baddestdad

[baddestdad]

Alright y’all, the time has finally come!  This blog is going dormant and the new multi-muse blog is finally ready!  *Celebration plays in the background*

Because this message is long (and I know some of y’all’s dashes are about to get flooded) everything else will be under the ‘Read More.’  ^_^

For anyone getting ‘swamped’ by this message because you follow me in multiple places, I sincerely apologize.  This is the best way I know to inform both my partners and my followers.  On the bright side, you can always start unfollowing all of the old blogs because I don’t imagine I’ll be using them for much anymore. Or, if you want to keep them around for some reason, you can blacklist the tag: ‘Moving Day is at Hand’ (And if you get that reference, we should be friends... if we’re not already.  <3)

Sadly, the new blog isn’t very mobile-friendly at the moment - not if you’re using the app - but I haven’t decided on the best way to deal with that yet… or if I’ll even try.  If it’s a deal-breaker for you, please let me know.  I’ll probably pick your brain for ideas on how to handle things.

Everything else is up and running smoothly (I think.)  All 32 muses have decently extensive info pages and a plethora of tags to make everything easily searchable (or blacklistable, if desired.)  

I haven’t reblogged any ‘aesthetic’ type posts for anyone yet (not unless they fall into another category, too.)  My plan is to randomly queue those kinds of posts.  I’m not sure how many I’ll queue per day, but if you follow and it feels like too much (or not enough) let me know and I’ll adjust things.

As for current RPs - here’s my plan:

If I owe you a reply, I’ll be giving you that reply on my new blog just as soon as I can.  ^_^  On those replies, I’ll have a permanent link to our RP on the old blog so we can both easily access it.  Not sure about y’all, but memory refreshers help me stay on point… most of the time.  ;)

If you owe me a reply, I’m going to repost my last reply on the new blog - so you might see new notifications pop up for old things.  I don’t think that will throw anything off too much.  (I hope.)  But if you use RP Thread Tracker, then it’ll change the date of my last reply.  Or it won’t show up at all if you have your tracker set up to only track this specific blog for replies.  Hopefully this won’t make things too confusing.  I’m going to do the same thing for any starters I have, too.  :)

So, here’s the new blog:

MUSE CARAVAN

If there’s anything that doesn’t work the way it seems like it should, let me know.  And if there’s anything else y’all think I should address and haven’t (or that I haven’t addressed well enough) please ask.  I want this transition to be as smooth as possible for everyone, but I need feedback if anything feels off, or I won’t know what needs improvement.  :)

I’ve tagged everyone I think I have a current RP with on this blog.  If, for any reason, you no longer wish to continue the thread/threads found HERE, under the ‘RPs’ tab, please let me know.  I promise there won’t be hard feelings or anything like that.  I just don’t want to spend time moving over a thread you’re no longer interested in.  If you want something else in the future, you’re always welcome to hit me up, and if not, that’s okay, too.  :)

If there’s a thread we have that’s missing from that tab and you still want to write it, let me know that, too.  I had a bit of a snafu with my thread tracker and lost all of my RPs where my partner hadn’t responded to it in over six months.  Some of them I was able to remember, but I suspect some got lost in the ensuing panic as I realized what had happened.  >.<

And finally - right now, I don’t have plans to immediately follow anyone first who’s not a current writing partner.  However, you’re more than welcome to follow me in the new place and I’ll happily follow back.  I want people to follow me because they want to, not because they feel obligated.  <3

Alright, I think that just about covers everything.

Any current partners for Robert are tagged here: @houseofswords - @lxvingdeadgxrl​

[baddestdad]

HOW DO YOU TRAGICALLY DIE

Betrayed in the Plot Twist

That shady ally you and your buddies have turned out to be a rotten egg after all, and you're their victim. The audience saw it before you did. Being stabbed in the back hurts like a bitch; I don't envy you, but take solace knowing your death was the single most pivotal moment in the entire story.

I mean... given his backstory with Joseph, this is pretty apropos.  >.>

Tagged by: @lxvingdeadgxrl

Tagging:  Anyone who’d like to.  :)

[baddestdad]

You’re my only hope… || Robert+Wyn

lxvingdeadgxrl​:

   She couldn’t say she’d blame him for the shift from field work to intel, but if she had any input in the matter whatsoever, she’d ask him to hold off until this particular matter was dealt with. Wyn needed help and needed it desperately, and Robert was the only one she trusted enough to share this with. He had been around the block, knew about so many things…If anyone could help her, it was Robert…

   And besides that, she was scared. Really and truly scared and she just–she needed him there, even if she wasn’t willing to admit as to why she needed him in particular there just yet.

   Though, if this ended as badly as it possibly could, and as she feared that it might, she may not get another chance to say anything to him. Maybe it was time to get over those fears…Or not. Probably not what she needed to be thinking about at the moment, what with everything else going on.

   The young woman had been pacing, waiting near her phone in hopes that Robert would get back to her. Yeah, it was late, but he was always good at getting back to her. Thankfully, he did just that. Not a call, but a text…She’d fucking take it, though. 

   She grabbed for the phone, quickly reading over the message he sent for her. 

   [Text: Robert] Not the best thing to discuss on the phone.

   [Text: Robert] I’m in the apartment. Just let me know when you get here, I’ll lower the wards.

