A dream is a wish your heart makes

"if I want to venture into the galaxy, what should I learn..?" Misha from HSR, Affiliated with Gnostic Hymns

[dreamingclockwork]

Have faith in your dreams

Misha of Honkai Star Rail. Dear muse of Queen (she/her)

Links: Dossier / Talents / Mun

Portrayal Notes:

After his second “death” at the end of Penacony’s main story, his existence somehow reset itself, bringing Misha back to how he was when he first escaped his dream bubble.

The man known as Mikhail he believes to be his grandfather. Though initially he wanted to wait for him before setting off for adventure, in a dream his “grandfather” gave his blessings for Misha to set off on a journey of his own to find adventure and happiness.

He is a Memetic entity, although a fairly unusual one. For the sake of.. well, having him be able to interact with people, he is memory given a physical form, capable of touch and communication. While indistinguishable to most, those with a deep knowledge of memoria might be able to notice something’s not quite right. Misha himself knows nothing about this, though.

I treat Misha, the memetic entity, as separate from Mikhail, the watchmaker who really existed. That said, since both are under my jurisdiction I am willing (and interested even) to write threads as Mikhail too, AUs or otherwise.

Mikhail was canonically queer and I will die on this hill. Being his childhood self naturally Misha is as well, with them being gay trans men. This is extremely important information you see-

[dreamingclockwork]

Wanted Plots: Preservation!

Hello, dear friendly friends! While the event is in full swing I have a handful of threads I’d love to pick up with our lil bellboy! Messages within discord are preferred but for those not on discord I’m also accepting Tumblr DMs!

Neverwinterland: Besides becoming a pirate captain or an adventurer, some of Misha’s flights of fancy had him take the role of a detective as well. Would your muse humor him as you investigate together? Or perhaps they have no time for childish whimsy?

Underworld disaster: I think it would be cute to take this prompt a slightly different direction. Whilst others are investigating the missing funds, Misha takes it on himself to help the residents make merry with what they have. From turning scrap into decorations, to making festive meals out of humble ingredients. Surely we can still find joy in the little things, right? (Anaxa)

Comedy Competition: Misha is awkward and can’t stand in front of a large audience to save his life. So being part of a comedy duo… probably isn’t for him. However amongst some of the free to use props are some hand puppets of Clockie and friends! Perhaps a comedy puppet show would work, then? (Sirin)

SPECIAL: Outside of GH canon, and this is more a vague idea than something concrete, I’d love to try something out with Mikhail as well. This probably would need to be plotted out first, but I figured I’d throw out the idea for anyone interested in meeting the father of Penacony himself~

[dreamingclockwork]

Snowswept2025 event tracker

A late arrival he may be, Misha is nonetheless excited to explore Belobog and all it has to offer! …that is, once he can get the polar bear to leave him be. He’s not made of meat, Mr. Bear! Anyway, he is at the Snow Plains! But feel free to send asks from any location, he’s happy to experience most everything there is out there.

Snow Plains:

Museum:

Fight Club:

Robot Settlement:

Administrative Office:

[tempered-chill]

ice to ice communication

w/ @dreamingclockwork

[dreamingclockwork]

“Oh, isn’t it?” Misha enthusiastically agreed. He loved to watch the stars pass by, wondering what tale each little twinkling light held. “When I see them, I can’t help but wonder about what’s out there.. Unexplored galaxies, historical sites, fantastical worlds.. the universe is so vast! It’s exciting just thinking of all the possibilities. Every star might just be an adventure waiting to happen…!“

“Ah! Sorry, I got a little bit ramble-y there, huh…”It was so easy to get lost in his passions.. Gosh, he must look like a total weirdo. A little embarrassed, he cleared his throat. “They’re out for a supply run at the moment.. if you’d like, you could stay for a little while until they return…?” He offered, just a smidge shyly. He wasn’t really used to talking to people his age.. “Um, there’s drinks and snacks in the other car.. if you’d like, I could serve you something..?”

And then Yanqing complimented his work, causing Misha to blush lightly. “Oh! Thank you…! I.. I figured that I could make myself useful while everyone’s out.” He sometimes saw the conductor sweep the floor, and he felt a little bad how he seemed to be doing that by himself..

[tempered-chill]

"No, really, don't worry about it," the lieutenant is quick to jump in and assure Misha. "I think about it too, when I come to visit sometimes - how there are so many other places other than the Luofu, and how there are so many opponents out there, amongst the stars! There are so many people I'll get to test my swordsmanship against, and all sorts of places to push myself to the limit," Yanqing says, obviously very passionate about this subject. "It's always something interesting to think about, and wonder about."

However, Misha's offering had the lieutenant pausing to think about. "I actually haven't ever been to the other car," Yanqing wonders aloud, interest thoroughly piqued. "I've just been in the main car to stargaze and talk to Caelus a couple of times, but I've never really explored..." he mutters, gazing around. "I would love to grab something to drink - I've actually spent a good earlier part of this day training. Gotta keep up, you know?"

[dreamingclockwork]

“Wow… You really sound like a warrior.” He smiled lightly, admiring Yanqing’s passion despite having only just put down his own. “I.. I think that’s really cool…! What kind of battles do you fight in? And, what got you into fighting?” He looked at Yanqing with eyes of glimmering excitement. Realizing he was rambling again though, he quickly took a step back. “Ah! I-I’m sorry… It’s just that, I used to work at a hotel where a lot of warriors from all over the galaxy came to visit… So whenever I hear about amazing fighters, I can’t help but get a little excited.” From mercenaries to hunters to knights, many pass by the Hotel Reverie daily. Carrying tales of tournaments, battlefields and growing strength. Their stories were always so inspirational, motivating the former bellboy to try even harder.

Realizing they were still standing in the parlor car, Misha led Yanqing through the door and motioned for him to sit wherever he’d like whilst the nameless went and shuffled through cabinets and the fridge looking for a drink- as well as a glass to serve it in. “Do you have any drinks you like in particular…?” He asked, looking up from one of the cabinet doors. “Soft drinks, teas… we have a lot of different stuff.”

[dreamingclockwork]

Do you see this sh*t Clockie?

