Could be worse...

Gregory Eeyore || 27 || Magizoology Owner of Ruff to Fluff

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory James Eeyore

If I scream all I want in my bedroom // will my life get much better than right now? // oh somebody help me // cause I'm suffocating // who am I now? // I can't find the answers // when I'm crying in my bed feeling sorry // i don't know // maybe I'm tired, maybe I'm tired, yeah // think I hit the bottom of myself // someone come and mend this broken heart // ‘cause I'm tired // baby, I'm tired of myself // think I've had enough, I've reached my limit // I don't wanna feel this way again

Nicknames: Greg, Eeyore. Magic status: Mundus Nationality: English Ethnicity: White Accent: Estuary English Height: 6′1+.. or is he 6′4? Hard to know man never stands up straight. Build: Tall - all limbs, lanky. Defined but not largely muscular.  Skin tone: Pale.  Complexion: Fair  Eye color: Blue Notable ‘Features’ appearance notes: Always wearing long sleeves or sweatshirts and jeans. Movie/Era Representation: 2022 Luke Hemmings (with Lip Ring) Hair color/length/style: Curly dirty blonde/light brown hair, is currently wearing it about mid-length, though he had it longer previously and will grow it out again.  Tattoos/piercings/daily jewelry: A iridescent color shifting humming bird on his left inner arm, a pastel color shifting Rat (His beloved late pet rat Esel) on his left shoulder/upper arm, small dachshund lineart on inner left wrist, color shifting pastel cosmo flower on entire left forearm, lip piercing, no other jewelry. 

Occupation: Owner of Ruff to Fluff Grooming / Wildlife Rehabilitator  What would you find if you Googled them?: An article about his new ownership to R2F, his election to the Board, excerpts from articles regarding town disasters where he was injured. His early departure from the board, an article about R2F’s expansion / relocation. What natives would know about them: Has always been a quiet moody kid, but always seems nice? Incredibly shy, but his parents are well known in Swynlake and are soft and pure. Always volunteering and helping out. Huge animal advocate. He was on the Board for 2 years and quit early. Owner of Ruff to Fluff grooming. Was stabbed in the Compulsion event, and was ‘sacrificed’ in the vampire drama. Won Prom King in 2021 (or did he??). Relocated and renovated Ruff to Fluff into a full dog park / daycare / grooming and adoption facility.  Other: Has a graduate degree in Magizoology and wants to work in animal conservation. Currently licensed for Wildlife Rehabilitation. Has had a few public breakdowns? Fled the country for a few weeks and then disappeared for an entire month. Is currently in a relationship with Zero Hallows.  Twitter/Insta/Facebook: @Gregory_Eeyore / @homeiswhereanimalsarexx / Gregory Eeyore (inactive) 

Master Character Sheet

[gem-mohanty]

Sit, Stay, Lay Down🔥[Grey]

[gem-mohanty]

"Uh," Gem said.

He looked down at Vivienne. She looked up at him, her tail wagging, pink tongue lolling unbothered from her mouth. He loved that about her. She was simply always smiling. And she looked at him like he was the most important person in the world. Because, technically, he supposed, to her, he was.

As he tried to puzzle out where Viv was, he frowned and had the urge to lie. Gem was not, on the whole, a liar. He obfuscated and he danced around the truth, but he rarely bold faced lie.

However, he had the urge to now. To protect both his pride and Viv's. Not that she really cared or knew what was going on.

"She knows sit. Sometimes." She was already sitting so Gem walked a few steps forward so she'd stand. But immediately, her attention went from him to the dog they were getting marginally (with still feet between them) closer to. She lunged against the leash in her excitement.

Gem pulled her back. "Hey, Viv. Vivi, sit. Sit!"

Nothing. Vivienne's attention was solely focused on straining her entire body towards her new, uninterested, friend.

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory observed the small bit of chaos before them - but if anything it just told him exactly where they needed to start - and maybe sit wasn't exactly the place they needed to be. "Ah-- Okay, actually this is good." Gregory started, glancing between Vivi and Gem before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a treat, holding it in his fist.

Apollo, of course, was well versed in this and already wasn't paying much attention to the other dog, but Gregory still was ready to use him as an example.

"So-- Instead of starting with uh.. those, I think we should probably focus on two others. Watch me and leave it." Greg said easily, gesturing lightly towards Vivi. "Since she's really interested in other things? Starting here means... we can make sure she focuses on you instead of other things and actually knows when it's time to listen. This will help if-.. you've ever noticed her pull towards other people, dogs, critters-... stuff like that."

