouldn't have drank so much. this is horrible. he would wish for the ground to swallow him up, if not for the fact that luke was still holding fast. he, at least, doesn't deserve that.

[dreadteller]

Rum and coke is an agreeable choice, and Luke accepts as they're handed across the counter. He doesn't have them often - he's more likely to cut with water than something sugary, and rum fills space in the stomach quickly - but for casual sipping the taste is second to none. He pays, thanks them with a little smile, steps out of line. "Trying to, yeah," Luke answers, takes a drink and licks the foam from his moustache. "Thought maybe people-watching would be inspiring, but to be honest it's not going great. If you got any ideas for a kids' book I'm getting kinda desperate."

preening like a prize-winning peacock, max can't help but drink in the recognition. sure, it may not be completely what he's hoping for—luke doesn't seem to instantly know his name, like he should—but from another ( minor ) celebrity, it means twice as much! maybe one of these days luke will get some sort of movie deal and he'll be able to capitalize on that... or maybe not. at any rate, he's another body to count among his fans—that matters more than almost anything else. he's happy to take charge ordering and asks the stall-keeper for two rum n' cokes, something he can trust that they'll get right. anything more complicated and he starts to doubt their intelligence. "so what were you writing in that book? new ideas, or what?"

[dreadteller]

Luke watches as Alan looks over the thing, feels the scratches along the hood but ultimately steps back without much complaint. He's thankful that there's nothing wrong with the car, but it does little to soothe his concern about how the wreck happened... if it's not a problem with the car, at least an immediately recognizable one, it's a problem with the driver. "Specialist... right." Luke shifts his weight from one foot to the other. "A year? What were you doing before that, if you don't mind me askin'? I think I've seen you around town before...."

looking over the car, alan can't immediately find anything wrong with it. the hood is scratched in a few places, but it's thankfully nothing too expensive. the rest of the vehicle is in more or less perfect shape. but it's only a quick search... there's always the possibility there's something deeper at play. he doesn't presume to know! "oh—uh, well it looks alright just from what i can see, but you should probably request maintenance on it... maybe a specialist could be more help." shrugging, he adds, "i don't work here, exactly... i work at the shop, though. buster's. about a year now."

[dreadteller]

Luke nods slowly, thinks Leon's words are much more wise than he probably realizes... So few people know what truly makes them happy, and they spend their whole lives in a mad rush trying to find it when, really, it's waiting for them in the little things all along the way. Blink and you miss it stuff. For Luke it was family, sitting around together at the dinner table, the warmth of someone in bed next to him, Jessica's laugh... He hopes to God Leon finds his happiness in time to appreciate it before it's gone.

"Probably not. Lemme call you a cab or something... sounds like you need some time to think, away from me and the husband." Luke smiles a little knowingly at Leon, then slides off his stool, closes the short distance between them and pulls the younger man gently into a hug. He doesn't use the muscles in his chest and forearms very often but they're made for this purpose, protective, the same thing he'd done for Jessica whether she needed it or not. "It's all gonna turn out okay, okay?"

luke's gesture is appreciated, even if it's a little too hard and clumsy to make much difference in his predicament. he's getting better all the time! one of these days, he'll be able to drink just as much as luke does. maybe get a little drunker, though—he doesn't have nearly as many years under his belt and his tolerance is going to take some time to build up. the same can be said for people, too. he's not used to more than basic courtesy and luke's advice has gone straight past that into sounding fatherly. drunkly, and a little miserably, leon wonders if his father—michael—would have done something like this for him. or if gim—dad—would have, if he got the chance. ugh, why does everything have to go back to family? "i wish i knew what made me happy, too." he could, if he put the effort into living. he just doesn't feel like it's worth it, anymore... if it ever had been. it feels ungrateful not to enjoy his parole, but he doesn't. everything was easier, routine, when he was imprisoned. but he regrets saying anything about that—feelings—the second it leaves his mouth. face scrunching up again, he shakes his head to clear it. "you're not talking my ear off," he says, trying for a smile. it's a little clumsy, but he does mean it—just a little. "but i was just going to call—" he breaks off, face scrunching for the second time. he doesn't want to call barry. "...are you good to drive?"

[dreadteller]

Luke's given pause at her response - did he have something in mind, or did he expect to be turned away at the door, whether for the time or his drunkenness? As he turns the question over in his mind he watches Dilon's fingers drum on the counter top, momentarily lulled by their quickness - I bet she types really quick. Starts on the home keys and everything. "I, uh... I actually have no idea. I'm not all that familiar with this practice." Luke flashes her a lopsided grin, casts a glance over his shoulder as if expecting something at the door. "I guess I just wanna know if there's, like... good left in my life, or if there's something off. Could you see something like that?"

