#tech tuesday: ransom drysdale

[thezombieprostitute]

You teach a home econ class for adults. Things like sewing, some cooking, how to make soap. There's one student that sticks out among the bunch. He's the only that comes alone. And he stares. A lot.

Who is it?

Warnings: Ransom kinda being an ass. Let me know if I missed any.

A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.

A/N2: Bit of a different take this chapter. We're not getting Bubble's perspective!

Teaching home economics for adults wasn't always pretty. A lot of the people you taught had been through the worst in life and your class was one of their hopes for getting a handle on things. Recent divorcees who needed to learn how to cook. Foster kids recently pushed out of the system needing the skills their foster parents had never taught them. Abuse victims finally out from under the thumbs of their abusers.

So when a relatively young, well dressed, broody man started attending your class, your first thought was that he was recently divorced. He was one of your more unusual cases. He always dressed better than everyone else, never interacted with others outside of occasional bored sighs and eye rolls. He never even partook in the in-class work, preferring, instead, to stare at you as you demonstrated how to cook, how to sew, how to replace batteries in the smoke alarms, and the like. At least your other students would take notes, if nothing else.

But, he's the one who's paying the fee for the class so you can't complain if he doesn't actually do anything but attend.

One day, though, he brings someone with him. A lady who looks to be about his own age, dressed rather cutesy. She's all smiles and you find it hard to not smile yourself. The two of them look quite the pair! You really never thought you'd see such a perfect example of the grumpy/sunshine trope for yourself.

As you begin the class your delighted that he brought her along. Her smiles and chuckles at your bad jokes help encourage you to keep telling them, much to Ransom's obvious chagrin. Part of you relishes when you make your students roll their eyes, but you genuinely appreciate when your humor is appreciated.

When you begin the cooking demonstration, you go back and forth between focusing on what you're doing, so you don't get hurt, and watching your students, so they don't get hurt. Your ears are at alert for any and all telltale signs of trouble. And that's how you hear Ransom's companion encouraging, sometimes whining at him, to help her with the recipe.

After you've finished the demonstration you start making the rounds, observing the students, answering questions, giving advice. The last table is Ransom and his friend's. She's playfully badgering him but he's stuck in his eye-rolling ways. Though you can see the hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. It's probably the only thing keeping you from asking her to stop her antics.

"How are things going here?" you interrupt.

"Oh, hello!" She holds out her hand and introduces herself. "Ransom told me this class is how he spends his nights so I had to sign up! I really like your presentation style!"

"Well thank you for that," you smile. Turning to Ransom, you ask, "how are you holding up?"

He grumbles a little but, as is his usual, he doesn't give you an actual answer.

His friend gently elbows his ribs and pouts, "you don't have to be so rude. You didn't even want to help me cook."

You see a flash of regret? Pain? In Ransom's eyes and decide to step in. "When I was growing up, I would get made fun of if I did anything less than perfectly. It wasn't that the people around me could do it perfectly while I couldn't, but I was still the one who got made fun of. As such, I never tried anything new in front of people. I'd always wait until I was alone before trying anything."

The look Ransom gives you tells you that you've hit the nail on the head.

His companion's eyes go wide and she turns to him, "oh, I'm so sorry, Ransom! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!"

"I know," he grumbles.

"I'm so sorry," she continues. "Can I please hug you as an apology?"

Ransom sighs, a little melodramatically, "if it'll make you feel better, okay."

The squeal she lets out gets everyone's attention and you're quick to gesture that everything's okay. At the same time, you hear an "oomph" from Ransom as his friend has basically glomp-hugged him.

"Thank you, Ransom!"

You see a flicker of something flash in his eyes as he whispers, "not a problem, Bubbles."

Next

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Tagging: @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory;

@late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82; @ozwriterchick; @ronearoundblindly; @lokislady82

@thiquefunlover63

[littlelioncub43]

Okay i saw this TikTok where the girl asked her boyfriend if he had a crush on her and he was like "I'm your boyfriend???" And i thought this was super cute

I think Justin would be super sweet and reply with something like "yes, of course... Do you also have a crush on me?"

Jake would be so extra and scream something like "I HAVE THE BIGGEST CRUSH ON THEM!!!!!"

Dennis i think would kinda be like the guy in the TikTok and say something like "I'm your boyfriend?" but then also something like "yes, I've been crushing on you for ages" sweet bean.

I think lee would be like "honey, i married you. Not only do i have a crush on you, but i love you so much"

Ransom would say no as a joke but then be like "fine, but don't tell anyone", he's a child.

Lloyd would be super dramatic like "i would KILL for you, my darling" and something like "you better also have a crush on me"

(i think this goes in a similar category as "would you love me if i was a worm lmao)

YESSSSSS

Our sweet baby Justin would blush and happily admit to having a crush on you, albeit, very shyly. Like a sweet smile, his cheeks cherry red, his pretty eyes having a hard time meeting yours, "Yes, of course... do you have a crush on me?"

