She's a Maniac, Maniac!

[encore_dueling]

Who: Jake English and everyone else
Where: Anywhere
When: Anytime during curse week
Style: Any! I'll match you!
Status: Open!

[You know what sucks the most about being in a coma? Not being able to explore the place you just got dumped into!

Granted, for the first couple of days or so, that grease is still in his hair no matter how vigorously he washes it. How the hell that stuff got into it, he doesn't know and he's not sure he wants to know.

Anyway, this kid can be found looking at everything Vatheon has to offer, both under the water and on the surface. He's a very curious lad, after all!

Jake...also has no idea that a curse is even happening. Yeaaaah, fun times ahead.]

Comments

[spacecase]

Jake!

[HEEEEYYYY GRANDPA, WHAT'S UP! Don't mind Jade springing onto him for hug times, she tends to do that.]

How have you been, I haven't seen you in ages!

[encore_dueling]

[Not a problem! Jake's able to catch and hug her just as tight as she is. It's so cool that his grandma is here to talk with him and everything!]

A bit knackered, but I've been in a bit of a coma for three weeks or something like that. It was really odd and I'm surprised that sleeping for that long made me more tired! How are you, Jade?

[spacecase]

Yeah that happens sometimes, it's more of a nuisance than anything.

[And one last snuggle for good measure, yeeeeeep, family times is awesome times.]

I've been all right! Nothing really exciting going on, just fixing up the house after the flood got over with.

[encore_dueling]

[Best family ever!

Jake looks concerned.]

There was a flood? Jiminy Christmas, I miss everything in three weeks of absence! What happened? I trust you're alright?

[spacecase]

That's why we were up on the island, silly! The bubble got a breach in it and flooded the city, but I'm okay, of course!

I hope you're okay, too. I know you got abducted by Cronus when you were asleep.

[encore_dueling]

I think I was asleep for all that.

[He looks surprised.]

I...what? Seriously? Well, I mean, I did suddenly fall asleep in the middle of the street, so...perhaps he was just helping me out?

[spacecase]

He dressed you up like him, thought about kissing you to wake you up, then insisted that you guys were matesprits to other people. It was all I could do to keep myself from finding him and beating his face in with my rifle.

I don't like that guy, Jake, he's an asshole.

[pranksterheir]

[John's walking along when he sees Jake off not so far away, pausing because there is something familiar about that guy... Then he notices just how freakishly alike he looks to him, and how he looks similar to the guy John saw kissing that severed head when he was getting zapped around because of the window thing. Deciding to approach him, John gives a wave and calls out a greeting.] Hey!

[encore_dueling]

[Yes, approach the kid who kissed the severed head of his best friend slash ex boyfriend and become friends with him.

Jake stops and turns to face whoever calls at him. He grins and waves at what looks like a clone of him. He's somehow having flashbacks to Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.]

Ahoy! How're you this fine day, chap?

[pranksterheir]

I'm doing good. What about you? Hey, what's your name? I feel like I should know who you are.

[encore_dueling]

Fine and dandy, if a bit tired! I'm Jake English, it's a pleasure to meet you. [He holds out a hand to shake.] What's yours?

[pranksterheir]

[John takes his hand and shakes it, looking excited.] Jake! Hey, I'm John! You wrote me that letter and sent me Liv Tyler, remember? The bunny? [That's got to be who this is.]

[encore_dueling]

[It takes him a second before he remembers.]

Oh! Yes, of course! Haha, I'm glad you got the bunny in time for your birthday! I was afraid I'd completely miss it what with shenanigans on getting enough uranium to send it off. I hope, ahhhh, Liv served you well?

[shippingmath]

[Dirk himself is painfully aware of the curse, due to some unfortunate things on the network, but he's doing his best to avoid it all by now. And besides, talking to Jake surely can't result in anything awkward, right?

Either way, in walking around the bubble, Dirk notices Jake just as Jake is heading toward the elevator that leads up to the island. He's pleased to see him, grease and unresolved feelings between the two of them and all.]

Didn't realize you were awake, English.

[encore_dueling]

[Oh, Dirk, sometimes you're so naive it's adorable.

Jake freezes and turns to face his friend. He rakes a hand through his hair sheepishly.]

Sorry, Dirk, I have a bad case of cabin fever after sleeping for so long, and I didn't think I'd be missed, so...I thought I'd check out Vatheon and get my bearings and whatnot. How are you faring?

[shippingmath]

Better, seeing you up.

[FFfffffff dammit, stupid curse. Dirk's lucky that he's gotten so much practice at keeping a straight face, because what he just said is not exactly the kind of thing you should say to a recent ex.]

Comas aren't always a bad sign, but they're shitty anyway. We weren't sure where you were at first.

[encore_dueling]

[That might be a small blush, but he's otherwise okay with the response.]

Yeah, I was in the middle of the street when I fell asleep. I don't recall where I was rambling off to, now. Sorry if I worried you!

[shippingmath]

[At least a small blush is the only thing. He can survive that.]

No more than usual. As long as you aren't avoiding any of us, it's cool.

[encore_dueling]

I can't make any promises, but I'm trying to stand my ground instead of act like a frightened rabbit. I'm still scared I'll botch things up again and not know how to fix it...if it could be fixed.

[He's been unsure of himself since the time he wound up on his Quest Bed.]

[stridercentric]

[It's the third day of the curse week and Bro's painfully aware of just how it works by now. Tempting as it is to simply hole away until this whole thing blows over, he's decided to face this thing head-on. Being forced to tell the truth doesn't mean he needs to blurt out his secrets. It just means he needs to make sure he doesn't say too much and gives the right truths. It's like a challenge.

He's just going about his business when he spots Jake walking down the street in the distance. Greasy hair aside, it feels eerily similar to the first time he met Jake English. At least the kid's not dragging a tree along this time.

He can't let this opportunity for trolling pass by. In a way, messing with this teenage version might balance out the resentment he feels for old man Harley. A grin tugs at his lips and he flashsteps forward to intercept Jake.]

[encore_dueling]

[Jake jumps slightly when there's a Bro Strider suddenly in front of him, but he's used to Dirk doing that by now. Granted, no matter what, he's always going to flinch whenever even a familiar face seems to appear out of thin air. He grins up at the man.]

And you must be the enigmatic and elusive Bro Strider!

[stridercentric]

Guilty as charged. [He crosses his arms over his chest, still smirking lightly as he peers down at Jake.]

What gave me away? Was it my dashing looks, radiant personality or just the trademark shades? [Or, y'know, the flash stepping.]

[encore_dueling]

All of the above plus the flashstepping. You're a very distinct person no matter which universe you come from, I think!

[stridercentric]

Fair enough. If there was even one version of me livin' a bland, ordinary life, I'd disown 'm.

[He's not even kidding. He would reject such a loser.]

[encore_dueling]

I don't think that'd be possible all things considered.

[The personalities of Striders doesn't allow this to happen, after all.]

How are you this fine day, Bro?