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d1xonss · 5 months

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Desert Rose

Chapter 9 ~ Sophia?

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 2

✧ Word Count : 5k

In this chapter ~ After processing the panic and loss the group members had faced, they found themselves held up on a highway as one of their vehicles unfortunately broke down on their way to find sanctuary somewhere else. Though in the midst of searching through the other abandoned cars that lied there, a sudden herd of walkers began to tear through the space. But that's not the only thing that goes wrong as someone suddenly disappears.

It had been a whole week, seven painfully long days, and we were still on the road, trying to find some place to stay since the CDC quite literally went up in flames. I found myself feeling better now that I processed everything the past couple days, assuming it was just the initial shock that made me so reserved. I began to keep my head up in hopes that it would bring us some kind of luck when finding a place. Though the last week hasn't felt very lucky.

And the whole Daryl situation, I pushed it out of my mind completely. I'm a big girl, I wasn't going to mope around about how a man hurt my feelings, hell no. Especially since he hadn't really been that much of an asshole since then so that was a plus. I didn't dwell on it.

All of a sudden I looked back up when hearing two honks coming from the RV, causing all of us to slowly pull over to a stop right behind the giant vehicle. The group made their way out of their parked cars to crowd around where Dale was standing as he opened up the gas tank.

"I'm almost out of gas." he informed, "There doesn't seem to be anywhere we can fill up for a couple hundred miles"

Shane sighed heavily before looking around to the many vehicles we still had, lined up perfectly on the side of the road, "Well, what if we siphon the gas from a few of these cars and narrow it down a bit?"

Everyone seemed to quickly agree with that idea, mostly because we had pulled over in the middle of nowhere and the quietness that lingered made people grow uneasy. We all decided on keeping the RV, Carol's car, and Daryl's pickup for the time being, cramming into as few cars as we could. Everyone began to venture back to move our things and get situated in the new vehicles, when I noticed Daryl in the bed of the truck taking his brother's motorcycle out of the back.

My brows furrowed, "What are you doing?" I asked him.

He stopped to glance up at me, "M' gonna use the gas in the truck for the motorcycle, it don't run out as fast."

"Oh, okay." I replied before swinging the passenger door open.

I could hear Daryl start to pick up the bike again to move it slowly and carefully down to the ground, while I gathered all my things from the floor of the car. The door closed with a slam behind me as I made my way to the RV, going to ride with Glenn and the others.

"Where do ya think yer goin?" I heard Daryl call from behind me.

I turned around to face him again, "The RV." I stated, "You're not taking the truck anymore."

He smirked at me, "Well, there's two seats on a motorcycle, don't know if you realized that." he said smugly.

I rolled my eyes, "I'm aware."

"Then why you goin to the RV?" he asked.

I stayed completely silent as I shrugged, not wanting to give him the real answer. I knew he would probably poke fun at me if he knew the real answer. But also my silence was the only answer he needed as his smirk only grew, the wheels turning faster in his big head.

"Yer not scared? Are ya?" he asked as he tilted his head.

I scoffed, "No."

He then gave me a pointed look. I caved. "Okay, fine, maybe a little." I admitted.

Then he started to quietly chuckle to himself, ducking his head to the ground to try and silence them, "I've never ridden on one before, alright?"

"It's simple...all ya gotta do is hang on. That's it." he said while starting to siphon the gas into the bike.

My mind pondered over it as I watched him. I did trust him, but I never really liked the idea of riding on a motorcycle, no matter who was driving it. It made me uneasy, seeing the thing was nowhere near safe in my eyes.

But after debating with myself for a few painfully long seconds, I finally muttered. "Fine."

I saw him look up and smile at me in victory before I turned around headed into the RV to put my bag and the rest of my shit in there. Though a few short minutes of everyone siphoning gas and getting adjusted into the different cars, it was time to hit the road again to try and find a safe place to stay for a while.

I dreadfully made my way back over to Daryl, where he was already sitting there waiting to go. He sensed immediately how nervous I was, only giving me a subtle nod in reassurance as he waited for me to get on. I sighed deeply to myself in regret, before slowly getting on right behind him, placing my arms hesitantly around his waist, trying to ignore how fast my heart was beating. I couldn't tell if it was because I was getting on a death machine or because of how close I was to him...or both.

He tensed a little when I wrapped my arms around him without warning, but I felt him slowly begin to relax after a moment. Once he saw the RV moving, he started the bike up and revved the engine loudly a few times before we started moving to catch up with it.

I felt him then subtly glance back at me, almost as if to make sure I was okay before doing something that would make my stomach flip.

Suddenly, we started going much faster and he began to smile before bringing the bike up quickly to do a fucking wheelie. I yelped and tightened my arms around his waist, tightly shutting my eyes and all I could feel was his laughter vibrating through his body at my reaction. I hit him on the chest, and I could practically feel the cockiness radiating off of him. Asshole.

We drove quickly down the long roads, the wind whipping me in the face for what felt like days as I clung to Daryl the entire time. I hadn't really opened my eyes the entire time he drove, only wanting to get it over with faster before I never trusted him again. The small wheelie he did almost made my heart fly out of my ass.

But my face scrunched in confusion as I felt the man slow down drastically, taking a chance to open my eyes the smallest bit to see what was going on. Though my eyes widened at the sight, seeing we had come across a highway with a shit ton of cars scattered all over the place. Everyone else seemed to notice at the same time what we were dealing with, slowing down drastically once we saw how many there were.

Daryl realized quickly that the RV was too big to get through, and he picked up his pace again to drive around and align himself with the window to talk to Dale.

"See a way through?" the old man asked.

Daryl nodded briefly before we got in front of the vehicle to lead the way. He swerved through the narrow path gracefully, gliding past them carefully as he tried to lead them as best as he could. It was all going fine, until we heard a loud pop and two honks come from the RV, the rest of us pulling over to see what was wrong. Daryl and I got off the bike once it came to a stop and he shut it off, turning back to see Dale came out of the RV looking pissed, popping the hood of the RV.

"I said it didn't I? A thousand times I said it, dead in the water." he ranted out loud.

"Problem Dale?" Shane asked.

"Oh, just a matter of being stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no hope of-" he cut himself off suddenly once he glanced over to see I was looking through one of the abandoned cars. "-okay that was dumb." he finished.

"Can't find a radiator hose here." Shane said.

Daryl came over to where I was and glanced through the window, "But there's a whole bunch of stuff we can find." he said.

"We can siphon more fuel if anything." I said.

"Maybe some water." Carol suggested.

"Or food." Glenn piped in.

"This is a graveyard." Lori stated nervously, glancing around at all the cars and noticing the bodies that lied in some of them, "I don't like this." she concluded.

I just stared at her, glancing towards everyone else who seemed to be thinking the same thing, before we all collectively dispersed to see what supplies we could find despite her subtle protests.

"Yeah alright, spread out see what you can find." Shane said awkwardly as he watched most of us walk away.

I headed towards as many cars as I could, looking through every place to make sure they were completely cleaned out before moving to the next. I ended up finding some water bottles, a few canned vegetables, some shirts, and a larger sharp knife that looked almost brand new. Maybe this highway is what we needed as we already seemed to be running low on supplies. I'd say it wasn't a total setback.

After making a few trips back and forth to the RV and back out towards the highway to drop off the things I found, I settled on searching another green car for anything new. My eyes stayed down as I searched, though feeling someone walk up to me as I picked through the backseat.

It was Rick who made his way over, leaning up against side of the car, "Hey, how you doing?" he asked.

"I'm good," I smiled. "Why do you ask?" I questioned as I dug through some older boxes.

"Well, I know you were a little shaken up from the CDC...just wanted to check up on you." he replied.

A smile broke out onto my face. Well, that's adorable. "I mean we all were shaken up about it." I said, and he nodded in agreement, "But I'm fine, just trying to get past it. How are you doing after all of that?"

"As good as I can be. It was a lot but...I'm thinking we'll be alright, hopefully find a place sooner than later." he shrugged.

I could tell there was something else on his mind, something more than what happened at the CDC, but I wasn't going to ask. I figured if he wanted to tell me about it, then he would eventually, but not now. Not when we were currently stuck here for however long Dale took to fix the RV.

But I nodded at what he said and watched as he walked over to another nearby car to look through it, just as I slowly went back to mine. I was slightly disappointed to find there was nothing worth taking so I stepped back with a sigh, my eyes searching around absentmindedly to find a different car.

But I didn't make it very far before a pair of arms wrapped around my waist, while their hand went over my mouth knowing I would scream. I turned back in panic, only to find Rick was the one holding me, with a frantic look on his face. My hand rose to push him away from me, but he quickly put his finger up to his lips. That caught my attention as he slowly removed his hand from my face, and ushered me under the car right next to us.

I grew very confused as we both slipped under the car, until I heard the walkers, a lot of them, slowly making their way down the highway and through the cars, seeing the amount passing us just through the small opening visible under the vehicle. My hand instinctively grabbed Rick's in shock as I covered my mouth so I wouldn't attract any of them towards our hiding place, and prayed that a group this big wouldn't find any of us. Rick looked over at me and slowly placed his other hand on top of mine, to try and calm his nerves a bit as his breathing picked up drastically from the shock.

All I could think about at that moment was all the others that were scattered around the large space. I knew all of them were smart enough to hide, to get out of sight, but still anything could happen. Especially when it came to something as big as this.

It felt like ages before the last few walkers made their way past us, both Rick and I letting out a sigh of relief once they slowly seemed to continue to move along down the endless highway.

But all the tension seemed to rebuild in a second when we heard a scream. An ear-piercing scream. I whipped my head in the direction of the sound to see Sophia being chased by two walkers off of the highway, towards the tree line and into the woods just to the right. Rick didn't hesitate. He let go of my hand quickly and scooted out from under the car as fast as he could, booking it towards the woods to save her as he pulled out his gun.

"Rick, wait!" I whisper yelled, but he was already too far away to hear me.

Letting out another breath, I got out from under the car to see if everyone else was okay. The walk was long and almost painful as I made my way back to the RV where I assumed they would meet up, the anticipation was beginning to kill me. But finally, it began to come into view, as I seemed to be the last one to make it back as all eyes immediately went to me once they sensed movement coming towards them.

Carl was the first one to rush over to me the second he saw me, his feet slapping loudly on the ground as he ran forward to tackle me in a hug. I couldn't help but smile as I bent down to hold him tightly, making sure he was alright before moving down the line. Glenn didn't hesitate to wordlessly pull me into his arms, breathing a sigh of relief as he seemed to still process the shit show that just went down.

