Hold Your Breath

...Hmph. You've got a problem? Take it anywhere but here. I've got high expectations to uphold and animals to take care of. I don't need anybody else getting in the way. Look, I don't need to see your face so early in the morning... The exit's that a way, tch. I'm part of Town-Square.

[neil-down-peasants]

Feather Flurry || Chelsea & Neil

[hey-chelsea]

"I see," Chelsea said, but she held onto the chicken anyway. It seemed a little backwards to put it down or hand it to him, and it was no trouble to just take it to the stall. She smiled down on it and stroked it. This Neil certainly knew how to take care of chickens; she could tell from looking at them. (But if that was the case, what was he doing trying to carry more than he could handle? What a weird person. What other dumb things would he pull? She’d keep her eye on him. For the chickens.)

Chelsea was a little surprised - what was to be expected? “Well,” she nodded to him, “I didn’t know it was you I had business with until now. I’m here from Sunshine Islands to scout the place, if you will. I’m studying to be a great rancher. The name’s Chelsea!” She hadn’t said those words in a while, and it made a wide grin bubble up on her face.

"That said," she picked up the last stray chicken, now with one in each arm, "I think I’ll see what you’re stall has in store. And, um, I know you say you don’t need it, but I’m going to help you move these chickens. Get things done faster, you know?…"

Gods, I hope I wasn’t too forward just then, Chelsea thought, her confidence suddenly leaving her.

[neil-down-peasants]

Neil didn't have much to say, so he let her wallow in the silence (tainted with the occasional cry from a chicken) as he set his feathered fowls down in the pen. From the way she stood about without any hint of leaving, he could only guess that she was one of those kind of people. The kind that put others before themselves. Petting his chickens with subtle affection, he let out a ghost of a sigh. Tch, what a bother. 

Did she expect him to keep a good conversation? Honestly, he was quite pathetic with pleasantries, so all he could try and do was hold back the hostility that often reflected off his eyes. He didn't do much to acknowledge her introduction besides a slight nod of his head as he began to walk towards her again. Hell, Neil even doubted that she'd actually buy anything from his store. His ears perked, however, when she mentioned where the heck she had come from.

"...Sunshine Islands, huh?" He had done his research on that area awhile back and it was rumored to have a few different breeds of animals he couldn't find here in Echo. Scarlet eyes flicked in her direction for just a moment, before they dropped right back down to the chickens. "I've been interested in getting some research done on the animals of that area. Huh. It's a small world."  As he reached down to pick up a few more chickens, he shot her a critical stare. Neil had already told her once that he didn't need assistance, but he supposed she didn't get that. Feh, it wasn't worth arguing over something stupid like this. Would he get rid of her faster if he accepted her help? 

"...Sure, whatever. Just don't get in the way. Follow my lead, alright?" He tried to spit out a thank you somewhere in the mix, but he couldn't manage to do it wholeheartedly. It ended up in an incoherent mess, but Neil supposed that's all he was anyway. 

[neil-down-peasants]

Windmill, Windmill || @Gretel

[deceitfelkuchen]

Gretel smirked. “Well I just so happen to be that same Gretel.” She said proudly. she chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “It’s fine, It has been forever, I hardly recognized you!” she looked him over and then frowned. “You’re taller than me now.”

Something about Neil being taller than her made her a little annoyed, she used to be taller than him by a few inches when they were little. “I guess you’re too big to swim in that drinking trough now aren’t you?” she teased, bringing up some old memories of a previous family reunion oh so very long ago.

She then looked off at the windmill that he was looking at before. “So what brings you to Zephyr?”

[neil-down-peasants]

Neil instinctively stiffened underneath her touch, as her ever-friendly demeanor was still a tad unfamiliar to him. Sure, she had been sweet in the years that passed, but she wasn't quite so frank and outgoing before. It was going to get some getting used to. Rolling his eyes, he muttered something incoherent as a response, something along the lines of, "We're older now, what do you expect?" 

"Wh- Why the hell do you still remember those things?" He cringed at the thought of himself splashing around in a drinking trough. But he supposed it was all in good fun back in the day. "Hmph, and what about you? Still afraid of fluffy critters?" It wasn't so much of a cruel joke as it was subtle consideration. Gretel had always accidentally ended up in unfortunate accidents with cute animals. He didn't know exactly why she had a penchant for trouble or why it involved animals, but he knew he could never think of animals badly.

"Well, uh.." Neil didn't want to give her the truth outright, so he just gave her half of the truth to soothe her goddamn curiosity. "I was out to get some new research on the animals around these parts. I heard there were a few breeds here we didn't have back at Echo."

