#bertie doesn't stand a chance

[littlewestern]

attention anthropomorphic vehicles fandom:

i would like to bring your attention to someone i think we've been neglecting

[fanfic-inator795]

More random Arlo & Ansel thoughts

With how naturally musical both of them are (and with how much Ansel would want to give his son fun experiences with him after missing out on so much) I absolutely feel like the two of them go see musicals and other Broadway shows together.

Obviously it's not something they can do ALL the time since Arlo's doing his own thing with his friends and Seaside and Ansel has his various business things to worry about, but the two of them make a point to try and see a show together at least once every couple months.

I imagine the first time they go see a musical it's shortly after Ansel's revealed himself as a bird-man, and while NYC's high society obviously knows the truth now, I could still see him unconsciously falling into old habits, trying to hide his wings with a suit jacket so that they don't stand out TOO much. Thankfully, with Arlo there and him just being so amazed and excited by everything, it doesn't take too long for Ansel to get wrapped up in it too, allowing them both a chance to fully enjoy the show together and have a great time, not caring about what anyone else thinks.

Additionally, going to these shows with Ansel probably inspires Arlo to try and eventually form a Seaside community theatre with his friends shortly after Seaside's official un-condemning - with Bertie typically taking on the role of composer/director for their shows, the others helping with either backstage stuff or being part of the cast, and Arlo often being the one to gather fellow actors/singers, being the theatre's biggest cheerleader regardless of whether or not he has a starring role in whatever show they're doing at that time.

As for Ansel, while I could obviously see him providing the theatre with some extra funding when it needs it or even stepping in to help fill a role when no one else is able to, he mostly just supports Arlo and his friends by being part of the audience, always making time to see each of the theatre's shows no matter what (and very much being like Pearl in that one episode of Steven Universe whenever he sees Arlo up on stage, haha)

[ye4gerismarchives]

the bachelorette chp 4, part 2: visiting bertholdt’s dad

an: so, i did finish this chapter the same night i promised to drop it but my chapters only get engagement at a certain time, so i’m dropping it rn! i don’t have a lot of questions for the boys rn but i’ll work with what i have and what i get from this chapter and will post them during my trip! link at the bottom!

tags: black, fem reader, sickly parent, mentions of d**th (but no one d*es)

tag list: @taybird

You slept over at Connie's house as planned. See, now, Connie's parents are sneaky. They intentionally made their guest room unavailable to you and forced you to sleep with Connie in his old room. Connie was completely respectful around you. He stepped out so that you could take a bath and everything and you did the same for him while he got ready. Once you were both ready, Connie wished you goodnight and turned on his side before snoring away.

The next morning, Connie's mom made you and Connie breakfast as you both got ready. The rest of his family was sleeping in, which made things easier because you know you would be chatting it up with his family.

You were supposed to meet Bertholdt's dad today. He was extremely sick and could pass any moment. You wished he was your first visit but it is what is right? You promised Bertholdt that Connie would drop you off at the hospital.

You thanked Mrs. Springer for the breakfast and asked her to say to the rest of the family for you. Connie dealt with the suitcase and waited patiently in the car. You pulled out your phone and texted Levi, asking him to tell Bertholdt that you were on his way. The older man left you on read. You weren't sure if he knew how to use a phone. Or he could be faking that too to throw you off.

Connie finally got things settled and sat with you in the car. He looks at you before starting the car. "I'll put your things together when I get to the mansion. Try to have fun with Bertholdt and make this visit worth it," Connie advises. "Thank you, Connie, I really appreciate your words."

It took you an hour to get to the hospital. You thanked Connie for dropping you off. On a normal occasion, you'd watch him drive off and continue saying bye but you couldn't waste any time today.

You reached the hospital and had to look for the lobby Bertholdt was probably in. You weren't regularly in hospitals so you were shocked to see how many floors there were for different patients. You only knew of the maternity ward.

You pulled out your phone and looked at your previous messages with Levi to find where you were supposed to go. Once you had it all figured out, you stepped into an elevator and pressed the button that would take you to Bertholdt and his dad.

When you reached the floor and left the elevator, you recognized the back of your "boyfriend's" head. He was sitting down, so you decided you'd surprise him. You crept up behind Bertholdt's seat and slowly wrapped your arms around his shoulders. He tensed up but calmed down once he recognized your hands.

