Wait a minute

Howdy! Name's Wayne, I'm the postman of Westown. Part of the HMML

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Activity Check

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Lunch break [Wayne/Ford]

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thedensedoctor:

Ford shook his head. “Really, you make it sound like that girl wasn’t being absolutely ridiculous. Demanding marriage before you’d even talked? I think that goes beyond a simple ‘misunderstanding’. Nothing good can come from that. In fact, I can almost guarantee you that that kind of behavior will land her in trouble one day. I’d be concerned for her well being, if she weren’t the one causing trouble.”

Ford turned his attention down to his food. It was going to get cold if he didn’t eat it. Not looking at Wayne, he focused all of his attention on plating his food. “…People with that kind of behavior tend to stay that way. If not you, she’ll surely move onto someone else. And eventually, someone will be stupid enough to say yes, without having any idea what they’re getting into. Marriage is not a commitment for everyone. Some people simply aren’t made for it. And if you jump in blindly, you just increase those chances.”

Ford sighed, looking back up. “…But I’m getting off-topic. The point I was trying to make earlier, is that I would much rather get honest feedback, than false compliments. As irritating as I find some of your criticisms to be, I would much rather receive those than find out later you were saying something just to be nice. Not that I believe you have only bad things to say about me- don’t misunderstand- but I think it’s important to acknowledge one’s virtues and faults equally.”

Ford took a bite of his food, continuing after swallowing. “I’m a doctor. I have to tell patients a lot of things they may not want to hear. If I softened my words, to try and make things seem less serious than they are, people might not take me seriously- and it’s absolutely vital that they do. I know that you can see the value in that sort of honesty, as you were just talking about it. In fact, you even stated that you preferred the kinds of conversations we have. Therefore, I just do not understand your insistence on prettying up your words for others. There’s no need to stretch to find compliments. Even if it’s not entirely dishonest, if you have to make yourself praise someone, then why do it? I fail to see the good it does, other than to cause a brief moment of slightly inflated ego over something superficial. You say it’s different than friendship… and I say, then what’s the point?”

Taking the cue from Ford, Wayne set up his plate and pre-cut his french toast. The syrup would stay in the ramekin, since it was easier to prevent drippage if it was portable. “Well, to be as plain as I can be, because I like givin’ people that moment of slightly inflated ego. I like makin’ people smile, and I like sayin’ nice things about ‘em.” He shrugged, stuck a bite in his mouth, chewed and swallowed. 

“It makes me feel good makin’ other people feel good. Even if it’s just a moment.” Good golly this food was fantastic! Brad never failed, not once. As long as Carrie didn’t touch it, the food from his place was always top notch. He took another bite, sighing happily with a shoulder droop. After swallowing, he started up again, “Besides, I’m not makin’ myself say anything, I do it because I want to.” Wayne just.. Liked being nice. It was so much easier for him to just be nice, it felt right and it kept his heart light. What was the point in being sour if it just dragged him down?

“But your way of thinkin’ makes sense too. It suits you- and I don’t mean that in a bad way. You’re a good person even if we don’t see eye to eye. How’s your lunch?” He nodded towards Ford’s plate, “and the drink?”

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Lunch break [Wayne/Ford]

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thedensedoctor:

“…I’m not fishing for compliments. And I did not mean to call our friendship into question. Forgive me if it came across that way. However, that was not what I meant,” Ford said. He took a sip of his drink. Oh, he probably should have scanned it. Ah well, he already could estimate. He knew Brad’s cooking well enough by now. “What I really meant, was that, objectively, I know you can find people better for more easy conversation. It’s not a matter of being nice, it’s just a fact.”

He sighed. “You appear to be convinced that the way bonds and friendships are formed is by constantly saying nice things about each other. This seems to be a point we just disagree on in principle. While it’s nice to have support from others, it’s good to give the right kind of encouragement. For example, be honest with me- you were getting exhausted by being followed around today, correct? And yet, I highly doubt you told anyone that they were being too clingy for you. I bet you told them what a wonderful time you were having in their company, and gave them the wrong impression.”

