#went from being confused and shocked at their on track comradery to just accepting it for what it is

[skitskatdacat63]

"The Boy With The Thorn in His Side"(x) - The Smiths × 2023 Strollonso moments + pundits' reactions

[s-creations]

Return the Flames - Chapter 1

All at Dead Bird Studios knew of Amos' (The Conductor's) ability. How the owl could suddenly erupt into flames if angered enough. When the studio first opened, Dominic (DJ Grooves) was told that Amos had his ability under control. Nothing to worry about. No possible loss of anything from an open flame.

A few years later however, and that control seems to have lessened to a dangerous degree.

It should have just been a simple, week long drive to fix the problem. It really should have been.

Dominic should have asked a lot more questions and should have been prepared for a twist ending.

_________________

Fandom: A Hat in Time Rating: General Audience Relationships/Pairings: The ConductorXDJ Grooves Warnings: Eventual depictions of violence, slow burn relationship, named characters, attempt of an accent, being hunted down, a race against time (sort of).

 It’s amazing how one outside source could influence an entire planet and change it’s view. Okay, maybe the ‘entire planet’ might be an exaggerated size. But, big key players were involved with the overall growth. So, it felt as if the world shifted when the time wielding child left to race among the stars once more.

 Mustache Girl, discovered to be named Mu when the dust settled, had seemingly disappeared. Her usual hideout had been cleared out. With no signs of her remaining there or found to be anywhere else on Mafia Island. There was a theory that Mu had hopped onto one of the many shipment boats and had left said island as soon as she could. If that was true, it would be nearly impossible to find her. No one could fully tell if this was a good or bad thing.

 The Mafia boss had officially retired when he couldn’t find a new body to use. Apparently the price      was    too high to pay for someone to give up their own. Losing that intimidating edge and just being gross, he announced his leave and traveled to the nearby mainland. There he found his new calling: being the store manager to a small fish market operation. Apparently, no one wanted to argue about prices against a goo of a human being that survived in a jar. Between the harsh words and rather disturbing appearance, people lost their argumentative spark quickly.

 The rest of the Mafia scrambled to figure out what to do with themselves. It took a lot of soul searching and late night conversations for a solution to be found. They reached the conclusion that they all worked better when they’re told what to do and decided to turn the island town into a high end luxury resort. Cooking Cat had taken the chief helm and taught a large team of Mafia members how to be proper cooks. It would be bad if a customer complained about food poisoning.

 Subcon Forest, while still downright terrifying and with Vanessa a heavy threat over the citizens, had seen the number of lost souls consumed by that place dropped. The Snatcher had apparently changed stance on determining which souls were meant to be taken. Namely those who were weighed down by a lot of sins. If asked, he would claim it was due to those being more filing when eaten. No one had the needed bravery to really question the twisted spirit’s reasoning. So, more living beings started leaving the woods. Confused, with their souls still in place, and all at the cost of a high-five.

 But the biggest change came from Dead Bird Studio. If one was interested in movies (which was a good majority of the planet) they knew of the rivalry that ran that place. Or      did     run that place. The Conductor and DJ Grooves announced, shortly after Hat Kid’s departure, that their feud was over. More or less. Everyone knew that years of animosity couldn’t be solved or swept under the rug, to be forgotten about overnight.

 So, it was an difficult uphill battle to learn what it meant to actually work together peacefully. Between Conductor’s anger and Grooves’ rather smug attitude, it was a hard progress. Both directors used a lot of late nights to find even ground. After a few months, they had reached a level of comradery that couldn’t really be qualified as ‘being friends’. Business partners was probably the best title.

 Which was still an achievement to marvel at, if Grooves was completely honest. But the worry of getting into a shouting match with Amos was now at the bottom of Dominic’s list.

 When the studio had been open for the first few months, they gained the title as the ‘studio with the hot headed director’. Dominic seeing first hand how deranged the other could become. The penguin could chalk it up to first time jitters. After all, opening up a business in the same building with someone you deemed as a rival was not the most calming experience. Add on top of that the tense world of film making and Grooves was surprised he didn’t eventually turn to biting off a few heads when things went wrong. But as Amos’ anger seemed to grow, Grooves began to worry that the director was going to have a heart attack from his numerous outbursts.