[allenanewbeginning]

DARE: Give a new outfit to a fashion disaster of your choice.

….Can I just give new outfits to everyone? If that isn’t an option, I suppose….Niel with do. The boy really needs some help.

[neil-down-peasants]

Neil's eyes flickered dangerously as he overheard the conversation from across the street. Clicking his tongue, he snapped sharply, flinging his retort like a knife. "Tch, what was that? I need help, huh? And what do you suppose you need?"

"If I were so kind, I'd suggest a new attitude and some fucking respect. Maybe a grade school teacher too, since you still can't get my name right." 

[findingruneys]

Hotlegs!Neil because when Neil from Town Square changed into shorts I did not know if that meant he was in knee-length dude shorts or short short hot pants.

I really got a kick out if all.

[neil-down-peasants]

Windmill, Windmill || @Gretel

[deceitfelkuchen]

Gretel shrugged. “Yeah, Most of the stores here are only open on Saturday. Zephyr Town is famous for our “Grand Bazaar” on Saturdays. It’s annoying, but you get used to it after about a few months to a year.” she explained.

She paused for a moment when he told her his name. Neil de Lune? Why does that sound so- Then it hit her. There’s only one person named Neil that she knew with those ruby eyes. “Oh mein Gott!” She gasped, and then smiled. “My name’s Gretel. Gretel Baer.” Maybe he’d remember her? He didn’t seem like he did but perhaps this would jog his memory.

[neil-down-peasants]

Grand Bazaar? As fantastically interesting as that sounded, Neil couldn't help feeling bitter about the entire business. It was to blame for his wasted time, after all. He had gotten on a plane ride over here and he definitely wasn't going back without something worth his trip. "...Guess I should have researched the town more before I came. Tch, should have known."

Neil glanced at the blonde, stiffening at her unexpected cry of surprise. What the hell was her deal? There was nothing to be excited abou-- Gretel? No, his eyes didn't widen with shock or anything. He didn't know what she was making a fuss about. In fact, there was only one Gretel he faintly remembered and she looked.. well she didn't look much like this Gretel at all. 

"Gretel? I mean it could be a coincidence, but... you can't happen to be the same Gretel from all those old family gatherings right?" Tch, what was he? In denial? If she knew a Neil by the same name, with the same features and everything, then she must have been the same Gretel he knew from way back then. "I... sorry, it's hard to believe because, well, it's been over ten years!" Bah, to think he was stupid enough not to recognize his own cousin! What a pathetic guy he was.

[neil-down-peasants]

Truth~ Would you like to be a big celebrity?

Neil groaned abruptly, putting down the chicken he was brushing. The cute little thing scurried back to its friends. Dusting himself off, he picked off some unwanted bird feed that stuck to his coat jacket. "To tell you the truth..."

"That sounds like a huge pain in the ass. With people breathing down your neck every waking moment and constantly being criticized for the way you live, there would never be enough room for you to breathe." 

Neil shook his head curtly. "I'm just not cut out for that crap."

[neil-down-peasants]

Truth~ Can you curl your tongue?

"Uh..." Neil wondered if there was a catch to all these weird questions. To be honest, he never really cared enough to try it out. Hmmm.... He might as well lie before this anon bothered him about more personal things. 

"Sure? But what kind of useless talent is that anyway?" He shrugged nonchalantly, scratching the back of his head.

"Don't expect me to show you or anything, though."

[neil-down-peasants]

When thinking about STARTING a family… What’s your immediate thought or even your reaction to another character asking about this?

Neil flicked an irritated scarlet gaze in the anon's direction. Holding up two fingers, he announced unceremoniously. "Two words. No thanks." 

He didn't even want to think about taking care of other people. Especially when he had done such a good job with the people around him already. Goddess, his mother would have been thrilled at the aspect though. 

Neil winced at the thought of her. Yeah... no. It was not going to happen.

[neil-down-peasants]

Feather Flurry || Chelsea & Neil

[hey-chelsea]

She sighed and smiled; the morning was just beginning to warm. She walked to the beat of a song in her head, a skip in her step. This town was much like her own, built from almost nothing, or so she heard. Advertisements for the islands were sent here, so why not visit, right? It was quiet and a muggy kind of humid. Nothing she wasn’t used to on the islands, though! Chelsea looked around. She was only visiting right now, so she didn’t need to go to the hotel. She didn’t really plan these thing too much; she’s traveled enough to get the hang of things. She was fairly certain this town had an inn, so everything was fine. In fact, she got here earlier than most people would have. She had plenty of time to sort things out if she needed.