Ford gave a mildly stern look. “When I tire of your presence, Wayne, I ask you to leave. When I find you un-presentable, I tell you to clean up. You know this by now. Thus, you can always be assured that if I do not shoo you away, I am comfortable spending time with you. If I were to lie about something like that, it would set up false expectations of how I was feeling, thus causing you to inadvertently annoy me more and more until it became a wedge between our friendship. What was intended to be something to make you feel good in the short run, actually turned harmful in the long run. That is why I am wary of over-inflated compliments. I find them fickle trifles at their most harmless, and severely damaging at their worst.”

Wayne sighed again, giving a little pout around his straw. His food was going to get cold if this kept on, but it was talks like this that he lived for. “Now, I’m not sayin’ it forms friendships. I wouldn’t say I’m much more than acquaintances with any of the girls from today. It’s true, I could’a had lunch with them, they are more talkative than you are, but that’s not what makes a friendship. Friendship ain’t just talking to someone, or giving them third party support, friendship is being able to... Hm.” He furrowed his brow, sucking on the straw sitting in his mouth.

“Friendship is, like you said, being able to tell someone when they’re bein’ a nuisance. It’s bein’ able to have in-depth, two-way conversations, instead of just beatin’ around the bush with small talk. It’s knowin’ you’re being listened to, and not just because you got nice things to say. Sure, I like the girls! I like their company, they’re real nice to me, but they can’t hold a candle to the kind of relationship I’ve got with you.” He took another sip. If he could, he’d avoid that.. Bit about the girls being too clingy. Ford was right, he usually was, but Wayne wasn’t about to insult a lady. Let alone a whole group of ladies. “And that’s because you can tell me when I’m being annoying, and I know it’s not personal. Or I can tell you you’re bein’ a bit sour, and you know I’m sayin’ it because I care about you.”

“It’s true that... Well, sometimes ladies get the wrong impression, but it’s nothin’ that can’t be fixed. Misunderstandings are just that, they can be talked through and resolved, and ultimately lead to a relationship that was better than before. Communication is real important with that kind of stuff, you just gotta be willing to do it. Even when,” he started to chuckle, moving the drink from his face, “y’ remember that time a nice little lady came up and asked me to marry her? I had to tell her no, since we’d never actually talked before, but I told her to make conversation next time she saw me and we could get to be friends. Nobody left upset, the misunderstanding was cleared up, and maybe one day she’ll come say hi.”

“I’m just sayin’ conflict is always gonna happen, nothing is ever going to go perfect every time. But there’s always a way to make it better! And givin’ out compliments does a lot more good than harm.” He stuck the straw back in his mouth, not giving a second thought to how much he was drinking before starting his meal.

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Lunch break [Wayne/Ford]

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thedensedoctor:

Ford frowned. “…No,” he said, in response to Wayne’s comment. He was about to scold him more, when something Wayne said caught his interest. What was that about pineapple?

Arriving upstairs, Ford forced himself to refrain from rolling his eyes. “I don’t see the point of laying on compliment after compliment. After a while, it all becomes rather trivial, don’t you think? One should be commended on their accomplishments. Complementing a friend or colleague is one thing, but if you’re complimenting someone you hardly even know, does it truly carry any weight? It’s just pretty phrases.” He paused. “…That being said, I do my best as a doctor, and so I suppose I don’t mind compliments like that. And although I fail to understand why you continue to come to visit for things like lunch, when you could be talking to someone a bit more… chatty, I do enjoy our conversations.”

Ford placed the plates on the coffee table, as well as his drink, and he took a seat. “…In any case, regarding the research, you have in fact given me a wonderful idea. I have considered some fruits, such as lemons. However, while a lemon may seem acidic, inside the body, it becomes alkalized- in other words, basic. Pineapple, however, remains acidic, so that may actually be a good idea. Of course, I’ll have to run a few tests, but… In theory, it should work.”

