☪︎ ִ ֶ֢࣪⋆ @makeyoufeellikethat - Tumblr Blog

"Forgot how hard looking for a new guitar could be.. Not to mention how expensive they're getting nowadays. Anyone have tips for guitar shopping? My guitar's lasted me awhile, but she'll only get me so far.."

"Ooh! Ooooh! I can help with that, and I've been needing to get new strings!"

"What're you looking for, Mikey? Still going classic or you thinkin' of getting something crazy? Heheh."

"How well-timed.. I'm not looking for anything too different from what I already have. I can only restring and fix mine up so much before it starts giving out on me.. And I'm dangerously close to that point now."

"Whaaaaaat, not going for a Flying V? Shake it up a little, 'sweetheart', give your audience something to think about!...if they even can." She snickers.

"It totally depends on if you wanna use an acoustic, or an electric guitar? There's hybrids, too. I feel like a Hammer XT would suit you pretty well if you're not just getting another dread."

"You know it wouldn't fit the vibe I go for in my shows.. The fans are used to what I've already established, no need to 'shake it up' or something." The last part only warrants a pointed look.

"Um.. I guess acoustic? It's all I've ever had.." He looks increasingly lost. "But I.. guess whatever you thinks would work best could be fine too? I think? Maybe I'll just browse a bit before I make any sort of decision-"

Molly just kind of stares at him, and shakes her head with a tense smile. "Oh, sure! Cause your musical identity is what they're coming for! Not like it's impossible to disappoint them!"

"ANYWAY. Fine. But can we at least get something that isn't a default dreadnought. Like. Get a fender in black or cherry red or something."

"Act like you give a shit about what you're holding on stage, 'stead of just going along with it."

#tlb rp #michael's responses #catch-more-bees-with-honey #// he Knows his ass is gonna get beat hes not gonna try and say anything/silly

Michael stares back blankly, before making the smart decision of looking away and shrugging his shoulders. "Well, I like what I have in place, so I don't wanna change too much.."

"Sure, like I said, I'm good with whatever you think is best. But now that I think about it, will the alternatives be expensive too? Maybe it would best if I just go with the uh.. dreadnought."

.. He'll pretend he didn't hear that.

"Come join my dysfunctional family, I promise nothing bad will ever happen to you.."

“Can’t say I don’t have any concerns about this-When you say it like that, Michael it sounds like you’re encouraging your ‘fans’ to join a goddamn cult made up in your own image. Really would rather not be involved with whatever it is your planning now-Ever turn on a tv in your life? Not all that encouraging of a recruitment or indoctrination process…Leaves a lot to be desired if I’m being honest.”

"Don't tell me you think so poorly of me, David? There's nothing about any of this that's like a cult, as you put it.. I'm just trying to offer a safe space for my people! You're always invited, you know- Would never turn you or anyone else away from my cave- Or, doors, if that's more comforting.. Can't say I've had access to a.. TV for a bit, but I'm not trying to recruit anyone.. It's all up to you if you want to join me. Would never try to take that choice away from you."

“Well, you’ve yet to give me much reason to know how to feel about you, Michael…Nice try-I know a sweet talker when I see one. Call me a cynic to that flowery mindset you got but does a safe place like the one your proposing truly even exist? Most people who say they have your best interests in heart rarely ever do-Just another mind game to sell you something. Something tells me there’s something in it for you or you’re not telling us the full truth of what you really want with us…Besides, it may not seem like a lot in comparison to ‘your doors’ but I don’t mind where I am all that much…While it’s lacking in comfort it’s plenty survivable for us with thick enough skin to last. It is cute of you to worry about me though, doll. Don’t know if I like seeing you or anyone else for that matter either all desperate and worried for me.”

"Mm, that's fair enough, David.. Guess that just means we'll have to get to know each other better, huh? I'd hate for you to have the wrong impression of me.. I'm not trying to sweet talk you, just saying what's true.. Which is that my home is much safer than anywhere else here in Santa Carla. Nobody can really reach my home without me anyway.. And what would I be selling, anyway? All I'm interested in is everyone's happiness.. I'll do whatever it takes to achieve it. That's not too bad, is it? Pursuing happiness shouldn't be a fruitless endeavor, I will always find a way to make my people happy.. Never tried to discredit you or.. where you stay at all, David, I'm just saying that a place of comfort might not be as bad as you think it will be.. Isn't it tiring always trying to survive? I could give you a nice place to land.. Even if I know you'll probably be up and on your feet before I can even blink. And you deserve the worry, boy.. Don't get to cross paths with me without me taking the time to worry about you."

“If you wanted to get to know me better you could’ve just lead with that. Wouldn’t have bit you for it. Neither did you have to add in all the cryptic mind game shit first-Dontcha see how that could come off a certain way to a guy like me? And what makes you so safe? Trust me, Michael, I’ve lived long enough like this to know how to hold my own weight down without needing anyone else to carry me over. Not sure yet-All I’ve ever known is that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is-Kindness is a luxury given by people who pity the ones of us who have less than them…Think I haven’t been able to find better? Once I’ve got a job I won’t need the handout. Would rather live without chains or consequences than be indebted to someone else even if they have a kind smile. You may think I do, but I don’t. If it comes down to it I’ll just go somewhere else along the shore. I always do. Never stay around for longer than I need-have no reason to. Santa Carla’s far from the first stop on my road. Your worry is better saved for your set list and investing in better entertainment options if you don’t have a TV than it is with me. Gotta at least have a radio or else you’re the oldest man I’ve ever met who doesn’t look a day over 20. No wonder you give some of ‘em around here the heebie-jeebies.”