   [Text: Robert] Just please hurry.

Wynter’s reply was enough to tell the hunter he needed to hurry.  She had wards up to keep out other humans?  Or it sounded that way.  For the first time in awhile he was reminded that the things in the darkness weren’t always of the supernatural variety.  The idea bothered him… worried him.  What if he couldn’t help her?  No.  No - he couldn’t think like that.  If Wynter didn’t think he could help, she wouldn’t have asked.  He needed to get there and do whatever he could.  Worrying about what ifs wasn’t gonna solve anything.

Hopping up into his truck, he sent her one more text.  

[Leaving now.  Hold tight.]

And then he revved the engine, pulled out of the motel and onto the road.  He debated his speed as he drove.  Hunters and cops didn’t mix, and even something as simple as a speeding ticket could turn into something a lot worse if whoever pulled him over was too thorough.  So he drive five miles over, like just about everyone else did and managed to make it to Wyn’s place in just under seven hours.

Parking a little out of the way, he started texting as soon as he was out of the truck.  

[Here and headed for your door.]

The adrenaline had been thrumming since he’d gotten that first text, but now it surged, speeding up his heartbeat as he wondered what exactly was going on… and hoped he’d be able to help.

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl​:

   Man, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed herself like this at a bar. There was just something about the atmosphere and the company that just–it almost made it feel like she’d been coming there for years, made it comfortable. 

   Robert was right, this place was a winner. 

   The young woman grinned in return. Had it been a bit teasing? Yes, but it was all in good fun. She’d never tease anyone in a malicious fashion, after all.

   As far as the books went, well, she tried not to steer anyone wrong. She knew her tastes weren’t for everyone, but a man who visited a cemetery after hours and who seemed to have an appreciation for the creepier things in life? He might appreciate the more macabre stuff, the morbidly fascinating. 

   “More fun, huh? I don’t know, I may not be able to handle all of that fun.” she chuckled. “It may be too much for me.” 

   Wyn listened intently as Robert listed off the various establishment, sipping at her drink. She noticed the scars on his hand, but thought better about asking him about them, and wouldn’t allow herself to focus on them. After all, it was terribly rude to stare.

   Honestly though, itsounded like the town had it all. Hell, it even had a record shop, which was amazing. Leaving behind the local shop she’d been haunting back in New Orleans had been so difficult, but that pain was eased somewhat now that she knew that she’d still be able to get her vinyl fix.

   Of course, there was no telling if they’d carry the sorts of records she’d listen to, but one could hope and they could probably order them in for her, if need be.

   “Oooh, I do love twenty-four hour diners that have that vibe. Especially when there are good wedge fries to be had.” she hummed. “The sort of place that you read about in those Small Town Gothic posts online.” 

   “But I certainly will. I appreciate it, Robert.” Wynter confessed with a smile. “Still so much to see and do, but so little free time. That being said, I’ll absolutely make time. I’m a sucker for vintage movies and good pizza. What do you hunt for at the record store?

Too much fun?  Was she teasing him again?  Robert couldn’t be entirely sure, and he was deciding he liked that about Wynter.  It reminded him of Mary… and Marilyn.  And it made him relax around her in ways he didn’t normally with new people.  Something deep inside himself still whispered that he shouldn’t.  Letting people in had never done him any good in the long run… and yet here he was - doing it anyway.  Trying not to think too hard about it, he grinned at the woman.  “But how will you know unless you try?” he asked, taking a long swallow of his drink.

He wasn’t surprised when Wynter expressed interest in the diner he’d mentioned.  Robert dug the vibe, too.  Often found himself out there on nights when he couldn’t sleep.  “This place is exactly like that,” he agreed when she mentioned the small town gothic aesthetic.  “There’s a few places like that here in Maple Bay… but the diner’s the only one that feels…”  He stopped, literally searching for the best word before finally settling on, “... neutral.”  The other places were darker… or felt that way to him, at least.  The diner was the only one he enjoyed visiting.

“You ever get tha urge to check it out, let me know.  I can give directions… or, uh…”  Again he hesitated, second-guessing himself for a minute, before forcing the words out.  “... I could maybe drive you out there?  It’s kind of nestled back off the road… can be hard to find sometimes.”  Okay, so that wasn’t entirely a lie.  Some nights even HE couldn’t find it.  But Robert was pretty sure that was because those were nights when it didn’t want to be found - not by him, at least.

When Wynter smiled at him in thanks, he returned it with a soft, genuine one of his own.  He’d never been one for small talk.  But she somehow managed to make everything he said (and everything said to him in return) feel important.  Necessary.  Maybe that was why he was able to talk so comfortably with her.  His grin got wider when he heard she liked vintage movies (and when she didn’t freak out about his pizza choices.)

Her question brought a quick, almost unconscious, shrug to his shoulders.  “I like a lot of different things, I guess.”  Music had been such a large part of his life for so long, that he’d garnered a variety of musical tastes over the years.  “These days, I’ve got most of the albums I know I like, so when I shop at Vinyl Fantasy, I’m usually looking for things I’ve never heard of - just to try something new.  It’s hit or miss, but it’s kind of fun.”  He took a slow sip of his drink before inclining his head towards her.  “What about you? What’s your collection like?”