Wayne sighed, heavily, “Alright, I’m glad I could give you the idea, but spare me a moment here.” He didn’t want Ford thinking he was nothing but superficial. He sat down in the chair opposite Ford, leaning forward so his elbows were on his knees. “I firmly believe that people deserve to be complimented, even if ya just met ‘em there’s always somethin’ good to say! Surface compliments may not as be thoughtful as things like ‘you’re a hard worker’ or ‘you’re good at what you do’, but they’re still worth sayin’ if it makes the recipient feel good. You never know when the last time someone said something nice to them was, or if the shallow compliment was exactly what they needed to hear. Why, just the other day I told a lady her hair was lookin’ nice and she said she'd been growing it out for years! She put a lot of love and care into her locks and that meant somethin’ to her.” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, “An’ it’s important for people to feel good about what the cards they were dealt. Grandpa taught me to be a proper gentleman, and that means makin’ sure people know they always got someone rootin’ for ‘em.” He picked up his cup off the tea table, leaning back and sticking the straw in his mouth. 

“And!” He started, the straw still in his mouth, “I keep spendin’ time with you because you’re my friend, Ford. I like hangin’ out with you and talkin’ about things I can’t talk about with other people. I like learning new things from you, and helpin’ you out with your studies, and I like your puns.” A smile playful grin formed on his face as he said that last point, punctuating the sentence with a wink. “I like havin’ you around, buddy, and you can’t get why out of a book.” This tea was so good, he didn’t want to let go of the cup again. He’d just keep sipping it periodically. “I can keep goin’ if you still don’t understand, I got a million and a half reasons why I’m happy to be your friend. Just say the word!”

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Lunch break [Wayne/Ford]

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thedensedoctor:

“Hm… Well, I doubt you would be able to help me on a more technical level, but as for the problem itself, it turns out to be as simple as chemistry gets,” Ford said. “As it turns out, a medicine I have is far too basic. I need some sort of acid to balance out the pH levels. However, the hard part is finding something that won’t have any affect on the medicine itself. Whether it’s acidic or basic is one thing, but if the thing I try to add something that causes a chain reaction, and causes compounds to change…” He sighed, shaking his head. “In any case, that the basic summary of it.”

Ford grabbed his drink, walking to the small kitchenette to grab some plates and silverware for the two of them. He sighed, hearing about ‘the girls’. “Honestly, I don’t know how you put up with having so many women flocking around you. More than one or two people in a conversation, and it tends to get a bit crowded, does it not?” He adjusted his glasses before picking up the plates and turning back towards the stairs. “And I’d suggest you to save those faux compliments for your gaggle of admirers.”

Ford wasn’t an imbecile. He knew he wasn’t exactly… personable. As much as he enjoyed Wayne’s company, and Wayne seemed to enjoy his, he would be shocked if Wayne could truly not think of at least one person more enjoyable to eat with. It wasn’t something that bothered him- just a fact. He headed up the stairs, letting Wayne follow behind him.

A small laugh escaped him, “was that a pun, Ford? The basic summary? I knew you had a funny bone in ya!” He took a sip of his tea, smiling around the cup. That was actually pretty funny, even if it wasn’t intentional. Good one, Ford! “Did you already consider lemons? Maybe lime, pineapple, or oranges? For that citric acid, you know. Pineapple’s definitely the most acidic, it tears away at your tongue just as it is!” The thought of it kind of made his tongue feel weird. Was there a pineapple-related memory he had been repressing? His brow furrowed for a brief moment until Ford spoke again.

“My compliments aren’t faux,” he frowned, actually a little hurt, “and they’re not saved just for women. I like to make them feel good about themselves, and I see no reason why that wouldn’t extend to my friends of other persuasions too.” His lips tipped to the side, “I ain’t kiddin’ when I say Westown is lucky to have a doctor like you, Ford. You’re good at your work, you’re passionate, and you use it to help people.” Wayne took a deep inhale and pushed a smile back on his face. “You can think it’s hogwash all ya want, but we didn’t have lunch plans today. I just came over anyways, and that’s gotta speak louder than my ‘faux compliments’.” He did the best he could to make air quotes around his cup. 

As Ford walked by, Wayne gave him a soft nudge with his elbow. Ford had to know that Wayne genuinely liked him, right? He even remembered his favourite drink! It kinda worried him that Ford might... doubt how highly he thinks of him! Now that was some hogwash. Wayne followed him up the stairs and put down the food on the coffee table. “Anyways, back to your research problem. Got any ideas?”

[aegeanfarm]

LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND TELL ME WAYNE ISN’T BI.

