Tumgik
#poe not in front of tess
blanketorghost · 2 years
Text
Much Ado About Choices (2/5) - Anisa
Summary: After being given the choice between all three members of the Starsworn, Noel has yet to truly decide who they want to be their guardian for the time they'll be staying in Astraea.
Fictif Stories: Last Legacy, Roadkill (Referenced)
Characters: Noel Villamil, Felix Iskandar Escellun, Sage Lesath, Anisa Anka
Timeline: In-Between Prologue and Felix's Route Ch1
"...We should spread out and look for him. I love a good manhunt!"
Noel looked at the girl beside them. Blue eyes, blonde hair cut in a cute bob, and freckles that really put the angel in 'angel's kisses'. Her enthusiasm was contagious, but the worry in Noel's stomach had already overwhelmed their budding crush.
"Whoa, whoa. I signed up for a shared ride to Beverly Hills, not Call Of The Wind."
On their other side, there was Poe. Noel's best friend ever since they arrived in New York a year ago, with barely any money to rent a room– much less afford the outrageous tuition of the College they both attended. Despite his overt pessimism, Noel couldn't help but smile at his reference. He'd always been a little pretentious like that, and they loved him for it. Maybe a little bit too much.
"Hey, can we cool it with the literary references?" The girl snapped back – Tess.
Right, this was no time for joking; After all, one of their roadtrip partners had disappeared without a trace.
"Sorry, that was our thing in boarding school."
"Please, let's focus. We can't just leave Douglas out here." Noel finally chimed in. As fun as it was to see them bicker, the sun was coming down, and fast.
"Seems he wanted to be left." Poe shrugs, but Noel elbows him harshly.
"Colestead!"
"Ow-! What was that for?!"
"Didn't you see the bathroom? There was blood there. What if he's hurt or something?"
"I know. But we're losing light here, Noel. And if you think this place is creepy during the day…"
"So what's the plan then?" Tess spoke up, folding her arms tight.
Both of Noel's remaining partners looked at them. It seemed now they'd be calling the shots.
"...Poe, I know you don't like him…"
"Dislike is an understatement, actually."
"But there's no bars here. I refuse to go without him. We can drop him at the nearest hospital if you want."
"So?" Tess threw her hands at the rapidly darkening sky. "Losing time here!"
"So, We split up and look for him. Our phones have flashlights… once the sun sets, we meet back here."
Tess' face brightened. "Thank goodness one of us has a fighting spirit."
"I'll check behind the gas station. Tess, check the road. And Poe–"
Before Noel could complete their sentence, Poe cut them off. "And I'll search the inside of the van. With the doors locked."
Noel sighed in defeat. They knew there was no arguing with Poe. After all, He was a bit too much of a coward for that.
They then proceeded to round the gas station.
The trail of blood that the group found in the bathroom continued to and into the forest.
Slowly, Noel took a few steps forward, peering into the dark woods. There, they felt something – someone – was watching them.
….
As they feel the chill of a gaze fixed on them, Noel jolts awake, almost falling from the sofa at Anisa's office.
Right.
It was just a bad dream.
It was just a bad dream.
They take a second to get used to their surroundings. The fireplace had been put out- only ashes and charred wood inside of it. The bookshelves that framed it were as pristine as they remembered. And, in front of them, by one of the arms of the chair, was Anisa herself, looking at them with utter bewilderment.
"I'm sorry Noel. Did I startle you?"
Honestly, they weren't quite sure this wasn't a dream either.
"No, no. Sorry, I'm just a light sleeper. I suppose it's time to get ready, right?"
Anisa gave them a tentative nod, slowly walking to their side. "There's no rush today, though. So don't worry about time. Do you need anything?"
"Er… yes, actually. Some soap and a towel. Do you know where I can take a shower here? I usually like doing so in the mornings."
"... What's a shower?"
"Er- a bath, then! I need to take a bath."
The woman crouched down and picked up a handful of pillows that’d fallen from the sofa. Putting them back on their place as Noel stood up and straightened themselves. “Do you need any clothes? I may have some of my old outfits in here if you need.”
“Oh! No, no. I brought a change here on my backpack. Uhm, but…” Noel eyed their cosplay, gently smoothing out the tears. "Could I… maybe get a sewing kit? I'm sure I can salvage most of this."
"Of course. Let me lead you to the bathrooms first."
Anisa turned around and started walking, barely giving Noel any time to put on some shoes and pick up their backpack. "... If you don't mind me asking; what is all this?" They gestured at the hall they were now walking through. Decorated with flags which resembled the concept illustrations featured in the Last Legacy artbook.
"This is one of the many headquarters of the Sunstone order. The most prestigious and respected organization this side of Suhail. I'm just a knight lieutenant, but…"
Hearing her voice falter, Noel quickly chimed in. "You know, usually the military and police are really corrupt where I come from. But you seem to be trying your best to do good by everyone… I think no matter what your rank is, you seem to be doing a pretty good job. Or at least way better than the people back home."
Anisa slowed down for a minute. A subtle pink painting her cheeks. "Thank you Noel. You're always so sweet."
"I'm only stating the obvious. You shouldn't be so harsh on yourself, you know."
The two finished their walk to the bathrooms quietly. Noel's gaze sometimes getting lost in the intricate marble carvings of the pillars or the delicate embroidery of the banners. Before they knew it, they were in front of a heavy wooden door.
"Well. Here we are!" The knight used both her hands to push the door open, releasing the steam from the insides of the room. "Rounding the corner you'll find the private bath. Go make yourself comfortable, I'll leave the towels and soap at the door." With a soft pat to their back, Anisa stepped forward and headed directly to one of the many closets the room was equipped with. If Noel didn't know any better, they'd think this looked more like the fancy locker room of one of the boujee gyms Poe frequented back in LA.
They weren't in LA anymore, though.
They were in Astraea.
With a tired groan, they let themselves into the private bath Anisa had offered them
“Uhm, Anisa? How do I get warm water?” They shouted as they took off their clothes and left them aside.
“Oh- right. It’s the left handle! There’s also some oils in there if you want to relax- my favorite’s lavender.”
“Thank you!”
As per her suggestion, Noel browsed through the selection of oils and settled for a citrus-scented one, dropping a bit of the strong-smelling liquid into the small tub as it slowly filled with water.
After all that'd happened yesterday, maybe they did deserve a bit of a break from the chaos.
Wait, no.
They really shouldn't keep Anisa and the others waiting.
After a quick bath, Noel dressed themselves in the change of clothes they'd thankfully packed for the con; A loose sleeveless shirt and distressed denim shorts, all topped off by an olive green cardigan. They breathed in the familiar scent of detergent and fabric softener— it will be a long time coming before they'd be able to smell that particular blend of smells again, they thought.
They took a second to take in the comfort of their clothes. Their left hand softly brushing the worn out yarn of their coat — already a stark contrast from the fancy but restrictive shirt they'd tailored for their knight cosplay.
It felt like home.
Yet… their relief would be short-lived as they stepped out of the bathroom and were confronted with their own reflection in one of the hall’s windows.
Sure, they looked normal. But in a place like this, their own brand of normal was anything but odd.
“Noel?”
Anisa’s voice echoed down the path. Despite the rational part of their brain telling them she wouldn't mind how they looked, they just couldn't let anyone see them like this.
"Err-... just a minute!!"
They hastily went back to the room and took a dry towel, wrapping themselves tight with it as a sort of makeshift cloak. This should be enough for now.
“... are you chilly, Noel? I have a coat you may be able to borrow.” Anisa leaned by the door, cautiously fiddling with the handkerchief at her belt. “I fear a towel may not be able to keep you warm.”
“Oh.” They felt their cheeks burn at the comment. Their ears even ringing in what Noel could only describe to be the melody of their utter embarrassment. “It’s not… that. Well-”
The knight only cocked her head in confusion and, upon seeing there would be no good way to exactly explain their predicament, Noel let the towel fall to the ground to reveal their ensemble.
….
“It’s bad, ain’t it?”
Noel never thought they’d ever be able to fluster a hardened knight like Anisa, but there she was; her mouth agape and eyes wide open like plates. Her tight curls had now fluffed up and her hands had now moved from her belt to her chest; As if Noel had just insulted her entire bloodline.
“I-It’s not bad, it’s just…”
“Too weird? Too revealing? Too garish? Extremely tacky? Anisa, please. We both know it so give it to me straight. Earth clothes are simply not fit for Astraea.”
The woman sighed and shook her head, smoothing out the fluff off her hair. “It’s… definitely not something I’d personally use, but that does not mean you do not look good. It’s just… different.”
“It 's weird.” Noel’s shoulders slumped as they exhaled loudly. “It’s okay Anisa… I honestly was too caught up with everything I completely forgot Miami chic may be way too far off from Mournfall fashion.”
“I’m so sorry, Noel. I didn’t mean to insult-”
“I’m not insulted, it’s to be expected. I’m just a little worried… How bad is it? I know of course I wouldn’t be able to waltz into town with… this on. But is there any way I could wear any of these… separately? or find a way to integrate them somewhere. with any other kinds of clothes.”
“To be entirely honest… Well, the shorts are of a material I’ve never seen before, but… I believe the shirt and um.. coat? are good for lounging at home. They seem very… breezy.”
The woman’s eyes darted to the small sliver of exposed skin in-between the shirt and shorts.
“... Okay, I could use them as PJs then while I’m here… I’ll see what I can do with the other stuff I have.” Noel pulled the Cardigan tight. Crossing their arms subconsciously.
“You know, the offer still stands. About my old clothes, I mean… I’d completely understand If you do not feel comfortable with using old clothes.”
“Oh. No, no! I’m used to thrifting and I’d actually appreciate it a ton, though…” Noel’s eyes scanned Anisa’s body for a second. Eventually settling back to her face. “I don’t know if they’ll fit. I’m quite tiny.” They let out an awkward chuckle, opening their arms to make a point of their small stature and petite frame.
