Everything's counting on me. Only I can fix this. Without me, it's all going to fall apart. Mr. Universe's head fills with words like these, on a constant loop, filling up every dip and fold of his brain. Ego and inadequacy both gorge themselves on the thought, pulling him in both directions. I have to do this. I'm not going to be able to. No one else can.
He practices. With the band or on his own, he starts putting threads of magic into his music, getting used to the feel of the ritual to come. People listening nearby will be drawn in, getting a good look at his vacant and distracted expression. He hasn't slept in days--he just keeps practicing. He has to get this right.
B - There's still hope (Rescuers and NPCs)
There's literally no moment outside earshot of a bodyguard. There's also literally no moment where he's not tailed by fans. Even as he walks between venues Mr. Universe makes sure to stop to pose for selfies, leave words of wisdom in fans' ears and indulge in their praise and stories of how he's touched them. All is not lost for Virgo: he's still got fans. He's still got people who trust him, who believe in his success. He can still relish and appreciate these reminders, assuring him that he still has a chance to pull out of this setback.
C - My passion will scorch them (Musicians)
For all of the stress and pressure Virgo has him under, Mr. Universe makes every effort to keep as smug and confident an appearance as possible when around members of Pride. They're hurting after that last blow, but you can't show the enemy weakness.
Since moments to relax are sparse, what little time he gets to appreciate their castle hotel are enjoyed fully--really, he exaggerates how completely at ease and comfortable he is, so everyone is sure to know. Were you in line for the four-star buffet? He's going to cut you to grab the last serving. Wanted the hot tub? He's stretched out to take as much space as possible. Boy, what a GREAT place this is, huh?
D - Love (Bandmates)
The bouts of sudden overwhelming illness have decreased in frequency, if not intensity. He'll feel the shakiness come on, the overwhelming queasiness, and he'll squeeze his eyes tight and make a concerted effort to keep his breathing even. Now it only happens two or three times a week, instead of a couple times a day. That means he's getting better. That means they'll stop soon. He's going to be fine. There's nothing wrong with him.
He's stopped going outside when the episodes come, even if the open air helps. Too many people saw him like this before. He can't look weak again, not now. They'll make it worse. They'll remind him of what's missing.
Instead, Mr. Universe keeps close to his band in these times. They're a part of his team, his support, his f... w-well, he can't go solo as a musician, and that means he can't go solo on this problem. Yeah. So it's all right for him to count on them for this.
Greg Universe - June 1-16
Everything's counting on me. Only I can fix this. Without me, it's all going to fall apart. Mr. Universe's head fills with words like these, on a constant loop, filling up every dip and fold of his brain. Ego and inadequacy both gorge themselves on the thought, pulling him in both directions. I have to do this. I'm not going to be able to. No one else can.
He practices. With the band or on his own, he starts putting threads of magic into his music, getting used to the feel of the ritual to come. People listening nearby will be drawn in, getting a good look at his vacant and distracted expression. He hasn't slept in days--he just keeps practicing. He has to get this right.
B - There's still hope (Rescuers and NPCs)
There's literally no moment outside earshot of a bodyguard. There's also literally no moment where he's not tailed by fans. Even as he walks between venues Mr. Universe makes sure to stop to pose for selfies, leave words of wisdom in fans' ears and indulge in their praise and stories of how he's touched them. All is not lost for Virgo: he's still got fans. He's still got people who trust him, who believe in his success. He can still relish and appreciate these reminders, assuring him that he still has a chance to pull out of this setback.
C - My passion will scorch them (Musicians)
For all of the stress and pressure Virgo has him under, Mr. Universe makes every effort to keep as smug and confident an appearance as possible when around members of Pride. They're hurting after that last blow, but you can't show the enemy weakness.
Since moments to relax are sparse, what little time he gets to appreciate their castle hotel are enjoyed fully--really, he exaggerates how completely at ease and comfortable he is, so everyone is sure to know. Were you in line for the four-star buffet? He's going to cut you to grab the last serving. Wanted the hot tub? He's stretched out to take as much space as possible. Boy, what a GREAT place this is, huh?
D - Love (Bandmates)
The bouts of sudden overwhelming illness have decreased in frequency, if not intensity. He'll feel the shakiness come on, the overwhelming queasiness, and he'll squeeze his eyes tight and make a concerted effort to keep his breathing even. Now it only happens two or three times a week, instead of a couple times a day. That means he's getting better. That means they'll stop soon. He's going to be fine. There's nothing wrong with him.
He's stopped going outside when the episodes come, even if the open air helps. Too many people saw him like this before. He can't look weak again, not now. They'll make it worse. They'll remind him of what's missing.
Instead, Mr. Universe keeps close to his band in these times. They're a part of his team, his support, his f... w-well, he can't go solo as a musician, and that means he can't go solo on this problem. Yeah. So it's all right for him to count on them for this.