"Ha, but where's the fun in that? Caught your attention at least, didn't it? Funny choice of words there, David.. Don't think you realize who would be biting who. But alright, I can put off the mind games as you call them, but to me it's all the same sort of conversation.. Just takes a specific kind of person to get them, and it's alright if that isn't you. All you gotta do is take one look around Santa Carla.. You'll see why I'm the safest bet around here real quick. Call it pity, call it whatever you wish, I'm just trying to make sure those who need a place to stay have one.. And something tells me you could use that place more than you want to let on. It's not a handout if I'm just offering.. You make of it whatever you want to, it's your choice if you want to see it as something bad.. I'd never put you in debt of me, boy, all this comes from the goodness of my heart..! Can understand why you wouldn't trust in that alone though, you seem awfully weary for someone who just arrived in this town.. Not that I doubt your ability to look after yourself, but that all sounds so tiring.. I'd know. Life on the run isn't nearly as fun as the books try to make it sound.. Just because I worry about myself doesn't mean I don't have the room for you either.. And entertainment doesn't really matter too much to me, you should know I prefer the live action more than anything.. Radio and TV wouldn't fit in my home anyway, I much prefer the quiet.. And hey, not my fault people don't understand me, everyone's always so quick to fear the unknown."

“Look at that then…We got an attention whore on our hands! They say: ‘all attention is good attention’-I say: I can’t imagine people who think like that have been living their life as a ghost like me…Think you got bite then? Hmm, I’d like to see you try…Something tells me that would clash against your whole thing of pretending to be just the sweetest boy there ever was-Really committing to the gimmick you got going on. I’ll give it to ya there, you have your muscles and strength but wouldn’t doubt it that there are bigger guys around. Besides, don’t let my own frame fool you I’ve won more fights than I’ve lost, friend. Tougher kind than I appear. Ah, is that how it is? Enough with the shit. Come on-Tell me what you’re really thinking-and what you’re feeling. Gonna leave me haunted in all your ambiguity forever…We both know you’re offering because you think I’m homeless. But! When you live the life of a runaway you call “home” everywhere you go so-then I’m never truly without, right? Goodness of your heart, huh? Really…Aren’t you a saint? Nothing more lovely than you…Sure you’re not just looking for more attention and a way to cure the void of loneliness? ‘Cause if so I bet one of those many fans who get high off your music could give you that and tell ya how wonderful you really are. Think of me however you want-weary is one way to describe it. I look at it more as ‘having experience’. Moving around and seeing the world does that to you in time. Maybe I’ve just taken up with sleeping outside but I don’t mind the quiet either-a rare place for us to agree, isn’t it? Unlike the others, I don’t fear what I don’t understand-I’m fascinated by it…Anything I can’t see or explain that can make me feel something at all worth knowing. You’ve made yourself out to be quite the enigma, Michael-how could you ever expect me to want to look away?”

"Ah, are we resorting to name calling now? Oh, how you wound me.. Seeking attention isn't such a bad thing, don't you want to be a performer? Gotta get used to looking out for the eyes on you.. Bold one, aren't you? Not my fault if everyone sees me the way they do.. Aren't you special for thinking you see beyond the facade? If you wanted something real from me, I could give it to you.. Just depends on whether or not you can handle it. Never a good thing to underestimate people, you know.. I don't doubt your ability to handle yourself in the slightest, boy. Most people don't last too long out here without being able to hold their own, and you certainly are proving to be strong enough to do so.. Still, a life alone is a life unfulfilled, isn't it? I'm being as open as a book here! But I suppose I can let you in on my thoughts.. Frame it as hopefully as you want, at the end of the day not having that safe place to land gets exhausting. How much longer can you stay on the run before it wears on you? Already seems like it's doing so.. Surely you'd understand how this all seems to me? When I can offer that safe place, why shouldn't I? Think you understand how my mind works? I'll admit, you're not too far off.. But again, is it ever a crime to want to be rid of that loneliness? My fans will always sing my praise, but you.. You seem eager to speak your opinion, and I'm more than happy to stop and listen. Don't doubt your experience either.. You look like you have stories for days in those eyes of yours. Happy to find something to agree on, you always seem so eager to do the opposite with me.. That makes you your own sort of enigma in comparison to everyone else, boy- I hope one day I'll be able to satisfy that curiosity of yours, David.. Even if I'm sure you won't like what you find."