“I do not mind you making any adjustments to my clothes. Actually, I think they may be in better hands judging by how accurately you tailored you… ah, what did you call it? knight cosplay.”
“Ah, well.. It really wasn’t much… But I’ll see what I can do with that sewing kit you promised.”
“Of course. Let’s get going then.”
The walk back to Anisa's office was much more silent. Despite Anisa’s assurance, Noel could still feel her eyes shifting towards them every so often. Before they could open their mouth to ask her what was wrong, they had already reached their destination.
“Have Felix and Sage arrived yet?”
“No. Actually, we may not be expecting them soon.” Anisa sighed and opened the office doors, letting Noel in first. “They are supposed to be here, but Sage tends to slack off often and Felix… prefers to be fashionably late.”
“Oh. Okay, then.. that’ll give me some time to… change I guess.” Noel gestured at their odd ensemble before sitting back down at the sofa.
The two settled into a comfortable silence as Noel started working on mending the various rips and tears from their Starsworn cape; Carefully switching between different colored threads for the embroidered parts. Despite Anisa's offer to bring them any extra clothes, though, the knight seemed to have completely forgotten about it as she continued to work back on her desk.
“Anisa, could you please-”
The door banged open as Sage entered the room; dragging Felix by the collar.
"Top of the morning, Noel! Did you miss us?"
"Please," Anisa scoffed as she looked up from her desk and put down her quill. "I wouldn't be so sure about that sentiment after what you did last night."
"What?? I didn't undress completely." He flashed a wolfish grin, turning his gaze to the sofa Noel was settled in. "And I'm sure they enjoyed the view."
"I'm sure they didn't." Felix chimed in, who had managed to wriggle out of Sage's grasp. "Speaking of, I didn't expect them to be such a heavy sleeper."
“Heavy sleeper? But I would’ve sworn I heard them speak just a while-...” Anisa stood up and slowly approached the sofa, where a vaguely human shaped lump of blankets stood.
“... Noel? Are you asleep?”
“Yes!!” Noel's hand emerged from the blanket cocoon and pointed up. "Or- well, whatever. I'm supposed to be asleep! Shoo!"
“My, I didn’t know one could speak so fluently while asleep. Fascinating, isn’t it, Sage?” Despite the sheets above their head muffling their voices, Noel could still discern the teasing tone on Felix’s voice. “I wonder what other odd features our earth friend has, hm?”
“Oh? Oooh, Felix you cheeky little… but, of course, I’d be more than happy to help investigate~”
“Stop it!!” They could only let out a choked protest as they felt their cheeks burn brighter. Bundling themselves tighter into the sheets. Though, to their relief, they felt Anisa's boots click towards them and stop by their side.
"You are acting awfully chummy today. Did anything happen at the Saucy Gull?"
Despite the comment warranting a bark of laughter from Sage, Felix only let out an incomprehensible barrage of flustered and indignant sounds. "O- Of course not! What are you even- Annie!!"
"Can't take a spoonful of your own medicine? Stop pestering Noel. In the situation they are in right now, I'm sure being teased is the thing they need the least."
Noel peaked their head out of the blanket slightly. Just enough to uncover their eyes. The scene in front of them, though slightly endearing, made them stifle a small laugh; Sage and Felix with their heads hanging low, Sage's tail tucked between his legs like a sad puppy.
"... My apologies, Noel. Annie is right. We shouldn't be making your life more difficult." Felix spoke first, his eyes darting from one corner of the room to the other. "Even if it is just teasing, I wouldn't want to make you more uncomfortable than what you already must be."
"Yeah… sorry, Noel. I guess I forgot you're not used to Astraea's sense of humor just yet."
"... Thank you. Both of you." They uncovered their face completely, revealing a soft smile. "I was just a bit flustered, no harm done."
"Very well then." Anisa clapped her hands enthusiastically and sharply turned to the desk at the other side of the room. "Now that you're here, we may as well start. Felix; you were going to explain to us the spell that caused Noel to be transported here, right?"
"Ah! W-well, uhm…"
"W-wait, Anisa! Sorry to interrupt, but would it be okay if I changed before you guys started? I'd like to contribute as well."
"O-Oh! Of course. Follow me, I'll show you what I have and you can choose from there."
Noel nodded and pulled the blanket tightly- using one of the safety pins in the sewing kit to fashion it as an impromptu cloak.
"We'll be back shortly. Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone."
Despite the smile on Anisa's face, her tone left no room for complaints.
Once more, the two of them were alone. Noel noticed how Anisa's long brown hair seemed to have a life of its own… Like a cat of sorts.
"... About what you said earlier, on how knights on earth are corrupt… What made you say that, exactly?"
"Hm?"
This time, Anisa was the one to break the silence. Slowing her walk to match Noel's. "I don't mean to pry if that's too personal, though."
"Oh, psh." Noel waved their hand dismissively. "It's alright, really…" They started. "I mean, it's an open secret at this point? All cops are pigs."
"... pigs??" Anisa's eyes opened up at the comment, which made her companion laugh in response.
"Sorry, was that too brash? I need to remind myself that maybe you guys talk way more formally than what I'm used to." They sighed and straightened up, their expression getting more serious. "Honestly, the less said about them the better. Let's just leave it at that."
The knight pursed her lips as her hand reached to the hilt of her sword. "I'm sorry you've had to endure the incompetence of such a force, Noel. I'm honored you've chosen to trust me."
They shrugged in response, letting out another chuckle. "It's fine. I guess I'm holding out hope that there's at least some good knight force or army or whatever in this dimension. Can't speak about the Sunstone order in its entirety, but you've already made a good first impression, though."
Anisa's face flushed at the comment, her eyes darting to her shoes and then back at the corridor. "Ah… uhm. We're here."
The pair entered a small room; seemingly Anisa's quarters in Mournfall. She gently led Noel through the messy place as she hastily tried to tidy up the place- finally stopping at a small closet. "I'm sorry, I… often don't expect anyone to come here, and well-" Anisa brushed her own hair with her hands. "I'm not the most organized person outside of work. But… feel free to look at the closet and choose whatever you wish. I'll be waiting for you outside."
With that, The woman walked- almost fled- out the room and closed the door behind them, leaving Noel to truly take in their surroundings.
The bed was disheveled and covered in a mountain of sheets and clothes- most of which they assumed to be dirty laundry. The desk had boxes of what looked to be the equivalent of take-out as well as scattered notes, and finally, the floor seemed to be in the same sorry state as everything else.
… At least it was nowhere near as bad as Douglas's room back when they shared an apartment in New York.
They opened the closet doors and examined the few garments that were left there. Judging by the musty smell they must've stayed there for a while, but what caught Noel's attention the most was the exorbitant amount of ruffles, lace and delicate pastel colors that characterized Anisa's old wardrobe. If they didn't know any better, they thought, they would've mistaken it for one of the pastel lolita closet hauls they used to watch back on earth.
Noel's fingers grazed through a couple articles of clothing. A shirt here, a skirt there and a couple more accessories and coats caught their attention. But they figured they may as well not take advantage of Anisa's kindness and took only what they thought would be enough to have a consistent wardrobe through the week. As expected though, when they tried it on they truly realized how much Anisa and themselves differed in size. With a sigh, they did their best to look for a belt to keep everything in place- but upon not finding any, settled for a turquoise ribbon that'd be long enough to look around their waist and some more.
"Are you okay, Noel?" Anisa gently knocked on the door, making them jump.
"A-almost done! Just a second!" Noel finally turned around and looked at themselves at the mirror across the room… Sure, it was… alright, but definitely they still didn't look much like someone from Astraea. With a sigh they turned back around to the closet and searched some more. If only they had their sketchbook on hand, they'd be able to at the very least make up a concept of some fantasy costume akin to what they'd seen the three Starsworn wear.
They rummaged through the closet some more, inspecting each article of clothing as they imagined how they could integrate it to their current ensemble. Alas, they were out of luck.
"... I'm hearing quite a lot back there. Do you need any help?" Anisa knocked once more, this time much softer.
"It's fine… actually, I may need some advice. Could you come in?"
“O-... Of course! Uhm…”
The woman slowly opened the door and got in, making sure to always keep her free hand over her eyes. “What do you need?”
“Pff-” Noel walked over and gently removed Anisa’s hand from her face. “It’s okay. I’m dressed. I just wanted to know your opinion on the clothes I chose.”
Anisa slowly opened her eyes, her cheeks still burning bright red. She eyed Noel up and down, tapping her chin with a gloved finger. "It's nice and simple, but… It's missing something."
"That's what I thought, yeah. Any suggestions?"
"I think I may have something." She walked past them and dove into the closet, tossing various articles of clothes around. "I'm glad you've found some things you like from my old wardrobe… But, I was thinking I could take you tomorrow afternoon to town so we could get you something that may fit you better."
"Oh, no no! I wouldn't want you to waste any money on me. I'll be fine with whatever, really!"
The woman shook her head and straightened up; holding a wide peplum belt in both her hands. "Of course it's not a waste, Noel. Besides, it is coming out of Felix's pocket. His idea, actually…. Here, try this on."
Per her request, Noel took off the ribbon off their waist and tried on the peplum. Despite the extra buttons, it was still too wide to hold itself together without any extra support. "Felix…? I don't know, I think he's been the one I've caused more problems to. Are you sure it's a good idea to use his money?" They tied back the turquoise sash around their waist again over the peplum, turning around themselves and fixing up any oddly folded fabric.
"Felix has more coin than he knows what to do with. He may look to be frugal now, but he's used to extravagance. So don't worry about funds." Anisa walked over to Noel and gave an approving nod. "I think this looks quite good... Here."
Anisa's hands softly reached at the back of Noel's hair; fixing up a half ponytail with a stray piece of blue ribbon.
