People Believe In Me

E. Aster Raymond You can call me Ray or Raymond, but if I catch ya callin' me 'Aster', there'll be hell to pay! I'm from Australia, and I'm just campin' out here for awhile 'til I get back on my feet. If you're here to complain about Overland, you can turn your hide right around and shove off! I've got enough problems as it is! If you're here for a commission, step right in! I'm an artist, if you haven't heard.

[its-about-hope]

A Time of Grieving || Ray & Jane

[strangerslike-us-deactivated201]

Jane gratefully took the handkerchief from the man. “Thank you” she said her tears beginning to stop. She then took the handkerchief and rubbed at her eyes, brushing away the still fresh tears. “No, you don’t have to go, you were here first anyway. And beside I’m not sure if I want to be alone right now” she said. After hearing her voice come from her mouth, she couldn’t believe her eye. She sounded so desperate and needy, that wasn’t like her.

[its-about-hope]

Raymond offered a small smile, empathetic to her struggle. He knew that emotion well. "Okay," he replied, turning and looking back to the rows of gravestones. "I'll stay as long as you need me. You can take my hand, if you need it." It sounded like such a stranger offer on the surface, but grief was.. painful. He knew it helped to have someone there.

[its-about-hope]

A Time of Grieving || Raymond and Sanford

[sanfordmann]

It had been a while since Sanford sat down, but he did not mind his resting company. The time gave him respite to daydream and ponder about all the little things in life. His imagination ran wild within the cracks and spaces of the day and there was no exception today. Sanford dreamt up an epic battle against his friend’s depression. He was on his motorcycle, flying though the vast map of Raymond’s mind, darkened with cancerous masses of sadness and despair that seemed to form a never ending maw. He battled with gumption, ripping up the blackness and banishing it away.

It seemed that the soft scowl impressed upon his friend’s face lightened for a brief moment before stirring. Sanford finished up his mental battle as if his efforts truly relieved Raymond; the mute man could see flowers and green grass and pastel colors everywhere that was previously tar black.

His daydreaming was shut down was his name slipped from Raymond’s lips. He gave his friend a knowing smile, before shrugging lightly. He was here for the gruff artist, even if he did not need to come. He was not dragged here, he was here because he was needed. Sanford rose his eyebrows, a silent nonobligatory question, an open invitation, reassurance that he was not leaving that easily. 

[its-about-hope]

His short time in Storybrooke had taught him a few key elements in Sanford's character. One, that he was an amazing listener, and nothing Raymond said seemed to pass him. Raymond groaned, rubbing his forehead to help shake the exhaustion. Sanford had come of his own accord. Did he remember? That today.. what it meant to him?

"Thanks," he mumbled, voice still heavy and strained from sleep. He cleared his throat, sitting a little straighter attempting to waken himself. "It was nothing.. just a nightmare." Though Raymond had the feeling Sanford already knew that. He went silent for a moment, eyes distant and heavy. He hated nightmares.. He rarely experienced them nowadays.. "I use to have nightmares as a kid. My ma always saved me from them.. I miss them." It had been years. The pain never really left. He just.. learnt how to live with it. "I'm okay," he assured, taking a deep breath. "You didn't have to come.. But I'm glad you did anyway."

[perfectlymarvelouspiper]

I think it's pretty || Piper & Raymond

[perfectlymarvelouspiper]

"It’s not everyone’s favorite. I just love water. Can’t help myself. I prefer fresh water though." She nodded. She’d be just as content sitting with her toes in a shallow stream. It was the one thing she didn’t make sexual. Though, a little fun in the water would make her day if she was honest. "The water doesn’t warm up as quickly as the air. It’s a bit too cold to swim until later June or July. Later if it’s the ocean." If he didn’t swim, and more so in Maine. He wouldn’t know that. She just nodded. She loved her job, but that actually hindered her having much of a life outside of it, she was well aware.

[its-about-hope]

"June and July.." he repeated in thought, frowning in thought. "That's.. Summer here. Come on, it can't be that bad in Spring." Well, Maine was a fairly cold place. "I'll just stick to the dry ground. My old man took me out on a boat once." Raymond scoffed a laugh, shaking his head. "Took me three days to get over. I can swim, I'm decent at it too, but I like ground too much."