Like now, how she was more interested in Apollo.

"So you're going to want those treats - you're going to want to call her name-- and if she looks at you immediately praise and give her a treat. If she doesn't look at you, put that treat in front of her nose until her attention shifts-- and then again, as soon as she's looking at you, treat and praise. So-- Apollo, watch me." Gregory commanded - the old shepherd's gaze immediately snapping up to him away from the husky, a small wag of his tail across the grass.

Gregory extended the treat towards Apollo with a short yes.

@gem-mohanty

[auntcass-hamada]

Friendly Planning Session || Rolling Donkey

[auntcass-hamada]

It was possible! Zero struck her as the kind of person who played by his own rules and only interacted with the rules of the rest of the world when he'd decided it was useful to him in some way. Rarely openly rebellious, but quietly insistent on his own life.

It was admirable. She was glad that he and Greg had found each other to make all of that just a little easier.

The question sparked an instant smile from her. After all, she'd gotten Greg to accept that she would come by with treats of various kinds. But this was the first time he'd ever come close to asking for something. It felt almost like a victory.

"I'm always playing with new ideas. Any particular flavors or ingredients I should keep in mind?"

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

New ideas was always a fun thing to hear from someone like Cass, who had only brought the most delightful treats (like the orange desserts in front of him) by for him to try. Though he knew that Zero's tastes were a fair bit different than his and he shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"He uh-... I know things that stray further from sweet. More.. earthy, natural flavors, if that makes sense? He always seems to go... simple." That was to say that... well, Zero wasn't exactly the most enthused with food as it was.

But it didn't mean they couldn't have good food. He'd never turned down anything either, he just seemed to have little preference when it came down to things.

@auntcass-hamada

[zerohallows]

"You do have to sleep at some point," Zero reminded him; it was probably the most challenging part of the relationship was the difference in schedules. It was less of a problem when he wasn't as busy in the Hollow or he didn't have early morning classes where he could just sleep until the start of the afternoon and be up the rest of the day. But it wouldn't be too long before graduation and one more thing to put behind him, once summer came along in full force he wouldn't be quite as busy in the forest either.

And honestly he needed a break, it always felt like the end of the school year was when he struggled the most to get through the days and that year had been even worse so close to graduation. He was still a little surprised himself that he was going to make it through the end of it.

"But yeah, think I'm heading out early tonight. Me missing part of the night isn't going to make the forest fall apart." It had functioned perfectly fine before he had moved to town, the Royal Talents had seen to the things that needed to be done, but it was functioning better now that there was someone there to cater specifically to the chores that went along with his talent.

Sometimes it still felt strange how he had picked that up so much easier than he thought he would have, he might not have felt much pull to to live in the Hollow but it had very easily become almost reflex to look after the things he was supposed to there, like his mourning garden.

"The weather here is still better than the freezing cold," he mused; recalling Germany where most of his early childhood had been spent, and not all together without a pleasant nostalgia. "But I'm not leaving the flat once I get back, I don't care how warm it is."

And he doubted Greg would argue that, most nights were quiet in that comfortable sort of way where Greg would likely play his games and Zero would laze on the couch with him and his sketchpad.

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory shrugged easily. Sure, he had to sleep at some point and he was sure he would, but it wasn't as if he would fall apart if he spent one night spending more time with Zero than sleeping. It was worthwhile. "I can catch up again when you're out for a late night.. I can survive one night of staying up late, I'm not that old yet." He teased with a shake of his head.

Though he was much older than he ever planned to be, honestly. It wasn't like he was complaining these days though. Especially when he had people around him to support him, things to look forward to, futures to plan for.

"...Well, how about I make sure we have everything we need so we don't have to go anywhere then." Greg suggested easily, leaning back forward to steal another kiss as he let his hand fall to Zero's, toying lightly with the ring on his finger. "...I'll get something ordered in, make sure there's drinks and snacks. Comfy blankets. All the essentials for a quiet night in the flat for you to relax."

@zerohallows

[gem-mohanty]

Sit, Stay, Lay Down🔥[Grey]

[gem-mohanty]

Gem didn't even notice that Greg and another dog had entered the fenced off park. He was too busy being under attack. Vivi didn't notice either, she was too busy attacking.