I agree 100% with your assessment of Jakey. He would squeeze you into a tight hug, "THE BIGGEST CRUSH" and then proceed to kiss your face and tickle you. He's so sweet it makes me sick

My lovely Den would be slightly confused and almost stunned. He feels like he's been caught or found out or something, which is silly because he's your boyfriend. "I'm your boyfriend?" "I know, but do you have a crush on me?" "Well, yeah.... for like.... 3 years..."

I LOVE HIM. MY BABY BOY.

"No."

"Liar." You tease. He's quiet for the better part of 3 minutes, not looking up from his pile of papers.

"Yes. But if you tell anyone, I swear to God..."

This crazy fucker. My lovely husband. He would answer exactly like this gif. A cheeky, coy smile, and that fucking devastating wink.

He says nothing. But at the same time, he answered your question completely.

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday: Ransom Drysdale

Summary: Your laptop needs repair and you're at risk of embarrassing yourself and the company in front of some very big investors.

Warnings: Ransom kinda being an ass. Let me know if I missed any.

A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.

A/N2: I know Thanksgiving (USA) is next week but who cares about accurate timing?

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Previous

"What the he--what is 'Friendsgiving'?" Ransom quickly stops himself from saying the minor curse. You've been nothing but friendly towards him and he's been trying his damnedest to return that, including not cursing around you because you don't like that kind of language.

"It's an alternative to Thanksgiving, for those of us who prefer friends to family," you answer. "We get together at someone's place and we each bring a dish to contribute to the meal. You can do the meal like a 'traditional' Thanksgiving, with all the food at the table, but I'm hosting so we're doing it potluck style!"

"Potluck style?"

You think for a few seconds before explaining. You've learned that Ransom definitely didn't have the average upbringing and that it's very much a sore spot for him so you've been working on how to explain things without sounding condescending. It's actually helped you out in your presentations and meetings.

"The basics of a potluck setup is that it's like one of those all-you-can-eat buffets, but with homemade food."

"Okay, I get that," Ransom nods. He's been grateful for your willingness to explain these kinds of things to him but he's learned that, if he doesn't acknowledge that he's understood what you said, you'll just continue to explain. "But I can't cook."

"That's okay," you assure. "Store bought stuff still works. The point of Friendsgiving is to have fun, not nitpick each other's contributions." Ransom huffs a little at that, thinking of all the Thanksgiving meals that devolved into fights about who's personal chef was better. "Seriously, my stuffing is always just Stove Top, from the box. You can just bring some cookies or a pie from the store and that'll work!"

"Thanks," he mumbles. He's fighting putting up his usual cold demeanor to hide the fact that he's ashamed at his lack of cooking skills. A part of him is pretty sure you're genuinely not judging him, but you can't undo decades of emotional abuse after just a couple years. Still, he's been trying and you've been very helpful in that. "So who else will be showing up?"

"If all goes well, Spitfire and a few other friends of mine, whom you haven't met yet." Ransom winces at that. "What? Do you not like them?"

"I...I don't think Spitfire likes me," he confesses. "I...it was stupid of me, I admit. I made fun of her size. She was standing right next to Walter and their difference in size was just really funny to me."

"And so you expressed that in a very rude way?"

"Yes," he grumbles.

"Well then you should send her an email to apologize and make sure to do so in person at Friendsgiving."

"Will she be bringing Walter along?"

"If all goes well," you smile. "So do not bring up the fact that I told you about the dunce cap, please!"

Ransom gives you a smug grin. "We'll see, Bubbles."

"Nooooo! Pretty please, Ransom?" You give him your best playful pout, knowing he can't keep a straight face every time you use it.

Sure enough, he laughs. "Okay, okay. I'll keep the secret. That's what friends do, right?"

"Thank you! Can I hug you?"

He winces, "I...I'm still not ready for that."

"That's okay," you're quick to reassure. "Just tell me when you are so I can give you a giant koala hug!"

He smiles, "thanks."

To say Ransom was overwhelmed would be an understatement. It's not even that there were a lot of people at the Friendsgiving (they were greatly outnumbered by the fall themed plushies you'd used to decorate). It's just...they were all having a good time. No one had started arguing. No one was threatening to call the lawyers. Everyone was having a good time. Ransom was very much out of his element here.

His one comfort, if you can call it that, was the biscoff cookies on the dessert table. He'd noticed no one else was really eating them so he took that as an okay to indulge as he needed them. Yes, they were a reminder of painful family gatherings, but at least it had some familiarity for him. Something to help him keep his metaphorical feet on the ground since he couldn't get his bearing among these friends of yours.

Even Spitfire and Walter were the most cordial he's ever seen them. It felt like he was in an alternative reality. Worse than that, it was a reality he'd known was possible and wanted for himself, but he felt so out of place in it. It hurt because what if he couldn't actually handle the reality he'd wanted? Did he make a mistake getting away from his family? His only real distraction was the biscoff cookies.

