bakerstreet | ( road trip )

( road trip )

{The Road Trip Meme!!}

It's that time of the year again! You decided to take a road trip!
Either to your friends, relative, or perhaps an event,
but oh, my goodness, what will happen along the way?
• Post with your character name/fandom/options preferences.
• Use RNG to pick your possible scenario - or just go with what you'd like most.
• Reply to other people's tags. Use RNG, mix and match, or just wing it!
• Enjoy!

Situations:

1. BREAK DOWN

Oh, snap, your car decided to break down out in the middle of nowhere. WHAT DO? Is that Leatherface? Will this be "Children of the Corn"?2. TRUCK STOP

You've stopped at a gas station. They're out of gas, snacks and the bathrooms are out of order. Wat do. (Zombie attack optional.)3. HITCHHIKERS?

Is this even a good idea? Why is their backpack leaking suspicious substances? Go wild.4. WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST HIT?

Dude, I hear deer mess up cars... or I think that was a deer.5. DON'T MAKE ME TURN THIS CAR AROUND!

Alas, you're the parent or the disgruntled friend who has had it up to here with all the fighting in the back.6. OMG, I WANT TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THIS LANDMARK!

No, no, and no. You tell that person that they're going to be driven around and they're going to like it.7. THE GREAT ESCAPE

Either dinosaurs or the mothman is chasing you. Don't stop now.8. MAKE OUT~

You're now parked in one of the make-out points in this town. Did you know? Well, that's up to you, as is what you do next.9. WE'RE SO LOST

The map blew away when you were stupid enough to open the windows earlier. You know that old stereotype about how men never ask for directions but women will? Time to see if you're going to prove it right or not. Try not to fight over it too much, driving partners.10. BUT OFFICER...

Those flashing lights in your rearview mirror? Definitely not just for decoration.
Relationship (optional):

1. BUSINESS PARTNERS: The jet was undergoing some heavy repairs, so you have to drive to that big meeting.

2. BFFS/ROOMIES: On your last hurrah before you join the 'real world.'

3. NEWLYWEDS: You're a young couple on your honeymoon! Hope this doesn't ruin your relationship.

4. SIBLINGS: Whether this is a trip to reconnect or to fix things or to just deepen your bond as epic sibs is up to you.

5. PARENT & CHILD: It's like a family vacation for the two of you. try not to get on each other's nerves too much?

(taken from memeonic & arspaulina @ lj)

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[Oh, right. He had been giving directions.]

I wasn't trying to take us anywhere, I was just getting bored looking at the same thing all the time. [Mostly the back of trucks.] I didn't expect a road trip to be so boring.

[He sinks back in the seat again, idly looking at the map in his hands. Did it even point out any landmarks? Or anything interesting besides just roads? He continues staring at it for a few minutes, searching it with his eyes and scrutinizing, until his phone beeps in his pocket. He takes it out quickly to check it, letting the map fall onto the floor.]

Reception! Finally!

[Glancing at Terra to make sure his eyes are on the road instead of on him, he quickly types out a text to his mother. A simple "Okay. With Terra. Back sometime." But it would be enough to keep her from worrying about his safety, at least.]

I'm not even going to ask what you thought they would be.

[It wasn't exactly a bundle of joy for Terra, either. The destination would be worth it, it was just all the driving, being cramped in a car ... Those parts weren't fun, and Wolfram wasn't getting anywhere near the wheel, so here he was. Before anything else, he recognized the sudden ring. At least they were edging out of The Hills Have Eyes territory. His phone was quiet but that was no big surprise. Terra wouldn't say as much but there really wasn't anyone to worry about him in the first place.

He was perfectly focused, but that didn't mean he was suddenly blind. He could take an educated guess at what his friend was doing, but touching the subject wasn't a good idea. Not right now.

Something else a little closer to it? That might be doable.]

Are you ever going to tell me what started all this?

[It was entirely possible that he wouldn't, but it was worth a shot.]

[He huffs a little, putting his phone back into his pocket before crossing his arms over his chest, turning to look out the window.]

It's not a big deal, I just wanted to get out of the house for a while.

[He feels like kicking at the dashboard again but he knows that will only annoy Terra. And it wouldn't make him feel any better, either. So there was no point. Instead, he leans the seat back some so he can stare at the ceiling of the car.

In truth, he feels sort of embarrassed that he'd gotten mad at what he'd gotten mad at. Which was his mother. Which is not unusual. And that she'd skipped out on their plans. Which also was not unusual. And that's why it's embarrassing. Because it's not as if it's the first time it's happened. And they'd just planned on watching a movie, it wasn't a huge deal. But...]

