wxthin-wxthout - Tumblr blog

[wxthin-wxthout]

Alone once more, Nick made sure to finish his drink and, with liquid courage warming his veins, continued his stroll around the room, shaking hands and making polite introductions and chit chat--though none held his interest quite like the first two he'd met upon arrival. It didn't bother him, really; he was well-versed in social custom and this was just another thing one did, entertaining or not. Eventually he at last met up with the groom-to-be, a pleasant enough man off the battlefield when not barking orders. Though he barely seemed to recall Nick (not something he blamed him for), he seemed genuinely grateful for his presence at the affair, earning Nick a hardy slap on the shoulder that nearly made him stagger.

His duty for the night satisfied, he continued to make idle introductions with whomever would have him, interspersed with the occasional fresh drink. Most were well-mannered enough, at worst polite to the point of rigidity, until he stumbled upon a charming duo that gave him the impression they found him amusing in a patronizing way. Now and then a comment about his mother country graced his ears, subtle enough to not draw outright offence. Nick felt they were trying to quietly provoke him, to needle him until the passionate, boorish American snapped and made an ass of himself in a room of strangers. Well, pity for them. He wouldn't be taking the bait. He simply grit his teeth, held his glass tight, and awaited the moment he could leave this awful conversation.

With another faint smile, Robert took his leave. Nick would probably make his rounds and greet the man of honor, but Robert would be found at the bar, lingering over a cigarette and idly sampling appetizers as he people watched.

Nick had made quite an impression on him to be sure. He was the most attractive young man in the room by far, at least in Robert’s estimation. And being American made him that much more fascinating. But it wouldn’t do to be caught staring, so he busied himself with food and making small talk with anyone who dropped by for a drink. When he judged he’d been antisocial long enough, he made his own rounds, shaking hands, slapping backs and counting the time until he could politely make his exit.

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'Robert' it was, then. Fine by him; truly, one tired of all the required Misters in a room of strangers. Nick gave the card a curious once-over, then stashed it in his breast pocket for safe keeping. He almost offered another handshake, but after that touch to his shoulder it seemed too formal. He smiled. "All right, Robert. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

There was a slight hint of a smile on the usually intense face. “Robert, please. My father is Mr. Muldoon. If the boredom grows too much, don’t trouble yourself about bothering me. I’m ever at your service.” Making sure Nick had his calling card, Robert stood and grasped him chummily by the shoulder before tearing himself away. Were they not both men, one might have the mistaken impression that Muldoon was flirting. But surely not, right?

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Robert's departure seemed rather abrupt, but well, it wasn't as if the man were actually here simply to entertain him. A touch disappointing to lose a tentative connection and return to a room of strangers, but he could hardly keep the man all night. "Mostly I'm awaiting the man of the hour to give my congratulations," Nick said. "But it wouldn't hurt to have a go around the room. Thanks for the welcome, Mr. Muldoon." A small smile for good measure.

“Well, I’m going to go and grab something myself. I’m sure I’ve monopolized your attention long enough, after all. You’re probably keen to mingle with the other gentlemen.” After all, Nick came to attend a wedding and socialize, not have his time bogarted by an idle rich boy drawn to his pretty face.

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"Are you sure you're not also part of the staff here?" Nick dared to tease with a slight grin. "Thank you. But I caught a quick bite before coming here. So hopefully, I'll manage just fine."

Robert couldn’t say he was sad to see Denis go. “I’m sure you’d like a moment to recover before you make your rounds. Shaking hands, forgetting names, that sort of thing.” He smiled at Nick politely, then finished his water. “I could have someone freshen your drink or bring over something light to eat so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach?” he suggested, wanting something himself but not wanting to be rude by eating without offering.

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After accepting Robert's card, Nick gave Denis a curious look, but nodded as he accepted the handshake. "I'll do my best." And silently, he wondered if it shouldn't be the other way around, someone keeping an eye on the ignorant tourist instead. "Until next time."

