Oh hello there

Welcome to Hidden Gems. My name's Russell Tolbert. We have a lotta great games and consoles here, as well as movies and manga. I'm sure we have something you'll like. Please, feel free to sit in our cafe and socialise too. How may I help you today? A Selective Indie Roleplaying Blog for a courteous (if not a bit shy) fandomless and multi-ship OC who works in a game store and has a massive passion for space. Blog is 18+ Penned by Flower (33, They/Them). Tracked tag: pushspacetocontinue Mobile Rules Mobile About Mobile Verses Mobile Tag Page Mobile Mun Page Icon made on Picrew Roleplaying sideblog - Bill Goodwin blooddrinkingbartender

[pushspacetocontinue]

Adorkable Astrophile | Russell Charles Tolbert

“Oh h-hello. Welcome to, to Hidden Gems. I um, I don't, I don't, I don’t think I’ve seen you around here be-before. Want some, want some game recommendations or uh, or maybe a drink? A snack maybe? Sorry, my, my mouth doesn't always work as, as it should, but feel free to, to have a look around and, and stay a while if, if you'd like. I'll, I'll just be here"

A roleplaying blog for an indie, multi-verse, and multi-ship fandomless urban fantasy original character, Russell Tolbert, a courteous and kind (if not a little bit shy) clerk of an indie-focussed game store (with an attached café) who will gladly greet and serve a werewolf, a ghost or a vampire or other supernatural beings as much as he would a human customer for their gaming, caffeine, or treat related needs. He has a few secrets of his own of course (such as the fact he can't die anymore), but he doesn't want to burden people with them.

Crossovers, other OCs, and canon characters all very much welcome. Prefers to roleplay with mutuals but not completely closed off to non-mutuals, I promise. Feel free to hit me up in my ask or IMs if you want to plot, or just send in a meme.

Penned by Flower (or Rae, whichever you like). They/them pronouns. 30+ years old. 15+ years of writing and roleplay experience.

[Character Stats] [Rules] [Ask] 

Artwork for this post created by @finch-beeps and used with permission.

Mobile Links to Important Posts (that are constantly updated as needed) are also available

[theotherrookie]

"And we're responsible adults, we can't let that happen." Lucien replied dramatically, "Mh. Well, he's still on thin ice. I'm willing to give him a pass entirely because of the carpet's personality."

He really couldn't diss Carpet like that. Though looking like a nerd didn't sound so bad if the alternative was to jump off a cliff tied to a zipline. He could think of better ways to have a look at the top of the trees, but he would also do anything for Russell.

"Perhaps we could." Perhaps they could go for a more relaxing outing, like a spa day. That would have been quite nice as well.

Still, Lucien set aside his thoughts of buff men bribing him with a massage instead of protein shakes to appreciate instead the nice shade of red Russell had achieved. There were many ways to indulge indeed.

"Well, you know I love collecting. And I wouldn't mind having a taste as well." He poked at the air with the fork, being obviously very proud of himself.

"Yes, I think this is the perfect way to end our dinner." That was, accounting for the drinks. Lucien reached for his cup and took a sip. The kitties would soon be masterfully replaced by the one on the screen. "Simply perfect. Consider this my own favored bribe. To think those matching fools think they have the exclusive on hot drinks."

His status had to count for something. They were settled for a good rest of the evening, though. Lucien considered buying some tiny props so Little Antoine could have his own cup next time and smiled at Russell's suggestion. That was one show he didn't mind rewatching.

"Excellent choice, my love." He started fiddling with the remote to get the show on, "I've watched this one a few times, which is unheard of from me. It's comforting and the concept is just lovely."

Lucien could only try to picture how it would feel to hug such a large fluffy cat as he dug into both cakes.

"Imagine if Misty grew to that size. You could wake up to fresh heart-shaped waffles and it still wouldn't be the most amazing part of your morning!"

[pushspacetocontinue]

"Heh, most, most of the time I, I am at, at least," Russell joked. It was true enough. He could handle his normal obligations, but he did enjoy those moments where he got to play around, "Yeah, Carpet's got, got that, that bit of. of cheekiness which, which adds to, to their charm."

Russell chuckled.

"Of, of course, we, we can always do, do something a, a bit, a bit more lowkey too," Russell said, with a small smile, "Like a, a hike and, and then m-maybe some, some kinda spa hot-hotel in, in, in the hills."