Once done, Noel gave her a shy smile and looked at the mirror; fiddling with the long bangs Anisa had left to frame their face. "It's perfect. Thank you so much."
11 notes · View notes
dawnsbreaking · 2 years
Text
we could not return
Tumblr media
chapter seven poe route rewrite pairing: poe colestead x cmc rose status: ongoing chapter wc: 4,421
Poe froze for a moment, surprised. Again, Rose caught him off guard with easy sincerity. “Is that right? Well, um.” He cleared his throat, feeling his cheeks warm at the compliment. “What you seek is seeking you.”
“I—” Rose cut herself off with a giggle that she hurried to hide behind her hand. She said, “I know what you’re referencing, but it sounds a bit creepy in this context, no?”
He laughed, face even more flushed now. “You’re right, I just mean…” Poe had never had an easy time being sincere. He leaned into the character others built for him, allowed himself to be too serious and too confident and an annoying stick-in-the-mud. This act kept him from the vulnerability of openness, from exposing the raw flesh just beneath his cold armor. He brought his shoulders back, told her the truth. “I mean that I find you exceedingly attractive.”
read on ao3 series masterlist want to be tagged when the next chapter is released?
For the first time in his life, Poe Colestead had given up control. He gave Howie, Tess, and Rose full license to decide the safest route. Rose was the tie-breaker once again, deciding to side with Tess and her plan to drive four hours to Boston Central and abandon the van rather than attempt to drive the rest of the way. Poe drove them to the van in his aunt’s truck to the van as soon as they finished breakfast. Aunt Lynn sat between him and Rose in the cabin of the truck, clamping her eyes shut and holding tightly to Rose’s sweetly offered hand. They survived the short trip down Lynn’s driveway, Tess and Howie riding in the truck bed and pushing zombies away with skis as they tried to approach.
The van was, remarkably, intact. The zombies had evidently become disinterested once it had been parked and left without humans inside, and the supposed bear that Howie thought he heard the night before was nowhere in sight. Poe helped his aunt and then Rose into the back of the van while Howie and Tess jumped into the front. He shut the doors behind him and breathed a sigh of relief as Tess turned the engine and stomped on the gas.
“Alright!” He laughed, dizzying relief filling him like helium gas as he slumped into the leather seat at the van’s table across from Rose. “We made it!” He glanced to the side at Aunt Lynn when she didn’t respond. She was buckling into the single car seat in the back on the passenger side, looking a million miles away, trying her best to keep a stiff upper lip. She would need time to grieve her home, but she was safe.
Rose, however, smiled wide with the same relief he felt, reaching for his hand across the table. “I knew we would make it,” she said. With her free hand, she unzipped her jacket and pulled something from inside. “I hope you don’t mind that I took this for you.” She passed him the piece of paper — a photograph of him and his parents.
It was one that had been on display in his Aunt’s living room, Rose must have taken it out of the frame without him noticing. “Ro…” He picked the photo up, taking in his parents' smiling faces. This time, he was too shocked and overwhelmed for tears, but his chest tightened all the same.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped.” She squeezed his hand.
He shook his head. “No, it’s not that.” He was upset with himself that he hadn’t thought to take the picture himself. Or anything, for that matter. His mother’s books, his father’s suits, the few family photos he had… All of this left in a house he may never return to. Another wave of sadness washed over him.
“I thought you might like to have it,” Rose said. “And I had my own selfish reasons, of course.”
Poe grinned, allowing Rose’s teasing to lighten his mood. He loved that he could count on her for distraction when he needed it and careful understanding when he didn’t. Somehow, she knew the difference. “Oh yeah?” He gave a wry chuckle. “And what reasons are those?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Rose pointed to the baby in the picture, a little boy sitting on his father’s shoulders. “You were adorable.”
“How do you know it’s me?”
Rose rolled her eyes, laughing. “The round little cheeks, of course. Look at them!”
“You’re a menace.” Poe did his best to force a frown but was met with limited success. He laid the photo out on the table in front of Rose. “I was pretty cute though.” He sighed. “I wonder what happened.”
“You grew up and got cuter?”
Poe froze for a moment, surprised. Again, Rose caught him off guard with easy sincerity. “Is that right? Well, um.” He cleared his throat, feeling his cheeks warm at the compliment. “What you seek is seeking you.”
“I—” Rose cut herself off with a giggle that she hurried to hide behind her hand. She said, “I know what you’re referencing, but it sounds a bit creepy in this context, no?”
He laughed, face even more flushed now. “You’re right, I just mean…” Poe had never had an easy time being sincere. He leaned into the character others built for him, allowed himself to be too serious and too confident and an annoying stick-in-the-mud. This act kept him from the vulnerability of openness, from exposing the raw flesh just beneath his cold armor. He brought his shoulders back, told her the truth. “I mean that I find you exceedingly attractive.”
She smiled, didn’t laugh, took his poor excuse for flirting in stride. “What you seek and all that…” She trailed off. “But, really, this picture is too cute. You look like a cute little marshmallow in that puffy jacket!”
“And here I thought you weren’t going to tease me!” Poe whined.
“I’m not sure what gave you that impression.” Rose’s voice went just a little quieter, hinting at a double meaning that made him flush all over again. “And I’m not teasing.”
“You said I looked like a marshmallow!”
“A cute marshmallow.”
Poe pulled the picture away, snatching it out of her sight with a laugh. “I don’t have to take this, Ro.”
“You just can’t take a compliment,” She spoke in a facetiously huffy tone, fighting a grin.
“Right.” He rolled his eyes.
“And —“ She narrowed her eyes at him, tightening her hand around his and leaning across the table. “Who said you could call me Ro?”
“Hm?” Poe was surprised. He hadn’t even noticed he’d shortened her name until she pointed it out. “I’m sorry, I…”
Shaking her head, she finally let the grin overtake her face. “You’ve done it twice,” she said, falling back against the leather seat. “But I’m just teasing, I don’t mind.”
“You’re what?”
“I’m just teasing.”
He gave her a meaningful look and she deflated, realizing what she’d accidentally admitted.
“Told you,” he said. “You were teasing. It’s almost like you do that a lot.”
“I do it just the right amount,” she argued. “And you like it.” She had him there. “Now, can I please look at the picture again? I promise only a reasonable amount of teasing from now on.”
He sighed. “Fine.” He put the photo back and watched her study it again, looking at his parents, tracing their smiles with her eyes.
“They look like you,” she breathed. “That’s how I could tell.”
She was right, of course. Poe, at age 22, looked more like his parents every day. He had his father’s strong jaw and his mother's soft eyes. The smile his father wore in the picture was uncannily similar to his own.
“I don’t know if I remember this day in particular,” Poe said, “But I remember sledding with my parents at the lodge.” He pointed to the orange, plastic sled propped up against his mother’s knee. “My parents would take turns riding down the hill with me. I’d beg them both to go faster, my mom would indulge occasionally, but my dad never did. He always kept a steady pace, laughing and calling me his ‘little daredevil’.” Poe chuckled. “I bet that sounds like a lie, knowing how I am now.”
Rose gave her head a decisive shake. “I believe it,” she said. “I see the danger streak in that little marshmallow.”
“I like to think that I grew up to be like my father,” Poe admitted. “But he was better than me, much cooler, much smarter too.”
“Smarter?” She feigned disbelief. “Now, cooler I can totally believe…” She reached across the table and took his other hand, holding both hands tight.
Poe laughed despite himself and squeezed her hands back. “It’s strange knowing that I’ll be older than them soon.” He took a shallow breath. “In two years, I’ll be older and wiser than my father ever got to be.”
“I’m really sorry, Poe,” Rose said. She studied him with those wide, searching eyes as if some sign of the right thing to say would be hidden somewhere on his person. She said, “I wish I could have met them.” And then, “I’m sure they would be proud of you.”
“I’d hope so.”
Rose stood, letting go of his hands and moving from the seat across from him into the seat next to him. Wordlessly, she took his hand again before brushing her other hand across his jaw. At first, he assumed she was turning his head to kiss him on the lips but she held his face and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead instead. The gesture was kind, exceedingly gentle, and made him feel seen and cared for in that unusual way he’d only experienced with Rose. But he couldn’t help wanting to kiss her back.
He pulled back and tucked one of her loose curls behind her ear, letting the hand come to rest on the back of her neck. He watched her purse her lips as he drew her closer, softening at his touch and allowing him into her space. Their lips met gently for just a moment. Little more than a peck, out of respect for present company, but the kiss was dizzying all the same.
“Thank you for stealing a precious family photo,” he whispered. Rose’s eyebrows shot up at his words. Clearly, she hadn’t been expecting him to tease her back.
She frowned, drawing her brows back down and narrowing her eyes. “Yeah? See if I steal anything for you ever again.”
“Poe? Rose?” Howie’s voice called from the front seat. “Would either of you like to drive soon?”
Tess had only been driving for about a half-hour, but Howie was very vocal about his disdain for her driving. Howie sounded on edge and Poe reckoned he had been too distracted by Rose to notice any erratic driving Tess might have been subjecting them to.
“Sure,” Poe called back. “Pull over and I’ll drive.” He glanced at Rose. “Take shotgun?” He asked.
She nodded. “Shame I can’t DJ.” They had made up their minds to conserve their phone batteries, so Rose wouldn’t be able to play her music while Poe drove. “That’s, like, the most important part of co-pilot’s job.”
“Your most important job as my co-pilot is to keep me company,” he countered. “Though I do wish we could listen to an audiobook or podcast, that’s the best thing for a road trip.”
“Actually,” Rose said, a coy grin passing over her face. “I might be able to help you there.” She refused to elaborate, but after switching with Tess and Howie, he saw that she had settled into the passenger seat with a book.
