IC Inbox for Ryslig

[certaininequities]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, DR_OSBORN.

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<DR_OSBORN> You've reached Dr. Norman Osborn.
<DR_OSBORN> Please leave a message: I'll respond as promptly as possible.

Other Handles:
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Comments

overflow - Cairo

[certaininequities]

((Continued from here.))

Extremely low, yes...! I'm glad no one was hurt, though. That sort of thing could have gone so much worse.

Are you studying anything here? Going after anything in particular for yourself?

[he is not aware at all that he might be projecting just a tiny bit, trying to guide someone the way he meant to do once he got home to Harry. if Cairo is smart enough to see that, she's absolutely free to shut him down or point it out]

[bestforyou]

[Expectation: Cairo, a smart person, is going to try and go to university.
Reality: Cairo is learning how to scam people from a shady antiques dealer.]

i'm taking a gap year after not graduating from high school on account of coming here and not wanting to redo my entire last semester of school or try and find out if the local colleges will even let me study there as a monster

Overflow - Cassandra

[certaininequities]

((Continued from here!))

<melancholyman> [overflow]

[riproduzione]

((continued from here))

a puzzle? well not really, osborn. i'd have thought it was rather obvious myself.
though italian is an easy guess given half the house is italian, no?

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

It's only obvious if I can hear your voice. Any of the others I've spoken to could have responded to me the way you did, potentially. But if you're the oldest ... let's see, you can't be Giorno, he would have been more to the point and probably tried to cut me down a little harder, he likes to come across like he's in charge, but you're older than him which means I don't think you're Panacotta either which

there are a couple of others I haven't spoken to yet but still

okay your handle has 'man' in it so you aren't Jolyne.

Process of elimination, Abbacchio. I guess you're right, that wasn't that hard after all.

dont ask how his face is doing that's rude

Overflow - Dib

[certaininequities]

((Continued from here.

No, I'm not from outer space, but something I tried to do ended up taking away my memories. It's a long story that I don't want on the network but I can tell you some time if you want.

I'm sorry that person took your tape and your other friend was an alien but I'm really not sure what The Butt On Mercury is slang for or was that a concert? Is that some band I've never heard of?

and

oh.

my father was pretty awful too but this isn't about me. I'm sorry, Dib, this is so much. I shouldn't be reading this many awful things from someone who's your age and I'm sorry that you had to deal with all of that, but ... I hope you can get used to the difference. That you can let people be kind to you.

<AGENT_MOTHMAN>

[bigheaded]

no, it's not a band, it's a real butt

i mean, wait. not a REAL butt. a rock formation that LOOKS like a butt. on mercury. like the face on mars, but dumber.

they were both part of an ancient alien civilization's planet-sized rocket ship experiments.


i saved the world you know

Overflow - Tawna

[certaininequities]

((from here)

[to paraphrase Otto ... "the boyfriend." Norman doesn't remark on this, but files it quietly away, even as he's thinking:]

The more you tell me about him, the more he reminds me of Peter. I'd like to meet him, someday. Maybe we can go to lunch some time. I have a job at one of the labs now, I'm more than happy to pick up the tab. Just choose us a nice place.

[swashgrappling]

Maybe when we're out of this place, all of us can meet properly in a better dimension. The Quantum Masks owe me a favor or two. Pretty sure if Peter and Crash meet, they're going to get along too well.

Careful with that kind of offer, two former mutants can be big eaters.

Overflow - Vicious

[certaininequities]

((from here))

Considering our circumstances, I don't think it's fair to call it 'humanity' anymore. I've regained faith in ... people. Monstrous or not.

I'm sorry that you think that's misguided. I know how easy it is to expect everyone else in the world to want to keep you down. To focus on the struggle itself, let it define you.

3/25, morning after atem's post

[digiorno]

[It's been a long day, a long night, and now it's being a long morning. Giorno hasn't slept. He hasn't tried, because he knows himself too well; he's far too keyed up. But one thing has been sticking with him, one tiny positive.]

[At this point, he'll take anything.]

[When he comes across Norman in the kitchen nook, he pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful, before coming up to the bar.]

Do you mind if I sit? I wanted a word with you in any case.

[certaininequities]

No, I don't mind at all, Giorno.

[he turns from where he's been putting together his breakfast, sees his face, and amends:]

I'll put us on some good, strong coffee. You look like you've been doing damage control with everyone, too.

March 22nd

[swashgrappling]

[Once Tawna figures out just where Norman lives, she makes a point to fly by at night. Merely to leave a carefully wrapped gift on the doorstep for him.

