audio | un: steinbeck

[graftage]

[There's the sound of someone clearing their throat.]

I don't know, I guess I just wanted to get this off my chest. See if this has happened to anyone else. It still feels weird to me to even think about it, but...

[A long sigh.]

Anyways. My name's John Steinbeck. And where I come from, that was just a regular name with no other meanings attached to it. Coming here, though, I happen to get lots of people askin' about some kind of author. Seems like he has the same name as me. Which is like, sure, guess the name could be common.

[There's a pause.]

And then, a really good friend of mine gave me one of his novels, and...its bizarre. The names of the characters have the same names as my family. The situation in the book is stuff that I'm familiar with, too. It's just....weird. And I guess I just wanted to ask if, like, this is something people have even experienced, knowing that there's some other YOU out there in a different world who you weren't even aware of. I know people come from different worlds. But has anyone found out about another version of themselves or whatever through talking to people around here? Or is there anyone else who has actually met their own selves here? I guess that could be a thing.

[World dimensional shenanigans, oh my!]

...Thanks for listening. [A beat.] And before anyone asks, no, I've never written a single thing in my life.

Comments

[graftage]

It would take a lot for you do cause me any distress, doc. [Yes, he knows he isn't a doctor, but the nickname sticks.] I appreciate it, though.

[tigerpoet]

Anything for you.

[gay]

[graftage]

Anything for you too, Atsushi.

[its gay]

[tigerpoet]

If you'd ever like, I could share some of my stories. I'm sure they don't have uncomfortable similarities with your life, at least.

[graftage]

I'd like that! And haha, if they did, I'd be super worried.

[tigerpoet]

I'm not sure if it's as good as Steinbeck's work, but I hope you'd enjoy it, at least...

[graftage]

Hey, I don't particularly like Steinbeck for obvious reasons. I'm pretty sure I'll love your more than his any day!

[tigerpoet]

You're too sweet to me.

[graftage]

[A short laugh.]

I don't even think I'm being sweet enough.

[tigerpoet]

That's just another reason why I love you so much.

[Said casually, offhandedly, like it's no big deal that he's saying this and in public in front of God and everyone.]

1/2

[graftage]

[Also just as casually:]

Not as much as I love you.

2/2

[graftage]

[.....................................HOLD UP]

Uh. [SDFGHJKHGFGHJK HIS MOUTH RAN FASTER THAN HIS HEAD WAIT A SECOND] U-uh. [internal screaming starts NOW]

[tigerpoet]

Is something the matter?

[atsushi was caught by his gay thoughts a long time ago it ain't no big]

[graftage]

[There's just the sound of someone maybe kind of?? Murmuring something into his hands?? HE'S VERY FLUSTERED PLEASE GIVE HIM A MOMENT]

[tigerpoet]

Um, I can't hear you... did I say something wrong?

[you are doing him a concern John!!]

[graftage]

No.

[In like. The smallest voice.]

I'm okay.

[tigerpoet]

Okay.

[Still kind of concerned...]

As long as you know you can talk to me about anything.

[graftage]

Yeah, I know.

[He feels so emotionally fulfilled and yet also drained?? IT'S JUST A LOT.]

[tigerpoet]

Do you mind if I come over later? -Not to fuss, just to hang out and maybe read at you.

[graftage]

[Gently crying on the inside. He can't say no.]

Go ahead. You know I like seeing you.

[tigerpoet]

Same to you.

See you later ♥

[yes he can talk in hearts shut up]