bitterdesert
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Another gust blew by, whistling in Edwin’s ears through the tiny holes in his knit hat. In the faintest whisper, the wind spoke in a commanding rasp that prickled up Edwin’s spine. “It’s time to give it back.”
Edwin grasped onto the arm of Charles’ coat before he could take another step forward. “Edwin?” Charles said, glancing back.
Against his better judgement, Edwin ignored Charles and took the bait. “Give what back?”
“It was never yours to keep.”
Or, sometimes you escape Hell, inexplicably turn up alive, and make a peaceful life for yourself and your best mate in a little village on the coast of Wales. It's hard to know what's more aggravating for Edwin--that Hell has come knocking again, or that all of a sudden he can't stop his heart from beating out of his chest whenever Charles catches his eye.
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Sure, Charles will never know what their office that he’s spent decades in smells like, or if this sofa would be scratchy or soft as it rubs against his bare skin. But does that matter anymore?
Edwin’s still fiddling with his zipper, and parting his mouth through a gentle sigh, and then—
Why’s he stopping?
“Charles, this is not quite what I meant when I said we should be more transparent with each other moving forward,” Edwin says, and it’s then that Charles realizes he’s phased right through him.
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“I can’t believe you were right but I find myself enjoying the role of detective, if only for today.” Pulling himself together and his coat firmly around himself, Edwin continued the treacherous walk downhill. “I also—well, a rather selfish thought occurred to me while speaking with the spirit.”
“Oi? What’s that, then?”
“Can you even imagine the potential for primary sources now that I know I can communicate with ghosts?”
He heard Charles skitter to a stop behind him. “I didn’t even think of that, that’s right clever you know. Look at you, seeing the bright side of things.”
It occurred to Edwin that perhaps relentless positivity was infectious.
It’s 1993, and Edwin Payne has just started his first term at university. While he’d hoped to stay unbothered, he’s begun to wonder how long he could blend in before he disappeared altogether.
Charles Rowland works at the local record shop, and accepted long ago that protecting himself might not be his destiny. He figures it’s time he tried his hand at looking out for someone else.
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“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield (potion version) by bitterdesert for tragedy_machine
Fandoms: Dead Boy Detectives (TV)
14 Dec 2025
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“Edwin, don’t say it.” Charles groans, keeping his voice low and hushed.
Edwin strains against the rope infused with just enough iron to make them solid, but not enough to hurt beyond a light-sting, and tries to catch a glimpse of whatever this witch is doing around the corner. God, he hates dealing with witches.
“I told you this would happen,” Edwin replies, smug and sing-songy. They may be hopelessly trapped and seconds away from being subjected to some new horror, but at least he was right.
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Rising from their woolen blanket spread over the forest floor, Edwin politely clasped his hands together. “I think I am going to turn in for the night, actually.”
Charles almost looked disappointed, though it was hard to pin anything down in the shifting lights of the fire. It was as though two different futures flickered over his face. In one, painted by the warm, orange glow softening Charles’ brow, and dipping into the inviting bow of his lips, Edwin saw a scene where he’d be allowed to pull Charles into bed with him. In another, cast by sharp shadows along his jaw, Edwin watched helplessly as Charles moved halfway across the world, and drifted further away every day.
“Right, I’m pretty tired myself. Won’t be far behind.” Charles said, and a selfish part of Edwin wanted to ask: but for how much longer?
Or, sometimes you just need a week long, post-university graduation camping trip to figure out the rest.
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try to conquer me and mine (i will burn your kingdom down) by deerspooks
Fandoms: Dead Boy Detectives (TV)
06 Feb 2026
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Edwin and Charles are living on the run as outlaws. Balancing avoiding the law that would drag them back to face punishment for crimes they didn't commit with making sure justice prevails for others is hard but they're damn good at it. Nobody's ever been able to catch them and they're keen to keep it that way.
After being run out of another town following a difficult case, the two are ready for a quiet night. Neither of them realize their streak of good luck is about to run out.
[title: Me and Mine - The Brothers Bright]
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Bookmarked by bitterdesert
07 Feb 2026
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But the fact of the matter is, they have both seen hell, now. They both know what Edwin is running from. They both know what is liable to happen—what will always be liable to happen, no matter how many permits or restrictions or issues of asylum the Lost and Found department pushes through.
Unless they do this.
And there is no one either of them trusts more than Charles to hold that blade in his hand.
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After the events of Port Townsend, Edwin wishes to cast an intricate planar binding spell that will prevent him from being unwillingly moved from earth to another plane. The only catch is, the spell inscription must be carved directly onto the subject's ribs.
Bookmarked by bitterdesert
17 May 2025
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Haunted by the grief of losing Niko and desperate to find meaning in everything that happened to him, Edwin’s drawn back to Port Townsend. Back to the idea that the suffering of a ghost like him, someone tempered in hellfire, can be forged into immense magical power. And he’d only use it to protect rather than ruin.
But magic like this always demands its price. Resisting the pull of his new power proves difficult, and sometimes Charles feels like the only thing keeping Edwin tethered to his old self. Yet Charles isn’t without his own battles to fight and truths to face.
As Edwin tries to protect his friends while safeguarding his secret, Charles fights to save Edwin from himself. Soon, the question becomes not whether Edwin is willing to pay the cost, but whether there will be anything left of him when the debt comes due.
OR: Edwin’s corruption arc vs Charles’ feeling realization arc, FIGHT
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Bookmarked by bitterdesert
17 Aug 2025
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the lights are on, but no one's home (so welcome home) by Antichrists_plus1
Fandoms: Dead Boy Detectives (TV)
22 Dec 2025
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Something clicks in her mind. "Edwin… what year is it?"
Edwin frowns. Has she lost her mind or is she now certain he lost his?
"1916."
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On a case tracking down a psychic vampire at an annual ball, Edwin is hypnotized into believing he is back in 1916, leading him to some unnerving conclusions about the girl he is with and what his future holds.
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Bookmarked by bitterdesert
06 Oct 2025
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It’s early spring, and the night air is cold and wet with the remains of winter. Every small gust of wind chills Charles to his bones, sending a shiver across his aching back. Wrapping his coat tightly around himself, he makes his way to the payphone two streets over. He has enough money in his pocket, but there’s no guarantee anyone would pick up.
Still, the sound of the line changing as he slips the coins into place is reassuring in its own way. Not trusting himself to remember the number correctly, he pulls a small piece of paper out of his jeans and starts pressing. It only rings twice.
Or: It's 1991 and Charles calls his best mate Edwin in the middle of the night to ask for a ride. Inspired by a handful of Smiths songs.
Bookmarked by bitterdesert
16 Aug 2025