My eyes then opened and found Daryl over Glenns shoulder, and he slowly made his way up to me. I managed to slip out of Glenn's hold as the man approached me slowly, hesitantly placing a hand on my shoulder and squeezing it a little.

"You good?" he asked.

"Yeah, you?"

He nodded as he slightly chewed his lip, and then did something I didn't expect him to do. He gave me a side hug and rested his chin on top of my head for a second or two, before ducking his head and moving back to grab something from his bike.

My eyes softened as I watched him for a moment as he walked away, my heart fluttering the smallest bit at the action I never would've guessed he would dare to do. I found myself smiling knowingly to myself. Maybe, just maybe, he cared a bit more than I realized.

But my smile seemed to vanish in a split second when I caught sight of Carol who was sobbing in Lori's arms for her daughter. Her head continued to lift up from time to time to watch the woods ahead of her in anticipation, but there was nothing. Nobody else said a word as we all silently waited with her, watching to see Rick coming up over the small hill with Sophia safe in his hold.

It felt like hours had passed before everyone seemed to perk up the smallest bit of something rustling in the trees. Rick emerged from the woods looking absolutely exhausted, but when I saw he didn't have Sophia, my heart broke even more for Carol.

"Where is she?" I asked him almost immediately.

"She didn't make it back up here?" he asked with concern in his voice.

We all shook our heads.

A crushed look passed over his face, but didn't linger for long as he racked his brain for what to do next. He quickly ushered me, Daryl, Shane, and Glenn to help go back and look for her to have more eyes on our surroundings. We didn't seem to make it very far into the woods before Rick stopped walking and pointed to a small tree trunk where he had told her to hide.

He stated that this was where he left her and the last place he saw her before he left to take care of the walkers. But upon looking around the area, she was absolutely nowhere in sight.

"Sure this is where ya left her?" Daryl asked first, looking around the hiding spot for any sign of her.

"I left her right here. I drew the walkers way off in that direction," he pointed east, "Right up the creek."

"Without a paddle...seems where we've landed" Daryl spoke.

Rick then sighed stressfully, "She was gone by the time I got back here, I figured she just took off and ran back to the group. I told her to go that way and keep the sun on her left shoulder."

My eyes stayed pinned to the ground as he talked, trying to see if I could find any of her tracks when I noticed Glenn was conveniently standing in the way. I opened my mouth to say something, but Daryl quickly beat me to the punch as he noticed too.

"Hey short round, why don't ya step off to one side. Yer mucking up the trail." he snapped.

Glenn looked down as soon as it was drawn to his attention, awkwardly moving to the right side to be out of the way as he muttered an apology. I continued to move around him, trying to make out which way she went with all the other tracks surrounding her trail which only made it more difficult.

"Assuming she knows her right from her left." Shane suddenly muttered.

My eyes snapped up to fix him with a glare, "Are you fucking serious?" I asked.

"Oh, I'm dead fucking serious." he snapped.

"Hey, hey, enough, she understood me just fine." Rick stepped in before I could say anything else.

Shane huffed and continued, "Kid's tired and scared man. She had a close call with two walkers. Got to wonder how much of what you said stuck."

"Well, I got clear prints right here." I announced as I pointed to the ground, "She did like you said, headed back to the highway."

When I was only met with silence, I looked over my shoulder to see they all had their eyes on me with a somewhat shocked expression. Daryl then came up behind me to see if what I found was actually true, his eyes glancing back to me slightly impressed.

"You can track?" he asked me.

I nodded as if it was obvious, "Yeah, my dad used to take me and my sister hunting all the time. How else do you think I survived that long on my own? Luck?" I asked.

He only shrugged, "Guess I learn somethin new about ya every day." he said as he nudged my shoulder.

I smiled with my eyebrows raised before we headed off to follow her trail. From what I could see they weren't as fresh, which meant she was further away than I originally thought, causing the disappointment to resurface. It fell silent between all of us as the rest of the men followed behind Daryl and I. But I noticed that she started going a completely different direction towards the left after only a few minutes of following the path she left behind.

"She was doing just fine till right here, all she had to do was keep going. She veered off that way." Daryl said.

"Why would she do that?" Glenn asked.

Shane shrugged, "Maybe she saw something that spooked her, made her run off."

"A walker?" Glenn questioned.

"There's no other footprints but hers." I replied.

Rick piped in, "How about you and Glenn go back up to the highway," he said to Shane, "People are going to start panicking. Let them know we're on her trail doing everything we can. But most of all keep everyone calm."

"I'll keep them busy scavenging cars. Keep them occupied." Shane nodded.

After the two of them quickly went off, it was silent between us once again. I knew we all had the same exact question on our minds, but no one dared to say it out loud as if putting it out into the universe would change everything. I could tell Rick felt extremely guilty for leaving her in the first place, but how could he have known? It was just an accident and something that he couldn't control.

"Tracks are gone." Rick suddenly stated, looking towards the ground with furrowed brows.

I shook my head, "No, they're just faint. She came right through here." I said, pointing through the small bushes she pushed through.

"How can you tell? All I see is dirt and grass." he replied.

I just blinked at him while Daryl spoke up, "Ya want a lesson on trackin, or you wanna find that girl and get our asses off that interstate?"

Rick seemed to sallow his words as he nodded, keeping quiet as we both followed Daryl deeper into the woods. We walked for a little bit longer, staying low to the ground, before we heard the familiar moans from a lone walker approaching.

I stepped up immediately, getting my knife ready as I spotted it through a few scattered trees. My arm raised as I threw it straight at its head as soon as it started to take notice to us. A sigh left my lips as I walked over to it and pulled the knife out, wiping the blood off on its shirt before putting it back into my belt.

"This walker fed recently." Rick stated as he got low to the ground to examine it.

I tilted my head as I looked down at it, "How can you tell?" I asked.

"Skin under the fingernails." Rick listed, "And in its teeth."

"Only one way to know for sure it's not her." Daryl hinted as he then glanced towards me, "Can I use one of yer knives?" he asked.

I began to reach from my smaller one, but then remembered what I found earlier in one of the cars. The knife was very sharp and bigger than my throwing knives, having a few little divots in it towards the handle that reminded me of a key. In my mind it would work better than the duller ones that I had that desperately needed to be sharpened.

I reached behind my belt, "Here." I muttered before pulling it out and handing it over.

He took it from my hand and did a double take when he saw it, "This is new," he stated to my surprise, "When'd ya get it?"

"In one of the cars. I thought it was a good find." I replied with a shrug.

He nodded and didn't waste any more time before he raised the weapon in the air, bringing it down harshly and beginning to cut the walker open. The smell was always the worst part about these things and it's something I'll probably never get used to. I stood off to the side as I watched the scene in slight disgust, scrunching my face up at the sounds.

They looked inside the walker for a few long moments, fishing around through its dark guts before finding out that it wasn't Sophia and just a random animal. How they could tell the difference, I had no fucking idea. But at least it wasn't her.

Relief seemed to fill us once we knew for sure she was still alive out here. But we needed to start heading back, knowing it would be nearly dark by the time we made it back up to the highway.

The last thing any of us wanted to do was leave her out here for the night, but we didn't really have another choice. We wouldn't be able to track her down in the dark and would only be going around in circles hopelessly until the sun rose again. So, we made the tough decision after debating for a few minutes, to head back and give the news to the others.

As we trucked through the woods, Daryl started asking me when I started to learn how to track suddenly out of the blue. I actually saw him get a little excited that someone shared the same interest as him, even if he tried to not show that he was, I knew. It was almost amusing seeing him talk about the things he liked to do most, and I answered every question he threw at me.

We seemed to get lost in the conversation until Rick announced we were almost there, barely being able to see the road through the trees. I was a little disappointed that our talk seemed to get cut short and by the looks of it, so was he. Now the guilty feeling was just washing right back over me the second I saw Carol's disappointed and fearful face.

Her face dropped the second she saw us appear from the woods, "You didn't find her?" she asked almost instantly.

"Her trail went cold. We'll pick it up again at first light." Rick said.

"You can't leave my daughter out there on her own, to spend a night alone in the woods." she continued, her voice breaking towards the end.

"Out in the dark's no good." Daryl advised, "We'd just be trippin over ourselves. More people get lost."

"I know it's hard but I'm asking you not to panic. We know she was out there. We have to make this an organized effort, Daryl and Rose know the woods better than anybody. I've asked them to oversee this." Rick said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

Carol's eyes then trailed down to the blood splattered lightly on Daryl's clothes, "Is that blood?" she asked frantically.

"We took down a walker, but we know it wasn't near Sophia." I spoke.

"How?" she asked me.

"We cut that son of a bitch open, made sure." Daryl said.

Carol's sadness then slowly started to turn into anger right before our very eyes as she looked at Rick, asking him how he could just leave her alone like that. I knew he was trying to stay calm with her, but I could also clearly see he looked stressed enough, not needing a guilt trip from the sobbing mother. I just stayed completely silent as I looked down at my feet, while they only seemed to go back and forth with each other.

But the conversation ended with her voice still saddened and broken, "My little girl got left alone in the woods." she said in disbelief before turning away from the man, not daring to say another word.

That's when I started to feel even more terrible, feeling like I didn't do enough to help her. Maybe I should've gone with Rick, or maybe I should be out there right now continuing to look for her.

Not knowing what to do at that moment, I just walked off, away from everyone. I heard my name being called by Glenn, but I ignored him, I just wanted to be alone for a little while. I knew he would understand when I explained everything to him in the morning, but for now I just wanted to be left by myself as I processed one blow after another.

I made my way to sit down on the hood of one of the abandoned, rusted cars I looked through earlier that day and just tried to decompress after everything. How it all seemed to happen so fast; just like that she was gone. How easy it was for her to just get lost in hardly any time at all while Rick turned his back for only seconds. It only made me worry more that we didn't find anything other than the trail she left behind, and even that went cold.

I then found myself rolling my eyes at the heavy footsteps that slapped loudly on the concrete, making their way over to me.

"Just leave it alone Glenn, we'll talk tomorrow." I muttered, not turning to face him.

"It's me."

I glanced over my shoulder to see Daryl standing there looking a little worried, while I still said nothing. He took my silence as somewhat of an invitation as he hesitantly made his way to the hood of the car and sat down by me, looking above him at the night sky. I silently appreciated these moments I had with him, simply because he understood when I didn't want to talk. He would just sit there and not speak unless I started to first. He had only done it a few times, but each time I seemed to appreciate it more and more.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" I joked, referring to one of the last times we sat like this.

