#and it’s based on Clyde’s but I’ll post more about that soon

[ofmagicandmusic]

sooo… thinking of a new AU

What do y’all think the ninja would go to prison for?

[safarigirlsp]

I love all the AUs I’ve found so far! Do you mind telling me What are you favorite AU characters and stories? Of yours and of other people? I want to start reading more of them.

Thank you! I love AUs the most personally. I would much rather write AUs for every character than write anything canon, honestly.

In general, here are some of the most prolific AU writers that I know. They’re all wonderful people too! You should be following them and reading their stuff if you’re not already. I’ll list my favorite specific AU stories below.

@babbushka @direnightshade @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather @finn-ray-nal-beads @maybe-your-left @mind-p0llution @clydesducktape @safarigirlsp

List below the cut. There’s a lot because it’s me and also because I don’t mind putting my favorite AUs in one place. Note that my favorites, AUs or otherwise, are going to be primarily Kylo and Flip, with some Charlie and Clyde thrown in. These writers all have other characters and other AUs too, but those two are my favorite characters to read and write.

My favorite characters and stories of my own:

Gunfighter Flip

The Boss

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/639938206748590080/the-boss

Queen of Hearts

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/642239842461286400/queen-of-hearts-does-anyone-other-than-me-want-to

Knowing he’s in Love

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/643734808415076352/shannon-i-would-love-to-hear-a-ficletblurb-for

Modern Flip

Off with A Bang!

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/639020796001550336/off-with-a-bang-please-enjoy-my-contribution-to

Knockout

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/637397072878993408/knockout-this-winter-oneshot-was-based-off-this

Everything A Big Bad Wolf Could Want

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/630270348902973440/i-love-your-writing-its-all-seriously-great-can

Flip vs Cupid

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/643102551748853760/flip-vs-cupid-how-about-some-special-valentines

Civil War Clyde

The Trade

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/652757843502563328/the-trade-the-trade-civil-war-major-clyde-logan-x

Adventurer Flip

Coming Soon!

Teaser

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/643701726768234496/another-idea-for-your-ficletblurb-how-are-we

Modern Jacques Le Gris

Witchcraft on Your Lips

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/661122014692737024/witchcraft-on-your-lips-witchcraft-on-your-lips

Knight Kylo

The Witch

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/632787553040449536/the-witch-this-was-going-to-be-part-of-my

Krampusnacht

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/636688122995933184/krampusnacht-how-about-some-nice-festive-knight

Heart Shaped Box

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/641944198820528128/heart-shaped-box-lets-start-february-off-right-by

Hitman Kylo

Fortune Favors the Bold

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/641616371752501248/fortune-favors-the-bold-here-is-the-second

Bloody Valentine

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/644288793887784960/bloody-valentine-lets-celebrate-valentines-day

Regency Kylo

Love & War

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/642838244285890560/love-war-valentines-day-always-puts-me-in-the

Regency Kylo in Love

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/643741295055110144/can-you-please-do-a-ficlet-with-regency-kylo-i

Sleepy Hollow Kylo

Outrun the Devil

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/633105972756381696/outrun-the-devil

Vampire Kylo

Is Your Soul for Sale?

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/631385200297918464/is-your-soul-for-sale

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/633213410135392256/is-your-soul-for-sale-part-ii-masquerade-the

Vampire Jacques

Belle Avocate

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/659809482520625152/belle-avocate-belle-avocate-vampire-jacques-le

Devil Kylo

Coming Soon!

Teaser

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/633902790125780992/im-still-in-horror-mode-and-writing-up-some-scary

Guardian Angel Kylo

Feathers

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/633352159269945344/for-the-phantom-day-lmao-i-cant-remember-exactly

Werewolf Flip

Bad Moon Risin’

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/633269854376509440/when-a-spree-of-horribly-brutal-murders-tear

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/634854282384015360/bad-moon-risin-part-ii

Dark Ben

Mirror, Mirror

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/629354384526065664/mirror-mirror

A Christmas Carol Holiday Special

Bah Humbug

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/638340707704307712/bah-humbug-this-is-my-version-of-a-christmas

Salem Witch Trials Charlie

Spectral Evidence

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/633598141460086784/spectral-evidence

*****

My favorite characters and stories from others:

Westerns, Gunfighters and Outlaws

Biting Dust by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/190368368687/biting-dust-masterlist

Next Time by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/633086165690580992/next-time

Gunfighter Flip by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/642011347355418624/safarigirlsp-said-i-cant-wait-to-read

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/643388509887102976/gunfighterflip-x-gunfighterrc-part-2

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/645790033686740992/gunfighterflip-x-gunfighterrc-part-3

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/644750837131968512/anonymous-said-silky-your-gunfighter-flip-is-one

The Spirit of the West by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/639971202044215296/the-spirit-of-the-west

Does It Matter If I’m Real Or Not? by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/649670430148444160/writer-wednesday-3

Fix What Is Broken In Us by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/652261059932127232/fix-what-is-broken-in-us

Desires of the Flesh by @cowboy-kyl0

https://cowboy-kylo.tumblr.com/post/649471683362701312/desires-of-the-flesh-masterlist

Western Fic List

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/640011087735046144/western-fics

Knights

To Reason and Faith by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/621378811362230272/a-one-shot-taken-from-these-two-asks-x-x-side

Barbaric Prompt by @direnightshade

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/630791971987996674/its-possible-this-idea-was-prompted-by-the-angry

You Don’t Have to be Gentle Prompt by @direnightshade

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/621497256436187136/would-it-be-possible-to-get-the-prompt-you-dont

Malocchio by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/652729174878027776/malocchio

Malocchio part 2 by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/659690444985352192/malocchio-part-2

Juicy by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/657488240166813696/juicy

Unforgivable by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/654957070448312320/unforgivable

Forgiven by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/658160211823132672/unforgivable-part-ii-forgiven

The Bear and the Maiden Fair by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/657791629509509120/can-you-tease-the-bear-and-maiden-fair-with-one-or

All My Stars by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/631897732269965312/all-my-stars-masterlist

Good, Good, Good, Better by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/630825350869467137/good-good-good-better

A Throne by Any Other Name by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/656166391888723968/placeholder-title

Fire & Ice by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/632817072982851584/fire-ice

Thunderstorms by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/620949000274821120/hope-your-weekend-is-going-well-id-like-person-a

Weak with Love by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/615947900478963712/p-nice-can-i-get-number-1-from-the-pinterest

After Battle by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/616493241965182976/can-you-please-give-us-something-on-medieval

Dirty Secret by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/613949681981063168/i-dont-know-if-au-characters-are-ok-but-if-so

Kylo Arriving Home Early by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/658347986754076672/as-you-know-im-annoyingly-deep-in-my-knight

Love on Me - Emperor Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621511520211402752/love-on-me

Banquet with Emperor Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621499769441992704/my-sinday-thought-is-for-the-emperor-kylo

Emperor Kylo Worshiping his Empress by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621497234031296512/can-you-please-do-something-with-emperor-kylo

Larger Knight Fic List

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/639006995763085312/knight-fic-recommendations-knights-the

Pirates

Fathoms Below by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/642328371422969856/fathoms-below

Violent Delights by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/652183080430403584/violent-delights

Seafairy by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/634486966452453376/seafairy-intro

Kylo Ren but He’s Captain Hook by @ohiobluetip

https://ohiobluetip.tumblr.com/post/628032056566431744/no-rest-for-the-wicked-captain-hook

Anchors Away by @finn-ray-nal-beads

https://finn-ray-nal-beads.tumblr.com/post/631097823549620224/i-ask-you-on-my-hands-and-knees-begging-flip

His Siren Series by @finn-ray-nal-beads

https://finn-ray-nal-beads.tumblr.com/post/631715159209033728/just-a-1am-thought-for-you-you-sneak-onto-captain

https://finn-ray-nal-beads.tumblr.com/post/637512582927876096/jameson-whiskey-send-tweet-blowhole

https://finn-ray-nal-beads.tumblr.com/post/642613976620023808/i-meant-to-send-this-here-but-sent-a-message

No Rest for the Wicked by @ohiobluetip

https://ohiobluetip.tumblr.com/post/628032056566431744/no-rest-for-the-wicked-captain-hook

Never Shall We Die by @empressrenwrites

https://empressrenwrites.tumblr.com/post/631168825451249664/never-shall-we-die-masterlist-empressrenwrites

Thieves and Beggars by @beskarbabs

https://beskarbabs.tumblr.com/post/627462238151835650/chapter-one-where-we-will-well-roam-rating-18

https://beskarbabs.tumblr.com/post/627973013356347392/thieves-and-beggars-piratekylo-ren-x-reader-2

https://beskarbabs.tumblr.com/post/629722521534627840/thieves-and-beggars-piratekylo-ren-x-reader-3

Final Revenge by @mrs-gucci

https://mrs-gucci.tumblr.com/post/656632621130039296/final-revenge-piratecaptain-phillip-flip

Devils and Demons

You Trouble Me by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/636866128650665984/you-trouble-me

Luring you out by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/626333919973949440/hmm-au-with-demonkylo-where-he-uses-his-charm-and

Asking you to Join Him by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/626444542085857280/demonkylo-asking-you-to-join-him-in-the-darkness

A Full Confession by @kylorengarbagedump

https://kylorengarbagedump.tumblr.com/post/158645666248/a-full-confession-the-masterlist

The Fall by @In-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/649549944392450048/the-fall

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/649618827538300928/the-fall

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/651637053562470400/the-fall

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/652074039471439872/the-fall

Killers

The Apt Pupil by @iamakiller

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/630250508853116928/the-apt-pupil

Necromance by @iamakiller

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/629277915048230913/necromance

The Scavenger and The Scoundrel by @iamakiller & @direnightshade

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/644325732083990528/the-scavenger-the-scoundrel

Murderer Flip by @ohdamnadamm

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/625761328860217344/murderer-flip-and-his-girl-catches-him-in-the-act

Nightmare by @ohdamnadam

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/646493040439115776/hello-my-dear-would-you-please-write-about-your

Unheard Voices by @mind-p0llution

https://mind-p0llution.tumblr.com/post/629212147418841088/unheard-voices-oneshot

Hits Like Ecstasy by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/629329475526590465/hits-like-ecstasy

Murderer Flip by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/628074127527411712/some-spook-morticia-and-gomez-morbid-creepy-super

Kylo as Jack the Ripper HC’s by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/632056721039343618/any-updates-on-your-jack-the-ripper

Serial Killer Kylo by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/630506324882522112/for-horrorfest-can-i-request-one-where-reader-is

Kylo Bathing You in Blood by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/630241877345665024/hello-idk-if-you-have-heard-about-elizabeth

Murderer Dan by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/631007177127149568/daniel-x-house-wifeserial-killer-reader-please

Warn Your Warmth to Turn Away by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/629012122205143040/warn-your-warmth-to-turn-away-pt-1

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/640211953817731072/warn-your-warmth-to-turn-away-pt-2-in-keeping

The Anatomy of a Killer by @iamakiller

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/649549912973967360/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-17

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/649633914169819136/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-27

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/649733107571982336/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-37

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/649814587751989249/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-47

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/649907187954647040/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-57

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/650005026796912640/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-67

https://iamakiller.tumblr.com/post/650101445610405889/the-anatomy-of-a-killer-77

A Good Reason by @adamdriverwriter

https://adamdriverwriter.tumblr.com/post/652291064359698432/since-requests-are-open-can-i-request-a-one-shot

Hide Your Smile by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/620139681890402304/hide-your-smile

Better Luck by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/630077652715356160/better-luck

Did Their Headlights Look Like Heaven by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/652104522734419971/did-their-headlights-look-like-heaven

Ready or Not by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/659768400510337024/ready-or-not

Bond Villain Kylo

Invitation Only by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/633339226335887360/invitation-only

My Agent by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/632610880661733376/my-agent

First Glimpse Last Looks by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621674785995456512/first-glimpse-last-looks

Special Day prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624124030102994944/this-is-a-line-from-the-man-from-uncle-that-i

Kylo Arranging a Play for You by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624107804847980544/first-of-all-im-fucking-stoked-with-this-bvkylo

Kylo Giving You A Ring prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624121166843576320/hello-darlin-for-this-beautiful-sinday-id

You’re Dangerous with That prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624103712826245120/that-enemies-turned-lovers-prompt-list-is-great

Kylo Sneaking into Your Room prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621681833245048832/i-have-a-thought-about-bondvillainkylo-that-i

Making A Wish prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/622926343329480704/i-hope-youre-having-a-great-sinday-may-i

Fixing His Bowtie Prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/656108710255558656/helping-bond-villain-kylo-with-his-famously

Taking Care of You prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/622924199636369408/happy-sinday-mrs-z-and-very-happy-birthday-to

Being Possessive of You prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624130331431272448/im-seriously-excited-for-today-i-love-bond

Surprise Visit prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624105600318603264/good-afternoon-i-hope-you-and-flip-are-doing-well

Taking a Bullet for You prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/630159088843718656/good-morning-i-love-all-your-stuff-about-flip

Where’s Your Sense of Adventure? prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621677892331601920/im-also-very-very-into-the-bond-villain-kylo

Beach Day prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621678996753612800/i-would-really-love-some-cheesy-bondkylo-on-an

Lawyers

Get You Off by @roanniom

https://roanniom.tumblr.com/post/643501800593440769/okay-but-1010-would-pull-hot-lawyer-in-by-his-tie

Beyond Reasonable Doubt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/641056867998679040/beyond-reasonable-doubt-ch1

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/647866829614841856/beyond-reasonable-doubt-ch2

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649568117651013632/beyond-reasonable-doubt-ch3

A December to Remember by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/638154054537773056/a-december-to-remember

Change of Plan by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/643065350527827968/change-of-plan

Attending a Charity Event with Kylo by @babbuhska

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/636865902311309312/one-more-last-call-thought-for-you-given-that

Possessive Prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/189134192107/hi-there-im-having-trouble-sleeping-but-happy

Snowball Fight by @babbuhska

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/637718904109744128/this-might-not-be-specific-enough-to-hanukkah-but

Lawyer Kylo Masterlist by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/647496724916666369/lawyer-kylo-ren-masterlist

A Case in Need by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/631370554177454080/a-case-in-need-tall-dark-and-dangerous-its

Booze & Ice by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/634694868089864192/booze-and-icewhat-a-good-combination-from-the

Doctors

Kitten Series by @driversmutbucket

https://driversmutbucket.tumblr.com/post/628033469483810816

Burnt Toast by @contesa-lui-alucard

https://contesa-lui-alucard.tumblr.com/post/647401964972457984/burnt-toast-contesaluialucard-star-wars

Dr Ren Masterlist by @maybe-your-left 

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/647497099476385792/doctor-ren-is-here-to-heal-you-or-fuck-you-its

HIPPA Violation by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/628372159486672896/hipaa-violation

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/629710365479075840/hipaa-violation-part-2

Dr Ren getting the Covid Vaccine by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/645480088357519360/nurse-anon-here-i-just-got-the-vaccine-and-im

WebMD by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/640404220979380224/i-recently-found-your-dr-ren-stuff-and-i-love-the

Public Pound by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/641673997276381184/dr-ren-publicly-pounding-that-pussy-please-and

Size Kink by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/641524693124431872/i-love-dr-ren-can-you-please-write-some-size

You’re Pregnant by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/636724480820002816/im-in-love-w-doctor-daddy-ren-would-marry-him

Locker Room by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/642957643335548928/babe-can-u-give-us-sweaty-post-workout-blowjob

Workout Clothes by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/646825169063657472/i-dont-know-if-your-requests-are-open-or-not-but

Mobsters & Hitmen

You’re Mine - Mob Kylo by @contesa-lui-alucard

https://contesa-lui-alucard.tumblr.com/post/638314422396469248/youre-mine-contesaluialucard-star-wars

Releasing the Venom - Mob Kylo by @contesa-lui-alucard

https://contesa-lui-alucard.tumblr.com/post/639045183516852224/so-everyone-likes-to-write-kylo-like-a-big-sub-and

I Will Soothe You by @contesa-lui-alucard

https://contesa-lui-alucard.tumblr.com/post/646756425084846080/i-will-soothe-you-contesaluialucard-star

Strawberry Fields by @contesa-lui-alucard

https://contesa-lui-alucard.tumblr.com/post/648122993035362304/strawberry-fields-contesaluialucard-star

Each Eye - Mob Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/187380882612/each-eye-masterlist

Opera with Mob Kylo prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/620589793947090944/heeelllooo-i-saw-this-prompt-from-some-list

Paris Vacation with Mob Kylo prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/621022707891470336/hi-hi-i-come-before-you-humbly-with-my-first

Kylo Killing Someone for You by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/643618587424292864/mobau-kylo-for-the-friday-fic-fun

Watch Dog by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649098788527538176/watch-dog

Boxers & Fighters

Flip Boxing HC’s by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/646664450734211072/i-saw-your-post-earlier-about-hcs-and-this-is

Flip Boxing HC’s 2 by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/648014125625180160/i-read-your-hcs-about-boxerflip-and-beating-of-my

Beating of My Heart by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/188302256957/beating-of-my-heart-part-12

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/182181333292/beating-of-my-heart-part-22

Boxer Kylo by @ohdamnadam

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/630842437828526080/boxerkylo-winning-a-fight-in-your-name-and-then

Boxer Kylo Aftercare by @ohdamnadam

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/651857856917798912/i-keep-thinking-about-boxerkylo-can-you-tell-us

Boxer Kylo Scar by @ohdamnadam

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/631000473587056640/boxerkylo-may-leave-the-ring-without-any

Boxer Kylo Origins by @ohdamnadam

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/630839321592741888/if-you-dont-write-boxer-kylo-im-considering

Flip and Underground Fighting by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/650665457232330752/may-i-request-a-fighting-hc-for-flip-please

Rockstars

Backstage Pass by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/647486976837255168/backstage-pass

Heroin by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/648443625069559808/heroin

Rockstar Kylo HC’s by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/648115750180093952/does-rockstar-kylo-have-any-songs-written-for-or

Lit Up by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/647761030288654336/lit-up

Movie Night by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/647014822446252033/movie-night

Pent Up Energy HC’s by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/648129429622636544/how-do-the-rockstars-release-pent-up-energy-when

Kylo being Possessive by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/648918188549128192/i-love-your-rockstar-au-and-possessive-kylo-do

Kittens Got Claws by @leatherboundbirate

https://leatherboundbirate.tumblr.com/post/648456509701947393/going-to-a-concert-with-flip-working-title

Regency Era

The Touch of Your Hand by @barbers-glimmerin-darlin

https://barbers-glimmerin-darlin.tumblr.com/post/641145933823885312/at-the-touch-of-your-hand

Regency Sackler by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/639350711325523968/okay-i-am-sitting-here-imagining-all-the-brushing

Kylo Ren but he’s Mr. Darcy by @ohiobluetip

https://ohiobluetip.tumblr.com/post/635814966390358016/kylo-ren-but-hes-mr-darcy

Just for Him by @samanthaaerynbarlowe

https://samanthaaerynbarlowe.tumblr.com/post/642747554622275584/just-for-him-kylo-ren-x-female-reader-chapter

How You Met the Viscount by @zimmermansbrat

https://zimmermansbrat.tumblr.com/post/647669861930221568/viscountkylo-previously-know-as-nobilitykylo

Proposal by @zimmermansbrat

https://zimmermansbrat.tumblr.com/post/650811740695740416/viscountkylo-the-proposal-backstory-p3

Wedding Night by @zimmermansbrat

https://zimmermansbrat.tumblr.com/post/644690798488715264/wedding-night-nobilitykylo-x-reader

New Viscountess by @zimmermansbrat

https://zimmermansbrat.tumblr.com/post/646413950161911808/life-as-the-new-viscountess-viscountkylo-x

All Tied Up by @zimmermansbrat

https://zimmermansbrat.tumblr.com/post/649265997799440384/all-tied-up-viscountkylo

Adventurers

Alright - Archaeologist Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/616518235064516608/alright

Special Day prompt by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/624124030102994944/this-is-a-line-from-the-man-from-uncle-that-i

Where the Currents Take Us by @mind-p0llution

https://mind-p0llution.tumblr.com/post/636142088761786368/where-the-currents-take-us-6

For Whom The Sun Shines by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/637239629081346048/for-whom-the-sun-shines-chapter-5

Fairy Tales

Happily Ever After by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/646219531503665152/happily-ever-after-part-1

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/646471254204907520/happily-ever-after-part-22

Prince Philip ficlet by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/643610457209503745/happy-friday-i-cant-wait-for-your-fic-ideas

Once Upon A Dream by @carloswilliamcarlos

https://carloswilliamcarlos.tumblr.com/post/620920630893805568/once-upon-a-dream-kylo-ren-x-reader

Blessings and Curses by @miraclesabound

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29344722

Wizard Kylo by @maybe-your-left

https://maybe-your-left.tumblr.com/post/641667014940852224/dealers-choice-69-because-thats-who-i-am

Reylo (By Request)

The Heartbreak Prince - Hogwarts AU Reylo by @kylorenvevo

https://kylorenvevo.tumblr.com/post/645494501542100992/chapter-34

Like the Rifle - Zombie Apocalypse Reylo by @kylorenvevo

https://kylorenvevo.tumblr.com/post/642783235443736576/chapter-iv

Your Boots Beneath My Bed - Western Reylo

https://earstwo.tumblr.com/post/638619075552133120

Mountain at My Gates - Werewolf Reylo

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/621701799461732352

In the Dark - Vampire Reylo

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/624850876246507520/chapter-9-see-something-you-like-summary-rey

Hades/Persephone Reylo fics

https://galacticidiots.tumblr.com/post/190147253699/do-you-know-any-good-hadespersephone-reylo-fics

Misc

Spellbound - Hogwarts AU by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/661256752098148352/spellbound

Fateful Ties - Hades/Persephone by @kylo-renne

https://kylo-renne.tumblr.com/post/169232959628/summary-kylo-ren-is-hades-ruler-of-the

The Frame Up by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/650319314252169216/the-frame-up

True North by @mind-p0llution

https://mind-p0llution.tumblr.com/post/649482756446978048/true-north-1

Young Gunner by @mind-p0llution

https://mind-p0llution.tumblr.com/post/646025664332546048/having-been-at-sea-for-months-during-the-vietnam

Flip in the Zombie Apocalypse by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/635947390821662720/zombie-apocalypse-how-would-they-survive-in

Distraction by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/646095368182005760/distraction

Dan Worshiping You by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/646483483441741824/ive-already-outlined-the-dan-flower-shop-au-so

What Am I To You? - Vampire Kylo by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/642560907895078913/what-am-i-to-you-intro

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/644200201274441728/what-am-i-to-you-chapter-1

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/645286926230896640/what-am-i-to-you-chapter-2

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/647999056694607872/what-am-i-to-you-chapter-3

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/651706741373976576/what-am-i-to-you-chapter-4

Bedazzled by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/636114478207991808/bedazzled-masterpost

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/652268799481053184/bedazzled-chapter-12

Love is the Bone and Sinew of My Curse by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/649180593858494464/love-is-the-bone-and-sinew-of-my-curse-intro

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/651798752863092736/love-is-the-bone-and-sinew-of-my-curse-chapter-1

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/660046632914731008/logan-lucky-x-practical-magic-with-a-generous

Little Red Riding Hood Jacques  by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather  

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/659408562047598592/i-cant-stop-thinking-about-your-little-red-riding

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/658026590033281024/little-girls-this-seems-to-say-never-stop-upon

Amortentia by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather  

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/651823317388509184/amortentia

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/653079353974996992/amortentia-part-2

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/653622356315619328/amortentia-part-3

Drill Sergeant Clyde by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/649282063873261568/silky-queen-of-the-aus-breaker-of-weddings

Winter Flowers - Mountain Man Clyde by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/645731590343884800/winter-flowers-part-1

How to Fall in Love by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/634589627862417408/summary-a-clyde-x-reader-fanfic-where-you-move

The Fall by @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather  

https://in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather.tumblr.com/post/649549944392450048/the-fall

Kylo Ren but He’s Rasputin by @ohiobluetip

https://ohiobluetip.tumblr.com/post/640803905371045888/kylo-ren-but-hes-rasputin

Kylo Ren but He’s The Beast by @ohiobluetip

https://ohiobluetip.tumblr.com/post/652320348499509248/kylo-ren-but-hes-the-beast

Carcharodon Carcharias by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/655923715725459456/carcharodon-carcharias

Across Time by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/633806936394153984/across-time

Evidence by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/643311219724435456/evidence-flip-zimmerman-x-femreader-sex-pollen

Kiss the Sky by @finn-ray-nal-beads

https://finn-ray-nal-beads.tumblr.com/post/637329796989419520/kiss-the-sky

Sexy Selfies - Modern Flip by @driversmutbucket

https://driversmutbucket.tumblr.com/post/642693397432418304/only-if-you-feel-like-taking-requests-id-love-to

Amortentia by @whatevermarty

https://whatevermarty.tumblr.com/post/649312780468535297/amortentia-master-list-chapter-one-chapter-two

Little Bird by @kylorengarbagedump

https://kylorengarbagedump.tumblr.com/post/190451997703/little-bird-the-masterlist

