Ironic that I feel more free in this caged town than I was out in the world [RP Blog]
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Latest Posts by patroclusblossom - Page 3
Lucas watches Muz as he thinks, smiling. He rarely gets to see the man so still.
Then he sighs.
"Yeah, that's something we're trying to figure out. Unfortunately, I don't have any answers right now, but I hope it's enough to know we're trying."
He puts a hand on Muz's shoulder and squeezes.
"Don't let it wear you down, Muz. I don't have your skills. Can't scavenge you."
Muz laughs softly, shaking his head as he stares at the gravel underfoot. 'Guess I owe you one now, huh? Better start scrounging.'
He takes a moment, letting the sunlight soak into his own skin, the warmth grounding him even as his thoughts wander. 'Alright. I’m wondering what’s gonna happen if another storm rolls in. Wondering if we’re built to handle it, or if we’re just... reacting. Like survival instincts only get you so far before they just wear you down.'
Lucas scowls. He knows she is probably just lashing out from fear, but that doesn't make her words any less true. Or infuriating.
"You're right," he says, voice bitter and biting. "I've done a shit job. I couldn't protect my brother 7 years ago, and I couldn't protect Emerson this week. I'm sorry if I don't inspire much hope in you, ma'am, but I'm just as human as you are and the leaders who asked me to check in and make sure you didn't try anything that would hurt you or any others."
He shrugs and takes a step back, feeling a little lighter, and a mix of happy and disappointed in himself. He'd unloaded onto a stranger that's just trying to control their life in a situation none of them can control.
"I'm not going to ask again: you can do whatever you want, just don't endanger the people that are trying to survive."
— GREER cannot help but roll her eyes at his gesture and his words , throwing the butt of her cigarette to the ground and crushing it underneath her boot as she only half - listens . “ protection ? from monsters ? ” she laughs hollowly at this , her expression unimpressed . “ if that's what's going , if you're here to protect us from ‘ monsters ’ , ” she drags out the word with a mocking tone , the venom in her voice practically dripping , “ then you're not doing a very good job , are you ? considering someone's only just died , haven't they ? so forgive me , sheriff , if i have very little faith in your correctional department . ”
"Well, unfortunately, I'm the sheriff, so yeah, I'm a cop."
He lowers his hands and gestures around his waist, where it's very clear he doesn't even have a holster. Hopefully, that lets her trust him more.
"I don't like carrying a gun around town unless I have to."
He steps closer, even stuffing his hand in his pockets to seem more casual.
"I understand that you need to be in control of yourself, and me dragging you away would do the opposite of that. So I'm just going to say this: if you want to risk your life against those monsters, we can't stop you. We can't protect people who don't want our protection. I just hope you decide that our protection is good enough for you as the others have."
— A scoff escapes her lips before she can stop it , her scowl only furthering at the words of the other . “ what're you , a cop ? ” she asks with a scrunch of her nose , tapping some ash from her smoke while disdain drips from her every word . “ being cautious is one thing , threatening people with physical restraint so they conform to your so - called safety standards , that's another thing entirely . very authoritarian of you all , i must say . ” there is something comforting , almost nostalgic , about being a smartass with authority ; a sense of warm familiarity , in a town that is entirely unknown to her .
Lucas approaches cautiously, trying not to spook her like she's a deer that could leap into action at any second. His hands up to show he means no ill will.
"You can't really blame us for being cautious now, can you? We don't want you to get hurt. Or worse."
