>But they can’t work at a ‘pub’. So we’re changing it to an organic café. It has to... uh... ‘reflect the modern audience’.
Eh, why not see if we can’t switch between a bar and a cafe. Make it so two of the friends are always arguing about which spot is better. Could see a gag where bar friend has everyone hang out at the cafe because he’s afraid of what his wife will do if she finds him at the bar and cafe friend starts wanting to hang out at the bar because he loses his job or something and the switch has the rest of the friends confused and concerned before they figure out why.

I love a good challenge. I hope the are adorably bad scripts!

Honestly, a song about bad screenplays could be funny, it could be a satirical take on prospecting writers that's just the smallest bit self-deprecating. A story would keep you in the audience's mind.

Might as well anyways, you can take the script to your friends and make some entertainment out of it, shitty writing can be pretty funny if you let it be.

"Fine, but I'm keeping the ones that suck. Maybe I'll come up with something."
>Intellectual theft
"Uh, more like theft of brain damage! You have all these in the archives, they would know if I blatantly plagiarized! I just think that maybe the reason all of these are ^&*( is because there's rot in each of them and I can excise the best parts to make something coherent! And I fully intend to cite my resources, thank you very much."

Marlene Collins 2023/02/18(Sat)20:24 No. 1056458 ID: 11f77a
File 167678065471.png - (146.61KB , 550x500 , 071.png )

>I love a good challenge.
>Haggle a bit. Don’t go too high, this is more about asserting your dignity […]
I more or less try to push it, maybe make my answer ambiguous whether I tease or not.

Marlene: Well I dunno. There’s got to be some finder’s fee for finding that diamond in the rough. You sure you’re not going to take all the credit--?

Dolly: You know very well we won’t get paid shit for finding the golden script to simply send forward to Mr. Booth. The hundred is just an incentive to look through this pile in the first place. Take it or leave it, sis.

Marlene: Fine, fine. It’ll give me something to do at home. I’ll keep the ones that suck though. Thanks.

I take the stack of scripts. It’s a lot heavier than I thought. Good thing I brought a backpack along. If none of them work out as a good story I could at least grab some bits for a song.

Dolly: It’s a one-time only deal, by-the-way. If you want a hobby of sifting through this stuff day after day you can be my guest. But I’m not handing any more hundred-dollar bills after this.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/18(Sat)20:25 No. 1056459 ID: 11f77a
File 167678073636.png - (110.48KB , 550x500 , 072.png )

Dolly and I return to the others; they shift papers around and use a highlighter or sharpie to fix or cross stuff off.

Jibb: I’ve got an idea for a side-plot! The character, Noah, has bought and named several stars through a star-naming service to spell out--

Panning: We changed Noah’s name to Rocko.

Jibb: Well Rocko SUCKS as a name for that character! We don’t have to swap out every English name to be blatantly American to say it's an American show!

Dolly: You guys good?

Jibb sets his glasses down and rubs his eyes.

Jibb: No.

Panning: Hmm. I think I have something. An episode where Bailey would accidentally drop a stack of pancakes in the fermenter they’re trying to homebrew--and starts a new trend of pancake-flavored beer.

Dolly: That already happens in Bog Wild. You even wrote that.

Panning: Dammit. Really? I thought that was a fever dream. I must’ve been on terrible edibles when I started spewing shit from my pencil.

Marlene: You guys should steal ideas from the shitty scripts sent from all over the world.

Jibb: If our names are going to be plastered onto a show like this I’d rather put forth some effort.

The three of them are scattering more pages and they look like their creative souls have been draining throughout the day.
A) I could contribute some ideas--make some use of my time here at least.
B) Hmm, I wonder what else has been happening here. Rumors, even.
C) “Do you guys think quitting this place was a terrible choice?”
D) Well I should head over to Mr. Booth’s office and see what’s in store for me...
E) >__

Rumors...

B. Rumors.

Surely something wild has been going on in the office. Perhaps some kind of crazy relationship drama? Secret affairs? The perfect setup for a soap opera episode?

I mean, you could always make fun of the source material. Have a group of tourists Britain representative of the original cast show up and shenanigans and rivalry ensue. It's a nice evil doppelganger routine for most and a nod to any fans of the original.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/19(Sun)18:20 No. 1056519 ID: 11f77a
File 167685964671.png - (114.09KB , 550x500 , 073.png )

>Surely something wild has been going on in the office.
Marlene: So. Anything worth hearing about since I left? Is Bryson still here?

Dolly: Nah, he left a month ago.

Marlene: Kaylee?

Panning: Moved on to a different building.

Jibb: There’s something up in the air about a load of layoffs this season. If you haven’t noticed, everyone is tight-lipped and working much harder than usual.

Dolly: I may have heard Silenus Industries could be...

She lowers her voice a bit to keep it between the four of us.

Dolly: ...preparing for a merger.

Jibb: Hnnk—what?!

Marlene: No fuckin’ way!

Panning: Where’d you hear that? And with who?

Dolly: Bacchus Pictures--I think.

Jibb: Ah, shit. I used to work with Bacchus for a while. Trust me, it aint better.