Mine - CEO Kylo by @daydreamsofren

https://daydreamsofren.tumblr.com/post/636165871560261632

Kiss Me - CEO Kylo by @daydreamsofren

https://daydreamsofren.tumblr.com/post/635826451466387456

Bad Kitchen Dreams by @okk—maaan

https://okk--maaan.tumblr.com/post/621570394936295424/bad-kitchen-dreams

Extracurricular - Professor Barber by @roanniom

https://roanniom.tumblr.com/post/645798647734337536/ohhh-issa-please-tell-us-more-details-about-your

Older Flip by @jynzandtonic

https://jynzandtonic.tumblr.com/post/644215050347937792/hi-z-first-im-glad-youre-back-and-i-hope-youre

Requisite - Professor Barber by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/645364636792815616/these-house-of-gucci-photos-are-too-much-i-cant

Specters and Sorry by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/645830773631582208/specters-sorry-chpt-one

The Purge with Sackler by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/627970216058650625/hi-for-horrorfest-can-i-ask-for-adam-sackler-and

With Departures There Is No End - Cult Leader Clyde by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/626926847988514816/direnightshade-with-departures-there-is-no

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/627024758346776576/with-departures-there-is-no-end-chpt-2

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/637041919939198976/with-departures-there-is-no-end-chpt-3

Mots Doux by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/648944771799334912/mots-doux-chapter-one

To The Wolves - The Shining Charlie by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/631529900599345152/to-the-wolves-chapter-1

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/632688419313762304/to-the-wolves-chapter-2

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/643644385843658752/to-the-wolves-chapter-3

Secret Service Ben Saving You by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/647726926259257344/happy-blogiversary-im-here-to-inquire-more

Home - Secret Service Ben by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/647898222152531968/home

Touch the Sky - Secret Service Ben by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/648259501433257984/touch-the-sky

Vampire Kylo Prompt by @direnightshade

https://direnightshade.tumblr.com/post/647095361091125248/thoughts-on-vampire-kylo

Desires of the Flesh by @cowboy-kylo

https://cowboy-kylo.tumblr.com/post/649471683362701312/desires-of-the-flesh-masterlist

https://cowboy-kylo.tumblr.com/post/649657609821044736/a-show-of-good-faith

https://cowboy-kylo.tumblr.com/post/650390804813299712/in-the-mouths-of-men

https://cowboy-kylo.tumblr.com/post/651300952222072832/like-wine-and-blood

https://cowboy-kylo.tumblr.com/post/652209698202943488/repentance

To Cast Out All Fear by @carloswilliamscarlos

https://carloswilliamcarlos.tumblr.com/post/647767043938058240/to-cast-out-all-fear-clyde-logan-x-reader

Beautiful Beloved - Titanic Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/186407194372/beautiful-beloved-masterlist

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/618608234617602048/hcs-for-a-picnic-or-something-similar-with-bbkylo

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/615956010449960960/good-afternoon-mrsz-may-i-please-have-01-from

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/620313629190995968/good-morning-zannah-this-is-a-line-from-the

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/614586553035079680/hcs-about-all-the-ways-the-lord-ren-from

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649558338277916672/how-open-is-lord-ren-with-affection-and-pda-does

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649478421194440704/it-would-be-so-cute-for-when-you-get-ready-for

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649470425628311552/i-had-watched-a-documentary-about-aristocrats-and

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649496845277593600/i-cant-wait-for-your-fox-hunting-one-shot

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/649500483940220928/if-want-my-horse-thoughts-lol-so-one-of-my

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/650747963949367296/mrs-z-what-do-you-think-about-bbkylo-being-so-in

Victorian Magician Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/616503633487462400/magiciankylo-this-could-be-set-any-time-but

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/643602379055480832/only-if-you-feel-like-it-i-would-love-to-hear

FBI Agent Flip by @babbushka

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/643798800317726720/for-your-fic-friday-idea-id-like-to-pitch-the

Bike Ride with Biker Kylo by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/612255404008865792/happy-sinday-please-if-you-can-write-about-biker

Visiting Biker Kylo at His Shop by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/639329790420254720/if-you-can-manage-it-can-i-get-30-such-a-needy

Biker Kylo Getting in a Bar Fight by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/613397896572829696/hi-could-i-possibly-get-the-prompt-youre-the

Hades & Persephone by @babbushka

https://babbushka.tumblr.com/post/643779654695698432/sending-you-one-more-idea-no-pressure-as-always

Modern Hades/Persephone HC’s by @tashastrange89

https://tashastrange89.tumblr.com/post/648201127411810304/what-are-your-headcanons-for-kylo-as-hades-we-all

Verdant by @starlightsearches

https://starlightsearches.tumblr.com/post/611134247159382016/could-i-please-request-a-hades-and-persephone-au

https://starlightsearches.tumblr.com/post/652544778297278465/omg-verdant-is-beautiful-would-you-please-do

Draluram - Mandalorian Clyde by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/645235366972063744/draluram-series-masterlist

Nadala Pirun - Mandalorian Clyde by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/647569975287185408/nadala-pirun

Alpha Mandalorian Clyde by @clydesducktape

https://clydesducktape.tumblr.com/post/638792719910731776/klesir-burcyan-isirir-series-master-list

Vampire Kylo prompt by @cas-backwards-tie

https://cas-backwards-tie.tumblr.com/post/644154407050706944/how-about-i-may-have-left-some-marks-with

Numerous prompts on Vampire Kylo and Werewolf Flip by @ohdamnadam

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/629559472695672832/im-thinking-about-some-alpha-on-alpha-aggressive

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/629124336777936896/that-flip-removing-his-flannel-gif-set-makes-me

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/626387905606254592/so-im-a-halloween-obsessed-deviant-and-a-slut

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/627652808252030976/revisiting-a-thursday-from-a-few-weeks-ago-lol

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/630185332377321472/flip-or-werewolf-flip-always-wanting-to-keep-you

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/630906601915695104/can-you-please-tell-us-how-flip-would-be-with-you

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/630272456188444672/vampire-kylo-ren-slowly-tracing-his-fangs-along

https://ohdamnadam.tumblr.com/post/649315817402597376/a-i-love-this-idea-of-an-abduction-and-fear-kink

Larger Fic List for Devils, Vampires, Demons, Preists, Witches, Occultisn, etc

https://safarigirlsp.tumblr.com/post/638564809272590336/hey-shannon-i-remember-you-posting-that-youre

[nurseofren]

Fireworks

Relationship: Clyde Logan x Reader

Words: 1.5k

Summary: Your first New Year’s Eve in Boone County becomes that much more interesting when you run into a handsome stranger, the two of you seeking peace in the same place for two entirely different reasons. Together, you give each other exactly what the other needs.

Warnings: PTSD, anxiety. Angst. 

ST Rambles: So, earlier today I got the idea that it would be fun to do a NYE series with all the ADCU men (well, all the ones with a place in my heart). And I started with Clyde because I love the man entirely and he deserves protection. But, I have plans for Flip and Phillip AT LEAST. So, let me know if I should continue.

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The party buzzed with excitement, an obvious anticipation lighting every guest’s face. The year had been so long, and there were only ten minutes until that fresh start we all craved so much. It seemed with each passing second the room would grow in volume and exuberance – conversations loud, couples close, hope sparking in dazed eyes. Bottles were grouped, empty and some tipped over; red cups littered around the floor, growing in amount as the night went on.

And you, self-proclaimed designated driver for the night, were watching it all unfold the entire time. With so little time left, seeing everyone paired with someone to hold when the year ran out, you found yourself overwhelmed and a bit saddened.

Doing a sweep around the room, giving a nod to each of your friends to ensure their safety, you wandered out past the backyard toward the gazebo sitting at the dock’s end. The journey was quiet and cold, a fond chill cleansing your skin, the moon-streaked lake ebbing a melody of peace. There were lights wrapped around the trellis, dim in their warm tone.

A moment was spent taking in the air, becoming still. Face to the sky, arms tight to your chest, you hummed. During the winter months there was no chorus of cicadas to accompany you. No matter, you stepped forward until you could lean out toward the night and focus on the dull crash of water below.

Footsteps startled your eyes toward their direction, a quiet yelp escaping when you set eyes on a man seemingly leaving from where you’d just arrived. He seemed to be in a rush, strides taking him away before you could think much on what to say.

“I’m sorry,” you called after him, turning, his steps stilling. “I really didn’t mean to interrupt. I just needed a breather from the craziness, but I think I’m good now.”

The stranger paused for a moment, his back to you, wind blowing past his hair with the gentle breeze. His shoulders lowered and he turned to you, not stepping any closer. He was tall, a warm face to match the lights above. He was wearing an outfit much better equipped for the weather than yours, arms covered in a jean jacket, pants a darker jean material. Bold of him.

“You just got here. S’alright.” Fog framed his words, a nervous edge to them. He gave a weak smile and a nod before turning back around.

“Hey, wait!” You couldn’t help but feel guilty for scaring him off. He turned back around, not even the slightest bit exasperated. A patient soul. Kind eyes. Good company? He watched you with intent. “I wouldn’t mind the company. Really. Stay.”

Those soft eyes seemed surprised, pinching just slightly to match the flicker of a smile at his cheeks. He was still tense, but after considering you, looking down to a watch outfitting his wrist, he swallowed and made his way to your side. He kept a comfortable distance, his back to the pillar across from you.

“So, what were you doing out here anyway? The dock is usually empty this time of night.”

The stranger crossed his arms to match yours, his face turning out toward the water. “Keepin’ watch. Waitin’. Should be soon.”

“Oh gosh, were you waiting for someone out here? I’ll leave. That’s so awkward, my goodness!”

“No. Not waitin’ on anyone. Just the new year.” He swallowed, looking back to you and gesturing toward the sky. “There’s usually fireworks.”

“Oh! That’s so cool! This is my first year here, so thanks for telling me.” As you spoke, he didn’t seem to match your excitement, something haunting his far-off gaze. Your eyes narrowed, confusion striking through your bright mood. “Don’t you like the fireworks? That’s why you’re out here?”

His left hand, prosthetic you noticed, reached toward his right forearm. He cleared his throat. Something wasn’t right. When he returned from whatever memory he’d wandered to, his face was serious, mouth a hard line. Eyes still soft, tender in the moonlight.

A shiver washed over you, teeth chattering to interrupt whatever he was about to say. He saw, relief finding him in the wake of your apparent distraction.

“Here, take this.” He slid the jacket off his arms and offered it to you, the sleeve of his undershirt lifting so you could see a tattoo – indicative of military service – just below the raised cuff. Realization lifted your brows. He noted this, face falling somewhat before he reached to push the fabric back down.

The jean material was toasty, his body heat sinking through the article and warming your hand before you pulled it over your shoulders. The man went back to leaning against his post, eyes set on the lake. Being here meant more now. A mission to keep him safe.

With time passing his shoulders tensed, determined eyes locked on his watch. His breath was coming faster, getting louder. He needed peace, or at least a distraction.

“What’s your name?”

He said nothing, foot tapping. So instead you offered your name, nearing him. “A girl – Mellie, I think her name was – yeah, she invited me a few weeks ago. Just before Christmas. And I told her I’d check my plans, but turns out I had nothing else going on so I brought a few friends with me and-,”

A distant uproar sounded from the house. Cheers and shouts of joy echoed across the lawn, your heart racing when the stranger’s eyes shut and his jaw flexed. His hands gripped tight to the railing, head tucked to his chest. He was in so much pain, anticipating – no, dreading – what he knew would come.

Something occurred to you in that moment. Maybe stupid and completely off-base – it was midnight. It was a new year. It was New Year’s Day. You were here. So was this stranger, whoever he was. So you did the only thing you could think of.

Slipping a hand under his chin and snaking it to his cheek, you turned his face to yours and pulled down. He was scalding, heat rolling off of him in heavy waves. There was a moment of hesitation on your end, looking at him for a go-ahead, only finding a heart wrenching fear just beyond his eyes. The first boom sounded behind you, his blown pupils shooting toward the bright light.

“Hey,” you soothed, nudging his attention back toward you.

Sliding your hand over his ear, bringing your other to cover the one that remained, you brought his lips to yours and hoped for the best. Fingers fled into his heated tresses, thick and a deep, deep brown. It was all your effort at first, his body stiff against yours before he settled into the interaction. When he did, finally giving into your machinations, you made an even more conscious effort to keep his ears covered and to stroke the skin just behind them.

He loosened up and you took advantage, walking him away from the railing until his knees hit the bench behind him. He lowered himself all while you kept connected, your mouth moving in fervor, the fireworks still blaring in the background. The hair framing his temples was soft under your thumbs, a thin veil of sweat evident under your touch.

“You’re okay,” you hushed between kisses, “you’re okay. It’s okay.”

A hand cupped the back of your neck, stroked at your nape, fingers catching on the hair there. He slowed his mouth and eventually stopped entirely, pressing his forehead to yours. Here you were an anchor, observing how he calmed with each breath he took, keeping your palms in place to guard him from the sounds all too familiar to him.

“Clyde,” he breathed, “M’name’s Clyde.”

Teething at your bottom lip, you pressed your mouth to his again. This time much less adamant, a gentle yearning motivating the movement instead of a fierce protection. He leaned into you now, the hand at your neck tipping your head into his.

Pulling away, looking down at him as your hips bent, hands still set firm, sparks lit down your spine at the sight of his burning eyes.

Hi, Clyde, you mouthed, a smile punctuating the statement.

You hadn’t noticed, but in the chaos his jacket had slipped off your shoulders, another shiver washing over your skin, another one he noticed. Clyde took a deep breath, chewed his bottom lip, and finally stood. He made no effort to move your hands from his ears, lifting his right arm and encircling your back so he could rub warmth into your skin.

Clyde kept you pressed to his chest, fireworks fading to nothing before you took your hands from him and wrapped them around his waist. He was incredibly warm, and when you felt his chin rest atop the crown of your head it only deepened the heat he offered you. His own protection in light of what you’d given him.

“Thank you,” Clyde swallowed, a low hum of the same tune you’d sounded earlier. “Happy New Year, darlin’.”

Should you have stayed here forever, you knew you’d never need a jacket of any sort, not wrapped in the complete warmth he provided – flesh and soul.

“Happy New Year, Clyde.”

[junjungsunwoo]

2 kids, Mi Amor, Teardrops on my Tulips, Guns, Roses, and a Broken Promise  Vasílissa Mou (My Queen), Ruined Innocence ,The Work Of You ,The Ghost Of You

for the wip game love~

Sarah, my Queen, the Clyde to my Bonnie, my love <33

2 Kids: This story was (clearly) heavily based on Taemin's "2 Kids", more specifically the line "We were just 2 kids, too young and dumb" I had the idea for it out of nowhere after I finished read a really good angst fic (idk remember what it was tho), and I just wanted to hurt someone's feelings so that's really what made me want to write it lol

2 Kids:

The story starts with us in the reader (y/n)'s point of view. The reader and Eric was a couple in high school, childhood sweethearts if you will. The reader is completely in love with Eric, while Eric on the other hand is starting to feel 'weird' and so he starts to ignore the reader and soon the reader couldn't take it anymore, and they break up.

The next flashback ends (the part where we are reading as the reader) and we are now reading the story in Eric's point of view. Eric is remembering all of the times where you would tell him you loved him and how he never really responded with an 'I love you too', and he's regretting everything now.

And I can only give you that much for 2 kids hehe, Moving on!

Mi Amor I've already answerd! You can read that here!

Teardrops on my Tulips: This story wasn't based on anything really, but I had a really good idea for it and I had this title in my head for a long time so I finally had the perfect idea for the title!

Teardrops on my Tulips:

The reader was a Flower shop owner. She loved flowers, every color or every kind. She was always careful with her feelings and was known to be quite cold to the people she doesn't know.

One day, this man comes into her small shop, and the man was one of the most handsome men the reader has ever seen, and she didn't know it, but her heart skipped a beat the moment she landed her eyes on him.

The reader learns that the man's name was Jaemin, and soon, she starts to see him in her little shop every Saturday, buying different types of flowers and talking to her about the meaning of flowers. Slowly, the reader starts to fall for him.

Annnd I can't give you more before I ruin the (not so surprising) plot twist! ;)

Guns, Rose, and a Broken Promise: I'm not gonna lie, this plot came out after reading this really good mafia fic one day and after watching Sunwoo in the "The Stealer" MV because damnnnn that man's got me whipped. The story starts off really cliche but then it gets pretty intense lol.

Guns, Roses, and a Broken Promise:

The reader finds Sunwoo injured in an alley one day and she helps him out. The reader is very suspicious of Sunwoo and doesn't really trust him but little by little they get closer until one day they fell in love. One day, the fact that Sunwoo was a mafia boss was revealed and the reader is stuck in a place where she either has to break up with Sunwoo or she goes with Sunwoo to the mafia.

And I'm gonna stop there since I'd like you to read the story to find out what happens hehe, anyways, moving on-

Vasílissa Mou (My Queen): This story literally came out of nowhere. It's going to be written for a collab of mine (I'm pretty sure it's for Meraki. but don't quote me on that.) and I really just wanted to write about Greek god! Juyeon cause like, that man is *chef kiss*. If you didn't know, Vasílissa Mou is greek for (well if isn't obvious,) "My Queen". This story is heavily based on the Greek love story of Hades and Persephone.

Vasílissa Mou (My Queen):

Juyeon was a very lonely man. He was very powerful and a single word from him can destroy the whole world but he was very lonely. He had no companions other than his beloved dog, Cerberus- the guard dog of the underworld.

One time, while on a walk above the underworld, he stumbles across a beautiful woman- you. Juyeon was love struck. He didn't know what he was feeling. It felt warm and...soft- something Juyeon thought he could never feel. He knew he would do anything to get you, that he'd do anything for you.

He couldn't get over the sudden feeling that bloomed in his heart, and he starts to obsess over you. He would away watch as you interact freely and happily with the other god while he just watched on the side, too afraid that he would scare you. But he just couldn't take the feeling of being empty anymore- he needs you to fill him up, he needs you. Now.

And that's all I can give you mjsbgskdbjgkrsg You'll have to read to find out what happens hehe

Ruined Innocence: This highkey was also inspired by Sunmi's "Tail" because damn Queen slayed that comeback. I really wanted to flip the stereotypical roles around and have Younghoon as the innocent figure and the reader the "bad influence" so that's what I did, btw, this is set in a superhero/villain world.

Ruined Innocence:

The reader and Younghoon meet at a mutual friend's party. The reader was intrigued by Younghoon's innocence and she finds it amusing when he would shy away from her. She makes it her mission to turn Younghoon into a baddie. She takes every chance she gets to get close to Younghoon and spend time with him.

Little by little, Younghoon begins to fall under the reader's influence and starts to slowly turn more and more rebellious.

That's all I'll give you, for now, hehe, I'm super excited to write this out!

The Work of You: I've already told you about this one Sarah, but I'll post it for those who don't know because why not hehe. This wasn't really inspired by anything, I just liked the gore that will be in the fic hehe

The Work of You:

Kevin was a natural-born artist. It was like he had the touch of the Greek god Apollo. Any Canvas he touched was turned into paintings worth millions of dollars and all the songs he produced and sung were as if angels were hosting a choir. Kevin had only once muse- you.

You were everything to Kevin. Without you, Kevin wouldn't be where he is right now. Kevin loved you. He loved you so much. So much that it hurt him every time you were out of his sight. He couldn't stand being away from you even for a second. He loved you. He'd do anything for you to make you stay with him.

Anything. As long as you stay close to him.

And that's all I'll write for this one ljsbsldbg Sarah knows what's up after this but I' not gonna say, so please don't spoil in the comments Sarah~

Annnnd onto our last one!

The Ghost of you: I had this idea for a while when I started writing for my other WIP "Death of An Angel" but I wrote the other one for Jacob because baby is an angel, and when I joined Luna's Seventeen Halloween collab I knew I had to write this!

The Ghost of You:

The reader goes through a series of horror-filled situations the day before Halloween, and everywhere she looked, she could only see ghosts of the dead flying around excitedly. The reader was then dragged into an investigation by her boyfriend- Jeonghan, who acts very suspicious throughout the entire investigation. The reader spends the entire night and day of Halloween trying to help her detective boyfriend solve a case with her necromancy abilities.

And that's that! That's all I can give you!

I finally finished all of the ones you ask after about what? An Hour? lgnsgnsegk

I hope these caught your attention!

[tisfan]

Kicking and Screaming

Square: I1 - Sports By @27dragons and @tisfan Title: Kicking and Screaming Warning: None Rating: Teen Characters: Bucky, Tony, Phil Coulon, the rest of the Avengers Tags: Coulson Lives, Team Sports, competitive, feed your supersoldiers regularly Summary: Coulson should get hazard pay: it’s mandatory team building for the Avengers again. Link: AO3 Word Count: 2872 Posted for @winterironbingo

Coulson trudged out onto the playing field -- miles away from civilization so they didn’t accidentally break anything fragile, like New York City -- with a bright red kickball. Avenger’s baseball was bad for the surrounding countryside.

“All right,” he said, firmly no-nonsense. “Team captains today are: Bruce Banner and Peter Parker. Pick your teams, for a game of kickball.”

“What is kickball? Is it like golf?” Thor wondered, eyeing the ball. Coulson had sudden images of Thor using his hammer on the field, and was glad that, for the most part, the ball was extremely durable. Special design. Even the Wolverine could have played, if he’d wanted to.

“It’s kinda like baseball,” Peter volunteered. “Only the ball rolls on the ground instead of being thrown, and you kick it instead of hitting it with a bat. I want Mr. Stark.”

“And unlike in soccer, outfield can catch the ball with their hands,” Bruce said, thoughtfully. “If you’re taking Tony, I want Steve.”

That was smart, Coulson thought. Steve and Tony bickered enough when they were on opposing sides. Putting them on the same side, outside of a combat situation, and they’d end up yelling at each other for days about strategy and battle plans, and other ridiculous things. Fury, Coulson decided, was not punishing the Avengers with this mandatory team building stuff. He was angry with Coulson for reasons Coulson hadn’t discovered yet.

Refereeing the Avengers was like trying to sell portable heaters in hell.

“If you get Cap, then we get the other super-soldier,” Tony said.

“Mr. Stark!” Peter protested. “I’m supposed to pick!”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Fine, go on then, pick. Just pick Bucky.”

(more below the cut)

Peter scowled at Tony. Coulson wasn’t going to admit it was kind of cute. “We need Clint,” he said.

“We do?”

“You need good aim for kickball,” Peter said firmly. “Clint, c’mon.”

“I got good aim, kid,” Bucky protested, looking offended. Really, the two of them were close to matched for rifle, although Clint was better with improvised thrown weapons. Like bottles. And keys. And once, another teammate.

Bruce raised an eyebrow, then, casually, “Then prove it. We’ll take Bucky.”

“Bruce!” Tony protested. “You can’t split me and Bucky up! We’re like peanut butter and jelly! Green eggs and ham!”

“Bonnie and Clyde?” Bruce suggested. “Sorry, Tony. All’s fair in love and kickball.”

Peter eyed the remaining Avengers. “Uh. Natasha?”

“Say it like you mean it, kid,” Tony advised.

“Natasha,” Peter repeated.

Natasha didn’t even bother to get up, doing that thing with her eyebrow and jaw that suggested the lines of battle just got redrawn around her.

Bruce smirked. “Thor.”

“Going for the brawn versus brains this time, I guess,” Clint said.

“Then you’re on the wrong team,” Natasha said.

“Aw, Nat, that was painful. I’m hurt. There might be actual tears.”

“For them,” Natasha said, and she took a sip of her smoothie through a straw before putting it aside and lazily wandering over to Peter’s side.

Peter chewed on his lip.

“We could use another enhanced person,” Natasha suggested.

Peter nodded. “Vision.”

“Oh, sure, you’ll listen to her advice, but not mine?” Tony complained.

“Perhaps if you had structured your advice as such,” Vision said, “rather than simply assuming our captain would take your suggestion.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” Tony said. He pointed at Bruce. “Your team is going down, Green Machine.”

“You keep saying that,” Bruce remarked. “And we’ll take Wanda.”

“What is this, split up the couples night?” Rhodes asked. “I’m all for it, you go on with your bad self, Bruce.”

Wanda floated over to join her teammates. She landed daintily on the ground just behind Bucky’s shoulder.

“And we’ll take Colonel Rhodes,” Peter said.

“And I’m last, why’s a brother always last,” Sam muttered, but he went to join Bruce’s team, high fiving it with Steve.

“If I say I want a nice clean game, I don’t suppose any of you will listen, right?”

“Probably not, no,” Natasha commented. “That’s really not, you know, what we do.”

“I don’t even want to know what you do, Agent Romanoff,” Coulson said. “Captains-- try not to kill anyone or break any small cities, you know the drill.” He fished out a coin from his front pocket. “Call it, Mr. Parker.”

Peter didn’t even bother to call it; he flicked his hand out and grabbed the coin right out of the air with a bit of sticky goo, dropping it into Tony’s hand. “Tails, we win.”

“You are a bad influence on a sweet kid,” Coulson chided. He wasn’t sure if he was directing that comment toward Natasha or Tony. It didn’t matter, it applied to both.

“You’re just now figuring this out?” Tony asked. He scooped up the ball and tossed it at Bucky with a challenging smirk. “I assume you’ll be the pitcher. Come on, team, let’s work out our batting order.”

Coulson shook his head a few times and went to stand guard halfway between first and second base. “As always, my word is law, unless you want me to suggest to Fury that we need a full time Avenger watching the Fridge.”