There were a few times Ransom had to excuse himself to step outside for some air. The brisk weather always helped him feel better. The cold winds always felt like a smack to the face that helped him regain his senses. He really needed that right now.

After the second time you excuse yourself and follow him outside. "Ransom?" you get his attention. "Are you okay?"

He's startled out of his deep breathing and he quickly shakes his head. "I'm okay. I'm okay. This is just different than I'm used to."

"If it's too much, if you need to leave, I'll understand."

"Did I say I wanted to leave?!" he snaps, making you flinch. He immediately drops his face, angry with himself for his outburst. You're just trying to help and he can't stop being an asshole.

"You're not the only one who had a bad family, you know." Ransom doesn't look up. "I went no contact with my own family. I'm guessing for very different reasons than you did. At least, I hope it was different reasons. You know I wasn't even allowed to attend public school because my parents knew it was a brainwashing government institution designed to get you to worship Satan?" Ransom huffs.

"Anyways," you continue. "I know from experience it can take time, and work, to really shake what we're trying to escape from. And it can be very overwhelming for a long time. So just...just know that if you need to leave you can. I don't want you to think you have to stay. I want to confirm that you can choose to stay or go."

"Thanks," he mumbles.

"Also, let me know before you head out so you can take the rest of the biscoff cookies with you." He raises his head in surprise. "I got them because they were on sale, didn't know if anyone would actually be interested in them. You've eaten pretty much the entire box by yourself! Not a judgment, by the way. But now I know your favorite cookies!"

Ransom gives you a soft smile. "I'm not sure what I need to do right now. But I'm glad to know I've got options. Thank you."

"Any time," you reassure him.

Next

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Tagging: @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory;

@late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82; @ozwriterchick; @ronearoundblindly; @lokislady82

@thiquefunlover63

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday: Ransom Drysdale

Summary: Your laptop needs repair and you're at risk of embarrassing yourself and the company in front of some very big investors.

Warnings: Crying, Ransom kinda being an ass. Let me know if I missed any.

A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Part 2

As you're counting down the seconds until your presentation with no file, wondering how you're going to wing this, your temporary laptop dings with an email notification. Taking a look you see it's from Ransom, with an attachment. The message simply says, "found the file. Still working on the laptop." You quickly slap your hands over mouth to stifle the happy screams. That doesn't stop you from bouncing in your seat with tears of relief starting to form.

When you're able to calm down enough you open the attachment and confirm that it's the file you need for your meeting in...you check your watch, 10 MINUTES!!

You type out the quickest, but most meaningful "thank you" response to Ransom before packing up the laptop and running to the meeting room. You need to get set up and review your notes quickly!

Ransom feels relieved when he gets the message that the file was correct, maybe you'll be a little less excitable next time he sees you. If he sees you again. He's hoping to get your laptop fixed up and drop it off at your desk when you're not there. Then he won't have to deal with your emotions again.

To say he's never been comfortable around tears would be an understatement. All his life his parents taught him that tears were either for the weak or for purposes of manipulation. That he wasn't crying because he was hurt or frustrated, but because he was trying to guilt them into giving him attention. He's made progress since he went "no contact" with them but it's still difficult for him to be around emotional people. And god you were so emotional!

And cute. Cutesy! Ransom chides himself. Not cute, just cutesy.

Your cubicle was something else. He'd visited some that had a stuffed animal or a figurine or two, but your desk was practically covered in the damn things. At least it was a good sign your emotions weren't an act. He takes a quick look around his own cubicle, thinking about what it says about him. It's empty of pretty much all personal effects. The only thing he keeps in there is a picture of the beemer he had to sell to get away from his family. What does it say about him that the only personal effects he had was a reminder of what he lost?

Ransom shakes his head. He needs to focus on fixing this laptop. He can't afford to keep thinking about you.

The presentation seems to go well. CEO Levinson asked a lot of good questions that showed he was paying attention and you really felt that you answered them well. He even shook your hand afterwards before going off to talk with the managers and continue negotiations with the clients. Your supervisor even made sure to give you that nod that told you all was well. You were beaming!

As soon as you were out of the conference room, however, you focused on getting yourself to your cubicle. It's been such a hectic day that you just really need to grab one of your plushies and squeeze it tight to help you decompress.

When you enter your cubicle you see your old laptop, all plugged in! You open it up and confirm everything is working, looking good, and still has all of your personalization. There's an email asking you to confirm that the ticket was good to be closed. You were bouncing in your seat as you confirmed. Grabbing the temporary laptop you practically skip to the IT section to return it.

Ransom is walking out, empty coffee mug in hand, as you're walking in.

"Ransom!" you squeal as you bounce on your toes. "Thank you so much! Can I please hug you? Please?" You give him your best puppy dog eyes.

Ransom blinks a few times, "I'm not a hugger. And I need some coffee."