“For someone who always boasts about their own strengths so often you seem to get more than a little fragile when around me, Michael. Don’t always appear to like what I have to say about you-Maybe ‘cause you’re so used to everyone telling you how great you are…Buying what your selling-it’s fools gold you sell to other fools who haven’t seen it all before. How-awful of a problem is it for you to have…Never said I didn’t want attention. It’d be nice to exist as something more than I am now…And-Trust me, whatever ‘real thing’ you’ve got going on to show me they don’t all see I can handle. Still wouldn’t take to underestimating me either…Known enough to see you have some kind of dark secret lurking behind those bright eyes of yours. I’d rather be alone forever and have everything I’ve ever dreamed about than be a part of something where I’m stagnant exactly as I am now. Some would call me a big dreamer but…Nah, I don’t think I’m dreaming for anything too big for me without enough hard work and determination to get it…Think-you know all about what my problem is but I can assure you right here and now you only think you do but you don’t. Nothing is wearing me down the way you think it is. I’ve got as much time as I need to figure it all out if I use it right…Without any divine interventions needed-Got a job, got a couple friends in town already that aren’t you-what do you have to give I don’t or can’t find on my own? Looks to me like you’re coming up empty, friend~You really want to know what I think of you? Well, be my guest. Seat’s all yours, Michael-alone and at the center…Just how you like it. You’re lonely-conceited…hiding whatever crimes and real personality you got under a sweet smile and everyone falls for it, tell everyone you’re a saint all you like and they all eat it up and I think…You can’t get enough of how I’m the only one around saying what we both know is true…You’re obsessed with me for whatever reason you are…But, you coddle me like I’m a baby you’re supposed to take care of. I’m older than you presumably. Seen more of the world…done things you can’t even fathom nor know…I’m not afraid of you, Michael and I never will be. You’re just such a sweet boy who could do no wrong to me, right? Fucking liar.”

#tlb rp #michael's responses #lostandlookingforthelight #// i Heart whatever is wrong with them forever #// the more i write him the more im shaking my head. dude youre not convincing anyone who do you think you are

"Is that so bad? If I were you, I'd be happy to see the mighty fall.. Admit it, you probably take a thrill out of shaking me up so often. Not that I can blame you.. Most people never see this side of me, or get to tell the tale.. Even if you seem to insult me and this whole show I've got going on, it's been running this long for a reason.. As long as the fools keep coming back then my world will keep on spinning. Just saying, you made it seem like me seeking attention out was a bad thing, even if you're looking for the same sort of thing.. I'm sure you'll spread your wings and become something bigger than anything you could imagine. I'll take your word for it, David.. Just try not to regret giving me the opportunity later. Dark secret doesn't really cover it all, but you probably don't wanna sit and listen to me talk about all of it.. Not like I'd want to share it all now anyway. Being mysterious is probably the one thing keeping you around.. But! Wouldn't being alone leave you stagnant anyway? Chasing dreams by yourself might not fulfill you in the end.. I'm sure you know the ache of loneliness better than most people would. At least in the company of someone, you could chase after a better world together. You've got a lot more grit and will than most people I've seen.. It's admirable, but you can only get so far in the world with that alone. Suit yourself, though.. Never meant to make a huge assumption about you or what you're going through. I was just speaking from what I know.. I'm happy you're taking steps for yourself, boy, truly. Just know that I'm coming from a place your friends certainly aren't, and I'm more than happy to give you a taste of what my life is truly like, walls down and all.. I'd say you're hurting my feelings, but you really are good at reading me, hm? Lonely, conceited, hiding.. Some of my best traits, if I do say so myself. Clearly it's not enough to scare you off, though.. Nothing wrong with a little obsession, it just keeps life more interesting.. And you aren't far off from a baby bird in my eyes, needing that tender nature to foster and fly.. Age has nothing to do with experience, now does it? Guess both of us have done things the other wouldn't believe.. But that does make me happy to hear, David. The last thing I want is for you to be scared of me, after all.. I wouldn't do wrong by you, if that's what we're talking about."

"Ooh! Ooooh! I can help with that, and I've been needing to get new strings!"

"What're you looking for, Mikey? Still going classic or you thinkin' of getting something crazy? Heheh."

"Whaaaaaat, not going for a Flying V? Shake it up a little, 'sweetheart', give your audience something to think about!...if they even can." She snickers.

"It totally depends on if you wanna use an acoustic, or an electric guitar? There's hybrids, too. I feel like a Hammer XT would suit you pretty well if you're not just getting another dread."

#tlb rp #michael's responses #catch-more-bees-with-honey #// pov me using my cluelessness in guitars and projecting it on him/silly

"You know it wouldn't fit the vibe I go for in my shows.. The fans are used to what I've already established, no need to 'shake it up' or something." The last part only warrants a pointed look.

Take it from someone who knows better: if you got no one left to trust in the world never get involved with the one who advertises themselves as a “sweetheart”…Shouldn’t that be a moniker developed more naturally-with lots of time and effort given to it?

Admit it, we all know who I’m talking about deep down.

Michael.

"Who's to say I didn't put time and effort into developing this title of mine, David? Seems you're as happy as ever to doubt me.. Have I not been sweet enough to you? Or maybe you just always have to misread my intentions.."

“Never said it was about you, Michael. Just imparting my own knowledges on the way the world works to people who might need it. Ever thought to yourself you’re the one trying to misread my intentions? If you’re the ‘Santa Carla sweetheart’ as you proudly proclaim then what am I in comparison to you?”

"Lying, are we? That's alright, you probably feel bad being caught talking about me behind my back.. Would you have any sort of knowledge you'd like to give me, then? Hard to feel like I'm misreading anything when it's what I see, but I'll take your word for it.. You're whatever you wanna be, David. Nobody's giving you a name but yourself out here."

“Calling me a liar, friend? A bold claim coming from you, isn’t it? We both know you lie more than a rug on the rotting boardwalk ground. Something tells me any kind of advice I could give you you already know or wouldn’t accept the truth of at all…Stubborn, Michael…If perception is-your reality than it’s mine too, especially with how evidently warped your own is. It was a rhetorical question-Didn’t need your answer. Already know exactly who I want to be and how to get it. I promise you it isn’t the town hearthrob…One’s already enough of those nor could I ever be you if I tried…We’re both more different than similar.”