[its-about-hope]

E is for... || Birds' Game || Piper & Raymond

[perfectlymarvelouspiper]

Piper was indeed on stage, down to nearly nothing, just the important bits covered, as she never showed more than that on stage. If they wanted the full deal they’d have to try a little harder than walking into a bar. She was in mid finale of her performance and caught the eye of someone she’d never expected to see here. Aww— how sweet. Had he come here just to see her? She nearly laughed, he looked so uncomfortable he hadn’t even looked at the stage more than a second. She finished her dance, blowing a kiss to the crowd and sauntered off stage. After all, her fans hated to see her go but they loved to watch her leave.

She slipped out back, gathering the discarded costume bits and headed to her changing room. Intentionally pulling on the tightest fitting dress with cut outs on the side so it left little to the imagination and then pulling on a pair of heels. She was curious what Raymond was doing here and had to find out. He was squirmy enough around her alone never mind being in her place of work. A place where just about everyone acted like she did and some dressed even more provocatively.

Heading out to the crowd she made her way to the bar, ordering her usual she looked for Raymond in the crowd. Where had he gotten off too? She walked around the bar once her drink arrived and found him. Walking over she smirked, waving to him as she approached. “So handsome, what are you doing here? Doesn’t seem like your type of hang out. Not that I’m complaining. Did you like the show?”

[its-about-hope]

Raymond couldn't bring himself to look. He was out of place, uncomfortable and jumpy. People were too close to him, making cat calls and whispering lewd comments among each other. He wanted to shove everyone who pressed on him too hard back, but he knew starting something would get him thrown on his ass himself. Not that he didn't think he couldn't handle a few bouncers, but if they were trying to drag him out he wasn't going to protest.

He didn't know if Piper saw him or not. In fact, he was certain she hadn't. Among so many? He'd have to find her.. later. When she wasn't on stage. The crowd changed, seeming disappointed for a moment before he noted the grins on their faces. He did not want to see what they were smiling about.. Huffing, Raymond put distance between him and the stage where the crowd was thinner, and he didn't feel like every asshole was rubbing shoulders with him. He didn't know how he was going to find her.. However, he didn't have to search long before he spotted her heading towards him, drink in hand. Thank God.

"The wh-" He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. No.. he barely saw the show. "I'm here to see you. Not! Not.. 'see' you but see you. Jesus." Raymond hissed at himself, annoyed when he felt his face burn. This.. this wasn't turning out anyway like he hoped, and he hadn't even started. Was his secret really worth the price? "Look, you know that little gossip.. thing. Those.. birds or whatever, they've got something on me, and they're blackmailing me."

[its-about-hope]

Not My Lucky Day || Mary & Raymond

[redwaywardarcher-deactivated201]

"Its okay I have a very dry sense of humor which is why sarcasm iss like my go to jokes. Not that many people find it funny." It was true most times nobody understood her sarcasm and shed have to explain herself and tell them that of course she really hadn’t meant what she said. "Good thoughts help a lot." She had to think good things or the bad things would swallow her whole.

"I’m going to keep telling you I don’t need anything really laundry is way more important than a soda that I wouldn’t feel satisfied with so hush." Mary was very stubborn herself and she wasn’t going to let him pay her back over something she could very easily fix on her own. "But it would have been a hassle so it’s nothing really."

[its-about-hope]

He nodded, though crossed his arms at the thought. It was a bad day, no matter how he looked at it. It was just fact. Of course, thinking happier might keep him sane, but happy thoughts didn't dry his clothes.

"You can keep tellin' me 'til you'rre blue in the face. I owe you, no matter how you look at it. Ain't gonna change this, Blue," he reached up, tapping a finger to his template. "Well, thanks. You still didn't have to do it. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you did. I wouldn't have taken it if I knew though."