“You’re going to read?” He asked, mock offended. “And ignore me? When your only job is to keep me company?”
“No, of course not!” She giggled. “I’m going to be your audiobook.”
“Oh.” Poe was caught off guard. “Really?”
“Yes, really,” she said. “Unless you don’t want me to!”
He shifted the car into gear. “I didn’t say that.”
“Well, the only book I have with me is Dune,” she said. “Sorry.”
He laughed. “Okay.”
“Really?” She sounded genuinely surprised. “Not too late to back out.”
He glanced away from the road at her, then back to the road. “I’d love to hear you pronounce all of the silly, made-up words.”
“Tread lightly, Colestead,” she warned. “I love Dune and all of Herbert’s silly, made-up words.”
Poe held up one of his palms in a defensive gesture. “Of course, treading lightly. Read away, Ro.” The pet name, if one could call it that, felt sweet on his tongue. He planned to use it as often as she’d allow.
“Thank you,” she said, and then she began reading. Judging by the state of her paperback, she had read the book before — possibly multiple times — her knowledge was exemplified in the way she didn’t stumble over any of the silly, made-up words.
As he drove and listened, Poe allowed himself to get lost in the story. He’d attempted to read the behemoth science fiction novel before, so he recognized the opening chapter. However, he’d never been so interested as he was now that Rose Prichard was reading it to him. Her soft voice, once she got into the rhythm of the text, was much like listening to a good audiobook, and the varied commentary she interspersed was enjoyable, too.
“Just tell me when you want me to stop,” Rose said, after finishing the second chapter.
“Are you tired of reading?”
“Not at all.” She laughed. “I’m having the best time right now.”
“The best time?” He questioned.
Rose shrugged. “I’m easy to please.”
She read another chapter, telling him that she had to ‘At least get through the training scene,’ before retiring the book. He thoroughly enjoyed her commentary on the character interactions, he had his very own combination audiobook and podcast in her.
When she finally closed the book, having tired of reading, she asked, “How was that for an audiobook? Five stars?”
Poe laughed. “Four and a half,” he said, “Audiobooks usually have far less commentary.”
She clutched the book to her chest and glared at him, fighting a smile despite his teasing. “You liked it,” she said.
“I did,” he admitted. “Very much.” Hearing her read reminded Poe of the readings and conversations in their former shared poetry class. He felt increasingly at ease in her presence now, though, compared to the nerves she’d elicited then.
Before he could elaborate, a figure limped out of the woods into the road, stopping in front of the van. Startled, Poe slammed the brakes. Despite his best efforts to regain control the van skidded out on snow and swerved around the figure.
“Poe!” Rose shouted, more surprised than upset. Her hand flew to his stomach instinctively, as if to guard him in the event of the van crashing.
“Sorry.” He pressed the gas again, leaving the rambling zombie behind them. “It's been so long since we’ve seen one…” He’d almost forgotten the zombies behind him, allowing himself to be lulled into a false sense of security. Rose reading in the passenger seat had allowed him distraction enough to enjoy the pretense of a normal road trip.
“Are you okay?” Rose asked. She watched him nod an affirmative before turning to the back seat. “Everyone alright?”
Tess called back, “All good. It’s not following us.”
Rose slumped back into her seat but allowed her hand to fall protectively to Poe’s thigh. “I hate thinking that they used to be someone. That’s the worst part.”
He didn’t speak, but he knew what she meant. Every time he saw one of them — he hated to use the word zombie even in his mind, hated to mythologize this disaster — he could not help but imagine his own loved ones in their place. The night his aunt had been missing, it was all he could do not to imagine her stumbling through the snow, blood in her teeth, flesh sloughing off of her bones… He shook himself. Having seen so many of the undead by now, it was becoming far too easy to place new faces on the bloodied bodies. Howie, Tess, and even Rose had been turned into monsters by his wayward imagination. He had to make sure that none of those conjurings became reality. He had to.
Rose rubbed soothing circles on his thigh, though she had turned away to watch the side of the road. Poe had to fight to enjoy the casual intimacy rather than worry at the prospect of seeing more of the undead. “You’ve got that look,” she finally said, keeping her eyes still trained on the passing trees. “What are you thinking?”
“What look?” A deep frown, he knew. Furrowed brows.
“You’re upset,” she said, “Which is fair.”
His deep frown deepened still. “Then why are you worried about it?” He hated the sound of his own voice as soon as he heard it but he couldn’t stand pity, even from her.
Her thumb on his thigh stilled. A beat. She took her hand away altogether. “I’m sorry,” she said.
Poe took a steadying breath, reached for her hand. “No,” he said. “I didn’t mean…” What did he mean? He had gotten her to stop asking questions, wasn’t that what he wanted? But her silence came with a frown, which was never what he wanted. They had been over this just the night before, Poe had opened up and admitted his silly thought about her changing. But, it seemed, he was still reserved when it came to sharing feelings that actually mattered. “I’m sorry,” he said, finally. He had to try. For her.
“You don’t have to say anything,” she said, letting him take her hand back to rest on his leg.
He shook his head. “No, I just need time to process what I’m thinking before I externalize it, I think.”
She gave him a gentle smile. “Understandable, I’m sorry if I’m pushy about talking about your feelings.”
He laughed. “You can be a little pushy.”
“Hey!” She giggled. “You’re not supposed to agree when I say something negative about myself.”
“It’s a good thing! I need someone to be pushy. I’m stubborn.”
“We’re both stubborn,” she corrected, voice softening. She resumed her soothing circles, this time on the back of his hand. “I’m sorry for being more stubborn.”
“It’s good for me,” he said. And he meant it.
Rose changed the subject, returning to idle chat. Eventually, the two of them fell into companionable silence. After a laughably short time not speaking, Rose began dozing in the passenger seat, using her hand as a pillow against the window. Poe, having seen her fall asleep a handful of times now, envied her ability to sleep so easily. She slept for the rest of the ride — almost two hours, only stirring once to smile when his hand found her thigh for comfort. He tapped her leg to wake her when they neared a checkpoint that had been set up on the road just outside of Boston. Poe teased her. “You had one job,” he said. “Awful co-piloting today.”
She scrunched her face, still half asleep. She mumbled, “I read to you for, like, an hour.”
He squeezed her thigh. “I know, I’m teasing.”
She hummed, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “Where are we?”
“There’s signs, a checkpoint up this road. I think Boston is going to be a safe zone.”
“That’s great!”
“It means Tess was right,” he said. “Good work team.”
Tess, at the sound of her name, called, “We’re a team now? Promise?”
“I’m considering that I might not hate you!” Poe called back. “That’s all you get.”
“I can live with that!”
They passed through the checkpoint with relative ease, clearly harboring no undead passengers, and were able to park the van and gather their belongings within walking distance of Boston Central.
“Good riddance,” Howie said, dramatically saluting the old van.
Tess and Rose laughed and did the same as they exited the vehicle.
“Thanks for the memories,” Tess said, slapping the van’s side.
Poe watched Rose tuck her book back into her backpack, lingering in the shadow of the open passenger side door. “Everything okay?” He asked.
She nodded. “I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”
“About the safe zone?”
Her eyes flickered to him and then back to her bag. “About anything.”
He gave her a confused look. “Do you want to talk about what you mean by that?”
“No.”
“Hypocrite.”
She sighed. “Okay, maybe.” She shouldered her backpack and took his hand. “I already told you how I feel about relationships in general? Like they always feel too good to be true?”
He nodded.
“Well, all of my anxiety from—“ She waved a hand around for lack of words. “Well, everything, has made me even more worried that things are going to go badly. And — not that you have to tell me everything that you’re thinking all the time — but more worries come back every time you go quiet on me.”
“I promise I’m not upset because of you, Ro,” he said.
She gave him a weak smile. “I appreciate that.”
He called to Tess, Howie, and his aunt, “Rose and I are going to take a walk before we go. Stretch our legs.” He turned to her. “Come on, I need a minute.”
Rose followed him away from the sea of abandoned cars into a little clearing by the side of the lot. They walked until they were alone, steps leaving footprints in the fresh snow that would lead them back to the van.
“There’s a story I read growing up, called ‘The Striding Place,’” Poe began. He did this often, used literature to understand and compartmentalize his more complex feelings. “It’s about a young man who goes out for a walk one evening and comes across a body in a lake…”
Rose squeezed his hand, taking notice of the way the words caught in his throat.
“The man is concerned, so he fishes into the lake and drags the body to shore…” Poe was getting choked up but he fought tears, continued, “But when he gets close enough, he realizes that the body has no face.”
“That’s terrifying,” Rose offered after a beat.
“The worst part is, I can’t remember who wrote it.” He closed his eyes, keeping tears from falling. “Just now, driving, I kept seeing a faceless corpse in the road… Waiting for me.”
Rose stopped and stepped in front of him and placed a hand on his chest to stop him too. “Poe..” She said.
“I keep imagining my aunt or our friends as zombies in the road. I wonder which one of you is next. I wonder how many people I know are already gone. That body is staring at me, waiting for a new face.”
After a pause, Rose said, “I know what you mean.” She took a shuddering breath, he saw tears welling in her eyes. “We haven’t had cell service, so I have no idea if my parents are okay, my twin brother…”
Poe felt a twinge of guilt, this whole time he had failed to ask her about her family or friends, he’d let her shoulder that anxiety alone while he opened up more than ever before. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “Where are they?”
“My parents live in Texas,” she said. “And my brother is in LA.” She shook her head, blinking away tears. “They’re all probably fine.”
Right, he’d known about the brother. Part of the reason she was moving… “I’m sorry I didn’t ask you how you were doing,” he frowned. “I feel like an ass.”
“No.” Rose moved her hand across his chest and beneath his jacket, settling it on the small of his back. “There’s been a lot going on.”