Maybe one day, with time and effort, Russell would be able to fight his fear of the ocean to at least spend some time on a beach with his friends, and it would be a bonus to that with Lucien there too. He chuckled quietly again then.

"Oh I, I do know, and, and you get, get stuff like, like no, no one else can," Russell agreed. The collection of Goomba plushes was always impressive to see, for example, "Heh, and, and you might, you might just get it."

He decided that he was going to leave it at that. Russell knew he wouldn't be able to keep up with Lucien's side of the game, and he would only get more embarrassed if he tried.

"Yeah," Russell agreed then, "This, this is perfect. A, a best finale to, to a wond-wonderful night. Heh, of, of course. Only the, the very best gets, gets made for, for you. And, and I'll, I'll keep that in, in mind if, if I do need to, to bribe you for, for anything."

But then Russell couldn't help but smile once more at Lucien's approval. As always, it was a relief.

"Heh, I, I thought it, it might be," Russell said, "Yeah, it, it honestly is. I, I think it's why I, I love, I love it so, so much as well. I've not, not watched it with, with anyone yet though, so, so this being a, a first with, with you makes, makes that even, even better."

But then that familiar warmth returned to his face when he heard that particular notion.

"Heh, that, that would be, that would be amazing in-indeed," Russell said, between a few careful mouthfuls of his own desserts.

And maybe he would be able to sneakily make some of those for Lucien tomorrow.

"But, but you're right, it, it would get even, even better from, from there."

Just like this entire evening really.

[pushspacetocontinue]

I realised I didn’t post any Munday pics last week. So I have a few here this week. As usual, they’re mostly dog pics. I absolutely love first two. I had taken Hewie on a train for the first time and he handled it surprisingly well. I also love the one of him cuddled up with my dad and our older dog, and I had to capture a bit of playtime he has with my grandparents’ dachshund.

[eyesofcuriosity]

She had a fond smile blooming on her lips, as if she found an old childhood friend that she never knew she missed. There was a brief though in her mind, would they get along as kids too? A spark of hope, since in reality she was a bit lonely child with not so many friends...it would have meant a lot to have a friend she could nerd over with about various books, comics and games!

But she did not have much of those, less than handful as some would say.

To his little joke she had to snicker a bit, and offer a wide grin. "I could never take away points for something like that, I'd much rather reword the effort despite the challenge! " at least that was her perspective when it came to learning any new skills, and if someone like Russel had his own struggle and kept trying, she always wanted to praise people like that even more.

"There is a beauty in small thing, but we both already agree on that no? " humming soft she takes another generous bite of her treat, satisfied mmm left her lips, this was slowly becoming a snack that she would come back to again very soon in the near futute.

"And yes! Its something we like to say before the meal, to show well...gratitude so to speak. Especially in said mom and pops shops people truly appreciate hearing it sooooo....you are not wrong at all to memorize it. Oh! If you want I could make you a list of important phrases that are used in daily life! Promise I'll write it in hiragana with a bit of romanji phonetics to make it more fun to hear!"

[pushspacetocontinue]

Russell couldn't help but wonder just what was going through Nessa's mind in that moment. At least it seemed he wasn't completely boring her with his ramblings. That might have ruined the coffee and the treat after all.

He chuckled a little bit as well when the joke was well received. It was easier to make jokes at his own expense, and it was always good when they were appreciated.

"Glad, glad to hear I'll, I'll get the, the point for, for trying my, my best at, at least," Russell joked again.

He briefly thought about adding that it wasn't like he would get it for much else, but not everyone enjoyed self deprecating humour. He had to keep that in mind. Besides, those kinds of jokes weren't good for him either.

"Y-yeah, we, we do," Russell said. There was no denying that Nessa was right, they both seemed to see the beauty in small things, and tried to appreciate them as they were, "Glad, glad you, you like that too."

He would have to keep that in mind as well, just in case Nessa came by again and fancied another.

"Oh neat! That's, that's good to, to know," Russell said, "So I, I really, I really gotta, gotta have that, that ready to, to say at, at the right time."

But then he nodded.

"I, I think that, that would be, be real use-useful," Russell replied, that warmth returning to his smile, "Just, just as, as long as, as it's, it's no, no trouble for, for you, Nessa, and, and then I, I can better, better practice saying, saying them out, out loud."