 What he was not expected was for the owl to suddenly have his ears erupt into      flames    . The only thing that pulled Dominic from his shocked state of mind when the sprinklers suddenly activated. All in attendance having to evacuate until the place was dried out.

 Unable to ask Amos directly (and already knowing the director wouldn’t have answered his questions anyway) Dominic had gone to the Express Owls for answers. He had been told that their director suddenly creating flames was something normal to see. Amos even had occasions where he would actually have smoke rising off of him. The penguin asked how this was even possible. As far as he knew, this was not a normal occurrence, and working with someone who could burst into flames at any time seemed a dangerous factor. Especially if it became a worry they’d lose the studio because of this. But Dominic was assured that Amos had his ability under control. That day was just a build up of bad moments that tore at the owl’s patient until it was just released.

 That didn’t mean Dominic didn’t start carrying around a small fire extinguisher whenever he had to be near Amos.

 Amos, on his part, was not a bird who opened up about anything. So, he never explained to anyone why he had this ability, with the Express Owls just accepting the idea their boss could handle himself. And, true to their word, Dominic didn’t see that many open flames coming from the angry owl. During their early years that was.

 Now, however, the worry had reached a new level of concern. Because Amos’ anger seemed to have suddenly grown. Even after the feud was put away. The control the other director had over the years seeming to have disappeared. Now the owl bursting into flames, full flames covering his body, when his mood was even. With another worry arising when he was around open flames and his anger made those grow dangerously. So much so, Dominic put his foot down on allowing open flame to be anywhere near the studio. Which annoyed Amos as now his movies lost a touch of authenticity. In turn causing the owl’s already short fuse to become shorter.

 It had become a dangerous, endless cycle. One that Dominic had to intervene before things got too out of hand. Something he was going to take care of today. Because he was afraid if he waited too long, they’d lose the studio they’d just started to work together in.

 Recording was done for the day and the studio practically empty as Dominic made his way to the Western-themed portion of the building. Asking a few lingering owls where their director was, he was directed towards Amos’ office. The partially closed door had light emitting from the cracks. Dominic gave his thanks before heading over. Raising his hand up to knock, the penguin paused hearing Amos’ daughter’s name.

 “Amelia...no, listen… Aye, ‘m aware. But you’re in no condition ta take me… I know, I know… No, flyin’ is too dangerous. Ya know know I hate those death machines and there’s no easy exit for me ta take in case of… In case I have an episode.”

  Dominic leaned against the wall, frowning. He probably shouldn’t be listening in.

 “There are no tracks that run there. Besides, the train will be in use. I can’t change that just ta better me. No- no, that’s not what I mean… People rely on the train… I don’t know who ta ask. I don’t know anyone who would want ta travel that far.”

 Amos laughed softly after a pause on his end. “Uh oh, someone sounds fussy… Aye, I'll keep ya up ta date as best I can… No, no, don’t ya fret about this. I’ll figure somethin’ out. Rest well Amelia, I’ll call tomorrow. ...Love ya too.”

 There was the clatter of something heavy hitting the table. Dominic could only assume it was the owl’s phone being dropped. Braving his chance, the penguin pushed the door open. He found Amos, bent over the writing table with a discarded cell phone next to him. The owl looked in complete shambles.

 Feathers were ruffled, randomly sticking out at odd ends. Some were even starting to turn gray. The familiar white button up had its sleeves rolled up over the elbows, the cross suspenders hanging limply from the black pants they were connected to. The similarly colored jacket was pooled at the Conductor’s feet.

 “If ya have somethin’ ta say, come in and get it out.”

 Amos’ growl broke Dominic’s stupor and the penguin closed the door behind him as he entered. “So-”

 “How much did ya hear.”

 “Enough that you know that you need to get somewhere with no reliable way to get there.” Dominic answered, pulling another chair towards the table.

