♕ |[108]| He still wonders about the occasional sense of drift between stanzas

[had_not_lived]

I'm relieved, honestly, that this curse still comes around, even with the Deities gone and everything different. Not that any of it is that different, really, but I've always liked getting visitors.

I've honestly lost count of how many times I've seen this come around-- it didn't used to last a whole weekend, did it? I'm glad people get to stay a little longer-- the ones who enjoy it, at least-- but it must be a bit inconvenient, finding somewhere to stay over, being away from home.

I hope you enjoy yourselves. Make the most of it. Carpe diem.


[ooc; please no duplicate Neils (other RSLs always welcome) and please don't explicitly tell him he's not real. Otherwise, whatevs, & I will backdate til the proverbial cows come home!]

Comments

[and_identity]

Some would argue a little inconvenience adds flavor to the experience, like a dash of cayenne pepper to mashed potatoes.

And by "some" I mean "people who suck at similes".

[had_not_lived]

I thought that was what gravy was for.

[and_identity]

Since when is gravy a remedy for people who suck at similes?

[had_not_lived]

It couldn't hurt, could it?

[and_identity]

That's a question for their dry cleaner.

You're looking merry as ever, Neil.

[had_not_lived]

Thou speak'st aright.

[He's in high spirits, he always loves having visitors.]

I'm glad you came. It's been a while, hasn't it?

[and_identity]

You can blame that one on my interns. They botched my schedule and I got tied up with a thing that I would cheerfully explain to you save for the fact that trying to put it in terms you could understand would take me roughly six millennia, and leaving it in terms you can't understand would make your brain melt into a fine paste.

Suffice to say, I declined to write that particular intern a letter of recommendation to their university of choice.

[othersdie]

[This feels awkward. Why does this feel so awkward?]

Neil. [Just a second. He hasn't had a conversation for a while, he needs to remember how this works.] ...How are you?

[had_not_lived]

[If you took all of Neil's usual energy, balled it up, compressed it under high pressure, and then let it burst out all at once, it would make a sound like--]

Justin!

[He's pleased to hear from you. Can you tell?]

Where are you?!

[othersdie]

By the fountain.

[No one's ever been that happy to hear from him before. Not that Justin doesn't reciprocate, he's just... not much of one for emoting.]

[had_not_lived]

[There's no reply.

Except, a little while later-- not too long, really-- a wild Neil (and that's not a metaphor-- he really is wild-eyed, a too-light jacket hanging lopsidedly off one arm and pulled only to the elbow of the other, his cheeks red and his breathing hard) appears.

He uses bear hug.]

[othersdie]

[It's super-effective!

No, really. Justin is surprised right into hugging back. Awkwardly and with only one of his arms, sure, but it's in the spirit of a hug. As little as he likes having his personal space invaded, Neil gets a pass. Partly because he's Neil and partly because nothingness is really fucking lonely.]

I'm sorry.

[had_not_lived]

Don't be sorry!

[Not for anything. Neil's sad that Justin is gone, but he doesn't blame the other boy for it. No one chooses when they come or go here. Or anywhere else, really.

He's not done with the hugging bit.]

[othersdie]

[Who knew forgiveness could be as easy as that?

Justin doesn't protest. He even manages to reciprocate the hug properly. (Two arms! It's a miracle!) Things have changed from the last time he left the City for a long period of time. Justin has gotten better at appreciating what he had.]

I missed you.

[It's mumbled and flat, but sincere.]

[practicingforhell]

Carpe diem, sure.

What's that about the deities?

[had_not_lived]

The Deities were-- well, deposed, I guess you'd say. There was a rebellion-- the people who were in charge of it are sort of in charge now, though the curses still happen in spite of them.

[practicingforhell]

Huh.

Must make it hard to get much reading done.

I had a good reason for procrastinating this tag I swear >>

[had_not_lived]

Bad curses and unrest are the perfect time to read. As long as you're not personally affected, I mean.

LIKE I CAN TALK

[practicingforhell]

How weren't you affected? Never leave your apartment?

[had_not_lived]

On the bad days, yeah, we stayed in. Otherwise it's just a matter of luck-- not getting caught up in a curse.

I read that play. The Ibsen. I didn't forget this time.

[practicingforhell]

Yeah, well. I hope you stay lucky.

What'd you think? Too depressing?

text;

[arobinredbreast]

That's an optimistic view. Are you expecting anyone in particular?

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[had_not_lived]

I wouldn't say expecting, but I'm hoping. I have friends who only come on visitors' days, and friends who've left the City... And it'd be nice to see someone from home, though I don't expect that at all.

text;

[arobinredbreast]

It's a nice sentiment; a reprieve, I'm told, from some incidents that happen here.

text;

[had_not_lived]

It's not always an easy place to live. But, well, I don't think anywhere is perfect.