[its-about-hope]

Gardening Tips || Raymond & Quinn

[theborderatsunset-deactivated20]

"Oh, your an artist, that sounds fun" she smiled back at him. "Well, I guess we have something in common, flowers are a huge part of my life, not just because I’m florist" she told him watching as he looked over the array of flower options. "They seem to always bring a brightness in a room"

[its-about-hope]

Raymond hummed in agreement. He knew exactly what she was saying. They were life. Beautiful and vibrant, or sometimes subtle and humble. Like people, they each had an aura of their own. But each and everyone was stunning. "It is fun, as long as you're enjoyin' yourself and not spending too much time on one project. Spend too long on one, and you'll drive yourself bonkers. As for the flowers, as long as they're cared for properly, they make everything.. lively. A few flowers can change a room."

[its-about-hope]

Not My Lucky Day || Mary & Raymond

[redwaywardarcher-deactivated201]

Mary giggled shaking her head in laughter causing her curls to bounce wildly all over the place before she spoke to him, “No I was kidding, I like my hair the way it is plus you are right blue and red dont go well together. I don’t think I’ll ever dye my hair. So no worries I promise.” She smiled shrugging, “Doesn’t matter if your big or small and hoping is the only way to make it through life.”

Mary shook her head frowning, not really liking that he hit himself over something so simple. “Don’t worry I can survive without a soda clean clothes are more important you dont owe me anything.”

[its-about-hope]

"Ahh," Raymond responded, glad to hear. "Sorry, I'm not use to.. jokes. Sarcasm. These things go over my head." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. His humour lied more in the direct and dry manner. "Too true," he agreed. Hope fulled life, and fought off fear. No one knew that more than him.

"Nah, mate, I do. N'I don't want you tryin' to tell me different." Raymond was stubborn.It took a great deal of strength, or patience, to change his mind. "Y'didn't need to do it. Wouldn'ta killed me to go back home again."

[its-about-hope]

Gardening Tips || Raymond & Quinn

[theborderatsunset-deactivated20]

"Yes, I believe so" she said giving a little chuckle. She then smiled up at the who was considerably taller than her. "Yes, it is my job after all" she told him with a friendly tone. "I’m surprised, I don’t see to many men interested in flowers, unless their buying them for a loved one" she said making a observation.

[its-about-hope]

Raymond breathed a laugh, returning the smile with a lopsided one of his own. "No loved one for me, m'afraid. I'm an artist. And I wouldn't be a good one if my home didn't scrub up. But I, uh, do life flowers," he admitted, eyeing over the different flower options. He knew it wasn't stereo-typically 'manly', but he wasn't one to care. "Pretty fond of 'em, actually."

[its-about-hope]

A Time of Grieving || Ray & Jane

[strangerslike-us-deactivated201]

Jane stood in the cemetery, visiting her mum. Someday’s she just felt like she needed to visit her, tell about how dad and Dawn were doing, just be near her. Even if she couldn’t speak back. She missed her mom so much, she had been her best friend, and after she died Jane changed. She became guarded and critical, never letting her guard down, except for the time she couldn’t keep it in any longer. Those were the worst, they would just come out of nowhere, a rush of emotions never stopping.

So she had thought it best to let those feeling out to the one person she knew would understand, and even if she couldn’t talk back to her, she truly felt that she was listening. Jane then decided it wasn’t best to be sitting on the cold ground, she could catch a cold and opted to sit on the nearby bench, doing her best not to disturb the man who was sitting. But couldn’t help the sniffles she made trying to stop her crying “Sorry to bother you”

[its-about-hope]

With exhaustion catching up to him, Raymond's slumber was disrupted by sniffles. He blinked, leaning back and stretching before regarding the woman beside him. "Bloody oath," he hissed, digging into his pocket. He didn't like people crying. Especially in such a somber place. Pulling out a handkerchief, he offered it to her. "S'not a bother, love. 'Ere. It's clean." 

Looking back out at the rows of gravestones, he bowed his head lightly. He felt drained. "M'sorry," he offered. He didn't need to ask why she was here. Why else? "I can go if you want to be alone. I already said my good byes."

[its-about-hope]

A Time of Grieving || Raymond and Sanford

[sanfordmann]

Sanford had been extremely busy attempting to catch up on his bills lately; he had put out fliers and took on extra jobs. At this point, he was willing to the odd handyman job. All his extra efforts left him distanced from his friends, something that did not sit well with the unconventional man.