                           her nose crinkles distastefully at the man's very apparent buzzed state . at least he wasn't a rowdy drinker , coming to wreak havoc in her shop . head tips quizzically to the side at his question . " i can see that . and that's correct , i do readings . is that what brought you here from an evening of drinking ? to ask for a reading ? " eyes casts a brief glance to her phone for a confirmation of the time while fingertips drum on top the counter . " come . what is it that you want guidance for ? or is it more of a general overlook of a read , you'd like ? "

[dreadteller]

Whoops...there was that old-fashioned way about Luke that invited him to interact with strangers. He often forgot that it was rarely acceptable to do that nowadays, especially when it came to young women sitting alone in parks. He lifted his hands in a bit of a surrender, taking a half-step back to give her space. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Luke apologized, now almost avoiding looking at the piece and instead bringing his eyes up to the fountain in front of them, a flurry of feathers and sun-kissed water droplets. "A lot of sketches kinda seem stiff, I guess, but yours... You can almost see the birds moving." He ventured a little smile. "You gotta be a professional artist, right?"

Evelyn had wandered into the park, eventually finding a shady spot by a bench under a tree. She brought her pencils and notepad, ready to draw. On beautiful days like this, she sought inspiration in her surroundings. Today, it was a charming water fountain with birds bathing in it, a simple yet picturesque scene. As she began sketching the fountain's outline, her hand trembled. Blinking, she saw her pencil but was suddenly transported back to a winter day, leaning against a tree, sketching the wreckage of a plane in the snow with blood on the ground. The memory was a brief, unwelcome thought. Taking a deep breath, she heard someone approaching.

Glancing over her shoulder and up to face the person who had arrived, she noted the expression on his face. Glancing back down at the drawing, she didn't reveal what she drew until the end. He seemed to have gotten a sneak peek "Thank you." she then looked back up at him "What part of this caught your eye enough to glance over a stranger's shoulder hmm?" she chuckled.

[dreadteller]

"I gotcha... thanks." Luke leans back in the chair, the abrasive sound of her pen scratching a circle into the paper replaying in his mind on loop. He's still stumbling a bit from the fog, but maybe it was just a little loss of focus, a blink of time that seemed much longer in retrospect than it actually had been. He could at least trust that, somehow, he'd made it to Buster's and maintained acceptable conversation with this woman, and now he can just take up the baton and keep on running, right? Regardless of the trick his mind is trying to play on him, he definitely doesn't want to waste any more of the mechanic's time than he already has.

She's waiting on his decision. He clears his throat, adjusts so that his weight is shifted to the other arm of the chair. "Yeah, you're probably right, but... I've had that car forever. I'd hate to just see it scrapped, y'know?" Luke glances up at Sybil, sets his head subtly to one side. "What would you do, if you were an old, sentimental guy like me?"

Sybil would have given good money to be anywhere other than sitting across from a man whose daughter the police suspected she might have murdered. She represses a shudder. They had been none too kind as they'd screamed at her for information. Her military training had kept her silent. Even as they'd employed some more perverse measures. It was futile. Worse had been done to her overseas, much more creatively than what small town cops could dream up. The one thing it did do was make the blackouts worse. More frequent. Her PTSD regressing to a state she hadn't been in since New York. She was tired and restless all at the same time. A combination that made her want to crawl out of her skin. So when he asks her to repeat herself, Sybil does her best to swallow the rage that rushes up to meet her. Yelling at the man clearly wouldn't do any good. He looked rather like a lost puppy, unfocused and confused. Unsure of where he was or if the person across from his was a friend. She wasn't. But could relate to how the weight of loss could pull you into oblivion. It is the only reason she calmly explains the issue with the vehicle once more. "And this," she circles the bottom number, "Is how much it's going to cost to fix. Honestly, you'd probably be better off buying something new." Sybil leans back into the squeaking office chair. "But if you're dead set on repairing it, I can do the work."

[dreadteller]

The victim in him admittedly appreciated her answer: professional, determined. Nothing was quite as discouraging as an investigator who seemed to have given up. But the much larger part of him, the human, empathetic Luke felt a pang of sympathy for her, brought a knit to his brow. "Yeah, I know it's gotta be tough on you guys," he said, and it might have sounded sarcastic coming from anyone but him. "How... how's it going? Find anything else, getting warmer...?" The heaviness in Luke's gut already knew the answer, but he owed it to Jessica to ask.

Noting his body language, she wasn't sure if that was because she was a detective, or he didn't like running into anyone of the law. Time will tell. "Burned." she looked over at him and couldn't help releasing a chuckle. The space between them, as if she needed all this room. She noted it. "I hardly would say enjoying myself, one can't be too caught up in the festivities when there are cases to solve." only when it is solved will she allow herself rest. "how about yourself?"