(Crystallize, Soulglad vs Souljoy, Gallagher & Misha)

[dreamingclockwork]

Hotel life was always busy, between guests needing to be checked in, rooms needing to be cleaned, luggage that had to be carried and room service that needed to be served. From 6 AM sharp till 2 PM Misha always ran himself ragged. Then once his regular shift had ended, he liked to go around the hotel and check on the machinery. Anything that he could fix he would, his favorite part being the clocks. It filled him with an odd sense of pride, knowing that every single clock in the hotel ran completely in sync with one another, synchronized with his beloved pocket watch.

Today though he had plenty of time. Everything was in working order, so work was a breeze. He wrapped things up early, leaving plenty of time to visit perhaps one of his favorite places in all of Penacony. It might seem odd at first, that such a well-behaved and admittedly timid boy would enjoy spending time in what looks like a bar, or all places. But there was a very good reason for that.

For as long as the boy could remember, Gallagher had been looking out for him, almost like a guardian would. With most other people, Misha always felt just the teensiest bit nervous. He wanted to make a good impression on them. But with Gallagher that tension just… wasn’t there. Any conversation they had was easy and fun. No matter how much Misha could ramble about his day, about stories the guests told him, or about what Clockie did, the old hound never made him feel like he was imposing. Made him feel seen in a way few others did.

So when Gallagher spoke to him, that familiar smile on his face, he could almost forget about all that stuff about Souljoy and Metrom. Almost. “Yep..! The clock brigade is all accounted for and working in tandem. And no stray gears to be brought back home either, so everything is in working order..!” Playfully, he did a little salute as a light laugh escaped his lips. This was to say that all the machinery in the hotel was working as it should be. “And of course, all the guests behaved as well..! …Um, There was one guy who drank a little too much Soulglad, but…” In the hotel reverie, it wasn’t too much of an out of place sight to see people come back after drinking perhaps a little bit too much.

He wanted to continue talking about his day, but instead quieted down when another man approached the bar counter. When adults spoke amongst each other, it was good manners for a child to stay quiet until given the chance to speak, after all. He did listen though, mild displeasure on his face visible at the offending drink being put on his mind yet again.

Gallagher was quick to notice, much to Misha’s dismay. He didn’t want to cause any undue concern as really, it was just a small thing, but… “Oh! It’s okay, really.. and thank you for the drink!” He fidgeted with the straw lightly, twirling it back and forth between two fingers. “It’s just, that souljoy stuff.. Don’t you think it’s kind of a phony?!” Voice raised in pitch and volume, as both hands found their way on the countertop. It wasn’t until he caught a stray stare of some of the other patrons that he noticed how emotional he was being about it. “Ah..! Sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my voice, it’s just… That mascot is totally a Clockie rip-off..! And.. and.. Clockie says it’s okay, but when people are comparing the two they’re now saying mean things about him too….”

If Souljoy was just a bad bootleg, Misha could’ve lived with that. But the fact people were now talking bad about his best friend made him feel sad, immensely so. Clockie was only ever there to make people happy…!

[garmgeyr]

”I’m just surprised it took this long for something to come along and threaten SoulGlad’s throne,” Gallagher grumbled, casting a glance at the boxes left stacked by one of the lounge chairs near the door. His distaste for the soda wasn’t quite the same as Misha’s but for a second they both wore a similar look of disapproval. Dreamjolt Hostelry had a firm stance against selling SoulGlad - at least by itself - because of the modern iteration’s cheap, mind-numbing effects, and Gallagher himself couldn’t say he disagreed. There was much more to the dreamscape’s food and drink, after all, and plenty more ways to be creative. Maybe that was why this ‘Mr. Sylvester’ had thought it fit to ship out a gift to this not-so-popular lounge: there was no SoulGlad on the menu for it to contend with.

Gallagher didn’t trust it, but that wasn’t his decision - it was Siobhan’s.

”Might as well find someplace to put it.” He gave the counter in front of Misha’s drink a pat - an unspoken “sit tight” - before circling around the bar to the mostly unoccupied guest seating. The three cases of SoulJoy looked to contain far more than just a sample, as the boxes stacked on top of each other reached nearly to Gallagher’s chest. Fifty bottles in each, he’d guess, all wrapped up in vibrant red and blue. Even here among the underwater tones that rippled across the lounge, the shade of blue chosen for SoulJoy’s label stood out in its bright artificiality. The packaging likely turned heads all the way here. Free advertising. Gallagher snorted, but hefted the topmost box up into his arms and returned to the warm light of the bar.

”Siobhan’s probably not gonna want to sell it,” he said as he came back around, making some effort to reassure the distressed bellboy. There were certain things one had to listen to children about, like canaries in coal mines. If Misha didn’t like this soda and its phony mascot, then maybe there was something to be said about it. Or maybe Gallagher just wanted an excuse to hate it, too. SoulGlad, after all, had been a symbol of freedom for Eras. What was SoulJoy?

With a sigh, he set the box down on the floor and pried open its lid. Then he withdrew one of the bottles, which was shaped suspiciously like SoulGlad but filled with bubbly ink instead of glittering gold, and placed it on the counter. Sure enough, there was the metronome Metrom grinning just like Clockie on the label. Gallagher set the palm of his hand on its cap and tilted it to get a better look.

”You might be right, kid. The ripoff allegations aren’t lookin’ so good.“

[dreamingclockwork]

Watching Gallagher go about trying to find a place for the phony drinks, Misha turned to his own much sweeter and much more pleasant beverage. Taking a small sip he let out a soft, pleased hum. The tart flavor of berries blended with the creamy richness of the milk, reminding Misha of a journey through the pillow kingdom. Like landscapes made of cotton and feather that smelled of fabric softener, this drink too was dreamy, beautiful and comforting.

“Mm.. It’s just as delicious as last time, Mr. Gallagher…!” His words, though soft and a little unsteady, conveyed gratitude. Sweet and light drinks were the perfect way to drift off into dream land, letting the young bellboy almost forget about Souljoy. In fact, once the stimulation of conversation left him for a moment, he felt his eyelids become heavier.

“Ah..!” It wasn’t when he saw Gallagher return that he quickly tried to compose himself with his back straightened and a light slap to both cheeks. “Mm, I really hope she doesn’t.. B-Because, I was thinking… If Souljoy gets popular, what if.. if they suddenly don’t want Clockie around anymore..?” That would be perhaps the worst thing that his innocent mind could imagine. A Penacony without Clockie would be no Penacony at all, the two so deeply intertwined. “He loves Penacony.. if they don’t want him anymore that would make him so sad, don’t you think?”