It had only taken the brunet a few moments of wonder to figure out what his buddy Raymond would be up to on a day such as this one. His suspicion was confirmed as he traveled up the foothill to the cemetery. There on a bench, that the Aussie deemed his own, was the worn, exhausted form of his dear friend.

Silently, as Sanford did most things, he took a seat aside the artist and relaxed into the wood. He did not want to disturb Raymond, instead happy to watch over his sleeping form and daydream until his  consciousness was found. He wistfully hoped that his presence alone would be enough to drive away the demons haunting his friend’s dreams.  

[its-about-hope]

Raymond was drifting, not quite asleep yet his mind was a haze, sounds and sensation dulled. Fear and loss trapped him, memories and broken emotion flashing as he teetered on unconsciousness. It happened more than he liked to admit. Fear. God, he hated it. He hated being fearful. He desperately tried to fight it off, memories of his parents and the hope they instilled in him. But memories weren't quite enough, and Raymond found himself slipping further into a nightmare.

Something changed as quick as it had come. A warming presence, his features softening as the fear fled, leaving only numbing sadness. Blinking, Raymond leaned back up, his senses slowly returning to him. He didn't notice Sanford straight away, his stillness avoiding Raymond's notice. Coming to his senses, he turned and flinched away, shoulders stiff from surprise before taking in what had startled him. "Sandy," he mumbled, rubbing an eye with the palm of his hand, "Sorry, mate. Didn't see you there." Stretching his back, he shifted slightly, so he was partly facing Sandy. A usual stance he took whenever with Sanford, easier for him to read the other. "I'm fine. Sorry to drag you out 'ere. You didn't need to come."

[its-about-hope]

Gardening Tips || Raymond & Quinn

[theborderatsunset-deactivated20]

Quinn smiled as she saw the slightly dreamy look in the man’s eyes. It reminded her of when she would get Treven a new fairy tale to read. “It good to meet you too, Ray.” she said with a smile. “Yeah, I am. It kinda helps when your a florist” she joked.

[its-about-hope]

Raymond breathed a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, that might help. Guess I asked the right person, eh?" he asked, amused by his sheer luck. "If y're going to ask someone for gardening tips, I guess a florist is the way to go."

[its-about-hope]

A Time of Grieving || Open

It was Father's Day. Well, in Australia at least. He didn't quite remember when it was here, which hurt a bit when it sprung on him like that. But today was a little.. sorrowful. No one else was celebrating it, and everyone seemed blind to what Raymond was going through. Not that he wanted them to know. But it seemed odd that everyone else went on like normal while Raymond grieved.

He'd spent the morning in the cemetery. Not that his parents were buried there, they were back in Australia, but it seemed fitting to remember them there. To honor them. Especially his father on this day. He'd spent an hour there, talking to himself and rambling on, as if some invisible force were listening. He hoped they were..

And now, Raymond found himself on his usual bench, sitting with his feet crossed at the ankle, watching the pond with half lidded eyes. He didn't sleep much the night before.. and if he were honest, his eyes were dry and itching from long gone tears. Now he just felt empty.. Crossing his arms, he lent forward, head bowed as he rested his eyes.

He really hated Father's Day..

[its-about-hope]

Gardening Tips || Raymond & Quinn

[theborderatsunset-deactivated20]

"Of course, I understand" she smiled at the man. "Azaleas are such a beautiful spring flower, spring is such a beautiful season full of so many different types of flora" she said absentmindedly. "I’m Quinn by the way, and you are?"

[its-about-hope]

"Yeah, it is," Raymond replied, a small smile playing in his lips at the thought. He loved the flowers.. the colour... everything about Spring. It was a beautiful time of the year. Snapping out of thought, he looked back at the woman, "Oh, name's Ray. It's great to meet you. A flower fan, are ya?"