Within is a fairly sturdy leather jacket. Well worn, clearly second-hand. When worn it should be a comfortable fit. When the jacket is turned over it becomes clear Tawna has added something to the jacket. The entirety of the back is covered in beads. Beads that have been carefully woven into rainbow fractal patterns. The pattern spirals across the full back.

Some of the fractals escape onto the shoulders of the jacket sleeves.]

I figured you'd need something to wear that'll hold you through most of the seasons.

See you later, Norman.

-Tawna

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

Tawna, I just got your gift. It's absolutely beautiful, and I'm not sure what I did to deserve it. Thank you so much.

Now I most definitely need to treat you and Crash to lunch somewhere. Anyplace you'd like. Pick a place, let me know when, and I'll be there.

<e.grey>

[greyaria]

Hey, Norman! I'm signing you up for the date auction! Better get a tux fitted!

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

For the what??

[someone's been a little busy looking after Otto and keeping tabs on Parker, okay?]

Backdated to April 13th

[thegreatmysterio]

((Picking up from hijinks discussed here))

[So, the good news is, this time Quentin set shit up with the intention to get to the bar he suggested first! After his run-in with that Dillon guy, he is... definitely much warier about this sort of thing.

At the moment, he's working under two assumptions: One, the guy's probably going to recognize him in some way, considering both the fishbowl comment, and the fact that Pier didn't ask for some kind of identifier. Two, he has to be smart about this shit, because green with four eyes? That's a monster, man. And Quentin is very much still a human, at the moment. He doesn't want to get snapped in half.

Another thing that he doesn't want to bet on, but can't quite shake the thought of is... theoretically, he'll be safe? Parker wouldn't be friendly with people who committed murder willy-nilly, but. Dillon still kicked his shit in pretty thoroughly.

Yeah, he can't bet on that last one at all, so it's not even an assumption. It's more like a bonafide pipe dream.

Either way, Quentin's safely at the bar half an hour in advance, and it's vaguely familiar territory. Not too close to the 38-8, but not too far away either if he ends up having to lick his own wounds again. God, this fucking place. It's like trying to deal with Fury and SHIELD shit on overdrive, this is the last time he's going to suggest something like this all willy-nilly.

He starts peeling the label off of his beer absently, watching the doorway carefully for whenever some green guy with four eyes will walk in. Place has a decent amount of foot-traffic, considering it's the middle of the week, but Quentin's not going to object to that. If he needs to potentially slip out-

Well. He'll make it work.]

[certaininequities]

[Norman purposefully dressed down: a (new) hoodie, this one a deep navy blue, and a pair of dark jeans. the focus is meant to be on his four glowing yellow eyes, his sharp teeth. his claws are filed and blunted, but he still looks like someone who walks the line between casual and dangerous as he enters the bar and his eyes sweep the tables before finding Beck. he takes note of the beer and stops at the bar, ordering another for him and a glass of bourbon for himself, then brings the drinks up to Beck's table.]

I think I promised you this.

before goblin shenanigans - [Action]

[heyunderoos]

[Peter knocks on the door to Norman and Otto's room. Waiting for a long moment before speaking up.]

Norman?

[The teenager is fairly sure Norman has come back from the labs by now. All three of them have built up a schedule by now.

Peter has finished with a patrol, and is a little tired from it, but wanted to make sure to give Norman something he saw and thought he'd like.]

I love threat threads yay

[certaininequities]

[the distraction comes right at the perfect time: Otto's out for some reason or other (probably planning a certain date), and Norman's been left to his own devices, pacing the room for a lack of anything else to do with his nerves.

he'd tried reading a book, but his focus had been next to nothing, so the cheap paperback thriller lies discarded on the armchair next to a cold half-cup of coffee. other than that, the room they share is as neat and clean as ever when Norman calls out:]

It's open, Parker!

< HasNoFear > (Blanket CW for Hollywood DID)

[summonthesuit]

[About two days after this post went up on the network, a new message pops into Norman's inbox.]

Good afternoon,

I hope you're feeling better today, and you got that blood test done that you were hoping for. I'm sorry if this message is unwelcome. I'm new to this place and I'm sure we've never chatted before. I just wanted to say that if you ever want to talk to someone who knows what it's like to have to share a body with someone else, I'm probably one of the few here who fits that bill. I know what it's like to just suddenly wake up and find out the other one's done something dreadful. Or just walked your body straight into another country.

It's up to you, of course. My situation's not quite the same as yours. Didn't have to gulp down any super serum for my mind to turn the way it did. But if you think it'll help you, I'm all for it. I never really got to talk to anyone else who knows what it's like either, so maybe it'll be good for both of us.

No pressure, though! If you don't want to, that's fine. Feel free to tell me to bugger off and mind my own business.

Oh, my name's Steven. Probably should've led with that. Sorry.