Marlene: Probably why Mr. Silenus is venting on everyone. I’m surprised Mr. Booth is so calm this afternoon.

Dolly: If a merger happens and Silenus abruptly shuts down or moves somewhere then this place may slowly become a ghost town.

Panning: Well I guess we better hash out these scripts to scrounge every penny before losing our jobs.

Marlene: How about this idea:mMaybe you can invite the original British cast or make a doppelganger episode.

Panning: Most of the original cast is a lot more famous nowadays in superhero movies and whatnot. So their schedule is difficult to maneuver around. Probably best for the next season if the show hooks an audience.

I try to think of other ways to contribute, but the sound of this place disappearing sort of hits me. I feel it’s the only thread that I can hang on to in case I finally write something worthy. My only strand to actually publishing something. I hope it’s only stays a rumor.

You'll still know people in the industry no matter where they work.
What is keeping him so happy, I wonder? Maybe he stands to gain something from the merger. Let's go see him.

>>1056539
Sure, let's try this

say thanks to the ladies, maybe ask panning and jib for their numbers, then go find Mr. Booth and see how he's doing

Marlene Collins 2023/02/21(Tue)21:56 No. 1056761 ID: 11f77a
File 167704539083.png - (184.78KB , 550x500 , 074.png )

>You’ll still know people in the industry no matter where they work.
That’s true. I guess I won’t have easier access if Silenus shuts down. Bacchus is on the other side of the country.

>What is keeping [Mr. Booth] so happy, I wonder.
Interesting thought indeed. Perhaps he’s finally done with all this shit and foresees a better position up the ladder once the merger happens. I feel it’s time for me to take my leave anyway.

Marlene: Well I think I ought to head out. It’s getting late.

Marlene: Thanks for the scripts Dolly--I'll see if I find anything worth reporting back. It ought to keep me busy tomorrow.

Dolly: You have fun with those!

Marlene: As for the rest of you, good luck. Hopefully you write a few zingers.

Marlene: Oh... you wouldn’t mind if we share phone numbers, would you?

Jibb: Yeah sure. Just a second – here.

Panning: Uh--I may have to pass on that one, Marley. Sorry. I'm a bit... reserved on who I share numbers with.

After collecting Jibb's number I lift my backpack over the shoulder and walk on down the aisle of cubicles--straight to Booth’s office. His door is slightly open but I can tell through the window blinds that he’s not busy on the phone. Still, I tap my knuckle on the door before stepping through.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/21(Tue)21:58 No. 1056762 ID: 11f77a
File 167704549525.png - (150.82KB , 550x500 , 075.png )

I enter his office; it’s very clean. The darker colors of wood on the bookshelves, window frames, and desk absorb the creeping sunlight in a way that makes this place dimmer than the blank environment of the cubicles. He stands by the window peering out into the courtyard. I know the drawer next to him holds liquor but he’s not drinking anything at the moment.

Marlene: Mr. Booth?

Nico: Hmm? Oh! Marley, yes. Come right in. No need to take a seat. We can stand. I’d prefer standing. I constantly get up and down in that chair...

Nico: Do you have a name preference? Marlene? Marley?

Marlene: Either is fine, I guess. Ms. Collins works as well.

He hums. I can tell there was a suppressed chuckle. I suppose it was my intention to add a slight bit of humor to catch him off guard.

Marlene: Was there something you need?

He’s moseying to his desk, a lean where he’s half-sitting on the edge.

Nico: Nothing imperative; just some conversation. Since you’re stopping by I wanted to know... how you’ve been. Something that an elevator ride won’t limit. Heh.

Nico: It’s been your... second month taking it alone?

Marlene: Almost six.

He sounds like he hadn’t realized how quick it has been.

Nico: Almost six months.

Nico: Well this place hasn’t changed much. You still seem to find your way around.
A) He should quit pussy-footin’ around and get it straight with me already.
B) Whatever he wants to say, I shouldn’t rush him and remain silent.
C) I wonder if this is going to be anything about the day I left.
D) I should make it clear that I don’t need his insight on my situation. I’ll make it on my own just fine.
E) I ought to ask about this place merging with Bacchus.
F) >__

E.

Yes, let's go with E) and ask him if the woekload has eased somewhat for him.

If things go to C) tell him you may had made too much of an scene, but you really felt you were doing nothing of importance with your life, and that feeling is dreadful.

>Numbers
You got two. Whatever connection you lose if this place goes down, these people may go on to some other place of relevance, still in the business, and be a frayed thread for you to tug. They don't owe you much, but it's something.

F)
>A little of multiple things
Show that you're a little tired, but act resolute. Without sounding confrontational, if he doesn't mind you asking, what's his interest in how you've been? If he had something left unsaid you'd have expected him to mention it before six months went by. You appreciate he's been very busy, but you've certainly dropped by here before.

Does it have anything to do with the rumoured upheaval in the company? Between Lars' nervousness and some hints dropped at the proverbial water cooler, you have the impression something big's going down soon, though you can't quite see how it relates to someone who left.

