bakerstreet | the i n s o m n i a meme

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the i n s o m n i a meme

the i n s o m n i a meme

It happens to everyone - sometimes, you have nights where you just can't fall asleep, no matter what you do. It could be for a number of reasons, or no reason at all. And this is what's happened now: you've been laying in bed for what feels like hours, just tossing and turning, and nothing seems to help. So what's left to do? Get out of bed and go wake someone else up, of course. If you're not getting any sleep, then why should they?

i n s t r u c t i o n s

• Post with your character (note the name and fandom in the subject).
• Other people reply to you by generating a number from 1 to 10.
• Have fun!

o p t i o n s

01 • FEAR. Maybe you're hearing strange, indeterminable noises; maybe there's a severe storm happening outside; maybe you watched a scary movie before bed? Whatever the reason, you're terrified and it's keeping you awake. You just want to wake someone else up so they can protect you from the monster in your closet.
02 • HUNGER. Your stomach is growling and it just won't stop. Or perhaps your throat is so dry you could cough up a tumbleweed? Well, you've gone to the kitchen to remedy this and hey, that was a pan that just dropped on the floor. It was loud enough to wake the dead! Oops.
03 • PAIN. Your body is completely worn out, be it from exercise, battle, sickness, or what have you. Either way you're in enough pain to keep you from sleeping, so maybe someone else has a home remedy or something, or can at least help you take your mind off of it.
04 • SOLITUDE. For some reason, your bed just feels so empty at the moment. You're feeling terribly lonely and really just want someone to keep you company for a while. Maybe it'd be easier to fall asleep if you're with them...
05 • DISCOMFORT. Your room is an oven. Either that or a freezer. Or maybe this bed is just really uncomfortable? Who knows why you can't get to sleep, it feels like it could be anything. Why even bother trying? Maybe someone else can preoccupy you until you feel tired enough to ignore your discomfort.
06 • PENSIVE. Something's on your mind, and no matter how hard you try to focus elsewhere, it's just not going to work. Your body may be tired, but your mind is incredibly busy and it's virtually impossible to get to sleep. Surely, talking it out with someone else will help?
07 • SADNESS. Something terrible has happened that day, perhaps; or you could just be severely depressed. Either way you're trying your hardest not to cry yourself to sleep, and it's not working at all. Better find a way to get it out of your system somehow; you need a shoulder to cry on.
08 • ANGER. You are just... fuming. Who knows why - that annoying dog is barking again, or maybe the people next door are getting busy and keeping you awake. Whatever the reason for your ire is, you'd better put an end to it so you can get some damn rest already! Go wake up a friend so you can complain to them.
09 • RESTLESS. You're far too energetic to sleep right now. Maybe you're just trying to do so out of necessity - you have to be up early tomorrow! But you just don't think you'll be able to fall asleep for a while now, so why waste the time trying to sleep when you could be doing something else? Namely bothering someone else - you're totally jealous because they're getting more sleep than you.
10 • WILDCARD. Choose one of the options above, or make up your own scenario.

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[ It's a modern book, not anything historical. Not one of his very important manuscripts or first editions which he treats with utter care and respect. This is a well-worn paperback.

A thick well-worn paperback. ]

I think it is. Sometimes it's good to see history from a different perspective. Instead of living it. [ He picks up the book and flips through it then starts to read outloud. ] In all ages salt has been invested with a significance far exceeding that inherent it its natural properties, interesting and important as these are. Homer calls it a divine substance, Plato describes it as especially dear to the Gods, and we shall presently note the importance attached to it in religious ceremonies, covenants, and magical charms.

[ He has a good reading voice, steady. And as he reads he watches her to see if it entertains her or not. He's trying to amuse her and distract her from troubling thoughts. ]

[New or old book, it's Booker's book, so it deserves respect. She's learned about what types of books he likes, and has to wonder if he's read her favorite book or not.]

[As he reads though, she slides off the couch to sit on the floor before the table. She rests her arm on the edge of it, her other arm propping her head up.]

[In all hornet truth, she could listen to him read the back of a detergent box and he'd make it sound interesting. He just had a really good voice. She let her one hand play with the glass on the table, watching him as he read.]

