woodsborosheriff

[woodsborosheriff]

James + arms [1/∞]

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

Despite how hard it was for her to do, Sidney responded to Dewey by looking up at him just after he asked. Conversations like these weren’t easy to have. And, it was incredibly rare for Sidney to relive the painful, and awful memories of her past. Most of her feelings regarding her mother’s death and that night, she repressed. Letting them in was far too crippling for her. The night it all happened, Sidney was sent to stay with the Riley’s while her father grieved and took care of answering questions and making further arrangements. Tatum had never pressured Sidney to talk about what she remembered and even helped her get her mind off of it. Dewey, too. Though, Dewey seemed a little more distant at the time. Angry, almost? Sidney could remember the three of them sitting in the living room watching old reruns on the TV one night. Sidney sat in the middle, under the blanket with Tatum while Dewey sat beside them. She remembered looking over at the side of his face and wondering what he was thinking about. He was quiet, reserved, and almost looked like he had dazed off. Sidney wasn’t sure why her mind reverted to that moment instead of a happier one. Maybe because she still had questions. Like, what was going through his mind in that moment and where did he go when he left the room? Just as Sidney was prepared to ask him that question and bring up that memory, Dewey surprised her by suggesting that one of his tattoos may have been for her mom, Maureen. “What?” Sidney stared at him, breathless, and full of wonder. “No. But, is there one? And if so, which tattoo? Show me…” Sidney leaned forward a little more to run one of her hands down the buttons of Dewey’s dress shirt, as if implying that he loosen it up so she could see. She’d do it herself but, she wasn’t sure she had it in her to be that forward or demanding with him yet. Baby steps.

“By the way, you and me both,” Sidney laughed, while trying to draw herself away from the mental ledge in her mind. She’s thought a lot about what she’d say to her mother’s murderer or what she’d do to him, but she’s never actually been there to confront him. Following the trial of her mother’s murder, there was a lot of questions about the man responsible. Some people wondered if he even really did it. The jury believed Sidney, as it was her convincing testimony that helped put the man she believed was responsible, behind bars. Though, what if the doubters and naysayers were right though? And he wasn’t the one responsible? Sidney tried not to think like that. The guilt and doubt would eat away at her until there was nothing left. She couldn’t stomach it. “Ah, yes. Kim…” Sidney nodded, while quirking an eyebrow at Dewey. “Beautiful but, not beautiful enough…” Sidney muttered under her breath, in regards to herself now, not Kim. She sighed and forced a smile that suggested it wasn’t a big deal even though, at the time it definitely felt like that. Dewey had a way of reeling her in, only to toss her back out again on the same fishing rod. She never thought he did it intentionally, he was just looking out for himself and her. He tried not to embarrass her but she still got embarrassed anyway. Her feelings for him were always very sensitive and sometimes Sidney used to wish she never felt anything at all for Dewey. But, she did and she couldn’t stop it no matter what she tried or did. Even now, she was trying to put up a wall with him but then Dewey said things … things that gave her hope and her resolve faltered miserably. “Okay…” Sidney was starting to relent, “Let’s say, I like you, too–” even though that was already obvious and has long since been established, “–and this date turns out to be one of the best I ever had and I come to this conclusion that I wanted to try it again, how would that work? I want to tell Tatum but, what if this doesn’t last and I tell her and she ends up hating me and I lose both of you? If this doesn’t work out Dewey, I don’t think I could ever go back to being around you the way it was before all of this. It was bad enough having to hide how I felt for all these years, watching you show interest in anyone else who wasn’t me. If this doesn’t work, I can’t go back to the way things were before. I’d have to move on without you. As in, never see you again. You do know that, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Dewey countered playfully as Sidney insisted he was lying or maybe she was just in disbelief because he’d never mentioned it until now. Why was that? Well, for one he didn’t want to upset her and he thought the tattoo might. It was a reminder, sketched into his tanned flesh, forever. He didn’t want her to have to think about her mother every time she looked at him. He wasn’t sure why he thought that would be such a bad thing? Maybe because Sidney was very sensitive when it came to her mom and who wouldn’t be? However, Dewey didn’t get it for Sidney, the tattoo was for Maureen. He had a lot of love for that warmhearted woman and a whole lotta love for her daughter, too. “Come on. You know.” Dewey’s eyes took on a shimmer of sadness before Sidney reached across the table to check for herself. She must have missed the painful look in his eyes and he was glad she did because he preferred the playful moment. Or maybe she didn’t miss it at all and preferred to be positive, as well. It’s what her mama would have wanted. “It was my third tattoo. It’s the one on my neck,” Dewey didn’t show it off a whole lot and it was always partially hidden behind the collar of his uniform or leather jacket but in this moment, Dewey loosened up his shirt and pulled the black collar down so she could get a better look at the ink. The tattoo was of a coffin, dressed in a ribbon and decorated with a cross. Dewey couldn’t get the image out of his head after visiting her mother’s casket. It ate at him for weeks and gave him nightmares but then one night he dreamt of a warm light over it, over Maureen and she was at peace with herself. He could feel her presence and she was happy knowing Dewey was watching over Sidney, that his entire family was. “I never showed you because it was a touchy subject. But when I saw your mom’s coffin, I couldn’t get it out of my head. I was angry and confused and ... and then I had this dream of sunlight on her casket and I felt her warmness again. I don’t know, thinking about her resting place wasn’t as ...depressive after that. She’s safe now and she’s in heaven and I have no doubt in my mind that she’s been watching over you. Just like I have been.” Dewey held her hand, spreading a comfort of warmth over her like the one in his dream. “I’m sorry if it upsets you. But it just reminds me that she’s safe and at rest and here with us. I think about your mother, Sidney, every time I take a job. I’m thinking about her now...with everything that’s been going on in Woodsboro. I keep her with me and when I find this person, I will not show mercy.” Woodsboro wasn’t always going to be Murderville. Dewey was going to make sure of it. Even if that meant killing a few psychopaths himself. 

“I’m sorry if this isn’t exactly first date talk...but maybe, we’ve had hundreds of first dates, here and there without ever really labeling it. I mean, every time we’re alone together...it’s always meant something to me, Sid. You’ve seen sides of me that no one else even knew were there. You encouraged me to follow my dreams and get behind a badge. You knew my potential was better reached at the sheriff station, running the show rather than from behind bars which is exactly where I would have ended up if I wasn’t so inspired by your...rays of warmth. So thank you, Sid. I may not be one of your crisis center regulars, but...I’m definitely a fan. I’m alive because of you. A lot of people are. So, whatever happens, don’t lose yourself okay? Keep the red hair and the gorgeous smile...a lot of people are depending on it. I know I am.” Dewey brushed his thumb over her knuckles before leaning forward to kiss her hand. A waitress then interrupted them for a moment and apologized after noticing they were in the middle of something intimate. “It’s fine.” Dewey assured the woman before accepting a refill on their glasses. She then took their orders. Dewey ordered the medium rare steak and insisted that Sidney orders anything her heart and stomach desired. He didn’t care how much things cost. Sure, sheriffs don’t make a fortune, but ripping off outlaws do, and that was another one of Dewey’s little secrets. He may have been the sheriff but he learned really, really quickly that it’s harder to hold onto your morals when you’re thrusted into his line of work. 

“Beautiful but not beautiful enough?” Dewey came out of his reverie with a small and questioning smile. She was referring to one of his old flings, Kim, but was she really? He could tell she didn’t believe this was real, still.  She thought he was playing her or charming her? Like she was just another one of his conquests even though he already told her he wasn’t some polo-wearing frat boy. Dewey could see the gears turning in her mind and more than anything he wanted to just stand up, walk over to her, cup her face in his rough hands and kiss her again so she’d stop. “Listen to me, you’re not going to lose anyone.” anyone else. Dewey would make damn sure of it. Sidney had lost enough people already. More than most people her age. “You don’t think I know this, Sid? That, I’ve thought about it a hundred thousand times? That’s why it took me seven years... I knew I would ruin our friendship and your bond with Tate. But, this? It’s not some flaky thing, I’m not messing with your head. I wouldn’t do that. You know I wouldn’t do that.” Dewey’s eyes leveled with hers, unwilling to break contact. “Listen to me. I would never be responsible for ruining your friendship with my sister and losing anymore people, okay? We’re your family. No one is giving up on you, especially not Tatum. Look, I tried to talk myself out of this but...I just can’t seem to. Maybe I’m selfish, maybe I’m...” Dewey rubbed a hand down his face, scratching lightly at his beard. “...You’re not a fling, okay? If I could go back, I would have done this three years ago.” When she was 18. Because despite feelings, there was always that uncomfortable age gap. Even if Dewey wanted to do something back then he couldn’t have. It wouldn’t have been right. He would have felt like he was taking advantage of a young girl’s crush. He cared way too much about Sidney to do something like that to her. “Ask me anything you want to know about me, Sid. And if you still have reservations afterwards, you can back out. But I won’t. I’m here. On this roof. On my first date. Trying to prove to you...that I can be better. That we can be better. That we can be more.” 