“Come here,” he said. He opened his jacket and pulled her close, allowing her to wrap her arms around him beneath his coat. His lips found the top of her head and he stood there, breathing in the scent of her hair.
“You wanna know a secret?” She asked against his chest.
He hummed. “Of course.”
“I don’t like talking about my feelings either,” she said. “Making other people talk is a great way to avoid it.”
“Really?” He laughed. “That’s kind of an amazing strategy.”
“You should try it.” She squeezed him, nuzzling his chest. “Not with me, though, I’ll see through your trickery.”
“Good to know.” He kissed her forehead again, pulling her tighter and letting his lips linger. When he pulled back he said, “I wish I could remember who wrote that story. I’m worried I made it up.” His voice was shaky again, he felt a tear on his cheek, despite his efforts to keep from crying. He admitted, “I don’t handle this kind of thing well.”
She kept holding him tight. “You’ll remember. Everything is going to be okay… Plus—“ She pulled back and tilted her head up to meet his eyes, flashing a conspiratorial grin. “I’ll keep you safe, baby.”
Poe chuckled despite himself, feeling lighter already. The sweetness of Rose calling him ‘baby’ was not lost on him. Overwhelmed with adoration for her, he pushed her jacket off one shoulder and pressed his face into her neck, peppering quick kisses against the soft skin above her shirt collar. He kissed his way up to her jaw and then her face, stopping just short of her mouth. Pulling back, he looked into her eyes then to her smile. “I’ll protect you too, of course.”
“Of course,” she breathed. Then, “Will you kiss me?”
He laughed, meeting her earnest request with undeserved teasing. “I did kiss you.”
She frowned. “You know what I mean.”
“You called me ‘baby’,” he accused.
“I did.”
He kissed her, gathering her into his arms to pull her impossibly close. He felt her lips, cold and chapped from the winter weather, fight a smile as she kissed him back. To his gratification, her kisses were less tentative now, she allowed herself to kiss him with fervor equal to his. She gripped his shirt underneath his jacket and pressed against him, slipping her tongue past his lips as he parted them with a low groan.
They stayed like that, embracing in the cold winter air, for as much time as they could reasonably afford. When they finally pulled apart, Rose giggled, suddenly shy, and busied herself smoothing Poe’s jacket back against his shoulders. He combed her hair back into place, though he was certain that it wouldn’t be hard for his friends and aunt to guess what he and Rose had been up to alone in the woods.
“We should get back before they leave us behind,” she said. “Knowing Tess, she’s probably been trying to convince them to already.”
Poe laughed. “You’re right.”
She threaded her fingers through his. “Feel better now?”
“Funny.”
“I’m serious.”
He considered it. Fear had been a constant companion to him in the last few days, but he did feel brighter knowing that a new leg of their journey was beginning. And Boston had proved safe so far — he’d made out with Rose in the woods with no trouble. “I think so,” he said, finally. “Smiles from the threshold of the year to come. Whispering, ‘it will be happier,’” he said. Hemingway, but he meant it.
-
jesus WEPT these get longer every chapter. had lots of ground to cover! leaked two premium scenes. at this point my fixing is less detail oriented and is more focused on big changes, you'll notice i didn't kill anyone and i don't intend to!! howie girls you're welcome. my baby boy deserves minimal angst!! thank you to everyone on my tag list and who has commented/reblogged/messaged me about this story, i absolutely thrive on any and all feedback. thank you all for the support <3
also, yes i did make poe and rose read dune i am my own biggest fan and that was fanservice.
tags: @1loveyou @dreamtydraw @justtayx @alinakamura
11 notes · View notes
aldyoli · 3 years
Text
not Poe wearing his black polo shirt and a gold chain on tess' route
Tumblr media
8 notes · View notes
vertigovirgo · 2 years
Text
little details about the roadkill lis
poe
he has acne scarring on his cheeks and he used to bite his nails
tess
she has a small gap in her front teeth and she’s broken her nose before
howie
the slit in his eyebrow is from when a dog got too excited and jumped on/scratched him when he was little and he has sensitive skin
55 notes · View notes
kailoweenie2 · 2 years
Text
Do it yourself
Poe X GN!reader
Zombie apocalypse college AU
Tumblr media
A/N: this fic is mostly them slowly being friends but there's a romantic undertone to it
Warning: blood, death, biting, zombies
Genre: enemies to friends
Summary: a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out at your college. Fleeing from the zombies got you trapped with the literary genius himself. Although you both had a rocky start, you both agreed to get along for survival's sake.
The bell rings signaling lunch, hundreds of students walk out the lecture room. I walk down the hallways, Tess rambling about the excessive amount of homework beside me. We both chat for a little while longer before we parted ways, Tess going to the archery center while I excused myself to the library, needing to find a book to review for our English project.
I walk around the Library trying to find something interesting to read for the project. Noticing someone else is in the room I walk up to them for recommendations, however, I stop in my tracks realising who it was. Mr.know it all Poe Colestead, the snobby man who you hate with all your gut. I once saved him from some bullies, and instead of thanking me for saving his ass he tuts at my actions, calling me immature for fighting violence with violence.
I look away, hoping he didn't notice me glaring daggers into him... unfortunately he did notice. "Do you need anything?" He raised an eyebrow, I shook my head 'no' before standing next to him inspecting the different books. "You're trying to find a book for the English project right? I have one you're going to find interesting if you'd lik-" "no thanks." I cut him off, He glares at me but nods anyways. I would never accept help from him, no way in hell am I going to stroke his ego like that. I took my own book from the shelf but dropped it in shock, both of us snap our heads towards the sudden sound of someone... screaming? I looked at Poe wondering if he heard the same thing, he looks just as horrified as I am.
I grabbed my book and rushed outside the library, Poe trailing behind me. Blood was splattered onto the walls, one student contorts their bone before getting up and tackling another student to the ground, ripping their throat out. "the fuck?" I stepped back in horror at the scene in front of me. I feel someone tug my arm, next thing I knew Poe is dragging me alongside him. One of the rabid students tries to attack us, but thankfully I managed to hit them off with the blunt end of the book . We both kept sprinting, our legs tired but too scared to care. I pointed towards a storage room "in there!" Poe opens the door, going inside first before dragging me in, one of the rabid student tries to get in but I kicked them away, locking the door we both sat down on the floor in both shock and horror.
"zombies" I breathed out "what?" Poe looked at me as if I was insane "those were zombies, weren't they?" "Zombies are supposed to be in movies damn it not at our school!" He exclaimed pretty loudly, making the zombies outside bang on the door. "shut up" I slapped my hand onto his mouth, waiting till the banging stops "god you're going get us killed" I sighed in frustration. I stood up and walked towards the window, I looked to the left at the school field, only to see more zombies "they're everywhere" I shook my head "we're trapped in here then" he sighed, rubbing his eyes, exhausted. I looked towards my right this time, there's a path leading to the archery center and only a couple zombies on the path, we might be able to outrun 'if we get there, Tess might be able to help us' I turn to Poe "I have a plan" "no offense, well, full offense actually, but you're not exactly the smartest, Y/N" he looks me up and down dubiously "I say we jump down, there's a shed we can hop down safely to, then all we need is to run to the archery center. My friend who's a fighter is there and she'll definitely be able to help us!" I ignore his rude comment, not even wanting to fight him anymore "You want us to not only jump, but to run through a path of zombies, and expect it to be a good idea?? At this point I'm sure you're just trying to get me killed" he ran a hand through his hair trying to calm himself down "I say we stay here, help will come eventually" he doesn't even bother looking at me, finding the floor more interesting.
I groaned in annoyance "fine then Poe" Poe looks at them suprised, believing they actually agreed with him for once until, "if you want to stay here then fine...do it by yourself" I opened the window and made a mental map of what route I'll take. Poe stands still by the door, contemplating if he should join them or not. I scavenged the storage room looking for tape and a weapon to protect myself. I bandaged my wrist and legs so it's harder to bite through, Poe sighs in defeat before finally deciding "okay" I glance at him expectingly "okay?" "I'll join you...i-i don't want to be here alone" he stares at the locked door in fear of what's awaiting outside. I shake my head at his cowardice "fine then, just stay close to me and don't do anything stupid. I'll protect you" I grabbed the wooden mops and broke it in half, the sharp end would definitely be able to puncture their skull. "You should do the same thing with your arms and legs" I passed him the tape, setting his own weapon on the wall.
Poe finished prepping but still looks incredibly unready. I took one of his shaking hands on mine, holding it firmly "you can trust me okay? If anything goes wrong, I'll scream and attract the zombies to me. Then you can safely run away" Poe nods, trying his best to be more confident. I jumped down the window landing safely on the shed roof, Poe shuts his eye in fear before jumping beside me. Once we reach the ground floor, we both ran dodging any zombies coming our way. One of them got Poe's legs bringing him down, he pushes the broken mop onto its neck trying to push it away. Realising the mess he's in, I bring up the staff and stabbed it in the head, killing it instantly. Poe immediately pushes the zombie aside "come on! We need to go" I whispered shouted, helping him up before we ran again.
We reach the archery center and immediately stumbled inside. Locking the doors behind us right before a zombie slammed on the door. I look down at Poe still catching his breath on the floor "told you, you can trust me" I reached out my hand, he gladly takes it mumbling a small thank you.
"you guys are okay!" Tess comes out the storage room with a bow and arrow in hand, another guy trailing behind her. Tess immediately comes over to hug me, I hug her back. "Who's this?" Poe points at the new guy "right, I'm Howie, I'm from her class" Howie nods his head to Tess "mmh, nice to meet you! I'm Y/N this nerd's name is Poe" I elbowed his side teasingly "rude" he huffs in annoyance, crossing his arms "well then, you guys can relax here until we make our next move" Tess pats me in the back before walking with Howie back to the practice target.