[baddestdad]

:Invitation to the Blues:

bendyquirk​ :

“well my daughter basically kicked me out saying that i cant use the excuse of work to not socialize anymore now that i am retired so i figured this was as good a place as any to try and get out for a while..” David grabbed his glass as he listened to robert talk, feeling his cheeks gain a little color at the sound the other man made. not sure if it was the intent behind it or not but he didn’t care, two could play at this game if he was going that way with it. David was quick to down the shot of bourbon but brought his tongue out a little to catch any that remained inside the glass before setting it down, making a pleasurable noise of his own as a soft smirk was now coming to his face. “ yeah that was rather nice wonder what else i’ll get to taste if you’re the one treating me tonight~?” is all that leaves his lips soon after, a finger drawing circles on the rim of the now empty shot glass, the small smirk growing wider and a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes.

Robert could hardly miss the flick of that tongue, which meant he was fully focused on the other man as he spoke, watching the suggestive words as they slid past smirking lips.  His own grin pulled into something slightly more feral.  Now this was a game he knew how to play.  This time, he gave David a very obvious once-over.  “Well that depends…”  He brought his tongue out, sliding over his lower lip with a deliberate, almost thoughtful motion, like he was trying to make up his mind about something.  Although, the truth was, he already had.  The rest was up to his new friend, and how far he wanted to take this game of theirs..  “You the adventurous sort, David?

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl​:

   What could she say? She was a jokester. How did the saying go? Laughter was the best medicine, or something like that….Kind of sounded like a crock of shit, but whatever, what did they have to lose at that point? Everything that had gone down the night before had been heavy and serious, so why not try to inject a little bit of humor.

   She offered him a weak smile. “S’right down the hall, but I-I appreciate the privacy.” she confessed. 

   As for being able to stand, that was the million dollar question, wasn’t it? She hadn’t tried getting out of bed yet, and after draining herself the way she had the night before, there was no way of knowing just how stable she’d be on her own two legs. She’d just have to try it out and see if she could keep herself upright, or if she’d come tumbling down like a house of cards.

   “E-empty’s good, though, right? M-Means we were successful.” she reasoned. It probably felt weird, seeing as he’d had that tag-along stuck inside of him for so long, but she imagined it must have been a huge weight off of his shoulders. “But m-maybe don’t use that space for b-breakdowns…” 

   Yeah, it might be a joke, but even still…

   Wynter shifted as best as she could, bringing herself to the edge of her bed so she could get herself standing. She paused when he mentioned the juice again, the young woman shifting her gaze to where he stood. “U-Um, yeah…yeah, that’d be good…t-thanks.” she offered.

   With care, she got onto her own two feet, and almost immediately, she regretted it. Her legs felt like jello and concrete simultaneously, and it took everything in her power not to fall over. She had to catch herself on the edge of the bed, the witch bracing herself a bit. 

   Right…so maybe she should wait a second to get her legs back online before she tried walking again.

Was ‘empty’ good?  Yes.  The hunter in him knew it had to be.  But the man - the one who missed someone he’d gotten close to - still wasn’t so sure.  “Can only get better from here, I suppose,” he replied with a small shrug.  Carefully, Robert tried standing without support, hands held out gingerly just in case his body (or head) decided it wasn’t quite ready.  So far so good…

When Wynter said juice still sounded good, the hunter began to take slow steps towards the bedroom door.  “I’m on it.  I think.”  He stopped when the witch seemed to have trouble standing.  “If you change your mind about a wobbly shoulder to lean on, uh, maybe have your ghost friend come grab me?”  He wanted her to know he was still willing to help, but wasn’t about to make any assumptions.  Offer spoken, Robert continued out of the room and into the hallway.  He wasn’t entirely sure where the kitchen was, but there had to be one around here somewhere, right?  He’d find it eventually.  

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl​:

Liquid Dream ||

   Wynter’s cheeks took on a faint rosy hue at that, her smile sweet. “Well, if you say so, it must be true.” she offered with a chuckle. That wasn’t even remotely how that worked, but whatever. She didn’t want to argue, and it really was a lovely compliment.

   “Oh! Well, depends on the book. So far, they’re all nonfiction. Her first book is all about how she got into the funeral industry, and the second is all about different death rituals from around the world.” she explained. What? She knew her reading material was a little on the morbid side, but it was fascinating to her. “The third book is her answering death questions sent in to her by children. It was really good. Kids have no filter, so they ask really interesting things.” she continued, before taking a sip from her own glass.

   Hopefully that wouldn’t put him off…Again, her tastes could be a little morbid, but he’d gotten a taste of that when he’d run into her at the cemetery, right?

   Wynter noted his tone, the momentary shift of his expression. There was a story there, but judging by the look on his face, it was a scab that didn’t need picking at. Especially by a young woman he barely knew… So she’d leave it be. If he ever wanted to talk about it, she’d listen of course, but for now? For now, it was left alone.

   He was right about that, though. She didn’t expect anything from him. All she knew about Robert, was that he had been nice enough when they first met, that he too visited cemeteries after dark, enjoyed reading and cryptids, and sometimes visited the bar. That was it. She had no expectations, no preconceived notions.

   Wyn couldn’t help but smile brightly at the exclamation. He was a character, wasn’t he? “Yeah? I can’t say I’ve been to any of the others, so I’ll agree with you for now.” she chuckled.