The town was actually pretty normal. It might’ve looked a little too much like the Sunshine Islands, but a little more upscale, smaller, and inland. But it and the island had unique qualities the other didn’t. Tsk. She should stop comparing the places she went to, or there’d be no place to go. Chelsea kept walking through Echo’s streets. Maybe they called it Echo because no one was out early in the morning. Would sound bounce off these buildings and echo? That would set it apart, but it was a silly thought.

Chelsea knew she was at the plaza with the sound her steps made; the rustle of grass changed to the clack of stone. They weren’t just her footsteps, though. Someone was trying to carry too many chickens to a stall. Chelsea raised an eyebrow. Wasn’t it a little early for someone to be having a bad day? She smiled sympathetically, about to call out and offer help when the chickens jumped off him and towards her, she every bit as surprised as him. He apologized and Chelsea reached carefully to pick one up. “It’s okay,” she said and laughed softly at the chicken. “Anyway, do you need help? I’m familiar with farm animals and I’ve got all the time in the world.”

[neil-down-peasants]

The feathers cleared way, revealing a cheerful smile that had a little too  much sympathy for his pathetic morning. Feh, he didn't need pity from anyone. Let alone a girl who he didn't recognize.  But he had to keep his cool, apologize and keep his tongue under wraps. His expression warped back into its usual stoic state, as he wondered what this stranger was doing here. Perhaps this girl would bring in a little business if he pressed the right buttons?

Neil shifted his grip on a few of these flustered chickens, sighing at her offer. She seemed like the usual happy-go-lucky girl that he really didn't need around, especially if she wasn't interested in buying anything. "I'm not one to ask for favors, uh, Miss." It occurred to him right then that he had no idea what her name was. But whatever it was, he didn't need to trouble her anymore than he already had. (Or perhaps, he was just idiotically stubborn.) "I'm moving my chickens into the animal stall over there," Neil stated curtly as he tilted his head towards the stall behind his animal stand.  "Got to get them sold off to a good home, after all."

"Look, you don't need to do anything for me. I can handle it just fine on my own." Neil just didn't want to go owing goody-two-shoes here. He'd manage somehow... with a little difficulty that is. "I've never seen you around these parts. Do you have business here with me or should I look elsewhere?" He didn't mean to come off rude (or maybe he did), but he was more focused on getting his business out of a recent slump than caring about pleasantries.  The sooner she left, the sooner he could move the rest of his animals out too. 

[neil-down-peasants]

Truth: Do you look hot in those shorts?

"Oh, I don't know. Do I?" Neil didn't even bat an eyelash at the question. He wasn't going to go judging himself in the mirror or anything.

"How's about you tell me, smartass, since you're so keen on getting me out of my pants?" His grimace could probably freeze the sun over if he tried.

[neil-down-peasants]

Windmill, Windmill || @Gretel

[deceitfelkuchen]

Gretel had been walking near the river, trying to beat the summer heat. Not that it was terribly hot in zephyr, it never was. But with the air so still, barely a breeze to turn the windmills, it was annoyingly hot for a local.

Sighing, she took her hat off and fanned herself with it, debating on how much trouble she’d get in if she decided to jump into the river in her underwear. Probably a lot.

Just then, a voice disturbed her of her thoughts and she looked towards the owner. A familiar looking guy around her age or so. “Oh, Hallo!” she greeted with a smile. Best to be helpful, right? Hopefully he wasn’t thrown off by her accent, it’s lessened over the years but it was still pretty damn thick. “Sorry, the Animal Store only comes around on Saturdays, when the Bazaar is going on.” she said with an apologetic smile.

She paused for a moment and looked him in the eyes. Something seemed….really really familiar about him. Putting her hat back on, she raised a hand to her mouth and studied him for a moment. “Hey, what’s your name?” she asked, narrowing her eyes, trying to figure out who this person was.

[neil-down-peasants]

With blonde hair tucked behind hair pins and azure eyes, she looked like another generic girl you could meet in the market. But the thick German accent definitely added to her character, he supposed. But what the hell was wrong with him; he felt as though he was missing something just by looking at her.

Bah. It didn't matter. Apparently none of it mattered, since the fucking Animal Store wasn't even open today. "You're not kidding, are you? What kind of Animal Store opens only on Saturdays... That's awful for business," Neil grumbled under his breath as his plans were foiled. This town was starting to look even worse in his eyes.

But that wasn't the girl's problem, was it? He thought he could just thank her and scuffle away, but she beat him to it. "The name's Neil, Neil de Lune. Uh, look. Thanks for your help and everything, but I better scram." 

