UN: russell (text)

[guilt_trip]

[Russell didn’t use the network much. It was kind of a hassle and talking to strangers wasn’t his idea of a good time. He needed help, though. So here he was.]

I need a job.

I’m 15 now, I guess.
I don’t have many skills and I’m not very strong.
I don’t really like talking to people.

[Wow. Really selling himself here, huh?]

Does anyone have anything that I could do?

[He stares at the screen for a minute or two, then adds.]

…Thanks.

Comments

[guilt_trip]

[Magic sure is convenient!!]

Thanks.

[……]

You’d really do that?

[livesoutofspite]

Sure thing. If you're up for it.

My name's Mike, by the way.

[guilt_trip]

[…]

I think I’d like that.


I’m Russell.

[Though that was kind of obvious from the username, huh?]

[livesoutofspite]

Then that's what we'll do.

Nice to meet you, Russell.

[It was obvious but he won't complain. Kind of shows Russell's personality. Seems like a no nonsense kinda teenager. Also he'd like to talk to his parents about not teaching him to ride a damn bike.]

Just name a time and place and we can do bike riding lessons. You want to go straight to two wheels or you comfortable with training wheels to get started?

[guilt_trip]

[Not teaching him to ride a bike is probably pretty low on the list of troubling things about Russell’s parents, all things considered. But that’s a tale for a later day.]

Do they even make training wheels for bikes my size?

[Training wheels were on little kid bikes, right? Bikes with baskets and tassels and squeaky horns.]

[livesoutofspite]

Fortunately for you, I can make them the right size. You don't gotta worry about a thing. I'll bring the bike, helmet, all that jazz. You just being you and your best can-do attitude.

And remember, falling over is all part of the learning process.

[guilt_trip]

[Can-do attitude, huh? Hmm…]

Okay.
We can meet at the park in Blossomcrown.
There’s plenty of space there.

[And with that, Russell will head out that way. He didn’t exactly get any details of what Mike looks like (nor share any about himself), but it should be easy to spot him because of the bike, right? Right.]

Text > Action

[livesoutofspite]

See you there.

[Mike isn't too hard to find, honestly. First, he looks like a dad. Older guy, five o'clock shadow, and a button up shirt. Plus he has a bike, training wheels in hand, and a helmet under his arm. He looks around though since there are other young teens in the part. Russell gets to make the first move here.]

Action! (Let’s goooo finally getting back to my ancient tagsss)

[guilt_trip]

[Russell is loitering in the park, standing markedly off by himself from the small groups and crowds.

When he sees a man with a bike and all the accoutrements, he perks up slightly and approaches slowly, cautiously.]

… Mike?

Re: Action! (I saw this notif and jumped right in tag! Yeeeaaah!)

[livesoutofspite]

[Mike turns when he hears his name. He smiles softly and gives a nod. Kid seems guarded so he doesn't make any sudden movements or loud noises. Best to not scare him off.]

Yep. That's me. You're Russell then, right? Ready to learn how to ride a bike?

hehehe

[guilt_trip]

…Guess so.

[Russell you could at least try to sound a little enthused. He does have a dim glint of curiosity in his eyes, though.]

Re: hehehe

[livesoutofspite]

[Russell is allowed to be as enthused or unenthused as he chooses to be. Mike will roll with it. He holds out the helmet first to Russell.]

Here you go. Put this on to start. Safety first. And if you want a different color or a design on it, let me know. I can change it in a snap.