[It was at least distracting. She gave a small huff of a laugh.]

It also tastes good in food. [as if that had to be pointed out.]

That's probably mentioned in here somewhere. [ He taps the spine of the book against his palm. ][ It got her to laugh a little though. Sort of reminds him of that first conversation they had alone in that cave back when he was a wreck of a human being.

He was better now. Well, better being relative. He wasn't about to turn everyone over just for the chance to die. ]

It's always you and me that end up like this, isn't it? [ If Nicky and Joe have insomnia they keep it to themselves. ] These late night conversations, I mean.

If it's not mentioned, I'd be disappointed. [she mused, taking a sip from her wine before it was forgotten.]

[Had it been up to her, his punishment wouldn't have lasted so long. Or just a slap on the hands and an apology. But that wasn't here or now. Things had changed. Time had passed. She was just glad he was back.]

[As much as she now loves them all, in the start Booker had been the one she bonded with first. Over that camp fire conversation. Which isn't saying much, but she had missed him while he was gone.]

I don't know. I never mind these late nights when your around. [It was easier when he was there, stuck awake as well. Which was a terrible thing to say, but she DID like it. Liked him being around.]

As much as we should both actually sleep, it's nice having someone to sit up with.

Misery loves company. [ He chuckled after he said it to let her know he was kidding about that. There wasn't any misery here tonight just general restlessness. ]

I could read you something. Not Salt. [ He had already set the book down. ] Something you'd like to listen to. A real story. I've got plenty of books around here.

[ Wherever Booker goes books end up gathering. Somewhere in the paperbacks and hardcovers there's a book she'll like. He's certain of that. ]

What sort of story are you in the mood for?

That it does. [She said, just to agree with him. There wasn't misery between them though. Just in her on running thoughts of the past. Her mother, her brother, those she lost. Her optimism wasn't infinite, and once in a while it was low. Like tonight.]

[His offer makes her smile a more genuine smile however. An almost bashful look on her face as she chuckled, looking down to her glass.]

You don't have to entertain me, you know. [She said at first, but listening to Booker read was a comfort. She pressed her lips, glanced back up to him, curiously now.]

You may not have this book, but have you ever read The Neverending Story? By Michael Ende? [She smiled, almost childishly.] The original prints are like a work of art. Two different colors, red and green, for which world you are in, and 26 chapters long. One for each letter in the alphabet.

The story is fanciful. I mean, it's a kids book, but its better than the movie. [She'd kill to get her hands on a copy again.] Anything like that would do.

Edited 2020-10-02 02:30 (UTC)

I have an original copy. Not here. [ Which he felt slightly bad about. ] It's with my other first editions.

[ Which were all kept safe in the proper climates because he cared about his books. They weren't kept in caves like some of Andy's priceless treasures. ]

When we circle that way I'll get them for you to look at. [ But she's given him an idea of what he can read for her. Booker took a swig of wine then got up and went looking through a stack of books.

He didn't have a flawless memory of where every book was except for the first editions. He had a spreadsheet for those but he knew there was something here. ]

Ah, here it is. [ He pulled the book free and waved it at her. ] The Wizard of Earthsea. Better than Harry Potter in every way. Have you read it?

[She blinked in surprise as he said he had it. A first Edition. Not here, which was fine, but there was the hope to get to read it again after all this time.]

I shouldn't be surprised that you have it somewhere.

[As he got up though, she moved as well, getting to the couch once again and kneeling on it, looking back at him as he looked through a stack. When he pulled a book out, she lifted a brow.]

Can't say I know of it. [She said, moving to sit proper at one end of the couch, watching him return with the book.]

But better than Harry Potter is high praise.

I live up to the name.

[ Booker would never apologize for his love of books and reading. Perhaps he didn't need to keep as many as he did but Booker struggled to throw them away. He liked books. ]

It was published in 1968 and involves a young boy with magical powers going to a wizarding school. [ He came around the couch, sat down opposite her and held out the book to her if she wanted to look at it before he started reading. ]

It's wildly regarded as a classic of fantasy literature and children's fantasy in general. It's also remarkable because the hero of the story? Dark-skinned. Much better than Harry Potter I think personally.