"Oh, okay," you nod. Not everyone likes hugs and you respect that. "I hope you enjoy the coffee! You deserve the best!"

He seems caught off guard by your comment. "Um...thank you," he mumbles before walking past you.

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Part 2

Tagging: @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory;

@late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82; @ozwriterchick; @ronearoundblindly; @lokislady82

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday: Ransom Drysdale

Summary: Your laptop needs repair and you're at risk of embarrassing yourself and the company in front of some very big investors.

Warnings: Ransom kinda being an ass. Let me know if I missed any.

A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Part 3

You knock on the wall to Ransom's cubicle, startling him out of his focus. He gives you confused look, "what are you wearing?"

"It's my costume," you inform him, giggling. "I'm Bubbles! Me and a couple friends are dressed up as the Powerpuff Girls."

"I have no idea who the Powerpuff Girls are but 'Bubbles' is certainly appropriate for you."

"Thank you!"

Ransom gives you a confused look, "is there something you need?"

"I have a little thank you gift," you say as you bounce on your toes a little.

"And you couldn't just leave it on my desk or something?"

"That would be invading your space," you say, tilting your head in confusion. "That would be incredibly rude of me."

Ransom gives you a look you can't decipher before grumbling, "well thank you for that."

"Not a problem," you grin. You rock back and forth a little in expectation of an invite but he seems to be getting back to work. "Um, may I enter? So I can give you your thank you gift?"

He rolls his eyes and sighs a little, "so long as it's just a one-time thing, sure."

"I'll make a mental note to be sure to ask permission each time," you beam as you step towards his desk. "Oh! You have candy!"

"It's not for me," Ransom shakes his head. "Jake and his wife are bringing their toddlers around for some kind of Halloween practice and Syverson's told everyone in the department they're required to participate."

You're practically shaking with excitement, "that is so adorable! Oh, please tell me there will be pictures? I'd love to see the kids in their costumes! They're still toddlers? Oh, they're gonna be so small and tiny and adorable!"

Ransom holds out his hands in a placating gesture and you force yourself to calm down. You're getting the impression he doesn't do well around energetic people.

"I'll make sure Jake emails you some pictures," Ransom huffs.

You give a small squeal of delight, "thank you!" Your eyes widen as you realize you've been distracted from the purpose of your visit. "Before I forget again," you reach into your bag and pull out the sweater weather pusheen you got for him.

"What...what is this thing?" Ransom asks.

You pause for a moment and Ransom thinks the question broke your brain. "Okay," you start, "I kind of understand not knowing who the Powerpuff Girls are, you were probably 'too old for cartoons' when the show came out. But you're telling me you don't know about Pusheen? It's everywhere!"

Ransom's face contorts into an angry pout, "I guess I just don't pay enough attention."

His reaction makes you stop in your tracks, realizing you've overstepped. "I'm sorry," you tell him. "That was rude of me. Not everyone pays attention to the things that I care about and I should recognize that."

Ransom's face softens, "it's fine." You stand there, awkwardly, for a bit before Ransom asks if there's anything else you need.

"I just..." you take a deep breath. You need to be careful here. "Would you like to be friends?" Ransom raises an eyebrow. "You just...and I'm sorry if I'm being too much, or if I'm wrong, but...you seem like you could use a friend or two? Even if it's just here at the office?"

Ransom freezes as he tries to keep himself calm. He knows he needs others in life, it's one of the things he's been learning from the psychology books and programs. But it still hurts, deeply, to be called out on it.

You see the barely concealed rage on his face and whisper, "I'm sorry. I'll back off."

"You're not wrong," Ransom confesses quietly. "It's just a very sore spot for me."

"Would it be okay if I occasionally came around to chat?" Your voice is full of optimism that has Ransom fighting his instinct to roll his eyes. "You can do the same too. If you need to talk, just stop by my desk! Or if you wanna chat in the break room or something."

Ransom sighs, "okay."

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Part 3

Tagging: @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory;

@late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82; @ozwriterchick; @ronearoundblindly; @lokislady82

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday: Ransom

Summary: Your laptop needs repair and you're at risk of embarrassing yourself and the company in front of some very big investors.

Warnings: Crying, Ransom kinda being an ass. Let me know if I missed any.

A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Part 1

You see Mr. Syverson again and he raises an eyebrow, “done already? Tell me he behaved himself.”

“So far, yes, Mr. Syverson,” you assure. “But he said I need a temporary laptop from Walter?”

“Oh, sure thing.” Mr. Syverson points to one of the few doors in the department. “Walter's back there. He can be a bit grumpy but he'll be polite. Just tell 'im what you need and if he gives ya trouble, talk to me.”

“Thank you, Mr. Syverson!”

As promised, Walter wasn't the most cheerful. You wondered if IT was just the kind of job that attracted grumpy people. Then again, Jake and Steve weren't grumpy. But maybe they were the exceptions. Walter got you the temporary laptop and you ran back to Ransom's desk.