Guard duty was demeaning and boring, except when it wasn’t. None of the Avengers wanted that.

“I’ll kick first,” Rhodey said, patting his leg brace with a smirk. “They always underestimate just how much power you put in these babies.”

“Kick it away from Wanda,” Natasha suggested.

“Or, alternatively, kick it right at her face,” Clint said. “Her magic’s good, but she still flinches when you go for the headshot.”

“Solid strategy,” Tony agreed. “Uh, let’s avoid beaning Bruce. No one needs a repeat of the baseball fiasco.”

“You kick second, Mr. Stark,” Peter said. “Then Hawkeye, Miss Widow, Mr. Vision, and me last?” He glanced around to check and make sure all the adults were onboard with his plan.

In the outfield, Thor had put himself out in the outfield, along with Wanda, while Steve took up position behind home plate, Bucky was pitching, as Tony had suggested, and Sam floated around infield. Unless someone bunted, there wasn’t going to be a lot of work for an infielder, so it was probably just laziness. And Bruce was at the shortstop position.

“All right, Avengers. Play ball,” Coulson hollered. Reminded himself that Tahiti was a magical place and if this ended in his death (again) he wouldn’t be surprised.

As Rhodey had predicted, Bruce’s team pulled in when Rhodey stepped up to the plate. Rhodey was hamming it up, too, limping a little. Tony was hard-pressed to conceal his smirk. He’d have thought Bucky, at least, would have some idea of Rhodey’s power -- Tony bounced most of his upgrade ideas off Bucky -- but no, Bucky actually rolled the ball straight down the center, fair and true, if perhaps with a little more oomph than your average fourth-grader.

It had to be one of those specially reinforced balls, because if Rhodey had kicked something made out of builder grade rubber that hard, it would have exploded on contact. Instead, the ball made a satisfying whoooong noise and sailed nearly straight back to Bucky, but on the left side instead of the right, and about hip level.

Which meant all of Bucky’s blind spots, where his wrist wasn’t quite as flexible.

Rhodey didn’t bother to look, just took off for first base at his somewhat faster than human normal pace; those braces, if he was pushing the capacitors, could carry him along at a brisk thirty miles an hour. Not as fast as a super soldier, but Rhodey’s muscles and skeleton didn’t have the extra reinforcing needed for that kind of speed.

He held at first, since Wanda recovered the ball and zipped it over to Bruce -- she didn’t even throw the damn thing, just used her magic to push it around -- who stood guard over second base.

No one really wanted to be the first person to plow into Bruce.

Tony stepped up to the home plate, scuffing at the dirt and rubber, testing the feel of it, and shot a grin at Bucky. “Gonna treat me right, sugarplum?”

“Yeah, you wish, dollface,” Bucky said, and this time, when he rolled the ball, it did a weird swerve, just at the end of the path. Just like when playing pool, Tony could calculate rate and spin and angles, and as soon as he saw the little wobble in the ball, he knew just which way it was going to curve.

He wasn’t quite Hawkeye -- he couldn’t predict exactly where the ball was going to go after he kicked it, but he managed to kick it, anyway. The ball surprised him by shooting up as much as out, and that was all Tony saw before he took off running.

Rhodey was already clearing second and headed to third when Tony got hit in the lower back by the ball so hard that it almost knocked him off his feet. “Out!” Coulson yelled from the sidelines.

Tony whirled around to see Bucky smirking at him, those pouty lips practically taunting him. “You heard the man, sugarplum. Go siddown.”

“Okay,” Tony said, smiling sweetly. “I’m going to give you that one. Dollface.” He strode back over to his team and dropped onto the bench. “Sonovabitch,” he muttered, “I’m gonna be pissing fucking blood.”

Vision held out one maroon hand over Tony’s back, light. A tingle of heat passed between his skin and the synthoid’s fingers. “Your internal organs appear to be intact,” Vision reassured him, so earnest as he always was.

Hawkeye took his turn, and, as promised, just about put the ball right through Wanda’s head. Rather than catching it, or even blocking it with her magic, she dove to the ground to avoid it, letting it roll unfettered, out into the far end of left field, bringing Rhodey home to score, and Clint to an easy, laughing second-base position.

Natasha stepped up to the plate, no bravado or fuss. Some kind of communication seemed to sizzle in the air between her and Bucky. Tony was too far away to see if Bucky played any tricks with the ball, but Natasha’s kick connected solidly and sent the ball soaring upward, directly over Bruce’s head.

Bruce leaped up to catch it, brushing the ball with his fingertips. Which might have been okay, except that Thor decided to go for the ball as well, and they collided mid-air like twin boulders being smacked together.

“Safe,” Coulson declared, because throwing one’s teammate instead of the ball didn’t count.

Hulk turned around and glared at Coulson for it, who prudently took a step backward.

And while that was going on, Hawkeye stole third. And then home.

Natasha gave them a thumbs up from her position at first base.

Vision should have been an easy run -- his calculation abilities were vastly superior to even Tony’s -- but he seemed too curious about the way the ball moved, or the puffs of dirt that rose up around it, or something, to properly gauge his kick. Three strikes, and then Vision was taking his place on the bench beside Tony.

“Guess we need to work on your hand-eye coordination,” Tony said.

“My hands caused no issues,” Vision said solemnly.

It was probably that Peter was so tiny -- the guy looked like a high school sophomore, and he acted even younger most of the time -- that people were constantly underestimating his strength, but he was stronger than Steve and Bucky put together, could go toe-to-toe with the Hulk, and no one wanted to destroy the planet enough for some friendly fighting between Thor and Spider-Man.

Tony shaded his eyes with his hand, watching the ball disappear somewhere way, way past homerun territory.

Nat didn’t even run. She just strolled around the bases. Tony was almost positive that she was, in fact, doing a classic ballet walk.

“Four to zero,” Coulson announced, “with two outs.”

Tony and Clint took the opportunity to teach Vision some classic trash-talk. And the game went on.

It wasn’t going to be the other team that beat them, Bucky decided, getting up to pitch (well, roll, but whatever), but instead, it was going to be metabolism.

Early on, Steve had tried to call for a snack break, which Tony had point blank refused to allow, arguing that the game went on until all nine innings were played, or the team captain conceded. “You can play a man or two down, if you need a Snickers that bad,” he’d said.

Bucky’s stomach rumbled.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t go long stretches without food, but between Thor, Hulk, Steve, and Bucky, they were all used to a sort of grazing pattern unless it was an emergency. Eight thousand calories a day minimum took time to eat.

Bucky was about ready to eat home plate, if this went on much longer.

They had to fight for every out; the score was ridiculous. Eighty-three to seventy-nine, with Tony’s team coming up to kick. (Not that it was Tony’s team, technically it was Peter’s team, but somehow, it had come down to some challenge of wills between Steve and Tony. Again.)

At least it was the ninth inning.

And going on hour five of the game. For some kindergartener shit, the game had gotten cut-throat.

“Swing batter batter batter,” Steve chanted, squatting in his catching position.

Which really put him a lot closer to Tony’s ass than Bucky felt entirely comfortable with.

Tony took his sweet time getting up to the plate, too, stretching and twisting his spine to loosen up. He even leaned way down to touch his toes, stretching his calves, and if he thought Bucky would buy that it was an accident that the position showed off that glorious ass for Bucky, then he was wrong, wrong, wrong.

Which did not mean that Bucky did not take full advantage of the tactic to ogle his boyfriend’s ass.

Finally, Tony shook out his legs and stepped up to the plate. “All right, let’s stop lollygagging around and play this game!” he announced cheerfully. And then, just as Bucky was winding up to roll the ball, he said, “Winner gets to top!”

Well, that… did not go well. Bucky’s aim was completely off. “Ball,” Coulson called.

“Asshole,” Bucky muttered, and from the brilliant, gleaming smile Tony directed his way, it did not go unheard. Steve threw him the ball back and Bucky wound up to roll again. More like bowling than baseball. Really, a stupid game, all things considered.

This time, at least, Tony didn’t say anything, just waited for the pitch. It was Natasha who piped up with, “Ethiopian for dinner?”

Bucky finished the roll. “Yes, please, I’m fuckin’ starving, her--” Tony’s kick hit him in the chest and he scrambled to catch it, but didn’t quite grab it, a fact he was going to blame on metal-slick fingers and that was his story, he was sticking to it. He floundered, captured the ball, rolled, and… “Safe!”

“Come on, Buck, get your head in the game,” Steve yelled, because of course he did.

Bucky whirled and stomped back to the pitcher’s mound. He got there and popped one shiny metal finger in Steve’s direction, which got hoots and cheers from, well, pretty much everyone. Couldn’t say he was shocked, either.

“If you kick that ball at my face again, Clint, I am going to hurt you,” Wanda threatened from outfield.

He didn’t. Clint fucking bunted it, and then Steve overcompensated his throw, blowing past Tony as he went ‘round second base, headed for third.

Clint was fucking singing, that’s what he was doing, too… some song Bucky’d never heard before. “Around third and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome man, anyone can understand, the way I feel--” he crooned.

Bucky caught the ball, went to throw it to Steve to get Tony out, at least, but-- where the hell had Steve gone off to?

Tony touched home and did a little dance that involved entirely too much hip-swinging.

Natasha struck out. Thank Christ.

Bucky went to roll again, and-- something cold and wet splattered against his face. What the-- he peered up. It was evening, and the sky had gotten a lot darker, although he’d missed that as the field’s lights had gone on. And cloudy, apparently.

“It’s rainin’,” Bucky reported.

“Kickball,” Clint intoned, “is a simple game. You throw the ball, you kick the ball, you catch the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Sometimes… it rains.”

It started to rain harder. Tony’s tee shirt was sticking to him, obscenely outlining his chest.

“Game called on account of rain,” Coulson said. “Parker’s team wins.”

Steve immediately started to argue that they hadn’t had their last at-base and Coulson held up one hand. “I’m not debating with you, Captain,” he said. “I am calling the game. You lose.”

Ignoring Steve’s ranting, Tony strolled up to Bucky, that smirk on his lips making it clear that he knew exactly what the rain was doing to his clothes. He slid a hand down Bucky’s chest. “Good game, Slugger. Ready to pay up?”

Bucky tugged Tony in for a kiss, hot and wet and dirty. “Play ball,” he said.

[ohnomybreadsticks]

Prompt fill for my dear friend @minasnorma who asked for “Eli and Clyde having a soft afternoon”

Eli and Clyde are from his wonderful fic Face to Face, and if you haven’t read it already I am all but begging you to treat yourself! It’s a punch to the heart in all the right ways, and I’ll link it in a reblog.

---

Clyde came out of stasis to the sensation of Elijah pressing his face awkwardly into the space between his shoulder and neck. Well, that wasn’t the only point of contact. Really he was being blanketed entirely by the man, his arm flung across Clyde’s chest and his legs tangled close with the android’s. He had a feeling that if he could, Elijah would be lying entirely on top of him, for maximum contact between their bodies. And Clyde couldn’t exactly complain, it felt...peaceful to wake up and be able to feel his boyfriend’s heartbeat thumping against his chassis. Comforting. Especially with the additional sensation of Elijah’s soft breaths huffing into his neck.

The only problem with this situation was that it was not, in fact, a weekend. Instead, it was a Wednesday, which meant that Elijah was sleeping far past the alarm he usually set to get up and get ready for work in a timely manner. Clyde generally let himself stay in stasis for a little bit longer, since he didn’t need to shower or eat breakfast, not to mention he was much faster at ‘waking up’ in the mornings. On this particular morning he had been in a bit deeper of a stasis cycle than usual - trying to purge some persistent anxieties that had been building up over the past few days.

“Elijah, you’re going to be late for work.” Clyde murmured, one arm wrapping loosely around the man’s waist, and the other coming up to gently gather the long hair fanned out around his head. Clyde always enjoyed playing with Elijah’s hair, feeling the strands running through his fingers, and listening to the soft pleased noises that the motions elicited. He loved it almost as much as when his boyfriend ran his fingers through his own raven hair, twisting the locks loosely around clever fingers. When that gentle reminder simply got a muted grunt in return as Elijah tried to wiggle closer, Clyde chuckled in exasperation and tried again.

“Your stakeholders aren’t going to disappear if you’re late, dear. They’ll just move the meeting back.” It was an educated guess, based on how much Elijah complained about how much he hated those stakeholder meetings. And true or not, it did get the man to slightly raise his head, one unruly strand of hair falling over his eyes. “‘M not going to work today. And neither are you.” He mumbled, a lazy smile spreading across what Clyde could see of his face. “Oh really?” Clyde countered, raising one eyebrow, “And why is that?” A quick check of both their schedules confirmed that Elijah had, in fact, cleared them for the day and put in for a day’s worth of leave - all very official and proper. But no less mysterious, especially when the only answer he would give was “Is’ a secret.”

Clyde couldn’t bring himself to worry all that much when Elijah began to press gentle kisses along the column of his neck. And he certainly wasn’t going to complain when the man rolled over and propped up over him so he could cup Clyde’s face in both hands and look down at him with that now-familiar besotted look. Elijah’s hair fell down around them like a curtain, and Clyde was grateful, because it made the soft blue flush across his cheeks less noticeable. Well, not noticeable enough, because Elijah grinned and leaned down to kiss along the blush lines, murmuring ridiculous things about how handsome he looked like this. If his stomach hadn’t let out an annoyed gurgle, Clyde was certain Elijah would have been happy to lay in bed all day and just be close to one another, and well...he couldn’t say he would have complained.

But his human needed food, and Clyde herded them up out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, ignoring Elijah’s whined protests of not needing him to do this and that he was fine, really! Instead, Clyde set them both to work - himself operating the fancy coffee machine he had no idea why Elijah owned, and Elijah making himself toast and eggs. Maybe bacon, if Clyde could find some that wasn’t suspiciously old. As someone who didn’t eat, cooking really didn’t have much appeal for Clyde, but what came after, the sitting and watching Elijah quietly enjoying himself as he gobbled up runny egg yolk and greasy bacon...well, that was alright. Clyde couldn’t help but smile to himself as he watched his boyfriend continue to burn his tongue on coffee he already knew was too hot. It was just oddly charming.

With some food in him, Elijah’s energy levels were up much higher, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he pulled his hair up into a messy bun. “Alright boy, we’re going to decide this once and for all!” He announced, grabbing Clyde’s hand and pulling him towards the living room, “Who is really the best at Mario Kart.” Clyde barely had time to let out an affronted gasp before a controller was being thrust into his hand. He opened his mouth to protest, to say something about it not being too late for Elijah to go to work, or at least do something productive, but the words died on his tongue. There was just no way to resist the excited grin plastered across his boyfriend’s face. Clyde had no option but to puff up his chest and level a determined glare at Elijah, announcing “Game on!”

Soon enough, the mansion was filled with the sound of their excited chatter, neither of them particularly quiet gamers. Occasionally, Elijah would lean over and try to bump Clyde’s arm as they came around a particularly tricky corner, and the android would retaliate by turning and blowing warm air right at the ticklish spot under Elijah’s ear. Both of them were intent on winning but far too distracted by having fun, and pretty soon it didn’t matter that it was 1pm on a Wednesday and they were still in their pajamas. All that mattered was that Clyde couldn’t stop grinning, watching Elijah wiggle excitedly over his little victory.

They lay there on the sofa for a long time after that, the energy of the video game match leaving them both tired and craving a bit of quiet. Elijah ended up leaning with his head on Clyde’s lap, a tablet in one hand as he caught up on technical news for the week. Clyde was more than happy to relish the silence together, internally reviewing case files as his fingers idly braided the hair he could reach on Elijah’s head. By the time the sun set and the lights in the mansion turned on automatically, both of them were startled by how much time had passed. It was pleasant, really, to be able to sit with someone and not worry about having to fill the silence. Instead, all they had to discuss afterwards was how dashing Elijah looked with his new hairstyle. He laughed and promised that next time he would return the favor for Clyde.

With lunch a distant road sign they had both ignored, Clyde managed to wheedle Elijah into ordering takeout and actually eating dinner. Besides, pizza and a movie was a classic human evening activity, or so he had heard. Elijah laughed at that, admitting “Alright, you got me. I suppose I’m responsible for educating you on human traditions, after all.” The little wink was adorable, and Clyde basked in the glow of it just the same as the satisfaction of taking care of his human. Besides, pizza and a movie turned out to be wonderful. It was just another excuse to cuddle up on the sofa, Clyde taking the initiative this time to tuck his head onto Elijah’s shoulder as they watched some sort of drama unfolding on the television.

Really, Clyde couldn’t care less about the film. More interesting to him was watching the slow tick of Elijah’s heartbeat as he dozed off in a post-pizza food coma. Clyde didn’t blame him, really. Today had been...well, it had been wonderful, and a slow drift off into sleep seemed like the perfect ending. Unable to help himself, he murmured, “What was the secret, dear? The reason we stayed home today?” Clyde could only imagine it was something to do with work, maybe a new release Elijah had wanted to surprise him with. Instead, Elijah simply smiled and cracked open one eye to look down at him, replying “Just wanted to spend the day with you. Without you worrying about it.” His voice was low and soft, and sleep was slurring the edges of his consonant sounds, but there was genuine warmth in what he had to say. 

Clyde felt as though his thirium pump regulator may burst out of his chest from dealing with the swell of positive emotions that flowed through him at the realization - Elijah had noticed how stressed he was lately, and had quietly and carefully done his best to cheer him up. He swallowed hard, willing himself not to cry and ruin the moment. Clyde’s hand found Elijah’s and twined their fingers together, giving it a soft squeeze as he murmured “Well...I won’t keep how much I loved our day together a secret.” The answering spike in Elijah’s heart rate was all the answer he needed to know his boyfriend understood what he really meant. They fell asleep like that, the soft pulse of I love you traveling between their palms.

[datk-popblog]

Regular

Request: After watching Regular I wanted a scenario with Jaehyun being a mafia leader based on regular mv. That would be so hot omfg. (I LOVE YOUR BLOG BTW. KEEP UP THE WORK)

Characters: Jaehyun(NCT 127/U)//x-reader

Genre: Angst(with harsh language)/Smut(a little bit i guess???)

(first part is in Jaehyun’s POV)

Work. That’s where I always were. Money. The one thing that kept me on my feet and out the house. Drugs. The one thing I dealt. My wife. The main one who lovingly waited for my every being, every night.

“I told you I needed the money by Friday,” I harshly say, switching my gun off safety. 

Business was always tough, but harming those who weren't worth words was worse. I know my wife wouldn't want that; but those who disobey me must feel the pain or even suffer slowly. 

“I told you I’d have it soon, Mr. Jae.” The young man pleaded and cried for his life, while my men tied his wrists tighter against the wood chair he sat in. “It’s Sunday. You’re lucky I told my guys to not burn your house with your kids in it.” I laughed and spun the gun around my strongly figured fingers. 

“Believe it or not we thought about doing it,” Doyoung laughs. I placed my harsh, maple eyes on him and he stopped his fit of laughter. 

In business we don’t harm children. Please keep that in note. It’s those who need the suffering we harm.

“Soon would’ve been last week Friday, but you didn’t play by my rules so look where you are now.” “Fuck you and your rules.” Bang. Bang. Bang.

Such last words, right? 

“You just killed-” Taeyong sighs. “I know what the fuck I did.” I answer in such mean tone. “People like him can’t or don’t disrespect people like us. Remember that.” I say and take off.

The drives home were always the best. Why? I knew my love was waiting every night. She’d always wait. She calls me her ‘Clyde’ except she’s not the Bonnie. She never wanted trouble with the feds or even the Mafia.

(Your POV)

I heard a knock at the door and jumped up. I opened the door to a semi blooded Jaehyun, but I didn’t care. “You’re home!” I cheered jumping into his arms. He kissed my forehead gently with care like he always does. “I’m always gonna come back home,” He sets me down on the floor and smiles, “I’d always come back for you especially.” I laugh and kiss his soft lips. 

“Go fix this man a drink, yeah?” Jaehyun asks and playfully smacks my bum. I made my way into the kitchen and grab his favorite wine. He calls his ‘after work’ drink. I pour myself some, too, and head over to the sofa with him. “Here you are, handsome,” I smile, “How was work?” Jaehyun kisses my cheek as a ‘thank you’ and sighs.

“Well, work is work. People don’t follow my instructions; they suffer,” He tells and sips his drink, “It’s the usual, baby girl.” He looks over to me and smirks. “Now, tell me about your day.” “Well, being a housewife is alone and boring.” I laugh and his face doesn’t crack an inch. “You know I keep you here for your safety, Y/N. I don’t want anyone hurting you.” He says in a serious tone. 

I know when I piss Jaehyun to the slightest and this was that time. “I’m sorry,” I look down at my feet and I felt one of his fingers lift my chin into his direction. God his eyes are so beautiful. “You know I don’t like you saying that, Y/N.” He tells me. 

I feel his soft lips getting closer to my neck and I sit still for what he has to say next. “Take off your shirt.” Jaehyun orders and I proceed to follow his instruction. I strip my shirt off with ease and it lands next to the coffee table. Jaehyun brings me onto his lap and I can’t take my eyes off his beautiful face. When I look at Jaehyun in the face, it turns me on in the slightest way. 

“Do you want it?” He whispers in my ear and twirls my hair in his fingers. “Badly,” That was all I needed to say and Jaehyun began to place a hickey on my neck. My soft moans escaped my tender lips and I felt the feeling in the pit of my stomach grew stronger; I wanted him. The wet spot in my panties became to be more than just a puddle, but a wave of lust. 

“If you want it, Y/N, just tell me.” Jaehyun says as he plays with the hem of my silk shorts.

“I want you.”

--

WOOOOOOOW this one was amazing? I liked it a looooot!!! But send in requests my loves and I’ll be posting real soon!

xoxo Jay

[uglypastels]

Writing Challenge!!

Writing challenges are always so fun to do, so I decided to make one myself for a change. It’s also almost (not really) my birthday and I want to celebrate!!

It’s that time of the year again where it is cold outside, the leaves are falling off the trees, you just want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and watch a movie... Or is that just me? 

Anyway, I love watching a good movie, or even a bad one sometimes.

This is why in this challenge, all prompts are quotes from movies! 

Rules are pretty basic, I’m not fussy about anything.  (prompts > “Keep Reading”)

You don’t have to be following me, but it would be nice of you, of course, if you did

Reblog this post to join and/or spread the word

Send me an ask wherein you choose a prompt 

Make sure you have a possible back-up if the said prompt is already taken

Preferably, I would like to have one story per prompt, but just in case anyone is really set on a prompt that has already been chosen, or if somehow by miracle every prompt is picked and more people want to join, each prompt will have two slots. (so one regular, one “emergency” slot)

All prompts are movie quotes, but your story doesn’t have to be based on the movie itself or have anything to do with the movie. Interpret the quote any way you want.

BE ORIGINAL! 

BE CREATIVE!

HAVE FUN! 

I would like to call myself a multifandom blog, but who am I kidding. I’m MARVEL’s bitch. 

Write about any MARVEL character/ actor (+ the Hollands/Harrison) you want but

if you want to do a different fandom, you are more than welcome!

Just don’t forget to tell me in your prompt request who you will be writing for.  

Fluff, angst, smut ... everything is allowed - just make sure to tag it.

NO UNDERAGE SMUT! Just don’t be gross, in general 

No, first person, but other perspectives are good to go

Any length of writing is good, but if it is longer than 500 words, make sure to use the “Keep Reading” option.

so the story can be a one-shot, two shot, a series < including a part of a series you already have going on.

When you post it, make sure to tag me and use the tag: 

#Z’s Movie Night Challenge

FOR AN EXTRA CHALLENGE (or if you just can’t pick): hmu with an ask telling me and I will pick for you! But do still mention who you will be writing for then.

Deadline is my birthday - December 18th! 

I will be making a masterlist of all the submissions

I think that’s it. Any more question? DM me or ask

(way too many) Prompts, but at least nobody can complain there is nothing to chose from: 

“I love you.” // “I know.” Star Wars, Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (@andwhatdostarsdobest w/ Tom Holland)

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Gone With the Wind  ( @procrastinatingparker w/ Tom Holland) 

“After all, tomorrow is another day!” Gone With the Wind

“Go ahead, make my day.” Sudden Impact

“Here’s looking at you, kid,” Casablanca

“I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.” Casablanca

“Of all the (gin joints) in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” Casablanca ( @butwhyduh w/ Avengers cast)

“We’ll always have Paris.” Casablanca

“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” the Godfather

“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” the Godfather: Part II ( @sunsetspidey w/ Tom Holland)

“Just when I thought I was out, (they) pull me back in.” Godfather: Part III ( @sleepwalkingdragon w/ Harrison Osterfield on hold)

“You talkin’ to me?” Taxi Driver

“Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” All About Eve

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Love Story ( @rainbow-marvel w/ Tom Holland)

“Forget everything you think you know.” Doctor Strange

“Pain is an old friend.” Doctor Strange ( @theamazingspiderlingg w/ Tom Holland)

“What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke ( @scholarlyspidey )

“What is it?” // “The stuff that dreams are made off.΅ the Maltese Falcon

“Alright, (Mr. DeMille), I’m ready for my close-up.” Sunset Boulevard

“There is no place like home.” Wizard of Oz ( @peterrrparkour w/ Tom Holland)

“I love the smell of (napalm) in the morning.” Apocalypse Now

“Show me the money!” Jerry Maguire

“You had me at ‘hello’.” Jerry Maguire ( @anxiety-in-a-getaway-car w/ Sebastian Stan)

“You complete me.” Jerry Maguire

“Why don’t you come up sometime and see me?” She Done Him Wrong

“Hey, I’m walking here!” Midnight Cowboy

“I want to be alone.” Grand Hotel ( @aw-hawkeye w/ Tom Holland)

“You can’t handle the truth!” A Few Good Men

“I’ll have what she’s having.” When Harry Met Sally ( @sleepwalkingdragon w/ Harrison Osterfield)

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." When Harry Met Sally (@somethingtoavenge  w/ Bucky Barnes)

“I’ll be back.” Terminator

“Hasta la vista, baby.” Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

“Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” The Pride of the Yankees

“We rob banks.” Bonnie and Clyde

“Well, nobody’s perfect.” Some Like it Hot

“Houston, we have a problem.” Apollo 13

“I could do this all day.” Captain America: The First Avenger/ Civil War

“We’re still friends, right?” Captain America: Civil War ( @starksparker w/ Tom Holland)

“Have you been playing Space Invaders? Because you’re invading my space!” Pixels ( @cas-backwards-tie w/ Peter Parker)

“Well, a boy’s best friend is his mother.” Psycho

“Well here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into!” Sons of the Desert

“Say hello to my little friend.” Scarface

“(Mrs. Robinson) You’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?” the Graduate

“What a dump.” Beyond the Forest

“Is it safe?” Marathon Man

"Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain't heard nothin' yet!" the Jazz Singer

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” A Streetcar Named Desire

“Hello, gorgeous.” Funny Girl

“Surely you can’t be serious?” // “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.” Airplane!