He huffed a small laugh before turning to face me, "Nah, just wanted to make sure yer okay."

I smiled at him and scooted a little closer before I let my head fall onto his shoulder for some type of comfort. He tensed a little bit but not even a second later he began to relax. We didn't say anything else, just sat there listening to our surroundings and staring at the hundreds of cars still scattered in front of us.

That was until I heard a small "oh." come out of his mouth like he forgot something. I looked over to see he had pulled out the new knife I gave him earlier, dangling it in front of my face trying to give it back. I lifted my head slightly and shook it, leaving him looking at me in confusion.

"Keep it." I said simply.

His brows pulled together, "Ya sure?" he asked.

"Trust me I've got plenty." I assured.

He smiled at me in appreciation before putting it back wordlessly while my head fell back on his shoulder, only this time, he didn't tense.

~ Thanks for reading!

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trashmuis · 3 months

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ok so now I'm thinking about clown Texas Chainsaw Massacre....

I always already saw Chop Top as a silly rodeo clown - during the very end of the radio station scene especially he puts on L.G.'s cowboy hat and scurries off, honking his bike horn. CLOWN BEHAVIOR

Bubba is the big comedy clown with like pants way too big, wearing suspenders to keep them up. to make fun of the fact he's already so damn large, and he's somehow wearing even bigger clothes. he wears a painted mask. very clumsy. and obviously quiet, so pantomiming. (basically what he does anyway)

So, Drayton is just a grumpy clown, but if I had to visualize his style, I might go for the "hobo clown" archetype? Not that i think he specifically fits that bc he's not the type to be a "tramp", but I see the suit outfit and his demeanor fitting the performance style. could maybe see the fact that he's a salesman playing a part there at least too.

Nubbins is the jokester. He's intentionally playing pranks on Drayton or getting Bubba into trouble, and he has a good laugh. Chop Top also falls into this role, but he's more cowboy than his brother.

The family members easily work off of each other - they already annoy each other or are stupid. like cmon it's SO cartoonish and clowny that Drayton just fuckin kicks Bubba in the butt already in tcm 2. That is like.... peak.

so it's easy to imagine like, uh oh whoops Nubbins tricks Bubba into accidentally pie-ing Drayton in the face and now mister grumpy clown is gonna initiate some slapstick, but Chop Top's being a little shit and tattles while laughing and now the twins are both in for it.

... It's all a very less abusive way of seeing their dynamics and I think that's much nicer lol.

I guess they'd still eat people tho, like they aren't all nice. But hey.

#right so. that potp pic just made me start thinking abt clowns and i already had some of this in my head so now i made it into a post #look i.... idk why i thought about this so much #feel free to give feedback or ideas im just brainstorming here #clowns #Chop Top Sawyer #Nubbins Sawyer #Drayton Sawyer #Bubba Sawyer #tcm #Texas Chainsaw Massacre #movies #horror #The Texas Chainsaw Massacre #just gonna tag the boys names and not every little thing bc this is such a silly post lol #mine

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starry-blue-echoes · 1 year

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Just had my first successful driving attempt and now I'm wondering what it was like when the jojo's first went behind the wheel

-oc anon

Jonathan........ wasn't technically around for cars, but he has ridden horses before!....... didn't go the best, to be honest. Jonathan's really uneasy around horses, which in turn makes them uneasy around him. Not to mention, his sheer size means that the horse needs to be pretty big just so it can support his weight, which just adds more to his fear of horses which again adds more to the horse's unease of him

Joseph is that guy who you should never let drive. Period. Speed limits are a suggestion he occasion takes and his turns are stupidly sharp. He's much better on a bike, but a car is a big no. He gets better when he older, but Youngseph is not to be trusted in the driver's seat He's the Last Resort Driver who you really wonder if getting to wherever you need to go if worth it

Jotaro is actually a pretty decent driver all things considered. He doesn't enjoy doing it, but he'll be able to get you from Point A to Point B with little issue. Surprisingly doesn't have much road rage, but he will listen to sea creature podcasts and any attempts to change the channel will result in a broken wrist

Josuke is also a surprisingly good drive. He's a bit more reckless than Jotaro, and really loves to blast music. He will absolutely sing at the top of his lungs, but it helps him focus no I'm not projecting what are you talking about

Giorno is entirely self taught and that Is Not A Good Thing. Every traffic law he knows he's learned while driving and based on how many people honk or yell at him, and half the "laws" he knows aren't actually correct. He knows every backstreet in Naples so if you need to get somewhere quick, he's your guy (just no promises if he'll get you there in one piece)

Jolyne is also a surprisingly good driver, and a very talkative one too. On the surface it seems like she isn't paying attention, but when she's driving around other people she's a surprisingly safe driver. However, when there aren't people? All bets are off, loves to speed down long empty stretches of road with the windows rolled down. Definitely goes on recreational drives with no real intent of going anywhere

Johnny...... road rage. Enough said.

Gappy is a mixed bag. On one hand, he has enough lingering knowledge about how to drive that he can do so safely, but he's not super great about keeping his eyes on the road. He prefers to be a passenger so he can look out the window and watch the scenery. If someone else can drive they'd be preferable, but he's not a Last Resort, if that makes sense

Jodio is like Giorno but worse. Giorno at least tries to drive safe, Jodio on the other hand Does Not Give A Single Fuck. Everything he knows about driving comes from watching Dragona and 90% of the time he ignores that last knowledge because Hey Wouldn't It Be Funny If I-

Dragona has banned him from the driver seat for this reason

(also, CHRIST this took so much finagling to fit all the tags)

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weasleywinchester · 2 years

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Highway to Hellfire

Eddie Munson x Curvy Henderson Reader

Literally when I saw the Hellfire raglan shirt I KNEW I would fall for this man. (Also very exciting that I have several celeb crushes that are only a year older then me... instead of my normal 10 year gap minimum LOL) Always wanted to write a Henderson Reader Character but was never quite sure who to pair them with or how to connect them with the other older siblings but Eddie has solved ALL OF THAT. So I hope y'all enjoy your ride on the Highway to Hell(fire) 🤘🏽

Summary: You and Dustin, Dustin and You. You may be cousins but he was more like a little brother and one of your favorite people in the world. So it wasn't uncommon that he wanted you to at least experience the stuff he loved at least once. Plus any visit to Hawkins meant catching up with Steve, and subsequently being each other's wingmen at any and all sporting events. But what happens when the King if Hellfire, who Dustin swears is a rock 'n roll god, comes into play? Eddie may be the the King, but he's about to find out who the Queen is.

“Henderson’s let's go!” Steve honks from the curb. You and Dustin say goodbye to your Aunt Claudia and bound down the driveway and into the car.

“Sorry, someone thought she needed to do stuff to her face.” Dustin rolls his eyes as he double checks that he has everything.

“Gotta have school spirit.” You close your eyes to show Steve the green and gold eyeshadow you expertly applied.

“Well worth it.” He chuckles.

“Dustin, you there? Over” Mike’s voice comes through Dustin’s radio.

“Ya, what’s up? Over.”

“Meet at my house before D&D. Need to talk without the DM listening. Over.”

“Guess I’ll meet you two at school!” He shouts, leaping out of the car and running to get his bike from the garage.

“Amazing how fast he’ll ditch us.” Steve shakes his head and pulls out of the driveway.

“Speaking of ditching… he asked me to sit in on tonight’s D&D session.” You sigh, bracing yourself for an angry growl.

“Thought we were going hunting for our next mistakes.” Steve pouts as he speeds toward the school.

“I know! I know! But you still have Robin.” You offer. He gives you a glare and you shrug “I know it’s not helpful when you and your wingman like the same gender, but it’s better than nothing?”

“Do you even know how to play D&D?” He snidely comments.

“More than you do Harrington!” You playfully shove his shoulder.

“I guess it is girls volleyball. Most of the guys are only there for their girlfriends anyways.”

“Next sporting event for sure. Dustin mentioned Lucas is playing basketball, so we’ll both go to all of those.” You hold your pinky out to Steve.

“You have a deal Henderson.” He loops his pinky around yours. He cruises into the parking lot, pulling right into the front of the gym

“Hey Robin!” You wave as you step out of the car.

“Hey! Ready for some sports!” She gives a little fist pump, which makes the feather in her band hat shake.

“She’s ditching us for Hell.” Steve announces. You shoot him a glare, and he makes a face in response.

“Aww man! It’s bad enough there’s hardly a crowd to play for, even worse when I only know Steve.” She whines.

“I will be at every basketball game this season.” You point at her and she perks up a bit.

“How do I get to Hellfire?” You turn Steve, who rolls his eyes at you. So dramatic!

“Down the hall, hang a right. Big oak door, can’t miss it.” He holds his hand up and you high five it, pulling him into a quick hug.

“Have fun watching the girls smack a ball!” you shout over your shoulder as they walk into the gym. The both flash you a thumbs up and turn their attention to the small crowd gathering inside.

You quickly walk down the hall, finding the big door Steve described and slip inside. The room is dark except for the stage lights that are shining down onto a table. You walk toward the stage, looking at the various set pieces that are strewn around the room.

“And what brings a fair maiden such as yourself to the depths of Hell?” A voice asks.

“What makes you think I am fair or a maiden?” You smirk, turning to the voice. You’re met with a smile as wide as the Cheshire cat, framed by a mop of curly brown hair. His deep brown eyes keep yours captive as he slowly walks over to you.

“You are beautiful; that’s simply fact.” He shrugs, slowly circling you like a shark. “And only a maiden dares enter the hallowed halls of Hellfire. Those who are spoken for simply do not wander here unless they are lost.” He chuckles.

“Not all who wander are lost.” You whisper over your shoulder, feeling his circle around you get smaller and smaller. “Maybe I am in search of something.”

“Mmm? And what would that be?” He growls into your ear, coming to a stop behind you.

“Maybe I am looking for the king of hell himself.” You take a step away, circling around him now.

“And what would you want with Hades?” He asks, his eyes full of curiosity about the girl circling him; one has never played such a good game with him.

“Thought perhaps he would want a queen by his side.” You slyly smile, letting your hand rest on his shoulder and slide down his arm as you continue to circle. You can feel the electricity spark off of him, and it only fuels the desire to be more dramatic with every word.

“And who would love the king of the damned?” he reaches for you, taking your hand in his and stopping your circle.