And then Greg spoke.

And Viv stopped nipping playfully at Gem--her head whipping around at the sound of another voice.

She barked, once, at the sight of the other dog, but didn't run over to them, thank fuck. Gave Gem enough time to hook her leash to her collar again (pink, with cherry blossoms.) He tried not to roll his eyes at Greg's little speech. Gem wasn't totally stupid. He'd done some reading on Reddit threads and he knew all about Huskies.

It made sense that she was bored. That she was restless. Gem got like that too, when he wasn't working. It was why he'd finally gone back, even though he sometimes still felt like that wasn't what he should've done. Not quite so quickly.

"'Course I'm patient. It's not like it is her fault," Gem said, somewhat defensively. Just like the dog, he was misjudged more than not. "She doesn't know any better. That's why I'm here."

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

"Never said it was." Gregory huffed - because he should have expected as much coming from Gem. Like every word he said was an attack against him or his dog. The truth of the matter was.... Greg really didn't care that much... But he didn't think the Mohanty family was big into dogs that he could remember - so this probably was Gem's first dog. He seemed like a cat person, so what the hell was Gregory supposed to know about how much Gem knew, right?

Better safe than sorry.

"But that's fine-- we're just going to start with the basics and work our way. Ideally by the time we're through with everything, she should know and respond to sit, down, heel, stay, leave it and come, at least in varying degrees." Those were the big ones to keep your dog out of trouble anyways. Gregory like to focus a lot on recall work. Recalling a dog could save a dog's life.

"...Where are we with commands? Does she do sit, lay down-- does she know them but sometimes chooses to ignore-- or she's kind of new to any of them?"

@gem-mohanty

[gem-mohanty]

Sit, Stay, Lay Down🔥[Grey]

[gem-mohanty]

"Uh, no," Gem said, glancing behind him.

He gave Viv treats, of course. Though, most of those came as snacks off his own plate. That had been a habit he'd started in prison. Was probably the reason she liked him in general. And it was cheaper than buying all those bullshit fancy treats anyway. She seemed to like it just fine and the vet had said she was in great shape. At least, that's what Belle had told him. So.

Yeah, no treats.

Though...if it was gonna help her with training.

He slackened his hold on the leash and let her tug him towards all the treats. He let her sniff around until she seemed to find some she liked. Bringing them back up, he let Greg ring him up for that and the cost of the class. Then, he made his way outside to the dog park.

Reaching down, he let her off her leash. She just stared up at him, blinking at him.

"What?" he said. "Go run."

Vivienne just wagged her tail a little.

"Seriously? C'mon." Gem took a few jogging steps forward and Vivienne bounced along next to him. She barked at him and he spun on his heel, going back the other way. Vivienne stayed right on top of him. He laughed and spun the other way again, actually running this time. Vivienne kept easily, nipping at his heels as he went.

"Oi! Hey!" he yelped.

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Some dogs treats worked better for than others. Usually the ones that were highly food motivated - and huskies? Yeah. they almost certainly fell under that category, so as Gregory got the paperwork settled and Gem disappeared out back, the taller man could only sigh with a slight glance to Tucker, who's tail beat easily against his bed. "Sorry, bud. Gonna have to wrangle Apollo for this one." He said, bending to scratch his beloved dachshund behind the ears before he grabbed some treats and headed into the adoption center, getting his one-eyed instructor before heading out to the yard himself.

When he arrived, Gem was getting his heels sniped at and Gregory could only shake his head with a slight huff as Apollo stuck to his side and eyed the pair quietly.

"Easy to tell they're working dogs when they get like that, right?" Gregory as he watched the other dog with slight amusement. "That's-... why they're tough. They like to be given jobs. To have something to do. People call them dastardly and mischievous but they're not - they're just bored. People also think they're aloof or dumb. They're not, just stubborn as hell." Which was why Gregory almost always required previous husky experience or heavy dog experience in general before he adopted them out.

As he'd said to Gem - and not with bad intention - Huskies were a difficult first time breed. But he wasn't telling Gem all of this to hang it over his head or 'mansplain' the concept of huskies to him. Just half of training a dog was knowing your dog. The breed, the expectations. It would never work if a person didn't know what their dog wanted and needed.

"So. I hope you have plenty of patience." Gregory teased with a small smile.