You certainly wish them all luck with whatever the case of it be. This place, for all its flaws, had some positives - some in its people, some in the work that you got to do. It'd be a shame to see that get washed away in the tides of some cold corporate merger or whatnot. Then again, some folks always position themselves well in these sorts of situations. Right?

So far most everyone seems a little wound up but him, after all.

B) Let the egomaniac explain the rules of the game he's trapped you in.

E.)
He's certainly drawing things out, and making a show of it too. On top of the odd, casual demeanor too. Feel like all of this is spelling out one of two things. He either has an offer for you, or he wants something out of you.

Let's get to business then and mention we've herd about some rumors for a merger.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/25(Sat)22:58 No. 1056979 ID: 11f77a
File 167739469528.png - (172.07KB , 550x500 , 076.png )

>Let’s go with [this place merging]
>Anything to do with the rumored upheaval in the company?
There’s a short pause with just me nodding slowly. I ought to talk of something prominent in the mind before it drags out too long.

Marlene: So... Is it true? Is Silenus merging with Bacchus? Is that the real reason everyone’s a bit frantic to get shit done before the big layoff?

Nico: Heh, now where have you heard that story?

Marlene: I have my undisclosed sources.

Nico: Feh, Bacchus is always trying to convince Silenus to give up his studio. It happens every slow quarter. But he’s too prideful to give in so I’m not particularly worried.

Nico: Trust me. There are no secret dealings behind the curtain without me knowing.

Marlene: So what’s gotten you so calm in the middle of this?

Nico: I guess you caught me on a good day.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/25(Sat)22:58 No. 1056980 ID: 11f77a
File 167739471764.png - (122.59KB , 550x500 , 077.png )

>What’s his interest in how you’ve been?
Marlene: Look--if this is going to be anything about what happened that day, I get it. I assumed if there was something left unsaid, you would’ve told me in that span of time. Or enough time would pass that it doesn’t even matter anymore.

Marlene: I just sense this meeting is more than ‘catching up with old acquaintances’.

He gives me an assuring nod.
Nico: I see. I’ll be more than happy to clear things. Between us.

Nico: What you did was abrupt--yet I felt in hindsight that it couldn’t have been the real you that day. I thought you’d come back in a day or two with a clearer mind. But you had committed to making something on your own--so I let you be.

Nico: I don’t know how much of a part I played in that, but if I had known what was building up I would’ve done or said some things differently.

Nico: I’m good to forget that. It’ll make it easier to what I’m about to say next. You couldn’t have come at a more... appropriate time.

Marlene: What are you saying?

Nico: I’m always looking for staff I can count on, and an industry like this needs a strong team through the worst times.

I speak with a jest.
Marlene: Well that would count me out already--

Nico: I think you made the decision prematurely is all. So perhaps... you would consider coming back.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/25(Sat)22:59 No. 1056981 ID: 11f77a
File 167739476134.png - (94.95KB , 550x500 , 078.png )

The thought caught me off guard. I feel like I blanked out on why I left in the first place. Stress? Unimportance? Could that be something a fresh naïve college dropout couldn’t have experienced yet? I guess I’m wiser now. Bit more cynical, maybe. I really don’t know how to respond to that--

Nico: I’m not looking for an answer now. But since you’re not doing any work, you may as well earn a living here in the meantime.

Marlene: Writing solo is my work, Nico. It just... takes longer. And to finally publish something and... earn money from it. But it’ll be worth it.

Marlene: Not like I expect to be swimming in cash but knowing my work could be out there--that’s just what I hope for.

He steps back on his words.
Nico: I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to insult you. I only want to lay down some facts, a truth that I believe you need to hear. There’s no shame in admitting how slow things are going at home.

Are you starving, truly desperate for work? Look at what they have their team working on. Stick to your guns and decline the offer. Don't let the company latch on while your soul is already sucked dry. You need to rebuild your momentum, and if you rejoin it is from a position where you can negotiate better.
What was it about your resume that got you hired here in the first place? Speaking of going back to old work for inspiration.

Hrrrm.
Irregardless of your dreams, as I see it, if there’s no passion, there’s not much you can do. And this place would wring you dry of what little energy you’ve obtained throughout the day.
That said.
You do have some spark, or Nico here would not be asking for you back. Despite how much you cut loose on your way out the first time. That’s a thought to put some pep in your step.

>Work for me again
Possibly a generous offer given how you bailed. Somewhat weird even. What does he see in you, to offer this? For sure, though, you really should remember why you quit last time before you consider accepting. Only promise to sleep on it.

Practically speaking, joining a workplace that may - regardless of Nico's own optimism - suffer the threat of downsizing soon does seem like a possible drag. On top of losing time for working at beating up your writer's block, you'll have to consider the added stress and distractions of being in a company in a bad spot.

Though beyond considering negatives like that you'd have to discuss the financing situation with your hubby at home. How long CAN the current state of affairs continue before you seriously need to call it quits and get a day job?

>no shame in admitting how slow things are going at home
Speaking of, things may be going slow with your writings, but home's... fine. Obviously one affects the other a bit, but you wouldn't say you're in any sort of distress there, barring wack-ass dreams making you sleepwalk again.

