Servers Over Capacity

We're working quickly to resolve the issue. And really, there's no need to be so rude about it. [RP blog of Tumblr as a program on the grid]

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

I...can't answer my own messages.

What the bloody hell have my programmers done?

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

perfectly-safe replied to your photo: I see my programmers felt it was make-over time….

It’s certainly a good look.

You like it? I wasn’t certain as to whether or not the penguin suit thing works for me…

[perfectly-safe-blog]

Don’t worry, you look great.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Well thanks, I appreciate that. I'm guessing the new changes mean you're going to be swamped with work for a while to keep up. Will you be okay?

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

perfectly-safe replied to your photo: I see my programmers felt it was make-over time....

It’s certainly a good look.

You like it? I wasn't certain as to whether or not the penguin suit thing works for me...

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

I see my programmers felt it was make-over time. Not too shabby, I'd say.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

openmymusicalbox replied to your post: Have you seen E at all today? Or heard from him?

Yeah, he’s not answering his messages and no one seems to know where he is. If you hear from him, will you let me know?

Of course. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for him.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Have you seen E at all today? Or heard from him?

No, sorry. I haven't seen him since he last came in for work. He fell off the radar?

[perfectly-safe-blog]

Uhn Tiss. Uhn Tiss. Uhn Tiss. [Flashback]

[perfectly-safe-blog]

When Tumblr kissed him, and oh did he kiss him, it was all E could do not to forget that they were still in public and keep back a heady groan that threatened to escape him. He didn’t want to attract attention or prying eyes, but he knew people were looking anyway when they left.

It didn’t bother him as much as it did and probably should have, but E was having a very hard time thinking about anything that didn’t involve Tumblr’s hands all over him and whether or not he was the kind of man who would do something like take him up against the door as soon as they walked inside his home.

Rough.. hard.. as thorough as that kiss.

E tucked a curl behind his ear, trying not to get caught up in the possibilities when he was already so worked up, and failing very quickly.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

The ride back to his apartment was heavy with tension, taut as a wire ready to snap. Tumblr's mind was full of the possibilities, the ways he could make E's body bend and move, of the sounds he might draw from the blond's throat... He had no patience to wait until they were inside his apartment to get another taste of E, hands on E's hips as he pushed him up against the door and licked into E's mouth. His hands trailed over sides and circuits as his tongue sought out E's with a playful tease, a knee sliding wickedly between the program's thighs. A free hand reached over to key in the access codes, hearing the door unlock with a click, though he took a moment before drawing back and giving E some space to pull him inside. 

[perfectly-safe-blog]

Uhn Tiss. Uhn Tiss. Uhn Tiss. [Flashback]

[perfectly-safe-blog]

E wished he could say he had to think about it, even briefly, but the truth was that the moment Tumblr had greeted him, he knew he couldn’t possibly turn down any offer he made. He’d thought about it-him for too long, fantastized too much, to be able to turn away from the chance.

And maybe it was how long it had been since he’d interfaced, or just the fact that it was Tumblr who would have him, but he felt almost as light-headed from the excitement of it all as he had before, something that also made him feel wonderfully bold.

He leaned in, simply letting their lips brush together.. but the slow caress of it, the way his breath escaped softly just as he pulled back again, made the whole thing a great deal more sensual then he was capable of doing intentionally.

“Y..your place.” He questioned or suggested. Even he wasn’t sure.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

This was a side of E that he hadn't even been aware existed, let alone had ever thought he might see. But as E drew back, the feel of his soft lips still echoing on Tumblr's own, images of long limbs wrapped tightly around him, fingers tugging at golden hair filled his mind, brightening his circuits. There was something especially thrilling about the fact that E knew exactly what he wanted and wasn't afraid to let him know. Seeing that kind of initiative coming from his normally shy subordinate was intoxicating, and he drew E in for a deep, thorough kiss that promised of much more. "Sure," he replied with a smirk as he reached for E's hand. "Let's get out of here."