@gem-mohanty

[zerohallows]

"I might survive the day," he speculated, since the caffeine would help, potentially. But moreso the company was enough to stir him out of his lethargic state. "Enjoying the weather while I'm trapped inside," he noted, as though lamenting the fact.

This was untrue, actually, given how he rather enjoyed all those human conveniences like climate control in homes, electricity and running water; nature was wonderful but Zero had never seen the full appeal of living in the hollow without any of those things.

"Few more hours," which were bound to feel like a long few but he'd survived it before. Greg mentioned a valid point though; he wouldn't be coming home after either. "Yeah, not all night though; I don't want to be out until dawn again."

He didn't mind so much because he was more awake at night, and that time of year demanded a lot in the forest, but he also didn't like seeing Greg for only those short periods between late evening and early mornings. It usually wasn't that bad except certain times of year, but bothersome during those.

"Shouldn't be out there at night for a few nights after today though; seasonal fairies have some things to do and then I just get to clean up."

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

"At least it's not too nice out." Gregory tried to reassure - though the sun peaking in from the store-front windows probably made it a little hard to convey given any day it wasn't raining in the spring? That was a good day.

His frown returned a bit though at the answer, his head shifting in a slight nod even if he wasn't surprised to hear that Zero did indeed have duties he had to attend to. That was simply a given in this part of the year, but it still worried him. That kind of schedule was rough...

"So you have some time off then, that's good to know." Gregory huffed, leaning to cross his arms over the counter in order to give his back a break (cost of being tall, unfortunately) as he shrugged his shoulders all the same. He would take a few free nights spent with Zero. He took anything he could get whenever he could, if he were honest. "...I'll stay up for you?" Gregory offered then with a tilt of his head, his lips pursing slightly. "If it's not gonna be all night... - I don't mind."

@zerohallows

[auntcass-hamada]

Friendly Planning Session || Rolling Donkey

[auntcass-hamada]

"Hm. Yes that is tricky." After all, it was getting close to graduation for Zero. He would have final projects in addition to whatever he had to do for the Hollow (he rarely shared details of that sort, and she didn't press him). But it was just like Greg to be thoughtful of that fact. It was one of the little ways she was glad they'd found each other.

"The thing I'll say is that dates and milestones are important to recognize because its easy to feel like life is slipping away if you don't pause and take those moments. But also, the dates and milestones only really matter if they're meaningful to you. Even if you don't go on the exact day, an anniversary trip that is special for the two of you still counts whenever you go."

She smiled over at him. "I think you should talk to him about it and pick a date that makes both of you happy. Then you can go on the trip and have a good time without being too stressed."

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

It made sense, and Gregory was sure that there would be other years they could take an actual trip on their anniversary rather than just planning one for the occasion. Which... that alone was a strange thought for him, wasn't it? Thinking about a future - making plans. Having thoughts.

Very unlike him.

"Yeah... Probably see what he says. I mean hey, maybe he wants to bail out for a weekend even if it's super busy but... Probably better just to wait until we have more time." It would be smarter and there would be less chance of Zero missing out on any important schedules. Whether from work or the Hollow or Uni.

Still, it didn't mean they couldn't celebrate at the very least. "....Thinking about any uh -... savory specials in the near future?" Since Zero was certainly no sweet tooth.

@auntcass-hamada

[gem-mohanty]

Sit, Stay, Lay Down🔥[Grey]

[gem-mohanty]

Gem for the record, didn't hate Gregory Eeyore. He felt...neutral on the other man at best. He was just an asshole to everyone, until you earned him not being one.

And Gem was protective of Vivienne. He knew that she wasn't particularly well-behaved. That people thought she was scary because she was big and loud and overly excitable and she didn't understand personal space...

But Gem liked all those things about her. He liked that she was loud and that she took up space and that when she was excited and happy, it was like she couldn't contain it. It made him smile.

He didn't think she needed to be trained. It was everyone else who had to lower their fucking expectations.

His hand pat between her ears, wiggling one of them as he fiddled with it anxiously. She glanced at him, tongue lolling.

"She loves everyone," Gem said, somewhat defensively. His hand fell to her neck where he rubbed at the loose skin, bunching it up in his hand and letting it go again.

He thought about the chicken. Which was why they were here.

"But, uh, the bigger dog is probably better."

Vivienne yipped as if in agreement, looking at Greg, then back at Gem.

