Boyd isn’t a saint —he’s done questionable things and had questionable attitudes— but the reality is that all the pressure of being responsible for the town falls on him. He’s just one man, and the morale —and therefore the lives— of an entire group of people rest on his shoulders. The level of responsibility is so high that I actually find it incredible he didn’t break before this season, because from the very beginning he’s had to make impossible decisions and carry them out himself so that others wouldn’t have to deal with the worst parts. And that’s not even counting the fact that he’s still grieving his wife, dealing with the trauma of that loss, and having spent so long with his son not speaking to him.
Honestly, I can accept Kristi —and especially Donna— calling him out, because both of them are also responsible for people’s lives and have had to shoulder that burden and step into situations they didn’t ask for, given their roles; one as a doctor, the other as a leader. But every time Acosta opens her mouth, I swear I just want some monster to show up and tear her apart, because she’s absolutely unbearable. At this point she’s seen enough to know she can’t go around acting morally superior in that town, seriously, she needs to shut the hell up.
⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!
a/n: these ended up being a lot longer than I meant... I hope you enjoy it nontheless
ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ
✧˖°. 𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆𝙂𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 ✧˖°.
The creatures were becoming more and more intune with life above ground. They knew who cared for who; even if it couldn't be admitted. By and by, they made situations where the pair would be forced to be close to each other...Matchmaking, if you will. Get people to care for one another made the hunt, much more fun...
𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒅 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
Ever the gentleman, his first instinct is to let you have the bed.
Is it big enough for two people? Yes.
Tight squeeze...also yes.
So you couldn't lie, you felt a twang of annoyance...the feelings you had for Boyd were long standing. Was this not a perfect set up? It goddamn was and you weren't going to let it slip through your fingers.
"Oh god, Sheriff, get up."
"Told you to call me Boyd."
"I'll call you Boyd when you get up off the floor..."
It was silent for a few moments before Boyd groaned nad huffed; acting as if this was the most terrible thing to have happened.
Truth be told, Boyd would rather sleep on the floor, or lean against the wall, or even sit in a chair.
His reluctance has nothing to do with you and everything to do with him.
Sure enough, he groaned and stood up. With hands on his hips, and a half smile, he pointedly looked at you.
"You don't have to sleep on the floor, Boyd."
Slightly shaking his head, he runs a hand through his hair and sits at the end of the bed.
"You sure this is okay?" He doesn't look at you when he asks.
And you don't look at him when you reply, "yes."
So, he slips off his boots, undoes his belt and unbuttons a few from his shirt. Not all the way though.
While he's doing this, you've already gotten comfortable and wriggled over to make space for him.
Turning around, you swore you could see him blush. It gave you a bit of hope. Maybe his feelings were similar to yours?
"I just have to say Boyd, if you snore; I just might push you the bed." You say it with a smile.
With a slight grumble, he replies, “Wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve gone through—if it’s you.”
Heart fluttering, a blush creeps from your neck, up to your face and blossoms on your cheeks.
"Yeah well, you make this seem a little less horrible as well..."
It's quiet as you both get comfortable in the small bed. There's limited blankets on this Winter's night, the cold air drafting through the small slits in the timber.
Boyd took an embarrassingly long time deciding where to put his arms, how far away to lie, and whether it’s even appropriate to breathe too loudly.
You could almost hear the wheels in his head turning.
For a while, he laid completely straight on his back, arms crossed over his chest. But as the night went on, you both couldn't help the chill.
It took about an hour but with each moment, you both started to work your way closer to one another.
The body heat felt like heaven.
No words were exchanged, but both of you understood. His arm moved and wrapped around you. You sighed in relief.
"Is this okay?"
"Yeah, yes, thank you."
You allowed yourself to be held by the Sheriff, his musky scent was overwhelming in the best way. It was intoxicating. He was intoxicating.
You dreaded when he had to let go.
𝑫𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
True to fashion, Donna wouldn't listen to anything you had to say. You were having the bed, and it was fine. You didn't want to be selfish, but her stubborn nature was bull-like.
"There’s one bed. We’ve dealt with worse, haven’t we? We’ll make it work." Donna's words were said with an undercurrent of kindness. You knew you were safe. Donna always made you feel that way.
But you loved pushing her buttons, and teasing her was one of your favourite passtimes.
"Finally, I can get you alone," you winked at her and she shook her head.
"You'll be the death of me," she mumbled - not really wanting you to hear. But you did anyway.
You watched as she assessed the situation. Made sure you didn't have any injuries, and practically put you to bed.
"You'll need your sleep," she said, and then so carefully she raised her hand and stroked your cheek.
"You’re safe. I promise."
Your heart clenched, Donna must know what she's doing. Was this her way of teasing?
The night was easy, she made it so.
Speaking softly, whenever there was silence it was comfortable. Donna let you get as close to her as you pleased; she said it was the cold, and the blankets weren't warm enough.
Donna smelled of soil, of the earth; from her gardening but maybe it was because she was down to earth. Logical. Pragmatic.
God you knew this night would make you love her more.
And yet, while she wouldn’t say it outright, the night left an impact on Donna too. She'd feel closer to you - having shared something with you that no one else had.
𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒚 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
Once the door was closed, both of you shrugged against it. The day had been long and tiresome. You were lucky to find a place to shelter.
Sighing, you moved from the door and walked toward the lone bed.
Kenny stood there awkwardly by the door, glancing at the bed before looking at you with shy smile.
"Uh… I can take the floor. You should get the bed. You’ve had a tough day."
"Oh stop. We've both had a shit day."
Kenny nods but still wants to be a gentlemen. He doesn’t want to impose. He feels protective, but doesn’t want to seem pushy. As if he could ever come off that way.