Gloved hands went back to his straw, absentmindedly stirring his glass which was now half full. It was just a motion to give his restless hands something to do as he tried to think of a solution to his hypothesized problem. Realizing he couldn’t think of anything on his own, purple eyes flitted back to look at Gallagher. “A-Aren’t there rules for making phonies? They can’t just… do something like this, right?”

[dreamingclockwork]

deep dive character sheet

stolen from: Hi Mik I copied urs and then edited thank you 🙏

tagging: You, reading it right now 🔫

NAME: Misha

BODY

height: 134cm / around 4’5

strength ★☆☆☆☆ — Misha is small and rather delicately built, just carrying luggage in a cart is rather difficult for him.

dexterity ★★★★★ — Very good at things that require fine motor skills, such as sewing or handling small machinery. Normally has a steady hand, great for delicate work.

health ★★☆☆☆ — A little bit frail because of poor habits. Not like a leaf in the wind but. Not great either.

energy ★★☆☆☆ — Doesn’t really eat enough. As a result he’s often tired and lacking in energy. Doesn’t let others know that, though.

beauty ★★★★★ — What can I say. He’s incredibly cute and pretty teehee.

style ★★★★☆ — It’s not something he thinks about super duper actively, but he does care about dressing nicely and representatively.

hygiene ★★★★★ — He strongly dislikes dirt and grime, that goes for himself just as much as his surroundings. Always impeccably clean.

SKILLS

perception ★★★★★ — He’s just sensitive to these kinds of things. A strong sense of intuition that lends well to perception. However…

communication ★☆☆☆☆ — A poor communicator, he struggles with speaking his mind clearly under pressure and is easily reduced to stuttering, mumbling and, in extreme cases, tears at little pushback.

persuasion ★★★★☆ — Very persuasive by virtue of sad puppy dog vibes.

mediation ★★★☆☆ — Dislikes conflict, tries really hard to find a middle ground between both parties, but struggles with getting his point across sometimes.

literacy ★★★★★ — Quick in the uptake when learning from books. Loves to read, too.

creativity ★★★★★ — All of Penacony flowed from the wellspring of his other self’s mind. Not to mention the fantastical dreams and adventures he always creates.

cooking ★★★★☆ — Comfortable in the kitchen! Enjoys baking in particular, and has a good sense for flavors. Doesn’t mind making technical dishes.

tech savvy ★★★★★ — Is right at home with any kind of machinery and technology. Can take apart and rebuild in a quick flash.

combat ★☆☆☆☆ — Misha has no combat skills to speak of. Any kind of destruction he causes is by pure accident. He.. doesn’t really like to fight either.

survival ★★☆☆☆ — Tries his best to not get into trouble, but can be very self sacrificing when push comes to shove. Wants to live, but values the lives of others above his own.

stealth ★★★★☆ — For the longest time nobody could see him 👍 More seriously though, I think he’s pretty subtle and most people don’t notice him.

street smarts ★★☆☆☆ — Is familiar with the street rules at the edge of the Dreamscape, but is pretty naive otherwise. Would get scammed easily in another place.

seduction ★☆☆☆☆ — No.

luck ★★★☆☆ — Tragically unlucky enough to be born as basically a shadow, but lucky enough to escape that fate. A perfect equilibrium of luck.

handling animals ★★★★★ — Animals tend to like him, even carnivores. Lowkey Disney Princess vibes I bet.

pacifying children ★☆☆☆☆ — Is the child.

MIND

intelligence ★★★★☆ — A very sharp kid! Already trusted with a lot of responsibility, despite his age.

happiness ★★★☆☆ — He’s happy where he is now, but is also deeply afraid that it’s fleeting.

spirituality ★★★★★ — Follows the Trailblaze, well.. religiously.

confidence ★★☆☆☆ — Confident in theory, having strong beliefs and convictions, but struggles in showing it.

humor ★☆☆☆☆ — I think he’s pretty funny but ask him to tell a joke in front of an audience and he dies.

anxiety ★☆☆☆☆ — Trembles that rival a chihuahua, he’s very easily intimidated and gets anxious over.. a lot of things.

patience ★★★★★ — Genuinely has never lost his temper before.

passion ★★★★★ — Despite his apparent timidity, he’s extremely passionate about his goals and dreams and doesn’t stop giving his 100% into pursuing them earnestly.

nice ★☆☆☆☆ mean — Too good for this world. Too pure.

brave ☆☆★☆☆ cowardly — Wants to be brave and heroic. But his timidity sometimes holds him back.

pacifist ★☆☆☆☆ violent — Strongly dislikes violence, will not resort to it unless under extreme stress.

thoughtful ☆★☆☆☆ impulsive — Generally is thoughtful, but can get impulsive if it’s for the sake of his passions.

agreeable ★☆☆☆☆ contrary — Pretty go with the flow, he won’t actively go against another person unless they’re being harmful.

idealistic ★☆☆☆☆ pragmatic — Extremely pure hearted, borderline naive, he assumes good of nearly anybody he meets.

frugal ☆★☆☆☆ big spender — He’s generally pretty frugal (as a result of being used to saving up, as he wanted to become a trailblazer) but recently learned to occasionally splurge.

extrovert ☆☆☆☆★ introvert — While kind and polite to everyone he meets, he’s also very shy.

collected ★☆☆☆☆ wild —Maybe not necessarily calm but it would take a lot, and I mean a lot to make him lose it.

ambitious / possessive / stubborn / jealous / decisive / perfectionist

SOCIAL

charisma ★★★★☆ — Tends to be well liked thanks to his agreeable and friendly personality. People are also quick to find his shy go-getter attitude cute.

empathy ★★★★★ — His empathy extends to even inanimate objects. Prefers to repair items over replacing them for that very reason.

generosity ★★★★★ — If he’s able to give, he will.

wealth ★☆☆☆☆ — Didn’t exist again until like a few months ago. All his belongings are with the express.

honest ★☆☆☆☆ deceptive — Can’t lie to save his life.

leader ☆☆★☆☆ follower — Wants to be a leader someday, but until he’s ready he’s content to follow.

polite ★☆☆☆☆ rude — Literally the sweetest little guy you’ll ever meet. Doesn’t speak ill of anyone.

political ☆☆★☆☆ indifferent — Doesn’t really understand politics yet, but he definitely tries to understand.