Denis opened his mouth, but, judging by the look Robert gave him, it wouldn’t be wise to say what he’d been thinking. He just grinned sheepishly at his friend, then turned to face Nick, ignoring the stormy look on Robert’s face. “Anywhere, hm? I’m sure we can think of a few places you’d find… intriguing?”

“We’ll see. First, we have to survive this wedding.” Trying to recover his good humor, the Englishman fished his calling card from his pocket and offered it to Nick. “While I hope my… friend and I can call on you at your hotel, if you feel you have too much time on your hands and not enough to fill it, feel free to give me a ring whenever you like.”

“He’s always home, you see. The man has no social life,” Denis teased. Robert had to chuckle at that. Clearly, it was untrue. If nothing else, he had the Frenchman to irritate him on a regular basis. “In any case, I’ll leave you two to chat. I have to go and pay my respects to the groom before I excuse myself to a more pressing engagement. Monsieur Carraway, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He offered his own card and a parting handshake. “I look forward to showing you some of what this charming old city has to offer. For now, adieu. Keep an eye on my dear friend for me?”

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He could feel the alcohol already loosening him up, earning Dennis a short laugh for his comment. He debated crossing his legs, then decided against it and simply leaned back against the couch in a more relaxed posture. "Oh yes, the bridge," Nick nodded in his direction. "I wouldn't mind seeing that as well. Truly, I'm not fussy; take me where you see fit for the city."

“Well, you’re going to have to be more specific… Maybe the Alnwick Poison Garden? Or the Palace of Westminster? Oh, and the Tower of London with all its dark secrets,” Denis suggested in a spooky whisper.

Robert rolled his eyes at his friend. “The bridge is fairly popular… There are a number of parks and squares that are starting to finally recover properly after the war…”

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"I suppose I'd like to see the famous sites, cliche as they must be to you," Nick decided. "Aside from that, wherever you think is best to show a tourist." He smiled crookedly. "I'm in both of your hands."

“Absolutely. Robert’s treat, of course,” Denis said, giving Nick a conspiratorial smirk.

Robert shot him a brief glare before turning back to Nick. “…What sorts of places do you enjoy? Would do no good to take a museum man to a horse show after all.”

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"Well, if you absolutely insist, I wouldn't mind the company," Nick acquiesced. He figured, why not? Let the locals show him around this labyrinthine city and save him the time spent planning out routes. He flashed both men a grateful smile. "Thank you."

“Valuable? My good man, we’re idle rich, emphasis on idle. Having something to do, anything to do, is no waste of time. Robert was bored enough to go to war. I’m sure being a tour guide is much more pleasant than being shot at.” He ignored Robert scowling at him, a light laugh on his lips as he sipped his drink. “Besides, you’d be saving him from another endlessly dull lunch with his parents.”

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Nick wondered, not for the first time in his life, how he attracted people so eager to show him around places. Maybe he made a good background set piece for the rich and the eccentric. Still, the idea wasn't offensive. "I appreciate the offer," Nick said, "but I wouldn't want to take up so much of your valuable time."

“Wonderful!” Robert said, looking a bit too relieved. “You’ll let us show you around, won’t you? We know all the best places to visit. None of the tourist traps. …Unless, well, unless you’re into those sorts of things?”

Denis nodded along readily. “Yes, we’re certainly experts on the London social scene.”

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The look of pain he received from his simple statement bordered on comical. Nick blinked at the two men for a moment before catching himself. "Well, I intended to stay a couple weeks," he said. "More than enough time to take in some sights and experiences, I should hope."

If it was possible for two men to look more like sad dogs in the rain, well, it would have taken considerable talent… or rain. The two men exchanged an overly dramatic wounded look. “Not staying long? But… you’ve only just arrived. You’ve barely seen anything yet. Oh, do say you’re staying at least a fortnight,” Denis pleaded.

Robert set his glass aside and put his hands on Denis’s shoulders in solidarity. “Yes, you have to stay at least that long. Otherwise, what would have been the use of such a long journey? This boring wedding? No, you have to at least visit some of the best London has to offer.” It seemed they could cooperate on this much at least. Rivals needed something to compete for, after all.