Russell chuckled again.

"That's, that's a, a big plus," Russell said, before an idea crept into his head, "If, if you'd like, I, I could always arrange for you to, to have some, some free manga or, or drinks here or, or both of, of your choice for, for doing that for, for me."

He could at least put the offer out there.

[theotherrookie]

"Then we shall be very careful. We both need to rest at some point."

Then again, if he had to pass out from exhaustion, he'd rather do so in Russell's proximity. It would have still been wise not to go on a baking rampage though. Lucien decided to leave the thoughts of fresh pastries to the colony of Kirby plushies residing on one of his shelves.

"Well, we're just messing around." Lucien replied, "I would have listed a flying carpet as well, if only I didn't believe it would make anyone riding it look like a big dope."

Even magic came in tiers. It was far more dignifying to float about in a total disregard of gravity than relying on certain artifacts. Besides, Lucien would have gladly volunteered to take Russell for a ride if only he had possessed the upper body strength to carry him like that.

He would however keep that to himself. There was no need to fail expectations when he had yet to set foot in a gym.

"Ah yes, that could be more appropriate. Then, I shall let you know you're most welcome to drop more items later. All of them, even."

Little Antoine sat in utter disapproval of that joke as Lucien turned him to face the TV. He would put something on in a moment. He wanted to know if his dessert was acceptable first and it was a relief to hear he would be able to face Veronica next time they met.

"That's wonderful news! Then it's my turn." He tried out a little piece of cream pie and immediately melted. "Simply heavenly! This really is one of my favorites."

He tried his own tiramisù, but the cream pie was the true winner as far as he was concerned. Lucien managed to pause to find the remote, as Alexa wasn't there to help.

"Now, then, should I put on one of those cheesy romantic comedies to endlessly mock, or should we watch something actually entertaining? Is there anything you would like to recommend?"

[pushspacetocontinue]

"Yes, we, we def, we definitely do," Russell said, smiling, "And, and neither of, of us need to, to keep each, each other up by being a, a bad influence."

But then he laughed a little bit at that.

"That, that is true," Russell said, "But, but given, given what, what we've seen, it's, it's not, not impossible. Heh, to, to be fair, I, I think the, the only one who, who can make rid-riding a carpet look, look cool is, is Aladdin."

He had made look easy in the movie after all, riding and singing at the same time, and with a passenger.

"H-hey, if, if we just, we just go, go hang gliding or, or ziplining and, and that's the, the closest we, we get to, to a jetpack, then, then that, that works for me too," Russell added, with a tone that suggested that he was being a little more serious for that bit, "M-maybe we, we could do that on, on a trip."

It could be a lot of fun.

Despite the flush of red that crept back into Russell's place at Lucien's joking invitation, Russell did manage another quiet yet genuine laugh at it.

"I'll, I'll keep, keep that in, in mind," Russell joked back, "Given that, that you seem to, to like the, the idea of some, some possible, possible good loot."

Russell nodded.

"I, I had no, no doubts that, that it would be wonderful," Russell said. That much was true, "You, you never had, had anything to, to fear."

His eyes and smile warmed again on hearing that. Some anxiety had been building up, wondering if he had somehow managed to go wrong when making the pie. So to know that it was fine and Lucien had loved it was a massive relief.

"Th-thank you," Russell said, "That's, that's so, so good to, to know."

While the thought of making fun of some cheesy romance movie sounded like a humorous idea, Russell figured that maybe something different would be better for their tastes.

"How, how about The, The Masterful Cat is, is Depressed Again if, if you're up for, for that?"

[pushspacetocontinue]

🏳️‍🌈

Even before Russell realised he was gay, he thought he was definitely an ally. He had the mindset of 'well, as long as everyone is happy and no one is being hurt, what's the problem?' He also had stronger feelings on the matter, even if he didn't know why at first.

He still follows that mindset with a lot of other things, but no he does know the reason.

[pushspacetocontinue]

🏳️‍🌈

Russell first took part in a pride parade at the age of fifteen. He disguised himself with face paint, make up, accessories, a mask, and the clothes he wore, so he couldn't be recognised (it took him ages to wash it off before he went home, but he felt it worth it) and have it potentially get back to Cassandra.