BELIEFS

higher power ★★★★☆ — Was rather neutral initially, but started to believe when some higher power answered his wish to exist.

fate/destiny ★☆☆☆☆ — He’s a trailblazer, they make their own destinies!

magic ★★★★★ — The beautiful and incomprehensible must be Magic.

soulmates ★★★★★ — Secretly dreams of romance and would love to find a boyfriend someday. Might not completely believe in soulmates, but the concept is so beautiful that he wants to believe.

good and evil ★★★★☆ — Evil may exist, but good will always triumph. People are good.

luck ★★☆☆☆ — It probably exists conceptually, but.. well, again he’s a trailblazer! They forge their own paths!

PRIORITIES

family ★★★★★ — Closest he has to family is Gallagher, who means the world to him.

friends ★★★★★ — Clockie is his best friend! And now the express folks are too! He’s trying his best to make them all happy.

love ★★☆☆☆ — He’d like to be swept off his feet one day, but that’s not really a priority.

home ★★★★☆ — Though he may have left to journey the stars, his love for Penacony is undeniable.

health ★★☆☆☆ — …Can Memoria get ill?

praise ★★★★☆ — Doesn’t care about the praise itself so much as the confirmation that he’s doing it right.

justice ★★★★★ — Doing the right thing matters to him! Even if it’s hard sometimes.

truth ★★☆☆☆ — Knows that the truth is important, but in some cases is also a little afraid of it..

power ★☆☆☆☆ — Not a priority in the slightest.

fame ★★★☆☆ — Wants to be remembered as Misha the nameless, who created his own legacy separate from Mikhail’s.

wealth ★☆☆☆☆ — His heart is already wealthy thanks to his dreams having come true.

others' opinions ★★★★☆ — Where his insecurity manifests the most strongly, he lacks the confidence to accurately assess his own ability and counts on others to do it for him.

[dreamingclockwork]

About: Micah

“Uncle Micah is amazing..! He takes really good care of dreamflux reef and the stories he tells of grandpa are so inspiring…! …huh? Why do I call him uncle? Well.. because grandpa’s his dad, of course! We haven’t talked much, but.. I see how hard he works, and I really admire that…!”

Spoilers for Trailblaze quest up until 2.3 below:

About Micah: The Truth

“Oh, Micah… You really kept your promise all this time… If he were here, I’m sure he’d be proud to see you. I’m sorry, that I can’t be…. A-Ah..! Don’t mind me, I’m just… thinking of an old friend, that’s all.”

[dreamingclockwork]

About: Princess Mirror

“Mirror Princess is one of Clockie’s best friends. He went on lots of adventures with her and Captain Revolver! Oh, she’s amazing…! Super intelligent, with her inventions and quick thinking helping Dreamville grow into the place it is now…! Clockie and I really admire her…. I wish I could’ve learned from her, but… she’s sleeping now. But even still, she keeps on protecting dreamville, her light forever showing the way forward, even when times get dark and scary..“

“…huh? …w-why am I… crying?”

[inboxedgames]

Inspired by the voicelines from Genshin Impact! CONTENT WARNING: none, ask if you need one added!

Send me “About [NAME]” for my character’s thoughts on another character! OPTIONAL: Send “About [NAME]: [SUBJECT]” for thoughts about a more specific thing!

[dreamingclockwork]

✧ ozurie: the feeling of being torn between the life you want and the life you have.

“S-Sorry.. is this seat available..?” With a shy expression, the bellboy sits next to you, single visible eye making contact with yours, before quickly casting down at the table in front of him.

While he sits with his hands in his lap, fidgeting with the hem of his jacket, you instead gaze upwards. The skyline of Penacony truly is a one-in-a-million sight. Stars shimmer brightly up above, yet in the far horizon the sky is locked into a permanent dawn, the sun never quite rising. Looking back at the boy sitting next to you, his gaze now also look towards the sky. The stars reflected on pools of violet, shimmering like a mirror.

“Um… can I ask you something?” His words are soft, full of uncertainty. “What do you.. think of Penacony? It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Always so bustling, always so full of life….” Pale lips curl into the smallest of smiles. “I truly do love it..”

But then.. why does sadness tinge his every word?

“I can’t help but wonder though… what else is out there, beyond the horizon.” Ah. So that’s what that was. You weren’t sure what his gaze meant, but now it was clear. It was longing. “People from all over the galaxy visit Penacony.. bringing with them all kinds of stories. They call this place heaven, a way to escape from their lives..”

He turns to you, looking up at you with a questioning gaze. “…I wonder if I’m taking this place for granted… I truly love Penacony, I really do.” You could tell. There was so much affection in his words, A love beyond his years, almost. “On one hand, I want to stay here.. and protect it forever. But I also want to see what’s beyond this dream.. experience the world for myself.”

From his pocket, he pulls out a pocket watch- or rather, at a closer look… it’s a compass. You watch as he sighs lightly. “I wonder what grandpa… Er, no. What he would have done….”

You wonder who he’s talking about.

[tempered-chill]

ice to ice communication

w/ @dreamingclockwork

[tempered-chill]

Yanqing had been looking for Welt upon hearing of the Nameless's return back to the Luofu for some supply runs. There were a few questions that he had been meaning to ask the other man - namely, although it had been quite awhile, about the fight against Phantylia. The conductor was more than happy to let him aboard, and he greeted them with a bright smile and a pat to the head.

The express hadn't changed - still elegant and well-kept as always. However, it seemed that recently, they had been really putting it up a notch with the cleaning... Yanqing wonders why that's so, when he spots the culprit - is culprit a right term to use in this situation? - of the newfound cleanliness.

A boy Yanqing had never seen before is standing there with a mop, sweeping the floors. He doesn't seem to have noticed Yanqing's entrance to the Express. The lieutenant then proceeded to realize that he was probably a new member of the Express - if he's on, seems at home, and Yanqing hasn't seen him before, it's the most logical conclusion to come to. So, therefore, the young boy walks over to the blue-haired boy with a cheerful smile.

"Hello! I don't think we've met before! I'm Yanqing, of the Luofu - it's a pleasure," he says, extending his hand to the Nameless member.

@dreamingclockwork

[dreamingclockwork]

Sweep sweep, sweep sweep…

With a repeating motion, Misha was hard at work in the Astral Express’ parlor car, getting rid of any dirt or grime that may have found its way on the floor. In the dreaming boy’s head however he was currently locked in a dangerous battle against evil bacteria, to soothe the aches of a hurting whale. Not to worry, Mister Whale! Captain Misha and his crew are on the job! Next time though, don’t drink so much Soulglad, okay?