[woodsborosheriff]

tatumrvley:

“Hm— a tempting offer, but I don’t have any enemies right now.” At least none that would benefit from a good scare from the local cops. She doubted that Jake coming face to face with someone that had actual authority to investigate the crimes would stop him from spouting his crazy theory that Stu was the killer; even if she wished it would. “And you probably have more important things to do.” Considering the current situation they found themselves in.

“We can start with the small errands.” Though it did feel almost like being back at home, sitting in the passenger seat of a cruiser and thinking of the best way to rib her older brother. Despite everything happening around them, she was learning to appreciate the little things that she’d taken for granted before. Hopping in her brother’s car and helping him pack a bag. “It’s mostly Sidney calm down, no random strangers are walking up with offers of ice cream.”

“I guess that’s a good thing? No enemies in Woodsboro. That’s no easy feat.” Dewey started to smile until Tatum mentioned him having more important things to do than tending to her. Is that how she felt? Or what she thought? She made it sound like he didn’t care about her. “Why do you say things like that?” Dewey could sense her playful demeanor dwindling and taking on a somewhat bitter edge, like his coffee after it got cold. “You know I only work as hard as I do so I can keep you safe? You, Sidney, mom and dad. Do you feel like I left you after I moved out? Like I just stopped caring or somethin?” the drive to his apartment wasn’t long, just a few blocks down, around 30 minutes from their family house. 

“Well, if you do encounter a stranger with ice cream, what do you do? You scream stranger danger, I know you remember that one.” Dewey nudged her playfully before exiting the cruiser. Tatum was right of course, his apartment was small and empty, like no one was even living there. There were no pictures or decorations, there wasn’t even any furniture. Only a bed in his bedroom and a refrigerator in the kitchen which was empty. “So what do you think?” as they walked past a punching bag on the floor, split in half, Dewey tried forcing her attention away from it and away from the blood on the floor right beside it. He was angry that night and drunk, and didn’t stop hitting the bag until it ripped. 

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

It was normal for girls growing up, especially in high school, to want to blend in. Sidney knew better than anyone that sticking out like a sore thumb meant you would easily be ridiculed. Not that Sidney’s ever faced much of that. Well not, until her mom was murdered. And then she became the topic of gossip around Woodsboro and the bud of most jokes. She was a celebrity after that. All her efforts to blend in were thrown right out of the window. She couldn’t die her hair, she couldn’t change her style, or even get fresh ink like he did in order to hide. She’d have to change her name and even that wouldn’t really help. “Well, that explains the weird look you gave me after I did it.” Sidney was referring to her blonde hair. That happened after her mom’s death. She thought if she changed her appearance, people would talk about something else but then the psychiatrists and therapists just thought it was another sign of help and depression. Most people who were severely depressed and contemplating suicide, changed the way they looked because they think it’ll make a difference, that it’ll change what people thought about them somehow. Sidney knew and understand that more now after working at the crisis center and learning about these signs. “To be honest, I only did that because I didn’t want to be the girl who’s mom was murdered and raped. People wouldn’t let it rest. I was Sidney Prescott, the girl made of glass whose entire world was shattered. And I didn’t want to be her. I wanted people to talk about something else and so I just did it. Do you know how hard it is to maintain blonde hair? As soon as my roots started growing back, I just decided to strip the color and return to my natural hair. By then, it was okay because the topic died down a little. Sure, it was stupid and naive and silly to think it would change me or change other people’s views of me. But, doesn’t everybody do that at some point? Change the way they look? You did,” To emphasize, Sidney motioned to the side of Dewey’s neck where he had a tattoo that was mostly covered by the hood of his leather jacket whenever he wore it. He also had a couple on his arm, which Sidney only knew from catching him around the house and pool and lake with his shirt off. Also, she was reminded of them this morning when she caught Dewey trying to get into the bathroom with morning wood. Which by the way, brought a small smile to Sidney’s lips as she took another sip of her white wine. 

“I know,” Sidney pursed her lips, after taking into account Dewey’s next spiel about living life and growing with it. She didn’t disagree about his theories or his carpe diem attitude but still, it didn’t change the fact that Tatum would hate it regardless and that it was selfish to go after Dewey knowing what the risks were. What made it worse was, Sidney was lying to Tatum. Or at the very least, not telling her the full truth. And best friends weren’t supposed to lie to each other. Sidney could always count on Tatum to tell her the truth, no matter how harsh or upsetting it could be. And that’s one of the things she admired about her best friend. “It’s comforting to know you don’t see me as just your kid sister’s best friend. Even though, we’re not kids anymore. But, you know what I mean. As for the other thing?” Sidney decided to be bold and laid her hand to rest over his on the table, she could feel the tenderness of Dewey’s knuckles from his brawl the night before outside of the bar. Sidney thought about kissing them but didn’t. “I guess it looks like you already answered my next question. About what this is,” she paused to motion between their bodies, “Because, I’m not looking for a fling either. And I wouldn’t want to be that.” Sidney knew what she deserved and she always knew Dewey had it in him to be more than he let himself be. “Are you sure you’re not just saying that?” Sidney laughed, as she sat back in her chair and looked up at Dewey with this elated grin, “Because I’m a redhead? I’ve never actually seen you with anyone who wasn’t blonde. Another reason, I always suspected I wasn’t your type…”

“Hey. Look at me.” Dewey pleaded, he didn’t want Sidney to feel ashamed for wanting to hide who she was after the brutal death of her lovely mother. He understood her troubles more than she thought he ever could. Dewey lost her, too; Sidney’s mother. She was a friend of the family and he was very fond of her mother growing up. She had such a nurturing way about her. Dewey could see that side of her in Sidney. Sidney always made sure everyone else was taken care of, that everyone else was happy. Until tonight, she never made a decision that didn’t benefit someone else. “—You were never made of glass. No one ever thought that, okay? You are so brave, Sidney. So strong. I don’t know a single person who could have gone through what you did and still somehow manage to turn out the way that you have. The way you are with Tatum? The way you are with everyone... You’re selfless and loving and your mother would be so proud of you.” Dewey knew this was a very sensitive topic and that’s why he decided to reach his hand across the table and interlace their fingers. She wasn’t alone and he didn’t want her to feel alone. “And look, I know you’re better with talking about other people’s problems...but if you ever wanna talk about you, about things going on in your life. I’m here. I know you have Tatum for that, but I’m here, too.” He always had been. Although, lately, since the murders Dewey had been distant from a lot of people but he didn’t want to be alone anymore. Hence, the date; he was taking a chance, same as Sidney. They were both in way over their head, but maybe that was the beauty of it all. It was exciting and she made him happy. “I guess it would be stupid of me to say you never needed to change then huh?” Dewey chuckled softly because she was right, he changed his look too. He found a good gel, a decent tattoo artist, and before anyone knew it, the scrawny, floppy haired Dewey was all grown up. “What if I told you one of my tattoos was for her? Your mother. Would that be weird?” Dewey leaned forward, examining her eyes and the twitching of her lips. His tattoos may have seemed like they appeared overnight, but that didn’t make them any less special or meaningful to him. And he hardly ever showed them off. Even when he would get a new one he would keep it a secret, until eventually his entire arm was covered in them. “You know, sometimes...on some days...I feel like visiting the man who— I just feel like kicking his ass, you know?” Dewey leaned back, letting a long sigh escape his lips. He didn’t only feel this way, he’s acted on it. Dewey had slipped in and out of that monster’s cell multiple times a week. 

As the moment grew a little lighter, Dewey was able to smile again, but how long would that last when Sidney was bringing up redheads, when there was only a handful of them in Woodsboro; Sidney, Alison, Kim, and Nina. “The blonde thing was just a cover. I mean, it’s the closest thing to red?” a small laugh touched his lips before he licked them to reel it in, “I brought that one girl home, Kim, remember? You hated her. Everyone kept saying you two looked alike. I think it embarrassed you? I knew right then and there, that the questions would start coming my way next. ‘You look redheads?’ What would I say to that? Yes? Then everyone would look right at you. And if I said no, everyone would look right at her. It was a lose/lose situation. After that, it was blondes...girls like Laura. But I always thought you were beautiful, Sid.” Dewey leaned back, rubbing the back of his neck. “It was just complicated. And it still is, but it doesn’t have to be? We’re adults now. Sure, we’re risking someone getting hurt...someone we both love...And I wouldn’t do that for anyone else, but I like you, Sid. I think we’d be good for each other. And if not? You could always ignore me for another two weeks and blame it on the shitty date. You know, Randy me.”  he laughed, knowing she’d hate him for holding that story over her head. 