He found the experience exhilarating and uplifting, to be among likeminded people and allies, and he made a vow to try and go to one pride event at least every year since, even if he still had to be disguised for some of them.

[pushspacetocontinue]

🏳️‍🌈 + Russell! ( From @wolves-of-etoile )

@wolves-of-etoile

Russell started to realise that he was possibly gay when he was around thirteen, and noticed he didn't seem to view girls the way other boys around him appeared to. Because of how Cassandra reacted when Truman came out to her (which Russell witnessed at a young age), this terrified him, and he strived to keep quiet about it for as long as possible, and give it as little thought as possible. His reason for not dating at all was 'I just wanna focus on myself for now.'

[pushspacetocontinue]

🏳️‍🌈

Russell's first real exposure to queer characters (without it being portrayed negatively or Cassandra making nasty comments if it was neutral or positive) was when he was about seven years old. As usual, he was spending time at the library in order to avoid going home for as long as possible after school and he happened to find The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin in the science fiction section.

He was absolutely fascinated by the idea of a society that spent most of their lives without a gender (and the overall theme of how sex and gender can affect culture and society), and while he didn't dare take the book home (for fear Cassandra would find it), he came back every day to read until he finished.

At the age of seven, he didn't fully understand some of the themes, but as he grew older, he learned and appreciates the book a lot more now because of that.

[pushspacetocontinue]

🌳- Tree

I feel that Russell would be a Tulip Tree. It has distinctive shaped leaves that turn yellow in the Autumn. It can also be seen in Massachusetts.

[schattenmagier]

The mage smiles when she hears that. Heh, he sounds a little like Bill and Leofric with not wanting to call anyone for help but being the first one to offer it. Guess they all had that in common, huh? They wouldn't accept her help either because of the fear or her getting in danger.

" Good to know! Please keep in mind, I too vould come to help you if you called me! "

Lilli then nods along as Russell explains. He didn't knew he was an undying until recently? Well, that didn't really surprise her all that much. Many people didn't knew they are actually capable of doing magic their whole life. So it's no surprise to her that something like this wasn't noticed until now.

" Damn. Zhat sounds like some final destination kinda shit actually. Zhe vhole escaping death part especially. "

But in those movies, all the people died. He was still standing.

" And don't say zhat! You aren't zhat small nor a beanpole! I get being afraid though! I mean you got kidnapped! "

And wouldn't that scare most poeple? Especially if zhey didn't had any powers or something like that.

" Heh, vhat an idiot for underestimating you! Smart of you for making a run for it immediately. And heh, Bill and zhe others said something similar. But I honestly vouldn't have minded to give him a piece of my mind. "

The mage laughs, before taking a look around for a second and on the menue of the coffee shop. Ah! Shouldn't she order something? It seemed kind of a waste of his time to not order something and just chat with Russell.

" Oh! Vait! Let me order something! Kinda feels veird to just stand here and chat and not order anything, heh. Hmmm~ Vould you recommend anything, Russell? I heard you make a great Latte! So good zhat even Five's minions loved it, heh~ "

[pushspacetocontinue]

Russell got the idea that maybe Lilli related to the experience of wanting to help others but finding it hard to ask for help herself. He could only hope that if she did struggle with that, she could find a way to overcome it.

"Th-thank you. I, I app, I appreciate it," Russell said, with a small nod, "I, I'll try and, and rem-remember that too."

He could only hope that what he was saying made sense. He still didn't fully understand it himself in a sense; how it all worked or how it really happened to him in the first place.

"Heh, fun-funilly enough, I, I got told, I got told that before," Russell said, "And, and it, it has, it has left me a, a bit, a bit wary of, of elevators now."

Sometimes he did find himself wondering if the next something or someone killed him, it would indeed be the last time. But so far, it never was.

"Heh, th-thanks, and yeah I, I was," Russell said, in answer to both of the comment about being taken and scared from it. He had been kidnapped, and terrified because of that

As far as he was concerned, everyone could see that he was shorter than the average American cis man, and indeed slightly underweight. But he still appreciated Lilli trying to cheer him up a bit there.

"Heh, th-thanks. It, it just seemed like the, the best, the best thing to, to do at the time," Russell said. Especially given that he had been about to pass out from the sedative spores that Five had released on being beaten about like a pinata. "Heh, m-maybe you'll, you'll get a, a chance to some-someday."