You can admit he's given you something to think on here. You did not expect to walk out of here with a tentative, verbal job offer.

>>1056981
Let's consider the practicals
What hours?
What pay?
How much do you need work?

The obvious pros are money (duh) and you do have some friends or at least decent aquantences here

The cons are pretty well summed up by >>1056994

Marlene Collins 2023/02/28(Tue)20:32 No. 1057139 ID: 11f77a
File 167764514571.png - (135.53KB , 550x500 , 079.png )

>What was it about your resume that got you hired?
In college I studied for a writing major--I used the electives to get into film and photography. I basically had referrals from a mutual to segue into this studio. It less about a cover letter and more about connections which I thought I was pretty lucky to have.

>Things may be going slow with your writings […].
Marlene: My home life is fine thank you very much. And, uh, how would you know what goes on at home?

He grins back at me.
Nico: I have my own undisclosed sources too.

A pause.

Nico: But joking aside--I ask your friends how you’ve been if they get a chance to see you. Just small talk.

Nico: Although with the offer I guess I may have been asking about you a little more than usual lately.

Marlene: Well--it’s just a writer’s block to hurdle over. I need to rebuild the momentum. The first month was a break from it all; I’ve started ideas as much as I’ve scrapped them, though.

Marlene Collins 2023/02/28(Tue)20:34 No. 1057140 ID: 11f77a
File 167764524427.png - (137.53KB , 550x500 , 080.png )

>Stick to your guns and decline the offer.
>You can admit he’s given you something to think on here.
>[It’s] a thought to put some pep in your step
>Obvious pros are money (duh)
>This place would wring you dry of what little energy [you have]
I still feel pressured to make a decision but this thought will be bothering me all week--back and forth from excitement for a good opportunity yet dreading that every aspect of my soul will be squeezed out.

I sigh. I may be polite to teeter on an absolute answer.

Marlene: I won’t have your answer today Nico, there’s a lot to ponder about. But I’ll definitely sleep on it.

Nico: Better you do, then.

Marlene: I have to admit that this was the most unexpected thing I heard all day. It feels like it’s what I needed to hear but--

Marlene: If this is your way of asking for forgiveness when I stormed out I must say it’s unlike you.

Nico: Heh heh, nope. And I thought we were on good terms before.

Marlene: Hmm~

Marlene Collins 2023/02/28(Tue)20:36 No. 1057141 ID: 11f77a
File 167764541385.png - (125.47KB , 550x500 , 081.png )

Marlene: So... just like that? All there for the taking?

Nico: I don’t expect you to plea. It’s just up in the air for you to grab. Don’t take too long to make your decision.

Marlene: Maybe. Something’s nagging me though. It sounds like you’re holdin’ out on something.

Nico: Oh?

Marlene: Maybe you only want a pretty girl taking notes by your side.

Nico: Maybe I know potential when I see it.

Marlene: Hmm, that’s funny. Because it seemed like you saw past that when I was just a secretary. I was writing on my free time after shifts here after all.

Nico: Now that’s unfair. Didn’t you manage to submit an episode? What was it--a fireman show? Tell me I’m not misremembering.

Marlene: Doesn’t count if said show was cancelled before my episode aired.

Nico: Is that so, Ms. Collins? My memory, however, recalls you still got paid.

Marlene: I guess I do it for more than money.

Nico: I know; you just want to put somethin’ out there, staple your name in a long line of great writers. Everyone has the same dream.

Nico: But I can give you some good words. My old man told me not to keep trying to look past the horizon and into the future--

Marlene: --and keep your eyes where your feet step. I... I remember...

Whoops. You appear to have accidentally bumped snoots there. Better carefully pull back and pretend that didn’t happen while you collect yourself and wrap this conversation up in a mature and adult manner.

>keep your eyes where you step
Nothing wrong with looking up to see where you’re headed every now and then, though. Just to avoid stepping into a dead end and have to turn back to start all over on your path.

>I remember
What else do you remember?

I'm sorry, are we interrupting?
You should keep in touch, but definitely keep this relationship unprofessional.

this is exciting and all, and i hate to ruin your fun, but what about Sebastian Porlock?

Seb?

... you know, your boyfriend?

Kiss harder, remove his shirt. See where that leads.

You have a boyfriend. You shouldn't continue, but be nice about it. Unless it's an open relationship? Idk do whatever keeps your fidelity intact.

yeah, i dunno if your boyfriend's into threesomes or not

>>1057153

Most SANE open relationships have boundaries. It's not a free for all. You introduce them to your partner, you discuss things, maybe you call your partner and ask for confirmation, you explain to potential body-partners the rules ahead of time, etc. etc. etc. This... isn't showing signs of that!

Oh, no! Pedophile!

Quick, run away.


Unless you are comfortable with been a sleazy character that sleeps with her boss and gets all the moneys. Could be interesting.

