#so i can only imagine how edwin payne would feel about it

[not-the-living-ghost]

AU where ghosts can eat and crystal gives edwin an unopened can of monster energy just to see what would happen

[onpointedfeetandbrokendreams]

Day 6 - DBDA Week

Day 6 of Dead Boy Detectives Appreciation Week: 10th-16th June by @dbdcentral (One day late sorry!)

Prompt: Butterfly Effect

Relationships: Edwin Payne&Charles Rowland

Tags:  Time Travel, Time Travel Paradoxes

TW: Mentions of canon ritual sacrifices

--

There was a loud banging noise, and then the entire world started spinning in front of Edwin. He could still hear the echo of his own voice yelling “Charles no!” when the memories started to disappear. For a moment, he could see them before they vanished, almost like pieces of a puzzle dissolving one after the other in front of him: Port Townsend, the detective agency, he knew that, soon, he would forget Charles completely. He had to do something. He tore a piece of paper out of his notebook, praying to every god that may exist that the paper would somehow survive thanks to some paradox he couldn’t remember the name of in the short time he had left.

–

Edwin was in the aisle of St. Hilarion’s school for boys. His eyes were wet with tears, but he didn’t remember why he was crying. He noticed his books on the floor and picked them up, looking around shamefully to see if someone had noticed how he dropped them. Or maybe it had been Simon to throw them off, it would not have been the first time.

He had hoped that they would give him at least one day of truce, but if he was honest, he didn’t count on that too much. He still couldn’t believe the night he had, and the sheer luck when Simon had tripped on his own feet, giving him the chance to escape his grasp and run to the headmaster’s door to ask for help.

He didn’t want to know what would have happened if they had managed to go through with their plan. The headmaster had yelled at them, then stood in front of their dorm the entire night to make sure no one went out again, promising that they would all be punished the following morning. Edwin thought that maybe the punishment was the reason why he had been crying, even if the memory was a little blurred, presumably for the shock.

He went to the library to study because he didn’t have any more classes that day. It was then that he noticed a foreign piece of paper in between his notes. It was a small, white paper, and the calligraphy looked a lot like his own, even if not entirely. He looked it over for a while, confusion increasing with every word he read.

‘Edwin, please believe me when I say this is not your life, something terrible happened. Simon wanted to scare you by sacrificing you to a demon. If he tries it again, you have to let him do it. It will be hard, but it will be so, so worth it. Do not give up trying to escape, you will meet someone at the end of it all, and you will finally find a purpose, and you will be free and happy, more than you can possibly imagine. Wait in the attic, on January 8th, 1989.”

Edwin didn’t know why but he felt a profound desperation behind those words. There was something in the way they were written that made him feel like he had heard them before, and he found himself believing in them, even if they sounded impossible, especially with the mention of demons, and 1989. He also couldn’t exactly go to Simon and say “I am deeply sorry that I didn’t let you sacrifice me yesterday, would you like to try it again?” Not only because it sounded insane, but also because he wasn’t sure he wanted to be sacrificed to a demon.

He went about his day like usual, focusing on his schoolwork, then reading a book to pass the time, and finally going back to bed, but his mind kept wandering back to the paper, and to the promise of a life filled with purpose, freedom, and happiness.

Luckily - or maybe not so luckily, he still hadn’t decided - a few nights later Simon and his friends came to snatch him from his bed for the second time. He knew he could have avoided it, he was expecting them, he could have just talked to someone and asked for help, or switched dorms, but he hadn’t. He really hoped that what the note said was true.

–

When he finally saw the night sky open up in front of him, Edwin cried in relief. He had no idea how long he had been in that horrible place, running for his life every minute of every day, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. Just walking in the mortal plane again was the best feeling he could imagine.

He still remembered the promise someone had made to him, of purpose, freedom and happiness, and he had clung onto it every second he spent in Hell. He walked the unfamiliar streets, hoping to find a newspaper with a place and a date to find out when and where exactly he was.

When he read January 12th 1989, he felt dread constricting his otherwise still chest. He ran aimlessly around the city, not recognizing any of the streets, until he found a building he did recognise. He climbed up the stairs of the main building of St. Hilarion’s boarding school to its attic, not knowing what he was supposed to find in there, and fearing that he would find nothing at all because it was too late.

He phased through the door, not bothering to open it, and his eyes laid on a boy his age, hunched down on the floor and covered in so many blankets. He was shivering, his eyes red from tears and unfocused, barely conscious. He mustn't have much time left. Thinking the boy couldn’t see him, he brought over a lantern he had found near the entrance of the building, hoping its warmth could give him some comfort.