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

[what even... it takes Norman a few reads to really grasp the whole message beyond the initial reaction of "who the hell even is this and why do they think this is a good first impression at all?"

and then he realizes that at its core, Steven's first impression is that he wants to help, and connect, and maybe find something familiar. just like Norman did when he arrived.]

Hello, Steven. Thank you for reaching out to me: this was an unexpected surprise with my morning coffee. I appreciate your offer, but I admit I wouldn't really know where to start.

I was able to get that test, though - thank you for asking. I'd be willing to meet you somewhere to talk if that's easier than something over the network.

Morning of June 14th

[swashgrappling]

[A few days after the post on network beginning Norman's Apology Tour, the man can expect a small package wrapped up and bundled by an the arcade entrance. Tawna isn't a 4th follower so she can't quite find where Norman is.

Within the package is a cross-stitch in a hoop. Tawna has carefully woven colorful beads into the thread on display. The words in a full rainbow read 'You Are Stronger Than You Think'. The design glitters under light.

Along with the cross stitch is a small woven patch Tawna made to pin onto Norman's jacket. It is just as rainbow as the last one with 'Kindness Is Strength' surrounded by beads and thread are colorful fractals. The same kind on his jacket.]

Hopefully this finds you in one piece. Guess I'm being kinda corny. I just wanted to give you something to hold onto.

If you ever need me, gimme a buzz. I'm always here.

-Tawna

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

Tawna, these are absolutely beautiful. I'm hanging the cross stitch in my room as soon as I find something to hang it up with.

I'm still so tired, but ... people are talking to me, which is better than I'd expected. I feel like everything is made of spun glass, and if I breathe wrong, I'll break something.

... Could you give me some pointers on adding that patch?

6/19/2022 - Fathers day

[heyunderoos]

so, hi!

Happy Father's day by the way. I just wanted to see if you were... free or anything?

Sorry if that's weird.

If it is weird, you're free to ignore me.

[Peter feels a little unsure of what kind of response he'll get but he has to try. He does care about Norman, even if he's a little mad at the man still in some capacity.]

Forward-dated to after the event

[certaininequities]

Peter!!! I'm so sorry I missed this, I was - that split that happened, I was on the other side of it. I promise you I wasn't ignoring you. This -

Coming back to see this means more to me than you know.

July 1st | < Octavius >

[sciencesquid]

[It's later in the evening now, and Otto's just finished a very difficult conversation. He's still attempting to absorb it, but he did also promise to talk to Norman about it. It's likely going to weigh him down even more, but the longer he waits, the worse it'll get.]

How are you doing tonight? I hope you're not keeping yourself too busy. You still need to take time to rest.

Do you think we can meet soon? We need to talk about Bruno.

Not in a negative way. I don't mean to alarm you. We just need to talk. About that, and everything else, if you're up for it.

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

[he had been doing so much thinking over the last two weeks, and doing odd projects around the Arcade for Elias had been helping to calm and focus his mind. he'd just finished washing his hands after tinkering on a pinball machine in the Arcade, and was opening up his laptop to fire off a message to -

oh.

despite the dread that starts to circle like creeping fog in the pit of his stomach as he reads, Norman's still smiling when he types his response. because, well:]

Your ears must've been burning. I was literally just about to send you something. I'm doing fairly well - I actually had a few things I was hoping to meet with you and talk about, too. And Bruno was one of them.

I'm free now if you'd like to meet me somewhere.

<P.B.P> mid-july

[heyunderoos]

um

okay, I know this is probably weird.

uh

I made way too many latkes.

do... you want any?

<DrOsborn<

[certaininequities]

[THANK GOD he did something other than Spidering. Norman's glad Peter can't see how ridiculously wide his smile is when he reads that message. time to ENCOURAGE, full speed ahead]

Of course I do. Are you up in the kitchen, still? I'll come up, I can help you clean up.

<teslacoils> before the wacky broadway trauma event

[terribibble]

I saw your post about taking over the soup kitchen; if you ever need help butchering I've got plenty of experience and I'd be willing to come down and help.

More importantly I wanted to ask how you were feeling. Recovering? Want to talk about it at all now that there's a little distance?

[He is... barely aware of all that went on. It wasn't his business to pry; he's no stranger to how Ryslig fucks with people, and he doesn't need details to understand 'I need to work from home for a while to get my head on straight'. If Norman want to volunteer more details, that ball's in his court.]

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

Hi, Fiddleford! Would you believe I've got more volunteers to help carve up donations than serve them at the moment? Absolutely wild. But it means I don't have to learn, so I'm not about to complain.

As for how I'm feeling, well ...