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory waited - because that wasn't exactly what he'd asked, and he was expecting a more complete answer to come from Gem whether he had to prompt it or not. Thankfully only a moment passed before he clarified, leaving Greg to nod his head softly. "Alright, that'll work." He sighed, slipping the paperwork down onto the desk before he gestured towards the back door.

"...You want to go let her run around for a bit while I go grab him? Let her try and run off any excess energy. If that's possible.. they never actually do seem to run out." Gregory added with a small tilt of his head because... again, Huskies.

He loved them! They were adorable fluffy dogs, but god if they weren't some of the most energetic, vocal and chaotic ones too. Still, it would probably be good for her to investigate the area, get all those sniffs out and get to run around for a bit before they started trying to find her focus.

"We'll start with some basics today. Just.. try to establish command and basic call and response stuff. Did-... Do you have treats? You want something small, and soft that they don't really have to take time to chew on. I have a bunch, if not."

@gem-mohanty

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: well, just you for now. Jun: but the campaign will grow! Especially after our meeting tonight!

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: I see. Gregory: well I suppose I can do the 7pm meeting then.

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: well hypothetically lets say it is about Lo, even though it isn't Jun: would my best friend not show up at the 7pm for emotional support, hm?

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: [ UNSENT ] best friend? Gregory: [ UNSENT ] Al?????? Nemo's dad??????????? certainly not ME? Gregory: Hypothetically I am sure you would have moral support. Gregory: Besides I never said I wouldn't come, I just wanted more information. Like how big this meeting is. All of your supporters?

@moon-yeongjun

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: this isn't about lo, gregory. This is for the good of Swynlake!

Jun: Now, are you coming to the 7pm meeting or not?

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: are you going to admit at the 7pm meeting that this is most certainly about lo or is that being rescheduled to another time

@moon-yeongjun

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: See, this is genius! We can write down all these great points while designing our posters tonight! Talk about how insensitive it is in the wording of the petition!

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: no answer cool cool I know exactly what that means Gregory: look i know i'm not one to talk but Gregory: aren't there better ways to work through this than petitioning to get rid of prom.

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: exactly! see, your perspective is pertinent to the cause! you need to share your story. not only is prom ridiculous, wasteful, even offensive, it's DANGEROUS!

Jun: in fact that thing about dreams...it is very insensitive, isn't it? a very good point!

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: Okay well I don't know if I'd call prom offensive. Gregory: Dangerous though yes maybe. The chandelier incident... the freak storm year... Gregory: Also - yeah idk how you're going to make a theme off of dreams which have notably been filled with death violence and god knows what else but ok. Could have been normal but whatever Gregory: I think the main point here again though is why is Prom on your list this year suddenly.... Gregory: Was it just finally time to get to it on the agenda or...............is there another reason perhaps you've decided this is the year. Gregory: Like a life change that might've spurred it. @moon-yeongjun

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: no Jun: Prom needs to be canceled. It's gone on for far too long and I KNOW more people agree with me! Jun: You said yourself you hated it. Hm? And why is that, gregory? Why do you hate it so much?

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: Because I have unresolved trauma and PTSD involving organized ballroom dance type events, especially those held at Town Hall, and Prom tends to trigger the irrational yet completely possible fear that I will either be brutally stabbed, poisoned, sacrificed or worse at said event. Gregory: I also have unresolved trauma and PTSD involving the theme of Swynlake dreams so a real double bummer for me this year, huh Gregory: anyways. Gregory: I usually just don't go.

@moon-yeongjun

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: its not MY job to come up with it Jun: just...you know. something better. something entertaining yet valuable! like a documentary screening!

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: You're going to get people on board with replacing a dance with...... Gregory: a documentary screening. Gregory: I think that would need some major workshopping. Gregory: Likeeeeee have we considered petitioning against something else ˙𐃷˙

@moon-yeongjun

[moon-yeongjun]

You're Invited || Moon Donkey Texts

[moon-yeongjun]

Jun: no i didnt thats not true

Jun: and if i did im sure it was because of eomma

Jun: anyway, i DO have solid reasons! waste of time and resources! lack of tradition/historical grounding! it's this horribly tacky american important, and considering the state of that country right now, do we really want to be associated?

Jun: if people want a party so badly, we can replace it with something meaningful, tied to swynlake's culture and heritage.

@notmuchofatail

[notmuchofatail]

Gregory: that very much IS true excuse me, I know that for a fact. Gregory: okay fair and valid and all but........ Gregory: like what.

@moon-yeongjun