"Hey, troublemaker," you greet. "Hello, y/n," Bertholdt turns his head to look up at you, "How was Connie's family?" Bertholdt could maintain a smile but his eyes didn't look happy. "They were great. Thank you for asking. Bertie...are you alright?"

You felt awful. You felt like you should have sent Bertholdt home so that he wouldn't have to do this. Not only is he probably thinking about being eliminated but he's worried about his dad too. He probably wouldn't perform as well as Connie or Jean. You would also feel like you'd have to pity him and pick him for the final part of the show. Bertholdt seemed like a guy who understands situations and will accept any outcome. Yet, you still worried about the effect of your upcoming choice.

"I'm fine. I've checked us in, so we can go see him now." Bertholdt stands up and brushes his outfit. He's wearing another sweater and dress shirt combo. He offers you his hand and you take it. Bertholdt leads you down the hospital hallway. All the doors are closed to maintain privacy.

Bertholdt gets to his father's door and is hesitant to push the door open. His free hand is wrapped around the handle but he just won't push it open. You let go of the hand he offered you and wrap your hand around his on the handle. He looks up (down???) at you with surprise. You end up helping him push the door open.

The room is dark and all you can see is a frail body laying on a hospital bed. "Pops?" Bertholdt calls out. "Bert," he lets out weakly. Bertholdt takes your hand again and tugs you along to meet his dad. "Pops...I brought my...partner...from that show I'm doing."

Bertholdt's dad cracks a smile. "That girl your sharing with all those guys?" Bertholdt's face reddens. "You're making it sound weird."

"Come closer, missie. Your name is Annie, right?"

(if your name is annie, ignore this next line 💀)

"Oh, no. My name is y/n, sir," you correct him. "Ah. You look even more beautiful in person. I've been trying to watch the show but my vision's been wonky."

"That's ok, sir. It's probably best you don't watch it. It's...chaotic. I don't think you need that in your life right now," you say with a chuckle.

"I might pass before Bertie even gets a chance to propose to you but just know you have my blessing to love, take care of him and keep him in his place. Make sure he doesn't break your heart."

Your eyes water slightly. You didn't even know this man but this was so sad. You didn't want to believe he'd die before eliminations or after that but with his state, it looked like he would.

"Alright..." you managed to get out.

If Bertholdt’s dad were to pass during your engagement or marriage, that would be something you'd have to deal with. You had no idea how Bertholdt would react to the death. You did know that it would probably delay some plans. Bertholdt would try to do things to make you both happy but you would be too worried about getting him help. And if you wanted kids...that would have to wait. Bertholdt probably wouldn't want to raise kids while he's still mourning.

Mr. Hoover begins to cough uncontrollably and Bertholdt pushes you out of the way to press the nurse/doctor button. "Hey, pops, you're gonna get help, ok? Someone's coming to help you," Bertholdt reassures his father.

Based on this interaction, you knew regardless of the situation Bertholdt would protect and care for you, whether it was giving you food after a long day or jumping in front of a bullet for you.

Gosh, you really felt bad for him.

A team of nurses and a doctor rushed in and ushered you both out without allowing either of you to say goodbye. A nurse shut the door once you were both out of the room. Bertholdt stared at the closed door for a moment. You wrapped a hand around his arm and tugged on him. “Let’s go. It’s good that I met him right? Let’s go eat. I’ll get Connie to make something for us!”

apologies if this was sad 😬 looking forward to seeing y’all’s thoughts!

[horrorstoryfanfics]

Summer To Remember: Part Three

So this one has some fluff and a little bit of tension. It also has some Xavier POV at the end. Let me know how you feel about it! If you guys like it then I’ll make sure to write more in the future ! 

Warnings: Mentions of death, gore, Trevor’s bulge, loads of Xavier being cute, some built up sexual tension, alcohol. 

Previous 

As we got into the cabin Ray was in a beanbag, Montana was on the floor with Chet, and Brooke was seated on the couch. I opted to go sit on the closest bunk, Xavier following and plopping down beside me.

"I'm going to go check on the hitchhiker guy, make sure he's okay." Brooke smiled innocently as she stood up and went out the door.

Montana raised an eyebrow and brushed it off as she looked over her shoulder to me, "So, how do you deal with Margaret as your mother?" Her eyebrow twinged up as she spoke.

"Montana!" Xavier snapped, sending a stern look her way.

She raised her hands in defense as I laughed, his demeanor changing as he saw I took it as a joke. "On a wing and a prayer," I winked as Montana chuckled lightly.