>>1057142
Wowo wo calm down you guys both got intense sexual tension its mutual but its not the time for it and you having a boyfriend that you should not cheat on

Marlene Collins 2023/03/03(Fri)20:30 No. 1057356 ID: 11f77a
File 167790422292.png - (99.17KB , 550x500 , 083.png )

God. What am I doing--?

Why did I just--

Marlene Collins 2023/03/03(Fri)20:31 No. 1057357 ID: 11f77a
File 167790427530.png - (129.67KB , 550x500 , 084.png )

No I can’t. No no. What’s wrong with me? I didn’t just do that. That didn’t just happen. I quickly break it up and push away.

Marlene: I’m sorry.

Marlene: That was dumb. I can’t believe I did that.

Nico: Marley it’s--

Marlene: I-- forget it.

Nico: I thought...

Nico: I shouldn’t have assumed--

Marlene Collins 2023/03/03(Fri)20:32 No. 1057358 ID: 11f77a
File 167790434162.png - (112.22KB , 550x500 , 085.png )

Marlene: I need to go. I can’t do this right now.

Marlene: The fuck was I thinking coming back here?

I leave. I try not to make a scene of this by breaking out of his office. Just a quick pace to the bathroom and drown my face.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/03(Fri)20:33 No. 1057359 ID: 11f77a
File 167790440705.png - (152.08KB , 550x500 , 086.png )

What the hell is wrong with me? Why the fuck did I do that? Did I let him do that? I should’ve resisted--I fucking KNEW it.

Didn’t I? Why didn’t--

The fuck’s wrong with me?

Fuckin’... good job, Marlene.

I need some water. Then I’m getting the fuck out of here. I can’t go back to this place. I should’ve kept walking.

Hrrm.
If I didn’t know better…
You doze off mid-song, you react with lust towards Nico…’I’d need to take a closer look but I’m vaguely getting the feeling that something has been yanking your chain…
And uhh. If the thoughts that have been running through your head seem…Odd at times then well.
Hi. Zaealix probably sounds a little odd to hear, doesn’t it?

>>1057359
Have things felt a bit dreamlike? Look around for inconsistencies.

Pinch yourself. Blink a lot. Splash your face enough that you sputter with the water. Look at some of the text in your pack. Anything to change your state of mind!

>water
>I should've kept walking
Screw the water, just compose yourself as best able and get out of this place before you run into anything - or anybody - else that triggers some weird reaction. You can think as you go and get a drink elsewhere. Calm your racing heart. Don't rack yourself with guilt - because you need to think, not just react.

>The fuck's wrong with me?
That was not just you, at least. Nico didn't seem the least bit non-receptive to the flirting. He claimed you to be on 'good terms' still. Was your leaving not a big event or big deal to him then? Though he's kept asking about you, so you're on his mind to some extent.

You were skeptical of him earlier, you wanted to get this over and done with - and yet in there, it was like you flipped a switch and et voila: sexual tension.

Analyze this. He invited you to his office, you both had a reasonably professional talk - all fine and good - and then he offered you your job back. This made you question his motives, and in doing so... your tone changed. You leapt upon the assumption this was in exchange for more than just goodwill or your expertise - and rather than sounding accusing, you got flirty. And he did not deny - only responded in kind. You both seemed to go for it a bit there.

Something is off. Even if you have to take this act on your own shoulders, a moment of temptation, you should try to parse WHY it wnet that way. What did you remember, there? What happened to make you leave this job in the first time? After all...

>I fucking KNEW it
>Didn't I?
There's undeniably an internal dissonance in your memories. At no point did you go 'Mr. Booth might hit on me and I might be receptive, so I should just wholly avoid him'. You specifically thought you had no idea what he might want with you in his office. Your only warning was a vague feeling of letting him have too much power over you, of letting him know too much... as you regretted speaking about your writings going slow and about your weird dreams.

This is weird. It's like you're in a denial so strong it actually affects your memory, but that's impossible. Isn't it? Whatever you do, don't just bury this event, like you seem to be failing to reflect on previous events.

Get that sink water going cold and wash up a little. Cool off and think about things for a moment. What else can you remember?

Marlene Collins 2023/03/05(Sun)12:39 No. 1057529 ID: 11f77a
File 167804875404.png - (165.92KB , 550x500 , 087.png )

>Pinch yourself. Blink a lot […]
>Have things felt a bit dreamlike?
>I’m vaguely getting the feeling that something’s been yanking your chain
I’m telling you this is real, I know it is--but I really wish today wasn’t. Look at me, questioning my reality. That dream was just a dream! The only exciting thing to come out of my life in months! I’m sure there are times when people can vividly remember a dream or nightmare every now and then. I’ll probably forget the whole thing in a week.

But what had happened in the office just now...

Mr. Booth may have been a little more than a boss--for a time. A short time! It was nothing... Wasn't anything. Well, maybe it grew into another reason why I had to quit this place.

>There’s undeniably an internal dissonance in your memories.
Have I actually forgotten about that returning here? On accident, even? Guess I believed I could ignore it, or pack it deep down and put on an act. That sleazy bastard’s easy to talk to. Too easy, I guess.