You shake your head with a smile, knowing that Kenny would rather hurt himself before making someone he cares about uncomfortable.
At first, Kenny lies on the edge of the bed, determined to stay in his own space. He barely moves, afraid of accidentally brushing against you.
"Kenny, you're just making this more weird."
"Oh, okay."
"Just get closer."
He does as you say. Even letting you grab his arm and wrap it around you, making yourself the little spoon.
Surely now he would have to realise you like him, right?
𝑱𝒂𝒅𝒆 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
With all his genius-ness, he can be quite stupid really. Not picking up on the signs that you were trying to give him.
So you gave up on it. Maybe he did know but didn't see you the way you did him.
Until one night when everything turned into chaos. And the only thing on Jade's mind was making sure you were safe. Not that you knew any of that.
You two ended up in a tiny, cabin. One bed. One blanket, one goddamn pillow.
"Well, this is going to be cozy, isn't it?" You rubbed at your cheek and tried your hardest not to look at Jade. You were too tired to hear a quip. But a quip isn't what you heard.
"I won't lie. At least this is happening with you."
Jade's comment shocked you. He had never given you a compliment, let alone one like this.
Despite his bravado, Jade did have moments where he let you see a softer side of him. But he never ... became soft for you.
You didn't expect Jade to sleep anywhere else beside the bed - and he didn't think of it either.
Later in the night, when you playfully brought it up, he looked affronted.
"It's dusty down there!"
The barely double bed had been pushed up against the far wall. You had gotten in first, and Jade's large form followed suit.
You both lay on your backs'. Arms covering your own chests. Yet, your legs were closer than they should be. Touching, but neither one of you wanted to move.
Jade's voice spoke into the darkness.
"Alright, ground rules. Stay on your side, and we’ll get through this. No funny business." (Mostly trying to convince himself.)
You couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't worry Herrera. I'm not going to ravish you. Not here. Not my style."
You got one of Jade's pure laughs from that comment. And it sent your heart leaping. No one gets to hear his real, belly laugh.
You can't help but blush.
"Not my style either-" Jade lowered his voice "-but one day I might show you exactly what my style is."
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒍 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
The feelings you had for each other were hidden.
Well, to each other...
Everyone else knew good and well that you two wanted one another but neither of you were game enough to say anything.
It was normal for you to spend time with Randall, you'd saved each other a few times - it was like currency here.
Today you had decided to take a walk around the woods. There wasn't much to do but you didn't care; you just liked being around Randall.
But something felt off. Well, more...off.
Randall had grabbed your arm and then they came. The creatures. It wasn't even dark, but they seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
With a smile still on their inhuman faces, they chased you to a small cabin that neither of you had seen before.
You both rushed inside, Randall opening the door and making you go first - he would never let those creatures get to you.
But once the realisation of the situation hit you both. You nearly stopped breathing.
A Talisman.
...was hanging on the wall next to the door...
You both looked at each other with astonishment.
"Fuck is this doing here?"
"Dunno, but I'm glad it is."
Looking around the small shelter, you noticed the one bed and sparse blankets. It was going to get cold tonight, there was no other choice then to get physically close. Scientifically and logically speaking.
Randall coughed, almost as if he was reading your thoughts.
He didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable, so he gives you an uncharacteristically kind offer—but in his gruff, Randall way.
"I’ll take the floor. But don’t expect me to be in a good mood tomorrow."
You huffed a laugh, and looked over at him. Randall was crouched down. He looked up at you in that moment and gave you a slight smile.
"When are you ever in a good mood, Randall?"
Whenever I'm with you. But those words wouldn't leave his lips. At least not tonight.
"C'mon, get in the bed," Randall looked at you and went red. "No I mean, you know-"
"Oh I will," you said in the most overly-seductive voice you could muster. "Only if you join me."
As the night goes on, and the room grows colder, Randall pulls you to him. You know he's asleep, and you let him. You've wanted this so badly, and for so long.
Randall's arms pull you against his chest. Fingers gripping onto your shirt, face against your hair.
You feel as if you could explode.
Slowly, you let your body relax into him. The cold was no longer a problem. But every now and then a twig would snap outside or whispering could be heard.
You clutched Randall tighter.
"It's okay. We're safe. You're safe," he whispers. And you could have jumped from the shock - you thought the asshole was asleep!
𝑬𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒔 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
He had told you to take the bed.
You rolled your eyes, kicked off your shoes and made a big show of how comfortable the bed was. Even though it wasn't in the slightest.
"Wow, I don't think I've been this comfortable since ... ever!"
"Oh, since ever - really?"
"Uh huh."
You wriggled and pulled the blankets up to your chin. Musty but dry, you looked at Ellis with raised eyebrows.
Leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face, you knew he knew what you were doing.
"Guess I'll just have this all to myself then...unless..."
"Oh, unless?"
"Unless there was also another weary traveller that needed somewhere warm and comfortable to lay for the night." You shrugged and threw back the blankets - an invitation for him to join you.
Ellis snorted, he always found you hilarious; it's one of the reasons why he has such big feelings for you. You just make him laugh. You lighten the load.
"Well, how could I not?" Slipping his shoes off and throwing the blankets over himself, he was shocked at how uncomfortable the bed was.
"You are a brilliant liar, you know that?" Ellis whispered, facing you.
"Well I wasn't going to let the Sheriff's son sleep on the cold floor during Winter," you whispered back.
"How chivalrous you are," his voice was low and gravelly.
Ellis looked at you with his perfect face, his stupid stupid perfect handsome face.
people online saying that donna is one of the evil creatures in disguise and well, first of all, how dare u talk shit abt MY girl??? and secondly, if she were in fact evil .... like she has a reason, trust me, she has a plan, let my girl live <333