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

“She sounds like a knock out,” Sidney teased. Though, she couldn’t exactly keep a straight face long enough to play along because it felt weird saying such underhanded things about herself, knowing that’s who they were talking about. She, was his sweet but hot, crisis center girl. “You’ve seen me with Billy?” Sidney supposed she never really noticed Dewey in the background. She always thought he wasn’t paying attention when it came to her romantic life. To be perfectly honest, part of the reason why Sidney went for Billy in the first place was so she could get over her unrequited, and confusing feelings for Dewey. Besides, she wanted to have a normal high school existence and boyfriends were just part of that. Billy was always patient, especially when it came to the sexual stuff. He might have had his own desires and cravings but he never forced Sidney into satisfying them. In fact, Sidney used to joke with Tatum that Billy was probably the only guy who would put up with her sexually anorexic self. After her mom was murdered, she had a lot of reservations about getting intimately close with people. All she could do was picture all the horrifying things her mom was said to have went through when the autopsy report came back. Even Sidney’s dad after that was very overprotective. In order for Sidney to see Billy, she’d have to sneak out or lie and say she was staying over the Riley’s. Tatum always covered for her when that happened. Tatum was Sidney’s true ride or die friend and would always be her secret, partner in crime.  “I didn’t think you ever noticed,” Sidney shrugged, before turning her head towards the window to look outside of it as she attempted to hide her smile. “But yes,” Sidney carried on, breathing a short breath of air. Her eyes fell on Dewey again as he digested her story about Randy. Randy was nice and he’d always had a crush on Sidney. She knew that and yet despite it, she never let him get the wrong impression. He was nice and he deserved to find someone who could love and appreciate him in ways Sidney couldn’t. “Well yeah….” Sidney admitted with a slow, almost insecure nod. Suddenly, after Dewey recalled the entire story, she felt like a horrible person. Was she horrible for ditching Randy after their ‘maybe’ date? Before Sidney could overthink it too much, Dewey seemed to have read her mind and insisted she wasn’t an awful person, and that she did the right thing. She tried to, at least. “He would have deserved better,” Sidney persisted and she truly believed that.  After pulling up at the restaurant, Sidney stepped out of the red Cadillac with Dewey’s help and took the romantic setting and ambience in. He really did go all out and Sidney couldn’t help but smile up at him as if to say “it’s perfect” with solely just her eyes. They sparkled as Dewey draped his jacket over her shoulders and took her hand before leading her up the stairs to the roof. There was no one else around but their waiter who poured them each a glass of wine before walking away to give them a chance to look over the menu. In the meantime, Dewey surprised Sidney (again) by asking her how long she’s had a crush on him. At first, Sidney didn’t want to say because she thought it was pretty pathetic. But, she wasn’t much of a good liar either. She was proving that with her pillow talk last night with Tatum. She told Tatum she kissed someone and that this guy knew her name and where she lived. Tatum called the guy a creep, which now, made Sidney laugh quietly to herself and smile because Tatum had no idea she was talking about her own brother. And Dewey didn’t know Tatum labelled him a creep. Sidney decided to save that teasing tidbit for later. For now, Dewey was waiting on her answer, which she gave after crossing her legs under the table and leaning forward a bit, “7 years, since I was 14,” Sidney expelled the truth with a deep, and sharp sigh. “Don’t worry, you didn’t know. And I never really wanted you to so I guess you not knowing was good for me. Not exactly easy but good. Nothing could have happened anyway and I knew if Tatum ever found out, she’d probably stop being my friend. Not that I can blame her, if my best friend was into my brother, I’d be mad too. It’s selfish for me to even be here with you, I know that. And yet, I don’t know why I agreed to come. I guess, I just couldn’t help it? My brain tells me to shut you out and ignore you but then my mouth opens and what comes out I can’t stop. Like right now..” To shut herself up, Sidney reached for her wine glass and took a sip. Her cheeks were growing red and flushed with embarrassment. “What about you?” Sidney tried changing the subject and shifting the attention off of herself, “I mean, why now? What changed? I’m not really your type. At least, I’m not the type you typically go for so it’s kind of hard to believe this is even real.”

“Seven years?” Dewey repeated a bit surprised by her answer. He shouldn’t have been because he noticed her from time to time, staring, but always chalked it up as nothing. When she was 14, he was 19. Dewey was going through his rebellious stage at that point in time. He was cutting school, getting into fist fights, and hanging around girls with nose piercings and crop tops. Mostly blondes, sometimes redheads. His preference was redheads but how awkward would that have been? Flaunting pretty redheads in front of his sister’s redhead best friend, whom they’ve known their whole lives. It would have given everyone the impression that he was into girls who looked like Sidney and how would that have gone over? So Dewey hid it, he hid the fact that as they got older he found himself growing more and more attracted to Sidney. “Who says I didn’t know?” Dewey countered her belief with a wry smile. “I noticed you, Sid. But I didn’t think anything of it. I just thought it was a crush, an innocent crush. After a while, I thought you got over it. You met Billy, you two seemed close. There was also the whole age difference. We were both going through different things at that time. At that age, a five year gap is a big deal. It’s not anymore, but back then…it was. I always thought you were cute, I always thought you had beautiful green eyes and I remember when you dyed your red hair blonde, I was frustrated. I wasn’t sure if you were trying to blend in with other girls or what, but your hair is you. It’s Sidney. It keeps you apart from all the other Woodsboro girls and that’s not a bad thing. Personally, I love redheads.” Just as those words left his mouth, Dewey thought back to Nina. And how big of a mistake getting involved with her was. And how Sidney would feel if she ever found out about that.

“It’s not selfish of you to be here. And even if it was, so what? You have to live for yourself too, right? You know, I thought the same thing…I tried to talk myself out of this knowing it would hurt her. But no one is stopping Tatum from trying new things…from taking chances on other people. No one is stopping her from living her life. I’ve tried intervening a few times, thinking I was protecting her but…I backed off after a while because Tatum has to live her own life and she has to grow… I can’t stop her from growing, Sidney, and she shouldn’t stop you from growing either. This… this is life.” Life was all about taking chances. If they weren’t making hard choices then they weren’t really living. Which was no way to live, especially with a serial killer on the loose. At any moment their choices could be taken away from them. Tomorrow wasn’t promised to anyone. “Nothing’s changed.” Dewey shrugged, but that wasn’t true. Everything has changed. And it all started at the bar, the night of the murders. While two girls were losing their lives, he was gaining back his. “Okay. Things did change. For one, we’re older now. We know who we are. We know it wouldn’t be a fling? I mean, we both wouldn’t be going behind Tatum’s back for a one night stand. Right? No, not after seven years. I noticed you, Sidney, but it wouldn’t have worked at 14. I mean, for one it would have been illegal.” He chuckled lightheartedly, that was the most obvious issue. “I guess I just thought it was a crush, liking your sister’s older brother…that kind of stuff happens. You knew me. You were comfortable with me. We had great talks. You pushed me to be my best self. I was there to comfort you after….well, you know—” After her mom died. “Sometimes those kind of things make it feel like you’re into someone when really, it’s just because they’re all you know. But now? After seven years… I know your feelings are real. As for me? I now know I wouldn’t be taking advantage of you. As for you not being my type? You’re funny, a little dorky, you’re kind, and beautiful. What do you think my type is? Laura Cox? I was going through some stuff back then…changes. Girls like Laura aren’t my type. I’d never bring Laura here… I never brought any girl here. I had to google first date options just because I’ve never been on a real date before. This? ...It’s as real as it gets.”

[woodsborosheriff]

tatumrvley:

“Well there’s—” Her brain cycles through the list of people that she considered friends, trying to check if Dewey knew them, and thought they were bad influences. Stu, Billy, Jake, Seth, Danny, she didn’t think any of them really made the cut when it came to Dewey’s definition of good influences. So, maybe she and her brother weren’t on the same page when it came to the kinds of people she hung out with. “I think your standards are just too high.”

“Listen, I don’t know what you have.” Though she wasn’t expecting anything, the journey was proving to likely be even more boring now, no trace of any one or anything in his life. For every question that he was asking, she was sure that she could respond likewise, their gap becoming even more apparent. “People usually buy me chunky monkey, but I’ll settle for strawberry.”

“It’s okay, Tatum. I’m no saint either and I’m not judging your friends. I mean, I am, but only because it’s my job to as your big brother and as the town sheriff.” However, if Dewey knew Tatum was friends with a former teacher known for preying on his students. he would not have liked that. So it was probably best Tatum didn’t divulge her list to him. 

“People? Which people buy you chunky monkey? I can buy you chunky monkey. No need to settle.” a slow, warming smile lifted at the corners of her brother’s lips as he led the way outside to his sheriff cruiser. Even when Dewey was off duty, like now, he still drove around in the cruiser. He had a red Cadillac stored away for special occasions but seldom uses it. Probably because he didn’t have many special occasions. “Want me to stop at an enemies house? Hound them and threaten to arrest them, like we used to? That was always fun, right? It was bonding...” Dewey laughed, remembering the few occurrences when he would put people in check for messing with his sister. There were times when she appreciated it but then other times when she thought it was embarrassing. 