Perhaps I’m going crazy. I’ve been running on low energy for so long I think I’m losing my grasp and composure. I’m desperate for something wild to happen. It just... clicked on.

Seb... he deserves better. How that lug-nut is still with me is a godsend. I have to publish something--work on something. Earn money. Earn my place.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/05(Sun)12:40 No. 1057530 ID: 11f77a
File 167804881930.png - (310.26KB , 550x500 , 088.png )

Whatever demons I have I’m going to just leave them in the bathroom. Yeah. Just a few more splashes on my face and I think I can pull myself toge--

>>1057530
Welp. Turn around I guess and pray it's just the onset of schizophrenia.

WHAT

DUCK AND SPIN

>grew into another reason why I had to quit this place
Hrm. What was THE reason, then? Demons in the bathroom?

>demon in the bathroom
Is that, er, a horror-fied Mr Booth? Though the Horn shape might be off.

... is it Silenus of all people?

Give a bit of a start and turn around. Clamp down on any panicked reactions, but take a step to the side - as if you're freeing up space for them to use the central sink, but really just to draw back from them.

…Okay random thought:How good are your horns for head butting?

>>1057530
NOPE!

Your wish has been granted.

Walk calmly past the demon and leave through the front door. Use this experience as writing material.

Shout "Ahhh, get away from me!" grab your pack, swing it at it, and flee, screaming!

Marlene Collins 2023/03/07(Tue)18:16 No. 1057810 ID: 11f77a
File 167824180677.png - (116.50KB , 550x500 , 089.png )

Marlene: WHAT THE FUCK

slap! bap!

Marlene: WERE YOU THINKING

slap! slap! slap!

Marlene: CREEPING UP LIKE THAT!

Marlene: GIVING ME A HEART ATTACK

slap! bompf!

Marlene Collins 2023/03/07(Tue)18:20 No. 1057812 ID: 11f77a
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Marlene: DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA--

Guy: Ooow! Ack! Stop! I just had to take a piss!

Marlene: WHAT THE HELL

Marlene: IS WRONG WITH YOU

Guy: I thought I could save time and keep it on!

Guy: Stop!

Guy: It’s a test! A TEST! A costume! Agh!

Costumer: I gotta say~

Costumer: I think the costume passes.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/07(Tue)18:27 No. 1057813 ID: 11f77a
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Guy: The hell you put in your backpack? Yellow pages?

Costumer: Uhh… sorry Miss!

Costumer: C’mon. Let’s get this back to the photoshoots and test the lighting on this thing.

Guy: I still gotta piss, bro.

UUUUGH I can’t even--GUH! I can’t take this shit in one day. Fuck! FUUUUCK! Who would've thought I'd storm out of this place again. I can’t catch a FUCKING break.

Screw this. I’m going home before anyone else recognizes who I am.

…
I think Nico can take his offer and consider it rejected…
But uhh…
Did we wander into the men’s bathroom, or did he walk into the women’s bathroom?
Either way, someone screwed up.

>>1057813
Odd how well that matched with your dream. Maybe you should find out what the costume is for.

No, wait. Let's not end this the same way as last time.

Go back and apologize for the beating, ask what the costume is all about.
Maybe we should also talk to Nico about boundaries and professionalism, at least over the phone later if not now.

Wait, weren't you in the bathroom a moment ago? Did you chase the guy all the way to the cubicles?

>>1057889
yeah we really must do that we over reacted
>>1057819
oh depending on the year it could be due to politics making the unisex bathroom or its a case of there is 3 bahtrooms with one of them everyone can use or its just unspesfic bathroom as its just cheaper

Marlene Collins 2023/03/10(Fri)11:43 No. 1058111 ID: 11f77a
File 167847739951.png - (116.66KB , 550x500 , 092.png )

>Maybe you should find out what the costume is for.
>Go back and apologize for the beating--
I’m too worked up to even ask. I don’t care either. He should’ve known better than to walk around with that thing on. I don’t hear him apologizing.

>Did we wander into the men’s bathroom, or […]
>Did you chase the guy all the way to the cubicles?
It’s unisex. I think. I assume. I wasn’t gonna be cramped in a bathroom with a monster so I shoved him with my backpack. He fell backwards out the door and I may have pushed a little too hard and fell--

Why the fuck does that even matter?! You probably can’t save face for half the weird shit you do.

>I think Nico can take his offer and consider it rejected.
Yeah... maybe. No, a definite yes. I don't want to think about anything now. I'm heading out and taking the bus.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/10(Fri)11:45 No. 1058113 ID: 11f77a
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Seb: Aaaugh! Sorry I’m late, Marley. There was so much wrong with this one customer’s car. Boss needed me to finish it before she picks it up tomorrow morning. Form says she ran out of gas but refilled it in the coolant reservoir.

Seb: It goes to show filling your tank isn’t part of the road test for rich assholes like her.

Seb: Anyway, I don’t want to think about work anymore. How was your day, love? Did you finally find your spark?

What do you think?