He taps me on my shoulder gently, grabbing my attention "thanks again, for saving me back there. You could've left...but you didn't, and i- I hope we can get along starting from now" he smiles, a genuine smile this time. I look away, slightly flustered by his sudden kindness "yeah whatever" I rolled my eyes, hoping he didn't see the red on my face. I walked past him, sitting down. He sits down next to me, we both watch in silence as Tess and Howie banters about archery making me laugh at their antics. Poe couldn't help but stare at them as they smile towards the other two. Maybe, being in a team with each other doesn't sound so bad after all
14 notes · View notes
goreverine-archive1 · 3 years
Note
Masquerades are pretentious. Daken's latest dream is no different. They watch him from faces in various states of decay, eyes glittering behind paint and elaborate masks. (Over there: Vivienne, as a swan. Ayatola as a river goddess.) A fox-headed trickster is perched high above, their green coat fluttering and tongue slopping wine from a jeweled goblet. At the other end of the room: Tess in fur and a fox mask of her own, her eye sockets hollow. "Masque of the Red Death allusions are so cliche."
“Yes,” Daken’s dream-self agrees, placid. Everything derivative from Edgar Allen Poe’s works are cliche by virtue of prominence. Masquerades are cliche. He knows how this story goes: It must follow its laws. In dreams, there is no willful obstinance. Narrative follows form.
His hands lift up to his head to pull at the black ribbons wrapped around his scalp, pulling the mask free from his face. His victims ubiquitously gasp and turn, hiding their masked faces and eyes with flailed hands, fresh and skeletal and rotten and ghostly and not at all, armless where he took them. A hundred ladies shield themselves from him, and shrink away in disgust and horror.
Dream-self looks down upon the mask in his hands, not seeing the literary corpse-mask of the Red Death but that of a wicked and ugly devil, its molded horns too big and its skin cast with wrinkles on its magenta complexion. He turns it, in his hands. Here is the allusion: In the thick layer of hot blood and flesh running off the inside of the mask, oozing chunks from the eyeholes through his fingers.
“I think it was obvious from the get-go that you’re Prince Prospero,” says Tess, frost settling on the folds of her empty eyes as a glittery liner. A laugh from the living fox-person as a schoolyard bully joining in: They are the only two watching, amidst the dead crowd.
“Oh,” Daken says, then collapses.
Tumblr media
Daken wakes, feeling an immediate chill on his naked skin before he manages to pry his eyes open. He’s fallen asleep from standing again. This time, in the kitchen, in front of a closed fridge but an open freezer. His sorbet must have melted. That sucks.
His face is wet.
Daken slaps his hand to his face, and it comes off shaking but -- clear. Not blood, but sweat. No Red Death here. He could use another sleeping spell. He could use someone else’s blood on his hands. He could get some revenge, right about now.
She’s cold and eyeless...
2 notes · View notes
apushsux · 6 years
Text
Lose Always Hurts, No Matter the Person.   by: meg
sorry if its long, just a romanticism project I did for english class, thought I’d share, feedback is always appreciated, no matter the type <3
     “You can’t be serious.” I say scoffing slightly, in an attempt to convince myself that the doofus before me is lying. I pull one of my sweatpant engulfed legs underneath me, while staring at the boy. “Tess, we’re almost 16, we were bound to do it eventually” he says looking at me with the same intensity as my eyes convey. Except his eyes are apprehensive and ready, unlike mine, which are wary and shielding whatever lies behind them.” Yeah, but…” I pause gathering my thoughts, as my gaze shifts to just past my best friend for a moment and back again to the familiar green. “Will.” I drag out, annoyed by how good his puppy dog eyes had always worked on me. “ Come on. It’s only for a night, 8 hours tops. We go, we sleep, we leave, simple as that.” he said, with a grin that could kill, and a glint in his eye that I can’t quite distinguish. I narrow my eyes at him, as he pulls another handful of popcorn out of the bowl we were supposed to be sharing. I let out a breath as I shake my head, and take a look at my lap. “If that ghost doesn’t kill you. I will and trust me… it won’t be pretty.” as I speak the boy sitting opposite of me lets out a squeal that I could only assume he had been holding for at least fourteen years. He grabs my hands, keeping them from their previous nervous picking at the fabric of the couch we are on. Soon after he jumps up on the spot before dashing out with my plastic mixing bowl of popcorn, leaving our shared fuzzy blanket to me. “You won’t regret it!” he yells back at me, his words abruptly cut off by the door being shut. He knows me too well, if he hadn’t of left, I would of had time to change my mind. But now here I am, I am the last person you would expect to go into an actual haunted house, let alone stay the night in one. Footsteps coming down the hallway pull me out of my thoughts,”Where did Will go?” my mom asks, chuckling. I feel my cheeks heat up as I stare at my mother in the doorframe. “Oh, he just, uhh, had to get home...he totally forgot to feed his dogs, and his parents and brothers aren’t there to do it either so...” I throw out in hopes of it sounding even a bit like the truth. My mom can’t know about the haunted house and it’s the worst, because all I want to do right now is talk it out in a good old heart to heart. “Oh, alright.” she says skeptically, her laughing fit replaced with small grin that lights up her eyes. “Well you should probably get to bed, tomorrow is friday and you have that history test right?” she asks, looking at my comfortable position on the couch, surrounded by junk food, I’m surprised she didn’t get mad about me hanging out with Will so late on a school night. She then turns and begins to walk down the hall taking small glances back at me.“Um, Yeah.” I reply as casually as I can, my lips pressed tightly together afterwards in a forced closed mouth smile. “Okay, well night, love you!” she calls back before shutting her bedroom door. “Love you.” I speak into the air at a normal tone. I sigh, before getting up and beginning to pick up Will and I’s mess. All I can think about as I try to go to sleep that night is how terrible tomorrow night is going to be, different ways that I could get away with killing Will, and the economic causes of the declaration of independence.
The next day is shorter than I would have liked it to be. The dread of what the night held made the day last a max of 2 hours. After school I met up with Will at the gas station we had gone to since the beginning of freshman year. He got there first, most likely because of his excitement for tonight’s events. I went my own pace, slowly dragging my feet along the pavement, head down, ears immersed in the clouding beat of my earbuds. I eventually made it to the gas station, looking up, my eyes landed on a young girl sitting in an SUV, feet dangling out of the door, hand buried forearm deep into a bag of chips, other hand clutching a large cup filled to the brim with green slushy. I couldn’t help but feel extremely envious of the small girl and her oversized American gas station food. “Tess!” I heard a boy from my side shout excitedly, it was Will probably. I forced my eyes away from a blurred daydream of the good old days, and looked around for my best friend. What I found made my depressed state lift a little bit. Directly behind me, is Will kicked back on the hood of a small black car. I pull the earbuds out of my ears in one motion, before making a shuffling run for my best friend and the unknown car. “Will. Is this.. Are you…What?” the words fall out of my mouth before they can be articulated. “Yes.” he says flatly with his signature grin. “Oh my god!” I shout before flinging myself into his arms, and hugging him tightly, as we spin happily. “Ready to go?” he says chuckling, releasing me to look at my face and walking to get in the driver’s seat of the car. “No” I breath in an airy laugh, contrary to my words I quickly make my way to the other side of the car. After I jump in, my hand finds it way to the volume dial, and the loud bass fills my ears. Before I know it I’m flying down the highway with my best friend, belting Fergie, and any other female power singer that found its way onto Will’s phone. Also before I know it, we are slowly pulling into a driveway I’ve never seen before and my heart drops to the leather seat below me. Will and I both, are now straight faced, staring ahead at the house, Beyonce is still loud in our ears until Will turns the key, and the engine sputters off. “-but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit.” (Poe 194) Will finally says, breaking the silence. I break my gaze from the bland house through the windshield, to send a confused look to the boy to my left, the skin between my eyebrows furrowed. “What?” I say still glaring at his side profile. He is broken out of his trance it seems, and turns to me nonchalantly, “Oh nothing, just this whole situation reminds me of something I read once… Also the simple creepiness of this house is not helping my nerves.” I laugh airly and it seems that the butterflies are actually flying into my stomach. “You’re telling me.” I breath out, and there is another silence. We both swallow the lump that had built up in our throats before I sigh, and get out of my best friends new car. With the car door still open I lean down, resting my forearms on the top of the car. “You coming?” I ask, gaining a confidence all of the sudden. Will stares at me wide eyed before turning to gaze straight ahead and clears his throat. “Yeah, I was just… you know…” he scoffs, but doesn’t finish and looks at me again. “Oh, of course… I forgot you had to do that.” I say with a small chuckle as I stand back up straight and close the car door. I begin to make my way up towards the house, holding my backpack I retrieved from the floorboard by the straps like a boyscout. I stare thoughtfully at the worn paint covered door, and the fogged windows on its sides. “Tess! Wait up! You can’t die without me, we made a pact.” Will yells after climbing out of the car and racing up behind me. I turn to face him, “You still remember that?” I say with a grin, and a condescending tone. Will ignores my attitude and says “Absolutely! I swear, sixth grade will be highest point of my life.” I laugh loudly at that and we both turn our attention towards the task before us. The creaky wooden stairs are taken one step at a time as I scan the front porch, afraid of the worst. Will reaches the door first with his long strides and moves the open the door, as the rebellious teenager he is, I’m surprised he hasn’t found his way into juvy yet. But, I guess he’s friends with me, yeah that’s why, no need to elaborate. I finally make it the top of the four steps, after carefully standing on each one, when I hear a gate slam shut roughly behind me. It is a relatively windy day, but it still gets both