“My precious.” Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

"Listen to me, mister. You're my knight in shining armor. Don't you forget it? You're going to get back on that horse, and I'm going to be right behind you, holding on tight, and away we're gonna go, go, go!"  On Golden Pond ( @musiclover1263 w/ Peter Parker)

"Carpe diem. Seize the day(, boys). Make your live(s) extraordinary." Dead Poet Society.

“I’m the king of the world!” Titanic

“I’ll never let go, (Jack).” Titanic ( @spider-puck w/ Spideychelle)

“You make me want to be a better man.” As Good as it Gets ( @thewackywriter w/ mob!Tom Holland)

“As if!” Clueless ( @fratboievans w/ Peter Parker)

“They’re here!” Poltergeist

“We know each other. He’s a friend from work.” Thor: Ragnarok

“Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! (This is the War Room.)” Dr. Strangelove

“I wish I knew how to quit you!” Brokeback Mountain ( @petersshirts w/ Tom Holland) 

“I’m not bad. I’m just (drawn) that way.” Who Framed Roger Rabbit (@lovelymalira w/ Bucky Barnes)

“Why so serious?” the Dark Knight

“Magic Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all.” Snow White and the Seven Dwarves ( @thequeensardine w/ Harrison Osterfield)

“.... I dare you. I double dare you.” Pulp Fiction ( @hollandofthefree w/ Tom Holland)

“Look I probably should have told you this before but you see... well... insanity runs in my family... It practically gallops.” Arsenic and Old Lace

“It’s just a flesh wound.” Monty Python and the Holy Grail ( @sarahwritesfiction  w/ Steve Rogers)

“He might be okay….Well, no, probably not now.” Groundhog Day

“Life’s a bitch; now so am I.” Batman Returns ( @idontknowhowtowritesosorry w/ Shawn Mendes)

“That rug really tied to room together, did it not?” The Big Lebowski

“No, it’s a cardigan, but thanks for noticing.” Dumb and Dumber

“Is that all he said?” Lost in Translation

“Excuse me, I believe you have my stapler.” Office Space ( @totallytomholland w/ Peter Parker)

“You wanna come over?” // “No, thanks. I don’t want you fucking up my life, too.” Office Space (@mobtomsgirl w/ Tom Holland)

“Okay, sounds like a case of the Mondays.” Office Space

“And suddenly, I felt nothing.” Fight Club ( @brokennccrown w/ Steve Rogers)

“You can tell a lot about a person by what’s on their playlist.” Begin Again

“(Veronica), you look like hell.” // “Yeah, I just got back.” Heathers ( @peter-is-the-best-avenger w/ Peter Parker or Tom Holland)

“Lick it up, baby. Lick it up.” Heathers

“But… I guess if I love you, I should let you move on.” 17 Again

“I want my life to be like an 80’s movie.” Easy A

“What makes life so hard?” // “People.” An Affair to Remember

“Have you ever been in love?” // “I think so.” Love, Simon (@fandomscombine w/ Peter Parker)

“I don’t wanna go.” Avengers: Infinity War (@fantasyizlife w/ Tom Holland)

“I don’t want another single pop culture reference out of you for the rest of the trip. You understand?” Avengers: Infinity War

“I am going to die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy.” Guardians of the Galaxy ( @fantasyizlife w/ Shawn Mendes)

“You actually were telling the truth?” // “I do that quite a lot, yet people are always surprised.” Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest ( @fantasyizlife w/ Harrison Osterfield)

“I have what they call an unattractive face.” Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life

“Oh, somebody, stop me!” The Mask

“I didn’t come here to tell you I can’t live without you. I can live without you. I just don’t want to.” Rumor Has It ( @marcymakemagic w/ Peter Parker)

“Are you always this cocky?” // “Only on Tuesdays… and whenever beautiful women are involved.” // “So, you think I’m beautiful?” // “Actually… it’s Tuesday.” the Three Musketeers  ( @tomhollanders2013 w/ Tom Holland)

“I’m going to be a lady if it kills me.” Dinner at Eight

“Prove it…” Shane

“I’m sorry, (Dave). I’m afraid I can’t do that.” 2001: A Space Odyssey

“Kiss my hot lips.” M*A*S*H*

“You have my sympathies.” Alien

“Get away from her, (you bitch)!” Aliens

“You can be my wingman anytime.” Top Gun

“Have you ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight?” Batman

“Love your suit.” The silence of the Lambs

“Quid pro quo.” (= A favor for a favor) The Silence of the Lambs

“Always.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II ( @peter-parker-life w/ Tom Holland)

Good luck, have fun! 

Tagging some peeps to spread the word because this is one thing I don’t want to die:

@tomhiddleston-is-myboo @tonyintexas @andwhatdostarsdobest @tomsfireheart @spinneret-holland @rainbow-marvel  @lovelyh0lland @de-lir-i-ous @peter-parker-life @tomhollanders2013 @tomhollandthirst @lifeisabitchandsoareyou @darlingtholland @sweet-pea-imagines @anxiety-in-a-getaway-car @manhoeparker @h-osterfield  @positiveparker @casuallytumblingdownthestairs @justmesadgirl @fandomscombine @tom-holland-and-textposts @my-current-obsessions-hehe (Sorry to bother anyone.)

[multific]

The Bartender

Pairing: Clyde Logan x Reader

Summary: You are a jewelry designer, you have your own brand. What happens when you leave New York to look for inspiration, you end up in a bar called Duck Tape where you meet with a certain Logan.

A/N: I know I haven’t been posting much lately. I got 2 jobs for the summer and they are taking up most of my time and energy, and I apologize for the lack of activity. This idea has been in my mind for the last month, and now I finally wrote it. If anyone wants a part 2 (because obviously this is not the end), write to my inbox, if many people writes, I will make this into a series! Also, this somewhat ignores the happenings of the movie. Hope you like it! Enjoy~

You started off in a poor family, you decided to come up from there and made your own life.

Being the head of a jewelry line was hard. You were a hard working woman. You had everything, well almost everything. You had money, cars, designer clothes and jewelry. What you were missing is love. Of course, you dated men before, but many of them turned out to be gold diggers and you broke up with them.

You started of your brand young, many doubted you, and they said you will fail, but you trusted your creativity and worked very hard, your company soon became a well-known one. People loved your ideas and products, and you couldn’t be more thankful. Fashion and jewelry was your passion since you were young, since you could draw, you remember you were always sketching up pendants or rings and later on you used those as a collection to honor your childhood. You didn’t let the fame and money get to your head, you always supported your family. You set up your base in New York and lived there for many, many years.

You loved your life in New York, but recently you felt like you ran out of inspiration. So, you decided to move to a new state,

West Virginia.

You moved into a nice little house. Since money was no problem to you, you found the perfect one easily and quickly got it furnished up, everything was done before you arrived. Luckily your great friend and assistant was taking care of things back at New York for you. You had been friends with her since childhood and now she was your right-hand.

When you walked to your new home, you knew, that at that place, you could find what you had been lacking, inspiration to work. You settled in that day, and after you were finally left alone, you went out to the balcony, you took a deep breath and said.

“A new start.”

***

You spent the next couple of days driving around and looking for things. It was so different from the big city. People were calmer and you quickly found out that they really liked to stare at luxurious sport cars. And luckily for you, no one seemed to recognize you.

But you couldn’t be happier, you liked this change and you needed it. You loved the clean air, your little backyard and the accent.

One day you found a salon, you decided to head in, you wanted to get your manicure done and maybe your hair as well.

“Hello.” you said as you walked in. You tried to look friendly, you needed to find some friends after all.

There was only one woman in the whole shop. She looked around your age, skinny and you could tell, she used to be one of the popular ones, back in school.

“Hi.” she said and smiled. “My name is Mellie Logan, how can I help you?” she was kind to you, which made you happy. During your few weeks of stay you met with many not-so-kind people.

“My name is (Y/N) (Y/L/N). It’s nice to meet you. I would like to get a manicure and maybe a little haircut if possible.” you said.

“Absolutely. Let’s start with your nails first.”

During the time that she was working on your manicure the two of you talked a lot. It was nice to finally talk with someone like this, and not just with your friends over the phone. She told you that she had two brothers and that she has a thing for cars. You too liked cars, but you didn’t know as many things about them as she did. You just liked them, because you felt like you achieved something, when you drove around your Ferrari.

“So, where are you from? It’s obvious that you are not from here.”Mellie asked.

“Well, originally I’m from (country/state/city) but I came here from New York. I needed change, you know?” she nodded.

“Well, your nails are done. Let’s move to the chair, so I can work on your hair.”

***

“Do you now any good bar around here? I’ve been looking around for one, but with no luck. I like to work in bars for some reason, if they are not that busy, I can find it a perfect place to work at.”

“I got’cha. Duck Tape. Just down the road. Say that Mellie sent you an they will give you a discount. It’s a lovely place. You will like it.”

“Really? Thank you. I will definitely check it out tonight.” You said with a smile, you looked at Mellie trough the mirror and for some unknown reason she had a mischievous smile on her face.

You had to admit, he did an amazing job, with both your hair and nails. You would have stayed but she got new customers, so you had to go.

***

“Laptop - check. Sketchbook – Check. Pencils – Check. Seems like I got everything.” You took your bags and headed for your car. You looked up the exact address of the bar and put it in your GPS. It guided you to the place and you parked your car.

You got out and headed for the entrance. Outside the bar, and the balcony was a man sitting and smoking. You greeted him and he smiled back at you.

You entered the place and it was exactly how Mellie described it. It wasn’t so busy- thank god – so you settled at the end of the bar. The bartender wasn’t there, maybe he or she was dealing with customers. You placed your laptop on the table and whipped out your pencils and sketchbook and you let your mind wander off. Suddenly a voice called out.

“What can I get ya’?” you looked up. Your eyes met with gorgeous deep brown ones. He had full lips and moles on his face, dark hair which framed his face perfectly. And that accent, it was so sexy.

“Oh….I’ll take a coke please.” you said nervously. The man nodded and went to get your drink.

“He likes ya’.” another voice called. You looked to your left and saw a man drinking a beer.

“E-excuse me?” you probably looked like an idiot. ‘What does he mean?’

“Clyde. The bartender. He likes you.”

“He doesn’t even know me…”

“I know him, he is my little brother. And I can tell when he likes a girl.” and he took a sip from his drink. You blushed. You looked back at the bartender. ‘Yeah, “little” brother.’

You were about to say something when Clyde came back with your drink. As soon as he poured it out, he left to clean off some tables.

“My name is Jimmy, by the way. He is my brother Clyde.” the man beside you said and he pointed at the bartender. “And who are ya’?”

“My name is (Y/N). Nice to meet you.” after the sudden shock you greeted the man and gave him a handshake. He looked nice and handsome, but not as handsome as Clyde.

“And what are ya’ doin’ here?” he asked. It must be very obvious that you came from somewhere else, since everyone noticed it.

“Oh, Mellie told me about this place when I went to get my hair done.” you said and drank from your coke.

“You know our sister? That’s good. And how are ya’ likin’ this place so far?” you knew he didn’t mean the bar but the state.

“I like it here. I came from New York. And so far, this is very different, but in a good way.” you chatted with Jimmy. He tried to flirt but he quickly noticed that he wasn’t your type so he stopped and held a friendly conversation with you.

“Oh so ya’ are a designer. That’s what ya’ve been drawin’. Can I see?” you handed him the book. Meanwhile you took a closer look at Clyde. He was very tall and looked fit, you noticed his prosthetic, but you knew better than to stare, he must feel insecure about it already.

Clyde caught your eyes and you smiled at him, he turned red and quickly looked away, it made you smile. You felt like you were back in high school.

“These are good.” Jimmy said and gave your book back.

“Thank you.”

Suddenly the door opened and three men came in. One of them looked so full of himself.

“How can I help?” Clyde asked. You watched what was happening.

“Guys! Look at this a one-armed bartender!” all of them let out loud laughs, it made you cringe.

“Actually, I miss my hand, not my whole arm.” said Clyde as he showed them his prosthetic.

“I’m sorry. The one-handed bartender.” the “leader” of the three assholes saw you. And came next to Jimmy and talked to you.

“And what does a beauty like you is doing here with these losers? Ditch them darling. We can show you how real men are.” and he winked at you, it gave you a shiver down your spine, and not the good kind. You could see that Jimmy was about to say something but you beat him to it.

“No, thanks. And I bet he is even more of a man than you’ll ever be.” you said as you pointed at Clyde. “One hand or not, believe me, he knows what a woman wants.” everyone froze at your response, they didn’t see this kind of sass coming from someone like you. After a few seconds of silence you spoke up again. “This is the part where you leave and never come back.” you said and drank from your beverage. All three left in defeat.

“Well, well, well. You are something Angel.” said Jimmy.

“I dealt with worse before. Also, I can’t let those assholes talk shit.” and you looked at Clyde.

“Thanks.” he said and came closer to you and Jimmy. “Your drinks are on me.”

“Oh, no. I didn’t do it for that! I don’t want you to get in trouble with the owner or anything.” you said, and it made Jimmy chuckle.

“Darlin’ I am the owner.” said Clyde.

“Oh.”

Taglist: imreadinggoaway fleursirvart  v-2bucky ehsebastian crunch-time-sports pxstelrainbow ablogbypeteparker liamssmiler

[artistictea]

Fantasy AU FAQ and Details

Alright here it is! The post I’ll keep adding to for extra info you guys have been asking me plus some more silly facts I want to share. Ill try to divide this in sections so it’s easier to follow. I apologize for the wall of text in advance 8)

Setting -This AU takes place in a world where magic and supernatural being are the norm. There might’ve been humans once upon a time, but they don’t exist anymore. The closest thing to humans in this world are mages and clerics (who still fall in the category of white mages). -Money and jobs work just like in our world, but specific jobs favour specific species (for example, forest-related jobs are usually given to elves, fae, nymphs, etc. While sea work prioritizes sirens, leviathans, cecaelias, etc). Generalized jobs fit for all species (like the arts, cuisine, law, etc), are open to everyone.  -My comics and drawings are centered at a time where the kids are attending college. For the sake of simplicity they all live on campus, and the school supports all the ecosystems the students need because Magic™ . -The dorms are divided based on ecosystems and what the students need to feel comfortable. If they don’t have a specific need, they can choose their dorms. (For example, Timmy is a siren, and he stays in the underwater dorm. Butters’ dorm is in a spot far from the sun’s reach, and Kenny’s dorm in the complete opposite; it’s high in the sky, filled with sunlight. I leave the dorm arrangements up to interpretation 8) (but my preference is to make characters who don’t have the opportunity to interact much in the series to room together, just because I find it hilarious and cute. Like Butters and Red, or Stan and Tweek) -The school provides the students with any products they might need to attend class comfortably. (Like sun protection creams and potions for Red and Butters, ice amulets for Nichole, hydrating potions for Timmy, etc) -The school is situated in a valley, and it’s close to a town the students frequent on their free time to chill or to buy supplies for their classes (think like South Park....but smaller. Tweek Bros is still a thing and it’s a moving store like Baba Yaga’s house, so as soon as Tweek went off to college, they moved the coffeeshop close to campus. What better place to put a coffeeshop than next to a school full of sleep-deprived students right-) Characters and Creatures (you can check the specific classification of each character here) -I leave age up to interpretation, but the kids look like they’re at least in their 20′s - Most of the kids come from same-species families, except for Clyde (Orc mom, Elven dad), Stan (Mage dad, Vetala mom, Mage sister) and Kenny (Shapeshifter dad, Grigori mom, Shapeshifter brother, Cherub sister). -Vampires and Werewolves are considered problematic creatures. They’re very frowned upon and considered dangerous, since there’s no cure for their bites. -There are two ways you can become either a Vampire or a Werewolf; from a bite, or from a curse. Curses can be broken and are the only case where you can go back to what you used to be before being transformed. If you suffer from a curse and bite someone, you can’t transform them. That can only be done by a pure werewolf or vampire. -Red and Scott were bitten (Red’s bite was consensual, Scott was bitten by a fanatic when he was very young), while Butters and Heidi were cursed (Heidi’s curse came from a reaction her nymph magic had with Cartman’s, while Butters was cursed by his own parents) -Tweek was the reason why Stripe #4 died. He took her with him for a flight and she fell without him noticing. That’s part of the reason why he has a hard time flying now (an anon pointed out that his twitching must make flying harder and..honestly that’s a great point. Sending you kisses anon) -I like to leave stuff like what they eat up to interpretation. But whatever it is, this world is prepared for it. So Red doesn’t need to hunt people or animals for blood or anything like that ;) -Everyone sleeps. The only difference is the time they need to feel completely energized.  -An anon asked me about how people with wings and horns were able to sleep. It depends on the person but the most common way for winged people to sleep is to make a cocoon with their wings and sleep facing up, so as to avoid smushing. Another way is to sleep on your stomach. If you do end up sleeping in a bad position one night, there’s always painkillers. As for people with horns, there are special pillows for the most extreme cases, but it’s practically the same. (RIP in rest Token, your horns grow behind you and outwards. I’m so sorry) -(I’ve recieved three asks about Tweek’s jacket and I find this hilariously specific, ilu guys) There are two zippers that run from his shoulders, through the back hole, and down to his hips which he has to zip to get his jacket to go through his wings. Thank you Bebe for helping this mess of a child with his jacket. And yes, Craig definitely helped him zip everything the first few times, then he just got frustrated and enchanted the zippers to zip and unzip when Tweek asks them to. -You get to decide your magical specialization based on your affinity and preference (for example, Henrietta is a white mage, but prefers to use blood magic) -A Few Personal Headcanons -Jimmy is really good at vocal magic. He doesn’t quite know it yet, but his jokes and music are sometimes charged with positive energy which boosts happiness. -Clyde actually has to file his tusks from time to time, they can get pretty large. Also, having a dad who’s a dark elf gives his magic a boost. He’s great at dark magic. -Kenny tried to specialize his abilities to become a Grim Reaper, but death just...didn’t work for him -Token and Nichole have legendary fights because her ice magic sometimes expands through her and freezes Token’s plants and antlers..They’re working on it. -Butters was bullied for quite a lot of time, and somehow he felt like he deserved it because of his curse. After talking more with Red, this started to change; and Kenny taught him not to be afraid to fight back if things got ugly. -Cartman has a hard time controlling his emotions, which are directly connected to his elemental magic, and his most powerful attributeis fire. He actually had to enchant his clothes to become fireproof for all the times they caught on fire when he got angry.  -Kyle and Heidi had an almost thing just like in canon back when she was a nymph, and he’s deeply saddened by her curse. He has a hard time being near her now. -Red dreams of becoming a successful scientist to find the cure for the vampire and werewolf bite. Not for herself, but for those who didn’t have a choice. -When Craig brought Stripe #4 from the dead and made a contract to make her his familiar, one of the requirements he set for her was to come back with wings, to help Tweek with his flying fears since we can’t fly himself.  -Token gave Stan a magical plant which eats bad dreams for his birthday years ago, and he’s been taking care of it ever since. Surprisingly, it hasn’t died yet. Hes very proud of this fact. Of course, unknown to him, Kyle helps it along from time to time. 

[redditnosleep]

Has Anyone Heard of The Left/Right Game?

 oby NeonTempo

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 (Final)

Hi Guys,

Sorry it’s taken a while to get this posted up. I’ve been busy chasing leads with US missing persons.

I won’t waste more of your time. Log is below. If you have any information then please send it my way.

Thanks for your help guys, it means a lot.

The Left/Right Game [DRAFT 1] 12/02/2017

Silence used to be an absolute.

That’s something I definitely miss.

Back in the real world, it would stand as self-evident that a group of people saying absolutely nothing, by definition, could not be saying any less. Maybe things are different on the road, maybe I’d just never encountered it before, but it’s clear to me now there are degrees beyond silence. A pervasive realm of deafening quiet which, following the loss of Eve and Apollo, our group has unreservedly embraced. Constructed out of our collective trauma, cemented with a cruel mixture of grief, guilt, and harrowing self-doubt, it quickly becomes apparent that this silence is stronger than all of us. The challenge of breaking it remains unmet for the rest of the journey.

We spend the next few hours burrowing through a featureless corridor of maize. The stalks rise far above the Wrangler, leaving only a thin strip of clear sky visible like the painted ceiling of a renaissance church. I find myself glancing intermittently at the CB radio, half expecting, half hoping, for Apollo’s voice to crackle through the speaker, bringing words of comfort, or a much needed attempt at levity.

After I catch myself staring at the radio for the fifth time, I decide it might be best to get on with my work. I plug my headphones into my notebook, bring up the audio files I’ve recorded thus far, and set about creating a very rough cut of our first day on the road.

APOLLO (VO) Everybody knows Rob, Rob's the god! Ahaha

I listen through Apollo’s first interview, making notes for the closing paragraph I’ll now be forced to write about him. When I have everything I need, I listen to the interview again, and then once more. It’s not lost on me that I just want to hear his voice, to lose myself in a pleasant digital echo, far removed from the frantic screams that followed him into the asphalt.

I listen to Eve’s interview next. She bristles with excitement as she talks about her upcoming visit to Roswell, steadfastly attempting to recruit me to the effort. She had no idea what she was heading into when she stepped out onto Rob’s front lawn. Then again none of us did.

The thin strip of sky is turning deep orange as I reach our encounter with the hitchhiker. It’s chilling to hear his voice after the fact, to revisit the conniving, veiled pleasantries he employed against us. I cringe as I hear Rob’s hand grasp my arm, ashamed that I let myself fall for the hitcher’s trickery.

ROB (VO): You did good, I’m sorry for grabbin’ you. I just didn’t want you to do something you’d regret.

AS (VO): No it’s fine. I was going to. Do you know what happens if you talk to him?

ROB (VO): Not sure. Came close myself once, a few years back. The way he looks at you when he thinks he’s got you? I don’t think I wanna know.

AS (VO): Rob, I-

I pause the audio file, clicking back ten seconds before pressing play again.

AS (VO): No it’s fine. I was going to. Do you know what happens if you talk to him?

ROB (VO): Not sure. Came close myself once, a few years back. The way he looks at you when he thinks he’s-

I certainly didn’t notice that at the time. I’d been so shaken by my run in with the hitcher, and so curious about the abandoned car that I’d been completely blind to anything else that had come my way. Maybe Rob misspoke, maybe he meant to say weeks or months. But if it wasn’t a mistake, if it was a truth carelessly uttered, then Rob has some explaining to do.

The Left/Right Game was posted online in June 2016, less than a year ago.

I glance sideways at him, a wall of corn rushing past us as we approach the rest stop. Throughout this trip, every emotion Rob’s displayed has seemed genuine. The sadness, the anger, the concern. They tell a story of a man who cares deeply about the welfare of those around him. Yet at the same time, it’s strikingly clear that there’s something he isn’t telling me.

With every new piece of the puzzle, the car, the text message, the faceless creature with the ringing phone, I’m left with the dilemma of when to confront Rob Guthard with what I know. I feel I’ve gathered enough to bring before him, enough to demand an explanation, but there’s no way I’d be able to truly verify his answer. I have a collection of strange and perplexing notions, lacking in the common thread that could bring me to any workable conclusion. If I am going to confront Rob, I need to uncover that thread. Much like the greatest journalists of our time, I should know the answer before I ask the question.

The jeep pulls up onto a large green space. Staring straight ahead, I find myself puzzled by the way the ground seems to stop, as if the horizon lies only twenty metres away from the car. As soon as the engine cuts out, I unbuckle my seatbelt, climb out and walk towards the grassy verge. The rest of the convoy pulls up behind me as I go.

I stop a few steps short of the edge, realising we’ve found our way to the top of a sheer cliff. A sudden swaying vertigo takes over, forcing me to take a few steps back. It doesn’t feel like we’ve been heading uphill, the road has been level since Jubilation, yet somehow I’m standing at the edge of a 400 ft. rock face, descending straight downwards, the distant earth shrouded by stalks of corn.