Wandered and thought,
Listened to some music and considered songwriting only to suddenly fall asleep, went to my former job…
Ugh. And my old boss got a kiss out of me somehow. Which got me so distraught I thought a demon showed up in the bathroom I was in. Aaand it was a dude. In a costume.
So a rollercoaster that says I might need some serious help. I’m r just…I’m so glad I have you.

Unfortunately not. Talk about your day and how everything went exceeeeeeept maybe not the kiss part, at least not right now. Do tell him how much you love him and are thankful for him though :3 maybe a hug and a proper smooch

Don't tell him about the kiss..

Well maybe at the end, after you stress how utterly discombobulated you are and you aren't acting like yourself and everything seems a bit wonky.

Then do the kiss as an, "I have a confession that I have to get off my chest." and characterize it like... you're worried about your mental health, things have been really weird lately, and the things you noticed after the fact that you WEREN'T thinking, and how you immediately reacted once you got a moment of sanity.

Well, I found where it isn’t….

Oh we found something, just not what we wanted sadly. It was a rough day of wandering around.

>Why the fuck does that even matter?! You probably can’t save face for half the weird shit you do.

Oh, excuses are not as hard as they seem, the trick is to th...
Wait, you can hear us?

Hey, remember when you woke up from an eldritch Lord jamming cyberware through your skull?

What happened today is almost exactly how you'd feel the day after that happened.

This is where you start screwing your bf on the kitchen floor.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/13(Mon)19:09 No. 1058483 ID: 11f77a
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Marlene: What do you think?

Seb: Aw, I meant nothin’ bad by it. I’m sure you always do your best to find an idea to write. I know you. You’ll be on a roll once you start jotting down words.

Seb: This aint the first time you’ve been down in the dumps. I’ve seen you like this before. It’ll pass! Trust me.

Marlene: Six months without writing though?

Seb: Didn’t you say that you wanted to rest your brain a while?

Marlene: I suppose. I hope the feeling isn’t irreversible.

Marlene: Ya know, I wandered around today and I was just thinking the whole way through. But mainly thinking about myself and what I’m exactly doing here.

Marlene: I visited my old band. They’re getting along so normally--I don’t know how they can stay pumped to make music. I promised I could help write a few songs for a show. However, I slept in the middle of practice as I tried to write. Don’t know why.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/13(Mon)19:10 No. 1058484 ID: 11f77a
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Marlene: I thought I’d stop by Silenus next--right? Maybe hang around. See how my coworkers are doing.

Marlene: And my old boss...

Marlene: ...

Marlene: He...

Marlene: ...offered me a job.

He gasps in excitement. Good news doesn’t come around often for me.

Seb: Oh neat! That’s really good to hear! Did you accept? It could keep you productive in the meantime. I know you had a hard time working there but perhaps it’ll be different. Make some demands! They giving you a raise, I hope?

Marlene: It’s up in the air. I have to think it through first.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/13(Mon)19:13 No. 1058485 ID: 11f77a
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Seb: Well I believe despite what you may think--today sure sounds productive for you!

He plants a kiss to my lips. He smells of grease and a cold garage.

Marlene: Yeah... I guess it was.

Marlene: ...

Marlene: Sebastian. Today has felt a little unusual for me; that’s what’s throwing me off. I just didn’t feel like myself since this morning. I may be turning crazy but a lot of things I’ve done today happened without thinking it through.

Seb: Maybe it’s the sleepwalking. For a while you stopped but maybe starting that again will confuse you.

Seb: Let’s not talk about how rough today was yet. Have you eaten dinner? I know it’s a bit late but we could order a pizza or Chinese.

Marlene: Sure. I’ll think of somethin’ to order. You need a shower first; you smell.

>Plan the rest of your evening with Seb.
or
>Skip forward to bedtime.
>Can still discuss things right before sleep.

Skip skip skip skip

Plan the evening. Ask him to order a pizza. Go shower. Hint for him to join you in shower. Share pizza...

Plan the evening! Shower, Pizza, maybe a bit of wine. Maybe some background music, cuddling. Maybe some herbal tea.

After fortifying yourself, explain the rest of the evening. It IS important to get this stuff of your chest as soon as you can reasonably manage it, he'll understand that, but you do need to make the effort to come clean and discuss this like an adult.

Plan the evening

Thank him for the idea to take a shower, it should give you a bit more time and a safer place to let your thoughts percolate some more. He has a point; it's possible that the sleepwalking starting up again messed with your impulse control. Definitely gonna have to communicate what happened with him ASAP, but it's going to be a lot better when you have some food and other good things on the horizon to stabilize with.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/16(Thu)19:38 No. 1058750 ID: 11f77a
File 167902069877.png - (187.94KB , 550x500 , 098.png )

>Maybe a bit of wine/herbal tea
What, you think we’re loaded with money here? Is herbal tea expensive? Clearly I don’t drink it to know. We just have standard poor stuff like soda and beer. I think I’ll have to go out for milk again.

Marlene: A pizza would sound nice. You should order from Tee-Gees, then. They’re not-shit and close enough while I gussy you up.

Seb: I thought you said you would order while I shower.

Marlene: well, I could multitask.