[dreadteller]

"Oh, yeah, yeah. This kinda thing can get outta control pretty quick." It was a sentiment Luke shared...he was always nervous bringing his family to the festival, especially the closer to the lighting it got, and tended to get a little 'helicopter' when it came to Jessica and the bonfire. He kept imagining the thing falling over, people being trapped in cages of sticks and consumed by hungry embers.

Ooookay, think of something else. He rubbed his palms a few times against his jeans and scooted to the edge of his seat, almost as if he was preparing for flight. Should I offer her a seat? A drink? "Didn't know you were a nurse. Are you part of the festival's medical staff, or...?"

"Sticks can be inspirational. Crowley, huts, spears…" She named off, arms tight around herself as she glanced down at the paper. Drawings made her think of Evelyn, although Evelyn did a damn bit more than just doodle branches. Annabelle herself could also think of more to do with them than make stick dolls

Flicking her eyes up at him, Annabelle shrugged a shoulder, not wanting to give the appearance of being too impacted. "Can't say I'm a fan. I'm a nurse, so all I see is the chance for a bunch of idiots to get themselves hurt." She didn't see that just because she was a nurse, but she couldn't mention that part, just like she wasn't going to mention just why she was really on edge. She'd rather be known as Jeff's cousin than a plane crash survivor, and she's rather not be known as anything than as someone connected to a murder case, but since when was life about what you wanted?

[dreadteller]

number 17 👀

does he have any irrational fears?

several, including but not limited to: ghosts and paranormal occurrences, sharks, industrial equipment and ladders, people standing too close behind him, breaking mirrors, "oppressive" darkness

[dreadteller]

48, 55, 57

how would he type?

very proficiently on a keyboard, since this is how he writes for work, but he's almost useless with a phone and it takes him a while. he's absolutely one to use abbreviations to avoid having to type out whole words

would he do the ice bucket challenge?

it would have to be someone else telling him about it, what it's for, and handling the social media aspect on his behalf, but he'd do it for sure! he's a good sport for a worthy cause

how does he feel about feminism?

growing up in a time where his parents probably had some questionable opinions, Luke is naturally inclined for equal respect for everyone, and did his best to raise Jessica to be an empowered woman. sometimes he catches himself having outdated opinions or echoing the sentiments of other old guys in a rapidly-changing social landscape, but he imagines how it would make Jessica feel and he corrects himself pretty quickly lol

[dreadteller]

1, 4, 14, 27, 44,

what is his biggest fear?

probably losing his mind - he has nightmares where his hands don't work, he can't remember his daughter's face, when he talks he can't form any words, stuff like that

does anyone have a crush on him, and is he aware of it?

I don't think so ?? hey hmu if your character has a crush on Luke-

what is the cutest thing he's ever done?

I mean I'm absolutely biased but I love dads doing dad things, and I headcanon that Luke's done them all... learning how to put his daughter's hair up in pigtails, finger painting, helping her make pillow forts or getting under tables to talk to her when she got upset... just. all the unbearably adorable dad stuff

what would be the worst way for him to die?

alone in a nursing home, no friends or family around, after a long fight with dementia or other progressive disease that takes all of him years before his body gives up. honestly I think this is the worst way for anyone to die.

what is he proud of?

Jessica, his daughter !! her life, the impact she made on the community and the people she knew, her strength and wit and compassion, everything

[dreadteller]

Luke steps aside to give Alan room, watches him lift the fluid-stained hood and begin a diagnostic on the thing. He hopes he'll find something obvious like a...oh, like a sparkplug or something? He doesn't know cars, but maybe a sparkplug would make you jump up on a curb. While he works Luke pulls out his glasses and phone, squinting down at the screen. "So, uh..." He sighs, sees that he's missed a call from his publisher and pockets the phone again. "How, uh, how long you been working here? Don't think I've seen you here before."

alan is tempted to ask what had happened to it, considering the condition it's in... but thinks better of it before he follows through. he's already questioned luke enough for one day. after all, they're strangers. there's no reason for him to just jump at the chance to criticize him. before he can think of something different—nicer—to say, he seems to change his mind about the offer. he can't help but breathe a sigh of relief. for his own peace of mind, if nothing else. "yeah, no problem!" he steps over to pull up the hood. "i won't take too long. just a quick check."

[dreadteller]

He can tell the request has stoked the fire's of Max's ego as he scrawls his name across the page - Luke wouldn't admit this, but it's the real reason he asked for the autograph. Young guy in a band struggling to find momentum, a little encouragement will hopefully go a long way. It's a scientific fact that people perform their craft best when they feel supported... or at least it should be. "Heck yeah, I'll check it out, uh..." He looks at the signature. "Max."