[woodsborosheriff]

tatumrvley:

“I don’t know. You’ve always thought I only hung out with bad influences.” Which is a little bit of an exaggeration but she likes to get her point across, he knew the finer points of life well enough for that. “But I like this idea.” She chewed thoughtfully, taking a sip of coffee and pretending as though they were going through something far more technical and serious. With her plate almost empty, she figured they could come to an agreement on who was moving where.

“I guess I could help you pack, as long as there’s nothing embarrassing out.” She didn’t know if he’d been expecting visitors, but she’s not going to leave him hanging on packing a bag when it was her suggestion in the first place. “What makes me happy?” The question sticks out, somehow it doesn’t seem to fit with everything else that he says, worth a better answer than just a shrug. But she hasn’t given a serious answer to the question in years, and she wasn’t going to launch into it tonight. “I think we can start with ice cream.”

“I challenge you then,” Dewey perked up with a small simper. “Name one friend, aside from Sidney, who’s a good influence. I bet you can’t do it.” a soft hum tickled the back of his throat as he leaned forward, expectantly. There was no way she was going to come up with anyone. The people of Woodsboro weren’t exactly known for their good morals, Dewey would know. 

“What would I have that’s so embarrassing? Underwear? What are we,10?” Dewey cupped his chin, leaning more of his tired weight on his arm. Tatum wouldn’t find anything weird. Dewey was hardly ever home, mostly just at night to sleep but sometimes he didn’t even do that. It was hard to sleep when so many people were dying. What kind of sheriff was he anyway? He couldn’t slow the death-rate down and he was no closer to knowing who this masked killer was. “Ice cream it is.” Dewey stood up from the booth, waiting for his sister to join him. “And what’s your favorite kind?” He should have known this but their relationship had been strained over the last few years. After Dewey moved away, he stopped coming around as much and he wasn’t really talking to anyone until the killings started. That kind of put everything else into perspective. He loved Tatum and he should have showed it more. 

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

“No,” Sidney quietly shook her head with a smile. Dewey wasn’t too much at all. He was utterly perfect but, Sidney refrained from saying so and instead reached out to smooth out the minor, small wrinkle she noticed along the sleeve of his jacket. “If this is casual, I’m curious to know what you do for formal,” she teased. She expected something a little more lowkey, primarily because that’s what she was used to. No one had ever gone this above and beyond for her and it wasn’t like she didn’t think Dewey could but out of all people, she never suspected that he would. The fact that he was even here at all, vying for a date with her was hard to believe in and of itself. A part of Sidney was waiting for someone, or maybe even, Dewey himself to pop out and say ‘just kidding! this is all for show’ but so far nothing. Regardless, it made her anxious. Enough to convince her to keep her guard up still. Which, wasn’t anything personal against Dewey, it’s just something she naturally did with everyone. Even Tatum though, Tatum was rare because Sidney trusted her with her life and her secrets, as well as all the embarrassing facts, tidbits, and info Tatum had on her. “Dinner, where?” In her own way, this was Sidney’s way of showing her approval for Dewey’s plans regarding the night ahead. 

“Not lame,” Sidney assured him with a smile, right before she closed her legs and slipped into his cherry, red Cadillac, which Sidney noticed he rarely ever drove. It even looked like it was kept in mint condition and seemed more like an auto car show item than something Dewey cruised around in. Sidney wasn’t even sure if any of Dewey’s other past hookups or girlfriends had been in this same car. As she mulled it over, Sidney listened while Dewey insisted he was taking their date seriously. Was it a date? Most people nowadays just called it 'hanging out’, the step before dating as two people assessed whether or not a relationship was in their future or in their best interests. At the last 'No more of this’ that Dewey listed off, Sidney looked at him and pressed her lips tightly together in an attempt to keep from smiling. She really liked the last one, a lot. “I don’t think you’re one of those guys,” Sidney insisted,while leaning over in her seat and gazing at the side of his face. Dewey already was proving that he wasn’t like most guys she knew. Being older and more mature gave him an automatic advantage. “What?” Sidney then muttered, breathless. He liked her? Well, that was a surprise. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she teased. Though, her insides swelled up with a tsunami of butterflies. She could feel their wings flapping in her stomach, sending tingling sensations from her stomach down to her toes. Dewey was going to make her fall, hard. He might have already and Sidney knew it was dangerous. She also knew that what they were doing was wrong even though when it was just the two of them, it didn’t feel wrong. It actually felt right. Like all the pieces of the puzzle had now finally fit and Sidney was whole again after so much loss and heartbreak. “Well,” Sidney pursed her lips, trying to distract herself from swooning (it wasn’t working), “If it makes you feel any better, for a first date you’re nailing it. At least, so far. I guess those tips you got from the crisis center worked. You know, whoever helped you, is a genius.” Sidney’s lips then curved into a teasing smirk as she looked down at Dewey’s hand on her thigh, rubbing the smooth, ivory skin with careful, sensitive strokes. His fingers were so gentle and sweet and felt extraordinarily good as they moved in circles and Sidney had to bite back a moan just so Dewey wouldn’t know how easy it was to get to her. “Hey!” Sidney laughed, as the comment about Lenny registered. She playfully swatted Dewey’s arm (gently and sweetly, of course) before she shook her head with more laughter. “I’ve never actually been on a real date either. I mean, the only person I’ve ever been with was Billy and we didn’t really go on dates in high school. Unless you call hanging out at each other’s houses or going to parties together, dates. Although, Randy’s asked me out. And one time, I couldn’t bring myself to say no again so I told him I’d meet him somewhere to hang out. We went to the arcade and he won me this stuffed raccoon. Not the cutest animal you’ve ever seen but it was cute enough. Then I let him take me out for milkshakes and surprisingly he knew my favorite was strawberry. After that, he walked me home and I leaned in to kiss him on the cheek but then he caught my lips instead and after that I pretty much avoided him." 

“Oh yeah?” Dewey averted his eyes from the road to drink in the sight of her again, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lip the entire time. “The crisis center girl, she was perfect. I hope this doesn’t sound insensitive considering we’re on a date, but that crisis girl, sweetest voice I ever heard. She sounded hot, too.” Dewey was of course talking about her (as in Sidney). Their teasing banter was just one of the many things Dewey loved about them. She wasn’t like most girls; they could have fun and playfully nudge each other like best friends which was refreshing because Dewey never had anything like that before with anyone else. He didn’t even think natural chemistry like this existed outside of corny Nicholas Sparks movies. 

As they drove a little further and got a little closer to their destination, Dewey was so wrapped up in Sidney’s unique laughter that he didn’t want to leave the car. He liked this; driving around, listening to music, talking about the past and the present and hopefully the future. Would they have a future? Of course. But would they ever be anything more than this? Dewey hoped so. “I remember seeing you with Billy. I never said anything but I was always kind of jealous. I thought I was just being overprotective, like I am with Tatum.” It probably wasn’t the smartest idea to mention his sister’s name, but they couldn’t avoid her forever, she was always going to be a part of both their lives, forever. Dewey wasn’t doing any of this to sleight his sister, he loved Tatum with all his heart, but that same heart deserved happiness, didn’t it? He couldn’t continue on having casual relationships and drinking himself to death over work. What if this Woodsboro reaper decided to off him next? Or go after Sidney? Wouldn’t it have been smart to let the people closest to you know that you care? And Dewey did; he’s cared for a long time but never said anything because he thought it might be too weird, but it surprisingly wasn’t? This had been the most natural thing he’s ever done. And it gave him this high like nothing else...There wasn’t a beer or a cup coffee in this world that could make him feel as alive as Sidney has in these last couple of nights. 

“Randy?” Dewey looked surprised and that’s because he was. Randy was always kind of a geek? But then so was Dewey before he realized no one but assholes liked nerds (liked kicking their ass). Growing up, Dewey didn’t have a lot of male friends and he was closest to his sister despite their constant bickering and fighting. So he didn’t really have a lot of testosterone until his teenage years when he decided to man-up and leave childish things behind; like video games and comic books. So to hear that Sidney gave someone like Randy a chance back then kind of made him wonder if someone would have given him a chance to (before all the tattoos and muscle mass). But as Sidney finished telling that story, it got a little awkward at the end and made Dewey question everything all over again, this time with a smile on his face. “Wait, so he took you out, won you a prize, knew your favorite kind of milkshake, and then after he kissed you, you decided to ignore him?” Dewey pulled an ‘ouch’ expression as he looked back to the road and then laughed because he didn’t actually mean it. If Sidney didn’t feel a spark or any chemistry then she didn’t owe him anything more. She gave him a chance and it didn’t work out. That didn’t mean she was a bad person. Just honest. Which Dewey could respect. It meant she wasn’t into mind-games or stringing people along which showed Dewey she was serious about this (whatever this was). “I’m teasing. You did the right thing, Prescott. You put an end to it before he could get his hopes up or his heart broken.” which made Dewey wonder who broke whose heart between her and Billy. Who ended that one? Dewey would have asked but he didn’t think it would be appropriate, not when they were on a date. 