   Honestly, bar hopping had never really been her speed. Sure, she might haunt one over another on a given evening, but she wasn’t the sort to visit multiple in a single night. Mostly because she wasn’t the biggest drinker, but she also liked getting home before the wee hours of the morning. 

   “So, what other establishments have made it onto your ‘best’ list?” she asked, genuinely curious. He’d hit the nail on the head with this place, so his recommendations were ones she’d take seriously. He clearly knew what was up with that town, so she’d value his opinion.

Robert beamed at her statement, despite the teasing he knew had to be there.  “Damn straight it does!” he agreed with a bark of laughter.  “I knew I liked you for a reason!”

The books Wynter talked about actually sounded worth a look - especially the second one.  Maybe he‘d have a real reason to stop by her store soon.  And even if he decided against one of the Doherty books, he’d make sure to find something to buy.  Anything to help support the business of someone he was quickly growing to like.

“Good call,” Robert replied to Wynter’s comment about Jim n’ Kim’s.  “Can’t promise listening ta me will get you far in life, but you’ll sure as hell have more fun!”  When she asked for more suggestions, Robert couldn’t help but puff up a little.  She really wanted his opinion on something?  That hadn’t happened in awhile.  It felt kinda nice.

“Let’s see…” He held up a hand littered with small scars and started to tick off names on his fingers.  “The Coffee Spoon is great after a late night.  Good beans and fresh pastries.  If you’re into retro tunes, Vinyl Fantasy has a good selection and staff that know their music.  The movie theater does a decent vintage movie night on Fridays. For pizza there’s Pete’s Pieceapizza - got tha best pineapple pizza in town.  And then there’s the 24-hour diner outside of town…”  He paused, thinking.  “Not sure it has a name, actually… but at three in the morning it’s got this fantastic Twilight Zone vibe… not to mention some of the best wedge fries around!”  Robert thought a little longer.  “Gym’s got a few decent classes depending on what your into…”  He hummed… that’s about it based on my routine… but ya might ask Mat over at The Coffee Spoon.  He’s got decent taste… might be able to suggest more.”

[baddestdad]

the-rogues-nest​:

baddestdad​:

~ Keep Calm and Bake On ~

Des nods, turning on heel to refill their cups with something a little lighter, being as all his kids were still up and when Robert went on home, they’d probably come down and bother their pops. His little gremlins were a bunch of night owls just like himself- except Austin. That sweet sweet angel.

Even as he tried so hard to keep his mind out those woods, all he could picture is Robert in an adrenaline frenzy, a big crazed smile on his face with possibly mud and sweat sticking to him and for other reasons, the baker felt confident in his choice to ease up on the straight whiskey and scotch. “Well- if ya ever take me up at that offer of working out, it won’t be as exciting as chasing Mothman but we definitely will be cursing by the end of it. And I might fall- big possibilities- excitin’ really.” He tosses that dumb, head empty, positivity on blast crooked smile Rob’s way before stuffing another cookie into his face to stifle the even bigger smile that threatened to show up at the sound of Robert’s laugh. It was like getting a prize medal everytime he managed to make his friend laugh and according to the way his stomach tightened and fluttered, that’d be a permanent reaction to it.

“Deal! Ya get two throwin’ sammiches! Don’t write up checks, Smalls- I’ll carry you all the way down there with my kids playing kazoos- the whole shabang of victory and then a nice chill day at the beach.” He laughs, pushing some loose strands back and leaning forward on the counter space to rest on his forearm and search through the plastics containing cookies and brownies for a specific flavor. “Honestly though- I’d be psyched to spend the day with ya. We can hang, chat, not chat, I could bring a board game. We have this tradition of playing ‘Sorry’ at the beach that just turns- absolutely horrendous. That or uno which I think might be worse.” He snorts, imagining how many pack of uno card he’s lost to being throw or buried on that beach.

“How could I possibly say no to a day of cursin’ an’ sweatin’ with you?” Robert joked.  Instantly, his head was filled with other activities that might have them doing both of those things and the older man had to take a long drink to hide the sudden flush he could feel rising in his face.  The risk of fucking up a good friendship with something more ALWAYS seemed to be there with Des.  Robert wished - not for the first time - that he could take a quick peek into the future.  Just to see if things with Des might work out better than they did with Marilyn… or Joe.  The smile threatened to fall from his face at the thought of his former lover, but he forced it into place.

It wasn’t long before the expression relaxed into real humor again as Des talked about playing games on the beach.  “Well, if it’s tradition, then I’m not gonna stop ya.”  When was the last time he’d played any game besides darts…?  He couldn’t remember.  But for Des and his family, Robert was willing to give it a go.  “An’ count me in.  We can play ‘til they come to kick us off the beach.”  He grinned and gave Des a wink.  This felt good… making plans not just with his friend… but the rest of his family, too.  Robert liked the feeling… welcomed it. His vision wavered just a little, and Robert wondered if it was maybe time to head home… but being here with Des felt so good… he didn’t want it to end.  Not just yet.