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Coffee? [Wayne/Minori]

@reap-the-harvest

Wayne didn’t leave town much. Well, outside of work, at least. This day trip was going to be fun, though. Oak Tree Town was a nice place, very cute and rustic. The brick roads were a beautiful touch, and made it feel like this town was built to be the idyllic rural fantasy. He’d heard there was even a farming program! How cool was that? He didn’t imagine farmers often got training in the field- both literally and figuratively. It had to be hard learning the profession from the roots up, Wayne had a lot of respect for someone who could take the bull by the horns like that.

Wayne strolled around the town; admiring the buildings, sticking his head in a few shops to say hi, make a few friends. The antique shop was by far his favourite spot of the day, they had an old coin up for sale that Wayne just couldn’t pass up. Sure, it was useless, but it was a portable charm! He’d keep it around for good luck.

The sun was still high in the sky when his stomach started to grumble. There had to be a restaurant somewhere around here, and he was ready for a good hot meal. Maybe a mocha? Mm, that sounded utterly sublime. He continued his walk, giving the signs a skim until he found Raeger’s Restaurant. The smells from the building gently caressed his nose as he opened the door, only making his stomach grumble louder. This was exactly what he was looking for! He walked up to the counter, glancing over his shoulder at another patron.

“Afternoon, sir!” He smiled, tipping his hat- then quickly removing it upon realising it was rude to wear it inside. He laughed sheepishly, “Apologies. Can I get a cafe mocha and uh,” he glanced back over at the girl at the table, “one of whatever she’s drinkin’ too.” The drinks came out shortly and Wayne, tucking his hat in his bag, took the mugs by the handles and approached the lady.

“Howdy, ma’am. I hope you don’t mind, but I noticed your drink gettin’ a bit low. Care for a refill?” He smiled and offered her the mug, “Careful, now. It’s pipin’ hot.”

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Lunch break [Wayne/Ford]

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thedensedoctor:

Ford bent down over his beaker, looking puzzled. “Here I thought I neutralized the base, but perhaps it needs something a bit more… I could cancel out the compound with a bit more acid, but what to use… It would do no good to just add in more chemicals… Still, the levels are just too high to leave alone…”

Ford muttered to himself, standing back up and pulling out his notebook. He scribbled his thoughts down, so he wouldn’t lose track of them, in case of an interruption. He did so hate losing his train of thought, but sometimes it was unavoidable. A doctor in these parts was expected to be on-call at all hours, after all. Plus, the clinic was still operating, so he could have non-critical walk-ins that would require his attention as well.  

“Hm… but perhaps I could use a food of some kind? Maybe lemon juice? …No, inside the body it becomes alkaline… Although….” His musings were cut short when he heard the door open. He looked up to see Wayne, and sighed. Well, it was no emergency, but he most likely wouldn’t be getting anywhere with his research now. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to be entirely annoyed.

“Good afternoon, Wayne,” he said, giving him a quick look-over from boot to hat- just a quick flick of the eyes. It was an instinctual, habitual action, one he had little control over. However, everything seemed in order, so he made no comment. “…As a matter of fact, I haven’t eaten,” he said. “I was in the middle of some research… However, I’ve hit a blocker, so you may just have come at a good time.” Ford stood up. “Let’s eat upstairs- I’d prefer not to mix food with experimental medicine. Shall I get out the plates and cutlery?” he asked, standing up. As he did so, he was sure to cork the vial, and move it to a secure location on his desk where it was less likely to get knocked over.

The smile on his face broadened. He caught that silent approval, and he was proud of it. More importantly, he felt bad if he was dirty enough for Ford to say something about him. So this was good!

“Fantastic!” He picked up the drink again, “Er, not about hittin’ a wall, just about lunch. Maybe I can lend a hand?” He took a moment to really think about how well versed he was in medical science and pursed his lips. “... Help in a general sense, at least. Haven’t read too much on chemistry recently.” The smile came back- it was his default expression. He headed over to the base of the staircase with their lunches and waited for his host to head up. 