"She's very...." Montana made an implying face as she tried to find the right word.

"Overprotecting, unbearable, over the top, crazy, bogus?" I finished before she could, "Yeah those all pretty much sum her up." I sighed as I shifted a bit.

"She's off her rockers if she thinks I'm gonna listen to that no sex rule." Chet scoffed as he took a swig of his beer.

I raised an eyebrow, "Yeah and who are you fucking?"

"Maybe you if you're lucky," He winked at me before taking a sip.

"As if," I scoffed lightly as I rolled my eyes. "You aren't my type."

Chet looked hurt as if he thought he was every girls type.

"And what is your type?" Montana teased as her eyes quickly darted to the man beside me.

"Well," I started, glancing over at Xavier before looking back at the others, "I have this wicked things for blondes."

My goal was to tease Xavier, there was just something about him that brought upon my attraction. I enjoyed the look of amusement on his face whenever I teased him and I just wanted to make it happen more and more.

Xavier leaned back smugly while sending a shit eating grin over to Chet.

"Montana has more of a chance than you do," Ray joked as he took another sip of beer.

Chet pushed his shoulder, almost knocking the alcohol out of his hand, "Shut up," he sneered. Causing Ray to laugh even more.

"It just so happens that you're also my type," Xavier whispered in my ear, sending cool shivers all over my body. I kept my composure as I played it cool.

"That'll break Bertie's heart," I gasped, jokingly grabbing my heart in shock.

He shrugged coolly, "What can I say, when you find the one you gotta break some hearts."

My lips twinged into a faint smile as I bumped him with my shoulder. He bumped back which started a game of "Who could knock the other over first". And I was determined to win. We kept bumping each other until eventually he grabbed my arms and pinned me to the bedpost. My breath being taken away as I just sat there.

I cocked my eyebrow, "And what're you going to do now?"

He leaned in, no doubt about to whisper a comeback as the door slammed open. He jumped back, letting go of my arms as we all turned to stare at Brooke hurrying her way inside.

"That guy is crazy!" She said out of breath as she sat down on the couch. "He completely wigged out. I think he has a concussion."

"I mean we got him here, made sure he didn't die. Karmically, we're cool." Montana stated casually.

"He kept saying something bad was gonna happen." Brooke said as her voice rose a little in fear.

We all looked over to the door as we heard heavy footsteps approaching. The door opened unexpectedly as a man busted in.

"Hey!" He paused dramatically, "Don't you guys know you're not supposed to be coed fraternizing?"

We all looked around nervously as the man's laughter filled the room. "I'm just fucking with you," He waved his hand dismissedly, "I'm Trevor, the activities director. So technically I'm you're boss but don't worry, I'm not gonna be enforcing any of Margaret Booth's rules for godly living." He dropped his beer into the cooler, "Between you and me, I bet myself fifty bucks I'd bang her by the end of the summer."

"Good luck with that one," I laughed while making a face, "The only one my Mom gives it to is God."

He looked over at me, about to say something when Montana interjected. "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

And this brought on the uncomfortably long conversation that was a battle of Trevor and Montana's sexual tension. Montana bringing up how he was in a Jane Fonda work out video and how he had to be removed because a certain part of him was taking the focus away from Jane. And the knowledge that that was the first thing Montana masturbated too, a little tmi. They had a stare down before deciding to sneak off together to take care of said tension.

As soon as they left I let out a loud laugh, "That was a little more information than I wanted to know."

"And see," Brooke chimed in quietly, referring to the bulge that Trevor proudly placed in front of her.

"He literally just walked through the door and he's getting laid." Chet waved his hand in their direction the sound of disappointment threaded through his voice.

I rolled my eyes, standing up and brushing off my pants. "I'm going for a walk, I don't want to hear you complain about being a virgin anymore."

Chet scrambled for words, "I-I'm not a virgin."

I looked back before rolling my eyes and heading out the door.

Making my way down the steps and hearing the door open with a creak behind me. Curiously I turned around to see Xavier trotting to my side.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked casually hoping off the last step to stand beside me.

"Not at all," I smiled back, secretly I had hoped that he would.

We made it away from the main camp and into one of the dimly lit paths in the woods.

"Y/n, aren't you afraid that Mr.Jingles is out here right now?" He said beside me, trying to scare me.

"No," I looked over at him and smiled, "And if you're trying to get me to jump into your arms you're gonna need a little more ammo than trying to spook me."

