║ seventy-sixth stanza ║ action / voice

[mumbled_truth]

[action]

[He'd already been helping Neil out at the bookstore, since Billy's departure, but with the extra crowds this weekend, it goes without saying that it's where he's spending most of his time. Since he generally feels more comfortable with books than with customers, he's trying to keep the store in some semblance of order after the shelves have been picked through.

Needless to say, it's an ongoing effort. Still, even when busy, Todd is never unapproachable.]


[voice]

[When he does get a chance to take a break, he makes a brief post.]

The crowds seem a lot bigger when you're actually in them. I... um, I don't really think I mind. I mean, I don't like that it's so crowded, but-- I'm still happy to see a lot of people.


[ooc: It's impossible to spoil Todd because he is from THE END. Like, on the desk the end. Don't tell him he's fictional, though. That is all!]

Comments

Todd does not so much appreciate it

[mumbled_truth]

[Enough of it gets across that Todd looks a bit more skeptical. As far as he's concerned, he really doesn't have a problem. He's perfectly happy.]

I'm Todd Anderson. And you're in the City - it's... sort of an alternate dimension. It pulls people in from all kinds of different worlds.

He means well...?

[want_to_talk_about_it]

It's nice to meet you, Todd Anderson.

[He sounds like he means it. Honestly, it's can't be healthy, having this much sincerity in one person.]

Is there a loophole here? While my mom never said anything against visiting alternate dimensions, I'm pretty sure she'll be pissed off anyway.

Re: He means well...?

[mumbled_truth]

It's nice to meet you, too.

[Todd's not really too annoyed, he just... doesn't like the prospect of opening up about his insecurities.]

You shouldn't have a problem. It's, um... the way it works, it should send you back, to just when you came from, so-- well, she shouldn't notice you're gone.

Aaand a switch back to audio

[want_to_talk_about_it]

So I'm basically getting a vacation in an alternate reality and no one else at home'll ever notice I was gone? Do you have any idea how much that sounds like the best drug-free trip ever?

[It only it could be bottled up and handed out to kids who actually need the break from reality.]

You don't sound like you're visiting.

Oh boy! Such an odd one you are.

[mumbled_truth]

Not everyone here's so fond of it, but... well, I never thought it was so bad.

[Which is good, because...]

I've been here three years now.

I thought you liked audio, Todd!

[want_to_talk_about_it]

Then it's a good thing that you don't think it's so bad, Todd.

[That almost sounds like a diagnosis.]

But it's not where you are that matters as long you look at life the right way.

He does! He is less into all the switching

[mumbled_truth]

Yeah, I guess that's true.

[He's not going to talk about how he likes it better here than at home. He doesn't need to hand out opportunities for analysis.]

Keeping you on your toes!

[want_to_talk_about_it]

That didn't sound too enthusiastic. Should I leave you alone?

[This is asked with a tone that truly indicates a willingness to shove off if told to... and, perhaps, slight disappointment.]

Sigh. XD

[mumbled_truth]

No-- no, it's okay.

I mean... you're right. And I really am happy here.

[want_to_talk_about_it]

Since you're not here on a day trip, that's good to hear, Todd.

...And seriously, if I'm annoying you, you wouldn't be the first person. I've been told more than once that I'm an acquired taste.

[mumbled_truth]

It's all right. You don't seem that bad.

You're really interested in psychology, though, huh?

[want_to_talk_about_it]

Thank you very much. [No, really. He has received far worse receptions.]

Sure, you could say that. I've read up on it, and I figure I've seen enough psychiatrists to consider myself a semi-professional. But what I'm really interested in is helping people.

[mumbled_truth]

[Semi-professional. Right.]

Well, that is what psychiatrists are supposed to be interested in, isn't it?

[want_to_talk_about_it]

In theory, yeah, but I mean... have you ever actually been to one? Some of them just want to throw drugs at a kid's problems without really listening to what those problems are. I don't know how helpful that is.