You know, I'd love to. Can we meet up somewhere? I have a sort of ... surveillance arrangement here at Hill House, and not everyone's comfortable with it.

[Chiikage burbles at Norman as if he can read his damn mind. Norman looks up at the blood golem and raises his eyebrows]

Well, it's true, ya know.

[worst hall monitor ever]

For Bruno, backdated to Tanabata

[certaininequities]

[it doesn't take them too long to reach the Cube, and Norman doesn't bother wasting time programming in anything special. the simulation defaults to his penthouse suite, and as soon as they're through the door and Bruno's solid again, Norman wraps his arms around him in a tight, tight hug, pulling him as close as he can, one hand going up into his curls, resting his chin on his head]

I've got you. It's okay.

[sandinmyhair]

[And Bruno clings to him, arms wrapped around him, a flood of emotion crashing over his mind. He hasn't been a Shade again for very long, only a few days, and yet he holds on as though it's once again been years.

He tries to fight the tears that well up, but they break through anyway in sobs that seem too heavy for his small, narrow frame. His hands curl in fistfuls of Norman's shirt and he weeps openly. He can't even name some of the heavy emotion that grips his soul and forces these tears out--grief and sorrow, yes, but also something warm--that reassurance that, even for just a moment, he won't fly apart or fade away.

Later, he'll recognise that overwhelming gratitude and love, but for now it's just something that's opened the floodgates.]

September 23rd

[swashgrappling]

Hey, Norman.

This is way out of the blue, but, I wanted to tell you I put all the work you commissioned from me on your front step. It's out of the way of the elements, promise. I included a few extra pieces I was making for you anyway. It's a bad habit of mine, too many projects.

I also figured I'd tell you, I'm going on a trip. Just out of town for a while. To gather my thoughts. Crash and I broke up. So, I just... need the time. You're my friend, so I wanted to keep you in the loop.

Love ya,

Tawna

<P.B.P> Nov 10th

[heyunderoos]

How many latkes do you think I need to make for Thanksgiving? Like as many as I made the first time?

Are we gonna have people over or is it just everyone in Hill House-?

<DrOsborn>

[certaininequities]

[he's at Oscorp working on refining the formulas from Haftesal when the message comes through, so it takes a minute for him to wash his hands and make sure everything is stable and at a point where he can leave it unattended before responding]

Hey, Peter! :D

I was thinking of inviting some friends, and of course anyone at the house is gonna be welcome to, too. I say if you feel up to it, there's no harm in it. We can always freeze what doesn't get eaten or send it home with people. I need to stop by the bookstore on my way home and get some cookbooks. Are there any other dishes you'd want to try and have? Something Ned's ... Lala used to make?

[He Is Trying SO Hard]

<P.B.P> Early dec

[heyunderoos]

Norman!

I wished for some working web fluid from Mana. Do you wanna help me figure out what it's made up of? I have a few things already in mind from going over it myself.

[certaininequities]

That's fantastic, Peter! Of course I do! Where are you? I can give you a ride to the lab.

<KrisKringle>

[getmeoutofthedraft]

Ho ho ho! Your Secret Santa giftee is LUST, imaginatively called "Lust" on the network. I keep telling her to do something more fun with her call-sign, but no, it's still "Lust".

Buy or make Lust a gift by December 26, or Santa will come down your chimney and box your ears.

If you need more information, contact me C/O Hawkeye Pierce at Crowe Clinic, and I'll delegate him to tell you to do your own research.

the 24th, secret santa

[soundsurfing]

There is absolutely no surprise on who gifted this to Norman. Though it's wrapped and boxed, once Norman opens the box and is greeted with a mug, it's obvious. Especially with the markings. One either side of the word Dad are two paw prints: both in red and very similar, though noticeably different. One squirrel paw and one rat paw.

Should Norman turn the mug upside down, there's a little note there too: "i know ur old but dang. other end yo :) love you".

Nattensfest

[waitingforplayer2]

[ From Nanami, Norman receives a warm scarf decorated with math equations and scientific equipment such as beakers and bunsen burners. ]

Nattensfest

[recuttal]

[The box is wrapped in bright orange wrapping paper, but also halfway through looks like he ran out of that and tried to cover up the holes with dark blue paper. But, inside the box is a small, ceramic maneki-neko statue, though it looks a bit more like a Ryslig manticore than a normal, domestic cat. But it's still got the right paw up, and it's still smiling!

Around the cat's neck hands a bright red omamori talisman, with a note stuck to it that says 'For good luck.' Finally, there's an off-white handkerchief, embroidered with a diamond pattern around the edge. It has become abundantly obvious that Hinata doesn't know how to buy for a paternal figure, and he would be happy if this entire gift was ignored thank you.]