#tlb rp #michael's responses #lostandlookingforthelight

"You know what they say, it takes one to know one, right? I'm certain everything you've perceived as a lie from me has had its good reasons behind it.. Aw, you should know I love all sorts of feedback, and if anyone's opinions around here are going to be interesting enough for me to take into consideration, it'll be yours. Reality's whatever you want to make out of it.. Seems obvious ours are quite different. Shouldn't have thrown a question if you didn't want an answer, but I know you don't like listening to me.. Like I'll always say, I'm excited to see what you make of yourself. For all the characters in Santa Carla, there's still so many yet to be filled.. Your role's just waiting for you to take and grab it."

I gotta admit you do look nice, Michael. Even if I really do have my doubts on the “sweetheart” allegations you got.

- @lostandlookingforthelight

"Oh my, David's paying me a compliment? Must be my lucky day! Why doubt what people see so clearly in me? If you're the only one with a difference in opinion, maybe you're the one whose allegations are false.."

You always make this so much harder than it has any reason to be, Michael. “Just cause everyone says something doesn’t always make it true. If everyone you ever knew in your life jumped right off a bridge would you too? There’s no need of you to make it a thing when it isn’t one. Just said you looked ‘nice’ was all there was to it. Anyone with eyes can see that.”

"Not one to follow the crowd, I take it? It's a good principle to have.. But a common opinion tends to have something grounded in it, just because you might not like it doesn't make it any less true.. Don't see anything wrong in jumping off bridges, it shows who you trust or not. Ah, but you're right, maybe you just bring it out of me, boy.. I'll take the chance to say thank you, I'm happy to finally impress you in some way."

“Never would choose to follow the crowd if I didn’t have to, Michael…Those of you who follow and obey without question are lambs lining themselves up to be slaughtered by monsters disguising themselves as man. Trust isn’t something given out freely, it’s something you earn and asking friends to die for them by going off a bridge isn’t gonna get you all that far at parties I don’t think. Not that I would know. You’re welcome though…even if you’re still acting like I handed you the world for saying you were ‘attractive’…”

#tlb rp #michael's responses #lostandlookingforthelight

"Of course, silly me to expect anything different from you.. You are very stubborn in your ways, aren't you? Hah.. Don't think you realize just how close you are to the truth of that, maybe the monsters people try to avoid are closer than they'd expect. You never know.. Trust is easily earned around here, from my experience. You'd be surprised what people would do for each other around here.. Santa Carla isn't exactly known for not dealing in extremes. Don't think you understand how special you are, David.. Haven't had someone's compliments shake me up like this in a while."

// i will forever love the contrast between performance michael and everyday michael. people who know him from his shows get the best of him but anytime he encounters someone who doesn't know him he's quite frankly his true self: a dumbass 😭😭😭😭

#michael's hcs #<- not technically BUT i do love yapping abt this guy so. it counts

Yo, Mike…

Hey, you good, man? You seem more distant as of late. Have you eaten lately?

@holland-the-ghost

"Hm?" Michael's gaze drifts from.. whatever he was staring at before he looks back at the ghost, a careful smile slipping onto his lips as he shakes his head. "Ah, sorry, just been.. distracted lately.. But now that you mention it, it is getting around that time of the month, huh?" He always did hate hunting.. But it was a necessary evil.

#tlb rp #tlb au #the lost boys rp #the lost boys musical rp #michael emerson roleplay #michael's asks #holland-the-ghost

closed starter for @thebloodmoonrises for sable !

Michael had always been running. Ever since he was young, he learned how to run from his problems, to run from his hurts. Having a father that would rather have you face down on the ground than talk to you certainly did that.. And despite his every attempt to do otherwise, it was never a habit he learned to shake off. If you included the decades of isolation, well.. it was probably something he would never learn to shake off.

Nobody really told him what to do anymore, and he preferred it that way.. But that lack of structure often left him with a yearning, aching need for the family he once had. Usually, he would ignore it, put it towards writing another shitty song or stare at the ceiling of the Ironworks factory until his head spun. But maybe it was the fact Sam's birthday was creeping closer, or maybe it was simply that he missed him so much, but he found himself thinking back to how his little brother begged his mom for the newspaper so he could read the comic strips. Newspapers didn't run all the way out to him.. Maybe he could go look for one on the boardwalk?

What he found instead left him reeling. A comic book store, not that he had ever even heard of comic books before this, wasn't too far from where he would usually loiter around the boardwalk. He was glad it seemed to still be open, hoping he could slip in and out just to browse and see what they had. Distantly, he contemplated picking out a book to bring home and read like Sammy was still there.. He didn't seem to notice the worker standing nearby, eyes wide and searching over every single comic book with awe. The comics world had certainly stepped its game up since he last saw anything.. He wondered if Sam ever got the chance to look into them.

thebloodmoonrises

Sable was running the family business. Today it was just him at the helm, however.

No annoying siblings running around, or even his mother with how late in the night it was. He tends to be the closer as it's safer that way.

The Punk looking cashier eyes widen a little at the admittedly attractive young man as he entered his comic book store.

"Uh...Hello! Welcome into Crescent Moon Comics. Can I help you with anything...?"

#tlb rp #michael's responses #thebloodmoonrises

Michael flinched out of his train of thought at the cashier's words, his head snapping almost unnaturally towards him before he brought a smile to his lips, shaking his head. Ah, of course there was a cashier, why would he think he'd be alone?