That’s the truly strange thing about this monolithic precipice. On either side of me, the maize runs to the very edge of the cliff and, at its base, the endless harvest continues until it stretches beyond the darkening horizon in every direction. It feels like I’m standing on the cliffs of Dover, staring over a golden ocean, its waves governed by the evening breeze. I wonder for a moment where it ends, then, taking consideration of the world I now occupy, I start to wonder if it ever does.

A belligerent scream rips me from the view. The source of the noise is blocked by the Wrangler and the first thing I see as I circle around are the shocked, wide eyed faces of Bonnie & Clyde. Once I make my way past the Wrangler’s hood, my expression mimics theirs.

Lilith has pinned Bluejay up to the side of the Jeep, a locked forearm pressing her chest against the door. Her other arm has been grasped in Bluejay’s hands, desperately stopped before it can strike her across the face. The two of them yell through gritted teeth as Lilith struggles furiously against her, vying to cause her any conceivable harm.

BLUEJAY Get the fuck off me you bitch! Get off!

I take a few quick steps over to Lilith as Bluejay attempts to kick her away.

AS: Lilith, we can’t do this… Jen…

Lilith doesn’t even register my presence as she continues her assault, deafened by the bubbling vitriol in every growling breath.

AS: Jen! We are not doing this now. Not after-

Before I can comprehend what’s happening, I’m staring at the sky, my head knocked back by the force of Lilith’s flailing elbow. A hot, raw ache radiates across my lower lip as I stagger back, raising my hand over my mouth.

Before Lilith can continue her assault, Rob swings open his door and takes two short strides over to her. He puts one arm around the girl’s waist and picks her up, carrying her safely, but firmly, over to Bonnie & Clyde’s Ford, and planting her back on the ground.

I seem to always forget how strong he is.

ROB: Damnit this is not the time.

LILITH: Take it back!

Bluejay has lost her usual snide demeanour, yet her aura still radiates an unbridled scorn. In response to Lilith’s demand, Bluejay walks back to her car and sits on the hood. She takes the Marlboros out of her pocket along with her lighter, and ignites a cigarette. I imagine the burning embers are the only company she’s comfortable to accept right now.

By the time I look back to the rest of the group, Lilith has stormed away.

AS: What did she say?

BONNIE: I didn’t hear it all.

AS: What did she say Bonnie?

BONNIE: I heard something about… she said Lilith was… that we were complicit.

ROB: Ah goddamnit… Bristol can you…

I watch Lilith, as she sits on the grass and looks over the cliffside. She begins to cry, yet I get a strong notion that it’s not something I should interrupt. It feels like something between her and Eve, a final act of reactionary mourning reserved for them, and them alone.

AS: Yeah… don’t worry. I’ll handle it.

ROB: Ok. I’ll cook us somethin’ up.

An hour passes. Lilith grows slowly calmer, drifting from cathartic release into a cold, wordless melancholy. Finishing up my dinner, I make my way over to her.

AS: It’s a strange view.

Lilith looks up at me. Her face falls.

LILITH: I cut you… I’m so sorry.

AS: It’s fine. You should see the other girl.

LILITH: Hah, yeah, I bet she looks like shit right about now.

I help myself down onto the cool ground, staring alongside Lilith into the ocean below.

LILITH: Bluejay thinks I’m complicit… in what happened to Eve.

AS: I heard.

LILITH: She used to think we were morons, now she thinks we’re all in on it… doesn’t make sense.

AS: I think she he has to believe this place is a lie. She needs it to make sense, and the harder it gets for her to rationalise the more she... Anyway, she shouldn’t have said what she said. She’s just... I guess the word is "troubled".

LILITH: She’s a fucking thundercunt.

AS: Umm… uh… ok.

LILITH: She’s right though... I killed her... and I killed Apollo too.

I look to Lilith, concerned, not quite sure what she means. Her eyes remain locked on the impossible horizon.

LILITH: Sarah… she wasn’t cut out for this, and she knew it. She wanted us to turn back this morning… but I didn’t want to.

AS: That wasn’t just your decision Lilith.

LILITH: Yes it was. She uh… she followed my lead. Always. Through everything. And I knew why she was doing it. I knew. But I let it continue, because it was convenient, because it was easy…. because deep down I liked having someone around who… who’d jump through fucking hoops for me… god it’s so fucked.

Lilith rests her head in her hands.

LILITH: She was weak. She was anxious and shy and… but that should be ok, right? You’re allowed to be weak that’s… but I made her come here. I dragged someone who couldn’t swim into the fucking deep end. And the last thing I did was lie to her and she fucking knew it.

Lilith takes a few deep, frayed breaths.

AS: What do you mean?

LILITH: I’m not uh… I didn’t, I… I loved her, you know as a… as a friend. It was always this fucking one-way street and… I don’t think she minded but. Then suddenly she’s vanishing right in-fucking-front of me and she said what she said… I mean how else was I supposed to respond to that? I had to say it back right?

Lilith maintains her composure as a steady stream of tears roll down her cheek.

AS: I don’t know what I’d do in that situation.

LILITH: I could see it in her eyes that she didn’t believe me. Fuck… I wonder how many people have died while being told like… comforting lies. How many of them fucking knew?

AS: I think you did the best you could Jen. I think you did better than most.

LILITH: You don’t need to tell me that just… are you tired? Do you need to go to bed soon?

AS: No, I don’t need to.

LILITH: There are some beers in uh… in Apollo’s bag. Is that like… looting? Or is that ok?

AS: I think he’d want us to have them, as long as he got a toast.

Lilith laughs briefly and finally smiles. She walks over to Bonnie and Clyde’s car, returning a moment later with a four pack.

We spend the next hour and a half slowly drinking them. Lilith can’t muster the right words for a toast so we just say thank you to Apollo, raising out cans to the open air. We talk about his tireless humour, his attempts to keep us all up during our first night on the road, how caringly he spoke to everyone, even at the edge of death.

We talk about Eve as well, about the pair’s misadventures, awkward college parties and the future of Paranormicon. Lilith smiles, and tells me there’s always a place for me once radio dies out.

After everything that’s happened on the road, the night can’t help but feel bittersweet. But for once, on a solitary cliff side in the middle of nowhere, it’s more sweet than it is bitter. That may not be much, but at the end of an awful day it’s more than either of us could have hoped for.

The next morning goes quickly. It’s amazing how efficient a group of people can be when none of them feel like talking. Not only that, but breakfast has become a noticeably brief affair. I manage to get through half a bag of trail mix before I find myself uncomfortably full. Rob’s words about the road’s sustaining properties ring in my ears as I look around the group. Everyone leaves their bowls half empty. Lilith hasn’t eaten a bite.

By this point, the launch protocol has been drilled into us. Despite our preoccupations, and the fractious rifts developing between us, the cars line up like clockwork as they merge onto the road. In fact, the mood of the group seems strangely procedural. All radio contact starts with the stating of a call sign, followed by that of the recipient. The cars maintain an even, careful distance between one another. We’ve seen all too clearly what happens when the rules are neglected, and no one wants to take chances any more.

AS: How far away are we?

ROB: From where?

AS: You haven’t got to the end of this road right? I mean… you’re still charting it?

ROB: That’s right.

AS: Well, how long until we get to… you know to… uncharted territory?

ROB: To be honest, not too long.

AS: What’s going to happen once we reach that point?

ROB: We’re gonna keep drivin’.

AS: Until we get to the end?

ROB: That’s the plan. You know I won’t judge you if you wanna turn around. I’m sure you can talk someone into it.

AS: Could I talk you into it?

Rob smiles.

ROB: ‘Fraid not. This trip ain’t like the others. Road’s kickin’ back like never before. I think it knows I’m comin’ all the way this time.

AS: … What is this place Rob?

Rob sighs as he slowly takes the next left on a quiet, rural T-junction.

ROB: I think it’s a stray thread… runnin’ off the spool.

The radio crackles.

BONNIE: Rob you just took the wrong turn.

An instant drum of fresh panic hammers in my chest. I stare at Rob, and he stares right back. I know he’s feeling the same thing I am, though he’s doing a much better job of keeping it off his face.

He thinks carefully for a moment.

ROB: No… no. I been down this road before. We took a right last time.

AS: Uhhh… yeah. Yes. The turn before this one was a right, I remember.

ROB: Ferryman to all cars. Thanks Bonnie for giving us the fright of our lives. We’re on the righ… we’re on the correct road.

BONNIE: No no that can’t be its… that’s wrong… Martin tell them…

CLYDE: Our mistake Rob, let’s keep going.

LILITH: Bristol…

There’s concern in Lilith’s voice. I lean over to my wing mirror, attempting to gauge the atmosphere in the car behind me. There’s clearly some commotion between Bonnie and Clyde, with the latter attempting to gently remove the walkie talkie from his sister’s hands.

There’s something else however. Past Bonnie & Clyde. Past Bluejay. An old, dilapidated road sign made of weathered timber stands by the side of the road behind us. I can’t read all of it as the peeling letters grow ever smaller, but I can piece together what it probably once said.

“Wintery Bay – 5 Miles”

BONNIE: We’re going to turn around right?

AS: Uhh one second Bonnie, I’ll… check the map.

I promptly switch off the radio.

AS: Are we not passing through Wintery Bay?

Rob turns to me, a puzzled look in his eyes.

ROB: Through where?

In the wake of those two, innocently inquiring words, my mind reels back to the morning of our third day on the road. Watching Bonnie and Clyde wander over to Rob to confess their transgressions with the hitchhiker, the quiet conversation that passed between them, Rob’s seemingly comforting response. I’d felt wretched in those moments. A few minutes prior I had tricked and deceived Clyde… yet I’d never once considered he might have done the same to me.

AS: Is it safe to pull over?

ROB: What? Why?

AS: Is it safe Rob?

ROB: Uh, yeah should be.

AS: Then pull over.

I switch the radio back on and grab the receiver. As I make a connection to Bonnie and Clyde’s car, it’s clear that an argument is brewing. Lilith is asking for me, a helpless passenger, caught in the middle of something she doesn’t understand.

AS: Bristol to all cars. We’re stopping up ahead.

Rob seems acutely aware that I’m not messing around. As soon as we roll to a halt, I throw my door open and jump onto the dusty roadside, striding over to the rest of the convoy, who are just starting to get out of their own cars. I’m conscious of a driving anger behind each step I take.

AS: You didn’t tell him.

CLYDE: Bristol, I…

ROB: What’s goin’ on Bristol?

Rob’s marches up behind me, more than a little restless to get a grip on my motives.

AS: Clyde?

Clyde looks around a circle of expectant eyes. When he delivers his answer, he’s unable to meet any of them.

CLYDE: Bonnie… Bonnie talked to the hitchhiker.

Rob’s expression shifts, his confusion degrading into a solemn understanding.

ROB: God… ahh Goddamnit. You knew about this Bristol?

AS: I told them to tell you the morning of the third day. I saw them go over to you I… I thought they did.

CLYDE: Bonnie… thought you’d… turn us around.

ROB: Well she’s was damn right. You seen what happens when the rules get broken. You shoulda told me as soon as you saw me and headed right back home.

CLYDE: That was before Ace… before everything. I didn’t know this place was-

ROB: The rules are the rules Clyde! Is anything even wrong with Bonnie? You said she gets confused... was that a lie?

Clyde doesn’t answer, avoiding Rob’s glare. As I process what Rob’s just said, I have to say I’m surprised by the deviousness of the two siblings.

When I thought they were telling Rob about the hitchhiker, it appears they’d instead told him that Bonnie was, to some degree, senile. It was a simple lie, but one that would adequately explain her odd behaviour, draw sympathy from Rob and, most ingeniously, prevent him from telling me about their conversation. A truth buried beneath an unpleasant lie, its subject matter just uncomfortable enough to head off any chance of discussion.

Still, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

CLYDE: We can head home if you want.

BONNIE: No.

The group turns to Bonnie. She speaks in a tone more decisive than I thought her capable.

BONNIE: He... the hitchhiker... he was talking about a… about the village we just passed. I was looking forward to seeing it, that’s all. I’m ok really.

AS: You’ve been talking about it a lot Bonnie.

BONNIE: It just sounded like a lovely place, I was sad that we passed it by. I’m sorry for worrying everyone. Please don’t make us turn around Rob.

Rob stares at them both. His position has been made crystal clear.

ROB: We’re stopping a little early today. Come the rest of the way with us, rest up… then tomorrow you both go home. You should count yourselves lucky you get the chance to turn around.

Rob marches back to the Wrangler, signalling that the discussion is over.

ROB: Lilith, you’re with us.

Lilith doesn't even try to hide her relief as she shuffles away from Bonnie & Clyde and climbs into the back of the Jeep. It’s a little heart warming that Rob still has the awareness to look out for her, angry as he may be.

As well as his surprising strength, I also tend to forget how perceptive he can be.

Bonnie, Clyde and Bluejay climb back into their respective vehicles. I catch Bonnie’s eye, the moment before she returns to the Ford. She appears truly disappointed, but otherwise resigned to keep going, satisfied to let Wintery Bay fade into the distance. It’s comforting to hear that she’s ready to put the place behind her.

It’s just a pity I don’t believe a word of it.

LILITH: It was fucking weird Bristol.

Lilith seems happy to be in the Wrangler, enjoying the sense of security the modded behemoth affords, and also greatly relieved to be away from Bonnie & Clyde. She’s spent the last five minutes detailing the thirty second argument that unfolded between them, charting its disturbing nuances as well as it’s eerie conclusion.

LILITH: ... but I swear she was basically like crying like… she didn’t understand how we could be going the wrong way. But then like, as soon as you pulled us over and she just stopped. Like I mean… stopped.

AS: That must have been disconcerting.

LILITH: You have no idea... So Rob, when are these cornfields gonna fucking end?

ROB: Soon. We’re gonna rest up for the night in a few turns. Then tomorrow it won’t be long until we’re on a track through the woods.

LILITH: The fucking woods? Are you kidding? Are we talking like… Sleepy Hollow bleeding trees or what?

ROB: Hah, wish I could tell ya.

LILITH: Wait, what do you mean?

ROB: I ain’t been that far yet. It’s new territory.

LILITH: Oh… great. Maybe the cornfields aren’t so…

Lilith goes quiet, transfixed by something in the rear view mirror, before quickly turning around to get a better look out of the back window.

The car behind us is out of control.

Bonnie is fighting to wrest the steering wheel from her brother. The Ford swerves erratically behind us, driven mad by the dynamic power struggle taking place inside it. Rob sharply accelerates out of the way as the car behind lurches drunkenly to and fro before skidding to a shuddering halt. Rob hits the brake hard, and by the time I’ve turned in his direction, he’s already slammed the door of the Wrangler, storming across the tarmac to Bonnie and Clyde.

ROB: Cut the engine!

The Ford’s engine goes silent and in the absence of its rumbling growl, new sounds emerge. The sounds of a struggle, and of wild desperate screaming.

Stepping out of the car for the second time today, I jump onto the road and cover the distance between us.

Rob is attempting to pull a screeching Bonnie from the car. Even with his impressive strength it seems to be a challenge. Bonnie claws at the walls, trying with all her might to regain her grasp on the steering wheel.

BONNIE: Please! PLEASE! Let me go! Let me go!

Rob extracts Bonnie from the car and attempts to subdue her amidst a flurry of flailing hands and elbows. She writhes and kicks as he pins her arms to her sides.

AS: Bonnie! Bonnie. Calm down ok? Let’s talk this through.

BONNIE: He told me it was on our way! He said we’d pass through!

ROB: He lied Bonnie.

BONNIE: No… no we’re going the wrong way. We’re going the wrong way!

Bonnie lashes out again, striking at Rob’s legs with her own. Rob holds her firmly, hit teeth gritted through every impact.

It’s clear that Bonnie isn’t going to let up. I run back to the Wrangler and open up the trunk. After a few moments of rummaging through my bag, I find the first aid kit and pull out an unopened pack of white zip ties.

AS: Clyde, open the back door.

Rob sees me standing with the zip ties. Even in the midst of Bonnie’s incessant struggle, he looks at me with an almost questioning air, as if he’s wondering how we ever arrived at this point. As if he’s asking whether we can really do what I’m wordlessly suggesting.

Bonnie answers the last question for him. In the slim few seconds of distraction, she slams her head back into his nose, eliciting a disgustingly loud thud and a pained growl from Rob. Dazed and confused, his nose immediately fountaining blood, Rob manages to keep his arms wrapped around her. But it’s clear this isn’t going to be sustainable, and that she isn’t anywhere close to calming down.

Clyde has opened the door, stepping back and looking on like a frightened child as we carry Bonnie over to the back seat of the Ford. I lean in before him, adjusting the headrest until it’s pressed against the ceiling, ensuring that it can’t be removed from the bracket. I then loop a zip tie around each bracket and fasten them.

BLUEJAY: What the fuck is going on?

Bluejay has stepped out of her car, making her way towards us. I realise that, to someone who is fighting to not believe in any of this, the following scene would appear at best as a melodramatic farce, and at worst, as the attempted detention of an innocent and distressed woman.

Sadly, I don’t have time to field her questions. I climb into the car. Bonnie working constantly against us as Rob eases her in after me, his hand on her head to prevent it bumping against the top of the doorframe.

Once she’s inside, I loop a second zip tie around the one I’ve already fastened on the right bracket, forcing her right hand inside it. I pull the plastic tab over the sleeve of her jumper.

I hope it’s not too tight, but at the very least it’s secure enough to keep her in place. Bonnie continues to pull against the zip ties, but it’s clear her strength has been sapped from her spirited battle with Rob.

Not quite able to look her in the eye, I push a pile of luggage out of the way and climb out the other side of the Ford. Rob and I are both getting our breath back, the former pinching his nose and adjusting stoically to the fresh pain.

BLUEJAY: Hey what the fuck are… you’re not going to leave her like that are you?

AS: Get back in your car Bluejay.

I walk back to the Wrangler, tuning out Denise’s coarse protests. Rob reaches into the Jeep’s still open trunk, and pulls out a pile of blankets and pillows. In the rear view mirror, I can see him placing them on Bonnie’s lap, giving her a place to rest her elbows.

She leans her forehead against the back of the headrest. Even with her face blocked from view, I can tell that she’s crying.

We arrive at the rest stop some twenty minutes later, the vague outline of a deep green forest blooming on the horizon. It’s earlier in the day than we would usually stop. Rob tells us he wants the entirety of tomorrow to chart the woods, as well as good time to turn back before night fall should the need arise. I’m not complaining, I’m glad of the chance to rest up following today’s events.

For the rest of the day, we take it in turns to keep an eye on Bonnie, making sure she has everything she needs. When the Ford pulled up alongside us, Lilith, Rob, and I expected to see a quivering wreck, tugging ceaselessly against her bonds. We were all surprised, and more than a little disturbed, to find her smiling. By the time my turn comes around, the sun is already dipping in the sky. Rob has prepared a small pot of miso soup in case anyone can bring themselves to eat. I finish my bowl, all too aware of how unnecessary each meal now feels, and pour out a helping for Bonnie.

I find her in good spirits.

BONNIE: How are you doing Alice?

AS: I’m fine. How are you doing Linda?

BONNIE: I’m ok. Sorry for giving you all such a fright earlier. I feel terrible.

AS: It’s fine honestly. I’m sorry about… about all this.

I gesture to the zip tied restraints. Rob has reapplied them, fastening bandages underneath the straps to afford Bonnie a modicum of comfort. Still the scene rings with a sinister barbarity which no kind consideration can make up for.

BONNIE: It’s ok. I wasn’t myself.

AS: I brought you soup. I know you might not be hungry.

BONNIE: No no I’d love some, thank you. Everyone’s being so lovely.

AS: Well, we just want to make sure you’re alright.

I submerge the spoon, drench up a measure of warm broth, and begin to raise it towards her.

BONNIE: Oh no you don’t have to… I can feed myself…

She gestures to her bound hands, the clear implication hanging in the air.

AS: No I… I don’t mind. I think it’s-

Bonnie throws her weight sideways, her elbow jabbing outwards and hitting the bowl out of my hands. Soup spills over my fleece, just a little cooler than scolding hot, and soaks immediately into the fabric. I back away reflexively, and watch Bonnie’s expression flicker like a faulty lightbulb from kind tranquility to utter, burning contempt. It’s gone as quickly as it appears, just in time for the rest of the group to look our way.

BLUEJAY: What are you doing with her?!

Bluejay storms across from her car, angrily drawing from a Marlboro and forcing the smoke draconically back into the air.

AS: Nothing. Just an accident.

BONNIE: It’s ok Bluejay, it was my mistake.

BLUEJAY: Did she get any on you?

Bluejay leans in placing her hand comfortingly on Bonnie’s, before turning to fix me with a murderous stare. It’s almost impressive how, even when caring for someone, Bluejay still manages to be simultaneously venomous to those around her.

BONNIE: No no it’s ok it was my fault. It’s fine. I’m sorry for causing trouble.

Bluejay laughs at Bonnie’s submissive apology, unable to believe what she's thinking. Her eyes remain fixed on me.

BLUEJAY: You’re a fucking coward. Look what he’s making you do. Look!

My eyes follow where she gestures. I have to admit the helpless figure of Bonnie, restrained in the back seat of the Ford, rings with an innate inhumanity, and being forced to stare my actions in the face makes me feel utterly ghoulish.

The choices I’ve made must seem insane to Bluejay, but that doesn’t mean hers are not. Despite her pretensions of rationality, I can’t help but feel that Bluejay’s actions are simply being governed by a different insanity. An insanity borne out of the desperate need to explain the unexplainable, which has morphed into an ugly cocktail of paranoia, self-grandeur, and fervent antagonism.

Bluejay notes my silent expression, most likely taking it as a personal victory. Without another word she returns to her car and shuts herself inside, festering silently and alone.

BONNIE: Do you want to know what’s wonderful Alice?

Bonnie leans towards me, lowering her voice so no one else can hear.

BONNIE: He told me there’s a house… waiting for me. My home by the sea.

AS: I’m sorry Bonnie. I don’t think there is.

BONNIE: It’s going to be a such a beautiful place. Such a beautiful place.

Bonnie flashes me a broad grin.

BONNIE: It’s been lovely knowing you Alice.

Bonnie turns away from me, placing her forehead back on the headrest. The grin doesn’t fade as I turn away. I walk back to the Wrangler, faced with the choice of changing into new clothes or my thermal pyjamas.

After removing my fleece and lying down for a just a moment, I end up sleeping in the clothes I’m wearing.

When I wake up, the Wrangler is moving.

The air mattress reverberates and my body rocks as we make a sharp U-turn. I sit bolt upright, Lilith waking up next to me, similarly bleary eyed and confused.

Rob is behind the wheel. The gear stick shakes as he transports us down the road at incredible speed.

AS: Rob what’s happening?

ROB: Bonnie got herself free. She’s headed for the turn.

I pull myself into the passenger seat, suddenly wide awake.

LILITH: What? How did she get free?

AS: Is she with Clyde?

ROB: She hit him over the head, dragged him outta the car. I couldn’t wait for him, but he’s catchin’ up.

Lilith and I turn around. Bluejay’s car is gaining on us, a distant pair of high beams steadily drowning the rear window in light.

LILITH: Why’s Bluejay helping him?

AS: She probably wants to keep an eye on us. Rob, do you think we’ll catch up with Bonnie?

ROB: I’m workin’ on it.

The Wrangler continues to rocket through the darkness. We keep our eyes fixed forward, scanning the very edge of the horizon for any sign of Bonnie’s Ford.

When Bluejay pulls alongside us, I get a look at the pair. Bluejay is nought but steely determination, dedicated to reaching Bonnie before we do. Clyde looks mortified, rocked by his sister’s actions, a small contusion on his head to mark her vicious betrayal.

Rob screeches to a halt once we arrive at the junction. Bluejay’s headlights are already illuminating the road to Wintery Bay, and Rob’s lighting rig coats the entire area in an artificial twilight. In the middle of it all, we see Bonnie, standing next to her car, smiling.

She’s already beyond the threshold of the turn.

CLYDE: Linda! Linda, please… come on back now, ok?

BONNIE: You can all come with me. There’s a place for all of us. He told me. There’s a place for everyone.

CLYDE: Please Linda. You have to come back.

A strange trail of black dust is streaming off Bonnie’s skin, rising into the air and dancing in the breeze. After a moment, it becomes clear that the edges of Bonnie are slowly degrading, converting quietly into dark ash and drifting into the atmosphere.

BONNIE: I love you very much Martin. You’re always welcome.

CLYDE: No please… please.

Bonnie turns around and climbs into the car. Without looking back, she pulls away down the road to Wintery Bay. The trail of black particles rise from the Ford as she goes, with greater and greater volume as the entire car starts to wither away before our eyes. Less than a minute later the Ford, with Bonnie inside it, gradually dissolves into dust and scatters to the winds.

Clyde doesn't speak. His entire being is quiet. Lilith immediately runs back to the Wrangler. Rob waits a while, staring at he dancing cloud of dust, before putting his arm around Clyde and gently escorting him to the Jeep.

As I turn away from the road to Wintery Bay, I take note of Bluejay’s reaction. She looks absolutely petrified, more so than I’ve ever seen her. She impulsively removes the pack of Marlboros from her pocket and holds them in her hands, before quickly returning them, unsmoked.

