ataraxion | ( 14 ) visual ♧ the blackbird sighs and the willow weeps i will pen my lines i will bury them deep

[ neal takes a long time to prepare for this broadcast, even more than his usual. he's in the devore ( largely relegated to 'look, don't wear' by now ) for extra confidence. the usual fedora is off, though, the better to expose his new scar. there's an almost mocking edge to his charm, an aggressive tilt to his smile because the best way to handle your issues is pretend they're nonexistent.

he takes a moment to fuss with the cuffs before speaking, just to torment certain people ( cambridge ) more. ]

I know the representative from the great state of Montana already made his monthly PSA, but I thought I'd follow his good example for once and add my two cents.

[ his smile drops, eyes finally matching his mouth in full. ]

I wouldn't edge out of civilized territory if you like the idea of leaving the ship ever again, because the best option out in the wilds is agreeing to extend your stay as long as you're wanted. That's the shining light in the distance, and it comes at cost.

[ giving that a bit of a weighted pause, neal raises a hand as if to brush away the truly pretentious bullshit he just laid down and in an instant his smile is back, bright as if it never left. ]

Now that I've done my civic duty, I also wanted to mention I have a still and a reputation for being a deeply superficial person when it comes to my taste in aesthetics.

[ to wit: 'i make good shit'. the warhol shout out's for you, josh. ]

I'm in the market for... just about anything, really. Stories seem to be the currency of the day-- [ sup, madge-- ] So try one of those, if you want. The worst thing I can say is 'try the bar, their alcohol is free'.

[ his smile falters a little at the mention of the bar, but it's quick enough to go unnoticed. ]

I'd slip in a warning about the Kardashian menace, but reliable authorities tell me it's not as funny as I think it is. [ his expression clearly says: and look, i still think it's hilarious. ] But one PSA really is all I have in me, so...

[ with a little half bow he stole off robb stark, he's out. ]

( ooc | for the scar think roughly like peter's in five years gone, albeit more obviously new and raw. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

With a mustache or without?

[ well now he's curious. ]

...What?

'Borderline cartoon villain'. The kind with a mustache or a more streamlined version of the old classic?

[ y e a h. ]

Seriously?

[he's got an answer, he just first has to... absorb this.]

It's an important distinction.

[ really really ]

[Just a beat longer, because he very much feels like someone is having him on, but--]

Moustache and beard? More-- evil wizard villain.

I hope I'm not already all grey.

[ this fucking guy. ]

In my defense? I said I was in the market for anything-- the stories suggestion was more a hat tip.

[this fucking guy.]

Hey, now, that's just ageist. Wizard villains could have any colour of hair or beard. Mismatched, even.

Are you gettin' any other offers besides stories?

People tend to grab onto one idea and run with it-- I did hear some good stories, though.

[ so no. ]

Yeah, imagine that. Talking a little straighter might get you more, y'know--being a little more clear...

[But far be it from him to truly critique the guy with the possibly decent booze. Or at least the space booze alternative.]

Here's one for you, though, I will offer you: a mug.

You know? I get that a lot.

[ he so doesn't care because jackass he is a jackass

i'm so sorry these metatags always end up being just talking about how much neal sucks ]

Keep it-- the bottle's on me.

Well, that's surprising.

[But hey now he's being offered free booze, this generosity is nice and unfamiliar...]

You're sure? It's a good mug. This isn't going t' come out with me being in your debt or something, is it.

Not quite, I just have one already-- it has the FBI logo on it.

[ he's js. ]

And you said I reminded you of a cartoon villain.

[ which he finds hilarious ]

Is that right. That's not the sort of thing that's going t' work twice, is it. Because there's a lot of other comparisons that might be made.

[can't blame him for trying, right]

If any of them are funny, why not.

[ no seriously he will give booze away for stupid reasons and refuse to sell it sometimes he is exactly that guy. ]

Ah, well, I've not even had any of your liquor, how do I know it's worth trading for. I know a bit about clever trades--I'll have some of it first, and then we'll trade-- weird nicknames for more, or... whatever.

[spoilers the booze will be worth trading for. it's booze.]

That's the risk you have to take, unfortunately. There is the bar...

[ NICE TRY SIR ]

[HEY it was worth a shot. A sigh!]

Yeah, no thanks. I've been. Gets you drunk, that's about what can be said for their selection. I'll reserve the right to complain about yours after I've tried it.

I'll reserve the right to smugly point out you can always go back to the bar, then.

[ he's grossly good natured about this all ]

( 14 ) visual ♧ the blackbird sighs and the willow weeps i will pen my lines i will bury them deep

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