[There was that faint smile again. He lived up to the name. It was nice, the books scattered around every safe house they traveled to. She tended to pick up random books to read on her own because of it.]

It's a charming trait to have at least. A love of books. Could be worse.

[As he sat down on the couch, she shifted, facing him, one leg under her, her arm propped on the back. She took the book to read over the description as she also listened to him.]

It does sound interesting. [She said honestly, now holding it with both hands carefully, looking up to him.] And you don't mind reading it to me? [she asked, almost sheepishly as she handed the book back.]

It's one of my better traits. [ Because Booker's other love would probably always be whiskey. Not as healthy. Though he did also love computers and fast cars.

He waited for her to finish reading the back before he took the book. It had been thumbed through but this was a newer edition, something he had bough in the early two-thousands. ]

If I can convert another person into seeing this book for the treasure it is, it's worth reading to you. [ He ran his thumb along the edge of the pages. ] It should've been as big or bigger than Potter but it didn't take off. But she kept writing which I am very grateful for.

[ He took another drink of wine to wet his throat. ] And... I like reading to you.

You have a few of them. [She said mindlessly about his traits. She thought he was kind and charming, and even the like of whiskey wasn't a TERRIBLE thing. After all, it can't wreck his liver or anything. They shared the same like for fast cars too.]

[as he took the book back, she took one more sip of her wine, sitting it down and started to scoot over. He could clearly read to her from where he was, but she inched closer so she was shoulder to shoulder with him, taking up her drink again and settling in, one leg under her, the other foot on the edge of the couch.]

So long as it's creative, I'm sure I'll love it. [and read in his voice? It'll endear it more to her. She gave him a smile as he said he liked reading to her.] Yes, well... you have a good voice for reading. I don't promise I wont fall asleep while you read though.

[After all, she found his voice calming.]

[ Booker was a little skeptical about those good traits but he'd save the self-deprecating humor for another time. He didn't want to start an argument right now.

When she scooted over he made room for her, adjusting so they'd both be comfortable.

After her comment about falling asleep he adjusted some more so that if she did she'd end up sliding onto him. ] It's fine if you fall asleep. I'll have accomplished my goal helping you relax and actually get some sleep tonight.

[ He wouldn't get much but that was fine. He didn't need much anyway. ]

[Smart man. She'd clearly try to win that argument, and he wouldn't let her. It could become a disturbance.]

[As they both got comfortable, she snuggled down into the couch, trying her best not to just lean into him, yet. She was still one to try and not invade space, even if all the others were very space invaders in all they did. She was still learning that leaning on a person was okay here.]

Yes, but if I fall asleep, your just going to get up and read about salt. I wish I could help you with your late night insomnia as well.

[ After all the time they spent together of course they had very little personal space. Nile was more new than he was. Booker understood it would take time for her to reach that level of comfort.

The best he could do was offer it and let her decide for herself if she wanted to lay her head on his shoulder or not. ]

I had insomnia long before I was immortal and no one could really help me back then either. [ Not his wife. Not his sons. Not his local priest. Sometimes, Booker just... couldn't sleep. It was better than not being able to sleep because of nightmares. ] I won't just read about salt. I'll also drink wine. And get a blanket to tuck you in. It'll be a productive night.

[She was getting better about it at least. She never flinched away from affections. She liked hugs. She just wasn't used to a group of people dog piling on each other for comfort.]

[Still, she leaned into his shoulder a bit, for no.]

Still, it's not good to live off a few hours sleep, Book. [something her mother would tell her after she'd get home from two part time jobs and ready to work on a 3rd before catching a few hours sleep. Bless computers for being easy to work from.]

[She gave him a small sigh though. It did sound like a nice night.] But alright, alright. I'll stop fussing so you can read.

[ It was slightly better to live off a few hours of sleep when the physical effects were almost instantly healed. All he felt was more tired. ]

Maybe I'll fall asleep in the middle of reading. You never know. [ He rubbed his hand over her shoulder for a moment. ] Relax. This is a really good book. Let me enjoy it with a friend.

