**

An epiphany oozes through Duncan's brain like an exceptionally slow thunderclap. Trent Reznor does have muscles. He isn't less unique or special for having muscles. Maybe Hot Topic Girl likes muscles...

He sets his feet to avoid toppling over and glances up at the salesman's glistening visage, which has contorted into an expression akin to sympathy. Duncan still wants to slam the door and creep back into his cave, but something fundamental to his dark, twisted soul has cracked. The exquisitely oiled man-specimens of the magazine, in reaching out for their massive barbells, have taken hold of his heart. He could look like Trent Reznor...

He takes a shuddering breath. "What do I need to do?"

**

Are we about done here? You can wrap up if you want.

@@@

The sun has made it solidly over the tree line and the birds have fled to greener pastures in the face of a small, yapping creature that seems to have nothing better to do than chase smaller creatures and relieve itself on well-manicured grass. The economy cars are well on their way to work, and a few minivans are only just emerging for the daily errands. A sweaty-looking man in a damp polo shirt and attractive yet practical khaki slacks stops on the sidewalk, halfway between two inoffensively beige, single-family homes. He cradles his armful of magazines to his bulging pectorals; the center of the pulpy mass seriously considers metamorphosis but suffers in silence.

Steve lets fall a single manly tear, which mingles with the sweat currently streaming from his toned forehead. His cheeks heft themselves into a huge grin. Never before has he made so much money at a single stop! He considers this, then turns and begins to walk back to his car. He can hit the rest of this neighborhood tomorrow. His quota's been met! Why work when he can lift? His calves quiver in anticipation of an early leg day. The small, yapping creature is momentarily stunned by the vibrations.

The best part? He gets a free training session for the referral. That puts a bit of a skip in his step, despite the sandals. That pathetic, puny creature wasn't so bad after all!

@@@

So that's the end. Your turn to start. Go now. Do it.

Stimulus. Response? Don't you even think?

No, I don't even think. We finished our RP and all the wind went out of my sails. What is this business about doing another one? I don't recall that.

We were going to do a super dramatic one. No funny business. Like the Batman one.

I feel like I could never muster the skill and determination to do drama like that particular RP. I'm just not up to it.

Are you even still interested in RPing? That ship has sailed for me.

I'm always ready to do ridiculous things in an over-the-top manner. Or not. Whatever you prefer. But it would help us meet the posting requirements.

They have another one, too. It's almost the same but uses Thor and Loki instead. I am in awe of their persistence.

Persistence is certainly among their virtues. I hadn't looked at their new one yet, although I'd noticed its existence.

I can only really be excited about one creative endeavor at a time, and I'm hoarding that for NaNo right now.

I have homework I should be doing. Why am I not doing homework? Or eating ice cream?

Because KofK trumps homework, for some reason. I can't explain the dearth of ice cream.

I need to work on my GRFP!

GRFP! OMG!

Is that like the GDP? Because we all need to work on that. Or is it more like GFP? Because I love glowing fishes.