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Holding the glass by the rim between his fingers, Nick gave his drink a slight shake and watched the ice settle before taking a sip. The burn was refreshing. "Ah, no one like that, I'm afraid." He laughed again, perhaps somewhat self-conscious of his answer. "Just a solo trip. But that's fine by me. I won't be here very long regardless." He wondered if he'd even be away long enough to feel homesick. In France it hadn't taken long, but those had been considerably worse circumstances.

Robert sat down, peering at both men warily, like they were hiding some conspiracy between them. Denis smirked, then turned his attention back to Nick, knowingly needling his poor friend. “You never answered my question. Did you travel alone? Or is there a poor, lonely mademoiselle waiting by the window for you to return home?”

Robert narrowed his eyes slightly at this, then focused on drinking his water. Oh no, Denis. Don’t you dare. I saw him first.

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"I was born in the Midwest," Nick explained, "but studied on the east coast. Haven't travelled very much of the country, relatively speaking." Aside from a trip to the south to visit a family friend, but he'd only been an infant then. "From here to France might not be far trip, but the one I took from home to Brittany certainly was." Nearly a week on the Atlantic in a tiny cabin, the only view miles of seawater and blue skies.

When Mr. Muldoon returned to their impromptu gang, Nick offered him a smile. "Not at all, simply making acquaintance." He hoped the man sat before he fell.

“Oh my. How far have you traveled? I suppose going to France from here would seem like no great burden.” Nick was so amusing. Denis always found Americans to be so fascinating, usually brash and blunt where the British were so much more stuffy and too concerned with manners to be direct. “Have you brought a companion for the wedding? I hope she’s not too far out of her depth on her own while you’re here.”

Robert came over with his glass of water, a flash of something like jealousy on his face at the sight of Denis putting a chummy arm around Nick’s shoulders. It was only there for an instant before his usual neutral expression returned. “Have I missed anything important?”

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The small area only provided a modicum of distance from the party chatter, but more than enough space for something slightly more intimate. Nick couldn't help smiling at the familiar comment. How strange, being exotic to the exotic. "For most states, yes, that's accurate," he chuckled. "There is little want for space in America."

Robert nodded vaguely as he made his way to the bar for a water, leaving the other two men to claim the seats for the group. “Come, mon ami,” Denis said, putting a hand on Nick’s shoulder as he steered him away. “Tell me more about your America. I have never been. …Is it true you can drive a full day and still be in the same state?”

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Trim Reblogs Tutorial

There are quite a few of these already, and I sort of have one buried inside my super long editors guide, but most I've seen are a bit outdated so I wanted to make my own separate guide to the extension.

Installation & Set-Up

You will need XKit Rewritten, a browser extension which you can install here.

Once XKit Rewritten is installed, you'll need to open up its options wherever the extensions are in your browser. For my Firefox, it's up in the top right. Find Trim Reblogs and turn it on. (You can go ahead and turn on anything else you like, too. There's some cool options in there.)

Trimming

Now that it's installed, let's go to a thread. I'm going to add a third response to this sample thread here.

I'm going to start by puting it in my drafts. (If you've never drafted a post before -- click to reblog as normal, then use the drop down arrow next to the reblog button and click Save as draft. You can access your drafts by clicking the user icon in the top right of Tumblr, then click Drafts under your username.)

Now that the post is in my drafts, it looks like this.

You'll see that there's a new icon along the bottom that looks like a pair of scissors. This is the Trim Reblogs button.

You can use Trim Reblogs either before or after you've written your reply. Here's what if looks like if you trim the post before adding your reply.

I'm going to click the trim button, which brings up this menu.

This lets you select which of the previous reblogs you would like to delete. You can see the username of each reblog as well the beginning of the post. Selecting the first item and leaving the second, as shown, is what you'll want to do most of the time.

Click Trim and the selected reblog(s) will be removed. The post now looks like this in my drafts.

I can now click the pencil icon to edit the post and add my reply in the editable space.

Then save back to my drafts until it's ready to go, or just post it!

Now let's do the other way. Here's what it looks like if you trim the post after adding your reply.

I'm going to go back to the same post in my drafts.