Maybe he should have asked her name. It would save him a lot of time from the curiosity that was twisting his brain in knots. But the silence that fell over them signaled that he had missed his cue. Shrugging, he supposed he didn't really need to know that much. Tilting his eyes subtly at the nearest windmill, Neil wondered if he could get a quick picture before he left.

[neil-down-peasants]

Dare: I dare you to walk around all day without any pants. If anyone asks, just say that you forgot them at home and didn't have time to get them.

"I swear to the Goddess that once I find out who did this, their ass is going in the river!"  

This was the first time in forever that Neil had to put on some damn shorts.

[neil-down-peasants]

Truth: What is the weirdest dream you've ever had?

Neil clicked his tongue, as though a simple question like this was already taxing his patience. "...Why do you want to know?" Anons usually thought of the most stupid things to ask a guy, honestly. Rolling his eyes, he wracked his brain for something to use as conversation fodder. 

"There was this one time when I was young and I had accidentally gotten locked in a barn my family was visiting. I... guess I had fallen asleep or something, since I distinctly remember the animals comforting me." He scratched his ear, a tad embarrassed at the thought now that he had said it outloud.

He shrugged his doubt away. "Yeah. That was definitely a dream." Right?

[neil-down-peasants]

Windmill, Windmill || @Gretel

As his gaze dragged across the windswept plains, Neil cracked his knuckles absentmindedly. There was... honestly nothing that caught his interest at first. Hm.. maybe the windmills would work. Tch, why the hell was he here if there was nothing worth seeing again? Wait.. He was here on a business trip, not a damn tourism bonanza. Focus, Neil, focus.

He just needed to research the animal breeds in Zephyr and scram as soon as he had what he needed. No funny business, no running into the local crazies... That's all he really prayed to the Goddess for anyway. But he had no idea how to navigate around this fucking German pinwheel carnival, let alone find the local animal salesman.

Catching sight of a figure in the distance, he shrugged, considering the options he had. A girl, huh? As long as he just asked his damn questions and went his merry way, there wouldn't be much of a problem, right? Ah well, it was the easiest way to go. Clearing his throat, Neil raised his voice.

"Yo! Excuse me, but do you happen to know where the animal salesman is...?" He steadily raised his scarlet gaze to meet the girl's... somewhat familiar face. Squinting for a moment, Neil could have sworn he met this girl elsewhere. But... he couldn't put his finger on it. Tch, oh well, it didn't matter did it? There was no need for pleasantries.

[neil-down-peasants]

Feather Flurry || OPEN RP

Hands stuffed nonchalantly in his pockets, Neil squinted at the unwelcomed sunlight that burst through the morning clouds. Another day, another busy schedule to take care of, sigh. Breakfast whipped up and gone like that, and animals looked over with much care. Seemed kind of mundane, didn’t it?

He didn’t think it was so bad, just as long as people kept their distance. Didn’t trust them, didn’t need them. His animals were here for him when people weren’t. Sighing, he adjusted his jacket collar. The day had just begun but it seemed like time was taking its merry time. Guess it was time to set up his stall right? But people wouldn’t even get here until an hour or so. Maybe he could be doing something else more productive? He tapped his foot impatiently; ugh, he hated being indecisive.

“Tch. Might as well take the day by storm,” he murmured to himself. Grabbing a few chickens from his coop, he attempted to carry them all to the stall in one trip. Fantastic idea. The chickens nervously squirmed at his touch, flustered at the tight grip and overly packed trip, they struggled out of his arms. With a barrage of feathers flying every which way, Neil’s stoic face cracked, gasping as they took off straight into a figure walking his way.

'Damn! Life's just not looking my way today, is it?' he thought to himself.

"…Uh… sorry about that.." he apologized quietly, scratching the back of his head. It wasn’t like him to apologize, but he didn’t want the person to make too much of a fuss. Hell, he just hoped he wasn’t graced with the presence of a girl. He always was terrible with the fragile ones… Blinking as the frenzy of feathers cleared out, the vision of a newcomer came into focus. Maybe today wasn’t going to be mundane after all.

[neil-down-peasants]

Dear Penelope || 3

I can barely write straight. This is stupid.

This holiday is stupid-- No I'm stupid. 

Look, tell her I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean it.

And don't get any hopes up about me being the brother you've always wanted.

Because you're going to be holding your breath for a very long time. 

Penelope.

I hung up on Mom.

[defaultyhero]

"I heard there was a secret chord

that David played and it pleased the Lord

But you don’t really care for music… do you?”

- Hallelujah (x)