Fandom Island and Town

Few things could make Ronan almost smile. One of those few things was his car. The BMW was covered in pollen and in desperate need of an oil change and some new tires but it still made Ronan feel a little better just by seeing it. How Gansey clung to the Pig, Ronan didn't know, when there were things out there with so much more power and that didn't break down when you breathed on it.

The hood on the BMW was up and half of Ronan's body was bent over, poking around idly. He barely noticed a presence behind him. He could see the shadow out of the corner of his eye but thought it was someone passing to get to their car and that they wouldn't talk to him.

The presence remained and Ronan whirled, ready with several barbed insults on the tip of his tongue. They all died away when the person who was there registered. Ronan actually paled. He looked momentarily frightened and scared.

Boyish.

"She's not much to look at," Niall Lynch said, glancing back at the car. "Still running?"

Ronan nodded dumbly.

"You look surprised to see me." Niall smiled like only he could. Ronan's eyes searched his father's, looking for flecks of blood in his hair or signs that he was hallucinating or being played. He saw nothing.

"Yeah, I am," he said, sounding almost angry about it. "You're dead."

"Yes." Niall nodded and stepped up beside his son. Ronan allowed the closeness. "But, I'm here now."

"Why?" Ronan asked almost like he was offended. "Why are you here?"

"To see you."

It was as simple as that. Ronan blinked several times. Niall stayed where he was, not disappearing when Ronan subtly pinched himself in case he was dreaming.

"Stop gawking, boy," Niall said, laughing deeply. "It's embarrassing."

Ronan pulled his eyes back to the engine but couldn't stop himself from looking at his father. Alive. Whole. His father didn't protest again.

[Open place & post]