selfpreservationist | Test drive vroom vroom

You know how it goes. Pick a scenario, reply to the post with the number in the subject line. Ping me at

dolphinsdontmoo or haeralis#8694 on discord if you have any questions or suggestions.

One. There you are, minding your own business, taking a nice stroll through town, when something catches your eye. At first, nothing seems unusual about him; he's just sitting on a park bench reading a book. The goth look is a little distinct, but other than that there's--oh it's the giant griffin sitting on his shoulder, that's the bit that probably has people staring at him. Well, he doesn't look too bothered about it, at least?

Two. A dark alley, a wrong turn. You can retrace the steps all you want but regardless, you've ended up cornered by a pack of nasty-looking demons, all weird fuzzy pincers and sticky tentacles. There's no way out. Just as you're contemplating your options, a figure appears in the distance. Are they friend or foe?

Three. Distantly, you hear the sound of someone wheezing and gasping for air. Leaning up against the side of a nearby building by the dumpsters is a pale-looking man collapsed on the ground, one hand clutching his cane and the other his chest. He, uh. He doesn't look too good...

Four. You know that scene in Ouran where Haruhi takes Kyouya to get a cheeseburger and he doesn't know what to do with it, this is basically the dirty hobo version of that

Five. Catch-all! YOU WRITE ME A PROMPT FOR A CHANGE.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Speaking of having one's fill... are we near our destination, yet?

Just about.

[But this is definitely a residential area, with not a single restaurant in sight?]

[chuckles, dry]

If you wanted to mug me, the opportunity has already passed. My strength is starting to return now.

[not that he seems particularly on guard]

Nah.

Welcome to home sweet home.

[It's a modest little place. And the kids, thankfully, are out with Kyrie today. Nero wipes his boots on the welcome mat and unlocks the front door, welcoming the stranger in.]

[oh.

...

there's visible hesitation on v's face, lingering at the door for longer than strictly necessary, glancing at nero (and his arm) as if to confirm]

[ ?? ]

What? It's not the Ritz, but-- we've got lots of leftovers. Unless you don't like casserole.

... that's not it. I...

[he shakes his head]

Never mind. Thank you.

[?Welp?]

Don't sweat takin' your shoe-- uh, sandals off.

[Anyways, he's gonna head into the kitchen first and get the leftovers out of the fridge]

[v steps inside and removes his sandals, quietly taking it all in--the humble but cozy atmosphere, evidence of children, of a home being lived in]

You have a family?

...Yeah. [His voice softens, glancing over to a photo of his self-made family stuck to the fridge.]

There's five of us-- well, sometimes six. My girlfriend and I took in three orphans after demons destroyed the city five years ago. Plus my freeloadin' business partner, whenever she's in town.

[it's so... warm, here. v isn't sure if he loathes it or loves it.]

Do you take in strays, too?

Well - for about as long as they need t'get back on their feet.

[Glances pointedly at the goth before scooting out a chair for him to sit down in their cramped little dining room, and sliding a plate into the microwave.]

[silently, v takes his seat and crosses his arms with his cane held in between, the hook resting on his shoulder. he seems a lot more awkward than before]

Edited 2019-12-30 23:31 (UTC)

[Whrrrrrr goes the microwave.

The silence was starting to get maybe a little awkward? So Nero breaks it up:]

So, you got a name or somethin'?

No. But you can call me V.

And you?

It's Nero.

...Kind of a weird name, V. You sure you didn't misplace a few letters somewhere?

They'll turn up eventually, I'm sure.

[is that supposed to be a joke, wise guy? quips griffon in v's head]

Just "V" will do for now. It's a pleasure, Nero.

Edited 2019-12-31 01:44 (UTC)

[Oh, he can joke! Nero smirks, he's down with this.]

Back at ya.

[That's when the microwave dings, and he goes over to get V's plate to set it down before him.] Here you go! Chicken and broccoli casserole.