The night passes slowly after we return to the rest stop. All of us are exhausted, and more than willing to surrender to the escapism of sleep. Rob rests in the driver’s seat, giving up his space on the air mattress to Clyde. Everyone drops quickly enough into a quiet slumber, leaving me awake with only my thoughts for company. I find myself thinking of Bluejay, of how she could possibly hope to rationalise the disintegration of Bonnie and her car.

I wonder how I’d feel if the Left/Right Game were exposed as some unparalleled magic trick. Would I feel foolish? No I don’t think so. Impressed, maybe. Relieved? Most definitely. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I miss the innocent days when I believed the game was a hoax. I suppose I see why Bluejay is so adamant about dismissing this place; trickery however elaborate is almost always a preferable alternative to genuine horror.

The Jeep’s door opens and shuts

Part of me tries to ignore it, to wash my hands of any other developments in this harrowing night. However, exiled as I am from the kingdom of sleep, I slowly find myself sitting up, quietly putting on my boots, and letting myself out.

I step out into the cool night, observing the figure before me.

AS: Where are you going Clyde?

Clyde turns to face me, I initially interpret the look he gives me as one of resignation, but the word doesn’t quite fit. Resignation is a defeat, the world exacting compliance from you against your own wishes. But the man before me is as calm as the night air around him. His wishes are clearly his own. There’s no defeat in his eyes, but something else entirely… peace, maybe.

CLYDE: You know where I’m going Alice.

Clyde speaks softly, a quiet conviction behind every word he says. I briefly glance towards the Wrangler, wondering if I’m really equipped to handle this on my own.

CLYDE: Don’t call Rob. I made a mistake coming back to the rest stop. I shouldn’t have done... please. Just let me go.

AS: Clyde, just wait for tomorrow ok? He’ll understand. He’ll turn us around and take you home.

CLYDE: It won't be home anymore.

Clyde’s gentle stare renders me silent.

CLYDE: Linda had a husband once. He was a good man. Died young. She could never bring herself to go looking again and I… I never found who I was looking for. We’ve been by each other’s side for sixty years. Sixty years. I gotta be honest, even after all we’ve been through, everything you and I have seen, I never felt like I was in a new world until now.

AS: I don’t think I can’t let you do this Clyde.

CLYDE: I’m sorry Alice, but it’s not up to you.

Clyde breathes in the cool night air, exhaling through his nose.

CLYDE: I yelled at her to come back, when she ran off to rob that ice cream parlour. I kept calling out and calling out. I spent so much energy trying to get her to come back to me. After a while I realised she wasn’t coming back… that I’d have to follow her. I should’ve realised it earlier. That’s all I can do.... follow where she goes.

Clyde looks at me, almost apologetically.

CLYDE: Goodbye Alice.

He turns away from the convoy and wanders back down the road.

AS: Clyde.

He turns around one last time.

AS: Do you want company?

It takes roughly an hour for us to walk back to the junction. In the time we have, I’m treated to the story of Bonnie and Clyde. The warmest fragments of their life together, the moments that built them, the waves that rocked them and the places they once called home. I don’t think I’ll ever agree with what Clyde is doing, but the more he talks, the more I understand.

His stories span more than half a century, supported by a transient cast of acquaintances and friends, but at the core of each tale is a pair of siblings who meant the world to one another. The pair existed as two relative souls, quantifiable only in relation to each other. In the absence of one, the remnant was indefinable. A drifting point, unanchored in space.

The story ends just as we reach the junction

AS: I hope she's out there.

CLYDE: I hope so too. Thank you for coming with me, I know it’s late.

AS: No… it’s never a bad time to see a friend off.

Clyde smiles at me one last time before turning to face the road. He steps over the threshold, past the old wooden sign. In the silence of the night, I hear nothing but his soft footsteps and the quiet breeze, which after a few minutes carries the last of him into an open sky.

It’s a long walk back to the convoy. My mind is numb to fear as I make my way through the dark, the corn rustling in the wind beside me.

It’s been four days since I arrived at Rob Guthard’s house, sat down at his table, and listened to him speak about the new world he’d discovered. In that time, I’ve seen things I can’t hope to comprehend, sights that exist beyond the spectrum of our reality. Things I wouldn't have deemed possible.

For all I know there is a Wintery Bay, and Bonnie has already arrived at her house by the sea, standing at the door, waiting with quiet confidence for her brother’s arrival.

I may never know. But I do hope they find each other, wherever they may be.

[sending-the-message]

Has anyone heard of the Left/Right Game? (Part 6) by NeonTempo

Hi Guys,

Sorry it’s taken a while to get this posted up. I’ve been busy chasing leads with US missing persons.

I won’t waste more of your time. Log is below. If you have any information then please send it my way.

Thanks for your help guys, it means a lot.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

The Left/Right Game [DRAFT 1] 12/02/2017

Silence used to be an absolute.

That’s something I definitely miss.

Back in the real world, it would stand as self-evident that a group of people saying absolutely nothing, by definition, could not be saying any less. Maybe things are different on the road, maybe I’d just never encountered it before, but it’s clear to me now there are degrees beyond silence. A pervasive realm of deafening quiet which, following the loss of Eve and Apollo, our group has unreservedly embraced. Constructed out of our collective trauma, cemented with a cruel mixture of grief, guilt, and harrowing self-doubt, it quickly becomes apparent that this silence is stronger than all of us. The challenge of breaking it remains unmet for the rest of the journey.

We spend the next few hours burrowing through a featureless corridor of maize. The stalks rise far above the Wrangler, leaving only a thin strip of clear sky visible like the painted ceiling of a renaissance church. I find myself glancing intermittently at the CB radio, half expecting, half hoping, for Apollo’s voice to crackle through the speaker, bringing words of comfort, or a much needed attempt at levity.

After I catch myself staring at the radio for the fifth time, I decide it might be best to get on with my work. I plug my headphones into my notebook, bring up the audio files I’ve recorded thus far, and set about creating a very rough cut of our first day on the road.

APOLLO (VO) Everybody knows Rob, Rob's the god! Ahaha

I listen through Apollo’s first interview, making notes for the closing paragraph I’ll now be forced to write about him. When I have everything I need, I listen to the interview again, and then once more. It’s not lost on me that I just want to hear his voice, to lose myself in a pleasant digital echo, far removed from the frantic screams that followed him into the asphalt.

I listen to Eve’s interview next. She bristles with excitement as she talks about her upcoming visit to Roswell, steadfastly attempting to recruit me to the effort. She had no idea what she was heading into when she stepped out onto Rob’s front lawn. Then again none of us did.

The thin strip of sky is turning deep orange as I reach our encounter with the hitchhiker. It’s chilling to hear his voice after the fact, to revisit the conniving, veiled pleasantries he employed against us. I cringe as I hear Rob’s hand grasp my arm, ashamed that I let myself fall for the hitcher’s trickery.

ROB (VO): You did good, I’m sorry for grabbin’ you. I just didn’t want you to do something you’d regret.

AS (VO): No it’s fine. I was going to. Do you know what happens if you talk to him?

ROB (VO): Not sure. Came close myself once, a few years back. The way he looks at you when he thinks he’s got you? I don’t think I wanna know.

AS (VO): Rob, I-

I pause the audio file, clicking back ten seconds before pressing play again.

AS (VO): No it’s fine. I was going to. Do you know what happens if you talk to him?

ROB (VO): Not sure. Came close myself once, a few years back. The way he looks at you when he thinks he’s-

I certainly didn’t notice that at the time. I’d been so shaken by my run in with the hitcher, and so curious about the abandoned car that I’d been completely blind to anything else that had come my way. Maybe Rob misspoke, maybe he meant to say weeks or months. But if it wasn’t a mistake, if it was a truth carelessly uttered, then Rob has some explaining to do.

The Left/Right Game was posted online in June 2016, less than a year ago.

I glance sideways at him, a wall of corn rushing past us as we approach the rest stop. Throughout this trip, every emotion Rob’s displayed has seemed genuine. The sadness, the anger, the concern. They tell a story of a man who cares deeply about the welfare of those around him. Yet at the same time, it’s strikingly clear that there’s something he isn’t telling me.

With every new piece of the puzzle, the car, the text message, the faceless creature with the ringing phone, I’m left with the dilemma of when to confront Rob Guthard with what I know. I feel I’ve gathered enough to bring before him, enough to demand an explanation, but there’s no way I’d be able to truly verify his answer. I have a collection of strange and perplexing notions, lacking in the common thread that could bring me to any workable conclusion. If I am going to confront Rob, I need to uncover that thread. Much like the greatest journalists of our time, I should know the answer before I ask the question.

The jeep pulls up onto a large green space. Staring straight ahead, I find myself puzzled by the way the ground seems to stop, as if the horizon lies only twenty metres away from the car. As soon as the engine cuts out, I unbuckle my seatbelt, climb out and walk towards the grassy verge. The rest of the convoy pulls up behind me as I go.

I stop a few steps short of the edge, realising we’ve found our way to the top of a sheer cliff. A sudden swaying vertigo takes over, forcing me to take a few steps back. It doesn’t feel like we’ve been heading uphill, the road has been level since Jubilation, yet somehow I’m standing at the edge of a 400 ft. rock face, descending straight downwards, the distant earth shrouded by stalks of corn.

That’s the truly strange thing about this monolithic precipice. On either side of me, the maize runs to the very edge of the cliff and, at its base, the endless harvest continues until it stretches beyond the darkening horizon in every direction. It feels like I’m standing on the cliffs of Dover, staring over a golden ocean, its waves governed by the evening breeze. I wonder for a moment where it ends, then, taking consideration of the world I now occupy, I start to wonder if it ever does.

A belligerent scream rips me from the view. The source of the noise is blocked by the Wrangler and the first thing I see as I circle around are the shocked, wide eyed faces of Bonnie & Clyde. Once I make my way past the Wrangler’s hood, my expression mimics theirs.

Lilith has pinned Bluejay up to the side of the Jeep, a locked forearm pressing her chest against the door. Her other arm has been grasped in Bluejay’s hands, desperately stopped before it can strike her across the face. The two of them yell through gritted teeth as Lilith struggles furiously against her, vying to cause her any conceivable harm.

BLUEJAY Get the fuck off me you bitch! Get off!

I take a few quick steps over to Lilith as Bluejay attempts to kick her away.

AS: Lilith, we can’t do this… Jen…

Lilith doesn’t even register my presence as she continues her assault, deafened by the bubbling vitriol in every growling breath.

AS: Jen! We are not doing this now. Not after-

Before I can comprehend what’s happening, I’m staring at the sky, my head knocked back by the force of Lilith’s flailing elbow. A hot, raw ache radiates across my lower lip as I stagger back, raising my hand over my mouth.

Before Lilith can continue her assault, Rob swings open his door and takes two short strides over to her. He puts one arm around the girl’s waist and picks her up, carrying her safely, but firmly, over to Bonnie & Clyde’s Ford, and planting her back on the ground.

I seem to always forget how strong he is.

ROB: Damnit this is not the time.

LILITH: Take it back!

Bluejay has lost her usual snide demeanour, yet her aura still radiates an unbridled scorn. In response to Lilith’s demand, Bluejay walks back to her car and sits on the hood. She takes the Marlboros out of her pocket along with her lighter, and ignites a cigarette. I imagine the burning embers are the only company she’s comfortable to accept right now.

By the time I look back to the rest of the group, Lilith has stormed away.

AS: What did she say?

BONNIE: I didn’t hear it all.

AS: What did she say Bonnie?

BONNIE: I heard something about… she said Lilith was… that we were complicit.

ROB: Ah goddamnit… Bristol can you…

I watch Lilith, as she sits on the grass and looks over the cliffside. She begins to cry, yet I get a strong notion that it’s not something I should interrupt. It feels like something between her and Eve, a final act of reactionary mourning reserved for them, and them alone.

AS: Yeah… don’t worry. I’ll handle it.

ROB: Ok. I’ll cook us somethin’ up.

An hour passes. Lilith grows slowly calmer, drifting from cathartic release into a cold, wordless melancholy. Finishing up my dinner, I make my way over to her.

AS: It’s a strange view.

Lilith looks up at me. Her face falls.

LILITH: I cut you… I’m so sorry.

AS: It’s fine. You should see the other girl.

LILITH: Hah, yeah, I bet she looks like shit right about now.

I help myself down onto the cool ground, staring alongside Lilith into the ocean below.

LILITH: Bluejay thinks I’m complicit… in what happened to Eve.

AS: I heard.

LILITH: She used to think we were morons, now she thinks we’re all in on it… doesn’t make sense.

AS: I think she he has to believe this place is a lie. She needs it to make sense, and the harder it gets for her to rationalise the more she... Anyway, she shouldn’t have said what she said. She’s just... I guess the word is "troubled".

LILITH: She’s a fucking thundercunt.

AS: Umm… uh… ok.

LILITH: She’s right though... I killed her... and I killed Apollo too.

I look to Lilith, concerned, not quite sure what she means. Her eyes remain locked on the impossible horizon.

LILITH: Sarah… she wasn’t cut out for this, and she knew it. She wanted us to turn back this morning… but I didn’t want to.

AS: That wasn’t just your decision Lilith.

LILITH: Yes it was. She uh… she followed my lead. Always. Through everything. And I knew why she was doing it. I knew. But I let it continue, because it was convenient, because it was easy…. because deep down I liked having someone around who… who’d jump through fucking hoops for me… god it’s so fucked.

Lilith rests her head in her hands.

LILITH: She was weak. She was anxious and shy and… but that should be ok, right? You’re allowed to be weak that’s… but I made her come here. I dragged someone who couldn’t swim into the fucking deep end. And the last thing I did was lie to her and she fucking knew it.

Lilith takes a few deep, frayed breaths.

AS: What do you mean?

LILITH: I’m not uh… I didn’t, I… I loved her, you know as a… as a friend. It was always this fucking one-way street and… I don’t think she minded but. Then suddenly she’s vanishing right in-fucking-front of me and she said what she said… I mean how else was I supposed to respond to that? I had to say it back right?

Lilith maintains her composure as a steady stream of tears roll down her cheek.

AS: I don’t know what I’d do in that situation.

LILITH: I could see it in her eyes that she didn’t believe me. Fuck… I wonder how many people have died while being told like… comforting lies. How many of them fucking knew?

AS: I think you did the best you could Jen. I think you did better than most.

LILITH: You don’t need to tell me that just… are you tired? Do you need to go to bed soon?

AS: No, I don’t need to.

LILITH: There are some beers in uh… in Apollo’s bag. Is that like… looting? Or is that ok?

AS: I think he’d want us to have them, as long as he got a toast.

Lilith laughs briefly and finally smiles. She walks over to Bonnie and Clyde’s car, returning a moment later with a four pack.

We spend the next hour and a half slowly drinking them. Lilith can’t muster the right words for a toast so we just say thank you to Apollo, raising out cans to the open air. We talk about his tireless humour, his attempts to keep us all up during our first night on the road, how caringly he spoke to everyone, even at the edge of death.

We talk about Eve as well, about the pair’s misadventures, awkward college parties and the future of Paranormicon. Lilith smiles, and tells me there’s always a place for me once radio dies out.

After everything that’s happened on the road, the night can’t help but feel bittersweet. But for once, on a solitary cliff side in the middle of nowhere, it’s more sweet than it is bitter. That may not be much, but at the end of an awful day it’s more than either of us could have hoped for.

The next morning goes quickly. It’s amazing how efficient a group of people can be when none of them feel like talking. Not only that, but breakfast has become a noticeably brief affair. I manage to get through half a bag of trail mix before I find myself uncomfortably full. Rob’s words about the road’s sustaining properties ring in my ears as I look around the group. Everyone leaves their bowls half empty. Lilith hasn’t eaten a bite.

By this point, the launch protocol has been drilled into us. Despite our preoccupations, and the fractious rifts developing between us, the cars line up like clockwork as they merge onto the road. In fact, the mood of the group seems strangely procedural. All radio contact starts with the stating of a call sign, followed by that of the recipient. The cars maintain an even, careful distance between one another. We’ve seen all too clearly what happens when the rules are neglected, and no one wants to take chances any more.

AS: How far away are we?

ROB: From where?

AS: You haven’t got to the end of this road right? I mean… you’re still charting it?

ROB: That’s right.

AS: Well, how long until we get to… you know to… uncharted territory?

ROB: To be honest, not too long.

AS: What’s going to happen once we reach that point?

ROB: We’re gonna keep drivin’.

AS: Until we get to the end?

ROB: That’s the plan. You know I won’t judge you if you wanna turn around. I’m sure you can talk someone into it.

AS: Could I talk you into it?

Rob smiles.

ROB: ‘Fraid not. This trip ain’t like the others. Road’s kickin’ back like never before. I think it knows I’m comin’ all the way this time.

AS: … What is this place Rob?

Rob sighs as he slowly takes the next left on a quiet, rural T-junction.

ROB: I think it’s a stray thread… runnin’ off the spool.

The radio crackles.

BONNIE: Rob you just took the wrong turn.

An instant drum of fresh panic hammers in my chest. I stare at Rob, and he stares right back. I know he’s feeling the same thing I am, though he’s doing a much better job of keeping it off his face.

He thinks carefully for a moment.

ROB: No… no. I been down this road before. We took a right last time.

AS: Uhhh… yeah. Yes. The turn before this one was a right, I remember.

ROB: Ferryman to all cars. Thanks Bonnie for giving us the fright of our lives. We’re on the righ… we’re on the correct road.

BONNIE: No no that can’t be its… that’s wrong… Martin tell them…

CLYDE: Our mistake Rob, let’s keep going.

LILITH: Bristol…

There’s concern in Lilith’s voice. I lean over to my wing mirror, attempting to gauge the atmosphere in the car behind me. There’s clearly some commotion between Bonnie and Clyde, with the latter attempting to gently remove the walkie talkie from his sister’s hands.

There’s something else however. Past Bonnie & Clyde. Past Bluejay. An old, dilapidated road sign made of weathered timber stands by the side of the road behind us. I can’t read all of it as the peeling letters grow ever smaller, but I can piece together what it probably once said.

“Wintery Bay – 5 Miles”

BONNIE: We’re going to turn around right?

AS: Uhh one second Bonnie, I’ll… check the map.

I promptly switch off the radio.

AS: Are we not passing through Wintery Bay?

Rob turns to me, a puzzled look in his eyes.

ROB: Through where?

In the wake of those two, innocently inquiring words, my mind reels back to the morning of our third day on the road. Watching Bonnie and Clyde wander over to Rob to confess their transgressions with the hitchhiker, the quiet conversation that passed between them, Rob’s seemingly comforting response. I’d felt wretched in those moments. A few minutes prior I had tricked and deceived Clyde… yet I’d never once considered he might have done the same to me.

AS: Is it safe to pull over?

ROB: What? Why?

AS: Is it safe Rob?

ROB: Uh, yeah should be.

AS: Then pull over.

I switch the radio back on and grab the receiver. As I make a connection to Bonnie and Clyde’s car, it’s clear that an argument is brewing. Lilith is asking for me, a helpless passenger, caught in the middle of something she doesn’t understand.

AS: Bristol to all cars. We’re stopping up ahead.

Rob seems acutely aware that I’m not messing around. As soon as we roll to a halt, I throw my door open and jump onto the dusty roadside, striding over to the rest of the convoy, who are just starting to get out of their own cars. I’m conscious of a driving anger behind each step I take.

AS: You didn’t tell him.

CLYDE: Bristol, I…

ROB: What’s goin’ on Bristol?

Rob’s marches up behind me, more than a little restless to get a grip on my motives.

AS: Clyde?

Clyde looks around a circle of expectant eyes. When he delivers his answer, he’s unable to meet any of them.

CLYDE: Bonnie… Bonnie talked to the hitchhiker.

Rob’s expression shifts, his confusion degrading into a solemn understanding.

ROB: God… ahh Goddamnit. You knew about this Bristol?

AS: I told them to tell you the morning of the third day. I saw them go over to you I… I thought they did.

CLYDE: Bonnie… thought you’d… turn us around.

ROB: Well she’s was damn right. You seen what happens when the rules get broken. You shoulda told me as soon as you saw me and headed right back home.

CLYDE: That was before Ace… before everything. I didn’t know this place was-

ROB: The rules are the rules Clyde! Is anything even wrong with Bonnie? You said she gets confused... was that a lie?

Clyde doesn’t answer, avoiding Rob’s glare. As I process what Rob’s just said, I have to say I’m surprised by the deviousness of the two siblings.

When I thought they were telling Rob about the hitchhiker, it appears they’d instead told him that Bonnie was, to some degree, senile. It was a simple lie, but one that would adequately explain her odd behaviour, draw sympathy from Rob and, most ingeniously, prevent him from telling me about their conversation. A truth buried beneath an unpleasant lie, its subject matter just uncomfortable enough to head off any chance of discussion.

Still, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

CLYDE: We can head home if you want.

BONNIE: No.

The group turns to Bonnie. She speaks in a tone more decisive than I thought her capable.

BONNIE: He... the hitchhiker... he was talking about a… about the village we just passed. I was looking forward to seeing it, that’s all. I’m ok really.

AS: You’ve been talking about it a lot Bonnie.

BONNIE: It just sounded like a lovely place, I was sad that we passed it by. I’m sorry for worrying everyone. Please don’t make us turn around Rob.

Rob stares at them both. His position has been made crystal clear.

ROB: We’re stopping a little early today. Come the rest of the way with us, rest up… then tomorrow you both go home. You should count yourselves lucky you get the chance to turn around.

Rob marches back to the Wrangler, signalling that the discussion is over.

ROB: Lilith, you’re with us.

Lilith doesn't even try to hide her relief as she shuffles away from Bonnie & Clyde and climbs into the back of the Jeep. It’s a little heart warming that Rob still has the awareness to look out for her, angry as he may be.

As well as his surprising strength, I also tend to forget how perceptive he can be.

Bonnie, Clyde and Bluejay climb back into their respective vehicles. I catch Bonnie’s eye, the moment before she returns to the Ford. She appears truly disappointed, but otherwise resigned to keep going, satisfied to let Wintery Bay fade into the distance. It’s comforting to hear that she’s ready to put the place behind her.

It’s just a pity I don’t believe a word of it.

LILITH: It was fucking weird Bristol.

Lilith seems happy to be in the Wrangler, enjoying the sense of security the modded behemoth affords, and also greatly relieved to be away from Bonnie & Clyde. She’s spent the last five minutes detailing the thirty second argument that unfolded between them, charting its disturbing nuances as well as it’s eerie conclusion.

LILITH: ... but I swear she was basically like crying like… she didn’t understand how we could be going the wrong way. But then like, as soon as you pulled us over and she just stopped. Like I mean… stopped.

AS: That must have been disconcerting.

LILITH: You have no idea... So Rob, when are these cornfields gonna fucking end?

ROB: Soon. We’re gonna rest up for the night in a few turns. Then tomorrow it won’t be long until we’re on a track through the woods.

LILITH: The fucking woods? Are you kidding? Are we talking like… Sleepy Hollow bleeding trees or what?

ROB: Hah, wish I could tell ya.

LILITH: Wait, what do you mean?

ROB: I ain’t been that far yet. It’s new territory.

LILITH: Oh… great. Maybe the cornfields aren’t so…

Lilith goes quiet, transfixed by something in the rear view mirror, before quickly turning around to get a better look out of the back window.

The car behind us is out of control.

Bonnie is fighting to wrest the steering wheel from her brother. The Ford swerves erratically behind us, driven mad by the dynamic power struggle taking place inside it. Rob sharply accelerates out of the way as the car behind lurches drunkenly to and fro before skidding to a shuddering halt. Rob hits the brake hard, and by the time I’ve turned in his direction, he’s already slammed the door of the Wrangler, storming across the tarmac to Bonnie and Clyde.

ROB: Cut the engine!

The Ford’s engine goes silent and in the absence of its rumbling growl, new sounds emerge. The sounds of a struggle, and of wild desperate screaming.

Stepping out of the car for the second time today, I jump onto the road and cover the distance between us.

Rob is attempting to pull a screeching Bonnie from the car. Even with his impressive strength it seems to be a challenge. Bonnie claws at the walls, trying with all her might to regain her grasp on the steering wheel.

BONNIE: Please! PLEASE! Let me go! Let me go!

Rob extracts Bonnie from the car and attempts to subdue her amidst a flurry of flailing hands and elbows. She writhes and kicks as he pins her arms to her sides.

AS: Bonnie! Bonnie. Calm down ok? Let’s talk this through.

BONNIE: He told me it was on our way! He said we’d pass through!

ROB: He lied Bonnie.

BONNIE: No… no we’re going the wrong way. We’re going the wrong way!

Bonnie lashes out again, striking at Rob’s legs with her own. Rob holds her firmly, hit teeth gritted through every impact.

It’s clear that Bonnie isn’t going to let up. I run back to the Wrangler and open up the trunk. After a few moments of rummaging through my bag, I find the first aid kit and pull out an unopened pack of white zip ties.

AS: Clyde, open the back door.

Rob sees me standing with the zip ties. Even in the midst of Bonnie’s incessant struggle, he looks at me with an almost questioning air, as if he’s wondering how we ever arrived at this point. As if he’s asking whether we can really do what I’m wordlessly suggesting.

Bonnie answers the last question for him. In the slim few seconds of distraction, she slams her head back into his nose, eliciting a disgustingly loud thud and a pained growl from Rob. Dazed and confused, his nose immediately fountaining blood, Rob manages to keep his arms wrapped around her. But it’s clear this isn’t going to be sustainable, and that she isn’t anywhere close to calming down.