"No, I'm alright, thank you!" His tone was a bit off, never really one to interact with people outside of his shows, as he shrugged his shoulders. "Just browsing.." His gaze wandered back towards the seemingly endless collection, taking everything in before he hummed. "You wouldn't.. happen to have um.. vintage comics, would you?" That would probably be his best bet, seeing whatever had been made closer to around the time he was turned.. If he wanted to feel connected to Sam, he would have to find what he would assume his brother would've gone for.

// everybody must let me know if i ever miss a thread or a reply. hashtag im lost in my fucking tabs

#the vampire fucker #// still working on my drafts ofc but i am very Paranoid im missing some 😭😭😭😭

“ Could this world exist without you? ” - @makeyoufeellikethat // can we ignore that i still have five billion things to reply to for you. im so sorry i cant resist/silly

“I don’t think it could exist without you.” For once, Star wasn’t nervous to give her admission. She spoke calmly and clearly, as if it was something she had always known. Still, she reached for her usual cover out of habit, quickly humming afterwards, “I, uh, think that’s perfect for the song. Don’t you?” She chewed on the edge of her pencil, staring down at the haphazardly scribbled lyrics covering the sheet as though she was trying to burn a laser hole through it with her eyes.

There was no denying it in Michael's head- He was being genuine in his previous words, almost scarily so. But her hums snapped him out of the trance she unknowingly put him under, and it was almost natural to force an easy smile on his face as he nodded. "It's a great lyric.. I'm sure it'll get into everyone's heads." That was always what he looked for when he was writing songs, anyway- That the lyrics could stick long enough for his fans to keep their eyes glued to him on the stage, even if none of them would be able to repeat it later on.. "You're really good at this." The compliment came out in a blurt as he reviewed the lyrics they had worked on together, his shoulder almost pressed against hers.

It was a terrifying sincerity that haunted Star now, alongside the fact that she’d meant what she said completely. Even worse (or better, so, so much better), he sounded like he had too. But how could she be sure? Especially since she’d been so quick to move from it, just in case he thought it was weird of her to say? “Me and my earworms are rarely wrong,” she joked back, cringing at herself five seconds later. Unknowingly, she pressed her shoulder against his, electricity rippling through her as he returned, “It took a lot of practice. You’re not so bad yourself, you know.” It was meant to be lighthearted, but landed closer to devotional. Her voice lowered, slightly hoarse as she asked him, “What’s the next line?”

#tlb rp #michael's responses #aliveinoverdrive #// ME TOO ME TOO I JUST FEEL BAD FOR SPAMMING YOU FOREVERHABDFJSKKDJD #// BUT TRUST IM DROPPING EVERYTHINT FOR U TOO #// we must be at peace with our five million threads 😇 it is the life we have chosen!/SILLY #// they NEVER have chill they go from strangers to codependent losers REAL quick #// NOTHING COULD GO WRONG EVER !!!!#// im also obsessed with them/srs

Michael wouldn't have been adverse to wearing his heart on his sleeve for her, but he admittedly had been far removed from proper human interaction for a long time.. Even being with someone like this was enough to send his mind racing, grasping for straws that could tell him how exactly he was supposed to act. Still, he knew to laugh at her joke, knew to keep that grin on his face as he watched her. "Mm, I don't doubt that.." The words came off more flirty than he meant to, especially paired with the way he pressed his shoulder against hers in return, more purposeful than she was with the motion. "My lyrics are shit." He deadpanned, twirling the pencil in his hands before sighing, "You're a real genius at it.. Have a good mindset for it." He still took the moment to relish in her devotion, eyes lidded as he looked back at the paper. "Hm.. Maybe something about the world blowing up when you're not with me?" It was meant to be a joke, but the way his gaze stayed leveled on her made it a bit unsettling.

hellooooo? earth to michael? you’re kinda… staring…

( @aliveinoverdrive )

"Hm?" The frankly unsettling blank stare that Michael had locked on Star shifts into a rapid blink, before his usual smile slips back onto his face like nothing had happened. "Oh, Star! Sorry, got a bit lost in my head.." More like he was thinking about the future, but details. "What were you saying?"

“I was saying that you look like you’re starving.” Star’s voice, light and airy, floated across the space between them, a teasing smile on her face. “Do you wanna go grab a bite? Your eyes are all, dark and intense and totally gorgeous — I mean, you look, uh, really concentrated!” She tapped her fingers against her lap, fighting the warmth that had already begun to creep across her cheeks. “Really, though. Are you okay?”

Ah. Starving.. It was approaching that time of the month, wasn't it? Michael's smile tenses for a second before he shakes his head, waving a hand around. "I'm alright, dear.. Just thinking hard. I wouldn't mind grabbing food if you're hungry though." He chuckled as she rambled, eyes lidded with a different kind of hunger as he looked at her.. She really was dangerous, huh? "You think so? Guess I'm just looking at something worth the concentration.." His gaze didn't wander as he nodded. "I'm fine, really. Are you?"

She was going to jump on him if he kept looking at her like that. Star couldn’t have looked away from him if she wanted to. “I’m all good,” was the answer she gave him, also filled with a particular hunger. Her own eyes were darkened as she added, “I’m not hungry.” A lie. “What were you thinking about?” she mused next, lacing her hands together behind her back to keep from reaching for him. “You were totally on a different planet for a moment there.”