“Here we are, sweetheart.” Dewey announced softly as the Cadillac rolled slowly to a stop outside of the restaurant lit up by twinkling lights. “That hot crisis girl we were talking about, she told me not to overdo it, so I hope this isn’t too much?” Dewey laid a hand out for her to take. They were just outside of town, so she wouldn’t have to worry about anyone seeing her. Dewey knew one of the most important factors to this date was to keep it low key so Tatum wouldn’t find out. It wasn’t meant to be cruel, but why tell her anything before their first date? It would be better to see how it goes and if they want to continue seeing each other then Sidney could tell Tatum. He knew she would want to be the one to do it. “We’re upstairs. Way upstairs. On the roof. I hope that’s okay? ...Are you chilly?” As they reached the roof, there was a small table adorned with roses and wine and a beautiful view of the skyline. Dewey carefully slipped out of his jacket and draped it over Sidney’s shoulders to keep her warm. He knew she got cold during the night (hence the thin leather jacket she often wore). “I mean, it’s no arcade and there’s no way of me winning you a stuffed animal, but there’s you and me...and maybe things will even end with a kiss that’s not on the cheek?” he chuckled softly, teasingly. He pulled her chair out and then pushed her in before taking his seat across from her. The stars sparkling in both of their eyes. “Can I ask you something. I’m going to ask you something.” Dewey chuckled, leaning in closer before licking his lips. “How long?” his eyes are brighter in the flickering of candlelight. “How long has there been something here? Something that I wasn’t completely aware of until recently?” Dewey was asking how long has she liked him? But the better question would have been; why didn’t she ever make a move? Aside from the obvious reason; Tatum. 

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

“Not everything has to be so complicated,” Sidney teased over the phone. Though, didn’t it? If she had taken her own advice then she wouldn’t have pushed him away last night. And she wouldn’t have felt guilty for kissing him. But the fact of the matter was, they were complicated. They both loved and cared about Tatum and knew what their attraction would do to her. They wouldn’t just lose Tatum, Tatum would lose both of them. When Sidney allowed herself to sit back and analyze it rationally, she could understand why Tatum would be against the idea of her dating her brother. Even if they were to work out and Sidney could one day join the family officially, their friendship would never be the same. Instead of being attached at Tatum’s hip, she’d spend more time with Dewey. And after all the love and support Tatum’s shown her, Sidney owed it to Tatum to back off. She just wished she could tell her mouth and her heart that. Which didn’t seem to agree with her more rational, appease everyone but yourself side. “Exactly,” Sidney carried on, sitting forward in her chair while balancing her pen mindlessly between two fingers with a warm smile. “As if you need help feeling confident?” Sidney scoffed and laughed, just a little bit too loudly. Lenny, beside her, ended up glaring at Sidney from the other side of her cubicle. Now it was obvious that, the caller and Sidney knew each other and this call wasn’t work related, but personal. “Happy to help,” Sidney smiled, though it came off a bit nervous and a little bit more unsure because of the lurking eyes. She was prepared to tell Dewey she had to go when he stopped her before she could by telling her he’d be by at 8 to pick her up. “D—” Sidney almost said his name but then realized he was supposed to remain anonymous. And then by the time, she managed to recover, he hung up. “Well, now we know why the dude’s been calling and hanging up all afternoon.” Lenny smacked his own pen against the wall of his cubicle, “Personal phone calls on the job, tsk tsk, Prescott.” Sidney rolled her eyes, and then playfully made a grab for the pen in Lenny’s hand before tapping him against the forehead with it, “Mind your business. Also, your fly’s undone.” With a laugh, Sidney vanished to the opposite side of the room and left Lenny to grab the next call.

Work following Dewey’s invitation, had flown by pretty fast and Sidney found herself back at her dorm by six. She showered, dried her hair, and went through several different outfits before she finally settled on the right one. She wasn’t even sure Dewey was actually going to show. For all she knew, he could call and cancel last minute if he ended up getting a break in the case or if he just decided to be the grown up and pull the plug on whatever it was they were doing. She’d be disappointed and hurt sure, but in time, she’d thank him for having the strength to do what she was failing to. To her surprise, Dewey showed up, not only on time (ish) but in a black suit no less. Instantly, as Sidney greeted him at the door, she felt her breath get caught at the pure sight of him standing there, fidgeting as if his suit was making him itch or something else was. “Don’t you look,” Sidney paused to examine him up and down, “nice. What’s the occasion?” Her smile indicated she was only teasing him. However, she still waited for an answer.

Instantly, Dewey felt insecure once those shimmering eyes of green washed over him only for her lower lip to jut out questioningly. “Too much?” he asked, hands attempting to smooth out any wrinkles that might’ve been there. Dewey hadn’t worn a suit in years, he preferred jeans and a leather jacket when he wasn’t on duty and forced into the khaki colored uniform. “You look stunning.” Dewey looked up from his dress shirt, eyeing Sidney’s long-sleeved dress. He couldn’t remember her ever dressing up for Billy like this, which was a good sign. It showed she cared more about their date than she ever did one of the ones with Billy. Did Billy ever take her out on dates? He didn’t really seem like the type but if talking to Sidney and Tatum about Billy and Stu has taught the sheriff anything, it’s that you can’t judge a book by its cover. “And the occasion, is dinner?” It wasn’t meant to sound like a question but it kind of was. Dewey wasn’t sure how she would feel about a dimly lit restaurant on the outskirts of town. How was he supposed to know what was trying too hard? He’d never been on an actual date before. Laura Cox was more of a two-night stand, after Sidney caught them fooling around he stopped talking to her. And Nina was just a hookup, someone who slipped past his walls but not in search of his heart, just his dick. Well, his dick and a get out jail free pass. She wanted the sheriff in her purse and though Dewey never allowed her total leniency from the law, he still cut her a break here and there because of their ongoing affair. No one knew about that and no know would. Except for maybe Sidney if the conversation were to ever go there because he wouldn’t feel right hiding something like that from her, not if they were going to start something up, something with dire consequences. If they were both going to go into this and chance losing Tatum’s trust, they would do it the right way; no secrets from each other. 

“I hope you don’t think its lame I called the crisis center to get advice.” Dewey smiled, pressing a hand on her lower-back as he led her to his cherry red Cadillac. “What? Were you expecting the cruiser? I’m taking this date serious. No bars. No cop cars. No fighting. No drunk kisses in the hall outside of Tatum’s bedroom.” his voice softened with a smile as he held the door open for her and then gently closed it once her legs were in. When he returned by her side, he closed his door and turned on the radio, playing the song ‘start a riot’ which was of course programmed. He liked to think of it as their song now. “While we’re on the topic of that kiss...I just want you to know I don’t regret it. And I didn’t mean for you to forget it happened. I felt guilty knowing you would have to keep it from Tatum... I was trying to be selfless? But then I realized it wasn’t selfless, it was selfish. I don’t want to be the kind of guy who kisses you and then doesn’t call...” a slow corny smirk lit up his face and he could do nothing to reel it in. “What I’m trying to say is, I like you... So here we are. And just because I made reservations doesn’t mean we have to stick to an itinerary. We could play it by ear? See a show? Go dancing... I kind of googled, like, best things to do on a first date...and those were the options? Honestly, you’re my first real date. Those conquests you’ve seen me with over the years? We shared less than nothing in common. That’s why it probably looked like I was a player...I just couldn’t seem to find the right girl. Maybe I should have just been looking closer to home?” his eyes shifted to her and then back to the road as they drove down the clear road. “What about you? What was your best date or your worst? Help me out here. Give me some tips so I don’t have to call the crisis center again. That Lenny guy freaked me out. ‘Are you suicidal?’ ‘Are you depressed?’ I wasn’t until he opened his mouth...” Dewey laughed, trying to lighten the mood but in doing so he placed his hand on her thigh and then pulled away after realizing he touched too much skin. He forgot she was wearing a dress even though he shouldn’t have, she looked gorgeous in it. 

