The Editing Room

“Have you no respect for the dead? "Of course I do. But sometimes… I’d rather like to join them.” “Well, I wish you would do it sooner rather than later before you ruin my career the way you’ve ruined yours.” - Jonathan Carnahan from The Mummy

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

reggie heard the other admit that this was something that happened almost a year ago and let out a small sigh, he wasn't on duty today but he didn't mind and the sigh was more so because he wasn't sure what to do. "can i ask why it's only being reported now and not when it first happened?" he said but also added on. "i'm not sure what i can do about it now but i'm willing to still listen and see if there's anything i can do though."

[cameraguyward]

Ward snuck a glance at Kirby making sure they really wanted him to tell Reggie before he said, "They didn't really feel safe enough, but after everything that's been happening, we at least want to give you the heads up to keep an eye on em." He was fairly sure there wasn't much that could be done but more eyes on Raz and even the Commune couldn't hurt. Glancing around to make sure they were in privacy he said, "It was Raziel, they broke Kirby's fingers, honestly pretty sure they'll say they had it coming or some bs. But come on that's overkill even if you're ticked off." Shaking his head he squeezed Kirby's hand, "Doctor Knightley treated Kirby, that's about all the proof we got and I know it's biased but...yeah."

[lxvenderhxzehv]

"I'm here looking for my Ex-husband Art...gotta make sure he didn't Do something stupid or die..." She shrugged "so I guess I'm just as crazy as everyone else here." She shook her head "I heard about your Brother and Sammie going missing? Did they ever find them? Or that Author guy she was linked too?" She furrowed her brows. The Case had gone cold at this point but she remembered. "It's been a while since I heard anything..."

[cameraguyward]

Ward tried not to cringe, managing to keep a straight face as he looked at her. "Well he's not dead, been really into the theatre scene here in town," he said. He'd blame it on her bringing up Sammie and Harvey for confirming Art, there was something about leaving someone in the dark now that made him uncomfortable to consider. His jaw clenched and he flexed his bad hand, "All three ended up in this town if you can believe it," he said shaking his head, "And somehow I'm the only one left now."

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

kirby smiled and let out a small sigh of relief that ward was okay with it then eventually kissed him., pulling away only barely. "i don't mind you checking in and asking how i'm doing and all that shit, some days may get rough and i might just need you to i don't know, hang out with me i guess. i think one of these days i'll be able to tell you i just.. have to work my way to it." telling a stranger was one thing and they knew that but telling their partners was going to be a whole different situation.

[cameraguyward]

Ward nodded along as Kirby spoke, "Ok yeah think I can do that. Not much different than what we've been doing now," he mumbled shaking his head now. The past few months had felt like being chained to a comet, for someone who'd spent his life in a permanent state of apathy, it was emotionally exhausting.

Ward knew Kirby was nervous but after more talking they'd agree to tell Reggie today out in the open. It wasn't at a police station and if it really went South, Kirby could book it away while Ward played decoy. "Look I know this was almost over a year ago and this might not be the best time, but we needed to report someone who physically assaulted my partner," he said once they had Reggie's attention.

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

kirby had to pause and think about the question. "can i get back to you on that?" before he could say anything though they already overthought their own answer so added, "not because i don't want you involved at all, there's just a lot i... haven't told anyone. i don't really know how it's going to feel telling a stranger yet or if it's even going to go well. plus i still need to find someone first i guess."

[cameraguyward]

Ward nodded his head immediately, "Course you can, and it's ok," he said leaning forward to brush his lips against Kirby's. "Just whenever this starts let me know if you want me checking in or if you'd rather keep it to yourself," he said giving them a small squeeze, "Can always play it by ear and find a good middle ground too." He's tempted to ask Olivia how supporting someone through this goes, unsure if he'd be any good at it.

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

kirby might ask about it later but maybe it was best they didn't know for at least a while, surely they'd find out eventually. when they were pulled closer, they let out a small sigh but nodded. "yeah i'm sure, i want him to enjoy his time and not have to stress about me for once. before we do that though i should probably also tell you.. i told eddie i'd start going to therapy so i guess that's a thing i have to figure out."