Gwendal's birthday is next week.

[He says it quietly, his head turned toward the car window again. On special occasions like birthdays and holidays, the absence of family always hits him the hardest. And he'd been stressing about whether or not to call his older brother, or send him an e-mail, or something. Because what if he was too busy with work? He always got back to him if he did try to contact him, but it was usually a few days later, and he'd apologize for that. But it still hurt that he wasn't top priority. For... anyone, really.]

[It's not true, and Terra knew it, but the important thing here was that Wolfram was talking, and once he got started there was a chance the real issue would come out by itself. The car jostled a little as they finally made it onto cement, he didn't need to check the map to know which way to go, and even if he did Terra wouldn't risk interrupting him. The moment his brother's name came out, it all suddenly made sense.

He'd never met any of the siblings but Terra didn't need that to realize how much family meant to Wolfram. He wanted them around and, in a way, Terra was quite sure that Wolfram needed people more than he realized. There was nothing wrong with that, and even if there was he'd hardly be able to say anything. They might not have had five million different things in common but the need to be important, the desire to have a sense of connection? Terra felt that just as strongly, but he handled his lack of it very differently.]

Hey.

[He could drive with one hand for a moment, especially since it meant tugging Wolfram closer with the suddenly free arm, it was quick but firm. There was nothing to be done about their family politics, that would take a lot of communication, patience, and understanding to fix. But he could try to give Wolfram a little comfort, even if it was momentary.]

Can I offer a suggestion?

[The pull is a little unexpected, and his eyes widen momentarily before he settles in to the new position, leaning lightly against Terra's side. He doesn't look at him though, instead focusing on the gas meter on the dashboard. Yeah, they're going to need to hit a gas station at some point. Wolfram silently hopes it's next to a McDonald's.

He sighs quietly, not in frustration or annoyance, but it almost sounds more like relief. And finally glances over at Terra.]

...What?

Call your brother. A week is long enough to let him know you want to do something. Maybe include your mother if you feel up to it, but just you the two of you might not be a bad idea.

[No more indecisiveness, no letting the fear of being left behind get in the way. It just needed to happen, and wouldn't unless Wolfram shoved himself out there. From what he could see it was probably the best shot he had.]

Come up with something fun, I'll drive you there. [Somewhere along the way Terra became a chauffeur.] If he insists on working or otherwise ditching you, first I'm going to kick his ass and probably end up on mine as a result. If it does work then I'll be there to take you home when you're finished, if all else fails, we'll figure out something to do on our own, and you can just have a second birthday this year.

[Plan A and B all in one go. Maybe Wolfram thought he wasn't a top priority but that was so far from the truth that it was insane. After all, who was driving around with him randomly, and who had avoided even asking for an explanation up until a few minutes ago? Wolfram was a priority, just not of the people that he so desperately craved.]

[A laugh, short and bitter, escapes his lips before he frowns.]

Something fun. I don't think Gwendal knows the meaning of the word. I can't remember him ever having fun.

[That was probably because he'd always been the most serious and responsible of all of them. He'd looked after both he and Conrad when their mother hadn't been around, after all. Until Conrad had hit college age, then they'd both fled in opposite directions. He's sure it was only because Gwendal thought him old enough to not need him anymore, and he knew Gwendal had always had the desire to make it in the world on his own, so he can't fully blame him for leaving, but...]

Hell, he probably finds work fun.

[He feels a bit bad, knowing that Terra was only trying to help. It just feels like a lost cause to him, though.]

Just forget about it... It doesn't matter.

[He's lying. And they both know it. And he knows they both know it. He's just hoping that Terra won't call him on it.]

Maybe.

[Of course it was a little upsetting that Wolfram wouldn't even give it a chance, not even just Terra's idea but something. In that way he could be stubborn and maybe a little too easily discouraged in Terra's opinion, but he hadn't been worn down emotionally, either.]

All I'm saying is that if I had a little brother that I wasn't around all the time, maybe it'd just be easy to lose perspective, I'd probably just need some help remembering what was important.

[Reach around call out. Or something like that. His arm relaxed, he wasn't forcing Wolfram to stay so close if he didn't want to, especially since it seemed as if he'd calmed down a little.]

[He does lean back in his seat again with another sigh, a bit of frustration evident in the sound this time. He's not annoyed with Terra, though. He does appreciate his help, even if he doesn't often say so. It's more that he doesn't want to have to remind Gwendal, though. Or anyone, for that matter. And he knows that's probably selfish and stubborn and not really logical, but...