 “Didn’t know ya were one for eavesdroppin’. Hopin’ ta find a usable script for yer movies?”

 “I’m going to ignore that last comment. I came to see if you were okay. Your ability is getting out of control and it’s becoming a concern. More than it’s been previously.”

 “‘M aware of that. That’s what I was tryin’ to fix.”

 “You need a ride to get there? To wherever this ‘fix’ is supposed to be.”

 “Great deductive skills.”

 Dominic let out a heavy sigh, tamping down the slowly rising anger within. “What I’m trying to say is that if you need a ride, I would like to offer my assistance.”

 Amos sat up at that, ears perked up. “...What?”

 “I will offer you a ride.”

 “Ya don’t even know where I’m goin’!”

 “It seems you’re desperate to get where you need to go. With your flares, it would be foolish for you to travel alone or in a confined place that you wouldn’t be able to leave when you needed.. So, let me help you.”

 “...Are we...alright enough with each other ta be stuck in a car? Together? For so long?”

 “How long is this journey?”

 “I need ta get ta Starlight Peak.”

 “I- That’s halfway across the planet!”

 “Ya can see why this is a bit of an issue fer me.”

 “Why do you need to get there?”

 The owl huffed, ruffling his feathers further. “I’ll explain, if ya promise you’ll take me, and ya don’t ask further questions.”

 “Those are pretty high demands.” Dominic crossed his arms.

 “This...is not somethin’ I want a lot of people to know about.”

 Dominic wasn’t ready for that answer. For as long as he’d known Amos, the owl has never been one to share any personal information. It took Dominic almost 8 years to learn he had a daughter and a few more months to know about his grandchildren. Which was really the only thing Dominic knew. Amos was short tempered but closed-lipped. Loud but private.

 So, seeing him here, quiet and withdrawn, ears folded and arms crossed…

 Dominic didn’t like it.

 “I will take you and I will not share with anyone what you’re about to tell me.”

 “And…”

 “And I will not ask further questions.”

 Taking that as an adequate answer, Amos sat up and faced Dominic properly. “I have this… ‘condition’ where I have this… I have fire burning in me.”

 “Ah...I wasn’t ready for that. Wait, like an actual fire?”

 “Aye, where did ya think my fire came from?”

 “To be honest, I’m not really sure. Now that I know however, it kind of makes sense.”

 “Well, that fire is burnin’ brighter everyday. More than what I can contain and control. There’s something at the peak that will help tamper that fire back down.”

 “Tamper the fire down? What does that-”

 “Ah, ya said ya wouldn’t ask questions!”

 “Alright! Alright…” Dominic raised his hands in defense as Amos glared him down. As the owl sat back down, Dominic felt himself relax. “It’ll take us at least a week to get there and back.”

 “Aye, ‘m aware.”

 “We’ll need to shut down the studio for that long.”

 “Ya worried about fallin’ behind on filming.”

 “You wish. I’m more worried about the paparazzi. If they get wind of this, they’ll have a field day wondering where we’re going.”

 Amos groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Peck, I forgot about that. Do ya think we could slip out without the peckin’ buzzards findin’ out?”

 “You’re joking, right? The first day we don’t open, they’ll be hunting us down. If not the day before we depart. Speaking of, when do we need to leave? I’m assuming the sooner the better.”

 “That would be ideal. But I do have a few things ta take care of before we do.”

 “How about the day after tomorrow?”

 Amos nodded to that suggestion. “Sounds like our best idea.”

 “Best get to packing then.”

 “Aye...and leave your peckin’ platform shoes here!”

 “You just don’t care for style.”

 “Do ya really want ta climb a mountain side in those shoes?”

 “...Fair point.”

[hurricane-jenn]

Another Suitcase in Another Hall

Or the three times Amelia Shepherd left, and the one time she stayed.

This is a fic I’ve been wanting to write for awhile now. It’s based on one of my favourite songs from the musical Evita. It is a flashback on Amelia’s life, including what should have happened at the end of 13x9. Thanks @jordan202​ for being my beta, and thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber for making me cry every time I hear this song.