The boy couldn’t speak, he was too weak to do more than raise his head, but when their eyes met it was like everything clicked into place. In that one instant, Edwin could see a lifetime together with him, he saw witches, demons, psychics, cats, crows, haunted houses, and so many other adventures lived by his side.

The boy - Charles, Edwin’s mind supplied - widened his eyes and asked with a feeble voice: “What are you doing here? You were supposed to live a beautiful life.”

Edwin smiled, understanding that Charles had shared the same flashbacks as him of a different life - he made a mental note to study more about this peculiar event when they were back home. Out loud, he said:

“And give up my future with you? Never. Now let’s go find that Book of Time again and put things back in their right order.”

By then, Charles was barely able to keep his eyes open, he just managed to mumble: 

“Read to me first?”

[tiriansrambles]

Letters. Pt 1/???

Edwin & The Cat King

ft Charles.

spoilers mentioned. please don’t read if you have not seen dead boy detectives!!!

ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ ゜ﾟ*☆*ﾟ

┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊

┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩

┊ ┊ ┊ ✫

┊ ┊ ✩

┊ ⊹ ✯

✯

Edwin isn’t entirely sure when this all began. the letters. the feeling of joy when he’d receive one from dead mail. he never thought something so small would give him so much to look forward to. even though he should be focused on cases, his mind always wondered when he’d get another letter. considering he doesn’t … have a telephone. this was the best bet for any communication.

Edwin had begun to receive letters from the cat king. he shouldn’t be as surprised as he is. but he is. He was pleasantly surprised about how nice of a feeling this was. when he first got a letter from Cat King, he figured he would forget about Edwin the moment he returned to London, even after their small goodbye. He still has the Lilly, preserved and put away for safekeeping. Mostly, he doesn’t want Charles to know he kept it.

The first letter received was him asking if he was okay. It had been some time since Niko. And to be frank, he wasn’t okay. At all. Even though he knows she’s moved on now. he misses her. every day. She became a dear friend and one of the only good things that happened in Port Townsend. He missed her. Despite her bravery, she didn’t deserve to die. He wanted her here. badly. Who else could he tell about the letters? Who else could understand? But he knows, for sure, that her afterlife is pure magic. Peace. Perhaps she had reunited with her father. He hopes she’s happy, at peace. The Cat King even allowed Edwin to talk about Niko for a long while through their letters, it was nice to let it out. He still missed her though, tremendously.

Since then, they haven’t stopped writing to each other. They’ve been writing every single day for weeks on end. Between cases, he’d make the time to write something to complete the letter and send it off. He appreciates Cat King’s effort. Truly. Considering there were probably easier ways of communicating. Like a telephone, or whatever it is that the kids use nowadays. Texting and Snapchat and whatever else. He can barely register the internet. And snap chat has a ghost emoticon for its logo. offensive. what do pictures have to do with the dead?

As the letters go on, of course, there is always a flirtatious tone to them. So much so he could even read the words in his voice. Imagining him in front of him, the way he would move about. Edwin didn’t want to admit this, but he almost … /missed/ the Cat King. After taking the time to understand him, the way he behaves. they are not so different. Two lonely souls. Perhaps he found comfort in that. In him.

Edwin’s gaze follows the stroke of each letter on the page, a soft hum escaping his lips. And soon enough, he’s smiling again.

Edwin,

How are you today, handsome? I found myself bored and decided to visit the library. I know, crazy, right? What would a sexy, and powerful being like me be doing in the PortTownsend public library? Well, I remembered you talking about how reading was a good pass time. So, I figured, why not? Take a page out of Edwin Payne’s book, amirite? I don’t know how you feel about modern books as of late. But I found something rather intriguing. I think you might like this one. The Song of Achilles. Madeline Miller. Did you know they have audiobooks now, where things are read to you? But I figured you’d hate that. Too lazy for you, isn’t it?

I was thinking, as much as I love writing to you…I thought maybe we could read this together. I’m sending you the book. Let me know what you think. And maybe, just maybe you could mirror to Port Townsend. We could read and talk about it. No funny business, I promise. Cat’s honor. But yes, this is me asking you out on a date. Whether it’s friendly or romantic is up to you, you’re painfully aware of what I prefer. I’d come to you, of course, but I’m sure it would cause unnecessary drama with your bestie. Although, I love the drama. I’ll spare you the drama until you inevitably fall in love with me.

You should be receiving it soon. Let me know. Don’t keep me waiting. <3

Love,

The Cat King.