Ransom looked like he was focused and you didn't want to interrupt him, after all he was fixing your screw up. But you saw the time and panicked.

"Here's the laptop," you say a little too loudly, making him jump a bit. "I'm sorry I scared you but I really need this to go well and I didn't want to interrupt you but the presentation is in less than an hour and I need---"

You're cut off when Ransom roughly grabs the laptop out of your hands. You drop your face in embarrassment.

"I'm still hunting down the file," he growls. "When was the last time you saved it?"

"Um...I think it was yesterday? Before I left? I hope I saved it yesterday. It saves automatically, right? Please tell me it saves automatically!" You have to fight to keep yourself from grabbing Ransom's shoulders and demanding answers.

Ransom raises both of his hands in a placatory manner. He sees the fear in your eyes and is quick to move so you can't touch him. "I'm still looking for the file and a timestamp would be helpful. Can you give me a time that you last worked on it?"

Trying to fight the tears forming in your eyes you whimper, "I was working on it all day, yesterday. It was the last thing I worked on before closing out for the day. I had to have saved something, right?!"

"Let's take the temporary laptop back to your cubicle, make sure everything's working. Then I'll get back to searching. If I find a copy of the file on the network I will email it to you," he says through gritted teeth. He's never been comfortable around tears.

Hanging your head in defeat you can only nod a little and hold the temporary laptop closer as you head back to your desk.

As soon as Ransom sees the stuffed animals and cutesy accoutrements at your desk he has to bite his tongue to not say something mean. One word to Syverson and Ransom has to go asking his family for money.

You notice him freeze up and ask, "are you okay?"

He just nods, takes a deep breath and focuses on the work of setting up your temporary laptop. "Normally I'd stick around and double check some things but I'm sure you prefer me getting back to looking for that presentation."

You nod emphatically, "yes, yes, please!" He leaves and you hug one of your stuffed animals, helping you calm down. Maybe he could use a stuffed animal of his own? He seems really stressed out, too.

Part 1

Tagging @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory; @late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82 ; @peyton-warren @ronearoundblindly; @stellar-solar-flare

[thezombieprostitute]

Hi Zombie! Do you take asks for Tech Tuesdays? If so, I’ve got one if you’re willing. Say you had an emergency, but Jake was out for the day!! Not only did your computer start to wig out, but it deleted the important presentation that has to be shown to some of your biggest clients this afternoon and there’s no backup file. Who would be sent to save the day? How would that go?

I'm so glad you sent this in because this is a great way to introduce Ransom to Tech Tuesdays!

Summary: Your laptop needs repair and you're at risk of embarrassing yourself and the company in front of some very big investors.

Warnings: None yet. Let me know if I missed any.

A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Part 2

“No, no, no, no, no, no!” Your laptop started stuttering until it completely froze and you only know to do the basics. Ctrl + Alt + Delete, nothing. Holding down the power button, nothing. You want to cry, smash the laptop to pieces but that won't help. You just pray that your presentation can be salvaged before the clients show up. Maybe there was a copy saved to the Network? Maybe?

You take a deep breath and squeeze one of your nearby stuffed animals to help you calm down. Sometimes you get looks for the cutesy stuff you keep in your cubicle but there's no denying your ability with numbers so no one says anything. Really, the only compromise you had to make when you got promoted was exchanging some of your cutesy clothes for more professional looking ones.

Once you're calm(ish), you unplug your laptop and walk to the IT Department. You hoped they liked the cookies you brought them after the last time they had to fix your laptop. Jake was such a patient sweetheart the entire time and Mr. Pine was quick to reassure you that it wasn't anything they hadn't seen before.

Walking into the department, it feels quieter than usual. You look around but don't see Jake or Mr. Pine. Thankfully Mr. Syverson spots you and politely asks you what's up.

“M-my, my laptop,” you stutter, trying not to cry. “It, I don't even know what it did but it's, it's not working and I've got a big presentation and I don't know if there's a copy or something and I really need to get--”

Mr. Syverson holds up his hand to stop you, “it's alright Miss. We'll take care of you.”

“Last time Jake helped me,” you tell him.

He winces, “well, unfortunately, Jake is on vacation right now. This is gonna require Ransom. Follow me, please.”

You don't hesitate to follow the large man further into the department. He knocks at one of the cubicles and gets a sharp “what?” for his efforts.

“Ransom, got someone here who needs your help with their laptop,” Mr. Syverson says, tone stern. You can hear the person inside audibly sigh and you imagine they're rolling their eyes. “Now don't be givin' me that,” Mr. Syverson continues. “It is part of your job requirements and you will be polite. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir,” is the sarcastic reply.

“If I hear one complaint from this lady about you bein' rude it will result in a discussion about your job status. Ya hear me?”

“Yes, sir,” the voice grumbles.