Humming lightly to himself, mimicking one of Miss Robin’s most famous songs, Misha was so in his own world that he missed the hiss of the passenger door opening, and the sound of footsteps. It wasn’t until he turned around- and came face to face with an unfamiliar boy, that reality started to set back in.

“Eep!” The boy let out a somewhat undignified squeak, caught off guard at the sudden arrival. “O-Oh, sorry! You, um.. You surprised me..” Putting a gloved hand to his mouth he laughed lightly, feeling a little bit embarrassed. “Nice to meet you, Mister Yanqing..!” He said, with a small curtsy. The boy before him only looked a little bit older than him. However, the Luofu had many long living species.. He’d hate to be rude or disrespectful by accident. “My name is Misha, I’m lucky to call myself a new passenger of the express.”

Misha took the others hand at that moment, his grip soft and a little delicate. “Is there something the express can help you with today…?” He asked, a gentle smile reciprocating the blond boy’s cheerful expression.

[tempered-chill]

Yanqing laughs - a real one, not the one he puts on for the sake of politicians from other planets. It's bubbly and light, an airy little giggle that has him bringing up his other hand to his mouth to stifle it. It's been awhile since he's talked to someone that's around his age, and it feels refreshing - there's no longer the pressing need to put on a mature face and pretend. There is no longer the need to clasp both of his hands behind his back.

It's been so long. It feels foreign, but nice. This is already shaping up to be a wonderful encounter.

"Haha, I didn't mean to startle you that much," he says, shaking Misha's hand. "It's wonderful to meet a new Nameless member. Ah, I was looking for Mr. Yang to ask him for some advice, but if he isn't around, that's alright, as well. I might just take some time to look at the stars - the view from here is always spectacular," he muses aloud. And then, a realization comes to him, and letting go of the other boy's hand, he snaps his fingers together in realization. "Oh! You've done a wonderful job of cleaning the Express - I was wondering why it looked so shiny," he compliments, sincerely.

[dreamingclockwork]

“Oh, isn’t it?” Misha enthusiastically agreed. He loved to watch the stars pass by, wondering what tale each little twinkling light held. “When I see them, I can’t help but wonder about what’s out there.. Unexplored galaxies, historical sites, fantastical worlds.. the universe is so vast! It’s exciting just thinking of all the possibilities. Every star might just be an adventure waiting to happen…!“

“Ah! Sorry, I got a little bit ramble-y there, huh…”It was so easy to get lost in his passions.. Gosh, he must look like a total weirdo. A little embarrassed, he cleared his throat. “They’re out for a supply run at the moment.. if you’d like, you could stay for a little while until they return…?” He offered, just a smidge shyly. He wasn’t really used to talking to people his age.. “Um, there’s drinks and snacks in the other car.. if you’d like, I could serve you something..?”

And then Yanqing complimented his work, causing Misha to blush lightly. “Oh! Thank you…! I.. I figured that I could make myself useful while everyone’s out.” He sometimes saw the conductor sweep the floor, and he felt a little bad how he seemed to be doing that by himself..

[dreamingclockwork]

Dreaming of Primordial Clockwork

(Neuvilette & Misha)

[dreamingclockwork]

The landscapes of Fontaine were unlike anything Misha had seen before.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of Penacony, where every street is full of bright lights, full of people looking to make their dreams come true, the Fontainian countryside held a picturesque beauty to it, serene and tranquil. From the smell of grass and fresh water to the cool breeze ruffling his pale blue hair, it was all so different. His heart fluttered with excitement, eager to explore all the nation had to offer.

So after securing a place to stay in the city, Misha was quick to start exploring. While taking the Aquabus to see the opera house, the kind Melusine guide gave him a rundown of various landmarks and places of interest to visit. The one that piqued the boy’s interest most of all was the Weeping Willow of the Lake. He’s read about similar genuses of trees in travel books before, but he’s never seen one for himself!

It wasn’t too far away from where the Aquabus stopped, but that short journey was already full of sights Misha would keep in his heart forever. Maybe if he’s lucky, and he keeps the land of hydro on his mind enough, he’ll get the chance to explore it again in his dreams… that would be nice.

“Whoa…..!” The boy couldn’t help but gasp, eyes widening in amazement as he finally arrived at his destination. The light of the tree in the center of the lake reflected softly on the water’s surface, creating a breathtaking view. It was even more beautiful than he could’ve imagined it. Quickly he walked towards the lakeshore and looking down at the water, he could see his own reflection.

It was an odd sensation, seeing himself here. With the blue sky of daytime above him, going on an adventure in an unfamiliar land.. It was everything he could’ve ever dreamt of doing. It almost didn’t feel real, standing where he did. Losing himself in the water’s edge for a moment, he allowed a few minutes to pass before finally snapping back to reality. “Ah!” He spoke softly. “Heehee, what am I doing.. I should be enjoying the view, not look at myself-“

It was then that he noticed another person, standing a short distance away from him as he turned around. “Wah..!” Surprised, he let out a small yelp as he lost his balance and fell backwards.. right into the water. It was only by the shore, so the water didn’t reach high, but it didn’t stop the underside of his shorts from becoming soaked. “Ow.. Ow….”

That was embarrassing.. the stranger was nowhere close, yet he still was caught off guard.

@iustitians

[dreamingclockwork]

Do you see this sh*t Clockie?

(Crystallize, Soulglad vs Souljoy, Gallagher & Misha)

[dreamingclockwork]

@garmgeyr

“Souljoy, in 5 refreshing new flavors! Scan the code on the bottle cap and help Metrom on his adventure!” The grating voice played from the TV, advertising Penacony’s newest fad. Souljoy, a supposedly “brand new” drink that hit the market recently. This wasn’t the first time the bellboy noticed the brand either, with posters lining walls and advertisements being played out nearly everywhere that tourists went to.

At first Misha didn’t see much of a problem. In the city of dreams, everyone wanted to be the hot new thing. Seeing people try to build off of the success of others really wasn’t a new sight. Most of them didn’t last very long however, but Souljoy seemed to become a known brand at rapid speed. Even all that he could forgive just fine. However, the thing that bothered him, was the existence of their supposed mascot.