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[feelluckypunk-blog]

He grinned and stood, perceiving victory and not wanting to stay here any longer than necessary. 

“Good man. I knew you’d see reason.” He clapped a hand to Tumblr’s shoulder, but allowed it to linger.

“If we talk again on this matter, it won’t be as congenial. Remember— he might be your subordinate, but he’s my sub. It’s taken a long time to get where we are now, and I don’t let go easily.” He demonstrated by squeezing, knowing his hands were strong, knowing that the pressure should stop just this side of painful. 

He let go and turned away, before thinking better of it, and turning back.

“You do take such good care of my boy— if you need anything from me, don’t hesitate to call, understand?” He was feeling so much better after their little talk.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Throughout this meeting, Tumblr had been many things. Smug, annoyed, indignant, suspicious...

But it wasn't until Google's hand had left his shoulder, a faint imprint of the pressure still lingering, that he felt spooked.

And he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he wouldn't have wanted to be in E's shoes at that moment.

He gave a curt nod at Google's parting words, taking a deep gulp from his glass in an attempt to put this encounter behind him as soon as possible.

He decided that if he ever spoke to Google again, it would be way the fucking hell too soon.

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[feelluckypunk-blog]

He pulled a face and gestured that the bartender bring him one as well. 

He’d expected blind panic from Tumblr. It was a play that had done him very well in the past. 

“He’s volatile. Needs a strong guiding hand, I’m sure you understand. I’m afraid I doted… I’ve spoiled him. He might still be trying to ask you for what he needs from you— what he expects you’ll deliver. But then, that’s my fault too— how should he know any better? But soon he’ll be asking you about adding extra hours, working together more closely. He’s heavy handed, never quite got used to the idea of subtlety. And he’ll play coy about it. But oh, I could play you recordings— sorry. That isn’t the point. The point is, he doesn’t have the programming for strings free attachment. He’s idolized you since entering the system, and you’ve gone and opened the door for him to get hopeful.”

He swigged from his freshly arrived drink. 

“If you don’t want to hurt him even worse later, when he’s grown attached, and so sure he’s found his new place in life, at your side, hurt him now. Give him the mercy stroke and keep him at arm’s length. But do it soon, while your professional relationship is still salvageable.” He spread his hands, palms upwards, the universe spanning gesture for ‘I have nothing to hide’.

“I care greatly for him. I don’t want to see him broken by bad decisions, Tumblr. Surely you can appreciate that. I know that I would appreciate it. In whatever form you think is best, as far as compensation goes.”

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Tumblr listened carefully to every subtly condescending word that came out of Google's mouth, wondering if his words echoed Google's treatment of E, and not surprised in the least that the boy had eventually wised up and headed for the hills.

Oh, the argument seemed sound. But there were an awful lot of assumptions being made on E's behalf, and that struck him as odd.

He sat back when Google was finished, seemingly considering his request.

Oh, the answer was a resounding no at the words "hurt him now," but...maybe talking to E about what he thought about the situation was a good idea, figure out his expectations before determining whether or not they needed to be set straight. At least that much he'd gotten from Google.

"I'll talk to him," he finally answered ambiguously with a shrug. "No compensation needed or wanted."

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Tumblr stomped down on the tendril of guilt that was working its way through his processes, grinding it beneath his heel. As…unappreciative as he’d been of E’s assistance before, he wasn’t a complete monster. If he’d known the conditions E was in before…

“Yeah, well, I’m doing what I can to rectify that now that…what, you cut off his funds?” he asked, leaning forward against the bar counter, eyes narrowing slightly. “Or is he refusing them? Hell of a separation, that one, if he’s refusing a stipend you’re generously offering him for his comfort.”

[feelluckypunk-blog]

“It isn’t about him refusing them. They’re there if he needs them. He’s trying to prove to me he can stand on his own two feet. And I believe him, for the most part. Except for this— except for you. He’s wrong about you. Because I’m sure he doesn’t expect a one night stand from you. He will think that means the two of you are together now. Because I’m all the experience he’s had, the poor, sweet, naive thing. And he’ll expect from you everything I’ve given him.” He made his voice sympathetic. “Are you ready to bear that load?” Sweet, mocking, the words practically dripped from his mouth. 

