shardbond | Party Rock Anthem only it's played on kazoos

[Oscar is a practiced master at Coping (tm) in the face of things he would prefer not to address in any sort of healthy or rational manner. After the events of yesterday, he's somehow getting the feeling that he isn't the only one, which means that in his mind there is only one thing to do: this translates to yet another Walmart booze heist (even larger than the original), a few side trips to amass snacks because RIP his kitchen, and some haphazardly erected decorations in one of the spare rooms to try to at least give off something of a celebratory atmosphere... but let's be real here, this is just Misery x CPR x Reese's Puffs + alcohol.

Sunday morning will find handwritten notes tucked under everyone's doors inviting them to a party that evening, snacks and drinks (that particular word underlined a couple of times, just in case people didn't pick up on the meaning of "party") provided gratis.

There's alcohol, there's soda for the minors, there's plenty of junk food to eat, and there are a whole bunch of other people who are also Going Through It. What better recipe for a party could you ask for?

... don't answer that.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ fdsafewa wait no- ]

Wait, P-Percy, that's- that's a little much, isn't it?! I mean... [ like she's tragically straight but she has eyes, dorothy is RIGHT there ]

No? I don't think so. Only lady I've got eyes on, at least.

[ Dorothy is objectively pretty, it's true! But also, he might be very smitten with Ashley in particular, so. ]

[ 🥺 ]

You're being so sweet... I really don't mind if you play, you know.

I don't mind if you do, either! You deserve compliments from everyone.

[ Just saying!!! ]

But...I don't really wanna open myself up to this sort of thing to just anyone, I think. I'm...a little shy about it.

Oh, ah... You know, I think I understand that? I'm just not really used to it. My...

[ Mmm. She pauses for a moment, and then decides to continue. ]

...My friends. Most of them were a lot more, well... [ She kind of gestures at some of the more...outgoing members of their little party. ] They were made for games like this. So, even though I'm...a little more reserved myself, I'm also used to being around people who are a lot more...shameless.

[ Does this feel like it's speaking ill of the dead? No, it's just being factual, not judging, swear! ]

Heh, well, I don't think there's a shortage of people like that here, at least.

[ He's honestly shameless when a) it's not about himself and b) he's not taken, but now that he is, he feels a little more self-conscious about how he carries himself. Weird how that works. ]

...But you don't have to worry so much. You're perfect the way you are.