Seb: You think you’ll be done in time to answer the door?

Marlene: Do you think we’ll take 30 minutes?
---
In hindsight showering together is always a terrible idea when you have to share one showerhead. But I can’t recall taking a bath earlier so it gives me an excuse to nudge myself in. I make myself useful to scrub Seb’s face and erase the dark, oily marks.

Seb: Ow.

Marlene: Hold up, did you finally shave that ridiculous thing off?

Seb: What--the beard? Probably flat against my chin--! Ow!

Marlene: Wait, there it is.

Seb: Send some water over here, my eyelids hurt from trying to keep the soap from burning. It’s getting cold, too.

Marlene: Whiner.

Phone: Uh... that’ll be $21.50 at the door, mam?

Marlene: 30 minutes, yeah, I got it. Thanks.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/16(Thu)19:40 No. 1058751 ID: 11f77a
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After drying off he seems to smell fine. I’m sure I’m noseblind at this point since he works at the auto shop every day. We eat our pizza, watch TV, do nothing productive. I think the full stomach helps with wanting to retreat to bed and sleep--so we head on over nearing eleven o’clock.

I read a bit before the melatonin sinks in. Seb scrolls his phone but as soon as one of us decides to sleep the other will follow--it's almost like a standoff. But whatever’s looming on my mind I guess I couldn’t help but get Seb’s attention.

Marlene: Hey...

Seb: Yeah?

His eyes remain on the phone as his finger flicks across the screen.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/16(Thu)19:44 No. 1058752 ID: 11f77a
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>It’s important to get this stuff off your chest.
>Definitely gonna have to communicate what happened
Marlene: So...

Marlene: ...

Marlene: Uh.

Seb: Forgot already?

Marlene: It’s...

Marlene: Ah, it's nothin’. I just figured it out.

Seb: Alrightie then~

Seb: That a journal on your desk?

Marlene: Oh yeah... I just keep it in my night drawer in case something good comes up. That way I can pounce on it when inspiration strikes.

Seb: What if you sleepwalk away from bed and wake up too far? Heh heh.

Marlene: Ah, shut up.

He yawns, sets his phone down on the charger.

Seb: Hrrrgh--I think that’s about it for tonight for me, Marley. I have no energy. At. All. I should get to sleep for tomorrow.

Seb: Maybe it’ll get better tomorrow for you too!

Marlene: Yeah. Maybe.

That boy is amazing for you and you need to thank him and do nice things for him and come clean as soon as you can emotionally manage it.

Same-day big conversation doesn't have to happen. Just remember that there's no way through this that won't hurt. Sometimes it can be important to remember that so you won't just put it off forever. Embrace the pain.

Probably shouldn't talk about big events like what happened with your old boss right now. It's going to make it harder for both of you to sleep tonight. Talk about it with him in the morning instead.

...No.. no he needs to know. You did kiss Nico. But he was your ex, and you regretted it immedeatedly after.

Seb will understand. Seb will forgive, if not always then at least this time, with this context.
He is nice. He loves you. And he will love deeper still when you share your mistakes with him.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:04 No. 1059006 ID: 11f77a
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>Just remember that there’s no way through this that won’t hurt.
>Seb will understand. Seb will forgive, if not always—then at least this time.
>Probably shouldn’t [tonight]. It’s going to make it harder for both of you to sleep.
>That boy is amazing for you and [...] come clean as soon as you can emotionally manage it.
He is amazing. And I’m not. Without him I wouldn’t be able to support myself for very long. I would have to live with my parents in another town and my future is uncertain from there. So yeah, revealing that to him requires something to fall back onto. Even if it is the right thing to do.

Once I make a career and get my life going... I ought to mention it then. He deserves to know. That I’m certain. This isn’t really something I ought think about while trying to sleep right now.

Well there you have it, folks: a day of nothing productive in the life of Marlene Collins. I mean... the weird stuff is not usually part of it. I have everything to live comfortably but it’s not enough for me. The world wouldn’t be different if I had never existed.

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:04 No. 1059007 ID: 11f77a
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At least I have something to occupy my time with--a few scripts to breeze through and pick out any good ones, as well as write a song. Shouldn’t be hard. Maybe four lines to repeat are all a song needs. I could read some scripts at Brook’s Clove, chat with Emmylou and see how she’s doing.

Would I be able to show my face at the studio again? No one knows what happened in Nico’s office--so really it would be explaining the scare I had afterwards. I ought to just avoid Nico entirely.

What am I saying? Why would I return unless I get $100 from Dolly?

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:05 No. 1059008 ID: 11f77a
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Guh, I can’t keep thinking while I’m trying to sleep. Sleep, goddammit.

Sleep sleep sleep...

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:05 No. 1059009 ID: 11f77a
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Hrnngh...

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:06 No. 1059012 ID: 11f77a
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???: Hey--

???: Who’s there?

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:07 No. 1059013 ID: 11f77a
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???: Are you... here?

???: Are you...

Marlene Collins 2023/03/18(Sat)22:07 No. 1059014 ID: 11f77a
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???: ...real?

CHAPTER END