[cameraguyward]

Ward nodded his head in understanding, with everything that had happened he was just grateful Kirby had been open enough to let them all help. His eyebrows raised, of all things he'd expected to hear that hadn't been one of them. "Ok, most I have with that is Sammie went to one for a while there and we got Ava seeing someone in town," he said slowly nodding, "How much do you want to keep me in the loop on this, don't want you feeling you have to tell me more than you're ready for."

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

kirby chewed on the inside of their cheek as ward talked. "was there a nurse? i don't remember that." but it might've been around the time the whole incident happened so other things that happened weren't really a top priority. they let out a small sigh and fell forward a little to rest their forehead against his. "you really want me to tell them?" considering they knew how ward was it was hard to say no to him. "can.. you be the one to tell them and i'll just be there to answer whatever questions?"

[cameraguyward]

"A lot's been happening with you, don't really blame you for not hearing about it," Ward said rubbing their back. All things considered he wasn't surprised if Knightley had opted to keep things low stress at the house for Kirby's sake while they'd been staying there. Looking at them, he pulled them closer towards him, "Yeah I can tell them, you sure you want me to do it? Don't think Edgar would mind if you'd rather have him there," he said, though he was already running through how to explain things.

[lxvenderhxzehv]

"you clearly don't know me well enough Mr. Langston." She laughed as he approached her. She gave him a gentle hug "how are you Ward, what the actual hell are you doing in a place like this?" She questioned with a soft smile. "I feel like it's been quite some time that I've seen you around!"

[cameraguyward]

Ward would blame it on feeling at least a little relieved seeing a familiar face, hugging her back and being mindful of his hand. "Long story, but same as everyone else I guess. Followed someone else in here," he said shrugging when they pulled back. "What about you, bad luck or on the search?" A small part of him hoping it was just coincidence that she was here now.

[lxvenderhxzehv]

Oliver nodded when Ward took the cup from his hand. Taking a seat he looked over to Ava and shook her head. "No, no I wanted to be here with you guys. You're my family and I- I need to step up for both of you." Harvey death had really put Oliver into a rut but it was Andrews death that pulled him out of it. "I may say Hello to Miss Heather and my friend Eris later but it can wait...."

[cameraguyward]

Ward wanted to argue but simply took a sip of his drink, it was at least nice to see Oliver in the day time. "Those two just friends or you still giving yourself a chance to explore?" he asked genuinely curious. While it been surprising he was at least glad Oliver was finding some form of happiness in town.

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

"you're fine," kirby said with a chuckle and smiled as he kissed their forehead. they stayed quiet though because they wanted to know what exactly was he wanted to talk about. then they heard cops and it all clicked into place. "n-" they stopped themselves from saying no right away, they wanted to do better and be better so they chewed on the lip and really thought it over. "ward.." they finally said, "this happened back in october.. it's been almost a year what are they going to do about it now?" kirby frowned now but not because of him but because they realized it was probably nothing. "they have no reason to believe me anymore."

[cameraguyward]

"Probably nothing," Ward conceded with a sigh, "But at least they'll know to keep an eye on them." Pausing in thought he gave a small shrug, "There was that nurse right? The one who worked with Knightley? That caught everyone off guard, who knows maybe someone noticed something and didn't think anything of it but woulda had more eyes on her." He'd wished he'd thought out his arguments better but he hadn't even been sure Kirby would be willing to hear him out on this one. "If they really don't listen to us we can at least let the people we know to keep their distance right?"

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

kirbys face dropped and it felt like their heart sunk at that question because of course they immediately assumed the worst even after the kiss. it wasn't until he said he wasn't having second thoughts that they felt like they could breath again. "first of all," they started with a sigh of relief, "you can't start a conversation like that with me dammit babe." they playfully smacked his chest but started chewing on the inside of their cheek. "why'd you want to talk about him though?" they asked clearly nervous.

[cameraguyward]

"I'm sorry," Ward said genuinely and despite it, he smiled at the playful smack and shook his head, "Cut me some slack, I'm still getting use to being able to talk about things." Moving to kiss them again before pressing a kiss to their forehead, "I've been thinking...first it was Sammie, then Harvey, and I fucking hated the guy but dammit even Andrew?" He slowly shook his head as he glanced down before back at Kirby, "And then almost you...look I've never been a fan of cops either but...I really can't stand the thought of losing you, would you at least maybe go if I went with you, or you could take Edgar."