[baddestdad]

the-rogues-nest​:

With his hands cleaned and now being tenderly rewrapped, Des let the silence hang out until Robert spoke up again, eyes drifting from their hands to Robert who kept his focus on the task at hand. His heart was lurching and honestly, Desmond couldn’t imagine who had caught Robert’s attention- it was probably someone amazing, strong….and he deserved that. Not some big bozo with some school boy crush on him scaling his house at almost four in the morning- someone with a life that wasn’t held together by tape and cheap glue. Robert deserved so much and if the person he so obviously was thinking about while he spoke really caught his eye, all Des could do was silently promise to be there whenever Robert needed him.

“Is it Carlos? Because I do think he’s off the market- but he’d be lucky ta have ya.” He jokes, trying to hide the involuntary blush of his hand still in Robert’s. “In all seriousness….If you can see something with the most luckiest person that done laid themselves in your head- anything at all even if it’s just something chill- I say why not try? That whirlwind feeling ain’t the most common feelin’ in the world and when it’s close- ya gotta just grab it.”

Robert snorted as Des teased.  Carlos.  Not that the guy didn’t look decent in spandex, but... could Des really not see?  This.  This right here was why he loved…  Robert stopped that thought.  Held onto it.  Rolled it around inside his head as Des kept talking.

 ‘Just gotta grab it.’  Those words seemed to come from far away.  Robert looked down at his hands holding those of his friend, then he looked up into Des’ face.  “Pretty sure that’s what I’m doin’ right now,” he replied with a tentative grin.  “Can’t grab too hard, ‘cause yer hurt, but… I’m definitely grabbin.’”

Robert leaned in… but tried not to make Des feel like he couldn’t escape if he wanted to.  “So… any chance you're interested in grabbin’ me, too?”  It sounded lewder than he’d intended and Robert cursed.  “Damn… that sounded better in my head…”  He offered Des a sheepish, apologetic grin.  “Told you I’m no good at this…”

(Desmond trips up and starts shouting in his regular voice from his spot outside his window) "BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT DONT CHANGE THE DAMN SUBJECT RUPERT!"

About fucking time.  Robert chuckled as the other man finally revealed himself, leaning over his balcony to call back, “Are you really gonna keep shouting at me from down there?”

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl‌:

[Voicemail left at 1:24 am] 

Hey Robert, I know it’s late but I just…it’s important. I-I…I need help. Some shit’s gone down and it’s not good. I know you’re probably busy or working a case of your own, but you’re the only one I trust with this and…yeah. Yeah, sorry, rambling. Call me back when you get a minute? Please? 

   As much as she’d like to fill him in over the phone, the topic she needed to discuss with him was a sensitive one, and much better suited for a face-to-face conversation.

   She could only hope that he was free. If not…

   Well, she’d be up shit’s creek without a paddle, and that was absolutely the last thing she wanted. Honestly, she hated to bring Robert in on this, but he was the only person she could turn to.

Robert slid into his beat-up truck with a soft groan.  He hated to admit it... but he might actually be getting too old for this shit.  That vamp nest had nearly done him in.  Could it be time to pull a Singer and shift his skills to intel?  Maybe.  Revving the engine, the hunter drove to the motel he’d checked into a few days ago and took a long, hot shower.  It still didn’t get all of the blood off, but close enough.  Then he patched himself up and raided the mini-fridge.  He was on his third shot-sized bottle when Robert noticed his cell was blinking, indicating a notification of some kind.

Reaching over, he thumbed it on to find he had a voice mail.  Not too unusual.  Certain people had his number.  He got at least a call or two a month asking for his particular skill set.  The hunter’s brows rose in surprise when he heard Wynter’s voice in his mailbox.

He was packing before her message had even finished playing.  It wasn’t just because he owed her his life, either.  The witch was... hell, she was one of the good ones, and Robert was damn tired of failing the people he cared about.  He was tempted to not return the call and just go.  But common sense put him in check.  What if she wasn’t at the bookstore?  He could waste time driving all the way there only to find things locked up and Wynter nowhere around.  Still... talking seemed like a waste of time.  Instead he texted back a reply:  

[ Just got off a case.]  He did some quick math in his head. [ Can be at your place in less than 8 hours.  Want to talk now or when I get there? ]  That left her room to tell him if she was somewhere other than home.  Robert finished packing while he waited for her reply - expecting either a text or a call back.  If he wasn’t already too late.  Please don’t let him be too late... not again.

You’re my only hope... || Robert+Wyn

[baddestdad]

houseofswords‌:

“That’s not exactly a good thing,” Mike said, bluntly. “I’ve seen how this thing works—it wants chess pieces, not bodies.”

Except his, of course, in a rather more literal sense. He couldn’t repress the shiver that scuttled down his back. But he was done stalling for time, and done running. He stepped across the broken pieces, between the beams, the bones of a dead place. Crunch, crunch, over the glass. Into the shadow cast by something he couldn’t name, let alone understand.

And there it was, ground zero, the heart. He thought maybe coming here would cause some piece of him to fall back into place, or at least help him to figure out where the holes were. But his sense of foreboding only deepened.

The ladle had fallen from its crane and lay there, dusted in glistening ashes, the wind humming in it like an enormous bell. And just past it, where the glass was at its thickest, and where there were patches that weren’t quite as shiny as the mirror around them. Where it looked like something once lay, and had been chipped or cut away. And where cables were tangled, still, around twisted and broken machinery, like spider webs—or like puppet strings.

Uh oh.

“Louise,” he said, urgently, “does it look like something is missing to you?”

