SHITPOSTx20; OPEN

[incelligent]

I've got a question.

CONFIRM/DENY:

Horny (adj.) The state of having or possessing horns, somewhere on the person of someone or something.
Example: That big ol' rhinocerous right there? He's one horny guy.

P.S. Horn (n.) Not to be mistaken for a horned instrument. Think 👿 not 🎺
P.P.S. A rhinocerous or "rhino" for short is a mammal with thick skin and ivory tusks (horns) found in specific regions of my home world. For those of you who may not know what they are, here's a picture for reference. See what I mean? Big horny guys!

[*This post is open for anyone and all voicetesting! Take it as an old Meadowlark network post with the simon.laurent handle, or anywhere on the interdimensional interwebs. Love you all! Hope you're staying safe.]

Comments

[incelligent]

You have a girlfriend?

[Wow literally everybody is spoken for except for him. Wtf?

And then, more sincerely (wow this is real progress here, a sign of how much he Actually Likes Lance):]

What's she like?

[lifetothefullest]

[It's a good thing this is text, because he doesn't have to worry about hiding his expression or keeping his voice steady.]

Yeah. Her name's Daisy.

She's really smart, and really... Vibrant, I guess, is a good word. Like I have no idea how she has so much energy all the time, but she's always just so into whatever she's working on or whatever puzzle she's trying to solve.

She's also a genuinely kind person, all the time, even when she's worried or upset.

[He hasn't seen her in years now, and misses her so much.]

[incelligent]

[Lance and Daisy. Daisy and Lance.

To Simon, their names sound like they make sense together. So his other half, too, is the talkative one. The flashier one, more vibrant and outgoing.

He doesn't realize it, but being in this place has brought him out of his narrow-minded fog, at least slightly. Ever so slightly. He's finally beginning to feel-]

You must really miss her.

[Bad.]

How long've you guys been together?

You don't have to answer if you don't wanna. I... Get how that kinda thing might mess you up.

[is this personal growth holy shit]

[lifetothefullest]

[It would be bad enough if it were just this, that he hadn't seen his girlfriend in years, but there's more. But trying to be more open or not, there are some things he's not prepared to even think about, let alone talk about, and so he doesn't mention them.

He does notice the thoughtfulness of Simon's last comments, and he appreciates them, but this question is okay to answer.]

We've known each other for about seven years, but only dated for I think five of that.

[They were so very on-again-off-again, but it had worked for them. And they were always 'off' because of Lance's decisions, which is something he's very aware of.]

What about you? Is there someone you like?

[Girl, boy, alien sharkmonster, whatever.]

[incelligent]

[Seven years?

He's known Grace for eight. At the sound of that, he replies, as though it were a kneejerk response-]

No.

[lifetothefullest]

[That's not even slightly a suspiciously short answer, but he'll give Simon the same courtesy that Simon gave him and not press further.]

That might be a good thing, considering the whole situation of being here.

[incelligent]

It seems like everyone else here already has somebody.

[Ooh, look who is bitter and opening up anyway.]

[lifetothefullest]

Most people here are a lot older than you are, and have had more time to find a person they want to be with.

christ

[incelligent]

Thanks.

[He means it sincerely, even though his mind is going elsewhere.]

That helps.

[If he doesn't get what he wants naturally, well, perhaps he'll just become strong enough to take it by force.]

s i m o n

[lifetothefullest]

[Downside of text: he can't read expression or tone to pick up on those horrible thoughts, alas.]

You're welcome. I mean, I know it sucks when everyone else around you is dating or in love or something, but it doesn't last forever, especially when you're only what, eighteen?

[incelligent]

I just wish somebody would throw me a bone.

[ADKFLJ HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW THIS SOUNDS]

A little appreciation now and then would be nice.

[Yes, Lance. He is eighteen.]

[lifetothefullest]

It might help not to think of it that way. Instead of it being something based on appreciation, or someone taking pity on you, it's like making a friend; caring about each other and wanting to spend time together is the basis of any good romantic relationship.

That's something both sides have to want, and have to do their own parts to build. Sure, falling in love is something that can happen to you, but the rest of it has to be done by you.

[incelligent]

You make falling in love sound a lot like doin' homework.

[lifetothefullest]

It's a lot more fun than homework, but yeah, kind of.

People, and movies, and whatever tend to leave out that relationships really are a lot of work, but it's work that's totally worth it.

[incelligent]

I guess I'll have to take your word for it.

[Until some poor sap falls in love with him.

If he keeps going at this rate, it will never happen.

He'll die first.]

I thought the best kinds of relationships were supposed to feel easy.

I know, I know! Of course you've gotta be there for the other person through thick and thin, but that's the whole point. You should be able to count on 'em no matter what.

Right?

[It sounds innocent enough.]

[lifetothefullest]

Yeah, but that kind of trust doesn't come out of nowhere; you have to build it. After that is when you get to have the easy part, as long as that trust remains.

[And that's the tricky part, sometimes.]