He winces at the memories of bodies. Especially those of newcomers who didn't know better or tried to deny the reality before them.
where : the edge of the forest / town with : open
— RAYS from the afternoon sun shine through the trees , melting away the remaining frost on the yellowing leaves and warming greer's near windburnt cheeks . though a chilly autumn was no irregularity for the detroit native , there was something sinister in the air , something she tries desperately to ignore , that makes the cold air seem to seep into her weary bones , inescapable no matter how many layers she may wear . despite this , her glove - less right hand remains outside of her coat pocket , a nearly finished cigarette held tightly between two pinkened fingers , orange lighter clutched in the palm of her hand . the unease only worsens the longer she stares into the woods , the shadows among the trees looking all the more ominous . she takes a deep inhale , the harshness of the cold air stinging her nose and throat as she does so , refreshing and punishing at the same time . as she exhales , she closes her eyes , cutting herself off from staring into the forest , and the dark , irrational thoughts that seem to cluster in her mind whenever she was near it . footsteps approach , the sound of gravel crunching taking away from the otherwise eerie silence , and successfully pulling the young woman from her reverie . greer's eyes remain closed for a moment longer , this time to contain an eye roll . “ i'm not running off again , you guys don't have to keep threatening to ‘ restrain me ’ . ” forever assuming rather than asking , disinterest and annoyance cloud greer's voice . her eyes open only to fall into a scowl as she turns to look at the one who interrupts her moping . “ what do you want ? ”
"I can definitely handle that," Lucas replies with a snicker.
He looks up at Ana, smirk softening to a smile.
"And I appreciate you. Lesbian drama and all, because I know you've got my back too."
Anastasia smirks back, crossing her arms and giving Lucas a playful nudge. "Exactly. I expect a perfect balance of polite intimidation and subtle protectiveness. Think you can handle that?”
She raises an eyebrow, teasing. "I need you to be just threatening enough to keep her on her toes but not so much that she thinks she’s about to get ambushed every time she looks at you." With a laugh, she adds, “But really, you’ve always had my back and I appreciate you."
Lucas sighs.
"Yeah, I know. I just wish your team was part of the whole team too."
He offers a handshake as a formal apology.
"Sorry for wasting your time," he says. "If you hear anything about the missing stock, could you at least let me know who it was after you take it from them?"
CHERRY SIGHS JUST A LITTLE BIT . she gives lucas a look that's only half exasperated . " yeah, well ." the roll of cherry's eyes is halfhearted . " just cause i'm a trouble maker doesn't mean it's always me ." it just probably is, but somehow cherry doubts that now is the time to mention that . " and — i'm on a team ." the protest is accompanied by a lackluster shrug . " s'just ... mine ."
Lucas watches them for a quiet moment then nods.
"Okay, makes sense. Do you remember anything right before? Or right after? Where you were, what you were doing, any notable things in your surroundings?"
He tries to be slow and patient, but Elm is the first person he's gotten to interview that got taken and came back alive.
"IF THEY WANTED ME TO REMEMBER THEN I WOULD ." there's no hesitation in elm's answer . they toy with their laces . " just like if they wanted to kill me then they would have ." they glance up at him before shrugging, " ... but they don't want me to remember so i don't . and they didn't want to kill me so they didn't ."
Adrien senses something shift once he mentions El, but Cherry moves right on past it, so he does too.
He blushes at all the compliments, rubbing the back of his neck. Getting called smart and handsome with equal validity? A nice ego boost.
"Thanks."
Then he looks her over with some surprised.
"Wait, really? I wouldn't have guessed anything older than like 25."
" RIGHT ? RIGHT ?" cherry replies emphatically as she pulls back from the hug . she huffs a bit . " you get it, adrien . a birthday's a big deal! especially round here, like i coulda fuckin' died before this one !" cherry is in the process of shaking her head in exasperation when she registers adrien's words, blinking in surprise as her heart sinks heavy and quick at the mention of el . " oh, shit . didn't know that ." a dry swallow before she's moving to compose herself, attempting to hide the expression with a firm pat to adrien's arm . " look at you ! you're smart and shit, huh ?" cherry has to arch her brows at the reply . she studies adrien in new light . " huh . you kinda look younger ." a shrug . " s'good thing though . means you're gonna age good ." she nods decisively before she's pointing to herself and adding, " m'thirty one today ."
Task 002
Adrien lives in the colony house, so he doesn't have a set room or space necessarily. He roams around the house, enjoying the space as well as the company it allows him.