He laughed lightly, "I like a girl that doesn't scare easy."

"Then you're gonna love me," I gave him a flirty side eyed look. I don't know what it was about him that drew me in but it did. After only knowing him for a total of about six hours I wanted more. I had never felt like this before and it was exciting. Even if it would just turn out to be a summer fling.

"Oh sweetheart I have no doubt." He lightly grabbed a hold of my arm and pulled me to a stop. I turned around quickly to see him pull back, "Let's stop here for a bit."

We sat down on a log and looked out across the lake, admiring the moonlight glazing over the water. The low hum of the crickets was the only sound, a nice change from the busy streets of LA.

"So what made you decide to come here?" I asked, casually trying to make conversation. I looked over at his face to see his features lightly dusted with a mixture of the moonlight and the dim camp light.

"I had some things I needed to get away from, even if it was just for a little bit." He sighed lightly as I nodded with him. "What made you decide to help Mommy dearest with this place?"

I chuckled and looked out to the lake, "Honestly, I turned her down a thousand times...I wanted nothing to do with it until she wore me down and eventually I caved." I turned towards him, our eyes meeting "And now I'm glad I did."

His nose turned up as he looked down at me with a change in his eyes, "Well I hope I can make it a summer to remember," he leaned in ever so slightly.

I also leaned in so my lips were ghosting over his, "I'm sure you will," I whispered before leaning back. The corners of my mouth turning up into a wicked smirk.

He bit his lip gently as he stared at me, "I'm really regretting my dibs now. But they're unretractable." He threw his hands up, "I was just so blinded by lust," he joked.

"You're no different now," I mocked lightly. His blue eyes now dark as he hovered over me.

He parted his lips which caused me to look down at them, "I'm not blind baby, I know exactly what I want."

My heart rate increased as his hand came to rest on top of mine, "And what is that?"

His cocky grin grew as he knew the effect he was having on me, "Whatever you can give me." He gripped my hand and leaned in so close that our noses were almost touching.

Every atom in my body was telling me to just lean in and kiss him but I enjoyed teasing him way too much. So instead I took my other hand and rested it above his knee, "Well we'll just have to see what you deserve." I squeezed his leg before I stood up.

His mouth was ajar and his eyebrows were furrowed, he looked godly but I didn't want to give up my plan of  messing with him just yet. Instead I sauntered back up to the girls cabin. In a few seconds Xavier was on my heels.

When we made it back inside the guys were sat on the couch watching the Olympics as Montana and Brooke were asleep on their bunks. The guys didn't pay any attention to us as we snuck over to the beanbag chair on the ground.

Before I could sit down Xavier sat in it first.

"I wanted to sit there," I pouted playfully stomping my foot.

He had a devilish glint in his eye, "You still can," Before I could object he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist and leaning his head on top of my shoulder.

I wanted to pretend to be annoyed, to rile him up even further but all I could focus on was how warm he was and the sweet sent of his cologne. Not to mention how comfortable I was with him this close.

Now he was the one messing with me, "Sweetheart your heart sounds like it's going to burst. Are you okay?" His lips were touching my ear as he whispered.

My mouth parted as I was going to say something but then the door slammed open, my mother bursting in. Xavier and I both jumped up, nearly stumbling over each other again.

"Boys and girls together after dark," she reprimanded, looking from me to Trevor, no doubt angry at the fact we didn't enforce her rule.

"Lights out in twenty minutes," She looked down to her watch, "The boys will leave and remove themselves from temptation." She looked accusingly at Xavier as she spat out her words.

Ray sighed and Trevor headed over to the door, opening it, "Let's go boys." Chet and Ray left sunkenly, following Trevor out the door.

Xavier gave me a wink before smiling and striding to the door, stopping in front of my Mom. "You gonna make us pray the boners away?" He challenged a cocky glint in his eyes.

Montana and I laughed as Mom turned around quickly, "A clean body is a clean mind. How many times do I have to go over the rules? Boys shower at night. No exceptions. Now go wash the filth off so you can wake up pure and refreshed for morning prayer."

He looked over his shoulder and blew me kiss before striding out after the others. I bit my lip to hold back the smile that was fighting to get free.

Mom turned around to look at me, "Whatever it is that you have going on with that boy needs to stop before he corrupts your soul."

Before I could get a word in she slammed the door shut and left.

"Bitch," I muttered. I was twenty and she had no hold over me anymore. Whatever I wanted to do and with who was my decision. Not hers. I wasn't going to let her try to dictate me anymore.