Well, it also has to do with not wanting to look like he was still a child in the eyes of his older brother. And having to ask for his attention, even when it was completely reasonable, like it being his birthday or a holiday, still made him feel like a child.]

...It's complicated.

[That was putting it mildly. All of Wolfram's familial relationships were complicated. And oddly enough, out of all of them, Gwendal's was actually probably the least complicated. So that was saying something.]

I'll leave him a message, okay? But I really doubt it's going to do any good.

At least you'll be able to say that you tried.

[If it didn't go well then Terra would inevitably hear about it one way or another, because that was how things went. In any case, he was hesitant to say too much on the matter. His personal life was pathetically simple. Some would probably call it rather depressing but he'd lived it for years now and there wasn't any sense in crying. It wouldn't change anything, but Wolfram's situation was a little different. His brothers were likely even more stubborn and difficult in their own ways, but there was still time to knock some sense into everyone.]

Well, would you look at that.

[Maybe as a cosmic reward, the nearest gas station happened to be in the middle of nowhere, but it was situation next to a McDonald's. And no cows to be seen, huzzah?

His smile felt oddly permanent, though Terra couldn't exactly say why.]

[He is, Terra, he is looking. In fact he's practically staring in awe, because he'd seriously started to wonder if they were ever going to see another building that wasn't some sort of barn.

The seatbelt is already being unbuckled. Once he's done that though, his phone beeps again, and he hesitates before taking it out of his pocket to check it.

It's his mother, of course, returning his text. "OK sweetie stay safe xoxo" is pretty much along the lines of what he'd expected. Shaking his head slightly, he returns the phone to his pocket.]

Good, I'm starving. McDonald's will have to do.

[He's fooling no one with that and he's well aware of that fact.]

[If he didn't know better, he'd swear they just survived a legitimately terrifying horror movie, Wolfram acted as if they'd been deprived instead of thrown off course for a few hours. Then again, the constant and unyielding cow threat had been prevalent. Maybe that was it.

It really went without saying that his words were absolute bullshit, and he wasn't going to miss the opportunity.]

Right, it's not like the french fries are calling your name, right? Extra large, covered in salt ...

[It would be impossible to take him seriously, Terra was grinning through the purposefully dramatic description as he stopped at a gas pump.]

It's almost like you want me to hit you.

[It's an empty threat, as is the glare he shoots Terra's way. It really is ridiculous that he insists on denying his french fry weakness, he knows it. But he's in private school and wears expensive clothes and has a fancy car, he's supposed to be classier than McDonald's. It's not his fault that the deliciousness of their fries smashes through the barriers of his pride, okay? It really isn't.

Once they're stopped, he opens the door and steps out, pausing a moment once he's there before leaning down and speaking to Terra through the open door.]

Pump the gas, loser, I'll meet you inside for food.

[He pulls his wallet out of his back pocket and tosses it to him. If there's one good thing about being Wolfram's chauffeur, it's that he willingly pays for everything.]

And remember to wash your hands when you're through! [He points to the gas pump as he says this last thing before he heads inside, indicating that this wasn't a personal insult so much as a warning because that thing looks filthy, everyone's been touching it.]

[His only response to that empty threat is to give Wolfram a genuinely amused smile. It wasn't his fault that Wolfram felt as if he needed to adhere to some strange bundle of expectations. McDonald's had taken over the world, why in the world was enjoying it any different from enjoying a good cut of meat? Terra just didn't get it.

When they're parked, Terra leans back into the driver's seat, fully expecting Wolfram to bolt inside, instead he insisted on paying, and Terra raised a brow, lifting a hand to catch the wallet.]

I will, relax! [Terra didn't like how gross it was either because it was definitely filthy and everyone and their flu-infested child had touched it. More importantly, Terra pushed the wallet into the free pocket of his jeans, pulling his own out instead and swiping it as he went about getting gas. It's not like Wolfram would notice that he didn't let him pay.

Once the tank was full Terra pulled into a proper space in front of the McDonald's before going inside to join him.] I don't know about you, but I'm going to have Ketchup Fries.

[Terra was referring to his ungodly, cholesterol strangling guilty pleasure. A large order of fries dumped into an extra bag with a bunch of ketchup and extra salt poured in, after the bag was shaken up so everything was thoroughly coated, the result was Ketchup Fries and Terra loved them shamelessly.]

[After heading inside, Wolfram had made a beeline straight for the bathroom to wash his own hands, avoiding touching absolutely anything but the sink, the soap dispenser, and the paper towel he uses to dry his hands with before using it to open the door again.