Michael rose a brow, even if he was never the most observant, he always could tell a lie when he heard one. "You sure? There's a diner not too far from here.." His head tilted in the direction, and even though he hadn't been in a long time, he would be happy to do what it took to keep one of his favorite humans well-fed. "It's not important." He shrugged, trying to keep the attention of him and definitely failing miserably. "You'll find the longer you're around me that I often get lost in my head."

Star’s heartbeat kicked up, and she swallowed, shaking her head back and forth rapidly. “No, I mean — I don’t want food.” She was definitely still hungry… just not for anything she could technically eat. “I don’t mind you getting lost in your head, Michael,” she said next, quite eager to leave behind her previous words. “If anything, I’m wondering what goes on up there.” It was up to him if he wanted to let her into his world or not, though she hoped he did. “You don’t have to tell me, though. But if you want to… I’m listening.”

Michael's brows lifted, and if he still had blood running through his veins, it definitely would've rushed to his cheeks. A small laugh escaped him, head tilting in a careful manner. "Oh? You are hungry for something though, right?" Bait set out for her, simply to see if she would take it. His expression grew a bit distant as he regarded her, the never-ending fight within him to see just how much he'd let her into his walls.. He was heavily guarded for good reason in his mind, but the last thing he'd want is to drive her away.. Settling for a casual shrug, he leaned back, eyes flitting from her to the air above. "Nothing you need to worry about, Star.. Just all the little details for my shows and stuff, it's all really boring." A lie, but it was believable enough. A solo artist like him definitely had a lot to consider after all..

“You could say that.” Blood flooded Star’s cheeks so much around him she could’ve sworn he was partway controlling it. He had to know what he did, the effect he had on people, on her. She watched him carefully, giving him a measured nod. “Boring,” she repeated, forcing herself not to feel to put-out by the evasion. He was brushing her off, even if he didn’t mean to. Still, she wouldn’t force it. She had plenty of better ideas to go through than trying to wear down his walls before she was ready. “Sounds like we need some excitement, then.” Her eyes glittered as she sat up, a half formed plan appearing in her mind. “I’m still finding my way around here — I’d love a tour from a Santa Carla native.” Now she grinned at him, delighted. “And I know you’ve probably got the coolest places to go under your sleeve.”

#tlb rp #michael's responses #aliveinoverdrive

"Wanna tell me what you're starving for, then?" Michael couldn't help but tease, that strange sense of boldness filling him whenever he talked to Star.. She never failed to make his dead heart sing, even in simple moments like this. He was watching her in the moment, was planning on saying something about the perceived tension in her stance, before she pressed on. If she wanted to move on, he could certainly do so as well.. His smiles were always more genuine around her, the twinkle in his eyes keeping him grounded as he chuckled softly. "I wouldn't say I'm the most knowledgeable local around here.." He was already stretching though, ready to go on an adventure as long as she was by his side. "That said, I do know a few spots. Might help to see the perks of what having a reputation around here does.." He never really meant to sound pompous, but with a status like his, it was hard not to. The freebies he never took advantage of would certainly woo her, he was absolutely sure of that.

closed starter for @santa-carla-dhampir for musical!mason !

Performing was never really something Michael chased after.. It was more of a hobby than anything, a way to pass the time before he lost his damn mind staring at the walls of the old Ironworks factory for too long. That being said, he always appreciated being able to go out and play his guitar and have people actually pay attention.. Compared to the life he used to live before, nobody really cared all that much for what he had to say. But now?

Now he had crowds, actual crowds, all who came to see him perform, all who would cheer for whatever persona he had for the decade and dance along to whatever number he was performing. Nobody ever knew the words to his songs, he often made sure it was the case by changing up his tunes every night, but it never took away from the atmosphere. The concert venues were always electric, the stage beneath his feet shaking with the enthusiasm of locals and tourists alike. The spectacle was not one he actively sought out, but it was his, wasn't it?

The aftermath of a performance always left him breathless, and if his heart still beat, he would feel it thrumming against his chest from the sheer amount of adrenaline every show brought him. His guitar was slung over his shoulder, he never really saw the need to act once the spotlights went down, but those ever observant eyes of his landed on a very tall figure by the side. Head tilting in curiosity, he could tell something was different about the figure.. Definitely inhuman. He shook off the nerves that built up at the thought, his steps were far too quiet for the quality of his boots, a tilt to his head as he looked up at the stranger. "Hey," He smiled, voice soft, soothing, a lull that always brought people in, "D'you need some help finding someone, or someplace, or..?"

Shaking his head, soft vanilla curls following his movements, he looked looked back at the other "a-amazing show a-as always" his voice came out soft, shy even

Shifting in place he smiled looking down at rhe orher then back at his own feet "i was just curious h-how you...made it so big and any tips and" he rambles abit seeming to some what stumble over his words

Oh, he was a fan, was he? Michael's cautious smile melted into a warmer one, his tone lilting into a more excited tone. "Thank you so much! I was trying out a new setlist today, I hope it wasn't too bad.."

His free hand rested easily in his pocket, a soft hum escaping him before he could stop himself. It was still a mystery to himself how he made it so big.. Didn't understand how hypnotic his sound really was. "I mean, my biggest tip is to ask around at the venues." A shrug, "Don't be shy! They usually let small artists open for the big ones around here.. What do you play, if you don't mind me asking?"