[ He started reading after that, voice low and steady. While the others were pretty much out he didn't want to wake them. Of course, he also changed tone and pitch for different characters. He was going to have a little fun with it. ]

[the perks of being immortal.]

[His hand rubbed over her shoulder and he told her to relax, and oddly enough she tried to. She let her head rest on his shoulder for now.]

If you do, I'll excuse it. [she teased, but turned a soft smile up to him as he asked to enjoy it with a friend. A nod was given and she settled in.]

[As he read, she relaxed a bit more, clearly growing interested in the story. Her hand rested at his side as she relaxed a bit more, clearly his tone was working well. She curled into him a bit more, not realizing she was resting against him so much.]

[ Booker made an excellent pillow. He had broad shoulders so there was plenty of room for Nile to get comfortable.

And he didn’t mind. In fact, he welcomed the contact. After his exile he would almost do anything to feel close to any of them. It was reassuring that she’d rest against him. A show of trust. Of friendship.

Things he really needed.

He did pause at the end of a paragraph and glance down to see if she was still awake. No point in reading to a sleeping woman, after all. ]

Surprised you’re still with me.

[He does have very good shoulders for a head rest. And it's clear she's relaxed. She didn't relax often enough and really should.]

[HIs voice was doing it for her though, and the soft tone he poke in did help her to unwind.]

[When he paused at the end of a chapter, she paused to look up at him, giving him a faint smile.]

Still with you. You're right, it's a very good book. [she said softly, though it was clear she wouldn't be with him long. She actually looked relaxed.] As odd as this sounds, I like the voices you use.

[Or mostly, she was admitting she liked his voice, but the character tones were good.] Read just a bit more, please?

What's a story if you don't use voices? [ He smiled softly at her, glad to see her relaxed. Whatever had kept her up it wouldn't trouble her for the rest of the night.

That he could do this for her was... really important to him. It mattered a lot more than most missions. Not all because they were more aware of the good they did but she mattered more to him than strangers.

Not the most noble thought but the truth. ] Yeah, of course. I wouldn't stop here.

[ Booker started to read again and idly brushed his fingers up and down her arm. He wasn't even aware he did it. It was just another way to help her relax. ]

I whole heartedly agree. [She smiled to that. Her mother used to do voices when she read to her and her brother. It was always the best part of books, hearing the different tones. She didn't think on that though, as that was part of why she couldn't sleep.]

Good. [Was all she said to his not stopping there. Once he started reading again she settled in again, feeling him run his hand up and down her outer arm. It was warm and it did help.]

[She relaxed once more, letting her eyes close more this time. He'd make it a ways through before her head would droop a bit more, sleeping softly. She didn't miss much, and she might stir if he moved, but she had relaxed enough that she could rest.]

[ Booker didn't say anything when he glanced down and saw she was sleeping. He carefully marked the page and set the book down on the coffee table moving slowly so he wouldn't disturb her.

He also realized he had basically stroked her arm for an unknown amount of time. Since she hadn't objected... he shouldn't worry about it but he didn't want to cross a line accidentally.

The biggest problem Booker had at the moment was he couldn't reach his other book. So he tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling and once again started to idly stroke her arm.

He might not sleep but he was content. ]

[She told him he was going to want to go back to reading about Salt! She warned him about this, but did he listen? No. Then again she honestly hadn't thought she would fall asleep ON him.]

[But he was comfortable, and as much as she might say she wasn't a contact kind of person, she really was. She loved hugs and she was growing more used to leaning on the rest of the Guard. It had taken time, but she was getting better at relaxing with them.]

[The arm rubs helped, a lot, and she seemed oddly comfortable on him. Content. She'll feel bad for keeping him up to do nothing, when she does wake, but for now, she actually got some rest. Sorry Booker, but thank you.]

[ He's not doing nothing. There's a lot of thinking going on. Luckily his thoughts weren't spiraling down dangerous paths as they were prone to do.

He was mostly thinking about books he had read previously and reciting poetry in his head. There were a lot of them rattling in around in his head. Some half remembered. He needed to refresh his memory on plenty.

It was... a really relaxing evening. Or early morning depending on how they looked at it. ]

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