Finally it's their turn and Luke steps up as he slips the notebook back into his pocket. When prompted for his order he defers to Max, gestures for him to take the lead. "Two of whatever he gets, please."

max visibly brightens once luke makes it obvious he recognizes the band. that almost never happens! usually people recognize him from his habit of being a nuisance, and not by the music he plays. maybe that's finally starting to change—and he knows exactly who to thank for it... and how. "yeah, that's us! you should come tonight, man. we'll be playing until closing." or rather, until the cops come and chase them off. whichever comes first. sometimes they anticipate things like that in advance. he's even more tickled by the idea of giving an autograph. he hasn't been asked for one before. can you believe that? "sure thing," he says, keeping himself cool and casual as he scrawls his name out on the notepad. wow, things really are looking up. free drinks and some recognition! it's about damn time, too! "we're getting bigger all the time. one of these days we'll be able to bus on out of here."

[dreadteller]

When he splutters on the last shot Luke claps him on the back to help, a well-meaning gesture but clumsy and a little harder than he intends. "That's okay, that's totally okay," he responds, shakes his head as Leon gets done talking. "But, y'know... it can be different. Can't change the past and life's always gonna try and throw you off, but you gotta do what makes you happy in between all of that."

Luke leans back from the bar, from the graveyard of bottles and glasses and pools of condensation and wonders how late it's getting - not for himself, but for Leon. "You're a good guy, lettin' some old drunk talk your ear off," he says with a husky laugh, feeling like it's a good time to ease off on some of the tension. "You got a ride home? Y'know, if you ever needed a place to post up for a few days, get outta Dodge, my door's open."

exhaling softly, leon stares down at his own empty shot glass. he's half tempted to order another one, but luke beats him to it—good man. he's probably been through the same ( well... maybe not the same ) thing he's going through now. he's more than willing to accept the unspoken advice, intended or otherwise, alongside what's said. "that makes sense, yeah," he says, nodding slowly, staring now at the shot in front of him. maybe he has been unfair. he's never intended to shackle anyone to him, after all. he downs the shot in one large gulp, screwing up his face as he tries not to sputter. when he speaks, his voice is hoarse and strained again. "i just wish... excuse me," he coughs hard into his sleeve before he continues, sounding a little better—and a little drunker. "i just wish it was different."

[dreadteller]

ask box meme

(send "random" and I'll pick a few with rng!)

1: What is your character's biggest fear? 2: What is your character's favorite memory? 3: What is your character's least favorite memory? 4: Does anyone have a crush on your character? Is your character aware of this? 5: Describe your character's dream date. 6: What is your character's sexual orientation? 7: How does your character feel about their name? 8: Does your character hate anyone? Why? 9: How does your character feel about religion? 10. Would your character ever kill someone? 11: How did your character meet their best friend? 12: How would/does your character feel about roller coasters? 13: What would your character die for? 14: What is the cutest thing your character has ever done? 15: What music genre would your character listen to? 16: What other fictional characters remind you of your character? 17: Does your character have any irrational fears? 18: How would your character feel about having their life recorded? 19: What is your character's deepest, darkest secret? 20: What is the most surprising thing about your character? 21: Is your character flexible? 22: What is the worst thing your character has ever done? 23: Is your character morally gray or black or white? 24: What prejudices does your character have? 25: Would you want to hang out with your character? 26: What is your favorite headcanon for your character? 27: What would be the worst way for your character to die? 28: What pet would your character like to have? 29: What would be your character's favorite food? 30: Would your character have any hobbies? 31: What social media would your character use? 32: What does your character look like? 33: In what ways is your character like you? 34: What is cliche about your character? 35: What is unique about your character? 36: Does anyone want to harm your character? 37: Do people have justified grudges against your character? 38: What role does your character play in their story? 39: What would be your character's niche on Tumblr? 40: What would be your character's favorite school subject? 41: Would your character want to have any children? 42: What would be your character's dream career? 43: What is your character insecure about? 44: What is your character proud of? 45: What would your character change about themselves? 46: Would you want to trade places with your character? 47: What fandoms would your character be in? 48: How would your character type? 49: How does your character stand politically? 50: What is your favorite thing about your character? 51: What is your character's favorite animal? 52: How would your character act in gym class? 53: What clubs would your character join? 54: What is the saddest thing about your character's life? 55: Would your character do the Ice Bucket Challenge? 56: What's one of your character's quirks? 57: How would your character feel about feminism? 58: Is your character dorky or more athletic? 59: What is your least favorite thing about your character? 60: If you could title your character's life, what would you title it?