Metrom was a walking metronome that was the protagonist of his own mobile game, closely associated with Souljoy. And he was… a total knockoff of Clockie! Just thinking about it made the boy feel bothered. Clockie was his very best friend, a symbol of Penacony, an icon! Yet this.. this… faker was nothing more than a botched copy. But now everyone’s comparing the two and speaking ill of Clockie as a result.

He sighed, wisps of pale blue hair fluttering as he did. It bummed him out, but… Oh well, nothing to be done about it, he supposed. Clockie knew how much the young trailblazer loved his friend, and his true fans loved him too! That.. had to be enough, for now. “Okay Misha, that’s enough of that.” He thought to himself. Softly, gloved hands patted pale cheeks.

Like the trailblazers he so admired, he had to rise above it.

Besides, today was a good day. With his tasks finished early, he had time to visit the Dreamjolt Holstery! He couldn’t drink everything on their menu, courtesy of many drinks containing Soulglad, but.. the things he could drink were always delicious, especially when Gallagher was the one on the counter.

And speak of the devil, there at the counter was the man in question. Upon noticing him, a gentle smile quickly crossed the previously glum Bellboy’s face. It was like storm clouds parting, revealing gentle rays of sunshine. “O-Oh! Gallagher, you’re here..! Wow..!” The boy quickly approached the man, climbing atop one of the chairs at the bar.

“Could you, um.. make me one of those drinks again? The one with puffergoat milk and that pink syrup.. I-If you’re not too busy.” As he spoke, he tapped his index fingers together, Legs swaying gently on a stool that was clearly too big for him. Though he knew it wasn’t a problem, he still felt a little awkward being on his own in such a.. grown up place.

[garmgeyr]

Although time didn’t quite move the same way through the Twelve Hours as it did in reality, the world still possessed a natural ebb and flow. Many guests, merely visiting the Planet of Festivities on short term vacations, managed to hold onto their own rhythms despite the enticing timelessness of the dream, and so places like Dreamjolt Hostelry saw its crowds surge and dwindle on a schedule as if dictated by clockwork. Aside from a few regulars who lived in the lamplit booths, the bar was mostly quiet at this hour. Not even a saxophone played its meandering melodies on the stage, and the members of the Dreamjolt Troupe who frequented this place had found some other place to wander for the time being. Alongside the constant hustle and bustle of much of Penacony’s tourist districts, it was nice to find a little enclave of peace for a while.

At least, that’s how Gallagher saw it, but having lived for so long in a world where time didn’t matter, there was leisure in everything he did. This moment was this moment until it was the next, and he had no interest in hurrying it along.

This moment, however, escaped through the double doors as they opened, and in came the next one with the hotel’s bright-eyed young bellhop. In the somnolent dark of the lounge, he was like a little star freefalling through stasis. Bounding up to the bar renewed life in the old bartender, and when he raised his eyes from the glass he’d been shining meditatively, a smile warmed his face.

”Hey, kid. Finish work early?” Setting the glass on the counter, Gallagher bent down to begin pulling ingredients from the cabinet. The requested concoction had been the product of a joint effort some time ago. Misha couldn’t drink much of what the bar had on its menu, but Gallagher had never been much of one for following a recipe. What mattered to him was finding something his guest liked, and after a few discarded errors, he’d come up with something like spun sugar - sweet but delicate - and altogether comforting, like a blanket one might take to bed. A jug of chilled milk joined the row of newly-refilled syrups, and Gallagher stood back up to put it together.

”Hopefully no one’s been givin’ you any trouble,” he asked, glancing up from his work to catch the boy’s eye, noticing instead that another man had approached the other end of the counter. Gallagher shot him a look and a “I’ll be right with you,” but the man raised his hands and shook his head.

”No, no, I’m just dropping off a delivery.”

Muscle memory afforded him a moment to look down the counter at the courier as he poured syrup into the glass, an eyebrow raised.

”For what?”

”Three cases of Souljoy.”

”Pretty sure we didn’t order any of that.”

”It’s a sample shipment, courtesy of Mr. Sylvester.” The courier smiled and tipped his hat. “Just to get the word out there. It’s a gift.”

Gallagher grunted, skeptical.

”Where can I leave it?” The man asked.

”… Just over there.” Directed by the sharp gesture Gallagher made with his chin, the courier wheeled the stack of boxes off to the side and went on his way again. With a soft sigh, Gallagher turned to retrieve the pitcher of newly steamed milk from the espresso machine and topped off the drink with a generous layer of silken foam.

”Sorry about that.” Force of habit, even if he knew the apology wasn’t necessary. He slid the glass across the counter for Misha.

”Now what's that face for?” The petulant pout wasn't something he often saw from the boy, and he let out a surprised laugh. "You look like you just ate something sour."

[dreamingclockwork]

Hotel life was always busy, between guests needing to be checked in, rooms needing to be cleaned, luggage that had to be carried and room service that needed to be served. From 6 AM sharp till 2 PM Misha always ran himself ragged. Then once his regular shift had ended, he liked to go around the hotel and check on the machinery. Anything that he could fix he would, his favorite part being the clocks. It filled him with an odd sense of pride, knowing that every single clock in the hotel ran completely in sync with one another, synchronized with his beloved pocket watch.

Today though he had plenty of time. Everything was in working order, so work was a breeze. He wrapped things up early, leaving plenty of time to visit perhaps one of his favorite places in all of Penacony. It might seem odd at first, that such a well-behaved and admittedly timid boy would enjoy spending time in what looks like a bar, or all places. But there was a very good reason for that.

For as long as the boy could remember, Gallagher had been looking out for him, almost like a guardian would. With most other people, Misha always felt just the teensiest bit nervous. He wanted to make a good impression on them. But with Gallagher that tension just… wasn’t there. Any conversation they had was easy and fun. No matter how much Misha could ramble about his day, about stories the guests told him, or about what Clockie did, the old hound never made him feel like he was imposing. Made him feel seen in a way few others did.

So when Gallagher spoke to him, that familiar smile on his face, he could almost forget about all that stuff about Souljoy and Metrom. Almost. “Yep..! The clock brigade is all accounted for and working in tandem. And no stray gears to be brought back home either, so everything is in working order..!” Playfully, he did a little salute as a light laugh escaped his lips. This was to say that all the machinery in the hotel was working as it should be. “And of course, all the guests behaved as well..! …Um, There was one guy who drank a little too much Soulglad, but…” In the hotel reverie, it wasn’t too much of an out of place sight to see people come back after drinking perhaps a little bit too much.