[its-about-hope]

Not My Lucky Day || Mary & Raymond

[redwaywardarcher-deactivated201]

Mary couldn’t help but smile softly it was true the young Scot wanted for people to be more original, “Don’t worry, I really like it much better and different then the usual. It it sticks I might just put blue streaks through my hair.” She was of course joking about dying her hair, she would never do that mostly cause she loved her own hair color it was what made her special. It had taken her some time to figure it out but she did figure it out eventually. “I really hope you don’t that would be very unfortunate.” She nodded with him about everyone having an off day it happened to everyone even her.

She giggled and shrugged, “Its nothing really I can survive without a soda, you need to do your laundry.”

[its-about-hope]

Raymond looked at her oddly, eyes wide. He hadn't meant it that way at all! "I- um- truly?" he asked, not picking up that she'd only been joking. "Not that there's anything wrong with that it's just.. blue and red clash. They don't mix well at all. But.. hey, don't let me stop ya." Even if it would probably look terrible. "Yeah, I get that I'm a big bloke, but I don't think I'd stand a chance. So 'ere's hoping."

Raymond groaned, slapping himself on the forehead. "Sorry, Blue, I didn't mean to put you out. I owe you two now."

[its-about-hope]

Gardening Tips || Raymond & Quinn

[theborderatsunset-deactivated20]

"Yes, anyone of the could go" she then she hadn’t helped too much since he had a frown on his face. But then she say he had kind of made a choice and she was glad he had at least an idea of what he wanted. "I think purple would be a perfect choice, I think it will really compliment the chalky green color. So, what type of plants are you getting?" she asked curiously.

[its-about-hope]

"Beaut," he replied with a grin, placing the others back. Purple would work great, and was easy to work with if he got the urge to repaint his house again for next Spring. "Just the Azaleas right now," he replied, looking at the decision with pride. "Something that lives through Autumn but clashes with it, y'know? I want to keep a kinda Spring essence, bright colours among the dry leaves. Also something that can survive Winter. With covering, of course." As much as he hated Winter, he knew how to keep his garden alive through the snow.

[its-about-hope]

Gardening Tips || Open

[stella-frost-deactivated2014090]

"I guess, but pink and purple seem too cliche. Everyone always picks pink and purple." Stella sighed. "As for while, they are altogether too bland. They have no color so they will just be overlooked. If you don’t wan to go for blue and you want something to compliment the green but still stand out I would then pick orange or yellow, as they are uplifting, cheery colors."

[its-about-hope]

Raymond groaned, looking back at the stand. This was why he didn't ask people. They couldn't see the planning mapped out in his head. "S'gotta compliment the whole garden, love. Orange and yellow's gonna throw it off. If I change these colours, I have'ta dig out my whole garden." Shaking his head, he placed the pink and white back, deciding on the purple. "Thanks anyway but. They're just not what I'm lookin' for."

[its-about-hope]

Not My Lucky Day || Mary & Raymond

[redwaywardarcher-deactivated201]

Mary cocked her head a little the man had called her blue before but she had originally thought she had heard him wrong but no he was calling her blue again. It caused a smile on her face he had a sense of humor if he could call her blue instead of red like most people would do. “Blue? Huh I like it a lot better then red.” She giggled shaking her head she had the same complex unaware of how hard she was throwing her body or anything really, “If ya say so though I think ya should be careful a good way to make your kinda bad day worse. don’t ya think?”

She couldn’t help her slight dialect slipping out around the aussie man it was easy for her to tell where he came from, maybe she shouldn’t focus so much on covering up the way she talked to sound normal. “You’d think I just think the machine is too old but it has the best sodas in town so I cant get too upset.” She smiled at Raymond.

[its-about-hope]

Red? Raymond tilted his head slightly before it clicked. Oh, right. "Sorry, love. It's an Aussie thing. Y'call red heads Blue." Or Ranger, though that was usually to annoy them. Blue was a kinder nickname. "But, hey, glad y'like it. 'Ope it sticks," he offered with an amused wink. "Unless I get hit by a bus, I don't see my day goin' worse." Or he could run into someone like Pitch or Jack, but he was certain his frame of mind wouldn't change that. "S'just an off day. We all have 'em."

"Uh," he replied with a small nod, eyeing his machine. "I didn't use the last of your change, did I?"