While he's impressed by what's already there, he does like to add his own touches here and there. Taking scraps from jobs at the Chop Shop that just weren't worth saving for practical use. Now, he brings them to the house to find new life as decoration or weird new purpose.
He also tends to just leave little things, particularly tools, behind as he works. Almost like a bread crumb trail of where he's been semi-recently. Sometimes, he'll even leave something behind because he'd set it down to pick up a different thing he'd left behind earlier.
He also tries to add some of his old farmhouse home to the areas of the house. He fixes or refurbishes things in the style he's familiar with, hoping it makes everything feel homey to everyone, not just him.
Adrien smiles at El.
"Exactly. It's kinda beautiful to think about it like that. Tragic, but beautiful."
He moves back to the engine.
"So, you've been doing this as long as you've been here? Working in the shop?"
Ellington leans against the truck frame, wiping a bit of grease onto their already stained jeans as they watch Adrien pull out the valves. There’s a gleam of appreciation in their eyes as they examine the truck—it’s a solid piece of machinery, the kind that’s endured decades without much fuss.
“Yeah, it does feel a little wrong to rip her apart,” Ellington replies, giving the truck a gentle pat. “I mean, they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore, right? Sturdy, reliable… might’ve had a few more years left in her.” They shift, gesturing to the growing piles of parts. “But hey, every bit we pull is something that keeps this town running a little longer. Bet these valves can patch up at least two or three motors around town.”
There’s a sense of pride in their voice, and they flash Adrien a quick grin. “Besides, something about finding new life for the old stuff? Kinda feels like we’re doing right by her, even if she won’t be on the road again.”
Lucas keeps his expression neutral, trying not to let his initial disappointment show through.
But then he's interested again.
"What do you mean by that?"
" THAT WASN'T WHAT I MEANT ." the words are distracted . elm twirls the laces tight enough around their finger to make the tip go a bit cold with lack of blood . lucas presses the record button and elm takes little notice of it until the question is address to her . there is a blink as they glance between lucas and the recorder for a moment before leaning hesitantly into the recorder to say the same thing they've told everyone since they've been back . " i don't remember ." a pause before they shrug and add, " ... i don't think they want me to ."
Task 002
Lucas lives in a residential house, one of the few that want to be alone.
Well, he doesn't want to be alone, but he is. Even after 7 years, his house doesn't feel anything like him. It's furnished as all residential houses are: simple, clean, all the necessities but no personality or charm. While it's not empty, it feels lonely. Like there isn't enough life moving inside it to make it feel like a home.
There are little touches of him: books left on tables, dishes in the sink, plants that he's trying to keep alive. But overall, it seems like one of the empty houses on the street, ready for some new unfortunate soul to move in.
The places he's more clearly left an imprint are the sheriff's offices and the homes of his friends. He's more interested in making the town his home rather than his house. Because then maybe he might not feel so alone.
"With a lot of practice," Adrien says. Then adds, "Unfortunately."
He unconsciously matches her tapping fingers with his own on his knees.
"I know it sounds a little naive, but trust me, it's taken a lot of experience to think like that. Experience I wish I didn't have."
Catie stares at him. Free? She lets out a short, hard laugh, but it fades quickly as she considers the honesty behind what he’s saying. 'So, that’s it?' she asks. Her fingers drum against the plastic cup, her mind racing against a wall she’s only just realising might never come down.
She looks away, biting the inside of her cheek. The idea that everyone here had already gone through these thoughts, that they’d all made peace with something that to her felt like an endless cage—it’s unsettling. 'I don't know how you do that,' she mutters finally, almost to herself.
"Survival instincts," Lucas answers. "Passed down from our ancestors to help us live on through the ages and the bullshit. Wish it wasn't so jumpy, but it is what it is. Just need more distractions, I suppose."
He sighs and closes his eyes for a moment, feeling the sunlight on his face. It feels nice. A warm embrace that would otherwise hurt.
"Alright, penny for your thoughts?"