“I figured I’d treat myself today and have breakfast for lunch- it’s good for the soul- and some milk tea. I had the girls followin’ me around all mornin’; they’re such sweet ladies, but I think I deserve a different kind of sugar now.” He admired the bag hanging on his arm and the contents in it. French toast with milk tea? Made by Brad, no less! This was about to be the best lunch he’s had all week, and it was only Wednesday. “And lunch with the best doctor in town, of course! Can’t think of anybody better to eat with.” He smiled wider, making a playful nudging motion towards his friend. “After you, my good man!”

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Lunch break [Wayne/Ford]

@thedensedoctor

Wayne thought they’d get the point when he walked into Brad’s place. He was getting lunch, surely the small crowd of women following him would let him eat alone, but as he walked in... The door didn’t close immediately behind him. Looking back over his shoulder, they had all followed him inside. 

“Aw, ladies,” he started, turning around with a smile, “now I’m real flattered y’all’d wanna have lunch with little old me, but...” He saw the disappointment forming on their faces and felt a twinge of guilt in his chest, “Oh, don’t give me that face now! Y’all’re so lovely when you smile! I just... Have lunch plans already. Another time, I promise. Alright?”

The girls lit up again and giggled amongst themselves, tittering about how they looked forward to that lunch. Satisfied, they bid the postman goodbye and left the restaurant with smiles on their faces. 

Wayne smiled in return, waving them off. They were getting more and more persistent these days.. Or was that just his imagination? He’d never say it, but he was happy to have room to breathe. He walked up to the counter, exchanging pleasantries with Brad and putting in an order for two. It wasn’t long after laying his money on the counter that Carrie walked over and struck up a conversation until the food was done. She even graciously bagged up the food for him and tacked a couple lids on the drinks, sticking some straws in the bag.

Wayne bid them both a very fond goodbye and set sail for the clinic. Admittingly, this wasn’t a planned lunch. Ford usually met him here for fresh food on plates, but he had to shake the fans somehow. Wayne approached the door, taking a moment to kick the tip his toes on the ground, knocking off the dirt clinging to his boots. He knew how Ford was, and it was understandable. Clinics should be as close to sterile as possible! He struggled for a moment with the knob, trying not to let the bag slide off his arm in the process of opening the door.

“Afternoon, doc’!” He beamed, cutting the corner to Ford’s desk. “Hope you haven’t eaten yet, pot-au-feu was on the menu today.” He put a straw-less cup on the desk, “An’ I got you that grass drink you like so much. You up for an impromptu lunch date?” He winked, laughing softly. 

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Substitute postman [Wayne/Gwen]

This was a new route for him. A new town completely! It was wedged between two mountains, and it was beautiful from head to toe. The abundance of nature and wildlife was starkly green in comparison to the red hue of Westown, and the air was a little thicker; not quite like Lulukoko or Tsuyukusa either. It was a place all its own, and it was cozy and warm; welcoming, like a hearth away from home. At least, it’d have to be for the next week.

Wayne was covering for the postal worker of this area. It was only temporary while they were on vacation, but he bet he’d enjoy it. Nothing was quite as good as home, but a change of scenery was always good! It helps keep a person grounded, and offered so many things to learn. Like the route he should take to make sure everything gets delivered.

Thankfully, the map he was given was very detailed. The normal delivery person had left the route they usually took marked on the map in bright red ink. Some places even had little post-it tabs tacked on next to them. ‘Lyla’s Flower Shop’ was very clearly marked with both a tab and little flowers drawn around it on the map. So was the cafe! Wayne reckoned those were the local hotspots. He’d have to make a point to visit them during the his stay, especially since coffee and flowers were a few of his favourite things, but for now he should get to work. He slung the satchel over his shoulder, grabbed his cup of coffee, and left the office.

The walk around town was pleasant. It was too early for most people to be awake, but he still got to familiarise himself with the buildings and the paths that connected them. It really was a peaceful place, even with the clouds overhead threatening to blow their load at any minute. They were holding out pretty well, and the sun  finally made it over the horizon as Wayne came to his last stop. The map said it was the Carpenter’s place, and it looked like there was a light on inside! Maybe he could go and introduce himself, make some friends in town starting with whomever lived here.

With a smile, a jump, and a click of his boots, Wayne headed for the door. He straightened out his coat and collar, and gave the door a knock. “Howdy! Got your mail!”

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n’yall