[woodsborosheriff]

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

Despite Dewey trying to stop her, Sidney wouldn’t let him at first. Instead, she tried her best to filter out her name which he called out after her when she left and the screen porch door slammed shut behind her. A part of Sidney kept telling herself that if she just got far enough, she could duck down an alleyway and avoid Dewey from catching up to her to further humiliate her feelings. Which, she knew she shouldn’t even have? She felt guilty enough last night when she fell into Tatum’s bed. She even cried and dug up old memories of her mother just to punish herself. Dewey was off limits. It was that simple. It was always easier for her crush to remain unrequited than to face the fact that he might actually like her, too. Because if he did like her, they still couldn’t do anything about it. “Dewey, enough,” Sidney sighed, prior to feeling him latch onto her arm and spin her body around. If it weren’t for Dewey catching her in them afterwards, Sidney might’ve lost her balance and fell flat on her face. Confused, Sidney gave Dewey a look that read ‘what are you doing?’ and looked a little more helpless than bitter or angry. He answered her question by cupping her cheeks and pressing his lips against hers again. He must’ve not cared or been thinking clearly, because if Tatum wanted to, she could look out the window and catch them with their mouths glued to each other and there would be no explaining that. But, Sidney wasn’t thinking about that either. She was thinking about Dewey’s lips and how they felt softer and more urgent this time against her own, like he was trying to spell out whatever he couldn’t say on her lips while hoping she dissolved their meanings. Something did dissolve on her lips of course, but it wasn’t his words spoken against her lips, it was Sidney’s willpower to walk away. She couldn’t move for a few seconds afterwards, as her fingers touched her lips after he went away. By the time she looked up again, Dewey had vanished back inside and Sidney eventually turned back around to keep on walking home.  Hours later, Sidney’s mind was still reeling from Dewey’s kiss, even as she showed up for her shift at the crisis center. Sidney had only been there for five minutes when a call came through and the person in the cubicle next to her answered with a loud sigh. “Ugh,” Sidney heard them groan. “What? Another crank call?” She asked. Lenny, (that was his name) and the guy in the cubicle next to her, shook his head and asked Sidney to take over because apparently the same guy kept calling over and over and every time, he would hang up. “Ah gotcha,” Sidney shook her own head and laughed before taking the call on instead, “Hello, crisis center. How may I assist you?” As soon as the voice on the other end started talking, Sidney felt her knees press together under her desk and her heart clench in her chest. It was Dewey. “You don’t have to give your name,” Sidney insisted to the “caller”, while acting as if she was simply talking to one of the many strangers who reached out to them. Lenny seemed interested in her conversation based on the fact that Sidney somehow managed to get past the initial hello’s with this frequent caller guy. “Okay…” Sidney responded, while shifting in her chair, “What do you need help with?” As Dewey explained, Sidney tried to bite back the smile that threatened to spread across her face because she knew Lenny was watching. “Well, for starters,” Sidney smirked, toying with a pen she had in her hand to take notes, “I wouldn’t harass this girl at work. Especially when she’s tight with the sheriff. Or at least, her best friend is.” Sidney would have laughed to herself but decided it would make her look more suspicious. “After that….” Sidney pursed her lips and rolled her eyes over the phone at Lenny to make it seem like the person was a crazy, stalker stranger and not Dewey. “I don’t know,” she shrugged, “You could ask her out. Plan for something sweet but casual so it looks like you care but you’re not trying too hard. Definitely, don’t take her to another bar, that’s for sure. Not unless your whole goal is to butcher her liver.” Sidney right away realized that the term 'butcher’ was in poor taste and she cringed to herself, “If that doesn’t work, you could always kiss her again. It seems she really likes that.” Sidney’s lips then curved into an amused smile as she turned away from Lenny and hid her expression behind the walls of her own cubicle. So, Dewey was a good kisser? Sue her. 

“Harassing? What if he just wanted to be romantic?” Dewey countered her playful nudge with one of his own. He may have made a lot of mistakes concerning their exciting game of cat and mouse, but this wasn’t one of them. This was a step in the right direction, it had to be. He was stepping out of his comfort zone and doing something crazy and spontaneous; wasn’t that what it was all about? If you like someone, it’s up to you to do something about it; sometimes you can’t wait for the other to make a move, sometimes you gotta be the one to do that. And Dewey owed Sidney that; after all, she showed an interest in him since day one. Maybe if he would have played his cards right years ago, they could have been something by now...something more than just ‘friends’. However, it wasn’t until Dewey took her to the bar with him that one night that he finally saw her as more than just his kid sister’s best friend. He always thought she was pretty and he always enjoyed the idea of her having a crush on him but he never really went out of his way to let her know that. But now he was, because why the hell not? “Ask her out, huh? Sounds so simple.” Dewey chuckled, his voice soft and inviting; encouraging her to go on. He could tell she was smiling even without seeing her face; probably blushing too which he absolutely loved. That may have been one of his weaknesses when it came Sidney; those red cheeks of hers gave him that warm, fuzzy feeling people often sing about. “So a nice date, but without lookin’ like he’s trying too hard? So far, so good.” Dewey leaned back in his chair, a huge smile spread over his lips. “Hm. The bar isn’t a wise choice, huh? I hear some guys do that when they’re nervous. It helps with the nerves. It also helps with their confidence.” without that liquid courage, would Dewey have kissed her? Yesterday he would have said ‘no’ but after this morning he proved that not to be the case. He had nothing but a few sips of coffee in his stomach when he grabbed her by the cheeks and laid one on her mouth, and it was amazing; hot, wet, full of passion and excitement... he wanted to do it again. right now. “You gave me some good advice. I think you may have just saved my life.” At least his romantic life which was pretty non-existent until now. Dewey may have had girlfriends but they never worked out and he hasn’t been serious about anyone in years. “I’m picking you up tonight at 8:00 PM. Don’t keep me waiting, Sidney.” Dewey smiled even if she couldn’t see it before hanging up, greatly satisfied. 

Later that night, around 7:45 PM Dewey pulled up outside of the university in a car that didn’t have sheriff written on the side of it. It was a classic and he hardly drove it, but tonight was a special occasion. He figured if he was going to do this the right way, he would make it more personal and romantic. The other two times they hung out was inside of his work car and at a bar, which wasn’t exactly the smoothest first and second date. It was also quite possible that those weren’t considered dates at all? Which only made this one even more nerve-wracking because Dewey had never been on a real date. He just hoped this wasn’t all too much; the black suit and fancy dinner reservation. Maybe Sidney was more of a drive-in movie kind of girl? Maybe she preferred a diner? What if she thought he was trying too hard? She told him not to try too hard. Was this trying too hard? Fuck. Dewey paced back and forth outside her dorm room, wondering if he should knock or run away. Maybe he should have taken her to somewhere like Dave and Busters where they could eat and then play games? Or dancing? But he didn’t know how to dance. What about the beach? Or a show? “—What am I doing?” Dewey checked his watch, it was now 8:03 PM. He’d been wrestling with himself for 15 minutes. “Okay Christ.” Dewey knocked on her door, three raps and then he backed off. “Oh, shit. I should have brought her a flower.” he mumbled. 

[woodsborosheriff]

tylroneill:

“I’m not going to be your snitch, Dewey. Keep up.” Tyler almost wanted to give a roll of his eyes but didn’t. “Not that I have anything to tell you. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m not exactly drowning in friends right now who would go out of their way to hurt someone on my behalf. I don’t even have anyone going toe to toe with Brooke or Jake on my behalf so I don’t know how you’ve come to this grand conclusion that someone out there is slicing and dicing people because my feelings are hurt.” Tyler almost scoffed as he moved to stand, “I’m being accused of two counts of murder. How should I react? My story hasn’t changed. Not once. I was with Nina and then I went home. I had a fight with Jake and then I left and saw Stu and Brooke on the way out and then I went home with Callum who was with me the entire night until he left after news broke about Will. I went back to the cabin, I was questioned. Maybe, you should stop looking at the most obvious suspect and start looking at the people pointing the fingers.” Tyler reached out, grabbing the bag from the table. “Good talk. I’m sure the next time we have one of these it’ll be in nicer scenery and with my lawyer sitting next to me. Have a nice night.”

“I never accused you of any crime, O'Neill. The first thing I said to you was that you weren’t being detained and that you were free to go. We were just talking. I thought you would have appreciated it this way, off the record. It’s like I told you and like you already know, Fitzgerald isn’t pressing charges and Maddox doesn’t have a whole lot of evidence, aside from that viral video of you threatening the victim. But if you were being accused of murder, it would be at the sheriff’s station with you in cuffs. Your story checked out, believe me I looked into it.” But even lies could be rehearsed and learned, just because Tyler’s story never changed doesn’t make it true. If anything, every t crossed and i doted only proves that the story was perfected to memory and thus practiced. “Goodnight, O’Neill. Tell your folks I said hi.” Dewey leaned back, wanting to smoke that cigarette now more than anything. It was guys like Tyler, who refused to grow up that really made his job harder than it has to be.

[woodsborosheriff]

tatumrvley:

“Used to.” She laughs as though there still isn’t a well worn path from her window down the trellis and out the backyard, running into the night without anyone the wiser. “But they don’t know that.” She takes a pointed sip of coffee, eyes flashing across the table, daring him to contradict her and ruin a life time of good will. They weren’t best friends, but she could always count on Dewey when it really counted. She takes another bite of pancakes, thinking over his offer, trying to see the downside in it.

“You move back in until the serial killer stops, they ease up because there’s a police officer in the house.” She drums her finger as though there’s anything to actually barter. She doesn’t have to say out loud that it would stop his worrying about her too. “I think that’s for the best.”  It’s a lot easier than trying to pack everything in a suitcase and wait out the summer from his apartment building. “I probably wouldn’t say Murderville over family dinner though.”

“Well, I would hope you’d just use the front door now that we’re older, Tatum.” a slow, teasing grin made way onto the elder’s lips. “You don’t really have any reason to sneak out anymore, do you?” Sure that may have sounded like a straight up interrogative question, but Dewey meant well. He was just worried about his sister and who she might be hanging with. 