He moved an acoustic guitar around Michael could tell it was rather old looking but very loved, litterd in paintings and stickers on both the front and back

"I play a-accustic moslty, it was my fathers its now mine"

Michael's gaze fell to the guitar, that warm smile staying on his lips as he looked it over with an approving nod. "A fellow acoustic player.. That's awesome! What kind of genre do you like rocking out on?"

"A mix o-of things, pop, rock, rhythm and blues quite abit though a-amungst other things, i like to dress to match a song if that m-makes sense?"

"Talented, are you? I can only play something akin to rock myself.. It's impressive to be able to pull so much off. And oh, that sounds pretty awesome! You have clothes for every song?"

His cheeks heated up as he shifts in his place "y-yeah well i try style around then and all, o-oh im no where near as talented as you"

"That's still a talent in and of itself! To tell you the truth, I usually only stick to one outfit.. Makes performing easier. And please, talent's such a fickle thing.. You're certainly very talented from what you're telling me."

"T-that means alot coming from you, t-thank you" he looks back at his feet then back at Michael "y-you're like me...aint you?"

"Of course!" There's a sudden crack in the calm and easy air, before his head tilts with a smile. ".. What do you mean by that?"

"Dont worry i can s-smell it i...thst sounded creepy i um" he moves his fingers up and plays woth his hair "i-i thought well...i was the only one and"

#tlb rp #michael's responses #santa-carla-dhampir

Smell it, huh? It wasn't like he had anyone else to really base what other supernatural beings were like.. His smile stays even as his eyes stay blank. "Mm, seems we thought the same thing.. Surprised I haven't felt you before, then."

"Ooh! Ooooh! I can help with that, and I've been needing to get new strings!"

"What're you looking for, Mikey? Still going classic or you thinkin' of getting something crazy? Heheh."

#tlb rp #michael's responses #catch-more-bees-with-honey

Admit it, we all know who I’m talking about deep down.

Michael.

#tlb rp #michael's responses #lostandlookingforthelight #// this is true. they both live by this principle and nothings bad about it ever/silly

I gotta admit you do look nice, Michael. Even if I really do have my doubts on the “sweetheart” allegations you got.

- @lostandlookingforthelight

#tlb rp #michael's responses #lostandlookingforthelight

closed starter for @catch-more-bees-with-honey !

For as long as Michael had been in Santa Carla, he had never encountered anyone quite like him. Whether that was due to his sheer ignorance or his own never-ending need to hide away from the locals, from society, remained unclear. But for the many decades he called the Murder Capital of the World his home, he had never gotten to know another vampire, or any sort of supernatural creature. No, he truly believed his father would be the last of his kind that he would ever meet, and secretly, he always wanted it to stay that way.

Unfortunately for him, the boardwalk could only hold so many secrets.. Including his own. The night was calm, nicer than he would've expected, and with no shows scheduled for a couple days to give himself a break, he decided for once he would wander around. He was never one to stop and smell the roses, perse.. Always did enjoy chasing a thrill, but now that his heart remained still, he wasn't sure how much adrenaline he was willing to chase. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the woman on his path until it was too late, his shoulder bumping against hers.

"Ah, I'm sorry-" The words caught in his throat once he registered the strange feeling coming from the other, a shiver running down his spine in what he realized was recognition. Of what, he wasn't entirely sure. He had never met her before in his life, but why did she feel so familiar..? Unknowingly to him, a part of his powers was leaking out at a perceived "threat", the time around them slowing before he snapped back to attention and brought the world back to normal. He didn't know what to say.. Didn't know if there was anything to say, if he was being honest. He simply stood there, frozen, dumbfounded, his eyes focused on nothing but her.

This was the furthest away they could get from New York City, without crossing a goddamn ocean, so it would have to do for now. Plus with the nickname "Murder Capital of the World", what vampire wouldn't feel right at home here? Though, really, Bee would rather not run into many other vampires right now. Things were hectic enough with the one.

Speaking of, where the fuck did Molly go?

Bee sighed and weaved through the crowds, her head on a swivel as she tried to locate a tall, bright-red head among them without actually floating a few inches to look over people.

She didn't even notice she'd bumped into someone until she felt it.

Not the bump.

Him.

Bee froze midstep.

Oh.

That.

That's bad. That's familiar.

he's dead he's dead he's dead he's dead he's dead he's dead

No. It's not the same, but...

She turned, slowly, towards him, her eyes wide as saucers behind her large frames. He was staring back at her. She could feel his strength bleeding into the air around him, see the stutter of the humans around them, but...the world hiccuped, and resumed at normal speed.

Bee wasn't breathing.

"....I'm sorry," she murmured, drawing herself back a step, hands clutching at her chest, "I can leave. I won't...I won't trouble you."

It was clear Michael wasn't aware of the effect he was having on the world around him.. Clear that he would remain oblivious to his own power, in that sense. What had only been a blip in his mind had a powerful aftershock on the area around them- Leaving him unscathed, but it was clearly not the same for the person before him.

He was still in his own head when she spoke, that shock of encountering someone like him leaving his mind reeling.. Even if he didn't want to meet anyone like him, there would always be a part of his soul searching for similar ones, reaching into a void and desperately trying to find the missing pieces all the while. He only snapped back to attention when she took a step back, his expression blank, more unsettling than he meant it to be.