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

"Hmmmm, I've been with some pretty clingy dudes, and let me tell you, that's not the impression I've gotten from E at all," he replied, signaling over to the bartender for a refill. "Not that I'd say no if he wanted to go for a two or three-night stand."

True, E had seemed remarkably more chipper at work since they'd spent the night together, but the blond hadn't really struck him as...assuming. He'd kept a pretty professional relationship between them, albeit a bit friendlier than they'd been before. Nothing that would set of warning bells...But maybe he just didn't know his subordinate too well yet. They had only started to get to know eachother recently.

"What exactly is it that you want me to do, Google? Note that I'm agreeing to it...I'm just curious as to what sort of tangle you want to rope me into this time."

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

“Funny how it’s apparently my fault and you’re the only one blaming me,” he mused with a shrug, downing the quarter of his drink that was left. Google’s last remark had caused a spike of anger, the implications of his statement unmerited and unwelcome.

“I looked after E that day until he seemed well enough to leave on his own,” Tumblr answered, his tone colored with indignation. I didn’t call you because if that’s what E had wanted, he would have done it himself, and whatever was going on between the two of you was clearly none of my business, a concept you don’t seem to grasp right now.”

[feelluckypunk-blog]

“E’s too polite to tell you how you fucked him over. Three times now, you’re just the gift that keeps on giving aren’t you?” He shook his head. 

“Do you know how he was living, before he lived with me, before you started paying him, because of me? No. No, I’m sure you don’t. Missing meals to pay for other necessities, missing even more when he was beat up and mugged for his petty cash… it wasn’t safe. I’m the best thing to ever have happened to him. He just seems to have forgotten. And that, Tumblr, is where you come in.”

He steepled his fingers. Now that Tumblr had gotten snappy, he felt a little more evenly footed. Ready to do business. 

He was, after all, a business man.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Tumblr stomped down on the tendril of guilt that was working its way through his processes, grinding it beneath his heel. As...unappreciative as he'd been of E's assistance before, he wasn't a complete monster. If he'd known the conditions E was in before...

"Yeah, well, I'm doing what I can to rectify that now that...what, you cut off his funds?" he asked, leaning forward against the bar counter, eyes narrowing slightly. "Or is he refusing them? Hell of a separation, that one, if he's refusing a stipend you're generously offering him for his comfort."

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[feelluckypunk-blog]

“We’re separated. Not ended. Though I’m sure he was a bit preoccupied to tell you that. Lucky you.” His eyes were narrowed to the point that he wasn’t sure if he was actually seeing out of them any more, or if the haziness was just from his anger. 

“And no, our disagreement actually stemmed from you turning him out into the street while he was hurt. Speaking of— any special reason you didn’t think to call me? Or were you just hoping he would pass out on your couch?” He gave him a toothy, angry grimace thinly disguised as a smile. 

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

"Funny how it's apparently my fault and you're the only one blaming me," he mused with a shrug, downing the quarter of his drink that was left. Google's last remark had caused a spike of anger, the implications of his statement unmerited and unwelcome.

"I looked after E that day until he seemed well enough to leave on his own," Tumblr answered, his tone colored with indignation. I didn't call you because if that's what E had wanted, he would have done it himself, and whatever was going on between the two of you was clearly none of my business, a concept you don't seem to grasp right now."

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[feelluckypunk-blog]

He ignored the dig on his ego— it didn’t matter, and since it was really closer to paranoia, he reasoned that it was well earned. His wariness of being used had a very solid base, and his worry that some competitor might use his romantic interests to harm him was also based in experience. 

But no matter. 

“E is always relevant to me, and always will be. I don’t care if he’s your subordinate, you didn’t want him, I laid my claim. So I’ll ask you again— what is he to you, beyond a professional capacity? Are you going to… hurt him?” 