I don't expect my love affairs to last for long Never fool myself that my dreams will come true Being used to trouble, I'd anticipate it But all the same I hate it, wouldn't you

It’s important to know when you’re not welcome and Amelia Shepherd could tell that time had come. Her family hated her. They pretended to be there for her, to support her, but she knew she was only bringing them down. Hell Derek had to literally save her life; you can’t come back from that. Slowly it begins to tear a family apart. She knew they loved her, but there was only so much they could suffer through at her hand. She was clean now, she knew it would stick this time, but none of them seemed to believe her. As long as she was still in her mother’s home she would not be able to move on from who she was. She needed a fresh start; she had gotten into med school, despite all of her siblings doubting her ability. She may have been a druggie but she was not stupid. She didn’t tell any of her family members, but she was determined to go off and prove she could do it. She would no longer be the black sheep of the family. She didn’t tell any of them she was leaving, she didn’t even say goodbye. She just left a note.

Mom, Derek and sisters,

I am so sorry for all that I have put you through. I know how much of a burden I have been for this family, and how much pain and worry I have caused. I can’t see you all suffer anymore. I am clean now, I know I am, but I need some space to live with it. I need to meet new people who won’t immediately think I will relapse when I have a bad day. I love you all, but I need some time to prove to you and myself that I can do this.

And with that Amelia picked up her bag and left the only home she had ever known. This was the first race in a life time of running.

So what happens now? (Another suitcase in another hall) So what happens now? (Take your picture off another wall) Where am I going to? (You'll get by, you always have before) Where am I going to?

Working with Doctor Ginsberg was Amelia’s dream job; she would have given anything to keep it. But when the choice came between keeping her job and saving a patient she chose her patient. Sure what she did was reckless and risky, but the patient survived didn’t she? Leave it to Addie to keep her in check.

“You could be a great surgeon, but right now you’re not half as good as you think you are.” The words Addison had yelled at her kept ringing in her head. She could be great, but yet again she let herself get in the way. She quit her job chasing some god complex. She convinced herself that she was doing it for the patient, but she was really doing it for herself, to prove she could, to show off to her ex-sister-in-law and her colleagues. She convinced herself that leaving home and going to med school were good for her, but in the end she found herself still chasing a high, this time a surgical one. Amelia was disappointed in herself; she had come full circle yet again. Confused and upset she wandered down to the beach. She saw Sam sitting on a log and sat down to join him. Thinking she would find comradery in her brother’s old friend, she was surprised by the reception she received.

“What are you even doing here?” he asked. “Running around watching surgeries, watching other people’s lives, trying to fix things and not doing anything about your own life.”

Sam’s words stung, but he was right. Her life was a mess, and even after all these years she was still running from her family. Maybe it was time for a fresh start.

“Sam,” she started. “What if I came here? What if I came to work for you guys, or at the hospital? I just can’t go back there, and I can’t go to Seattle and admit to my brother that I’ve ruined things again. I know what he would say, Hurricane Amelia in full swing again, taking out everything in her path.”

Sam took a moment to absorb what Amelia said before replying, “Amelia, you need to think about why you would be coming here. Are you running towards something or just running away again?”

Amelia felt her eyes begin to tear up, “What if it’s both? What if in escaping my past, I end up finding my future?”

“Well,” Sam replied. “There’s only one way to find out.”

And with that Amelia set off on another marathon, once a runner always a runner.

Time and time again, I've said that I don't care That I'm immune to gloom that I'm hard through and through But every time it matters, all my words desert me So anyone can hurt me and they do

“American Airlines Flight 429 to Seattle is now boarding, please proceed to the gate and have your photo ID ready.”

Amelia stood and gathered her bag. This was it; she was on her way to see her brother, to try to gain some perspective on her life. James had proposed, and in typical Amelia fashion she freaked out and jumped the first plane to Seattle. Sure her life was back on track, she had a great job, a great guy, and she’d been clean for almost three years, but that didn’t stop the familiar panic from settling in. She wasn’t ready to be someone’s wife, to settle down. She had thought she was ready with Ryan and look how that turned out. She was a mess, she had only just gotten her life on track, and she wasn’t ready for this. This was just her yet again trying to fill the void with something, this time a man.