She didn’t answer for a long time, watching the scene in front of her with narrowed eyes. Then it dawned on her, and they widened. “The bodies are gone.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t hear the racket, given the vanload of power tools they needed to get them out.”

Click, safety off. Mike had her forehead between the sights before he even registered what he was doing or that he had moved. Even then, it took a moment to wrest back control and figure out what he was meant to do with all the adrenaline in his system now. “Damn it—I told you not to sneak up on me.” He scowled when she didn’t even react, and flicked the safety back on.

“Yeah, good to see you too,” Sera said, eyebrows raised, from her perch on top of the ladle, “who’s your new friend?”

Chess pieces.  "Been there, done that.  Not lookin’ to repeat the experience,” he grumbled, not really needing a response.  He just wanted it clear that he wasn’t going to wide up under someone’s thumb again.  Not if he could help it... and not without a fight, at least.

The man fell silent as he observed the ruins around him.  This.  This was the stuff that nightmares were made of.  How could a while town live so close to something like this and just... be okay with it?  Something crawled along his spine, wriggling almost methodically into every nerve ending.  This place wasn’t right.

His eyes narrowed when Mike spoke.  Missing?  That didn’t sound good.  He tensed in preparation for some unknown promise of something.  Something not good.  Hands held steadily to the gun he’d been given.  “Bodies...?” He started to ask, but didn’t really get the chance.

When the unexpected voice rang out, Robert had to grudgingly admit that Mike had been a hair faster.  Impressive.  But he had his gun trained on the newcomer only moments later.  His senses went into overdrive.  Were there others?!  Every shadow seemed to become another potential enemeny.  Even when Mike seemed to accept this woman, he kept his weapon up.  Who the fuck went around scaring ARMED people like that... and in a place like this?!  He wasn’t letting his guard down just yet...

Down with the Ship

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl‌:

   It was a shame that he didn’t smile more often, because honestly? It really rather suited him. Especially that grin of his. 

   But she had to admit, she was in the same boat. Robert was quite the interesting fellow, and she really did enjoy talking to him. They hadn’t hung out, had only met that one time, but that interaction had honestly helped her, whether he knew it or not.

   “Oh, I’m probably the worst person to ask that.” she confessed with a soft chuckle. “I can tell you, but you’ll probably end up terribly depressed about it. I know I do.” the bookseller teased.

   A bit of an exaggeration, perhaps, but still…

   “Caitlyn Doughty has a new one out, though. It was really interesting, in my opinion, but I know not everyone is interested in reading death related stuff.” Wynter mused. 

   Yes, she was the spooky goth bookseller who read books put out by a mortician, so what? It was interesting! 

   Wynter shrugged a little. “First time for everything, right?” she reasoned. Why anyone would refuse to be friendly with him, she had no idea. Sure, he might come off as a little rough around the edges, but he hadn’t been particularly off putting, rude or malicious with her. Did other folks know something she didn’t?

   “Ah…No idea? I’m a little bit of a lightweight, but I should be alright for a round after this one.” she promised. She knew her limits and knew when to stop, so she wasn’t too concerned. “Guess we’ll just have to see, though.” 

   She shifted on her seat a bit, fingers running along the lip of her glass idly. 

   “This place is really cool. Kind of reminds me of the bar by my old apartment.” she mused. 

“C’mon,” Robert teased.  “You’re definitely one of the ‘cool kids.’  I can tell.”  He gave Wynter a quick wink before taking a long gulp of his drink.  “So… this Doughty gal… what’s she write about specifically?  Stories where everyone dies at the end?  Murder mysteries?”  It wasn’t just small talk.  Not for him.  Robert was actually curious.  He wanted to know what kinds of books got read by a woman who wandered around in graveyards at night.

“Mmm… suppose so,” he agreed.  “Though, the older I get, the less it seems to happen.”  His chuckle was low and rough with the alcohol he’d consumed… and also just a tinge bitter.  He knew the way most of the people around here viewed him was on him… but it also had a lot to do with Joe…  Robert wasn’t quite able to hide the wince as he thought about the other man.  After that fiasco, he’d sort of just given up on trying to be anything more than what people expected him to be.  It was easier.  But here was Wynter - not expecting him to be anything.  It was… refreshing - and Robert was quickly deciding he liked it.

Grinning when the woman said she was good for at least another round, Robert slapped his hand on the bar and caught the bartender’s attention.  “You heard ‘er, Neil!  Next round’s on me.”  Then, to Wynter, “It’s the best bar in Maple Bay, that’s fer damn sure!”  A beat.  “Not that bar hoppin’ isn’t still a helluva lot of fun, but Jim n’ Kim’s will always be tha best.”

Liquid Dream ||

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl‌:

   He definitely shouldn’t get into it with her. After all, it was extremely rude to argue with someone who’d literally pulled an angry spirit out of him the night before. It didn’t matter if he thought himself worthy of her help or not, it was still given because it was the right thing to do. 

   Lord only knew what might have happened if she hadn’t. That thing was bad news, no two ways about it…

   “Y-You too?” she offered, trying to lighten the situation a bit with some humor. Might have been a bit too early for jokes, but too late, it was already made. “Standing is good, though.” 