But then his eyes widened, as if he was really registering the kind of being before him, and a hand reached out before he could stop it. He didn't make contact, forced his fingers to stop before he breached her space, but his mind was racing, and the potential of her leaving before he could ask anything kept him grounded. "It's okay!" The words were rushed, awkward, as he simply kept staring at her- "You don't have to leave. You don't- You don't have to do anything you don't want to." Not realizing that staying was probably something she didn't want to do, he smiled. "I'm Michael." Not expecting a name back, his eyes glanced out to the crowd. "Sorry for bumping into you again.. It's real crowded out here, huh?" A soft chuckle, but it lacked the proper humor.

Bee saw him reaching out and flinched back, squeezing her eyes shut. She didn't know what would be worse: if he grabbed her physically, or if he froze her body in place. If he grabbed her wrist at least she could scream, but he'd slowed the crowd once, what if he could do it again?

The touch didn't come. Or the feeling of phantom hands holding her in place. Instead, he spoke, and Bee barely cracked an eye to look at him.

He's...talking weird.

No, that wasn't right. He was talking like a person.

Which was weird for the sort of being he was.

Bee's tension didn't lessen at all, but she stood up straighter, and dared to meet his gaze. Then looked down, hopefully before he took offense.

He'd asked her a question. Or, well, sort of. It was like small talk. Why the hell was he trying to make small talk?

Maybe he wants to mess with me first.

She twitched again.

"...yeah, a little," Bee spoke at a slightly more normal volume, "I...I like it. Feels more like. Home. To me." Should she give him her name? Was it rude if she didn't? If he perceived her as rude, would he--

"I'm B-Bee. Betty. Sorry."

Michael seemed to notice her flinch and brought his hand back to his side, shoving it into his pocket for good measure. Right, it had been a while since he met anyone outside of his after shows, and touching certainly wasn't something most people were friendly towards.. Besides, he didn't know what proper vampire etiquette was like. Maybe his fellow beings didn't take well to strangers too? He tilted his head as she spoke, still trying to keep that easy smile on his lips. She was tense, and he couldn't figure out why.

"Home? Guess you're not from around here then, huh?" It would make sense.. For as long as he had lived out in Santa Carla, he'd never seen her before. But he often avoided crowds, so he initially thought she was just someone he managed to miss.. But based on her words, that probably wasn't the case. "Where are you from originally, if you don't mind me asking?" It took a lot of restraint to not full on ask if there were more vampires where she was from.. The curiosity was definitely getting to him, though.

"Bee, Betty, do you prefer one or the other?" He was still trying to keep the conversation light, for both of their sakes. Even if he didn't fully understand why she was so on edge around him, he would still try to help lower her guard a bit. He wasn't anything to be scared of.. At least, he thought so.

"New York City," she answered, because it wasn't a particularly hard thing to answer, and because she didn't want to upset him by refusing. But the more Michael spoke the more confused Bee became, tension bleeding out of her posture incredibly slow. "My...roommate and I arrived a couple weeks ago."

Alright. This isn't adding up.

"I prefer Bee. Please. But..."

She released her chest, and placed her hands together like she was praying. Bee breathed in and out for the first time in this interaction.

"...I'm sorry, but do you even know what you are?" Her voice quieted, but became more steady, almost firm in its delivery. She jutted her hands forward so her fingertips were all pointed towards him, still palm to palm. "You're either super friendly in an off-putting way, or you don't realize the effect you have on people like us. Which is it."

"Ah, New York! I've never been, what's it like over there?" He had never really been anywhere but Phoenix and Santa Carla.. His smile never wavered, his gaze still intense and attentive as he watched her. Was her roommate also a vampire? Ah, but that would be asking too much, wouldn't it? Michael would just have to keep his curiosities to himself for now..

"Nice to meet you, Bee." He nodded, perfectly content in the conversation, until she asked her question. His eyes widened, posture slipping into something more on guard, before he shook his head, a confused look crossing over his face. "What I am..? I mean, I'm a vampire." He glanced back and forth as he spoke, keeping his voice low so nobody else could listen in, "You are one too, right? Or else this would all be really awkward.." Was he really trying to joke in these circumstances? It seemed to be the case, the obliviousness on his features telling that no, he had no idea what he truly was.

Bee shrugged a single shoulder, speaking a little quieter and quicker, "A mess of territory disputes and conflict. But the night clubs are great."

Back to the important matters.

Michael's confusion made it very clear she'd hit the nail on the head. He didn't realize how strong he was. Did that mean he had no baseline for what a vampire was supposed to be like? Had he never met another before her? That was insane. And it implied he hadn't sired any in however long he'd been alive...

...which made the remaining tension in her shoulders soften.

Her furrowed brows stayed as her lips curved, very slightly, into a weak smile. "No shit. You felt it as soon as you looked at me. Same here. But," she turned her head one way and then the other, "This isn't really a subject to discuss in the open, is it. Hang on. You've got height on me, do you see a woman with bright-ass red hair and a spiky jacket? Probably hitting on a tourist who's, uh, about to go missing."

Molly was several shops down, and indeed, seemed to be chatting up an out-of-town-er in front of one of the carnival games. Compared to the small woman dressed so neatly in front of him her leather and fishnets couldn't have looked more wild.

"That's my roommate," Bee explained, whether or not he spotted Molly immediately, "I just want to make sure she's, uh, on the boardwalk before we go anywhere..."

She pursed her lips into a small frown.

Going somewhere alone with him still didn't feel wise.

"...maybe a booth at a restaurant? Know any good ones around here?"