“I could do that.” Dewey nodded, letting the idea of moving back home for the summer sink in. It would certainly help him keep a better eye on Tatum and he’d also have an excuse to see Sidney whenever she visited which was usually often. “Noted. Table talk will consist of ‘pass the potatoes’ and ‘more wine, please?’ How’s that?” Dewey chuckled, wrapping his hands around his chilled cup of coffee. “What’s your plans for tonight? Maybe you can help your big brother pack? Just a few things... I’ll do all the heavy lifting.” He grinned, knowing she wasn’t much of a lifter, she was too tiny. “I’ll get you ice cream or beer or whatever you want on the way home? What are you into these days? I feel like its been so long since we’ve done anything together. What makes you happy, Tate?” 

[woodsborosheriff]

tylroneill:

“Dewey,” Tyler breathed out. “Just because I was Nina’s bitch doesn’t mean I’m going to be your bitch.” If Dewey was looking for information when it came to the people that Tyler cared about, which was a short list, then he came to the wrong person. “I didn’t really know Casey and Will and I were friends once although we weren’t as close through high school. Him and Jake partnered off and became bffs and I mostly just had Nina.” Tyler leaned back in his chair and crossed is arms, “I don’t have many people in my life that would kill for me.”

“Who said anything about you being anyone’s bitch?” Dewey’s features twist with a look of misunderstanding. Since when was anyone his bitch? It was Dewey’s job as the town’s sheriff to question people, especially someone who got into a fist fight with one of the victims. Brooke seemed to think Tyler had something to do with the stabbing, was he just supposed to ignore that? What kind of sheriff would he be if he did? “Still. Sounds like you have some anger issues. You’re very defensive and twitchy and it makes it look like you’re hiding something. Guess I’ll just have to keep my eye on you. So, stay in town, O'Neill.” 

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

Even when she woke up the next morning, Sidney could still taste the remnants of Dewey on her lips. And if it weren’t for that or the pulsing headache she churned over with, she might’ve chalked last night up to a purely, lucid and vivid dream. If Sidney could, she would have avoided Dewey the next morning, or rather the next few days. That way it would give her enough time to flush him and the taste of him from her system. But, the universe seemed to be punishing her for her betrayal by placing a half naked, morningwood Dewey right in front of her. Tatum got up first and was already showering while Sidney stayed behind and waited for her turn. But, when it seemed to be taking Tatum too long, Sidney was prepared to yell through the door that she would just shower at her dorm and meet up with Tatum afterward. She didn’t get her chance though, obviously, as right then and there, Dewey stood in all of his post-sex dream glory. Sidney couldn’t help but wonder if he pictured her last night but then she quickly reprimanded herself for even letting that thought infiltrate her head. It took Sidney a moment but when she eventually caught on to the hilarity of the moment, she burst into laughter and watched as Dewey scurried away to cover up. Sidney couldn’t even bring herself to explain to Tatum when she got out of the bathroom, why she was laughing. Instead she went with that old excuse of remembering something funny that happened the day before. Thankfully, that didn’t garner too much suspicion and then Sidney agreed to wait for Tatum downstairs so they could spring for breakfast or take a walk or just do something since it’s felt like they haven’t in awhile. And besides, afterwards, Sidney had a fundraiser thing to go to for work which she’s been helping organize to keep herself busy the past few weeks. There were going to be poetry readings on Campus where writers could share their works and afterwards there was going to be free counseling for anyone who might still be mourning Casey, Nina and Will.

Not bothering to say much at first in the kitchen, Sidney fell into old routines and patterns with Dewey as Mr. Riley kissed Mrs. Riley before both left the house to run separate errands. Meanwhile, Sidney was waiting on Tatum who she presumed was still getting dressed when she turned her attention over to Dewey (finally) as he poured himself a cup of coffee and tried his hand at breaking the ice. At first, Sidney was too distracted by the words on his shirt, and raising her eyebrow after she read them to register his questions. She didn’t want to smirk or smile at him by any means, but she did and then tried to distract herself by pouring her own cup of coffee. Granted, she stopped half way when Dewey’s questions finally registered. Something inside of Sidney soured just then. Maybe she was being paranoid again in regards to his mixed feelings about her but…. his questions almost seemed regretful? Sidney was starting to suspect that maybe Dewey wanted her to forget what she saw this morning and what happened last night. He seemed to have wanted more at the time but his questions now gave her a different impression, like he was drunk and he was hoping they could chalk the entire thing up to a mishap. “Yup,” Sidney responded bitterly, behind the rim of her coffee cup. She didn’t make eye contact as she moved around Dewey to sit down. But, she couldn’t get comfortable and now she felt like a rejected, dumb school girl for liking it. She should have known better. “Look nevermind, tell Tate I had to go. I just remembered I have to help finish setting up for tonight. She knows what for. I’ll see ya around,” Sidney then set down her coffee cup and adjusted her jacket over her shoulders before making her exit. She didn’t have a ride home now, so she figured she’d just catch the bus. Not that Sidney minded the bus. It allowed her time to think. Sometimes, too hard, to the point where she zoned out and traveled too far on accident. That’s happened to her countless times, believe it or not. 

At Sidney’s all too quick one-worded response, Dewey felt the muscles in his face tighten to a smirk. He could tell she was letdown or at the very least, confused. Dewey couldn’t blame her because this was all very confusing. However, that didn’t mean he regretted kissing her and touching her. He could still faintly feel the heat in his palm from when he touched her waist, just below the hem of her shirt. He could also still feel the taste of her lip-gloss on his tongue from when he slowly entered her mouth and accepted the consequences of kissing his sister’s best friend. But had he, accepted the consequences? Not if he was going to stand here and tell Sidney to forget all about it. He was running and hiding and no self-respecting sheriff should ever do either one of those things. That was the old-Dewey way; timid and always pleasing others. He promised himself a long time ago he would never revert back to those days. It was why he put on all the muscle he had and inked his flesh with edgy tattoos. Dewey wasn’t that same gangly sixteen-year-old with light brown boyish hair and a tone that was always spoken softly. No one ever respected that Dewey, they thought he was too sensitive and was considered a pushover. But not anymore, he was different; darker, feistier and way more guarded. Kind of like Sidney, who put on her armor after her mother died. They were a lot alike in that way, hiding from the past, wanting to be stronger; not always for themselves but for other people.

“Hey,” Dewey pleaded as Sidney placed her full mug of coffee down before slipping into a thin leather jacket. She didn’t need it because it was hot out but last night it was chilly and since she was walking, she wore it to keep warm. It was always colder at night, even in the summer because the town was surrounded by a body of water. Sidney seemed to ignore him as she made her way out the front door but Dewey didn’t let too much time pass before he set his cup down and chased after her. “Hey, Sid!” Dewey caught her arm just before she could unlatch the gate surrounding their house. “Don’t forget this.” Just then, as soon as the words left his mouth, Dewey cupped her face in both his hands and pushed his mouth against hers. He kissed her desperately and with so much fervor that he felt his soul lifting from his body. The moment was incredibly hot but somewhat rushed as Dewey deliciously sucked on her sweet lips before pulling away with a quiet moan. “Don’t forget any of it.” Dewey whispered, licking his lips before turning back around to head for the house. He knew how it looked, like he was playing head games with her but, he wasn’t. Or at least, he didn’t mean to. A complexity he later tried to explain when he called the hotline where Sidney was volunteering. 

“Hey.” Dewey didn’t bother to disguise his voice, he tried the first six times when other volunteers picked up waiting to assist him with whatever troubles he was facing, but Dewey kept hanging up until he eventually got Sidney. Her voice couldn’t be missed, it was sweet like honey and beautiful like rain and it was everything he’s ever needed. “This is…Well, I’d like to remain anonymous.” Dewey asked, adjusting himself in the front seat of his cruiser. “Yeah, I could use your help. You see, there’s this girl. She’s…beautiful and courageous and I can’t stop thinking about her. You know, about us. But there isn’t an ‘us’, not yet. I have this sister and she would kill me for liking her best friend. But I can’t help myself and I don’t think she can either…What should I do about this? It’s keeping me awake at night. I mean…what would you do?”

[woodsborosheriff]

sdycott:

From the rearview mirror, Sidney could see trouble approaching behind them, from a few feet away. All she wanted was for her and Dewey to leave, to just go home. But apparently Dewey, and now, his opponents, had other ideas in mind. When the fight initially broke out, Sidney tried opening her car door but realized it was locked from the outside so she couldn’t get out. All she could hear was the rustling outside and the sounds of bodies bumping against the sides of the cruiser. By the time the drunken lowlives succumbed to an embarrassing deep sleep above the asphalt, Dewey slid into the driver’s seat and questioned the look Sidney gave him. “Was that necessary?” Sidney wasn’t going to reprimand Dewey or tell him what to do. For starters, he was older so the chances of him listening to her anyway were slim to none. On top of that, she wouldn’t tell him this and encourage insubordinate behavior but, she lowkey appreciated him having her back. It showed that Dewey really did care about her safety. Which he made a point to tell her after he shut off the cruiser outside of his family’s home. Sidney didn’t say anything in return, partly because she was so confused. Technically, it wasn’t his job to protect her while off duty. At least, he didn’t have to. He felt an obligation too, which was more like it. Why? Because she was his younger sister’s best friend and a long time friend of the family. He’s known her for more than half of her lifetime. That’s it. At least, Sidney told herself that was it as she got out of the car and tried stumbling quietly up to Tatum’s bedroom inside the house. Mr. and Mrs. Riley were just down the hall with their door shut, probably asleep like Tatum herself.