Mr. Syverson backs away and gestures you to approach Ransom. As you walked into his cubicle the first thing you notice are his sharp blue eyes. They're the same blue as his sweater.

“You're wearing a sweater!” You blurt.

“Yes,” he replies. “It gets cold this close to the server room.” He looks like he wants to say more but he's holding back. “What's wrong with your laptop?”

“It's not working.”

“Obviously,” he says through gritted teeth. “Can you get more specific than that?”

“Oh, oh, yes,” you exclaim. “I just plugged it into the network port and it started buffering. The I tried to do the control alt delete thing and it just froze up. I tried holding down the power button and nothing.”

“Let me take a look,” he holds out his hand. You give him the laptop.

There's no chair for you to sit in so you stand there, feeling awkward as he does a few things. He plugs in some kind of device and looks to be working on his own computer while he does it. Feeling nervous about the upcoming presentation that you may have just ruined, you find yourself shifting your weight from foot to foot.

“Must you do that?” Ransom turns to you, clearly frustrated. “I'm trying to focus and you're being distracting.”

“I'm sorry,” you're almost blubbering from the stress. “I just...I need to...there's a presentation...and I...”

He holds out his hands in a 'please stop' gesture and take a breath to try not to cry. “If I can get you that presentation, and get it on a different laptop, are you willing to go back to your desk until this one is fixed?”

“Yes, absolutely,” you bounce on your toes. You don't understand why he cringes and tightens his hands into fists.

“Great,” he says through gritted teeth. “Tell me the filename and go ask Walter for a temporary laptop.”

“Okay! Thank you!” You give him the filename and head out.

Part 2

Tech Tuesdays Masterlist

Tagging @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory; @late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82 ; @ronearoundblindly

[thezombieprostitute]

So, unsurprisingly, I haven't been able to stop thinking about IT!Ransom since this week's Tech Tuesday. To go no contact with his parents, give up all that money, that would take a lot of strength we don't often attribute to him.

So, what I'm dying to know is, did he have any help or support in that process? Is he or has he been in therapy? Or was there a rare friend that pointed him in that direction?

I genuinely don't know if I'd be able to handle Ransom in therapy. My sad-boy-who's-trying loving heart would explode.

So you know those scenarios where you realize your lived experience either isn't the norm or isn't "the way it has to be"? That's what happened with Ransom. He realized his family's version of "love" and "support" wasn't how it was for a lot of people, and that it wasn't something he had to just accept for himself. He wanted something better and he's smart enough to know he couldn't get it from his current environment and connections.

Ransom knows he needs money and lots of preparations that require money. He can't let his family know what he's doing or it'll be sabotaged before he's even begun. That means he needs cash. Cash can't be traced by his family. He starts small, pawning cuff-links, watches and the like, but it's not getting him enough money.

He looks at his BMW. It's his pride and joy. It enables him small escapes, a token of independence in the form of getting arrive and leave whenever he wants. But it could also be the key to actual escape and independence. He argues with himself about for quite some time but the numbers part of the plan doesn't lie. He needs to sell it.

The cash he receives for it pays for his little apartment. It's at least a year's rent, as well as food and utilities for while he job hunts, learns to cook the basics, and just lays low until his family stops searching for him. Every day he's out, he's scared. He's truly alone and he doesn't know what to do about it other than his usual cold, irritated demeanor.

He knows he probably should go to a therapist, but right now he's just trying to figure out life without his family and their money.

[thezombieprostitute]

I haven't thought about it much but do you think Ransom keeps the sweater pusheen at his desk or at his apartment?

[thezombieprostitute]

This Halloween "episode" of Tech Tuesday is really getting me thinking about how much pop culture Ransom is aware of. Obviously he knows about CSI and KFC, per the joke at Blanc's expense, but would his parents really let him watch cartoons? Would they let him indulge in fantasy movies/books?

Or would they only want him to read Harlan's books so they could get in Harlan's good graces? Would they discourage TV and movies so that they could claim Ransom "is such a smart boy" and they could be "proud" of him for not being like the other kids?

So much thought into a character I'm not even that interested in!

[thezombieprostitute]

What's your (current) favorite couple of one your stories doing right now?

💕

Hm....who is my current favorite couple?

My latest favorite to write for, legitimately, is probably Ransom and Bubbles. Ransom's journey is so interesting to me and I want to do right by his fans.

The holidays can be rough for just about everyone, but for someone who's gone no contact with his family, being bombarded with all of these "family traditions" and "get together for the holidays" advertising? It's gotta be torturous.

Bubbles gave him a bit of an out with Friendsgiving. Can she do something for Christmas? Maybe a Festivus?