He wanted to continue talking about his day, but instead quieted down when another man approached the bar counter. When adults spoke amongst each other, it was good manners for a child to stay quiet until given the chance to speak, after all. He did listen though, mild displeasure on his face visible at the offending drink being put on his mind yet again.

Gallagher was quick to notice, much to Misha’s dismay. He didn’t want to cause any undue concern as really, it was just a small thing, but… “Oh! It’s okay, really.. and thank you for the drink!” He fidgeted with the straw lightly, twirling it back and forth between two fingers. “It’s just, that souljoy stuff.. Don’t you think it’s kind of a phony?!” Voice raised in pitch and volume, as both hands found their way on the countertop. It wasn’t until he caught a stray stare of some of the other patrons that he noticed how emotional he was being about it. “Ah..! Sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my voice, it’s just… That mascot is totally a Clockie rip-off..! And.. and.. Clockie says it’s okay, but when people are comparing the two they’re now saying mean things about him too….”

If Souljoy was just a bad bootleg, Misha could’ve lived with that. But the fact people were now talking bad about his best friend made him feel sad, immensely so. Clockie was only ever there to make people happy…!

[dreamingclockwork]

✧ craxis: the unease of knowing how quickly your circumstances could change on you.

Dear Mikhail,

Today was our last day at the Luofu, so we’re preparing to head off again. I met so many people, saw so many amazing sights and got to try so many delicious foods… I wonder, was this how you felt too as you journeyed across the stars? The feeling of excitement, of your heart thumping in your chest as you can’t wait to see what happens next.. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of this feeling. It’s like my dreams are finally coming true, I get to see the world for myself. And it’s so much more vast, exciting and beautiful than I ever could’ve imagined! I’m happy, so very happy. It’s like the stars are shining brighter, every sight and every smell is so much more vivid. I never thought I could be this happy.

….I’ll admit though, the fact that I’m so happy also scares me a little. I’m scared I’ll lose it, this feeling, these people, this happiness.. It’s everything I ever dreamt of. I understand now why you loved to trailblaze so much. I miss everyone on Penacony, of course. Clockie and Sleepie, Miss Mirror and all our friends back home. But I don’t think I ever want to go back to the way it used to be. Back to only dreaming..

Dreaming…

(The following paragraph is notably messier, with tear stains on the page.)

I realized something, a few days ago. I was never supposed to see this, right? This happiness was never meant for me. I was never supposed to be a person… just a runaway dream, meant to fulfill a purpose. After that, like all dreams I was to come to an end. I was reminded of this because when I was washing dishes earlier, I accidentally nicked my finger. That doesn’t sound too weird, does it? But…

It wasn’t red.

I want to exist. I want to experience so much more, I want to see so many more places, I want to meet so many more people. But I’m scared. I’m.. not human, right? So what if.. what if the happiness I feel now will just cease to exist. If my wish runs out. If I lose my dreams..

What will happen to me?

[nameforthelove]

𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬.

a collection of words to describe the strangeness of being human.

✧ agnosthesia: the state of not knowing how you really feel about something.

✧ alazia: the fear that you're no longer able to change.

✧ altschmerz: a sense of weariness with the same old problems that you've always had, the same boring issues and anxieties you've been gnawing on for decades.

✧ apolytus: the moment you realize you are changing as a person, finally outgrowing your old problems like a reptile shedding its skin.

✧ bareleveling: trying to improve yourself without anyone else knowing about it, afraid that they'll think it's silly or grandiose or unnecessary, or that they'll end up calling too much attention to your efforts.

✧ bye-over: the sheepish casual vibe between two people who've shared an emotional farewell but then unexpectedly have a little extra time together.

✧ candling: the habit of taking stock of your life on the occasion of your birthday.

✧ craxis: the unease of knowing how quickly your circumstances could change on you.

✧ daguerreologue: an imaginary conversation with an old photo of yourself, in which you might offer them a word of advice, or maybe just ask them if they thought you had done justice to the life they built for you.

✧ dead reckoning: finding yourself bothered by somebody's death more than you would have expected, even if they were only an abstract presence in your life.

✧ dolonia: a state of unease prompted by people who seem to like you too much, which makes you wonder if they must have you confused with someone else.

✧ endzoned: the hollow feeling of having gotten exactly what you thought you wanted, only to learn that it didn't make you happy.

✧ énouement: the bittersweetness of having arrived here in the future, finally learning the answers to how things turned out but being unable to tell your past self.

✧ etterath: the feeling of emptiness after a long and arduous process is finally complete.

✧ falesia: the disquieting awareness that someone's importance to you and your importance to them may not necessarily match.

✧ feresy: the fear that your partner is changing in ways you don't understand, even though they might be changes for the better.

✧ fool's guilt: a pulse of shame you feel even though you've done nothing wrong.

✧ harmonoia: an itchy sense of dread when life feels just a hint too peaceful, with an eerie stillness that makes you want to brace for the inevitable collapse, or burn it down yourself.

✧ heartspur: an unexpected surge of emotion in response to a seemingly innocuous trigger, which feels all the more intense because you can't quite pin it down.

✧ immerensis: the maddening inability to understand the reasons why someone loves you.

✧ inerrata: a kind of mistake you wouldn't take back even if you could.

✧ insoucism: the inability to decide how much sympathy your situation really deserves, knowing that so many people have it far worse and others far better.

✧ justing: the habit of telling yourself that just one tweak could solve all of your problems, which leaves you feeling perpetually on the cusp of a better life.

✧ kairosclerosis: the moment you look around and realize that you're currently happy, which prompts your intellect to identify it, pick it apart, and put it in context.

✧ keep: an important part of your personality that others seldom see, that remains a vital part of who you are even if nobody knows it's there.

✧ kuebiko: a state of exhaustion inspired by senseless tragedies and acts of violence, which force you to abruptly revise your expectations of what can happen in this world.

✧ lackout: the sudden awareness that you're finally over someone, noticing that the same voice that once triggered a cocktail of emotions now evokes nothing at all.

✧ leidenfreude: a sense of paradoxical relief when something bad happens to you.

✧ liberosis: the desire to care less about things.

✧ lyssamania: the irrational fear that someone you know is angry with you.

✧ mauerbauertraurigkeit: the inexplicable urge to push people away, even close friends whose company you generally enjoy.