By the time Terra's joined him, he's at the counter, pondering over what to get besides a large order of fries. He frowns at what his friend says, glancing over at him disapprovingly.]

Gross. You're going to have a heart attack one of these days.

[This exchange is undoubtedly nothing new, and he says it without a lot of feeling behind it because mostly he's just used to it by now. That and he doesn't actually expect Terra to drop dead just from eating some fries drenched in salt and ketchup.

Turning toward him, he holds out his hand.]

My wallet, s'il vous plait? [He does plan on paying for his own food, after all.]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and all that.

[Yes, this was a very well worn exchange, and Terra often repeated the motto for a variety of different situations, but it always and only applied to himself. Besides, some of his eating habits aside, he was a pretty healthy man all things considered! It wasn't as if he just woke up with the body that he had, after all. In a very strange way the food was motivation.

He didn't look away from the menu at the request, instead he just reached into the right pocket and handed it over.] You and your random French.

[It wasn't a bad thing, but there really was something about hearing a foreign language. Terra wasn't entirely sure what that something was, he might know if he put some thought into it, but mental red flags went off for a reason. Probably better to avoid questioning it.] They still have the chicken sandwich! And chocolate shakes!

[Maybe he was starving just a bit, and considering how much food Terra could put away that was hardly a positive.] You'll have to go first, I can't make up my mind. Everything looks really good.

[He gingerly takes the wallet when it's handed to him.]

It's a common enough phrase that I knew you'd understand. Be glad I'm not speaking whole sentences in it. Vous regretterez que vous plaignez.

[A smile spreads over his lips at Terra's excitement over things on the menu. He shakes his head slightly, flicking his bangs out of his eyes with a finger.]

I'll just tell them you want the whole menu, then. I'm sure they won't mind being here all night making it for you.

[He wouldn't. And he doesn't. Instead, he gives the woman waiting patiently behind the register his own order, which consists of a chicken sandwich and a large order of fries... Along with a vanilla milkshake for himself, because why the hell not? It's not as if Terra has any room to judge him on his food choices.

But he doesn't pay yet, instead stepping aside to let Terra give his order. Apparently, he intends to pay for that, too. Look, he just has a lot of money to throw around, alright? It's pretty much all he feels he has to offer in return for Terra's putting up with him. Not that he ever says as much out loud, or ever plans to.]

[Terra promptly chose to think about blood hounds. Textbooks. How much work irritated him last week. Anything to avoid repeating the way Wolfram curled those words off of his tongue. This was ridiculously unfair.]

You tell me to be glad and then you go and speak a whole sentence.

[Just saying. Terra ran his fingers through his hair, thankful that they focused on getting food instead of torturing him with foreign languages. By the time Wolfram was done, though, he'd finally decided on what to get and he should have known that he'd want to pay. With a put upon sigh, Terra relented, but only because he'd paid for the gas and that was pushing it enough. Besides, he didn't need a whole restaurant finding out how easily a short blonde could manipulate him into just ordering.]

You don't have to.

[But he would, and arguing wouldn't do any good. Terra ordered the biggest cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake, plus the extra bag, ketchup, and salt. He wasn't kidding about the fries, earlier! The last person to judge anyone about food was Terra, it was meant to be enjoyed, a good way to sit and get to know people. How could you enjoy that if you were always worried about it?]

So, I was thinking we could go to the coast, since we're already halfway there.

[He said this while Wolfram paid, ignoring the sting of inadequacy and concern. There wasn't any 'putting up with him', but he knew that sentiment was there, even if it wasn't spoken.]

[That whole sentence had been on purpose. It was intended to make Terra regret complaining about his "random French."

And no, arguing about who would pay wouldn't do any good. So it's better that Terra had decided to leave it at that and just order. After he does, Wolfram swipes one of his way too many credit cards and gives the lady a small nod in thank you as he takes the receipt from her and puts both card and paper in his wallet.

He heads over to the actual dining area, casting a glance around the place to find the cleanest table before looking back at his friend. He hadn't even realized they'd been close to the coast. But recalling the map they'd looked at, he figures Terra's right.]

Hmm. That's fine.

[It sounded rather pleasant, actually. So long as they weren't planning on getting on a boat or anything. He didn't agree with boats. Or maybe it was just that the waves while on a boat didn't agree with him. Either way, boats were out of the question.

He picks a table and takes a seat in a chair, fishing the receipt back out of his wallet to check the order number on it.]

We're 42. Do you think we'll get there before it gets dark?