He wasn’t entirely sure what his voice or face was doing at this point. 

He couldn’t tell if he wanted Tumblr to say no, or… if he was desperately hoping to be able to swoop in and ‘save’ E from him. Or maybe just to watch E twist in the winds of his own fate. He’d brought it on himself, after all. 

But he did know that he was eager for Tumblr’s answer.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Tumblr arched an eyebrow, noting that Google wasn't just hung up on E, he was almost...obsessed. He could only begin to wonder at what he might have said to E that would cause E to send him the private message he had earlier.

"And what if I was interested in more than just a fuck? Funny, I was under the impression that you and E broke up, thereby ending your 'claim' to him," he remarked mildly.

Honestly, as great a person as he'd begun to see E was, he genuinely had no interest in pursuing a relationship outside of the bedroom with his subordinate. But he was interested in seeing just in what state Google was in.

"I'm not going to hurt him, I'm sure you've done enough of that for the both of us. "

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

[feelluckypunk-blog]

He smacked his fist down on the table, reigning in his temper as much as he could. This wasn’t E. He wouldn’t intimidate so easily, take him so seriously. 

His jaw hurt and he thought he might have damaged something, but he doubted it. 

He worked his mouth open and closed a few times, before managing to sputter out a simple, 

“Why?” 

He didn’t sound weak, just angry. The hurt wasn’t showing through. Only the threat. That was good. That was how he wanted it. 

“Is this some sort of revenge thing? Are you angry I told him about how he was getting paid? Is this to get even with me? What do you want with him?” The words came out rapid fire, and full of venom and suspicion.  The hurt could wait. 

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

He'd known exactly what was coming, though not....the intensity of it. Tumblr shot him a sharp glance, listening to the torrent of demands that shot out of Google's mouth, and it was all he could do not to outright laugh.

He settled for a barely-restrained scoff instead.

"Let's see...Because it seemed a good idea at the time, no, no, no, and...I don't see how that's of any relevance to you right now," he answered in order. "Users, the ego you have on you. Is it really that hard for you to believe that it had nothing at all to do with you? You were the furthest thing from my thoughts that night, I assure you."

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Hurt

The point of this trip set him on edge, and thinking about it only made it worse. He ached, all of him did, and not the least of which was his core, his teeth, where he was grounding them together, his knuckles, squeezed tight over his lightcycle’s steering rods… 

didn’t matter. 

Right now, Tumblr mattered. E mattered. His anger, that mattered. The betrayal he felt, the embarrassment, the urge to destroy things, yeah, that all mattered.

Speed safety was of no concern. Looking less than murderous, he wouldn’t bother with. 

He strolled into the bar looking like a fight primed and ready to happen. He was somewhat surprised he wasn’t immediately asked to leave— and then he remembered who he was, and a feral grin split his face. 

He could afford to trash this place if he wanted— and he figured everyone knew it. 

Why else wouldn’t they stop him from sitting down and glaring balefully at Tumblr?

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

Maybe it was that rather spectacular night he spent with E.

Or maybe it was the way face-clawingly irritating manner in which Google seemed to think he was fit to stand on a pedestal above everyone else.

But Tumblr just really, really did not feel like talking to the man in the least at that moment, especially about E. Thankfully, at least they were meeting somewhere where he could nurse a drink and take the edge off.

He saw Google take a seat beside him from the edge of his sight, hardly needing his peripheral vision to sense the daggers the other man seemed to be glaring at him at that moment. He took another calm sip of his drink as he continued to face forward, seemingly unperturbed.

"All right, let's hear it."

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

feelluckypunk replied to your post: I want words with you. Alone. Now.

Where can I meet you?

You know, I don’t believe I’ve actually agreed to meet you anywhere.

[feelluckypunk-blog]

Tough.

You can meet me somewhere, or I can come over to your place. 

It wouldn’t be my first visit. I’m sure you recall.

[therealsocialnetwork-blog]

No chance of you leaving me be, then?

Fine then, I'm on my way to the bar closest to my house. Meet me there.