If Edwin could blush, his face would be as red as a tomato. He reads the letter, once, twice, three times. A DATE?! A date… of reading a book. Together. That was intimate. Especially to Edwin, he loved to read. To research. He has not read anything modern, though. The only other ‘person’ he shared books with was Monty. Monty… he still couldn’t believe that. He had seemed to lose interest in making any more friends or sharing things with anyone. But The Cat King is the one who reached out. As he re-reads the letter for what felt like the millionth time, he jumps at the sudden shouting.

“MAIL!!!!” Called out the delivery man. Edwin is on his feet, quietly shushing him, but thanking him nonetheless. He hands him a package. it was the book, of course. but it was wrapped neatly with a bow. the wrapping paper was an interesting shade of green with a gold bow. It seemed to be the only thing to come. , It had been such a long time since he’s received a gift. especially like this. he almost didn’t want to open it, but of course he does. and despite being quick with it, he is cautious to save the wrapping paper. He stares down at the book, a finger tracing the cover. Interesting… a modern retelling of the Trojan War? From the perspective of Patroclus? The Cat King was correct. This certainly caught his eye…

“Wait!” Edwin calls out to the delivery man before he can leave, stopping him in his tracks.

The delivery man shoots him a look, and Edwin smiles, sheepishly. “I apologize, could you just wait one moment?”

Edwin is quick to get back to his desk, setting the book down and quickly getting out parchment to respond to the Cat King.

Cat King,

I have received the book… I must say, my interest has peaked.

I would very much like to read this book with you…

Edwin hesitates, a nervous breath escaping him.

I would … enjoy this to be a date. I don’t know in what way just yet. I would like to see you. I will find time to come see you. For now, we could read and write letters back until I can mirror over. Cases always take priority, of course.

Thank you… for thinking of me. It means a lot to me.

I am looking forward to this.

Edwin.

He can tell the delivery man is getting impatient, but he gets the letter ready in the nick of time, handing it over.

“I apologize. Could you please send this…and um, perhaps when you have letters addressed to this person, could you not announce it? ”

The delivery man blinks a moment, before rolling his eyes. Perhaps he could even sense the shame Edwin felt. He was keeping this from Charles. How could he explain this to him anyhow? He would just be angry…

“Very well,” the delivery man spoke, phasing through the wall.

Edwin sighs, leaning against the desk as if the wind was knocked out of him. This was already hard enough to hide from Charles, how was he going to do this? After the confession…things were? Well, awkward wasn’t necessarily the word. They just didn’t talk about it again. Charles said they had forever to figure it out. He was right…but it was obvious. He did not feel the same. He knows he would prefer Crystal as well… if his affections are for her, then how could he keep that from him? He loved him. He just wanted him to be happy. More than anything in the world. His dearest friend. His best friend. Perhaps that is what they are destined to be. He wouldn’t have it any other way…

Even if the Cat King is still really confusing for him, he can’t lie to himself. He has grown fond. Why shouldn’t he pursue it?

Yeah. That’s exactly what he will do. If reading this book together goes well, and he truly enjoys his company? Why not.

He nods to himself, turning to look at the book on his desk. Just as he was going to reach for it, Charles’ voice snapped him to attention.

“You all right, mate? You look frazzled.” Charles asks a brow quirked in confusion.

Edwin nearly jumps out of his skin, soon taking a moment to collect himself.

“Yes. Yes, perfectly fine.” He clears his throat, soon moving his position to hide the book on his desk. As discreetly as possible, of course. He felt guilty, hiding this from Charles. But he had no way to explain this. He just knows he will be angry with him.

Another quirked brow and a chuckle escaped Charles. “You sure, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He grins.

Edwin rolls his eyes, fondly. “Ha ha. You’re hilarious, Charles Rowland.”

“Arent I just?’ Charles grins, “really, though, you good?”

Edwin nods, “im fine, yes. just lost in thought.”

That wasn’t a total lie, of course.

“Well, Crystal and i were going to watch a movie. Care to join?” Charles asked, although he already knew the answer.

“Oh… um…” god, why was he so nervous.

“I think I’ll skip this one,” Edwin chuckles, “i uh— i would like to read tonight. You two have fun, though?” He offers, a nervous grin on his lips.

Charles brow is quirked again. The way he answered was not what he expected. A rather nice answer rather than saying something silly like it was a waste of time. There was something on his mind, but he doesn’t question. For now anyway.

“Alright then, mate. you know where we’ll be. enjoy your book.” He chuckles, offering a wave as he exits the room.

Edwin’s demeanor changed when he left, turning his attention to the book.

“Yes… i think i will enjoy it.”