But she loved James, she did. Maybe this was what she needed. Or maybe she was just fooling herself thinking she could make it work this time.

James called her on her first night in Seattle, though he didn’t understand why she had to go he was very understanding and tried to accept what she needed to do. She reassured him she would be back, that this was a temporary trip.

She filled her days with time at the hospital and her nights with phone calls to James. He was becoming more and more frustrated at her absence, and less and less understanding about why.

She packed her schedule with surgery after surgery, and barely returned to Derek’s in the evenings. Her calls to James became few and far between, and soon she forgot she even had a fiancé. One day she realised she had begun building a life for herself here in Seattle, and the life she had once envisioned with James was no longer part of the plan.

She had been scared of the future, so she changed it. She ran away from the life that was laid out before her. With one simple email, she jumped back in that race and started tracking the miles.

James,

You deserve more than this email. You deserve someone who would have the decency to tell you this to you face. But I’m not that person. I can’t be that person. And you deserve the chance to find that person. You are an amazing man who deserves love and happiness and everything else life has to offer. I can’t give you those things, I wish I could but I can’t.

I’m so sorry for all I have put you through. You saved me when I needed you most, and I wish I could do the same for you, but I just can’t.

I wish you all the best, Amelia

Call in three months time and I'll be fine I know Well, maybe not that fine but I'll survive anyhow I won't recall the names and places of this sad occasion But that's no consolation, here and now

Owen, Don’t make this all your fault. I know you, that’s what you do. Please, please don’t do that.

That was it? She didn’t even continue the rest of the letter. Owen slammed his fist down on the table. Why did he have to screw up every relationship? Why did every woman he loved have to leave? Cristina, his sister, his best friend Teddy. In their own way they all left him. He had so hoped that Amelia would be the one to stay. She was the one he couldn’t bare to lose.

He crumped the note and set off towards their bedroom, ready to be rid of this day. What should he even do now? He didn’t know what his life looked like without her, because truthfully his life only really began when he met her. Everything before that was just pain. She was his ray of sunlight, his happiness.

Entering their room, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the familiar figure of his wife sitting on the edge of their bed, head in her hands.

“Amelia?” he asked, not sure if what he was seeing was real, or just a figment of his imagination. She left, didn’t she? Yet here she was like he hoped she would be, still with him.

“I’m sorry Owen,” Amelia sobbed. “I tried to leave, I packed a bag, I left a note, like I’ve done so many times before. But as I went to leave I just couldn’t walk out of this room. Our room.”

Owen stared at his wife in shock unsure how to respond. A second ago he had thought she left him, but here she was now sitting on their bed, a vision before him. He was mad, of course he was. She let him think she was leaving him, that she had left him, when all along she was still here. He wanted to stay mad at her, but his relief was too strong to let any anger out. His wife was still here, in front of him. She didn’t go.

“I’m tired of running,” Amelia continued. “I can’t do it anymore, not to you and not to us. This is too important to me.”

“So then why are you so upset?” Owen asked sitting down gingerly beside her. He didn’t fully understand what she was saying, but in that moment all that really mattered was that she was sitting beside him.

“I don’t know how to stay,” she choked out. “I’ve never done it before. Things get hard and I run. I’ve never wanted to stay and make things work before.”

“Oh Amelia,” Owen sighed. “We don’t need all the answers right now. We have the rest of our lives to work these things out. What matters to me is that you’re here now, staying is half the battle. When things got tough you didn’t walk out on me, on us. I think if we can overcome that we can overcome anything.”

“Are you sure about that?” Amelia asked her husband.

“Amelia, I’m sure about us,” and with that Owen pulled her into his arms and held her safe.

After a life time of running, Amelia Shepherd had finally reached the finish line.

So what happens now? (Another suitcase in another hall) So what happens now? (Take your picture off another wall) Where am I going to? (You'll get by, you always have before) Where am I going to? (Don’t ask anymore)