“Only one goddess does.” You whisper, the bite of his rings sending a shiver up your back.

“My dear Persephone.” He gently caresses your cheek and you can’t help but close your eyes at his touch.

“Oh good you met Eddie!” Dustin’s voice cracks through the tension in the room and you and Eddie step away from each other.

“Ya, just ugh, getting acquainted.” you glance at Eddie and then back to your cousin.

“Cool. Eddie, this is my cousin (Y/N). Cuz, this is Eddie, our leader.” He smiles at the two of you.

“You didn’t tell me she was so beautiful, Henderson.” He takes your hand gently and places a kiss on your knuckles.

“Well, duh, she’s my cousin; you should always assume that.” He pats Eddie on the shoulder and walks with the others to the table.

“If he’s anything to go by I can only assume you’re also an outcast?” Eddie looks up at you, extending his elbow. You smile and loop your arm through his.

“I like to think I was well liked. But we definitely bond over movies and books. I’m a bit more of a music junkie than he is though.” You flash Eddie a rock on sign and he flashes that brilliant smile.

“Ok, name your favorite band.”

“ACDC.” You tell him, like there’s anyone better!

“Really?” Eddie pulls out one of the throne chairs at the head of the table for you to take a seat. He thought maybe you would have said Blondie or Kate Bush. He wasn’t expecting a rock band.

“Girls listen to rock, Eddie Munson.” You give him a pointed look as he takes the throne next to you.

“Ya, just never met one that didn’t have five layers of eyeliner.” Or that looked so pretty.

“Mmm, that much eyeliner makes my eyes look tiny.”

“That why you stick to sparkly green and gold?” Mike butts in, barely holding in a laugh.

“Haha Michael.” You gently push his shoulder.

“So, where are you in this campaign. We in like a battle in Helms Deep situation?” You ask Eddie. He gives you a look of surprise, his heart beating a little too fast.

“Ya…” his grin widens as he quickly catches you up at where the group is. When they’re ready to begin for the night they all turn to Eddie, waiting to see what peril they will be in tonight. You watch in awe as Eddie unveils the next chapter of his story, he’s so animated as he tells it, his voice changing with each character he portrays.

“Time to consult?” Mike asks, ecstatic when Eddie nods. The group huddles away from Eddie, harsly whispering about what to do next. Your hand comes to gently rest on Eddie’s.

“Is it like this all the time?” You ask, keeping your voice low.

“Sometimes there’s tears.” He nods, a smile creeping on his face when he sees the look of disbelief on yours.

“In anger or sadness?”

“Mostly frustration.” He admits, trying to keep his hand as still as possible so you don’t feel the need to move yours.

“That I could see.” You laugh. Both of you watch as the group argues among themselves, someone occasionally hitting whomever said something stupid aloud.

“You, lovely Persephone, are always welcome in the kingdom of Hellfire.” Eddie whispers to you, turning his hand so yours rests in his palm.

“Thank you Lord Hades.” You gently intertwine your fingers in his, “An invitation I will gladly take.” You smile at him, admiring how his brown eyes are warm and inviting, the gentle squeeze of his fingers setting something in you ablaze.

“Ok DM, we’re ready to roll the die!” Dustin announces. You prepare for Eddie to let go of your hand, but he doesn’t. He waves the group over with his left hand, giving yours a gently squeeze with the other. As the night wears on his hand only moves from yours when he widely gestures about something or needs to flip through his notes quickly; otherwise it gently rests in yours.

“Times up kids.” A man’s voice calls as he knocks.

“We’ll wrap up Mr. Silverton.” Eddie yells to him and then turns toward the group. “Mighty warriors, here is where we break for food and slumber! You live to see another day!” He throws his arms up in the air and everyone cheers.

“I hope you had fun, my queen.” Eddie bows to you, turning to start putting his things away.

“I most certainly did. Can’t wait to see what tales unfold in the next secession.” You smile, grabbing a few chairs.

“My dear Persephone! You do not need to help this group of scoundrels.” He playfully scolds, taking the chairs out of your hands.

“Eddie…” You laugh as he hands them to one of his friends.

“I know you came for the game. So go find your friends, the night is young after all.” He smiles and bows once again.

“Only because you insist.” You curtsy and slowly walk to the gym. You float down the hall, the ghost of Eddie's touch still in your hand.

“Cuz!” Dustin yells after you, his friends trailing close behind. “We’re headed to the Wheeler’s. I’ll call mom when I get there.” He gives you a quick hug and hands you the house key.

“Oh ok, guess I’ll hitch a ride.” You shrug. He flashes a thumbs up and each of the boys gives you a hug before they all scamper outside. You see Steve walking out of the gym, waving as the gaggle of kids runs by. You almost yell for him to wait up when a girl comes out of the gym and wraps her arm around his waist.

“Maybe not…” You whisper to yourself. Not that Steve would mind dropping you at home… but there is someone down the hall that drives. You smile to yourself spinning on your heels and walking back to the drama room.

You pass Eddie’s friends on their way out, thankful Eddie is alone.

“Hey Eddie…” You ask sweetly, slowly walking toward him.

“Must be winter, since you have returned.” He smiles, his eyes slowly taking in all of you this time.

“Think I could hitch a ride? Dustin took off with his friends and Steve’s got company.” You look up at him through your lashes, your body close enough to his you can feel the heat through your clothes.

“Do you have to go home?” He grins, a glint in his eye.

“I’m 20 years old, I can do whatever the fuck I want.” You grin back.

#eddie munson x reader #eddie stranger things #eddie munson x henderson!reader #eddie munson x plus size reader #Eddie Munson x female reader #hernderson!reader #dustin henderson #Steve Harrington x hernderson! reader #steve harrington x reader

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ambiguous-sanskars · 11 months

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Hi guys! This is Part 1 of a prompt fill for my dear friend @vijayasena <3 Hope y'all like it!

Read on AO3 (click for additional tags, notes, and translations!)

There was fire, a single-minded force that forged its path on the ashes of the bodies it had burned.

There was water, a devotion so potent that you lost yourself in its gentleness, only to wake up six feet under.

And then there was air, a lightness that left no footprints, which held the power to both stoke and extinguish the flames.

***

“Annayya, please! Carry me for a little longer!”

“Akhtar, you’re so heavy. And annoying,” Ram said, aiming for irritation and missing by a mile.

“And whose fault is it that I had to dance so long? You couldn’t have lost sooner?”

“That’s it, I’m leaving you in the roadside gutter-”

The honk of a car horn stopped them in their tracks.

“Hey!” Jenny called, rolling up next to them. “Need a ride?”

“Akhtar does,” Ram offered immediately. Akhtar got down, giving Jenny a sheepish grin.

“Want to come to my place for coffee?” Jenny asked him. Akhtar looked at Ram, who was already beginning to translate.

When he heard the offer, Akhtar’s eyes widened in anticipation. This was his one golden opportunity to reach Malli. He nodded enthusiastically.

“Sorry,” Jenny said to Ram as Akhtar got in the car. “I’d give you a ride too, but there isn’t room.”

“I think I’ll be alright,” Ram said with a wink. “I’m waiting for a friend.”

As they drove away, Ram stared after the car. There was something about that paint-

The roar of a motorbike interrupted his thoughts. It screeched to a halt in front of him. When the dust cleared, he realized that the rider was watching him with an amused gaze.

“Hi,” she said. “Need a ride?”

“Uh,” Ram stammered. “No, I’m waiting for-”

“A friend, yeah, I heard. I figured that was a clever little lie so you could set your friend up with gori-memsaab.”

“Um-”

“Come on, sit! Let’s go to the train station.”

Ram finally seemed to recover his wits. “What, you want to elope already? We just met,” he teased.

The biker grinned widely. “The station has the best chai.”

“I don’t know, I think they use too much saffron,” Ram bantered as climbed onto the bike behind her.

She scoffed. “You mean the stuff the British are colonizing us for? Better get some while it lasts.”

***

“So, stranger,” Ram said as he walked two cups of chai to the bench, handing one to the biker.

“Sakshi.”

“Sakshi,” Ram repeated. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ram.”

“Big shoes to fill, with a name like that. I’ve always wondered why parents name their kids after the gods.”

“Does the name really define the person?”

“It can,” Sakshi shrugged.

They sipped their chai in companionable silence. Ram turned to look at her.

“What?” she asked.

“Sakshi means… witness.”

She laughed. “And what do you make of that?”

“I don’t know,” Ram said, smiling with a light shake of his head. “I don’t know.”

“So what do you do?” Sakshi asked after a beat.

“Do?”

“You don’t have a job?”

“Oh, yeah- I mean, no,” Ram fumbled. He couldn’t very well tell her he was a high-ranking officer with the British police. And he definitely couldn’t tell her that he was a rebel.

“Then how the hell did you get into Scott’s party?”

Ram startled. “How did you know-”

“Relax, I’m a historian at the mansion. That’s why I was there. You dance well, by the way.”

Ram tried and failed not to blush. He felt a twinge of regret for not having noticed Sakshi back at the party.

“What need does the governor have for a historian?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Eh, you know. Facilitating interaction with the locals, teaching the Brits Hindi and basic cultural stuff. Keeping records.”

“I’m a guard. At the mansion,” Ram lied.

“Really? I feel like I would’ve seen you around.”

“I’m kind of new.”

Sakshi smiled. “I’ll keep an eye out for you, then.”

***

Later that evening, Sakshi pulled up in front of Ram’s house.

“Hey, wake up. You’re home,” she said, gently jostling his head where it lay on her shoulder.

Ram snapped awake, looking around frantically. “Wha-”

“Relax, it’s just me. You fell asleep. Long day, eh?” Sakshi asked with a grin.

Ram blinked in disbelief. He was not in the habit of trusting people enough to fall asleep on the back of their motorcycles. At least not until he had met Akhtar.

“Sorry,” he said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“For what?” Sakshi asked, voice fond.

“Come in for chai, please?”

“We just drank chai.”

“That was 4 hours ago.”

Sakshi conceded with an indulgent sigh, turning the motorbike off and following Ram into his house.

Someone was already there.

“Akhtar?” Ram asked in surprise. Akhtar was sitting at the foot of Ram’s desk, lost in thought, as if he had been waiting for a long time. He looked like he had been crying.

Ram quickly knelt in front of him. “Akhtar, what’s wrong? What happened? When did you come back?” A thought occurred to him. “Oh my god. Did something happen at Jenny’s?” He ran his hands down Akhtar’s shoulders and arms, looking for signs of injury. “Are you hurt? Did one of the guards-”

Akhtar met Ram’s gaze, shaking his head. “Annayya, I’m fine. Please don’t worry, I’m not hurt.”