   How did she feel? That was a loaded question, wasn’t it? She felt like shit, plain and simple. Honestly, with how hard she’d gone, how much of herself she’d poured into that spell, it was a miracle that she was even conscious yet. “Don’t think t-there are words for how gross I feel.” the woman confessed. 

   At least recovery wouldn’t be too difficult. “S’mostly a r-rest and recuperate situation. Though o-orange juice helps, too.” she confessed. As great as an adult beverage would be, now was not the time.

   Wynter leaned back a bit, resting against her pillows, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. “T-that was a hell of a thing…How does i-it feel to be on your own again?”

Robert chuckled as she tried to joke with him… and managed not to wince when the decision made his head pound harder.  Bleary eyes watched Wynter as she spoke, trying to study her… get a feel for the truth (or lack thereof) behind her words, but he wasn’t really feeling up to thinking too much at the moment.  

“I can take a hint,” he teased - not entirely sure if she was being honest or subtle or both.  “Sounds like I should get lost and go find the kitchen while you grab a shower.”  He tried to eye her a little closer, wondering if she’d be able to stand… and if the witch would ask for his help even if she couldn’t get her legs working.  Wynter didn’t strike him as the type who really liked asking for help - unless as a last resort.

Her question actually surprised him.  “I… uh…”  Robert bit off the urge to say ‘lonely’ though it was the first word that’d come into his head.  “Empty,” he said, instead.  “Got myself some room to shove in a few more psychoses and maybe a mental breakdown or two.”  He was joking!  Mostly…

Then, to fill the awkward silence the hunter felt sure was going to form, he cleared his throat, and asked, “So, uh - want me to grab you that orange juice?”

[baddestdad]

bendyquirk‌:

David turned his head when he heard the man talking to him and looking at him with horror, moving over to the seat next to him and then noticed his eyes had watered up a small bit. From the looks of it it seemed that this guy had his first experience with fireball whiskey and he couldn’t help but giggle a little at the reaction. “No I have a range of drinks I like but the fireball is an acquired taste with the liquid burning feeling it gives off. I usually drink it if it’s a little cold out cause it’s said to help warm you up. Don’t know if it works or not but the burning feeling definitely takes your mind off of the cold!” David explained with a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Don’t worry that feeling will pass after a minute or so but I understand that it’s not for everyone. How about I pay for that shot myself and you show me some of the drinks that you like, to help get the taste out of your mouth. Names David shield by the way, me and my daughter Melissa just moved here to maple bay and what is your name stranger?”

“It ain’t the burning that bothers me,” Robert grumbled, not liking the idea of being seen as a ‘wimp.’  “I just like my whisky to taste like whisky.”  He made a soft smacking sound with his mouth, as if that would somehow remove the flavor.  At least the guy had a nice smile.  He wasn’t sure that entirely made up for the experience… but it was a start.

When payment was offered in reparation, Robert broke into a grin of his own.  “Buddy - ya got yourself a deal.  Hey, Neil!  Pour us a couple a’ glasses a’ Blanton’s.”  At the introduction, Robert looked the guy - David - over a little closer.  “That so?  Well, welcome to tha neighborhood, I guess.  You can call me Robert.”  As Neil set the shots down in front of them, he reached for his, but while still eyeing David.  “If your plannin’ to spend more of your time here, we’ll probably be seeing a lot of each other.”

Pausing he took a slow drink, letting the bourbon wash the Fireball taste away.  Once satisfied it was gone, he set his glass down and spoke again, “That’s the ticket… mmhh.”  The sigh was half rumble, half groan (and intentionally meant to mimic more - pleasurable - sounds.)  Hey - he had to get his kicks somehow when Mary wasn’t around.

:Invitation to the Blues:

[baddestdad]

This was SO much fun to make!   😄  A shame there wasn’t any pineapple for garnish...   😉

Make your muse into a parfait!

Tagged by: @houseofswords  (Thank you!  :D) Tagging:  @lxvingdeadgxrl - @the-rogues-nest - @bendyquirk - and anyone else who thinks this is as cute as I do.  <3

[baddestdad]

the-rogues-nest‌:

As a usual Desmond move, his mouth was already opening to respond in the second that Robert had paused, only for his previously smug closed eyes to open in a slight stun and catch the devious, fast throw of a wink the shorter man threw his way. His stomach lurched into his throat before slamming back down, tongue suddenly drying and all Des could do was be thankful he hadn’t started laughing nervously like he did when Hugo asked why all of his classroom markers were gone (long story short; Des made a sword, lost it behind some lockers).

Finally, he croaked something out, watching their hands again. “For a hunter, your companys pretty neat too. Also, does me possibly being a giant humanoid bunny not give you the heebies? Maybe not the jeebies but like one of those two-“ Pretty neat? What was he- 12? All Desmond could do is steal glances, watching with a slight frown as Robert seemed to get lost in his own thoughts, that solmon expression settling on his brows. Then he watched Roberts lips move- honestly if he hadn’t, he’s not sure he would’ve caught any of the murmuring. Dealing with getting burnt huh? The whole tone of their conversation shifted into something a little serious and even though Desmond was 10000% sure Robert did not want to talk about anything too intrusive, he offered his pennies.