Will and I’s attention because we are on edge. When I turn back Will is still looking around, and the door to the house is open a fourth of the way, about the width of Will sideways could fit through. His eyes suddenly shift to mine and he disappears through the boy sized crack in the door, speaking of the door it slams shut after him. In shock, all I can do is stare in silence at the different shades of gray that fill my vision. My hands are about to find their way frantically to my phone in the back pocket of my jeans when the doors opens again abruptly. Out jumps a flustered Will, hair ruffled, and a dazed look in his eyes. He is looking straight past me, but I don’t think he means to do that. “Oh! Hey there best friend!” he gushes loudly, making me jump from cracks in it that I’m not used to. “Hi Will.” I push out unwillingly, pressure building up in my chest and that one spot in the back of my head that hurts after a long lecture. He is struggling to keep his balance so I walk forward to hold him in place, trying to get him to look me in the eye, I need him to look me in the eye or I feel like I’ll lose him. “Will. Look at me.” I say not as flat as I intend, my grip tightening on his biceps. He looks at me for a moment with a devilish smile on his face that doesn’t match his features. Then he shakes out of my hands, seeming to have more balance he steps back, still in arms reach. He pauses before heaving in a long breath and speaking dramatically, “But, as I placed my hand upon his shoulder…” his right hand roughly grips his left shoulder as he stares me down, “...there came a strong shudder over his whole person…” Will begins to shake violently and he grins maniacally, “...a sickly smile quivered about his lips; and I saw that he spoke in a low, hurried, and gibbering murmur, as if unconscious of my presence.”(Poe 205) he finishes close to my face, his spit lands on my brow. I’ve never been more afraid of my best friend before now, the once familiar face, now, could go away forever please. He is breathing heavier and heavier, as I shiver. “Will… you need to calm down.” I say, surpassing any feeling that this isn’t my best friend I’m talking to. He begins to smile again, but it’s not his signature flamboyant one, this one is evil and dry. A loud wheezing laugh breaks through his lips, and another spray of spit hits my face, joining a tear that falls, the first of many. “Will.” I speak sadly, he doesn’t stop laughing. “Will.” I say again with more power, but he still continues to laugh, backing up again, and clutching his side. “Will!” I scream shakily, but he still doesn’t stop, and I close my eyes because my head begins to spin. “Tess!” I suddenly hear my best friend’s voice, and it’s the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. He is shaking my shoulders roughly, and I open my eyes warily. He sees that I’m awake and stops shaking me, sitting back on his knees. I look around, taking in my surroundings confusedly. When I see the boy with bed hair, silhouetted by the sun coming through the window, I tackle him, embracing him as if it were life or death. “Woah there Tess, I know you love me, but we have talked about this before, not in that way.” he chuckles after emphasizing his word choice. I grin into t shirt, breathing in his wonderfully natural boy scent, I thought I lost him. “Sorry. Just a… bad dream I guess.” I speak, muffled by his chest. When I pull back I open my eyes again to see a beautifully lighted old bedroom, sleeping bags scattered on the dull wood floor, dust particles highlighted by the sun seeping through the windows, and vines making there way across the faded wallpaper. I stand up to take in the scene, making my way over to a worn wood desk, with books and paper scattered atop it. A particular paper catches my eye, and I read it aloud, “But, as I placed my hand upon his shoulder, there came a strong shudder over his whole person; a sickly smile quivered about his lips; and I saw that he spoke in a low, hurried, and gibbering murmur, as if unconscious of my presence.” (Poe 205) I feel a chill roll through my body, and I wrap my arms around my body to contain it. “What was that?” Wills chuckles from behind me, his focus on the phone placed comfortably in his lap. “I don’t really know I guess…” I say pausing, and looking down at my best friend, “something an old friend said.”
3 notes · View notes
dawnsbreaking · 2 years
Text
admirer as i think i am
Tumblr media
chapter four poe route rewrite pairing: poe colestead x cmc rose status: ongoing chapter wc: 2,422
“How are you feeling?” She asked. Alone in his bedroom again, Rose seemed to drift closer to him naturally, her hand moved towards his shoulder as soon as he shut the door behind them. Rose’s near-constant physicality was as jarring for him as it was comforting. The hand on the shoulder coupled with the verbal check-ins that came so naturally from her made Poe feel cared for in a way that was almost overwhelming. It made him wonder if he looked like someone who needed such gentle handling. He pushed that thought away with a shake of his shoulders.
read on ao3 series masterlist want to be tagged when the next chapter is released?
“I’m not sure what that sound was,” Howie said. “But we’re okay.”
Thankfully, Poe and Rose found Tess and Howie on the couch, chatting. They both looked like they had just gotten out of the shower, wearing the borrowed pajamas Poe had given them.
“Maybe we should check around the perimeter of the house before we try to sleep?” Poe said, crossing the living room to peer out of one of the large windows. “Howie?”
“We should go together,” Rose said, cutting him off. Her voice took on a sharper tone than any of them were used to from her, evident by the way the air seemed to leave the room. “All of us.”
Howie stood up, squaring his shoulders at Rose. “Just let me and Poe go.”
Rose frowned at him and crossed her arms. Watching this exchange made Poe feel a little out of place. He hated the ridiculous feeling of jealousy that burst through him knowing that Howie wanted to protect Rose as much as Poe did. And wouldn’t Howie be a much better protector? He was stronger and taller and easygoing, perfect in all the little ways that Poe was not.
“Let’s all go,” Tess said finally, the most assertive of the bunch, “we should stick together.”
Rose sighed, “Thank you.” She pushed between Howie and Tess and came to stand at the window next to Poe. “Jackets?” She asked, voice soft once again.
As Poe looked through his aunt’s coat closet he was, for the first time ever, truly thankful for the pretentious friends from school that used to come up to his aunt’s lodge to ski with him — one of them had left behind a nice ski jacket that would fit Howie quite well. For Rose, he found his own navy blue zip-up hoodie that he selfishly wanted to see her wear. Tess would have to wear one of Aunt Lynn’s coats…
“I think this is the best I can do.” Poe passed jackets to Tess and Howie before coming to stand behind Rose. His natural inclination was to hold out the hoodie and help her into it and he basked in the grateful smile she flashed over her shoulder as she put her arms in. His earlier jealousy was forgotten, Howie may be strong and confident but, if anything was clear from their conversation earlier that night, it was that Rose preferred him. Rose liked him. He leaned in close and said, low enough that only she should hear it, “I’d really prefer for you to stay inside.”
She turned her head to meet his eyes, giving him a coy grin. “Not gonna happen.”
“Thought so.” He turned to see Tess and Howie all but gawking at them. He smiled, just a bit cocky, as he raised an eyebrow at them.
Tess giggled, “You two are chummy.”
“Chummy?” Rose asked. “Weird choice of words.”
“Did you two…” Howie blushed.
Wordlessly, Rose took Poe’s hand and threaded her fingers through his. Answer enough. Her hand was surprisingly cold in his, but firm. The ease with which she claimed him in front of their friends was foreign and dizzying.
She held tight to his hand the whole time they were outside, only very reluctantly letting go when they were safely back in the living room. The sound remained unexplained but the cabin was safe, which was all that mattered. Poe was exhausted, and he could tell by drooping eyelids and slurred speech that his friends were as well.
“What is the plan for sleep?” Tess asked, stretching her arms over her head. “Should we all stay in the same room for safety or…”
“I think things are safe enough for us to sleep in beds. I really would like to sleep in beds,” Poe said.
Howie giggled, “I bet you would.”
Poe shot him a glare. “I mean, there’s a guest room upstairs next to my bedroom. We could stay close and still be comfortable. Tess and Rose could sleep in there.”
“I’m not sharing a bed with you, dude,” Howie laughed. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Poe caught Rose’s eyes and blushed. The deeply unprecedented situation they were in was not lost on him, nor were Rose’s raised eyebrows. “Or Rose and I could…”
She smiled, and clearly having gotten invitation enough, said “I’ll sleep in Poe’s room.” She paused and clarified, “If that’s okay? And you two can do whatever is most comfortable?”
Poe laughed. If that’s okay? “More than okay,” he said, shaking his head in a poor attempt at hiding his grin.
Tess looked back and forth between them. “Okay, gross.” She shrugged. “But that’s fine by me, we’ll reconvene in the morning.”
“Just make sure we all sleep with one eye open,” Howie yawned, collapsing on the couch. “I’m sticking to the couch. No offense, Tess.”
“None taken, I stretch out like a starfish.”
“Goodnight, Howie,” Rose said. She turned to Poe. “Still have some pajamas for me to borrow?”
His mind raced immediately out of control, overwhelmed with the thought of her wearing one of his t-shirts… He felt dizzy again. He channeled his energy towards maintaining a steady voice. “Of course.”
He told Howie goodnight and led Rose and Tess up the stairs. Once shown to the guest room, Tess could almost immediately be heard snoring from outside her door. She’d barely made it to the bed before knocking out.
Poe, however, was buzzing with newfound energy at the thought of sharing a bed with Rose.
“How are you feeling?” She asked. Alone in his bedroom again, Rose seemed to drift closer to him naturally, her hand moved towards his shoulder as soon as he shut the door behind them. Rose’s near-constant physicality was as jarring for him as it was comforting. The hand on the shoulder coupled with the verbal check-ins that came so naturally from her made Poe feel cared for in a way that was nearly overwhelming. It made him wonder if he looked like someone who needed such gentle handling. He pushed that thought away with a shake of his shoulders.
“Tired,” he said. “it’s been a long day.”
That coy grin snuck back onto Rose’s lips, and a tiny glint appeared in her eye that made Poe want to kiss the grin off of her. “Not all bad though, right?”
By way of an answer, he pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her mouth. He agreed, “Not all bad.” He said, “We should get some sleep.” And reveled in the look of disappointment she gave him.
“You promised pajamas.”
