[network] Event: Long & Lost [NIGHT 217]

[snowblindmods]

it's been so long between the words we spoke
will you be there up on the shore, I hope

[Make sure to note any specific warnings in your subject lines!]

Comments

[blueteamproblems]

Do I sound like I wanna talk about it?

[phaseshifter]

Iunno. You sound like you need to, though. With how bottling it up has got you into this kinda state.

[blueteamproblems]

It's not- that shit I said about tripwires and whatever? That's why I don't talk about it. Because if I do, then I'll have to think about it, and- I don't know what's gonna happen. But it's not good.

[phaseshifter]

Being stuck in one place surrounded by tripwires doesn't exactly sound like a good time either.

[blueteamproblems]

It's not, but at least I can function like this. Kind of. I'm not totally out of my mind.

[phaseshifter]

Well, I'm not about to force you. I just worry that when you do have to confront all this, you might try to do it alone.

Which would suck.

[blueteamproblems]

I really hope I don't ever have to confront it. Because if I do, it's probably gonna kill me, whether I'm alone or not.

[phaseshifter]

Dude, you're not - you aren't that fragile, surely.

[ Unless what ~*they*~ did is JUST THAT AWFUL. ]

[blueteamproblems]

[ahahahaha]

Well, I mean- it'd be great if I could say I'm not, because I don't wanna sound like a fucking wuss. But.

[phaseshifter]

Dude, for someone who isn't about all the friendly affectionate gestures? You're kiiiinda screaming out for a hug right now.

[blueteamproblems]

God, I hope Caboose didn't hear that. I really don't actually want any hugs.

[phaseshifter]

Want and need are two different things, Church.

[blueteamproblems]

Yeah, well. I don't need hugs either. You might think that they can magically fix everything, but that's not actually a thing that happens in reality.

[phaseshifter]

Magic has nothing to do with it. It's all science, I mean - hugs are pretty good for your physical and mental wellbeing. They promote the release of several beneficial chemicals - seratonin, dopamine, oxytocin - and it can also reduce cortisol, which is a hormone linked to stress and anxiety.

[ can you hear the "don't insult my intelligence, friendo" in there

CAN YOU ]

[blueteamproblems]

That shit's all great, but I'm not hearing anything about actually fixing anything.

[Shut uuuuuupppp he'll insult whoever he wants!!!]

[phaseshifter]

Baby steps, Church. Small short-term improvements can help you to tackle things in the long term. Physical reminders that people love you and care for you - like hugs - can help more than you think if talking isn't an option.

Maybe ask one of the doctors to have the admin prescribe you some.

[ Spider hugs. IMAGINE ]

[blueteamproblems]

Oh my fucking god.

Okay, look. I get that I can't really fault you for not having any idea what's going on with me, since I'm the one who doesn't wanna talk about it.

But, like- can you just believe me when I say it's not a matter of love and caring and all that hippy-dippy shit or brain chemicals or what the fuck ever? And it's not something I'm gonna tackle at any point if I can fucking help it?

[phaseshifter]

Dude, I'm not some kind of moron. I'm just - if you can't talk about it, this is all I have to help you with. As I am right now, anyway.

[ If only she could stuff some Hyperion tech in his ear and help that way. ALAS. ]

You said so yourself that you'd have to start thinking about it someday. And this place has a way of confronting you with your own issues, right? So I'm concerned. That's all.

[blueteamproblems]

Well, maybe you shouldn't be trying to help. I sure didn't ask you to.

[Is he being a huge stubborn baby? WHY YES HE IS WHAT ELSE IS NEW]

[phaseshifter]

Eat it, Church, it's what friends do. Pissbaby.

[ SHE WENT THERE

UNCENSORED CONTENT HERE FOLKS ]

[blueteamproblems]

No, fuck you. It's what you do. You don't see me getting all up in your issues, do you?

[phaseshifter]

Dude. If I was getting all up in your issues, I'd be a lot more insistent about it. This is nudging at the edges of your whole deal.

[blueteamproblems]

Well, you still shouldn't be doing it. My deal doesn't need to be nudged.

[phaseshifter]

Okay. Let me just turn off my concern, it'll only take a second. Do you have a coathanger and a map of the human brain?

[blueteamproblems]

...What?