Clyde has opened the door, stepping back and looking on like a frightened child as we carry Bonnie over to the back seat of the Ford. I lean in before him, adjusting the headrest until it’s pressed against the ceiling, ensuring that it can’t be removed from the bracket. I then loop a zip tie around each bracket and fasten them.

BLUEJAY: What the fuck is going on?

Bluejay has stepped out of her car, making her way towards us. I realise that, to someone who is fighting to not believe in any of this, the following scene would appear at best as a melodramatic farce, and at worst, as the attempted detention of an innocent and distressed woman.

Sadly, I don’t have time to field her questions. I climb into the car. Bonnie working constantly against us as Rob eases her in after me, his hand on her head to prevent it bumping against the top of the doorframe.

Once she’s inside, I loop a second zip tie around the one I’ve already fastened on the right bracket, forcing her right hand inside it. I pull the plastic tab over the sleeve of her jumper.

I hope it’s not too tight, but at the very least it’s secure enough to keep her in place. Bonnie continues to pull against the zip ties, but it’s clear her strength has been sapped from her spirited battle with Rob.

Not quite able to look her in the eye, I push a pile of luggage out of the way and climb out the other side of the Ford. Rob and I are both getting our breath back, the former pinching his nose and adjusting stoically to the fresh pain.

BLUEJAY: Hey what the fuck are… you’re not going to leave her like that are you?

AS: Get back in your car Bluejay.

I walk back to the Wrangler, tuning out Denise’s coarse protests. Rob reaches into the Jeep’s still open trunk, and pulls out a pile of blankets and pillows. In the rear view mirror, I can see him placing them on Bonnie’s lap, giving her a place to rest her elbows.

She leans her forehead against the back of the headrest. Even with her face blocked from view, I can tell that she’s crying.

We arrive at the rest stop some twenty minutes later, the vague outline of a deep green forest blooming on the horizon. It’s earlier in the day than we would usually stop. Rob tells us he wants the entirety of tomorrow to chart the woods, as well as good time to turn back before night fall should the need arise. I’m not complaining, I’m glad of the chance to rest up following today’s events.

For the rest of the day, we take it in turns to keep an eye on Bonnie, making sure she has everything she needs. When the Ford pulled up alongside us, Lilith, Rob, and I expected to see a quivering wreck, tugging ceaselessly against her bonds. We were all surprised, and more than a little disturbed, to find her smiling. By the time my turn comes around, the sun is already dipping in the sky. Rob has prepared a small pot of miso soup in case anyone can bring themselves to eat. I finish my bowl, all too aware of how unnecessary each meal now feels, and pour out a helping for Bonnie.

I find her in good spirits.

BONNIE: How are you doing Alice?

AS: I’m fine. How are you doing Linda?

BONNIE: I’m ok. Sorry for giving you all such a fright earlier. I feel terrible.

AS: It’s fine honestly. I’m sorry about… about all this.

I gesture to the zip tied restraints. Rob has reapplied them, fastening bandages underneath the straps to afford Bonnie a modicum of comfort. Still the scene rings with a sinister barbarity which no kind consideration can make up for.

BONNIE: It’s ok. I wasn’t myself.

AS: I brought you soup. I know you might not be hungry.

BONNIE: No no I’d love some, thank you. Everyone’s being so lovely.

AS: Well, we just want to make sure you’re alright.

I submerge the spoon, drench up a measure of warm broth, and begin to raise it towards her.

BONNIE: Oh no you don’t have to… I can feed myself…

She gestures to her bound hands, the clear implication hanging in the air.

AS: No I… I don’t mind. I think it’s-

Bonnie throws her weight sideways, her elbow jabbing outwards and hitting the bowl out of my hands. Soup spills over my fleece, just a little cooler than scolding hot, and soaks immediately into the fabric. I back away reflexively, and watch Bonnie’s expression flicker like a faulty lightbulb from kind tranquility to utter, burning contempt. It’s gone as quickly as it appears, just in time for the rest of the group to look our way.

BLUEJAY: What are you doing with her?!

Bluejay storms across from her car, angrily drawing from a Marlboro and forcing the smoke draconically back into the air.

AS: Nothing. Just an accident.

BONNIE: It’s ok Bluejay, it was my mistake.

BLUEJAY: Did she get any on you?

Bluejay leans in placing her hand comfortingly on Bonnie’s, before turning to fix me with a murderous stare. It’s almost impressive how, even when caring for someone, Bluejay still manages to be simultaneously venomous to those around her.

BONNIE: No no it’s ok it was my fault. It’s fine. I’m sorry for causing trouble.

Bluejay laughs at Bonnie’s submissive apology, unable to believe what she's thinking. Her eyes remain fixed on me.

BLUEJAY: You’re a fucking coward. Look what he’s making you do. Look!

My eyes follow where she gestures. I have to admit the helpless figure of Bonnie, restrained in the back seat of the Ford, rings with an innate inhumanity, and being forced to stare my actions in the face makes me feel utterly ghoulish.

The choices I’ve made must seem insane to Bluejay, but that doesn’t mean hers are not. Despite her pretensions of rationality, I can’t help but feel that Bluejay’s actions are simply being governed by a different insanity. An insanity borne out of the desperate need to explain the unexplainable, which has morphed into an ugly cocktail of paranoia, self-grandeur, and fervent antagonism.

Bluejay notes my silent expression, most likely taking it as a personal victory. Without another word she returns to her car and shuts herself inside, festering silently and alone.

BONNIE: Do you want to know what’s wonderful Alice?

Bonnie leans towards me, lowering her voice so no one else can hear.

BONNIE: He told me there’s a house… waiting for me. My home by the sea.

AS: I’m sorry Bonnie. I don’t think there is.

BONNIE: It’s going to be a such a beautiful place. Such a beautiful place.

Bonnie flashes me a broad grin.

BONNIE: It’s been lovely knowing you Alice.

Bonnie turns away from me, placing her forehead back on the headrest. The grin doesn’t fade as I turn away. I walk back to the Wrangler, faced with the choice of changing into new clothes or my thermal pyjamas.

After removing my fleece and lying down for a just a moment, I end up sleeping in the clothes I’m wearing.

When I wake up, the Wrangler is moving.

The air mattress reverberates and my body rocks as we make a sharp U-turn. I sit bolt upright, Lilith waking up next to me, similarly bleary eyed and confused.

Rob is behind the wheel. The gear stick shakes as he transports us down the road at incredible speed.

AS: Rob what’s happening?

ROB: Bonnie got herself free. She’s headed for the turn.

I pull myself into the passenger seat, suddenly wide awake.

LILITH: What? How did she get free?

AS: Is she with Clyde?

ROB: She hit him over the head, dragged him outta the car. I couldn’t wait for him, but he’s catchin’ up.

Lilith and I turn around. Bluejay’s car is gaining on us, a distant pair of high beams steadily drowning the rear window in light.

LILITH: Why’s Bluejay helping him?

AS: She probably wants to keep an eye on us. Rob, do you think we’ll catch up with Bonnie?

ROB: I’m workin’ on it.

The Wrangler continues to rocket through the darkness. We keep our eyes fixed forward, scanning the very edge of the horizon for any sign of Bonnie’s Ford.

When Bluejay pulls alongside us, I get a look at the pair. Bluejay is nought but steely determination, dedicated to reaching Bonnie before we do. Clyde looks mortified, rocked by his sister’s actions, a small contusion on his head to mark her vicious betrayal.

Rob screeches to a halt once we arrive at the junction. Bluejay’s headlights are already illuminating the road to Wintery Bay, and Rob’s lighting rig coats the entire area in an artificial twilight. In the middle of it all, we see Bonnie, standing next to her car, smiling.

She’s already beyond the threshold of the turn.

CLYDE: Linda! Linda, please… come on back now, ok?

BONNIE: You can all come with me. There’s a place for all of us. He told me. There’s a place for everyone.

CLYDE: Please Linda. You have to come back.

A strange trail of black dust is streaming off Bonnie’s skin, rising into the air and dancing in the breeze. After a moment, it becomes clear that the edges of Bonnie are slowly degrading, converting quietly into dark ash and drifting into the atmosphere.

BONNIE: I love you very much Martin. You’re always welcome.

CLYDE: No please… please.

Bonnie turns around and climbs into the car. Without looking back, she pulls away down the road to Wintery Bay. The trail of black particles rise from the Ford as she goes, with greater and greater volume as the entire car starts to wither away before our eyes. Less than a minute later the Ford, with Bonnie inside it, gradually dissolves into dust and scatters to the winds.

Clyde doesn't speak. His entire being is quiet. Lilith immediately runs back to the Wrangler. Rob waits a while, staring at he dancing cloud of dust, before putting his arm around Clyde and gently escorting him to the Jeep.

As I turn away from the road to Wintery Bay, I take note of Bluejay’s reaction. She looks absolutely petrified, more so than I’ve ever seen her. She impulsively removes the pack of Marlboros from her pocket and holds them in her hands, before quickly returning them, unsmoked.

The night passes slowly after we return to the rest stop. All of us are exhausted, and more than willing to surrender to the escapism of sleep. Rob rests in the driver’s seat, giving up his space on the air mattress to Clyde. Everyone drops quickly enough into a quiet slumber, leaving me awake with only my thoughts for company. I find myself thinking of Bluejay, of how she could possibly hope to rationalise the disintegration of Bonnie and her car.

I wonder how I’d feel if the Left/Right Game were exposed as some unparalleled magic trick. Would I feel foolish? No I don’t think so. Impressed, maybe. Relieved? Most definitely. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I miss the innocent days when I believed the game was a hoax. I suppose I see why Bluejay is so adamant about dismissing this place; trickery however elaborate is almost always a preferable alternative to genuine horror.

The Jeep’s door opens and shuts

Part of me tries to ignore it, to wash my hands of any other developments in this harrowing night. However, exiled as I am from the kingdom of sleep, I slowly find myself sitting up, quietly putting on my boots, and letting myself out.

I step out into the cool night, observing the figure before me.

AS: Where are you going Clyde?

Clyde turns to face me, I initially interpret the look he gives me as one of resignation, but the word doesn’t quite fit. Resignation is a defeat, the world exacting compliance from you against your own wishes. But the man before me is as calm as the night air around him. His wishes are clearly his own. There’s no defeat in his eyes, but something else entirely… peace, maybe.

CLYDE: You know where I’m going Alice.

Clyde speaks softly, a quiet conviction behind every word he says. I briefly glance towards the Wrangler, wondering if I’m really equipped to handle this on my own.

CLYDE: Don’t call Rob. I made a mistake coming back to the rest stop. I shouldn’t have done... please. Just let me go.

AS: Clyde, just wait for tomorrow ok? He’ll understand. He’ll turn us around and take you home.

CLYDE: It won't be home anymore.

Clyde’s gentle stare renders me silent.

CLYDE: Linda had a husband once. He was a good man. Died young. She could never bring herself to go looking again and I… I never found who I was looking for. We’ve been by each other’s side for sixty years. Sixty years. I gotta be honest, even after all we’ve been through, everything you and I have seen, I never felt like I was in a new world until now.

AS: I don’t think I can’t let you do this Clyde.

CLYDE: I’m sorry Alice, but it’s not up to you.

Clyde breathes in the cool night air, exhaling through his nose.

CLYDE: I yelled at her to come back, when she ran off to rob that ice cream parlour. I kept calling out and calling out. I spent so much energy trying to get her to come back to me. After a while I realised she wasn’t coming back… that I’d have to follow her. I should’ve realised it earlier. That’s all I can do.... follow where she goes.

Clyde looks at me, almost apologetically.

CLYDE: Goodbye Alice.

He turns away from the convoy and wanders back down the road.

AS: Clyde.

He turns around one last time.

AS: Do you want company?

It takes roughly an hour for us to walk back to the junction. In the time we have, I’m treated to the story of Bonnie and Clyde. The warmest fragments of their life together, the moments that built them, the waves that rocked them and the places they once called home. I don’t think I’ll ever agree with what Clyde is doing, but the more he talks, the more I understand.

His stories span more than half a century, supported by a transient cast of acquaintances and friends, but at the core of each tale is a pair of siblings who meant the world to one another. The pair existed as two relative souls, quantifiable only in relation to each other. In the absence of one, the remnant was indefinable. A drifting point, unanchored in space.

The story ends just as we reach the junction

AS: I hope she's out there.

CLYDE: I hope so too. Thank you for coming with me, I know it’s late.

AS: No… it’s never a bad time to see a friend off.

Clyde smiles at me one last time before turning to face the road. He steps over the threshold, past the old wooden sign. In the silence of the night, I hear nothing but his soft footsteps and the quiet breeze, which after a few minutes carries the last of him into an open sky.

It’s a long walk back to the convoy. My mind is numb to fear as I make my way through the dark, the corn rustling in the wind beside me.

It’s been four days since I arrived at Rob Guthard’s house, sat down at his table, and listened to him speak about the new world he’d discovered. In that time, I’ve seen things I can’t hope to comprehend, sights that exist beyond the spectrum of our reality. Things I wouldn't have deemed possible.

For all I know there is a Wintery Bay, and Bonnie has already arrived at her house by the sea, standing at the door, waiting with quiet confidence for her brother’s arrival.

I may never know. But I do hope they find each other, wherever they may be.

[ladybanshee19]

South Park AUs

So I feel like making several South Park AUs, each one based in a different tabletop RPGs. The first one is based in Dungeons and Dragons, 5th Edition in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. The second one is based in Pathfinder, in the official campaign setting. The third one is based in the Chronicles of Darkness aka the New World of Darkness 2nd Edition. And the fourth and final one is based on Princess the Hopeful, a fanmade mod for Chronicles of Darkness. All four of them will include a story, designs and character sheets (and I’m putting them at the maximum level 20 simply because I can). This post will just give you an idea of what to expect from each AU. I’ll make individual posts going into more detail on each one. Also worth noting is that all four of these AUs will feature both Creek (Craig and Tweek) and Style (Stan and Kyle) my two South Park OTPs.

An Ancient Rivalry DnD 5e Forgotten Realms AU The human city-state of Kupa Keep is in a crisis. Its ruler, Grand Wizard Eric Cartman, is more interested in setting a petty grudge with the wood elf tribe of Larnion than he is in actually doing his job. The people are suffering, leaving a party consisting of: the barbarian warrior Tweek Tweak, his rogue boyfriend Craig Tucker and their friends, Token Black, a cleric of Lathander and Clyde Donovan, who recently obtained power as a warlock from a demon out of desperation, to save the city from its tyrannical, sociopathic ruler, with the help of Butters the Merciful, a paladin of Ilmater and the mysterious Princess Kenny. Meanwhile, the leader of the Larnion tribe, Sylvan Lord Kyle Broflovski and his human vassal, the ranger Stan Marshwalker, must contend with protecting their home and people from the Grand Wizard, as several secrets from the past begin to surface once again.

Note: This particular AU is inspired by the boys’ Fighters of Zaron LARP game from SOT but takes its own direction to better fit into the setting of the Forgotten realms

Come Hell or High Water Pathfinder AU Trouble always seems to find you, wherever you are in the world of Golarion. In the elvan kingdom of Kyonin, elf druid Kyle’s hope for a normal life is shattered when a human oracle named Tweek from Andoran tells him he’s destined to stop a great evil. In the nation of Cheliax, a country infamous for its mandatory devil worship among other things, a wizard noble Eric Cartman has dreams of glory, a desire to rule over all of Golarion with Cheliax as its capital. To do this, he seeks out the darkest and most dangerous of Golarion’s secrets. Tweek tells Kyle that this is the evil he must stop. Fortunately, he’s not alone. In addition to Tweek, Kyle also finds help in other residents of Andoran: the ranger, Stan, the magus Kenny, the sorcerer Craig, the barbarian Clyde, the bard Jimmy, the paladin Butters and Token, a cleric of the goddess Sarenrae. With these companions at his side, Kyle must venture forth to stop the Chelish wizard from unleashing Golarion’s greatest evils again, while not letting his growing sense of self-righteousness consume his heart at the expense of everything else.

Note: This AU is also slightly inspired by the LARP game from SOT as well, but with a few more changes as well as some influence from Phone Destroyer, specifically Craig and Clyde’s classes. Tweek’s class was also inspired by a post I saw floating around about how Tweek could be a seer with how often his paranoia turns out to be justified (can’t remember where I found it, sorry).

The South Park Chronicle The World of Darkness is full of many things, and nothing is as it seems. I, your humble Storyteller, will guide you though the many chapters of this chronicle. Here, you will meet Stan Marsh, recently Embraced as one of the Kindred, a vampire who must not only work to maintain the delicate balance between his fading humanity and the Beast within him that drives him to kill and feed, but also to maintain the Masquerade, to keep the secrets of vampires hidden from mortals. You will meet Tweek Tweak, who recently discovered that he is one of the Forsaken, a werewolf who must work to protect the mortal realm from both vengeful spirits and the Pure, werewolves who wish to return humanity to the Stone Age in order to reunite the spirit world and the mortal world. You will meet Craig Tucker, who awakened as a Mage which grants him the power to protect the Sleepers from the Seers of the Throne and other magical threats, so long as he can keep his pride in check. You will meet Butters Stotch, a Promethean created from a corpse and Azoth the Divine Fire who must now embark on a journey to become human, which sadly is easier said than done when existence itself hates you. You will meet Kyle Broflovski, who was whisked away by the True Fae to their home realm of Arcadia and remade to serve one of them but managed to return to the real world to discover that the world didn’t miss him in his absence and that some of the True Fae’s changes were permanent. You will meet Kenny McCormick who died protecting his beloved sister Karen only for a Geist who calls itself Mysterion to offer him a chance to cheat death and return as a Sin-Eater, where he discovers he must use his newfound abilities to protect mortals and help ghosts who are unable to pass on, even though he’d rather look for his sister who went missing after he died and came back. Finally, you will meet Eric Cartman, who discovered in a dream that he was a monster at heart in more ways than one, a Beast who must sow nightmares among mortals to sate his soul’s unique hunger, a duty he’s all to willing to embrace. You will also see their paths cross, bonds form and watch as they struggle to make it in the World of Darkness.

Note: This one won’t be out for a long time. I’m still trying to get my hands on a few other source books, some of which aren’t even out yet at the time of this post (sidelong glance at Changeling the Lost and Geist the Sin-Eaters).

Nobles Unite Princess the Hopeful AU Darkness is everywhere and only the Nobility can stop it. The Nobility in this case, meaning Princes and Princesses, men and women armed with the power of the Light and the magic in their very beings. Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick, Craig Tucker, Clyde Donovan, Tweek Tweak, Token Black, Jimmy Valmer, Butters Stotch, Wendy Testaburger, Bebe Stevens, Heidi Turner, Nicole Daniels and Annie Knitts all discover that they possess this power and pledge their allegiance to the Radiant Queens, the Queens of Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades and Swords so that they may help them in their mission to fight the Darkness and its minions. However, another Blossoms and discovers this power as well, Eric Cartman who instead pledges his allegiance to the Queen of Mirrors, one of the three Twilight Queens, who tells him that he’s the True Heir, destined to restore the Kingdom to its former glory, a “mission” that brings him into conflict with other Nobles and other devotees of Mirrors who were told the exact same thing.

Note: Given that Princess has a rather idealistic setting, especially by World of Darkness standards and compared to the canon South Park universe, I figured this would be an interesting challenge.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more coming soon. Character sheets and pictures will be posted here. The stories will be posted on Archive of our Own.

[b-does-the-write-thing]

300 Nerds - Did they ever tell Neal it was his show that brought them together?

(Geez Louise- this became a thing- very Sw@nfire oriented- though Emma does not actually appear in this sequel with CaptainSw@nn references)

Original Story Here

Belle French, aka PrettyBookish112, finished reviewing her latest post on the Tallahassee fan website, working against the clock as any minute their guest would arrive. A few days after Christmas, the fan board was still quiet but her inbox was full of private messages, some well wishes from friends, though most were musings about the upcoming season. Belle loved the online fandom community, and their passion, and had made some wonderful friends in it, as well as met the love of her life.

Spindleshanks, aka Bailey Gold, brushed past her, sparing time to brush a kiss against her cheek as he headed towards the door. Belle had to bite down her offer to get the door for him as he laboriously moved towards the door. In the dead of winter, his limp was much more pronounced though he refused to utter one word of complaint. It was his own personal struggle, and while Belle had struggled with his determination to ignore the elephant in the room, she tried to be understanding.

Bailey’s son Neal, however, had no such qualms. “Papa!” came the booming voice from the other room. “What are you doing walking around on that leg!” A faint struggle ensued over luggage, but when Neal strode into the room, he was clutching his carry-on and glowering over his shoulder. Bailey hobbled in behind him in the middle of a spirited argument that he was not an invalid.

“I think this may be a personal record for how soon you two start bickering,” Belle said as she put her computer aside. She greeted Neal with a hug before snagging his carry-on. “I’ll put this in your room.”

“Uh actually,” Neal said and to her surprise, he colored a bit. “I think I’m going to stay at the Inn this time.”

“The Inn?” Bailey repeated with a furrowed brow. “Whatever for?”

Clearly uncomfortable, Neal looked back and forth between them for a moment as they stared incredulously back. “Because…you know,” he hedged.

“Obviously, we do not,” his father replied testily.

Belle looped her arm through his and gave it a gentle squeeze, their private signal that his emotions were getting the better of him. “Let me call down to the Inn and see if they have any availability,” Belle offered. “People may be lingering after the holidays.”

Neal shook his head. “I already have a room,” he told them. “I made the reservation when you picked the date.”

As Neal’s discomfort registered, Belle’s cheeks warmed. “Oh,” she said and Neal nodded in relief.

Never liking to be in the dark, Bailey grew even more irritably. “Oh what?”

“We’re getting married tomorrow,” Belle whispered up at him.

His face softened slightly. “Yes, we are,” he said and he lifted her hand in his to press a kiss to the inside of her wrist.

Neal cleared his throat meaningfully. “This is why I’m staying at the Inn,” he said as he plopped down on the couch. “I barely got any sleep last time I was here with all the nocturnal activity. I figured you’d want the place to yourself the night of your wedding”

Bailey’s only response was a wicked smile as he draped his arm over Belle’s shoulders. “Oh?” he repeated. “It is an old house son, things tend to go bump in the night.”

Biting her lip to stop from smiling, Belle wiggled out from underneath her soon to be husband’s arm. “Stop teasing,” she warned her husband. “Neal, I wasn’t sure when you’d get in, so I thought we could just go out for dinner tonight.”

“Granny’s it is,” Neal declared. He fished his phone out of his pocket and typed something before standing to slide his phone back into his back pocket. “Shall we?”

Curious by nature, Belle had to resist asking him who he had been texting and why. Bailey had no such qualms. “Who was that?” he asked as he started toward the coat rack.

“Just set stuff,” Neal replied as he grabbed his luggage from where Belle had sat it down by the stairs. All production of Tallahassee had been suspended for the holidays, one of the reasons Belle and Bailey had decided on a winter wedding, which meant no one would be on the set up in Vancouver today, not even the local crew.

“Everything okay?” Belle asked as she slipped her jacket over her shoulders.

Usually, Neal brushed aside any questions about the set or his private life, but now, he wavered. “Well…I wasn’t going to say anything because it’s your wedding but…you know, I actually could use your help with something…off the record, of course”

Belle nodded fervently. When Bailey had first shown up at the library with a chipped teacup in hand, Belle had been too excited to meet her beloved penpal to think twice of it being Bailey Gold. When they had emerged from their embrace, they had sat down in the library, and he had explained that his son was none other than Neal Cassidy, and her life had never quite been the same since.

For one thing, she had to be extremely careful when posting online. Neal sometimes let little things slip all the time, or in the one memorable arc from this past fall, had even asked for her input as a diehard fan of the romantic drama. She was now on first name base with all the cast including leads Emma Swann and Roger Hook, fan favorite villain Regina Mills and other members of the supporting cast.

“What is it, son?” Bailey asked “More network problems?”

Neal shook his head which was a relief. Bailey did much better with Neal’s issues in network and rating woes than Belle ever had, but those battles always put the show in danger of cancellation. Despite its cult following and critical acclaim, Tallahassee had never broken into the mainstream though everyone knew of it. The network annually threatened to pull the plug unless Neal made some changes, something he always pointedly refused to do. Now, in the penultimate season, a cancellation at this point and time would be devastating for everyone.

“It’s not another love triangle, is it?” Belle asked warily.

Neal’s face twisted. “You better sit down,” he said and before his father could protest, he added,” It’s kind of a long story.” Belle gently led Bailey around the sofa with her, sitting down together as Neal relocated to the loveseat. “You both know Emma’s son, Henry?

Not what they were expecting but they both nodded. At ten, Henry was a familiar face on set. He could always be found exploring or writing his own takes on the show’s characters (which at ten was a lot of true love’s kiss and other fantastical solutions to the ongoing drama).

Neal licked his lips. “And I’m sure you heard Emma and…Roger are engaged?”

Emma and Roger played star crossed lovers on Tallahassee, but Belle had always tried to be respectful of their private lives before she had even known them. Rumors had swirled online all through the first four seasons about their off the set romance, but when they had made it public earlier this summer, it had quickly been followed by an engagement in the fall.