“Right.” He hadn’t forgotten. Far from it. “Come here.” He pulled her by the hand to his closet, still full of his old clothes; private school uniforms from high school, club t-shirts, his father’s slacks and button-downs that he never wore but couldn’t bring himself to get rid of. He pulled one of his old t-shirts — a band shirt from his record collecting and NPR listening phase of college — off of the hanger and held it out to her. “This one is soft.” He scrunched his eyebrows, looking back at the closet. “I think I gave my only two pairs of sweats to Howie and Tess. Do you want…” He trailed off. For all his talent with words, he did not know how to ask this pretty girl if she wanted to wear his boxers.
She giggled, “I can just wear this.” Seeing his eyes widen just slightly, she amended, “If that’s okay?”
More than okay, better than okay. He said, “If you’re sure.”
“Turn around?” She asked.
“Oh, um—“ His face warmed. It’s not that Poe had never been affected by a girl in this way before, but it was just so much more intense with her. It was late and he was sleepy and dizzy from the wine they’d shared. Just being near her was overwhelming. “I can step outside.”
She shrugged. “If that would make you more comfortable that’s fine. But I trust you, just turn around.”
He turned and stared holes into the wall as she undressed. He could hear her clothes falling to the floor and he tried desperately not to think about her clothes falling to the floor. He crossed his arms, frowning. It was a lost cause.
“All done,” she said. She put a hand on his shoulder and leaned close. “You can turn around.”
When he stayed frozen in place, she chuckled and ducked around him, invading his personal space with ease. She looked up at him with worried wide eyes when she saw his frown.
Poe’s chest flooded with guilt and he straightened his face, but it was too late.
“What’s wrong?”
He could tell the truth, tell her: ‘I was frowning because I’m frustrated with how hard it was not to picture you naked.’ But that couldn’t possibly go over well. He shook his head and uncrossed his arms. Said, “Nothing’s wrong.”
She laughed, a hint of nervousness in her voice that he hates having put there. “You looked really mad at the wall.”
“I was just thinking,” he said, unsure whether he would elaborate. “I’m not mad. Especially not at you.” He clarified when Rose knitted her brows at him.
Without a word, she took his hand in both of hers, looked down, looked back up at him. He felt her gaze, warm on his skin, and let his eyes fall away from her face and to their hands.
She pulled him closer by the hand and stood tall, leaning up into him, smiling like she had a secret. For a moment, he thought she was going to kiss him but she stopped just short, their noses almost touching. She whispered, “Can I borrow a toothbrush?”
He chuckled despite himself, surprised, but caught her lips in a kiss before she had the chance to move away. Feeling her smile into the kiss, he shook his hand free from her grasp. He moved the hand to her waist, holding her so tightly that he felt the shirt he’d given her wrinkle and lift drastically beneath his hand. He dizzied at the thought of what she must look like now, his shirt no longer covering her ass, his hand on her back, her hands reaching to hold his face. She was not his, he reminded himself, but the sight of her in his clothes made him yearn for much more than she could ever give him.
She cupped his cheek gently, her touch was caring and sweet. Like her, it was reserved and more patient than he deserved. In stark contrast, his touch felt terribly demanding and impatient. He forced himself to relax, to soften the hand on her waist, to pull back and search her eyes for regret.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” She asked. “You seem tense.”
“I’m always tense.” He’d always been too good at dodging a question, but she deserved better. He sighed, admitted, “I don’t know how to tell you what I’m thinking.”
A blessed smirk graced her lips again. “Usually, you do that with words, but sentences would be good too.” She quickly kissed his frown. “Want me to leave you alone?”
Never. “No, let me get that toothbrush.”
“And then we can talk, yeah?”
He thought he’d done enough talking for a lifetime in just this one evening. But he had to learn to open up if he wanted to pursue Rose. As jarring as it was, he was quickly learning that she wasn’t like the few girlfriends — and one boyfriend — he’d had in college. His past partners that liked him as long as he kept quiet and loyal and took them skiing during spring break. He said, “Sure.” He kissed her forehead and left her in his room, shutting the door quietly behind him. If there were a spare toothbrush, it would be in his Aunt Lynn’s bathroom downstairs.
He called into the living room, “It’s just me,” when he heard Howie stirring at the sound of his footsteps.
Howie laughed, “Get kicked out?”
“No, just getting Rose a toothbrush from my Aunt’s room.”
“Do I have to kiss you to get good service around here? Because I asked for a toothbrush and you didn’t give me one.”
Poe rolled his eyes. “I’ll look for another, but Rose gets priority if there’s only one.”
“Can’t you just share yours with her?” Howie teased.
“I’ll keep you posted.” Poe shook his head, feigning annoyance even though he felt proud at Howie acknowledging his relationship with Rose — whatever it was. “Could do with less teasing though.”
“I don’t know, man.” Howie lowered his voice to a whisper. “She really likes you. I think it’s sweet.”
Poe flushed, reeling with the amount of certainty Howie had. Certainty that seemed to suggest that Rose and Howie had had a conversation about her feelings. “I really like her too,” he said, finally.
“She’s a nice girl,” Howie said. “Don’t fuck it up.”
He wasn’t planning on it.
Howie continued, “I’ll have to beat your ass if you do.”
It was a strange feeling, knowing that Rose had feelings for him that were big enough to be shared with their friends. Poe did not fancy himself the type of boy to be gushed about. People who had shown interest in him in the past were usually not very enthusiastic about him as a whole. They usually liked the idea of him but lost interest after he opened his mouth and they realized what a pretentious jerk he could be. But maybe he was a better man now. He was trying, Rose made him want to be a better man. “You don’t have to threaten me, Howie.” He laughed despite himself. “I promise.”
Howie shook his head, face gravely serious. “She doesn’t seem like the type of person to fall for someone easily, I hope you’re serious.”
Poe had seen the way Howie looked at her, had seen him flirt with her when they first met. He wondered if Rose had talked about her feelings for him when Howie had asked her to help him chop wood for the fire. It certainly helped his ego to imagine that when Howie had taken his shirt off and flexed at the firewood, Rose had been telling him how much he liked Poe. His mind reeled, knowing that she had chosen him over someone as gorgeous as Howie.
Admirer as he thought he was, Poe reveled in the appreciation that Rose liked him and wanted to choose him just the same.
-
hello, it's been a minute! this chapter is a bit longer than the first four (and chapters to follow likely will be as well, heads up) so it took a bit longer to get right. i'm diverging from canon quite a bit at this point because i have strong feelings about parts of poe's route, but i hope you all continue to enjoy it!! this chapter fixes i think a time issue but also rectifies the fucking PREMIUM scene where you talk to Howie (or Tess) instead of Poe and barely talk about Poe at all. IN POE'S ROUTE like?? I love Tess and Howie but I find it weird that fictif included so many scenes with them in Poe's route.
I hope you enjoy this chapter because I did enjoy writing it 💗 thank you to everyone who comments and reblogs with tags/commentary, RK has a tiny fandom so interaction on these fics can be sparse, comments (even small ones) are incredibly welcome and super encouraging!! thank you also to my taglist and those who have left comments in my tag form about this fic, i love you all 💕
tags: @1loveyou @dreamtydraw @justtayx @anisanka
11 notes · View notes
allbestnet · 7 years
Text
100 Most Popular Mysteries & Thrillers
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Killing Floor: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child
Before I Go To Sleep: A Novel by S. J. Watson
A Time to Kill: A Novel by John Grisham
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Still Life by Louise Penny
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Storm Front (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher
The Bourne Identity: A Novel by Robert Ludlum
In the Woods by Tana French
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Into the Darkest Corner: A Novel by Elizabeth Haynes
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The Bat: The First Inspector Harry… by Don Bartlett
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva
Tell No One: A Novel by Harlan Coben
Shogun by James Clavell
Eye Of The Needle by Ken Follett
The Woman in White (Penguin Classics) by Wilkie Collins
Relic (Pendergast, Book 1) by Lincoln Child
A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross) by James Patterson
The Complete Sherlock Holmes (2 Volumes) by Arthur Conan Doyle
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
The Trial (Dover Thrift Editions) by Franz Kafka
The Surgeon : A Rizzoli & Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy
The Poet by Michael Connelly
Misery by Stephen King
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Murder on the Orient Express: A… by Agatha Christie
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton
Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton
The Name of the Rose: including the… by Umberto Eco
Postmortem (Kay Scarpetta) by Patricia Cornwell
The Eight by Katherine Neville
Blindsighted (Grant County Mysteries) by Karin Slaughter
The Bone Collector: The First Lincoln… by Jeffery Deaver
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
What the Dead Know: A Novel by Laura Lippman
Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold: A… by John le Carré
Raise the Titanic! (Dirk Pitt Adventure) by Clive Cussler
A Simple Plan by Scott Smith
A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George
The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
Gaudy Night: A Lord Peter Wimsey… by Dorothy L. Sayers
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
Berlin Noir: March Violets; The Pale… by Philip Kerr
The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem
Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
Night Soldiers: A Novel by Alan Furst
From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming
The Neon Rain: A Dave Robicheaux Novel by James Lee Burke
The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon
L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy
Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Leonard Shortall
The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake
The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson
Gorky Park (Arkady Renko, No. 1) by Martin Cruz Smith
A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler
From Hell by Alan Moore
Fer-de-Lance (Nero Wolfe) by Rex Stout
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P. D. James
Clockers: A Novel by Richard Price
Marathon Man by William Goldman
Wife of the Gods: A Novel by Kwei J. Quartey
Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard
Pulp by Charles Bukowski
The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley
I, the Jury (Signet) by Mickey Spillane
The Eiger Sanction: A Novel by Trevanian
The Drowning Pool by Ross MacDonald
Miami Blues by Charles Willeford
True Confessions: A Novel by John Gregory Dunne
Cape Fear: A Novel by John D. MacDonald
The Gold-Bug and Other Tales by Edgar Allan Poe
Nick’s Trip by George Pelecanos
A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes
The Hot Spot by Charles Williams
Evil and the Mask by Fuminori Nakamura
The Strangers in the House by Georges Simenon
0 notes