Before Sidney could disappear between the cracked door of Tatum’s bedroom, Dewey stopped her in her tracks. Sidney was standing there facing him, with her back a few inches from the wall outside of her best friend’s room. The house was quiet except for Sidney’s labored breathing, which only grew more animated and out of control as Dewey talked about kissing her. His voice was low, and almost barely audible. He at least, had the courtesy to keep his confessions quiet and hushed so no one else could hear. Sidney eventually opened her mouth to speak after Dewey finished saying all that he needed to say and reached up to gently caress her cheek. Right before his lips came down on hers.

It happened so fast and so unexpectedly that for the first few seconds, Sidney almost felt like she was dreaming. But then her knees gave out and her back leaned drunkenly against the wall. Dewey’s mouth was so hot and wet against hers, and his mustache even tickled Sidney’s upper lip, causing her to smile against his lips as she felt his tongue prod at the corner’s of her warm mouth. She didn’t even realize that she had kissed him back or was three seconds away from letting him play tonsil hockey with her. Sidney could hardly breathe, let alone think, as she gasped to let some air in. Her fingers and toes both curled involuntarily, as she tugged on the front zipper of Dewey’s leather jacket. She could taste the coffee and beer and tequila on his lips, as well as some of the saltiness of her french fries which he had helped himself to earlier that night. It made Sidney lick her lips and his in the process, considering they were still kissing. Oh my god, they were kissing! When the realization finally dawned on her, Sidney turned her head, forcing the spell of his lips to break. “We can’t,” Sidney panted against Dewey’s wet mouth, coated in the taste of her. But despite her words, she hadn’t let go of his jacket yet. “Ugh Dewey,” Sidney groaned, as she finally let go and pushed herself to slip out from between his body and the wall. She made sure to hurry as she disappeared into Tatum’s room and closed the door behind her. From that point on, she literally stumbled upon Tatum and Tatum’s bed in the dark as if she were drunk when really her mind and body and mouth were still just reeling from Dewey’s kiss. She was screwed now. She crossed that line, she got a taste of Dewey and now instead of simply fantasizing about it for another 7 years, she was going to crave more. And Dewey would turn in her sweet, and strange, and forbidden addiction and there would be no going back.

Contrary to a few intruding thoughts, Sidney didn’t stop Dewey right away, instead she fell into his advances, pressing harder against his mouth as her tongue ventured past his lips, sucking and nibbling and deepening the kiss until they were both stumbling into each other with her back against the wall and his hands on her waist, up the ends of her shirt, rubbing and feeling warm ivory skin that he needed more of. Dewey almost forgot where they were as he pushed Sidney’s back against Tatum’s door and if it were cracked, they both would have fell right into his sister’s room. “Sid,” Dewey moaned, placing a palm against the door above her head. His other hand remained on her waist, fingers kneading the warm flesh beneath her shirt. ‘we can’t,’ Dewey heard her say after their breathing quieted and his hand dropped from her waist to hold her hip. A look of sorrow filled his eyes, but also a gentle pleading for more...more touching, more kissing, more moaning...more Sidney. “We can.” Dewey smiled crookedly, he still couldn’t help himself and he couldn’t walk away, not now. But thankfully, one of them was strong enough to as Sidney ducked her head down and reached behind herself for the door knob. “You don’t have to go...” Dewey whispered but it was too late, Sidney slipped into his sister’s room and the door closed quietly behind her. “Shit,” Dewey sighed, resting his hands on his hips. Now that Sidney was gone, he could fully register the weight of their mistake, but was it really a mistake? Dewey didn’t want to believe that, it didn’t feel like a mistake, it felt like years of pent up wondering finally being released. “Night, Sid.” Dewey whispered against the door before stumbling down the hall to his old room, only two doors down. 

It didn’t take long for Dewey to fall asleep and when he did, he woke up several hours later with morning wood which he didn’t even bother to hide as he opened his bedroom door, walking tiredly down the hall with his hand over his face, unaware that he was back at his parent’s house as he was still half asleep. Dewey hadn’t slept at home in years, so it didn’t even dawn on him that someone might see him in just his tented boxers until he opened up the bathroom door and heard the shower running. He could see the naked silhouette of a female and didn’t think it could have been Sidney, if anything he thought it might’ve been Tatum once he realized where he was. Then the memories slowly started to come back to him followed by a heavy groaning. “Ugh, sorry! Sorry.” Dewey threw a hand up and turned back around, shutting the door behind him. That’s when things got really awkward, more awkward than almost catching his sister stepping out of the shower. Across the hall, stood Sidney in a pair of Tatum’s pajamas. And here Dewey stood, still dressed in only in his boxers, straining around his hardened member. “Oh shit.” Dewey turned back around, he thought of hiding in the bathroom but then he heard the water turn off and realized he was trapped, trapped between his sister and Sidney. How could things possibly get any worse? “—You. Don’t laugh.” Dewey warned, speed-walking back to his room before Tatum opened the bathroom door, missing him by just a a few seconds. 

Hoping ( or wishing) Tatum and Sidney left the house by now, Dewey found an old outfit of his before heading downstairs to the kitchen where he planned to make some coffee. But as unfortunate luck would have it, Dewey ran into Sidney yet again, only this time she was dressed in her own clothes and Dewey managed to relieve himself, without actually relieving himself. All that pent up sexual frustration was still very much there, it just wasn’t as obvious behind a pair of black jeans that were a little too tight around the waist after having filled out over the years. “...Okay, so, this morning, you were still drunk, right? And you don’t remember anything? Okay great.” Dewey smiled, on his way over to the coffee pot. “Speaking of things we don’t remember...” Dewey turned around, making sure no one else was around before continuing, “Last night, before bed...Your memory is fuzzy on that part, too, right?” 

[woodsborosheriff]

tylroneill:

Tyler took in a deep breath, turning away from Dewey to grab the bag handed to him by an employee. He offered a barely there smile before moving closer to Dewey, sliding into the seat across from him. “That’s because Brooke doesn’t know how to keep her nose out of someone else’s business. I get that her and Jake may have a thing but what happened between the two of us had shit to do with her.” And that was the truth. What happened between Jake and Tyler was between Jake and Tyler. “She’s mad because I wouldn’t help her figure out where Jake was when I figured that at the very least he was off mourning Will or maybe in the hospital. The party was crazy? Alright? Drinking, drugs, you name it and Jake was going all out. I just figured…I don’t know. Maybe he partied too hard.” Tyler could have been an asshole in this moment but it wouldn’t get him anywhere. He was tired of people thinking that he had something to do with anything. “I was drunk, I was high, I was pissed that Jake opened his mouth to anyone about what I told him and I started the fight and I said a lot of things I didn’t mean. Like I told the cop that questioned me, I left. I gave Stu the key to the cabin to lock up, I even talked to Brooke before I left and told her I was looking for Callum for my car keys, and when I found him, he offered to drive me home and that’s where I was until news broke out about Will.” It was the same story he gave. The same way he had given over and over again. Nothing had changed. “Look, Brooke isn’t the brightest crayon in the box, not the dullest, but not the brightest. I didn’t hurt Jake and I didn’t kill Nina. She was a bitch and she cheated on me a lot but…I would have done anything for her and after we broke up, she was the one person that I had.”

“See something, say something. That’s my slogan.” Dewey sighed, lacing his fingers together atop the table. Brooke may have ‘snitched’ on Tyler for the things he said, but they weren’t in high school anymore, she did the right thing by coming forward, at least to the sheriff’s standards. If more people came to him, the more he’d be able to help this town. And from Brooke’s view, and a lot of other’s, Tyler looked guilty. “I get it. Guys, they fight at parties, it’s nothing new. And like you said, Fitzgerald doesn’t want to press charges and insists it wasn’t you. I’m not detaining you, O’Neill. You’re free to go, of course. I just figured you wanted to air out your side...Keep me from having to come back with a warrant or something.” Dewey leaned forward, carefully assessing the other male. He seemed troubled, but not homicidal. When Tyler then mentioned Nina cheating on him, Dewey’s eyes shifted uncomfortably, wondering if she ever mentioned anything to Tyler about him—about them. “It’s kind of like you have an angel of death looking out for you. Patterson cheats on you, she gets murdered. Fitzgerald outs you to your friends, he gets stabbed. What about Becker? Any relation...? Belmont...? Now I’m not implying it’s you, O’Neill. But it could be someone you know....a relative, a friend...a lover.”