║ 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

[inmyothertights]

[Hey how's it hanging?

Billy is suddenly at the register when Todd gets back]

You know you guys are doing pretty good without me.

This is going to give me some kind of complex.

voice;

[want_to_talk_about_it]

It sounds like you have some social anxiety. Want to talk about it?

[mumbled_truth]

[Billy definitely gets a smile when Todd sees him.]

I guess we're all right. Things were definitely better with you, though.

[inmyothertights]

Manhug?

voice;

[mumbled_truth]

What?

[What is this madness where you talk about feelings and things?]

Um-- no, I'm... fine. Thanks.

let's switch this to video, shall we?

[want_to_talk_about_it]

[The feed changes to video and a kid who looks very concerned--and about twenty years too young for his suit jacket--gives Todd a worried half-smile.]

You sure? These things can fester if you don't work them out, and my consultations are one-hundred percent free.

[mumbled_truth]

[Well that gets a laugh.]

Of course.

[catnapped]

[Hey Todd check it out it's...

...wait for it...

...SOMEONE EVEN SHYER THAN YOU. Unbelievable, innit?]

Oh, a library! Who in the world would put a library out here, of all places?

[He also talks to himself. Have fun with that.]

[inmyothertights]

[Here have a hug, man]

oh fantastic. video.

[mumbled_truth]

[Todd's expression is just a bit bemused - perhaps a bit skeptical.]

I don't really have anything that's going to fester.

in ur City, trollin' ur introverts

[want_to_talk_about_it]

[The kid throws his hands up in a gesture that says "don't come crying to me when your anxiety issues inevitably turn into something ugly, except actually you can, I can leave you my card" (well, all of that doesn't get across, but it was there in spirit).]

Then do you mind telling me where I am? I know it's not Western Summit High.

My name's Charlie Bartlett.

[mumbled_truth]

[Well hi there, AMAZINGLY shy person.

Of course, he does hear you talking to yourself, so he might as well offer up a soft response.]

I, uh... I think there are people who enjoy books in all realities.

[catnapped]

[Eep.]

Um.

[Right. There are other people around. Because in the outside world not located on the top of a desolate mountain, there are actually, y'know. ...People.]

I like them very much. They're good friends.

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.

[mumbled_truth]

[And he gets hugged back because, seriously, they miss you already.]

How long has it been? I mean, since it doesn't always match...

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.

[mumbled_truth]

[Todd just offers a small, reassuring smile.]

Yeah... so do I.

[Jeez, you really are even shyer. He can relate, so strongly. So clearly that means he should extend a supportive, friendly gesture.]

Um-- I'm Todd. Todd Anderson.

[inmyothertights]

Not that long. A few months, really.

Clearly you need another therapist in your post now.

[howsthatworkinforyou]

Alright, he's young, he's shy, he's in the City, he's an up-and-coming writer, and he's already written a play. Welcome to the stage, Todd Anderson!

2/2

[howsthatworkinforyou]

[Loud clapping, cat-calling, general applause.]

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.

[mumbled_truth]

Well, that's still longer than it's been here...

Are you doing okay, back home?

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.

OF COURSE I DO. even if i am way behind on tags scream i am sorry ;;

[mumbled_truth]

[wh... at]

The-- the stage?

[WAIT WHAT THERE IS AN AUDIENCE???]

Uh... hi?

[Well, this is the most nervous, uncertain smile ever.]

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.

It's okay, Dr. Phil understands. And you can't change what you don't acknowledge.

[howsthatworkinforyou]

[It's probably best if you don't ask about the audience and its origins.]

Welcome, come on, don't be shy now. Although, from what I hear, you had quite a problem with that not to long ago. Care to tell us about that?

[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 far from the most nonsensical thing that's happened here, at least???]

Well, um... I don't really think there's a lot to say about it? It's just... the way I am. Or, well... the way I was.

[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.