[cameraguyward]

WHERE: Lake Party WHO: Kirby (@ghostsbrokenbyfairytales)

As much as Ward didn't want to have this talk he tugged Kirby into his lap on the towel they'd been sitting on. “Hey can we talk about something?” Catching the look on their face he was quick to kiss them, “I'm not having second thoughts about us,” he said cupping their face in his hands, “It's about the guy who broke your fingers.” 

[cameraguyward]

WHERE: Lake Party WHO: Valkyrie (@lxvenderhxzehv)

To say Ward had been surprised to see Valkyrie would be an understatement. It didn't help her ex was so close to Edgar which made their last relationship more than a little awkward. They'd been friendly in a professional setting but he wasn't completely sure what she'd be like in such a small town with little entertainment. “You managing to behave or am I going to have to set off warning signals?” He asked taking a sip from his beer as he stood next to her. 

[cameraguyward]

WHERE: Lake Party WHO: Oliver (@lxvenderhxzehv)

Ward had a bittersweet smile on his face, watching Ava walk around the edge of the lake while recording herself on a camera. It has felt nice to give her it, working almost like a journal but it still reminded him of who wasn't here. Turning towards Oliver he took the offered drink, “Thanks, if you want me to take Ava for the night so you can meet with one of your…erm friends. I really don't mind,” he offered. 

[cameraguyward]

Ward Lake Party 2024

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

kirby didn't fight ward when he turned their head to look at him especially because the kiss put them at ease, obviously kissing him back. they let a tear fall finally at his admission and moved to sit on his lap so they could wrap their arms around his neck. "ward... i wanted to give up and let him win." they admitted themselves but took a deep breath. "but i didn't... because i thought about you, and teddy, and edgar and blue and realized that for once in my life i had people worth fighting for.."

[cameraguyward]

Ward grunted shifting on the couch to let Kirby settle better onto his lap, wrapping his arm around their waist and using their good hand to play with the hair on the back of his neck. He swallowed at the confession, his arms tightening around their waist, "It's ok, it's ok," he mumbled softly, "I love you.." He rubbed his thumb along the back of their neck before closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the couch with a sigh. "Any chance you and me can spend a night together...I just...I just want a normal night, without some random fuck trying to hurt you," he said reopening his eyes and using his bad hand to squeeze Kirby's healed fingers.

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

"im not gonna set a bet i'll lose, i know i'll remember the dirty and cuss words because they're funny." kirby smiled a little bit, they weren't sure if that was wards plan when he said that but it worked anyway. the look on his face and the shakiness in his voice made them tear up, only opting to answer with a shrug so far. biting their lip they took a quick breath in, "but i didn't?" was all they could manage.

[cameraguyward]

Ward relaxed a bit when Kirby actually smiled, he hadn't realized how much he had missed it until they'd been looking so solemn for so long. Moving his hand to cup their face to turn them to look at them he leaned forward and kissed them slowly. "You didn't," he agreed when he pulled back, moving his hand from their face into their hair again, "You didn't...I think I'd have given up if you had, not like dead too...just dead inside," he admitted softly. He has Ava to think about but after the news came out he had the realization he was on his last leg when it came to losing people.

[ghostsbrokenbyfairytales]

"you are kid free for the night, how'd you manage that?" olivia asked mostly teasing but sat down next to him as he ordered them drinks. she shook her head with a smile, "he's at his cabin for the night yes." she answered with a laugh. "he's been coming over more lately cause it's been easier for me to stay in town but there was things he needed to take care of so we're just gonna see each other tomorrow."

[cameraguyward]

"Oliver wanted to spend some one on one time with her," Ward explained, rolling his eyes playfully at her teasing. Nodding his head in understanding he chuckled, "Wow, you're actually managing to get him into town willingly? Regular old miracle worker," he said. He handed her drink to her when they arrived, clinking his glass against hers, "How's the new gig, missing the unemployed life yet?"