Muz’s smile softens as he watches Lucas, noticing the flicker of tension as he talks about the storm. There was something brittle that the storm had stirred up in everyone. He nods slowly, leaning back, fingers absently tapping the bench.
'Storm’s got everyone a little on edge,' he admits. 'Makes sense, y’know, the way it just settles in the back of your head. You ever wonder why we’re all wired like that? Could be calm as anything, but you hear one little sound and bam—you’re back there.'
Lucas sighs and rubs his face.
"Yeah, it's freaking us all out. But trust me, all the signs point to it being the monsters. Somehow, Em just got caught outside too late, and there's very little we can do now besides grieve her and put her to rest."
He leans forward as if he's going to rest a hand on her knee or arm but doesn't.
"You don't need to worry too much. Just follow the rules, and we'll all be safe."
a flicker of a smile , like that of a flashing bulb , graced her porcelain features as she sank into the chair he had invited her to occupy . jo pressed the lip of the beer bottle to her own , rolling it so the amber glass clicked against her teeth . the smell of the ale infiltrated her nostrils , hoppy and aromatic , and she wrinkled her nose in response . she then nodded as he found her answer agreeable , wondering if she'd be invited to take her leave. . . until he was producing another question , her cheeks rouging as she dragged canines along the lower pillow of her lips .
" not really , " she exhaled , lowering the bottom from her mouth to rest its cool glass against the warmth bleeding from her face down her neck. her gaze found the bend of her knees , the hand not cradling the beverage picking at one of the tears in her jeans , twisting the frayed denim around the pad until it puckered from the pressure. not wanting to talk about herself , knowing there wouldn't be much of interest there , jo found something else to bring up instead . " sad what happened to that emerson girl , " josephine offered quietly , frowning . " i know death is commonplace in. . . this place , but , something about hers felt — " she lifted her eyes to the ceiling , as if the word she wanted would be imprinted upon it .
" odd . "
Maybe not today, not tomorrow but I am gonna achieve it, cause I am a consistent hard-worker
Adrien shakes his head.
"Ain't no way to look ridiculous. Trust me. And if you're worried about dancing alone," he offers an arm to her like a regency gentleman, "then I'll dance with you."
He doesn't want anyone here to feel left out or alienated, just because of insecurities for fears.
she glances toward the dancing, a flush creeping up her neck as she feels inexplicably singled out. yet, she knows they likely mean well. there's a quiet gratitude for the unspoken benevolence that seems to wrap itself around the party, transforming what once felt like an overwhelming atmosphere into something oddly welcoming, even comforting especially now. "the second option, actually," she admits with a sheepish grin, her words tinged with mild embarrassment as she sets a glass down. "i know i’m probably overthinking it, but i just... i don’t want to look ridiculous dancing alone, you know?"
RAFAEL SILVA at the Epic Cons Chicago 2 convention - September 15, 2024
where: chop shop when: day time whom: @hcartcorruptcd El
Adrien is hunched over the engine of the truck, trying to gauge what all is salvageable and what could be modified to be salvageable.
They'd had a few cars brought in from the junk yard after the leaders and sheriff's department got everything useful for the community. Now they're stripping what they think can be useful.
"For a truck from the '80s," he calls out, "it's in pretty good condition. Almost a shame to tear it up."
He climbs out with some valves, carrying them over to the piles they'd started to keep things vaguely organized. Then he glances over to El.
Lucas purses his lips but nods.
"I get it, though I don't really understand it. I like some quiet."
Some people would say he likes it too much, but that's not important.
