(open) there's miles between what we say and what we mean

[stefanged]

Who: Stefan Salvatore and you!!
Where: All over the mansion
When: The month of December
Rating: PG
Summary: Stefan's rediscovering himself - and probably setting himself up for failure in the process. Also includes a couple of closed starters.

The Story:
a) press start to continue (open to all!)

[After hanging out with Elena in the Youth Center, Stefan drops by later to peruse their video game selection. He can't remember if he likes them. He also can't remember if he hates them. So he's going through the entire selection - one by one - and wasting almost an entire day in here, keeping copious notes on each genre and what he likes and what he doesn't. His notes grow progressively messier and more tea-stained as the day grows on.

> FARMING SIMULATION: hard pass. girls are hard to please. also what the hell is a blue feather???
> RHYTHM GAMES: okay?? maybe??
> BEAT 'EM UPS: bring them on.
> CITY BUILDER: VERY HARD PASS.

If he's not actively wasting his entire immortal existence in front of a screen, he's alternatively exploring the Chapel, kneeling down and murmuring a broken, quiet prayer to whoever might be listening.

He's not terribly sure of what he's saying, but he stops every now and then, just to gauge how he feels. It's hard for him to tell.

Or maybe you've caught him in the kitchen, with a whole assortment of snacks and beverages. Once again, there's copious notes, and he's scribbling down how he feels. Soda's okay, orange juice is decent, but he sure can't say he likes chocolate milk (blasphemy).

He's gonna be all around Wonderland this month, trying out things new and old, so even if you don't catch him here, give him a wildcard and see what sticks.]

b) you get in your own way (closed to Cami)

[Stefan's tired of pretending that he's okay.

He can't give himself advice when he's stuck in an eternal rut, and he sure can't find inner wisdom in his diary entries. He'd picked up a new one, while he was browsing his closet, and the whole thing feels so hollow.

He's not the old Stefan. He can't pour out his entire heart, and he sure can't see a point in keeping a permanent record. He can, however, see the point in seeking therapy - in seeking an outside, uninvolved third party for said guidance.

So he makes his way towards the Therapy Office and takes a deep breath as he knocks on the door. Out of habit, because he keeps forgetting that he's a vampire:] Um, hello? Is anyone there?

c) apple pie in the sky hopes (closed to Barry)

[After their first successful coffee shop visit, Stefan's determined to master the secret to decent closet pie.

So he's invited Barry to visit his bedroom and teach him the secrets of pie whispering. Pizza pie whispering? Either way, this is a mystery he's determined to unlock, and he'll do the Frank Hardy thing to uncover this treasure trove.

He leans back on his bed, with his back pressed against the wall,] So how does this go? Is there a specific combination or phrase I should be thinking of?

Comments

[mettatonvevo]

[Mettaton laughs too, enjoying the company and the game and how casual it all feels. It's been awhile since he's just had fun with things like this, and he's quietly thankful for this chance to just be.

Stefan doesn't give himself enough credit, clearly. The robot watches him as they dance together and he notes how naturally and easily the steps come as he moves along. With each passing moment he gets better and it's thrilling to see.

When the song winds to an end and Stefan's score is declared the winner, Mettaton throws the man another happy, genuine smile.]

Well, Stefan, with improvements like that, you could have a place as one of my background dancers one day!

[Because that's how you compliment people, clearly.]

You did much better than you made it out to be. Did you learn how to dance on your own, or were you taught?

[stefanged]

[Oh thank god, he actually didn't fail a song. He'll lean over once he finishes, catching his breath entirely out of habit - no one's informed him that vampires have far better stamina than humans.

And yet, some unconscious habits remain longer than he'd care to think.]

Thanks? [His smile is hesitant. That was a genuine compliment, right??] Actually, um - I have no idea. I lost my memory right before I came here, so it's anyone's guess.

[mettatonvevo]

[This whole display of being tired is really helping Stefan's human image here. Both it and the smile are very cute.]

Oof! That's one way to be prepared for Wonderland. Is that why you're doing things like this? To try and jog your memory?

[It's a fascinating concept, all things considered. He'd ask why he lost his memory, but he suspects that that is probably an... intimate detail about his life that Stefan probably doesn't want to share.]

[stefanged]

[B u s t e d.

Stefan nods, glancing up to look at Mettaton better.]

Yeah. My brother gave me a rundown of everyone, just 'cause our world's that messed up, but he exaggerates and uh - [He coughs.] Sorry, I'm sure you're like, the last person who wants to hear this crap.

[mettatonvevo]

[Mettaton laughs a little quietly.]

No, it's quite fine! You don't have to explain if you don't want to. Though, if you ever want company in the future for further "memory-recovering" activities, I'd be happy to join you!

[Especially if they are all this fun.]

I hope this has succeeded for you, even a little. It must be terribly awkward to be missing key parts of your identity with the lack of memories.

[stefanged]

Really? It wouldn't be a problem?

[He brightens considerably. As much as Stefan wants to find out who he is, he also can't stand re-learning every little thing by himself. The old Stefan might've been a hermit, and the old Stefan might've needed space, but this Stefan's confused - and a little lost.

It's easier to admit to a (relative) stranger than to say, his brother or one of his ex-girlfriends.]

I'd like that a lot, actually. [As uh, "unusual" as Mettaton is, he's also genuinely fun to be around.] We won't know if we succeed unless we try, right?

[mettatonvevo]

Exactly, my dear! We won't know if we don't try!

[Stefan is a surprising amount of fun for an amnesiac and Mettaton for his part looks forward to seeing the, ah, human in the future.]

That being said, I'm afraid I must take my leave now. It was a pleasure meeting and playing with you, Stefan!

[stefanged]

Yeah, of course. [He waves at Mettaton before turning back towards his games. Next genre to conquer: first-person shooters!!] If you ever wanna hang out again, you know where to find me.