“Well, sometimes the easiest thing is to never touch fire again- no matter how beautiful it is but you still get those burns from other places- places that don’t mean ta hurtcha but do. So ya end up missing out on these fire adventures- even if the fire isn’t ya know- permanent- and missing out on these funny little marks that aren’t always bad behind them. It might sound like blabber but uh-“ He tries to cut it short, hoping that maybe whomever really caught at Robert’s thoughts when he brought up playing with fire knew just how lucky they were to be forefront on his mind.

“What I’m sayin’ is- just like our guitars, those scratches and stickers aren’t all bad. It’s a lot easier to hide them in their cases but- what good does that do them? When ya really find that great jam- you don’t hide in the crowd! Ya yank that string out and throw yourself to the wind. Ya might fall and skid your knee, but guess what? It’ll be a hell of a whirlwind.” He offers a small, almost sheepish smile. He had a bad habit of word vomiting and sometimes never making sense.

“Mmm… dunno,” Robert pretended to muse as he carefully worked on injured hands.  “Might not be so bad… guess I’d hafta see you in your real form first.”  He couldn’t help ginning as he said it, trying really hard (and failing) to not imagine Des in some giant Easter bunny suit or something.

When the talk turned serious Robert fell quiet, enjoying the way Des seemed to ramblr around the subject, trying to make him feel better.  Or maybe… maybe trying to convince him that trying was worth a shot?   Hell.  If he decided to make the attempt with anyone it would be Des… and damn, but they HAD sounded good together, hadn't they?

Finished with the cleaning, Robert grabbed a towel, patting his friend’s hands dry before beginning to rewrap them in clean gauze with quick, adept motions.  “Problem with me,” he finally said, “is that it’s always someone else gettin’ the skinned knees”  A beat as he finished off one hand and started on the other.  “Still… if I were gonna get myself caught up in a whirlwind, I can only think a’ one person I’d want by my side.”  He didn’t look up at Des, instead keeping his eyes firmly on the other man’s hand as he finished wrapping.  Damn… he wasn’t sure he was ready for this.  But the words were said now.  Sort of...

(Desmond trips up and starts shouting in his regular voice from his spot outside his window) "BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT DONT CHANGE THE DAMN SUBJECT RUPERT!"

About fucking time.  Robert chuckled as the other man finally revealed himself, leaning over his balcony to call back, “Are you really gonna keep shouting at me from down there?”

[baddestdad]

lxvingdeadgxrl‌:

baddestdad‌:

As the night dwindled into early morning, Robert attention drifted more and more from the show.  There was only so much stupid he could take… and these guys… he was beginning to wonder if they were just incredibly lucky… or not human.  That level of incompetence should’ve gotten them killed ages ago.  So how did they do it…?  He was toying with the idea of looking into them more seriously when he felt Wynter’s head fall onto his shoulder.  The hunter looked down in silent surprise.  Ah… asleep.

He shifted slightly, letting himself settle a little more into the comfort of the couch.  No reason to disturb her… not after the day she’d likely had.  Besides, he’d definitely slept in worse places.  Looking down, he eyed the sleeping woman with a look that was equal parts caring… and assessing.  Not really thinking, Robert reached out and brushed his fingers gently across one cheek before pushing a lock of her hair behind one ear.  Marilyn would’ve like her, he knew that; Wynter was intelligent and brash and had a wicked sense of humor.  His wife had been gone for so long…

With a sigh Robert withdrew his hand and leaned back, tilting his head up towards the ceiling.  Better to get some sleep.  That was supposed to help with problem-solving wasn’t it?  The mark on his hand twinged, but Robert ignored it, letting his eyes flutter closed and willing sleep to come.

   Inhuman? No…No, if they were inhuman, Wynter would have likely figured it out by that point. She’d watched every episode that had ever been released, and they had been on the air for about ten years at that point. Her money was on them just being stupidly lucky, but luck could only last for so long, and then they’d be up shit’s creek without a paddle.

   If he wanted to look into it himself, though, she certainly wouldn’t stop him, she simply requested that she be allowed in on the action.

   Something to talk about at a later date, really. Right now, sleep was far more important than trying to determine if three ghost hunters with a limited vocabulary and too-tight shirts were inhuman, or just really damn stupid.

   Normally, she wouldn’t let herself fall asleep like this, but fucking hellfire, she was too emotionally and physically exhausted to care or be embarrassed about it at that point. Some might say she was crazy to let her guard down like this, given the fact that he was a hunter and she was a witch, but if he was going to kill her, surely he would have done so already. 

   At least, that was what she told herself. 

   But rather than remain at odds like most in their particular situation, the two of them had settled into a strange sort of friendship, hadn’t they? She was grateful for it, grateful that he was able to look beyond what she was, what she could do, and see that she was just someone who wanted to help. Robert was a good man. Complicated, a bit odd even, but a good man all the same. Probably the reason why she was comfortable enough to fall asleep in his presence, honestly…

   There might have been a few other reasons, but she wasn’t – admitting to them just wasn’t something she was up to just yet.

( Let’s say this section of the story is done; you wrapped things up so perfectly in your reply.  ^_^   And I really like the idea of exploring some of Wyn’s story, if that’s okay?  Robert getting the chance to return the favor.  Not that he’ll see it that way - he’ll just want to help.  And that might be something we could tie in to why she was having a bad night?  Or we can move it ahead a bit and have a be an entirely new, unrelated thing. IM me here on Robert - or if you’ve got a Discord, let me know and we can chat that way.  :) )