"So anything you want to share? It's been a minute since we caught up."
a twitch of her lips , followed by the twisting of her nose , josephine turned to the basket of cleaning supplies on the counter , setting down the beer she had been handed in favor of rearranging the plastic bottles and cut towels she used for her daily tasks . " that i can agree with , " she nodded , a reluctance in finding more common ground , meticulously twisting each of the sprayers nozel's from ON to OFF .
in the silence , josephine find's her eyes returning over her shoulder in his direction , noticing the invitation to have a seat . to relax . to stay a while .
dread coiled in her stomach , and she swallowed hard ; it'd be rude not to accept his offer , just as it would have been to turn down the beverage . with slow and weighted steps , josephine moved into the living room , using the cuff of her zip-up to twist off the cap of the beer she had returned to her grasp ; a hiss sounding from the carbonation as she sank her weight into the worn furniture .
" as good as one can be , " she replied simply , lifting pointed shoulders into a shrug . " the motel is . . . fine . sometimes it's noisy but . . . i often prefer noise to silence . somehow it feels safer . " knowing the people around me are alive , she added on in her thoughts .
Lucas chuckles.
"So I should maintain my regular professionalism with the undertone of, 'You're not good enough for my best friend, but you're still good for her' level of amicability?"
He raises a questioning eyebrow with his smirk, continuing the light-hearted tone they've moved to.
Anastasia feels a swell of gratitude for Lucas; he’s been her steady anchor since they both took on the responsibility of leading this town. She manages a smile, nodding at his statement of hope. “You’re damn right we are.”
As she watches him idly sort through items on the table, she’s caught off guard when he brings up Cameron. She gives a casual shrug. “We’re alright. I just went over to check on her… you know I still care, even if we’re not together.” She knows he understands; they’ve spent more than a few nights drinking and hashing out the complexities of her and Cameron’s past.
With a bit of a wry smile, she adds, “I don’t think she’ll be coming to game night, though.” She tries to keep the tone light, hiding the small sting of disappointment behind a half-joke.
Adrien hugs back, happily squeezing the girl. Then Adrien's smile drops slightly when he takes in her words.
"What? That's not right. It's your birthday. You should be hearing that all night."
Adrien giggles and shakes his hair after the ruffling.
"Thanks, and same to you, okay? You need anything, let me know. I'm gonna be working at the Chop Shop with El, so I'm good at that kind of stuff."
Adrien shrugs and chugs some more water.
"I'm 22. You?"
CHERRY HAS TO BLINK AT THE WORDS, ALMOST CAUGHT OFF GUARD . it only takes a beat for her to soften, probably a mix of the alcohol and the whole night that makes her pull the guy who's practically a stranger into a tight hug . " aww, adrien . thank you ." her heart contracts a little as she gives him a little squeeze, pulling back to pat him on the head . " y'know you're the only one to say that all night ?" she can't help but shake her head with a sniff . she ruffles his hair . " you're a good kid . you needa favour from me, you got it, okay ?" a pause for a second as she blinks and looks at him up and down in new light . " wait, how old are you actually ?"
"You never know," Lucas says with an encouraging tone. "You night say something that will inspire the next sheriff into coming to a solution."
He smiles and then presses the record button.
"This is Sheriff Lucas Miranda with Elm Mossbach. We're in the 16th year of Oblitus."
Then he turns to Elm.
"So, tell me what happened to you while you were missing."
ELM ISN'T REALLY SURE WHAT THEY'RE DOING HERE . sure, they kind of know . but they don't actually know how useful they'll be . how usefully any of this will be, honestly . still, as they look between lucas and the glass of water he's set in front of them they can only nod . " you can record it ." their brow furrows a bit then, as they begin to play with the laces on their new pair of shoes . well, new hand me down shoes . they glance down at the movement to say, " it won't change anything though ."
"Right. I'm sorry. Really, I am."
He crosses his arms and leans against the wall opposite the door.
"We're all stressed out, and you're one of my regular trouble makers. I just needed to know that you're being a team player. At least a little bit."
He gives her a firm but hopeful look.
" ASK YOUR BUDDY !" cherry makes a vague gesture in addition to the words, her brow arching as she moves to lean her back against the door frame instead . " officer adam . he was here with me ." she shrugs and thoughtfully adds, " santi too for a bit ." an arch of her brows before she adds, " y'all have basically been swarmin' me ."