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday Masterlist

Introduction

Bucky Barnes & Sweetie

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4;

Curtis Everett & Heart

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3;

Double Gs (God the Bounty Hunter, Geralt of Rivia)

Part 1

Jake Jensen & Sunshine

Part 1; Part 2 (prequel); Part 3; Part 4; Part 5 (prequel);

Johnny Storm & DarkAngel

Part 1; Part 2;

Jonathan Pine & Rose

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5;

Lloyd Hansen & Maestro

Part 1; Part 1.5 (Lloyd's perspective); Part 2; Part 3; Part 4;

Mike & Boss Lady

Part 1; Part 2;

Ransom Drysdale & Bubbles

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5;

Steve Rogers & Newbie

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3;

Syverson & Darlin'

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4;

Walter Marshall & Spitfire

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3;

Asks

BDSM Toys (no smut)

Flashbacks? (Jake Jensen)

Friends

Intimidating Eyes (Double G's)

Jealousy (Jonathan Pine)

No Contact (Ransom Drysdale)

Pokemon (Jake Jensen)

Trading Desks (Jonathan Pine)

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday - Introductions

A/N: Entirely written on my phone. Apologies for errors!

A/N2: This chapter is mainly an introduction to the setting and the majority of the characters. It'll be different readers for each character (give or take).

Ok, first day, very important to not make an idiot of yourself. That's been your internal mantra for the entire commute. You've been really hoping it'll help you out today.

You've gotten a ticket to take to IT for your new work laptop but you got lost trying to find your way there. You look around at the signs, trying to figure it out when someone gently coughs to get your attention. Turning you see a tall, lean man with short blondish brown hair and light blue eyes.

"Do you need some help?" His accent and soft tone help soothe your nerves.

"Um..." you hesitate. "I'm, I'm trying to find the IT department?"

His eyes widen as he smiles, "you must be the new hire." You nod and he holds out his hand, "I'm Jonathan, manager of the IT department. I'll show you the way."

He talks as he guides you to the one section of the building you hadn't been to yet.

"Here is our own little corner of the world," Jonathan gestures around the open area. "For a new employee you're going to want to talk to Jake." He points to a young man with spiky hair, glasses and a goatee who's talking on the phone.

"Ain't gonna happen for a while." A large bear of a man with a beard and a bald top, wearing a Lynyrd Skinner shirt steps towards you. "He's helping that little old lady on the third floor that never remembers her password."

"Ah, yes," Jonathan winces. "She is quite the talker." He looks to you and introduces the second man as Syverson. "We both run the department but Sy is better at managing the employees while I'm better at convincing the higher ups to give us a better budget."

"One of th' smoothest talkers I've ever worked with," Sy grins. "As far as your laptop, you wait right here an' I'll go get from Walter. He's our main hardware guy. Then we'll get...hmmm." He looks around as he ponders.

"Johnny is currently mid battle with that hacker he keeps toying with," Jonathan muses. "How is Ransom's mood today?"

Sy snorts, "same as always. Definitely don't wanna scare the lady away." He snaps his fingers, "Rogers!"

A head pops out of a cubicle, "you call?"

"Got a new employee," Sy explains. "Gonna need you to help her get her laptop setup." Sy turns and heads to where you're guessing Walter is with the hardware you'll need.

You turn back to where Steve was situated and almost jump at seeing him so close. He's huge but you didn't hear him at all! The big and tall blonde man's eyes are shining with enthusiasm.

He holds out his hand and you introduce yourself. "It's nice to meet you. Not a lot of new people around here lately. I work with the designs for our internal programs. Me and Bucky," he gestures back to his cubicle, "work together on the UX and accessibility stuff for the external website."

"That's impressive," you nod, practically hypnotized by his eyes. And his muscles, if you're being honest with yourself.

Sy returns and hands Steve the laptop. "Follow me," Steve smiles as he turns. You try your best to fight the urge to ogle his ass. It's your first day and you don't want to already make a fool of yourself! No matter how handsome these guys are.

Steve takes you through the setup. He's incredibly patient and kind. Plus his voice could keep your attention forever. He's going through some of the standard company security stuff when there's a knock. You both turn and you see a burly man with a beanie and a beard so full you almost miss the lip piercing.

"Hey, Curtis. What's up?"

"Bucky's out getting another coffee," Curtis starts. "Need you to tell him I've got the code worked out for the next update and need him to check the legacy compatibility."

"Sure thing," Steve nods and Curtis heads back to whenever he'd been.

"Don't you have an internal communications thing for this?" You're surprised that someone has to intervene in the communication.

Steve chuckles as he pulls out his phone. "Bucky never responds to work stuff while he's out, even just to a cafe. But there's a time crunch on this and I'm the only person he'll actually check his phone for."

"Oh," is all you can say.

Steve finishes his text and gets back to your training. When you're done you thank him for everything and he blushes a little.

"If you want I can help you with the physical setup at your desk?" He almost looks like he's pleading for you to say yes.

"It won't be a problem? I don't want to get you in trouble."

"Not at all," he assures. "Besides, I don't want to be here for the upcoming Bucky and Curtis debate."

You giggle nervously, "ok. And thank you!"

Tagging @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @late-to-the-party-81; @lokislady82 ; @ronearoundblindly

Also tagging @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory to test if this post is working!

Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged.

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday - Christmas Plans

A/N: Written for @the-slumberparty's December Daze Challenge. I'm kinda cheating here a little but I'm tired but I also still want to participate in more of the challenge and I want to keep up the Tech Tuesdays.

Prompt: working on christmas eve/special holiday.

Summary: How the Tech Tuesday characters react to having to work Christmas Eve.

Warnings: None. Please let me know if I missed any!

Bucky Barnes

He's irritated, of course. Maybe he doesn't have plans but the coffee shop you work at is closed Christmas Eve and Day so he'll have to settle for the office coffee and texting with you.

Curtis Everett

Greets the news with a grunt. He and his brother Edgar don't do much, but they always do it around the holiday instead of the day of. It helps them save money and time off.

But when he finds out Heart is working Christmas Eve at the hospital, he's making sure to check in on her. Asking her if she needs him to bring anything, like the good coffee or some food to keep her going.

Double G's

It's not a problem for them, at all. In fact, they welcome it because the office is practically empty that day and they have to deal with fewer people. They'll even work late to avoid the traffic.

Jake Jensen

Is absolutely devastated. He'd much rather be home with Sunshine and the twins. It's Christmas Eve! He should be helping hype the twins up for Santa! Instead he's at the office, trying to be professional and not just rush through all the tickets and doing a bad job of them.

His primary goal for the day is getting home before the twins have to go to bed. He wants to spend his Christmas Eve with all of his family and he can't do that if they're asleep.

Side note, Jonathan and Syverson had to rock-paper-scissors for who had to tell him because neither wanted to deal with his sad, puppy-dog eyes.

Johnny Storm

Pouts and throws a little fit. He likes visiting his sister and her family for the holiday. Then again, maybe he can use this as his excuse for not bringing anything for the dinner. He's still upset that it cuts into his time for doing what he wants.

Jonathan Pine

His reaction depends on whether or not Rose is willing to join him. If she's, understandably, not interested in working on Christmas Eve, he'll be a lot more stoic about the work.

If, however, she's willing to join him, he'll be all smiles. The office is practically empty that day and he can be as openly affectionate as he wishes. He'll even bring a little "picnic" lunch for the two of them.

Lloyd Hansen

Lloyd doesn't work holidays. That's what he has minions for. If he decides to be in the office on Christmas Eve it's because Maestro is there and he's hoping to talk her into sitting on his lap while she works. Clothing optional.

Mike

He's throwing a tantrum. He's not used to being low rung on the ladder. Plus, his family always had the best Christmas Eve events planned! It isn't until Boss Lady points out the little party the company holds for interns that day that he calms down.

Ransom Drysdale

Outwardly he groans and complains. Internally he's grateful to not be alone in his apartment the entire holiday. He's hidden the stash of biscoff cookies Bubbles got him. He'll nibble on those when the loneliness hits. But it's better than being alone in his apartment and much better than being with his family.

Right?

Steve Rogers

Steve volunteered. He knows it's a busy time for a lot of people and doesn't mind being in the office that day. He'll take one for the team.

Doesn't hurt that Newbie told him she'll be in the office that day. Their relationship is still pretty new so neither is upset at not being invited to the family Christmas. But they are going to have a little gift exchange in the break room paired with lots of kissing.

Syverson

He ain't happy. He's silently fuming the whole time. Everyone steers clear of him and draw straws for who has to talk to him when something comes up. He's spent too many Christmases away from Darling.

And yes, it's less than a full day but dammit, he's angry. He wants to be with his wife and their dog. He wants to be home for Christmas, and not just the day of.

Matters are not helped when Darling sends him a photo of her in a skimpy Christmas outfit asking when he'll be home.

Walter Marshall

It depends on if it's his year to have Christmas with his daughter, Faye, or not. While he and his ex-wife aren't bitter or at odds when it comes to things, he still wants to be a good dad who's actually there for his kid. So if he's got Faye for the holiday and you tell him he's gotta work Christmas Eve, be prepared for the angriest glare you've ever seen.

If he doesn't have Faye, though, he doesn't mind. Especially if Spitfire is working security that day. He'll be regularly bringing her the good coffee and happily sits with her at lunch.

Tagging:

@alicedopey; @changenameno; @darsynia @delicatebarness; @ellethespaceunicorn;

@icefrozendeadlyqueen; @irishhappiness; @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory; @kingliam2019; @late-to-the-party-81;

@lokislady82; @ozwriterchick; @ronearoundblindly; @stellar-solar-flare; @thiquefunlover63

[thezombieprostitute]

Tech Tuesday thought: Bubbles invites Ransom for Friendsgiving. I wonder what he'd be willing to bring...

[thezombieprostitute]

This immediately made me think of poor IT!Ransom.

Normally I wait to answer these until I'm not at work, but I have to tell you, this is very much part of his new chapter today! Excellent timing!