Brooke and Montana were awake now, no thanks to my mom's sudden intrusion. Brooke sat up on the bed and Montana got up to crack open another beer. I walked over to the other bed across from her and laid down, leaning against my palm.

Brooke looked uneasy so Montana sat beside her, "Look, some dickhead broke into your apartment and attacked you, that's super scary. I mean, a stranger once grabbed my boob outside a Sam Goody, so I get it. But not everyone is out to get you."

I nodded, taking in her words as Brooke sniffled. "He said he was going to come back...that he was going to find me."

I sat up, scooting to the edge of the bed, "Trauma's a bitch Brooke," I hesitated before deciding to share my story with them, "When my dad died...I was the one who found him." I paused, looking at the floor. "His guts were spilled over the tub and all over the floor. For years all I saw was that image. They also never caught who did it..." I sighed and held my hands together, "Every sound I heard, every creak in the floorboards had me convinced that the killer was back and that I was going to end up like him." I looked up at her, tears threatening to spill out, "But it turned out they were just noises. You're going to be paranoid for a while...but eventually everything turns out okay." I gave her a reassuring smile.

I felt weird telling two strangers who I just met a very personal side of me, but I saw how upset Brooke was and if my story could help her just even in the tiniest bit, I wanted to try.

Montana gave me a short smile, "She's right," she turned back to Brooke, "If you imagine the worst, that's all you see."

"You don't have to imagine the worst when it's already happened." Brooke mumbled.

Montana and I sat there listening to Brooke relive her past summer trauma. She was engaged and on the day of her wedding her fiance snapped, thought she slept with his best man when in reality she just didn't want to be alone. Her man didn't believe that and shot the best man in the head, Brooke's dad, and then killed himself. It was horrific.

I just sat there in shock, we've all been through something or another that's made us who we are. We all are just hoping for something good, hopefully it can be this camp.

Xavier's POV

"I can't see shit," I mumbled while I swung the light in front of me, trying to get any kind of clarity. "If you had to give up one of your five senses which one would it be?" I asked, turning around to the others.

"Smell, definitely." Ray said.

"Yeah but then you could never smell bacon." Chet stated. He did have a point there. But out of all the senses I think that's the easiest one to justify losing.

We all were walking through the dark aimlessly. Ray and I were the only ones who had flashlights. They weren't really doing much for us as we stumbled over to the showers. Almost every step stumbling over rocks or vines.

"Montana's skin smells like vanilla frosting." Trevor said dreamily, "We had a real connection down there at the lake. Like a...meeting of the souls. First base never felt so good."

"Wait," Chet paused, "All you did was kiss?"

"'Course not," Trevor said as he strode radically.

"That's what first base means." Chet said matter of factly.

"Maybe for you.." Trevor said as Chet felt embarassed for the thousandth time tonight.

"If he gets dibs on Montana, and Xavier has Y/n, then I get first shot at Brooke." Ray said.

"Y/n, nice. She's real cute." Trevor held out his hand for me to fist bump and I did while a smirk played across my lips.

"Talk about connection," I patted my chest over my heart lightly. My thoughts ran back to her. She was fiery and didn't give in to me as easy as other girls did. I liked it, it was a different feeling.

"Wait..." Chet paused, "Who does that leave for me?"

"Margaret," Trevor stated. I stifled a laugh as Ray couldn't keep his in.

I walked over and patted Chet's shoulder. "Yeah you can be my new father in law." The others laughed while Chet shook my hand off and stormed inside the showers.

We all followed inside, genuinely forgetting how much of a shit hole the showers really were. I took the flashlight as I strolled through the showers as I scoffed, "Where's all the towels and little soaps?"

"This isn't a spa." Trevor said as he chucked a towel at me, "Here, I brought two." I caught it and thanked him casually, I genuinely didn't want to walk all the way back up to the cabin.

We all started undressing by the lockers, Ray brought a radio and turned it on. I was actually shocked it got reception out here.

I started washing all across my body, over my chest, down my arms, all over.

"So what base did you make it to with Y/n when you two snuck off?" Ray raised an eyebrow as he played with the toothpick in his mouth.

I smirked, "None yet, I'm along for the ride." I paused remembering how close we were to kissing and how I wanted nothing more than to taste her and see if her lips were as soft as they looked. "She's doing things to me man." I sighed, already wanting to see her again.