He did hope that Lilli wouldn't run into Five, but he had a feeling that would be able to give Five a great scolding in some way if she did. His cheeks did turn a bit pink at the compliment though.

"Oh it's, it's fine," Russell said, "You, you don't..."

But it seemed that Lilli was determined to indeed order something, and that blush on his cheeks deepened a little. How many people said that about his drinks? As far Russell knew, he didn't do anything particularly special.

"Well, heh, I, I think the, the better, the better pay helped as, as well," Russell said, "But I, I do like a, a salted car-caramel one or, or you, you might prefer a, a hazelnut if, if caramel is, is a, a bit too sweet for, for you, and we, we offer dif-different kinda, kinda milk as, as well, like, like oat, soy, al-almond, cow's, cow's milk. So, so you got, so you got that, that choice as, as well. I, I personally like, like oat my-myself."

[kittyhelpsstuff]

Send 🏳️‍🌈 + A muse to get a headcanon about a facet of their queer identity

Could be their orientation, gander identity, how involved they are in their community, if they're poly, or a lot of other things

[thesilvermoonrays]

@pushspacetocontinue

Having someone put their arm under his... that helped him steady himself. God... he was getting heatstroke. Being half dog demon was a curse in the summer. He got so heated, and not in the form of being angry. As much as Inuyasha hated sweating on the night he was human... not being able to sweat made summers, even in his own era, so unbearable.

It was so hot... he could have passed out right there.

"Thanks..." He spoke quietly, panting. He wasn't tired from physical exertion, it was heat exhaustion. The air conditioning was an immediate boost. By every deity, it felt so good to have cold air blowing. "I don't... have any money..." Deep breath, and release. "I can work, though. If it means any kinda drink, I'm dyin' here." His ears were folded, eyes closed partway.

"I don't care what it is. Just... anything... ugh... I feel sick..."

[pushspacetocontinue]

Russell felt that anxiety bubbling up in the pit of his stomach. He was trying to get better about touching people in general, especially when it came to helping them, but it still gave him a creeping sense of dread to do it.

At permission to start moving, he gently started to step towards a table that was a lot closer to the air conditioning unit itself. He could only hope the stranger would feel better soon if he was directly having cold air blown onto him.

"It's, it's okay..." Russell said, before shaking his head, "Don't, don't worry ab-about that. I'll, I'll cover it."

It was a possible matter of life and death after all. Then again, even if it wasn't, Russell would have covered it if needed.

Once he was certain Inuyasha was safely sat and wasn't about to collapse, he slowly stepped back.

"I'm, I'm just gonna, gonna get, get that water for you," Russell said, "I'll, I'll be, be quick."

As promised, he did come back quickly. The glass in the water was cold, if the condensation was anything to go by. It was placed on the table with hardly any sound.

"I, I know a, a healer guy if, if, you, you need some-someone with, with actual med-medical skills."

[pushspacetocontinue]

🍱- Meal

I reckon that when it comes to meals, Russell is something simple yet comforting, like a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.

[pushspacetocontinue]

🐉- Mythical creature

It's probably cliche, but I think Russell would be most like an angel (if that counts). While he's not nearly as terrifying, he still acts like a guide in a sense. Offers support, comfort, and kindness to those he feels needs it more, but he is not afraid to get dangerous and step in to help people directly if he needs to, and has shown that he's competent when it comes to a serious situation.

[pushspacetocontinue]

🐈 cat breed and...

🗡 weapon!

So I reckon Russell would be an Ocicat. When I saw a picture of one, I automatically thought 'that's a Russell vibe'.

Vibe and pic aside, when I looked further into them, I found thar they're good at jumping and walking in narrow places, very loyal, and pretty athletic, and they like to please their owners. So that fits Russell to amazingly as a cat.

As for a weapon, it would be something subtle. Russell has been described as a nice man with a tough side, or in a buddy's words, 'a lovely dude with a core of steel'. It would be something you would have hidden or disguised until you needed to use it, like a blade hidden in a comb or under your clothes, or one of those rings that murderers would hide a dose of poison inside.

[pushspacetocontinue]

🌗- Time of Day

When it's just gotten completely dark after the sun has set. A time where the stars and the moon now shine across the night when it's clear outside.