“Then why-”

Akhtar drew a breath to say something, and then abruptly changed his mind. He looked at Ram with tears in his eyes. “I fear I will say too much. Don’t ask me anything, Annayya. You know I cannot lie to you.”

Ram had never seen Akhtar look quite so fragile, and it was breaking his heart.

“Okay, okay,” he said, wrapping his arms around Akhtar and holding him close. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me anything. I won’t push. Don’t cry, it’s okay.”

“Do they even see us as human, Annayya?” Akhtar wept into Ram’s shoulder, the memory of Malli in that cage seared into his mind. “What have we ever done to them that they- they…”

“Nothing, you’ve done nothing wrong. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have sent you alone with her-”

Akhtar pulled back, shaking his head. “No, Annayya, it wasn’t Jenny. She is very kind to me. It was nice to spend time with her. There were just other things that were… not so nice.”

Worry and helplessness swirled like a storm in Ram’s chest. “You know you can tell me anything, right, Akhtar?”

Akhtar wiped his eyes, smiling genuinely. “I know. I know. But you haven’t even told me who you brought home with you.” He looked at Sakshi, who was standing inconspicuously by the door.

Ram turned, tentatively holding his hand out to her. She took it immediately, making Ram blush despite himself.

“Akhtar, this is Sakshi. My friend.”

Sakshi crouched down next to Ram so she could be face to face with Akhtar.

“Hi, Akhtar,” she said, reaching out to brush a tear from his cheek with the easy familiarity of someone who’d known him for ages. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Akhtar looked at the two of them. At the faint pink on Ram’s cheeks. At how comfortable Sakshi seemed, squatting amidst the piles of books. At how they were still holding hands.

Akhtar smiled. “Welcome, Vadina.”

Sakshi couldn’t help the grin that lit up her face like a thousand suns. Ram choked on air, blushing deeper.

“Akhtar!” he scolded.

Akhtar ignored him. To Sakshi, he continued, “Please have a seat. I’ll make chai.”

He brushed past them into the kitchen. Ram stared after him in bewilderment.

“That boy will be the death of me,” Ram said.

Sakshi laughed. “We should listen to him. Please tell me you have a couch or a chair somewhere under all these books.”

“Very funny. Come on.”

They settled on the couch, sitting shoulder to shoulder with their hands intertwined, exchanging soft conversation. The fragrance of elaichi and ginger drifted lazily from the kitchen.

“I should go help him,” Ram said after several minutes. “It’s your first time here, I wanted you to taste my chai recipe.”

Sakshi hummed thoughtfully, resting her head on his shoulder. “Is it better than Akhtar’s?”

Ram paused. “No, I guess not. He’s got a way with spices.”

“Then it’s all good. We’ll have plenty more chances to have chai.”

“I should at least help him bring the cups,” Ram sighed, reluctantly detangling himself from their cuddle. “I’ll be right back.”

Ram stepped into the kitchen just as Akhtar finished pouring the chai into the clay cups, humming softly as he worked. As he moved to pick up the tray, Ram stopped him.

“Akhtar, leave it. How much work will you do? You are a guest; go and sit comfortably, I’ll serve.”

Akhtar turned to Ram with wide eyes, looking hurt.

“Annayya, I came here thinking I was coming to my own home. Why do you estrange me by calling me a guest?”

“No, Akhtar, that’s not what I meant,” Ram amended immediately. He lovingly cupped Akhtar’s cheek. “Everything that’s mine is first yours. It’s just that you’ve had a long day, and I want you to rest.”

Akhtar smiled. “Annayya, I insist. Go and sit with Sakshi-vadina. It’s no great effort to bring out a tray of chai.”

“Akhtar-”

“Go!”

“Okay, okay. I’m going.”

“What happened?” Sakshi asked when Ram returned empty-handed.

“He kicked me out.”

“You got kicked out of your own kitchen?”

“See, the things I have to deal with,” Ram said with an exaggerated sigh, curling up on the couch next to Sakshi.

“Chai!” Akhtar announced, bringing in the tray with cups and neatly stacked snacks.

“Oh, this smells divine,” Sakshi said as she took a cup.

The conversation flowed easily for the next several hours. It was nearly 2AM when Ram managed to yawn so widely that his jaw cracked, causing Sakshi and Akhtar to pause their conversation to laugh at him.

“And that’s my cue,” Akhtar said, standing up to leave.

“Sit down,” Ram ordered. “Where do you think you’re going so late at night? I have an extra blanket, you can stay here.”

“Annayya, any other night and I absolutely would. But today I have some important work.”

“What work could you possibly have at this hour?”

Akhtar looked at the floor, expression clouding. The atmosphere in the room shifted; what had felt like family seconds before suddenly felt like three colleagues in an awkward work meeting.

Ram shook his head to clear it. “Okay, fine. Drive safely.”

Akhtar hesitated. “Annayya, I’m sorry if I-”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” Ram was no stranger to keeping secrets; he of all people had no right to begrudge Akhtar his personal life. “Go do your work. I wish you every success.”

“Thank you, Annayya. That means more than you could know.” Akhtar turned to Sakshi. “Good night, Vadina.”

They watched Akhtar’s motorcycle roar down the street. Then Ram turned to Sakshi.

“And what is your plan?”

Sakshi sighed wistfully. “I also have somewhere I need to be tonight.”

“Okay.” Ram eyed the dark streets suspiciously. “Are you sure it’s not too late to be out here alone?”

Sakshi tossed her hair to get it out of her face as she climbed onto her motorbike. It was such a mundane gesture, but Ram was transfixed by the way the orange streetlights glinted off her locks. As though for a second, she was engulfed in flames.

“Ram!”

Ram snapped out of it to find Sakshi cocking an eyebrow at him. “Sorry, what?”

“You seem lost.”

Ram shook his head. “I’m worried. Should I drop you home?”

“Your poor horse is fast asleep.”

“He won’t mind being woken up.”

“Relax, Ram. I know this city like the back of my hand. There isn’t a being alive here who can hurt me. Believe me, several have tried.”

With that, Sakshi revved her engine and sped off into the night.

Ram returned to his living room, already missing the warmth and laughter from just a few minutes ago. As he walked the tray of empty cups back to the kitchen, he stopped. Something in the corner of his mind was nagging him.

He paused, carefully going over the interactions of the past few hours. What had he missed? He set the tray down next to the sink. That’s when it hit him.

When he’d walked into the kitchen earlier to help Akhtar, Akhtar had been humming a tune. Something familiar that Ram hadn’t clocked as significant at the time. He tried to recall it now.

Where had he heard that song before?

The girl in the mansion. The one who’d been kidnapped. What was her name? Malli. That was Malli’s song.

But Malli was a tribal girl, and the song was a Gond folk song. Akhtar had lived in Delhi all his life. So how could he have known it?

Unless…

Ram took embarrassingly long to put two and two together. As the realization dawned, a crushing pressure in his chest forced him to his knees. He couldn’t breathe.

I’m dying, Ram thought. Please. Please let me die.

After a minute, the thoughts and the pain dissipated, leaving behind pure, unadulterated rage. Ram got to his feet with a guttural shout. He swiped the tray off the counter, causing the clay cups to shatter against the tile. Unsatisfied, he turned and punched a hole straight through the kitchen wall. Then he stormed into the living room and kicked over his desk, sending papers flying.

In the end, there was no decision to be made. His fate was written in his father’s blood. He had no more say in his life than a sword did in the hands of its wielder.

He put on his uniform and ran out the door.

***

“Thoughts?”

“Yes. You’re afraid of him.”

“It’s not impressive to deduce that. I’ve admitted as much. My question is, am I right to be?”

Sakshi paused. “He is loyal, I believe. He did not reveal his rank, but he also did not deny serving the throne.”

“What did he say?”

“That he was a guard, sir.”

“Hmm,” Governor Scott turned to face her. “And did he buy into your little act?”

Sakshi smirked. “It wasn’t hard, sir. I expected to have to break through more walls. But I guess when you’ve been alone for so long, you’ll let anybody in.”

“Not just anybody, Sakshi. You. You have talent.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“You know, in many ways you remind me of the little girl.”

Sakshi’s brow furrowed. “What girl?”

“Ah, some tribal girl,” Scott said with a wave of his hand. “Talented artist. Voice like honey. Catherine heard her sing once and decided she just had to have her.”

“Have her? Meaning?”

“I think she gave the tribals a full 50 paisa for her. I’ve told Catherine many times that it’s not necessary to be so generous. Spoils them. Makes them feel entitled. But she doesn’t listen.”

“50 paisa?” Sakshi’s face grew ashen.

Scott narrowed his eyes. “Those people are savages, Sakshi. You know that. The girl is a hundred times better off here than with them. Did you forget what they did to your mother?”

Sakshi inhaled sharply.

“Yes,” Scott said. “That’s what I thought.” He turned back to face the window. “Keep a close eye on Ram. I’ve noticed a change in him, of late. If his loyalties are shifting, I want to be the first to know.”

“Yes, sir.”

“We are fighting for a great purpose here, Sakshi. We are fighting to bring civilization to barbarian lands. We are fighting so that no woman is ever burned to death on her husband’s pyre again.”

The memory of her mother’s screams echoed through 20 years of time. Sakshi’s resolve hardened.

“I won’t let you down, sir.”

“Good.”

Sakshi walked back to the inner chambers. She’d largely grown up in this mansion. She wasn’t in the habit of looking back. But today, as she passed a dark corridor she’d gotten used to ignoring, she stopped. What was down there?

Sakshi had tried exploring it once. It had been way back when she was a child, new to the mansion, wide-eyed and curious. She hasn’t made it very far. It was the only time the governor had ever disciplined her with a whip.

With a furtive glance over her shoulder, Sakshi turned down the hallway. It seemed to go on forever. At the end was a… cell? Certainly not enough privacy to call it a room. There wasn’t so much as a curtain hanging over the metal bars.

On the bare-bones cot lay a child, curled up in the fetal position. She couldn’t have been more than 9 years old. Sakshi’s heart dropped. How long had she been here?

A horrible thought occurred to Sakshi. What if this girl wasn’t the only one? This corridor had been here for as long as Sakshi could remember, and she hadn’t wandered down here once. How many innocents had been trapped here over the course of her life?