✧ mcfeely: to be inexplicably moved by predictable and well-worn sentiments, even if they're trite or obvious or being broadcast blindly to the masses.

✧ nachlophobia: the fear that your deepest connections with people are ultimately pretty shallow.

✧ nighthawk: a recurring thought that only seems to strike you late at night.

✧ opia: the ambiguous intensity of looking someone in the eye, which can feel simultaneously invasive and vulnerable.

✧ ozurie: the feeling of being torn between the life you want and the life you have.

✧ pâro: the feeling that everything you do is always somehow wrong.

✧ povism: the frustration of being stuck inside your own head, unable to see your face or read your body language in context, only ever guessing how you might be coming across.

✧ proluctance: the paradoxical urge to avoid doing something you've been looking forward to, stretching out the bliss of anticipation as long as you can.

✧ punt kick: a quiet jolt of recognition that it's time to become a better version of yourself, sensing that all the strategies that brought you this far are no longer working.

✧ rasque: a moment you instantly wish you could take back, feeling a pulse of dread right after crossing the point of no return.

✧ rubatosis: the unsettling awareness of your own heartbeat.

✧ scabulous: being proud of a certain scar on your body, even if it hurts.

✧ slipfast: the longing to disappear completely, so you can take in the world without having to take part in it.

✧ soufrise: the maddening thrill of an ambiguous flirtation, which quivers in tension halfway between platonic and romantic.

✧ tiris: the bittersweet awareness that all things must end.

✧ the whipgraft delusion: the phenomenon in which you catch your reflection in the mirror and get the sense that you're peering into the eyes of a stranger.

✧ tichloch: the anxiety of never knowing how much time you have left.

✧ tornomov: the weird hollowness of trying to imagine the distant future.

✧ yu yi: the longing to feel things intensely again.

[tempered-chill]

ice to ice communication

w/ @dreamingclockwork

[tempered-chill]

Yanqing had been looking for Welt upon hearing of the Nameless's return back to the Luofu for some supply runs. There were a few questions that he had been meaning to ask the other man - namely, although it had been quite awhile, about the fight against Phantylia. The conductor was more than happy to let him aboard, and he greeted them with a bright smile and a pat to the head.

The express hadn't changed - still elegant and well-kept as always. However, it seemed that recently, they had been really putting it up a notch with the cleaning... Yanqing wonders why that's so, when he spots the culprit - is culprit a right term to use in this situation? - of the newfound cleanliness.

A boy Yanqing had never seen before is standing there with a mop, sweeping the floors. He doesn't seem to have noticed Yanqing's entrance to the Express. The lieutenant then proceeded to realize that he was probably a new member of the Express - if he's on, seems at home, and Yanqing hasn't seen him before, it's the most logical conclusion to come to. So, therefore, the young boy walks over to the blue-haired boy with a cheerful smile.

"Hello! I don't think we've met before! I'm Yanqing, of the Luofu - it's a pleasure," he says, extending his hand to the Nameless member.

@dreamingclockwork

[dreamingclockwork]

Sweep sweep, sweep sweep…

With a repeating motion, Misha was hard at work in the Astral Express’ parlor car, getting rid of any dirt or grime that may have found its way on the floor. In the dreaming boy’s head however he was currently locked in a dangerous battle against evil bacteria, to soothe the aches of a hurting whale. Not to worry, Mister Whale! Captain Misha and his crew are on the job! Next time though, don’t drink so much Soulglad, okay?

Humming lightly to himself, mimicking one of Miss Robin’s most famous songs, Misha was so in his own world that he missed the hiss of the passenger door opening, and the sound of footsteps. It wasn’t until he turned around- and came face to face with an unfamiliar boy, that reality started to set back in.

“Eep!” The boy let out a somewhat undignified squeak, caught off guard at the sudden arrival. “O-Oh, sorry! You, um.. You surprised me..” Putting a gloved hand to his mouth he laughed lightly, feeling a little bit embarrassed. “Nice to meet you, Mister Yanqing..!” He said, with a small curtsy. The boy before him only looked a little bit older than him. However, the Luofu had many long living species.. He’d hate to be rude or disrespectful by accident. “My name is Misha, I’m lucky to call myself a new passenger of the express.”

Misha took the others hand at that moment, his grip soft and a little delicate. “Is there something the express can help you with today…?” He asked, a gentle smile reciprocating the blond boy’s cheerful expression.

[dreamingclockwork]

Easing Into It

(Crystallize, Belobog Conflict, Caelus & Misha)

[dreamingclockwork]

Within the passenger car of the Astral Express its most recent recruit, young Misha, was pacing back and forth anxiously, biting on the tip of his gloved thumb lightly. He felt as if someone had just used Clockwork on him, his stomach in knots. For the fourth time today he opened the bag at his hip, checking for supplies. “Snacks, water bottles, medicine, bandages, spare gloves, pocket watch, sanitizer…” Check, check, and quadruple checked. For the fourth time, everything he imagined he might need was in there, and then some.

Today was to be his first official expedition outside of Penacony, a momentous occasion for the boy. They were going to a place called Belobog, so Misha wanted to make double, no, triple sure he wouldn’t mess up. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. No way was he going to let his clumsiness make trouble for the amazing trailblazers, no way! This was officially the start of his adventure, he was going to make the most of it!

While anxiety definitely was the most prevalent emotion, under it also hung a deep sense of excitement. To think, he had the chance to travel among the stars, together with the people he admired so much.. Sometimes he still felt like he should pinch himself, to make sure it wasn’t all a lovely dream.

“Okay…!” Holding his hands to his chest, both of them clenched shut, he took a deep breath. This was it, time to make the first step! “I’m ready! I can do this!” He told himself.

One step forward, two steps forward, three-

“Ouch…!” His adventurous stride came to a halt as he bumped into something- or rather, someone. Having fallen to the ground, Violet eyes looked upwards until they met gold belonging to the grey haired trailblazer.

“Ahhh..! Mister Caelus…!” Scrambling upright, the bellboy quickly bowed as respectfully as he could, a furious blush of embarrassment reddening soft cheeks. “Sorry.. sorry about that! I wasn’t, um.. I didn’t notice you were standing there…” Oh great, they hadn’t even disembarked and he was already making a mess of things… “I just wanted to say that, uh.. I’m ready to depart!”

@trailblczed