I'm going to edit it as is and add my reply, so it now looks like this.

Now I'll click to trim and see the same menu as before, but now with three options since I've already added my response.

You'll notice that you don't have the option to select the most recent reblog -- that's because it's the one you just wrote. Again, you will almost always want to trim the first post while leaving the second.

After trimming, the post looks like this in my drafts.

And I'm free to post it.

(Previously, you could only use Trim Reblogs after your response had been added, so older guides may still tell you to do this. The extension has since been updated.)

Glitches & Troubleshooting

There are a few issues you run into while using trim reblogs. Most of these I go over in my long post, but I'll restate some of them here.

First, trim reblogs works best if everyone involved is on the beta editor. The legacy editor will cause some weirdness, especially if the very first post in a thread was made using it. The most common is a glitch where your response will weirdly duplicate after posting. I've gone over fixes for it in this post. TL;DR - the easiest way to avoid it is to always trim the post before adding your reply, but you can also correct it by using Tumblr's built in remove reblogs feature.

Second, if your partner uses editable reblogs, you will have a hard time cutting their posts using trim reblogs. This is because editable reblogs breaks Tumblr's formatting and causes two posts to be "combined" -- trim reblogs can no longer recognize the previous responses as two separate posts. That incompatibility is covered extensively in my long post. You can sort of get around it by copying your partner's reply, formatting it in a blockquote (or whatever separation you like), then adding your own underneath. It's unwieldy, but it works.

If you want to transfer a thread cut with editable reblogs to being cut with trim reblogs, you'll need at least one post that isn't cut correctly in order to facilitate that. I've gone over that in this post.

[wxthin-wxthout]

"I'm fine, thanks." Nick watched the man saunter off, bemused by his slightly drunken disposition already, but made no comment. He glanced around the spacious room until he spotted a small unoccupied lounging area off to the back, featuring a wide sepia-toned velvet couch, a couple matching chairs, and a circle table just big enough for some drinks. "Perhaps over there?" he offered, gesturing accordingly.

“What on earth am I drinking?” Robert asked no one in particular, looking down into his glass. Had someone been a bit liberal with the pours? All well for getting tipsy in a hurry, but he couldn’t well pace himself if someone was giving him doubles when he asked for singles. “I’m going to have a water. Do you lads need anything?”

Denis waved him off, his attention fully on Nick now. “Non, thank you. But, perhaps our friend here would like to find a place to sit? Awfully rude to keep him on his feet without even making the offer.”

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Inquisitive lot, weren't they? Not that he had anything better to do. "Two days ago," Nick said. "Fresh off the boat." A bit of a choppy ride, but, well, here he was. He turned more towards Robert, noting his increasing inebriation. Perhaps drink was stronger in Europe than he recalled... He shrugged. "Fine enough, I suppose. Nothing to complain about, but I haven't been there long."

jurassicsniper​:

“To make this party more bearable?” Robert suggested, all wide-eyed innocence. He was more than aware of America’s temperance movement and he had the absolute least amount of respect possible for the modern Puritans behind it. 

Denis put a finger to his lips casually, as if in thought, subtly warning that one of the groom’s closest companions was close by. When the man moved further away, he gave a silent exhale of relief. “I had expected more women, to be sure, but I’ve seen worse parties. I won’t bore Monsieur Carraway with the details, but if you would imagine of your country’s Graham’s crackers? Now, picture that it threw a Christmas party.” He gave a slight nod at the delicate little shudder Robert gave. “But, tell me, how are you enjoying yourself, monsieur? Are you staying somewhere hospitable?”

Nick couldn’t really comment on how dull this party supposedly was; he’d just gotten here, after all. And so far he’d had a drink, been struck up for conversation, and introduced to another guest. Not bad for all of ten minutes. But give it some time–perhaps the boredom was simply yet to strike. “Truthfully, I haven’t been here long enough to quite enjoy myself,” he admitted, “but it’s been pleasant enough so far. I’m staying over in the St. Paul’s.”

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haha that's a nice starry-eyed ambition you've got there buddy. sure hope the narrative doesn't warp it into something ruthless and all-consuming