Sakshi fought down a wave of nausea. She was going to come back. She was going to get this child out of here, Governor Scott be damned.

Sakshi had always believed her life had improved after Scott brought her to the mansion as a child. But somehow, the thought of another child meeting the same fate, or worse, set off alarm bells in her head.

She was no longer a person, Sakshi realized. She was a weapon. Scott’s weapon. She couldn’t allow that to happen to this girl, too.

#rrr #rrr fanfiction #angst #hurt/comfort #canon divergent #rrr movie #mention of child abuse #brief reference to the practice of sati #highly recommend reading on AO3 #so that I can subject you to more rambling tags and notes #also translations

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worldswithoutendings · 2 years

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You are everything[Eddie MunsonxReader]

Hi guys! so I started freshly again, wanted to drop this one really quickly so there are some typos here and there, and I would love to hear your feedback! thanks for reading

TW: alcohol

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Ever since you were in high school, you had this big fat crush on Eddie “the freak” Munson. And there is nothing wrong with that. Only, that you accidentally got part of the popular group. You always were either in the presence of Chrissy or Jason, much to your dismay. They just weren’t your people. They always looked at you funny because you were quiet, observing and anxious. You never went to parties and you were mostly studying, helping others out with homework or even making homework for one of the gang.

That was untill you were invited, no. Kidnapped is a good word. To go to one of Jasons parties. You were laying in bed reading a band magazine when all of a sudden your bedroom door flew open “okay, y/n i’ve had enough, come with me” Chrissy says as she grabs your hand “what do you mean Chris? Where are we going?! Mom!” only to hear your mom giggle “have fun sweetie!”

This was absolutely, not your place. Sweaty bodies, drunk people, high people, fighting people, kissing people. You belonged nowhere. So you stayed seated on the couch, while Chrissy was feeding you alcohol that tasted too sweet, but also too bitter. It burned your throat and made your legs feel weird. Jason and the others were starting to slowly become background noise as you tried to become one with the couch. Listing off things you liked to calm down your nerves

the forest

biking

going to concerts

playing board games

listening to music

drawing

Eddie

Eddie Munson

It felt like you shot up in 0,5 seconds as you stood up, getting a concerned look from chrissy “I’m fine!” you say with a big smile, as you walked out you grabbed another alcoholic beverage and you started to walk. Feeling the fresh air all of a sudden felt greater than it normally would. You don’t know how to get tot he trailer park from here but you felt confident enough to guess where you were going. Not knowing how dangerous it actually was. An 18 year old girl, intoxicated with alcohol, with only wearing a black skin tight dress Chrissy had put you in to “make you appear interesting” you threw your hair over your shoulders. Feeling the air hitting your neck, it felt like blasphamy. You took another big gulp of your beverage when you heard a car honk “hey sweetie” it was an old men in his 40s “no thank you!” you sang out while smiling and raising your glass “come on sweetie” “no i’m going to my boyfriend” you giggled, only to see the man drive away and you giggled “i wished he was, he could be!” you say to yourself, almost losing control of your feet you hold on tight to a lamppost, you look at your surroundings only to realise you were in fact, very close to the trailer park. Making you feel giddy. You quicken your pace while you take another sip and you start to giggle “eddiee!” you say, not too hard but not too quiet. When you see his car you start to get a bit nervous. Finishing your drink in 3 big gulps and your throat burns like hell. Knocking on the door while trying to stand straight.

The door opens not too long afterwards revealing Eddie and you let out your breath you were apparently holding on “I missed youu!” you say happily as you threw your arms around him “y/n? what the hell? What are you doing here?” he sounds incredibly confused. When you look at him his confused look almost turns angry “no, please don’t be angry” your mood changes way too quick, being this drunk. You never drank alcohol before “I just, you know. It was my first time at a party at jasons and-“ “and?” his voice sounds harsh “i got anxious” you mumble, still having your arms around his neck and you look at him. You start to play with his hair as he sighs “y/n, you can’t be here. You will ruin your reputation” “i don’t care about my reputation! I don’t like those people, I like you. Sóó much, Eddie, even the moon would be jealous” your giddy drunk you starts to show up again “even the moon Eddie!” “y/n..” he brings you finally inside and sits you down on the couch. Before you even know it. your dream started to fade.

You wake up hearing a different alarm clock than you normally hear. There is rumbling beside you and you slowly open your eyes “hello princess” Eddie sounds sarcastic. Little did you know he was terrified. Terrified to see your sober version, terrified that everything what you told him yesterday was all a lie. Because he felt the same way. You try to sit up only to get a glass of water and a painkiller pushed in your hand. You actually didn’t felt that bad, you weren’t feeling that hungover, but you took them anyway “thank you” you whisper as he sits down next to you. Only then you realise the state of you and him. You were in a bandshirt that was too big on you, too scared to look in a mirror to see your face. Eddie is only sitting in his jeans, no shirt. He looked like he just came out of the shower and you start to become hot in your face “ehm, do you remember. Last night?” Eddie finally asks and you nod slowly “yeah ehm, Eddie. Sorry that i just.. barged in, that was rude of me and ehm” you started to feel incredibly awkward and he looks at you “till where do you remember” he flatly says “when i sat down on the couch” you whisper and Eddie sighs as he stands up, searching for another shirt “did more happen?” your mouth ran dry and Eddie just nods “yeah, more happened y/n” he says with his back towards you as he puts a shirt on “can.. can you tell me?” Eddie hands you your dress “you kept on telling me, how much you liked me. How much you rather spends the rest of your nights here, than at a stupid party” you walk to the bathroom, but kept the door open to continue listening to what you did. Apparently, you just opened your heart to him, when you were most fragile. You take a deep breath and wash your face with water “eddie i’m so sorry-“ “hey, don’t apologize” his voice turns soft as he sees your face “how about, after school. We hang out? Start all over hm?” he says as he grabs his car keys “that, that sounds great actually, i would really like that” “okay cool-“ “can i maybe, wear your shirt? It’s too against the dress code” you say as you look at how exposed your shoulders are and Eddie gladly gives you his shirt, waits for you and you both walk toward his car “princess” he says as he opens the cardoor for you.

Maybe it was a really good idea of drunk y/n going on an adventure.

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #stranger things #joseph quinn

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17-08-66 · 7 months

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The lost boys playlists

Note:these aren't all authentic to the 80s some are much later

Warning: 1 use of the word pot, beer, drunk, batshit drunk, high and high hell

David's playlist:

MGMT-little dark age (he finds this song oddly calming while also supplying him with even more confidence)

The cure-friday I'm in love (secretly he likes this song but he only listens to it when he's absolutely sure the boys aren't at the cave. It reminds him of when he was much younger and in love)

The spent idols-chinese rock (likes the sound of mike spent's Voice, that's it)

Motorhead-ace of spades (knows this song fits his big scary biker aesthetic down to the ground)

The cure-lovesong (he probably would be willing to listen to this infront of the boys but if they mention it at all they'll probably have something dislocated. Perhaps the lyrics, "however far away I will always love you however long I stay I will always love you, reminds him of a past lover who died, and however long he lives with his immortality a part of him will always love them)

Malice mizer-au revoir (enjoys how elegant it all sounds he actually is pretty fluid in Japanese so he understands the lyrics)

Placebo-pure morning (loves to smoke to this song it's nice background sound)

The B-52s-love shack (would never ever admit to liking this ever. Also thinks Cindy wilson is really beautiful)

Joy Division-love will tear us apart (enjoys how raw the emotion is)

The outsiders-consequences (likes to have this on loud in the background when he feeds)

The charlatans-blackened blue eyes (appreciates the buildup to the lyrics the most)

Angelic upstarts-last night another soldier (likes to start fights with this song on)

Dwayne's playlist:

The Ramones-i wanna be your boyfriend ( trust Dwayne to like one of the sweetest punk rock songs ever written)

The zeros-don't push me around (find it such a simple song yet so pleasurable)

Korn-freak on a leash (he likes to headbang to this one and smoke pot)

The stone roses-fools gold (loves to skate around the cave to this like maniac on fire)

Black Sabbath-paranoid (whenever this song comes on expect some very aggressive foot taps from Dwayne and perhaps some sporadic head jerks. he was shocked when he discovered that it was written in 20 minutes to fill up 3 minutes in the album)

The damned-fan club (at the end of a long night before the sun rises he likes to lie out on the beach with a beer and book in hand and listen and occasionally watch the waves)

Lenny kravitz-fly away (makes him feel like flying away being the adult that has to control Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie (aka Paul and Marko) is hard sometimes)

Cannibal corpse-scrouge of iron (unironically music like this calms him down when he rarely gets mad)

Anesthesia-dirt (another one of his favourites to get drunk and headbang to)

Ancient north-bezerker (oddly finds it so peaceful it on a number of occasions has lolled him to sleep)

The outsiders-the guy with the long Liverpool hair (only puts this on when nobody's at the cave to disturb him just absolute perfect silence to work on his bike)

Foster the People-pumped up kicks (loves to listen to this on Paul's Walkman that he borrowed while he skates Infront of cars getting amused when they honk there horns or bellow profanity out the window)

Paul's playlist:

Maddona-into the groove (Paul doesn't mind people knowing that he likes this song in fact he likes to play it really loudly to annoy the other boys)

Scorpions-rock you like a hurricane (likes to sing along obnoxiously while the other boys cringe and throw rocks at him trying to get him to shut up)

The cramps-what's inside a girl (always choose to listen to this song when he's batshit drunk)

Judas priest-braking the law (he enjoys humming this song while he's most likely breaking the law then singing it when he's running away from the police)

The misfits-where eagles dare (throws himself around to this song when he's feeling especially hyper)

Gun-word up (puts this on when he's high out of his mind and can't move)

Red hot chili peppers-scar tissue (the guitar solo always gives him goosebumps and brings a tear to the eye)

Green day-welcome to paradise (loves the fast drumming hypes him up for another night on the boardwalk)

My chemical romance-teenagers (loves to scream the lyrics in the middle of the road to piss of the middle aged Karen's)

Fun loving criminals-scooby snacks (as soon as he hears the chorus he starts dancing around like he's in a spice girls music video)

45 grave-Partytime (hums this while he's waiting to fall asleep it annoys the boys to high hell)

The offspring-the kids aren't alright (likes to joke and say Dexter Holland is David's long lost twin, David does not find it funny)

Marko's playlist:

Smut peddlers-if your gonna be dumb you gotta be tough (Marko very much lives by this song in that sometimes he can be a little bit dim but makes up for that with his scrappiness like Regina George in mean girls)

Le tiger-deceptacon (one of his favourites to go nuts to he'll throw himself around and try and crash into people)

Depression-why do people hate us? (When David is being particularly irritable Marko gets the other boys to follow David around and chant "why does David hate us?!")