"I hear ya," Trevor agreed as he sent a wink over to me. "Montana is just something else." He turned over to me and tilted his head back, "Maybe summer love is real."

My head shot up as he said the word "love". It wasn't something I had thought of or even felt in a really long time. But it could be at play here, considering I'm not just thinking with my dick.

"When Brooke came and helped me bandage up my hand...I dunno. I just felt something too." Ray took the toothpick out and shook it while he looked up to the sky, thinking.

"Great well while you all find the one I guess I'll just be jacking off in the cabin alone." Chet huffed, he started scrubbing his body harder in annoyance.

"Don't lose hope yet Chet," I started, "You still have Margaret." I bit back a smile as he hurled the soap at me, I ducked before it could hit me as I couldn't hold my laughter anymore.

"Rita is cute.." Trevor mentioned, I nodded in agreement.

"Rita would kill him before he could even get a word in." Ray mentioned, he was kidding but there was a bit of truth to his words.

Trevor laughed, "Yeah she'd probably stab you with a needle as soon as you walked in." We all laughed as Chet scoffed.

The lights suddenly powered down.

"Guess our 20 minutes is up," I mumbled as I quickly rinsed the remaining soap and turned the water off.

When we were finished Ray and Chet immediately fell asleep, leaving me to stare up at the ceiling. My thoughts circling back to Y/n. I'd just met her today but something felt different about her and I just wanted to make sure she was safe. Like back at the campfire, I could tell she was getting a little tense about all the Mr.Jingles talk...I just wanted to help her.

Next

"This camp," Trevor whispered as I looked over at him, "Has a way of making people feel things." I turned so I was laying on my side, completely facing him now. "Like making that guy snap all those years ago, what if we're snapping in our own good ways."

Next

Taglist: @felicityofbakerstreet​

[canoncannon]

I love these little ficlets! 😍 Any chance of a Desus/His Dark Materials crossover, if you've ever read that? I think Daryl's daemon would be a coyote 🐕 but it doesn't have to be. Thanks in advance!

Sorry this took forever! Also the daemons here might not behave like those in His Dark Materials… it’s been forever since I read it, I just vaguely remember the animal spirits :-/ Hope it’s ok!

And lastly, a huge thank you @saintdixie for letting me steal the idea of Paul as a playful fox from your AU :)

The first few days Daryl spent at the Hilltop, Maggie hardly saw him. She sometimes caught a glimpse of his grayish coyote daemon, always with its tail between its legs and its scruffy ears pulled back, slouching around buildings as Daryl fled from her–from the conversation they needed to have. Maggie’s otter daemon tried a couple of times to approach, but even that sent the coyote whimpering away.

Daryl and Maggie have their talk, finally, and it helps a little. Daryl at least stops living outside to avoid her. He still hardly speaks to anyone, though, and spends much of his time cleaning weapons, making bolts, and otherwise preparing to fight.

It’s why she’s so surprised the first time she sees the coyote scurry behind a bush, moving faster than she’s seen it go in weeks, loping after Jesus’s bright orange fox daemon. Jesus just returned from a trip to Alexandria with Rick and Michonne in tow, and a small group of early risers are sitting together for breakfast around a campfire. By all appearances Daryl and Jesus are ignoring each other: Daryl is eating by himself in the shadows against a tree, and Jesus is sitting on a bench talking to a small group of Hilltoppers.

At first Maggie assumes the daemons must be fighting. Then she sees the coyote lower its head to its front paws, tail wagging hesitantly, as the fox slinks around a table and darts away again. Daryl’s daemon catches up in a flash and pins the fox easily.

Maggie’s eyebrows shoot up as the coyote grooms the fox’s ear for a moment before Jesus’s daemon wriggles free. This time the fox chases the coyote, pouncing wildly and missing its prey as the coyote rushes around the edges of the campfire circle, skidding in the dirt.

Others in the group start to notice as the daemons pick up speed.

Daryl stands suddenly, whistles, and walks towards the gate, scooping up his crossbow as he goes. He might be blushing, but Maggie can’t tell for sure in the early morning light. His daemon follows, head high, and Jesus’s fox jumps to perch on a table. It watches them go on their hunt, licking at its paw delicately, even though Jesus doesn’t turn away from telling some kind of story to Dante, Bertie, Enid, and Sasha.

Rick steps up beside Maggie and grins, leaning in a bit so no one else can hear. “Those daemons, they’ve been doing that ever since Jesus stole our sorghum truck.“