Beside her, Bailey was still as a statue, and Neal’s was a mirror image. It was as if both men were wearing a mask. “What is it?” Belle asked her fiance, for she was obviously missing something.

When Bailey did not immediately respond, Neal sighed.  “I…I asked Papa not to say anything,” he said in apology. He fell silent, obviously struggling for what to say next as Bailey reached over and took Belle’s hand in his own. The room was silent, some unknown truth hanging over Neal’s head as he released a long, shaky breath before looking up to meet Belle’s concerned gaze. “There’s only a handful of people who know about this, outside of the party involved, only a few know all the details, though I’m sure others could guess it.”

Shameful secrets began to suggest themselves to Belle. Neal had a drinking problem. He struggled with addiction. He-

“Emma and I dated once upon a time,” he said, cutting off her line of thinking.

Belle’s mind went completely blank. “You what?”

Bailey took over the narrative, sparing his son from the inevitable line of questioning. “When Neal first moved out to LA,  he still went by Bailey Gold Junior.”

“Bae for short,” Neal added. “Never Junior.”

Belle nodded her understanding as Bailey continued. “He worked odd jobs, paid his dues, and as many young men do, fell in love.”

Belle bit the inside of her cheek as this information begged a thousand new questions. In the year she had known him, and the years prior when she had only known him as the producer of her favorite show, Neal Cassidy had never once been romantically linked with anyone. Ever.

“We met on set as leads on a student’s thesis project, some modern day Bonnie and Clyde film, and spent the whole day trapped in a yellow Volkswagen bug together. We told each other everything in between takes, where we were from, what we wanted to do, who we wanted to be…. After that, we were inseparable.”

“We?”

Neal raked a hand through his hair and it stood up on end slightly but it was Bailey who answered, “Ms. Swann.”

“You and Emma Swann dated?” Belle repeated in disbelief.

“We were together for over a year when I landed a writing job in Vancouver. Emma had just been offered a role in an upcoming pilot. Her agent called me and told me she was planning on turning it down to go with me so…”

“He ended it,” Bailey finished for him. “He started work on Neverland where, at his lawyer’s suggestion, changed his name to Neal Cassady, while Ms. Swann went on to win three consecutive Emmys for her work on Princess in Peril.”

“Did she know why you broke up with her?” Belle asked, but she already knew the answer.

Neal shook his head. “I pretty much just left,” he said. “You’ve met Emma. You know how stubborn she is. I loved her and I wanted what was best for her, and that wasn’t giving up her dream to take a chance on mine.”

Belle couldn’t see Emma Swann quitting her career to follow anyone, but she also knew Emma had grown up an orphan. In her early interviews, Emma had been frank about always dreaming of a family, her struggles with being a single mother and actresses, and what sacrifices she was willing to go to.

In a way, it was rather romantic; tragic but romantic. “But you cast her in Tallahassee-”

“The network cast her,” Neal corrected. “She was the right choice for the role, thankfully, but I didn’t get an say in casting her or Hook. Hell, Emma didn’t even know who Neal Cassady was until she showed up to the table read.” He idly rubbed at his chin as if it pained him. “She wasn’t happy about it,” he confessed with a wry grin. “Marched in my office afterwards and punched me square in the jaw.”  He smiled ruefully.  “Luckily, she wanted the role too much to turn it down, so we proceeded with the pilot and the rest is history.”

“Obviously none of this can be shared,” Bailey said quietly and Belle nodded fervently.

“God no! I would never do that to you or Emma,” she assured Neal. There had always been whispers of a tension between the two leads and the showrunner but whenever Belle had been on set, there had always been an easy camaraderie between Neal and Emma. If Belle hadn’t been wearing her shipper goggles, too wowed by Emma’s seemingly fairy tale relationship with Roger, Belle wondered if she might have seen more.

“Emma’s happy now,” Neal said. “That’s all that matters.’

It became abundantly clear to Belle that Neal was still in love with Emma Swann, and a quick glance over at Bailey confirmed this. “So, you don’t want my advice on how to handle her engagement?”

Neal shook his head. “No, I…I’m not saying I’m thrilled she’s marrying Roger but it’s her choice. She told me…she came to me about it before they announced it and I accepted it but…he wants to adopt Henry.”

“That’s rather…paternal of him,” Bailey snorted and all his quiet disdain for the male lead of the their favorite show now made perfect sense. Of course Bailey wouldn’t like Hook, not when his son and Hook were in love with the same woman. “I don't’ recall him ever being particularly interested in the boy prior to this.”

Henry was adorable, but precocious for his age. He had never been particularly wowed by his mother’s boyfriend, always preferring spending his time with Regina or Neal-

“Oh my god!” Belle said as she stood up. “Henry’s ten!”

Bailey blinked up at her as Neal nodded glumly.  “Yea…He’s my son,” Neal said as he buried his head in his hands.

Bailey had the look of a deer caught in the headlights, and Belle sank back down to the couch to take his hands in her own. “How?” is all he said.

“Emma found out a week before she got the offer for Princess in Peril. She assumed they would rescind the offer when they found out she was pregnant, which is why she planned to go with me. When I left…she decided to have Henry on her own. It was just a fluke that Princess in Peril changed networks and work was pushed back a year. They kept her single mom status quiet for a while, until the second season wrapped and she did some interviews about it. She claimed Henry’s father was an old friend from her hometown, and I believed it.”

“When did you find out?”

Neal let out a mirthless chuckle, an eerie echo of his father’s. “The same day of the read, right after Emma punched me in the face actually.” Neal looked up at his father and his eyes were bright with tears. “Since we were working together…  she didn’t want anyone to know. I signed a nondisclosure clause with her agent…I couldn’t tell anyone, not even you, Papa, or she’d quit and if I lost her, I lose the show. I figured…I thought the show would get a season if I was lucky…and I could…I could spend some time with Henry.”

Bailey slowly sat down, taking Belle with him. “I…I have a grandson?”

“Surprise,” Neal said weakly.

Now, that she thought of it, Belle was surprised no one else saw it. Henry was still young, but he had the same coloring as Neal and though he took after his mother in looks, there were unmistakable Gold aspects about his nature. After all, Henry had never met a person he couldn’t twist around his little finger through whatever means necessary.

“Henry doesn’t know,” Neal said before either of them could ask. “We agreed after the show ended, we would tell him…but now with Roger wanting custody…”

“Hook knows, I suppose?” Bailey asked.

“Emma told him about everything when they started dating. I’m pretty sure Regina suspects, but she’s never come right out and asked. As far as custody, Emma’s still considering it, but it’s not like…I have a choice in the decision but I think we should tell Henry now….and Emma thinks we shouldn’t say anything until he’s older. She doesn’t want things to be confusing for him.”

“Meaning she wants him to think of Hook as his father,” Bailey grumbled and Belle felt guilty thinking it, but she agreed. However, she wasn’t Emma, and Belle didn’t know what kind of choices she’d make in the other woman’s shoes.

Neal turned to her now. “Belle, I know you’re a fan of Roger’s…and you like him and Emma together.” Belle’s cheeks warmed in embarrassment as she remembered the countless times she had waxed poetic - to Neal of all people! - about how perfect the Emma and Roger were together both on and off screen. “Tell me, do you think I should step aside?”

“Sue for custody,” Bailey answered before Belle could say anything. His voice was rigid and his gaze was so fierce that Neal shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Still, Neal shook his head. “That’d break the nondisclosure agreement, which means Emma would end up with most of my shares of the show and her contract would be over. She’d be free to leave, and trust me she would.”

The doorbell rang, and the three of them turned as one. “Who is that?” Bailey asked as he tried to struggle to his feet.

Belle placed a hand on his shoulder as she stood. “Stay with your son,” she whispered with a pointed glance at where the younger man sat in misery. “It’s probably just wedding related, I can handle it.’

Bailey nodded and Belle hurried to the front door as someone pressed the buzzer once more. She was slightly relieved at the chance to get her thoughts together on her own, her long standing love of the Tallahassee, a fictional show, aside, she wanted Neal to be happy, but Belle honestly didn’t see a way of this coming out that wouldn’t upset the fans, the network, or everyone in general.

Opening the door, a blast of frigid air hit Belle squarely in the face, but that’s wasn’t all that struck her. A small figure came barreling in out of the cold, nearly knocking her over. “Hiya, Belle!” Henry Swann said from under the various layers of parkas and scarves in which he was bundled.

“Henry, what in the name of-”

The ten year old pressed a finger to his lips urgently  and Belle managed to get around him to shut the door. In the living room, two masculine voices were still speaking low and Henry started to trail after them. Belle just managed to snag his arm before sinking back to down to crouch before him. “Henry, where is your mother?”

“Antigua,” the boy said with a twist of his lips that said what he thought about that. “With Roger.”

“How did you get here?”

Henry scoffed as Belle began to unzip his coat and unravel his scarf. “I’ve got a credit card for emergencies,” he reminded her with a smug little grin. “Easy enough to buy a ticket online and call a lyft from my phone.”

“You’re ten.”

He ignored her. “Is Neal here?”

“Henry,” Belle said firmly and the youngster stilled. “Your mother is probably worried sick.”

“I called her from the airport,” Henry said. “I told her I didn’t want to spend Christmas at the beach, but she didn’t listen. Then, Roger told me he’s going to adopt me when we get home.” Henry’s face twisted. “So, I put Operation Christmas Tree into action.”

“Operation…?”

“Christmas Tree,” Henry repeated. “Yea, remember in Tallahassee Season 2 when they got lost hiking and they found a cabin in the woods and chopped down a Christmas tree together?”

Of course she did. Beside being an episode that they replayed every holiday season, it was one of her personal favorites. “What does that have to do with anything?” Belle asked him.

He sighed. “That’s when they stopped being dumb and admitted they loved each other.”

“Yes…and?”

Henry shot her a look that his grandfather often gave people who were being particularly stupid. ”So, Neal’s here, which is why I’m here. Because now  Mom will have to come here while Roger has to finish shooting his stupid perfume commercial.”

“You came for my wedding?”

“Sorta….”

“Everything okay out there, Belle?” Bailey called from the living room.

“Fine!” Belel called back before Henry could respond. “Just…just a sec!”

Henry let her tug him after her into the kitchen where she grabbed some leftover turkey from Christmas and put it in the microwave for him. He climbed up on a stool as she bustled about the kitchen, sending a text to Emma that Henry had safely arrived. There was no immediate response which meant Emma was probably already in the air.

Henry was kicking his feet, looking around the kitchen in interest. “Can I have some hot chocolate?”

The microwave dinged and Belle took out the warm plate of turkey breast, scooping some cranberry sauce over them and sliding it over to Henry with a fork. “After dinner,” she said as she sat on the stool across from him.

The boy ate with gusto and Belle was so lost in wondering what to do next, she missed the sound of Bailey’s cane approaching. “What in the world-”

“Gold!” Henry greeted with a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

“Henry?”

Belle stood up and hurried over to Bailey, practically dragging him into the kitchen. “Where’s Neal?” she demanded.

“Bathroom,” Bailey replied in a daze, eyes still on his grandson. “Where did he come from?”

“Antigua,” Henry said helpfully.

“By way of Boston International,” Belle sighed. She hated to think what that Lyft bill would cost. Her phone dinged, a reply back from Emma saying she had just landed in Boston. “Emma’s renting a car,” Belle sighed. “She’ll be here in a few hours.”

“Emma’s what?”

Bailey and Belle turned at one to see Neal had joined them in the kitchen. He was so busy staring at them he missed his son at the table. “Heya, Neal!” Henry called out with a wave of his fork.

“Henry?”

Bailey turned to Belle and she could have sworn he was trying not to laugh. “Might want to call the caterers,” he said. “Looks like we’re going to need a few extra plates. “

[geek-gem]

Health Kicked

2:16 pm I’ve just watched the new Loud House episode. Also I didn’t have to go to my blog to start making this I saw.

Yet so I’m gonna talk about this again spoilers man.

It was a nice episode and I think it’s the last one since we had two episodes on Monday. Which makes up for five days but no new episodes tomorrow.

But again I really liked it. Or some shit like that will say it was honestly funny.

So the story is cause Clyde’s dad’s are very healthy and they want to be around for a long time when Clyde’s older. It causes Lincoln and the other Loud kids to get worried. But when they convince their parents to be more healthy and other things. It’s a bit too much as the kids now start going with them. It ends up with the kids tricking them and the parents going to this contest and they have to tell them the truth. But mainly it’s alright in the end. Such as now still exercising but not too much. With them running for the ice cream truck.

Now random bullshit also yesterday’s episode is on, “Change Of Heart” another ha almost left food…but another good episode almost put sorry and had rearrange left and put ha…sorry and fixed out to put.

Yet random bullshit it was a nice episode. About the funny parts Clyde’s parents Harold and Howard just the concept of them actually pulling a car showing they are really committed to that fitness thing it was funny.

But also said lazy ass in my head about Rita when she doesn’t wanna walk the dog. Yet I’m a lazy ass too…ha man…sorry meh.

Including Lynn Sr such a wonder to see in the show. I honestly like him and he made me laugh quite some times. Even the whole ice cream truck joke. Also during the whole thing where they are trying to do things that can give their parents exercise. Seriously Lynn Sr made me laugh. That mud wrestling scene too man.

Also I kind of thought it was going to happen I was also thinking are they gonna go with the route where they are exercising so much it’s killing their parents. But they went with the route where the parents are overworking them with exercising.

To be honest why the fuck do I keep expecting one or more of the kids to back talk and say they are done with this shit. No not swearing but actually talking. It makes me wonder including the concept I remember reading from a post about that Steven Universe special about Steven’s uncle how a kid can’t take them selves away from a relationship. Yet going the route with how to make it more comfortable I’m not an expert man.

Including these are kids yet Lori’s almost 18.

Really I am noticing just how I feel like about these. Also if they went that route the more mature route. Then we wouldn’t have the finale which is still very nice.

I just changed the channel to mtv2 I don’t wanna leave that Welcome To The Wayne show on I noticed it was on when hearing it man.

Including the whole thing the show is aimed towards younger audiences. Yet if it has some more fans even older people that’s pretty okay as long as their is no harmful effects or trouble. I wanted to mention that cause of some shit that goes down in the Loud House fandom. Including if the show the writing isn’t meant for younger audiences. Some stuff even older people would like.

Also the fact of the representation this show is doing is great man kick ass ha sorry man.

Honestly for some reason I don’t know why think I’ll talk about this part. That Loud House movie in 2020 just why do I feel like the show is gonna end soon. It’s just because that I think Twitter post Chris Savino confirmed whatever site ha almost shit and sit ha…sorry man but he confirmed that their will be no birthday episodes and the last episode if that ever comes to light will be Lori turning 18 and leaving. Honestly Chris Savino is 26 years older then me and has more experience with family since the show is kind of based upon his family life as I know ha…

Seriously why do I feel like it’s gonna end soon. That’s just my thoughts and I was a bit ha…bothered by that confirmation man almost left mail ha sorry dude…

Normal to smile even now. Yet this other thing seriously that Loud House movie kick ass stop…why do I want Jessie Eisenberg in that movie as the main villain or some shit……..

I swear to God I don’t know why just his performance as Lex Luthor in Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice still remains in my head of just how unpredictable he was.

Including a story idea I had and me making jokes with @fangirl20 okay deleted 0 and put it back ha sorry normal to smile ticks man.

Yet theirs this story idea of it’s like those Rugrats movies. I liked them even Rugrats Go Wild where their was some crazy stuff almost left craY yet the story and themes felt kind of deep almost left seep.

The stories they dealt with weren’t too crazy and fit with the show. Dealing with themes of family. Their is this story idea where the main villain is someone and I thought of this someone who is basically the anti Lincoln no not a legit or as Lori would say littertly or litterial almost left nor.

But someone who turns out if Lincoln was never compassionate with his family or he never loved his family and they never loved him back. He would basically turn out to this person if he never cared and if no one else cared…..

Some fan fiction idea yet it’s something I feel…..hey Jessie Eisenberg did have some voice roles in those Rio films. Also yeah remembered now if theirs any rumors or leaks about this ha…sorry please do not believe them I actually said that and almost left belong ha.

I’m sorry I got distracted but again I liked the episode. So I guess last one, another week of good episodes. Didn’t like the first one much yet enjoyed the rest mostly ha man it’s normal to smile. So got tags down so…thanks Fangirl20 and your friend who’s username is really long I’m sorry forgive me or some shit. For liking these posts cause you kept liking them ha sorry normal to smile dude…..

Also my God Jessie Eisenberg has been in my head Jesus it’s unbelievable man

edit sorry yeah felt weird but almost left byt ugh forgot this dude 2:44 pm

[hummingbirds-and-champagne]

Starting in the Middle

Trying out some Lyatt again because the finale killed me. Based on this headcanon by @victoria-tonks, slightly modified to make it work as a post-finale drabble, I hope you don’t mind!

His skin itched with a restlessness he couldn’t shake, even now that everything was safe. He kept looking up, into doorways, around corners, expecting Lucy to come back, to confirm that she’s safe.

She is, obviously, but that’s not going to stop Wyatt from worrying.

He stalked the corridors until the techs started shooting him odd glances, and that was when Wyatt knew he needed to get some air before they all convened again for their last trip.

Last. It sounded so final, it was final. This was it, once Lucy had her sister back there would be no more stomach rolling trips through time, thrown into different worlds and fighting to protect the past. Ask him a few months ago and he would’ve said that he was glad everything was finally coming to an end, but now…

Now he’d miss it. No point in lying to himself.

Wyatt came out into the large space that housed the charging Lifeboat, easily spotting Rufus near his computer. He collapsed in a chair next to the Pilot, noting the worry that was written all over his face. Jiya, probably, but the last Wyatt had heard, she was making a great recovery.

“How’s Jiya?”

Rufus snapped his head up, like he hadn’t even realized Wyatt was next to him. “She’s fine,” he finally replied, and he meant it, but the worry was still there. Wyatt couldn’t blame him.

“One last trip huh?” Rufus asked, changing the subject.

Wyatt nodded absentmindedly, his mind still running a mile a minute from their last jump. He noticed Rufus watching him oddly and raised an eyebrow in question.

“Look, don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like you could use a drink.”

Wyatt snorted, “We’re going on a mission soon.”

“Pretty sure you were drunk the first time we took this thing out,” Rufus pointed out, and they both cracked up at the same time, the pressures of the last forty-eight hours relaxed for a moment.

“Come on man, you need this,” Rufus stood up and shrugged on his jacket, leaving Wyatt no choice but to go along and follow. They didn’t go far, only wandering to the bar they liked to frequent after missions, when they’d nearly been killed by somebody who’d been dead for fifty years and they all just needed a drink. It felt wrong to do this without Lucy, but Wyatt knew they’d do this again. Rufus would drag Jiya along once she’d been discharged, they’d talk Agent Christopher into loosening up for a night, invite Mason now that they knew he wasn’t a complete ass, and maybe even Amy too because he doubted Lucy would want to leave her sister’s side for a while once she got her back.

(For a moment though, he wondered what it would be like for it to be just the two of them, him and Lucy for one night with no one else to interrupt. It’s kind of startling how much he wants to know what that would be like.)

Five minutes later and there’s a glass of bourbon in front of him, enough that he knows it’ll take the edge off, but not enough to make him useless. He’d promised Lucy that he’d see their last ride through, he doesn’t want to let her down. Rufus watched him across the table, and Wyatt could feel the other man’s questions practically on the tip of his tongue.

“Spit it out.”

Rufus fidgeted for a moment before finally speaking his mind. “I just – I wanted to know how you were holding up.”

Wyatt looked up, frowning. “You were the one that got shot. And nearly lost his girlfriend.”

Rufus winced, but pressed on. “Yeah, and I know I’m fine. But when we came back without Lucy…”

Wyatt closed his eyes, realizing what Rufus was getting at. To say that leaving Lucy behind with Flynn was hard was an understatement. It had literally taken every fibre of willpower he had to turn around and walk away from her in 1954, to watch the Lifeboat’s doors close with her on the other side, to not buckle her in and know with absolute certainty that he was doing everything in his power to keep her safe.

Their first priority had been getting Jiya medical attention, but as soon as they knew she’d be fine, Wyatt had been left to wonder and worry and wonder some more about Lucy, whether she’d be fine and if Flynn was keeping her safe or if the bastard had double-crossed her. He’d sworn on the graves of his grandparents that if Flynn did anything to her, he’d hunt him down with the single-minded obsessiveness that had driven his hunt for Jessica’s killer.

Only this time, he wouldn’t be failing.

Rufus watched him from across the table, still wary, Wyatt sighed heavily. “What do you want me to say?”

“You were a wreck waiting for her.”

“We were all worried!”

“Yeah, we were, but you…”

He didn’t need to finish his sentence for Wyatt to know what he was getting at. And maybe he wasn’t an engineer, or a historian, but Wyatt was smart, smart enough to realize everybody around him and Lucy were starting to see the path they were on. Those who didn’t already think something was there would’ve got a first hand view when Wyatt had nearly bit the head off of anybody who came near him as they waited for Lucy to appear in 2017.

In retrospect, he wasn’t subtle.

Rufus had taken another gulp of beer, looking for the right words. “Look, I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to lose Jessica,” he said carefully, as Wyatt’s face dropped at the mention of his late wife. “And I know how much you wanted her back, how hard you fought for it.”

“What’re you getting at?”

“I’m just saying, it’s cool if you want to talk about…everything.”

Wyatt smiled grimly, he knew his friend meant well. And honestly, it wasn’t the worst idea in the world because God knew it had been a while since anyone had heard the full story. “What do you want to know?”

Rufus seemed genuinely surprised Wyatt agreed, but shrugged. “Start wherever.”

So Wyatt started just after he found out Jessica had been killed, how he’d been told, the horrors of the investigation, living day in and day out with no answers. Rufus leant a sympathetic ear and Wyatt was grateful, the weight of it all lifting slightly from his chest. He told Rufus more than he thought he would, the words spilling out until he felt he could rest a little. And then after pausing –

“It just sucks, you know? Not being able to keep someone safe.”

Rufus nodded sagely, taking one more swig from his bottle. “Don’t have to tell me, man. I’ve seen you these past few days.”

His words grabbed Wyatt’s attention and he stared at Rufus for a second, thoughts racing. He’d been talking about Jess this entire time…but the last few days rattled around in his head, his anger at everybody, at himself, his desperation to have news that Lucy was safe, that he hadn’t let her down, that he hadn’t lost another woman he loved –

“I love her.”

Rufus looked him over sympathetically. “Well…yeah.”

“Yeah?!”

His friend couldn’t hold in a wider grin, leaning forward across the table. “You love Lucy. I mean, maybe you’re not fully in love with her and no one expects you to suddenly get married – actually I think Jiya has a bet with one of the techs – but you definitely care about her.”

“You care about her!” Wyatt sputtered.

“Yeah I do, the same way I care about you, like I’d care about anybody I went time travelling with regularly. She’s my friend and I wanted her safe too – but come on, I see you two together, I have eyes. Do not tell me nothing went down with Bonnie and Clyde because you both blush whenever I bring it up and you don’t even notice.”

Wyatt was pretty sure he was blushing now, remembering the warmth of Lucy in that tiny bed and the pleasant weight of her draped over him on the couch. To say nothing of the way his mind had replayed their kiss over and over and over, much more than one would expect from a man who claimed to be completely hung up on the memory of a dead woman.

“Shit. I love Lucy,” Wyatt exhaled.

“The show?”

“Shut up.”

Rufus grinned at him, leaning back in his seat. “Well, at least Jiya’ll be glad you realized it. She’s got big money on you guys. And hey, I’m pretty sure the fiancé is out of the way. I think the guy was jealous of you.”

Wyatt shook his head, this new realization of his still sinking in. “How am I just now realizing this?” he asked aloud.

“We have weird lives, things happen.”

“Yeah but – I don’t think I even realized I was falling for her,” Wyatt insisted, trying to make Rufus understand. “It’s like I’m in the middle of it and I don’t even know where it started.”

Rufus was infuriatingly calm about all of this, he just kept smiling knowingly. “You don’t have to tell me,” he said, finishing off his beer. “But you should probably tell Lucy.”

As if she knew she was being talked about, Lucy’s name flashed across the face of Wyatt’s phone, buzzing relentlessly.

“Perfect timing,” said Rufus, leaning forward in anticipation.

Wyatt rolled his eyes, but a smile broke out before he could help himself, answering the call with a fond, “Hey, what’s up?”

“Wyatt, something happened.”

It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on him. In a split-second, his instincts were lit, his nerves were on edge and he was in instant solider mode. A mantra formed in his mind, beating like a steady rhythm.

Find Lucy. Protect Lucy. Find Lucy. Protect Lucy.

It was her voice. Her voice that had been bright and happy now had a distinct edge of fear and he knew that did not come lightly. “Where are you?!” he barked, already on his feet and heading out the door, Rufus on his heels.

“8th and Denman, you have to hurry.”

“I’m on my way.”

The call cut and Wyatt felt the physical loss of her voice, of not having her where he could see that she was safe.

“What happened?!” Rufus panted, matching his quick strides.

“Lucy’s in trouble, we need to help her.”

To his credit, Rufus didn’t falter, just pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Agent Christopher.”

Wyatt nodded robotically, his mind already on the mission in front of him. Find Lucy and protect her. He didn’t know from what, he didn’t know what they were facing. But he knew he wasn’t going to lose someone he loved.

Not again.