Bottles and skulls-first love then war (puts this on to do some angry painting to when he's in a bad mood safe to say the boys are very scared when they here enraged screams from a couple of cave rooms over)

Agent orange-bloodstains (once when he heard this he got so hyped up he did a 360 of his bike and broke both his ankles)

Nirvana-territorial pissings (mouths the lyrics while he adds new patches to his jacket)

The sex pistols-i'm a lonely boy (his childish little boy comes out and he grins when it gets to 2:03 in the song)

Bikini kill-double dare ya (while he sketches he likes to tap his pencil against paper mildly out of tune to this)

Le tiger-the the empty (loves the sound of Kathleen Hanna's haranguing voice)

The zippers-he's a rebel (secretly loves this song and puts it on while he eats Chinese)

Conflict-conflict (ABSOLUTELY loses it to this song GOES NUTS if your anywhere near him there's a high risk you will be knocked out)

#the lost boys playlists #the lost boys David's playlist #the lost boys Dwayne's playlist #the lost boys Paul's playlist #the lost boys Marko's playlist #the lost boys headcanons

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exitrowiron · 2 years

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Day 36: Oberlin to Newbury, OH

80 miles, 3,286ft ascent, 4:57

For the second time in three days we started the ride on wet streets, chasing a storm that had passed through hours earlier and hoping to arrive at the day’s destination before the next predicted storm in the afternoon.

Our exit from Oberlin was on several miles of freshly milled but not yet repaved asphalt; when you drive on roads like this it is noisy, riding it is a bone jarring challenge. As I was navigating this stretch of road I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics of the 38 Special song:

Just hold on loosely

But don't let go

If you cling to tightly

You're gonna lose control

This is in fact exactly how to ride rough pavement. I rode with Pat this morning, a female rider from Big Sky, MT. She is the strongest female rider and one of the strongest of all the riders on the trip. This fact is even more amazing considering she had a partial replacement of her left knee three years ago. Pat and I rode together to the first refueling stop but then separated and each of us rode solo.

Today’s ride took us on a wide arc between Cleveland and Akron. The flat terrain we’ve enjoyed the last three days has given way to gently rolling hills; today’s route was a net ascent but I didn’t mind the extra work. Wisconsin’s hills reminded me of the runaway truck exits you find on the downhill sections of Colorado interstates. These exits lead sharply uphill (and are usually paved with loose gravel) and are designed to quickly slow and stop the momentum of a run away truck. Wisconsin’s hills are like that. You grind your way to the top of a large climb, only to have your inertia robbed by a steep little hill at the bottom. This part of Ohio is more like a roller coaster. You still have to get yourself to the top of the big hill, but the subsequent rollers are small enough that you can keep some momentum and crest them.

We are close enough to Cleveland that our route wound through once rural communities which are now full of upscale subdivisions, large homes on huge lots and horse farms. Occasionally I could see an old farm house between the new mansions, but the farm fields had largely been lost to well manicured lawns. It reminded me of Wildwood, MO, but without the limestone bluffs.

The local motorists have distinguished themselves as being the least agreeable in our journey so far. Two rednecks in a pickup shouted and honked at two of our riders and then threw roofing nails on the road shoulder for a few miles. Later in the day, traffic was stopped at a construction zone waiting for the signal from the flagger to proceed; a bike group was at the front of the line. When the flagger gave the go ahead, a woman tried to zoom ahead and clipped one rider and hit another. She reluctantly pulled over at the insistence of the flagger, but was shouting and angry and refused to provide her license. The biker who was hit (one of the female Trek guides and obviously a VERY skilled rider) got some scrapes and her bike was damaged. Other riders took pictures of the license plate and this time a police report was filed. If I was Batman I would spend my time and fortune imposing justice on people who are assholes to bike riders. The good news is that we beat the rain.

Tonight we are staying at the Punderson Manor, a state lodge in Punderson Park. The bikers are obviously relieved to put this day behind us and are looking forward to sleeping late as tomorrow is a short 64 mile day.

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robothyenawasteland · 2 years

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Help me remember a game.

It's been lodged in my memory for years, and I've been trying to figure out what it was, to no avail. My memories of it are clear, but hazy, like early game memories often are.

It was a Japanese PS1-era game, likely, but not verifiably, on that console (Perhaps PC, or Saturn, definitely not N64). In it, you play as this little yokai/gremlin/creature, little more than a foot tall. It had a face like a Chinese lion costume, and wore a little band conductor's uniform (think like the Spongebob episode with the big musical number). The character was chibi-fied, to an extent, sort of Hello Kitty, Japanese mascot style. He (she?they?) carried a little baton.

I don’t think it was red, or had epaulets, but you get the idea.

The goal of the game was to form parades, and grow the parades as large as possible. Each level was set in a small, self-contained area of modern Japan. Early levels have you in sleepy countryside towns, for example. Your little player-character, as the parade conductor(?) marches along, encouraging people to fall in behind him. In the earliest parts of each stage, all you can get to join are small animals, like dogs, cats, and rodents, and little yokai/monsters that come out of garbage cans, from under rocks, etc.

It was a weird hybrid puzzle/action game, like a combination of Katamari Damacy, a rhythm game, and snake. The goal was to make the parade as large as possible, within the level's time limit. You moved on 'rails' down streets/roads/alleys/paths. The D-pad handled movement (and I think the camera, to an extent), and you had to hit the correct face-buttons to 'recruit' characters as you passed them. As you built your group up, you'd be able to start recruiting kids, then adults, then larger groups of people, then even some larger monsters would pop out. As you recruit things, they automatically equip instruments/objects/parade stuff, and even have outfit changes (more on this in a minute)

This is where it starts to get fuzzy. The levels were deliberately so small that you'd have to double back around on yourself. If you hit the rear of your parade, that part would 'break off' and the members from that point back would all scamper off with humorous animations. Likewise, cars and bikes can run into your parade, and disgruntled people/monsters will sometimes throw things at the parade or place obstacles. These knock the parade size down, but not as badly as hitting your own parade. If the timer ended and your parade was too small, it counted as a level failure, and you'd have to try again.

Once the line of characters gets big enough, the camera zooms out and it becomes more of a top-down game. I think you use the shoulder buttons to 'pre-set' upcoming turns so you can manage the whole parade more easily. Onlookers who cannot be recruited, which ignore you at first, start to gather on the sides to observe/cheer/wave their arms around as the parade grows in size.

My very poor visualization of how the camera swap happens. Starts out at an angle, then switches up. I think there was a way to toggle between them, because the person playing it could do that.

It had this cool soundtrack that started out with very little music in each zone--mostly ambient noises (cars honking, wind, people talking) and just a few notes, then, as the parade builds, it slowly introduces the level's song, which are all big and boppy and funky. The closest comparison would be the music of Kaze no Notam, another very obscure PS1 game about hot air balloon flying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ7-Qx-buLU

In later levels, you're in downtown Tokyo, which is subdivided by big roads with tons of cars, so you have to play super carefully in the tight side streets, build up your parade as much as possible, and then try to rush across. When you've finally gotten it big enough you can ignore damage from cars completely. At these higher levels you also get crazy effects when people join the parade. For example, I can remember a group of students (I think) joining the parade, and they're suddenly holding onto a parade balloon of a creature above them. I think some other character type (housewife, salaryman, etc) turns into jugglers, stuff like that. Animals, which start out just walking and barking or meowing or whatever, get up on their hind legs and get little instruments.

One of the upgrades was definitely something like these Japanese festival floats.

Unsurprisingly, the game got extremely choppy as the parade grew. All that 32-bit era warping and wobbling and textures breaking apart just goes into overdrive. As it zooms out the game is forced to simplify the graphics, so smaller figures in the parade get broken down into little blobs. The frame rate absolutely CHUGGED and even the music got all screwed up. This is why I'm certain it wasn't a PS2 game--it was clearly a case of reach exceeding grasp, a really ambitious idea that couldn't fully express itself on the hardware.

The story, as it was explained to me, was that the little player character was sad because modern Japan had become antisocial and disconnected, so he was going to put on these parades to make people happy again. I'm pretty sure I saw the ending, but it was one of those really low-quality PS1 era endings with a few grimy, still images the camera pans across with text on the bottom of the screen, explaining that yes! you did it! Roll credits.

All these years later, I find the premise more than a little disturbing, now that I know more. The concept seems to be based on the Hyakki Yagyō, or Night Parade of One Hundred Demons. Quote Wikipedia: "Sometimes an orderly procession, other times a riot, it refers to a parade of thousands of supernatural creatures known as oni and yōkai that march through the streets of Japan at night." I'm also reminded of the maenads of Greek mythology, and the concept of Dionysian madness; the idea of a ritualistic madness, one that overcomes the onlooker, strips away their inhibitions, and invites them to abandon limits. Parallels with the wild hunt of Germanic folklore apply, as well.

The image of the little conductor leading a huge parade through the streets of Tokyo in the last level, the whole city completely given over to the parade, everyone joining in, the music swelling to a crescendo--twenty-plus years later, it doesn’t seem so fun and frivolous, now. Then again, a little creature wanting to bring joy back to the world so badly that he turns it into a neverending party, with everyone trapped, Pied Piper style, dancing to his tune? Maybe people prefer walking, singing, and dancing themselves to death in a riot of yokai, rather than spend another minute behind a desk, stuck in traffic, or sitting through another silent dinner with someone they no longer recognize. Maybe the devs were in on the joke. Maybe it wasn’t much of a joke underneath, at all.

I never actually PLAYED this game myself. There was a used game store in my hometown with consoles set up in the back where you could 'rent' games by the hour. I remember a guy playing this game and explaining it to me. He was quite good, and I saw him playing it on more than one occasion, so I was able to watch for awhile to see the range of levels. I remember him using a controller, but whether it was a PS1 controller or one of the many PC-era ‘generic’ controllers, I can’t remember. I'm certain this game was never localized in the US, because there was lots of in game banter in the form of little text bubbles above NPCs: grey talk-boxes with short lines of dialogue, probably just what they now call 'barks' in game design. He never showed me the box art, or the booklet.