[It was something they could at least work towards but if Wolfram ended up losing steam and just wanted to go home Terra would turn them around just as easily. No matter where they went no one was going to have to deal with a boat, especially since Terra wasn't exactly fond of them himself, though for different reasons.

He grabbed his cup and filled it as Wolfram answered, joining him at whatever table he'd chosen immediately after.]

Probably not, but you can always sleep.

[Terra could still get them to a decent hotel before any meaningful aches set in. Better to let Wolfram get some rest.]

If they have photo booths, we're taking pictures. I'm not explaining why, you just have to give me at least that much!

[Not that the explanation was ridiculously convoluted, or anything. Terra was just a sap and he liked commemorating trips, even if they were spontaneous and the result of something unfortunate.]

My car is not exactly my favorite napping spot.

[Which isn't to say he wouldn't if he was tired enough. In fact, it sort of implied that he's slept there before. Sleeping was something Wolfram was good at, pretty much no matter where he was. Rarely was it difficult for him to get to sleep, or stay asleep, and he hardly ever remembered the dreams he had while asleep.

So, really, despite what Wolfram had just said, there were no worries in regards to finding a good place for him to sleep. He could do it practically anywhere. So long as there wasn't anything dangerous nearby that he might accidentally kick.

He raises an eyebrow at this mention of taking pictures.]

Fine. But if I look drowsy or ridiculous in them, you're keeping them to yourself and not showing other people, clear?

[With the last word, he points his unopened straw at Terra menacingly. Or as menacingly as one can point with a straw, anyway.]

[The implication is an unfortunate one and, honestly, he wished he could get them there a little sooner so Wolfram might at least have a proper bed. Even if it was one he (somewhat rightfully) complained about. But that was the over worrier in him. At least the mention of pictures goes well, in the end Terra has a fantastically huge grin on his face.]

You act like I'd be sharing them even if you don't look drowsy or ridiculous.

[They would belong to him, after all. But in response to that not-at-all-menacing straw, Terra patted it off to the side with a finger.]

Are you feeling better?

[About the whole thing, in general. The problem was still there but he wasn't speaking long term, right now. As long as Wolfram was okay right now, in this moment, Terra would call it a victory.]

Well I don't know what you plan to do with them. Put them in your wallet?

[Wasn't that a space usually reserved for kids and significant others and other family members? Or did people actually put their friends' pictures in their wallet too? It's not really a thing Wolfram's had any experience with. Well, other than the fact he does have some old family photos in his own wallet.

He frowns at the easy dismissal of his makeshift weapon, then leans back in his chair to tear the wrapper off of it.]

I'm fine. I'll be fantastic, even, once I actually get to eat something.

[The straw gets shoved in through the lid of his empty cup. Empty because he figures he'll grab something to drink on their way out. For now, he'll just stick with the milkshake he ordered. Which... should be coming soon, since at that moment he hears someone at the counter call their number.

He'll stand to go fetch the trays and bring them back unless Terra feels the need to do so first.]

Pretty much.

[A few would be tacked onto his locker at work, but for the most part Terra kept all of his pictures in his wallet. it worked out well since he didn't have too many, but they were the closest approximation he might ever have to family photos, so it just seemed right that they would go in the two places he was most frequently involved with.

As their number was called, Terra let him go, watching his friend and considering something. It's an idle, errant thought, one that was actually a little inappropriate, but it was gone with a sharp inhale, a calming exhale. Would they actually make it to the coast? Who knew. But at least neither of the was alone.

While Wolfrom got his drink, Terra stood to meet him, acting as if he was only getting his own shake, but the words that came along with the motion were far from simple.]

I'm glad we're together, Wolfram.

[Those words bring a look of visible surprise from Wolfram. It was unexpected and he's not sure what brought them on. Or what to say to that. The fact is, he's always glad when he's with Terra. He willingly gives him undivided attention, he cares what he has to say, and their conversations are usually enjoyable, not to mention helpful. Terra, in general, was always helpful to him. Even if Wolfram was too stubborn to always take his advice right off the bat.

There's a very faint flush on his cheeks as he walks past his friend, from the embarrassment of being caught off-guard with that comment, or from something else, he's not sure. In addition to that, there's a softening of his gaze which he hides by looking down at the table as he sits. When he responds, his voice is somewhat quiet, and doesn't hold near as teasing a tone as his words would otherwise warrant.]

Well that was sappy.

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wow terra tone down that sass

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Terra might have a language kink now

then there's a plus side to wolfram having lived in multiple countries

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