Finally, I can't confirm, but I have a strong inkling, that the parade scene in Satoshi Kon's 2006 film PAPRIKA was influenced by this game. I've searched for interviews from people involved in the film, but no reference to any game comes up. Watch for yourself and see what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-QpfLV8dQw

I have gone through the entire PS1 Wikipedia game list, I've googled every permutation of PS1/32-bit/parade/conductor game, and I've never found ANYTHING about this. I can’t even remember the title, though I’m sure it was Japanese. I’ve been calling it ‘Yokai Conductor,’ for lack of a better one, for now.

Am I going crazy? I have pretty good recall for video games; I've been playing since the 90s, renting or buying tons of games since I was a kid. I've been able to track down other obscure titles based on vague recollections, but not this one. If you have any ideas, put them out there.

#ps1 #playstation #video games #video game history #obscure video games #its not made by the katamari people I checked

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the-stray-storyteller · 1 year

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A Few Good Things Is Enough For Me

I am not a big fan of my city. It is a horrible place to live.

The weather is dry, leaving your lips chapped and stinging at least once a month. You catch a cold every time the seasons change. I watched everybody in my class fall sick one by one after the cold of winter passed to give us spring. Monsoons are harsh, bringing floods to the city ever so often.

The clouds seem to hover over the city every single day. Not even a single star can be seen at night and we can rarely see the moon. The air smells of garbage, cigarettes and smoke.

The buildings are pushed up against each other. The view from my balcony is a window to someone else's house. There are slums located behind my school and I am very sure several buildings are not up to the code. The drainage system on our road has to be the worst.

You find yourself stuck in traffic for five hours and the cars behind you keep honking as if it is going to make it move faster. The police are corrupt, they stop cars and fine the drivers half their wallet for no reason.

Most of the shops sell counterfeits and every merchant is a scammer. Everyone and everything demanding every single coin you own to be given away.

This place makes you tired. It drains you day by day. It makes you stare out of the window and wonder if you are ever going to get out of here.

However, I would like to stay. I would like to stay because during springs every single tree bursts into plumes of pink, purple and yellow. Tabebuia Aurea and Tabebuia Rosea. The streets are covered by a canopy of these flowers. The whole city becomes a watercolor of pink and yellow hues. It really is stunning.

And the monsoons though bringing the threat of floods, during their early and final times are exquisite. The smell and the coolness they bring. I enjoy staring out my window to see the droplets splatter to the ground.

I would like to stay because, I don't think going on bike rides to get a soft serve at ten in the night would be perfect anywhere else.

#writeblr #random thoughts #Random Writing

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eusuchia · 2 years

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nothing more gratifying than cycling extremely normally in the very clearly marked shared bike/car lane and being honked at, yelled at indistinctly through a rolled down window, and almost flattened by a big white guy speeding his two tonne ford whatever in fucking residential downtown toronto, only to pull up beside him two minutes later when you both turn onto bloor and you continue cruising along while he gets stuck behind 20 blocks of bumper to bumper rush hour traffic for probably at least the next half hour

#literally my favourite part of cycling is doing it during rush hour and passing every fucking asshole in a car #driving down the most well serviced public transit route in the entire country :)

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seth-kia · 2 years

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your Uber has arrived (and it's not a car, sorry) - seth-kia

1.5k words, Matt Simmons & Tara Lewis fluff piece

Tara needs a ride, and Matt's happy to help her out--when he shows up, she expects a car, and gets a motorcycle instead.

Oh, well. They're gonna be late, anyways.

Fic under the cut!

+++

See, this is why Matt loved having a motorcycle.

The look on Tara's face when she stepped out of the university to see her ride was absolutely priceless--somehow, she conveyed complete exasperation just by raising her eyebrow.

She'd texted him ten minutes prior asking for a ride, well aware that he always took the bike to work. It was his pride and joy, and after the IRT disbanded, he couldn't bring it along on cases--the BAU's jet was incredibly small compared to international.

It made logical sense; he was swimming state-side, so he traded case-work on the bike for a normal circadian rhythm. And he could drive it to headquarters. He'd take what he could get.

Grinning, Matt honked the horn. He gave a two fingered wave.

Tara scoffed amusedly as she came closer, looking the bike up and down. "Don't you have a car? I doubt you could fit four kids on the back of that."

"Kristy took the Honda to work, unless you want to ride in a big empty Subaru with three car seats, sports gear and a stroller shoved in the back, this is your best bet."

"That's fair. But since I've no other choice..."

She paused, looking him over.

"I get to wear your helmet."

Matt shook his head. "I have another one for this exact reason."

"Yours is badass. Give it over."

"I'm the driver!"

"Okay, then I get the jacket."

Matt sighed, failing to hide his grin behind his exasperation. He pulled off the helmet and handed it over. "You're lucky I value you, Lewis."

It wasn't a huge admission--Tara was probably the one he was closest to on the team, besides Luke. She was level headed and smart as a whip, and had trained herself to laser focus on a case.

But outside of work, she was a hell of a drinking buddy. She and Kristy got along like a wildfire. She was a good listener, and even better at kicking sense into him when necessary--which was often--and she was sensible and caring and gentle when she wanted to be.

She was a good friend. Matt was glad to know her.

Tara sat off the side of the bike, flicking his visor over her eyes. "Dude."

"What?"

She looked at him, eyebrows raised. "How much did you pay for this?"

"No more than the bike, at least."

Slow blink. "That... is a very vague and mildly concerning answer to my question."

"Hush." He pulled on the second helmet, shaking his head until it settled. "It's also seven in the morning. Why are you at the school?"

"I did a guest lecture last night. Couple students needed extra assistance and I'm on good terms with the principle, they set me up with an empty dorm."

"You seriously stayed the night? How late were you guys up?"

"Three in the morning." At his incredulous glance, she nodded sagely. "College students. They work like no other. I didn't want to walk home that late, so I just bunked up."

"You could've called me then, I'd be happy to give you a lift home. And I would've had the Honda."

"I know, but you've got kids. I'll let you have whatever sleep you can get."

He snorted. "You know I need it."

"Are we gonna get going, though?" She poked him in the side. "It's past seven thirty already."

"I was enjoying our conversation?"

"Yeah, yeah, love you too, now get on with it."

"Okay, fine, I digress." Matt laughed, and he shifted, stretching his fingers over the handles. "Arms around my waist, but don't squeeze me to death and don't move around a lot. If you need to talk to me, you'll have to yell."

"Noted." Tara swung her leg over the seat, wrapping her arms around him securely.

"Ready?" He looked back, waiting for confirmation.

She shifted one more time and nodded. "Get going, we're gonna be late already."

"You were the one who decided to stay the night after a formal guest lecture."

"Yeah, well, you were still at home by the time I called you. It took you ten minutes to get here. What's your excuse?"

"In your own words, I have children."

She laughed. "Just go."

He kicked off, the engine rumbling beneath him. "Lean forward," he yelled over his shoulder, and set off to BAU headquarters.

It was maybe a twenty minute ride, and it took half of it for Matt to adjust to the different helmet. It was slightly wider on his head and let the air in through little gaps--he'd bought it for Mae back at the IRT, his first and favorite passenger.

Tara was as much of a lovely rider as his old coworker, though, stiff enough not to shift the weight of the bike and yet still relaxed enough to keep him at ease. She was comfortable on her seat, almost like she'd ridden before.

She might have driven a bike before, from how calm she was. Knowing Tara, it was certainly an option.

Of course, she was still new to riding with Matt. He had to have a little fun.

He took his turns sharp, leaning deep on either side with practiced effortlessness, and probably qualified for a mild speeding ticket--he only glanced at his speedometer maybe once or twice, letting the rush of euphoria fill him.

At one point, he hit the curb and jumped off the cement, shouting with glee at the air time as he touched on the road again. Surprisingly, only two cars honked at him.

"Having fun, Doctor?" He yelled behind him, grinning wildly.

Tara's arms remained tight around his waist, and to her credit, she didn't scream.

But when he parked in the garage, ten minutes late, toeing the kickstand and balancing the extra helmet on his handlebars, she wasted no time ripping into him.

"Matthew Simmons." She dumped the helmet into his waiting arms. "You, are crazy."

"What makes you say that? Didn't you have fun?" He glanced up and grinned, fussing a little with the visor.

"You drive like a lunatic!"

"Correction: I drove like a biker."

"Do bikers regularly speed?" She snorted at his innocent expression. "Yeah, I saw the gauge, you're not getting away with that one."

He jogged up the front steps to the building and opened the door for her, waving her in dramatically and hopping in after her. "Maybe that's just how motorcyclists work."

"Oh, do motorcyclists purposely hit bumps high enough for them to come off of the road on a normal drive?"

Matt rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. "Okay, that one was just me having fun."

"Seriously?"

The door to the roundtable room was still open, shapes behind the closed blinds moving.

Matt nudged her forward a little, smirking. "C'mon, they're gonna start without us."

He was mildly out of breath--after every ride, he had to readjust to normal air flow, instead of the constant wind buffeting his face. According to Kristy, he always has this expression of dazed joy coming home, a lightness in his step and a grin on his face. She called it his "biking high".

After a few desperate and unsuccessful attempts to organize his hair into something mildly professional, he stepped into the conference room.

"Nice of you to join us," Rossi commented, throwing an almost stern but mostly amused glance their way.

"I went as fast as I could--"

"--meaning he nearly killed us both--"

"--and it's Tara's fault I'm late, she wanted a ride--"

"--Oh, really, mister 'I have children'?" She countered, crossing her arms loosely.

"Well, I got us here." Matt shoulder checked her as he came in behind her, grinning and windswept.

"Yeah, no thanks to road safety laws."

He scoffed. "Shush."

Prentiss looked them over, a barely contained smile on her face. "Anyway," she drawled, pointedly clicking the remote.

"Right," Matt said, taking a seat by Reid.

"You know, almost six thousand people die a year in motorcycle accidents," Spencer said discreetly, leaning over.

"Yeah. Now I do. Thanks, doc." Matt stared at the ceiling.

Tara watched him with an expression halfway between disappointment and mild terror.

"Anytime," Reid said, grinning as Emily began the debriefing.

+++

On the way back after the case, Matt offered another ride.

She accepted, on the condition that he "wouldn't ignore the speed limit signs this time."

With a snort, a grin, and the trading of helmets, Tara wrapped her arms around his waist again, and off they went.

#criminal minds #cm s13 #matt simmons #matthew simmons #tara lewis #doctor tara lewis #fluff #fanfic #fanfiction #fic #matt gives tara a ride on his motorcycle #that's it that's the fic

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