Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

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May 22, 2026

AWOL

by David M Willis on June 28, 2012 at 12:01 am
  • 04 - Time Keeps on Slippin'
└ Tags: dorothy, walky

Discussion (199) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. Deuecebag
    Deuecebag
    June 28, 2012 at 12:01 am | #

    This comic hits a little too close to home for me.

    • Imska
      Imska
      June 28, 2012 at 12:04 am | #

      Agreed. 😐

      • Big Ninja Jim
        Big Ninja Jim
        June 28, 2012 at 12:33 am | #

        Ditto 🙁

      • Kernanator
        Kernanator
        June 28, 2012 at 12:41 am | #

        This reminds me of every date I’ve been on.

        • David Herbert
          David Herbert
          June 28, 2012 at 2:49 am | #

          Oddly enough, same here.

          • Tucker
            Tucker
            June 28, 2012 at 3:15 am | #

            I didn’t know there was ever a time where that was not allowed. Am I missing something, or has my life just been awesome?

            • Maestro
              Maestro
              June 28, 2012 at 3:30 am | #

              It’s sexual assault if it’s unwanted.

            • MentalMister
              MentalMister
              June 28, 2012 at 4:22 am | #

              I think you just have more relationship confidence than Walky.
              Also, your name made me think of the “Red vs. Blue” character and my hasn’t this become a reference filled thread.

              • Tucker
                Tucker
                June 28, 2012 at 5:14 am | #

                Except it’s not an alias – it’s an actual nickname in real life.

                • MentalMister
                  MentalMister
                  June 28, 2012 at 9:00 am | #

                  I was saying *my* reference to how you make me think of RvB is a reference – I’m not assuming that your name is inherently a reference to the series on its own.

                • Tucker
                  Tucker
                  June 28, 2012 at 2:20 pm | #

                  Ah. I get that question a lot, so I tend to have a response prepped.

            • Nathan
              Nathan
              September 5, 2013 at 11:12 pm | #

              Bow chicka bow wow

          • Roborat
            Roborat
            June 28, 2012 at 3:15 pm | #

            Yup, sounds like the first girl I dated. She finally said pretty much the same thing.

        • Jenny Creed
          Jenny Creed
          June 4, 2013 at 9:21 am | #

          It’s always nice to talk to people who can tell you straight up what they want.

        • Lord Geovanni
          Lord Geovanni
          March 28, 2014 at 1:17 am | #

          Sounds like every date I have never been on

    • tahrey
      tahrey
      June 28, 2012 at 4:47 am | #

      Yeah, I think there’s a lot of us who have either been Walky or Dot here… personally the former 😀

      “wtf, you mean I’m being too MUCH of a gentleman? well… all right!”

      • Kirt Dankmyer
        Kirt Dankmyer
        June 28, 2012 at 11:24 am | #

        Totally been there. 🙂

        • Gargamel
          Gargamel
          June 29, 2012 at 2:49 pm | #

          Huh, never had this issue.
          Though before I had my very first sexiness/dates I did quite a bit research

  2. Sensedog
    Sensedog
    June 28, 2012 at 12:02 am | #

    Again, Walky, you hit the jackpot. Just go with it.

    • darcos0
      darcos0
      June 28, 2012 at 3:28 am | #

      If i was still in college……..

  3. Jen Aside
    Jen Aside
    June 28, 2012 at 12:02 am | #

    MAH BOOBEHS

    I GIVE THEM TO YOU

  4. Plasma Mongoose
    Plasma Mongoose
    June 28, 2012 at 12:02 am | #

    TOUCH THEM, she commands it!

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      June 28, 2012 at 12:09 am | #

      the power of boobs compel you!

      • Bekah
        Bekah
        June 28, 2012 at 12:11 am | #

        Misfile?

      • Roborat
        Roborat
        June 28, 2012 at 3:17 pm | #

        It’s super effective.

    • Aizat
      Aizat
      June 28, 2012 at 12:10 am | #

      Yes, Walky. It’s not often when a woman ask you to touch it.

      • Bekah
        Bekah
        June 28, 2012 at 12:11 am | #

        Uh…

        • Plasma Mongoose
          Plasma Mongoose
          June 28, 2012 at 12:12 am | #

          You know of more examples?

          • Yotomoe
            Yotomoe
            June 28, 2012 at 12:14 am | #

            every day, cuz i’m a billionaire playboy

          • Bekah
            Bekah
            June 28, 2012 at 12:14 am | #

            Most of my sex life?

            • Plasma Mongoose
              Plasma Mongoose
              June 28, 2012 at 12:17 am | #

              OH MY!

              • Mrelegos
                Mrelegos
                June 28, 2012 at 7:09 am | #

                My god…Plasma Mongoose is George Takei…it all makes sense!

                • CWR
                  CWR
                  June 28, 2012 at 8:32 am | #

                  SSHHIIEELLDDSS!!

                • Plasma Mongoose
                  Plasma Mongoose
                  June 28, 2012 at 5:38 pm | #

                  CRIKEY!

          • Aizat
            Aizat
            June 28, 2012 at 12:15 am | #

            Outside of some “sources”, no.

          • KresyAntics
            KresyAntics
            June 28, 2012 at 12:30 am | #

            NSFW but yea here is one 😀 http://www.menagea3.net/strips-ma3/phewthankgod

            • Broken Products
              Broken Products
              June 28, 2012 at 12:48 pm | #

              YAY!! SOMEONE ELSE THAT READS MENAGEA3!!!

            • Roborat
              Roborat
              June 28, 2012 at 3:19 pm | #

              One of my favourite webcomics.

            • Luke
              Luke
              June 28, 2012 at 8:36 pm | #

              Well, that adds one more thing to the list of shit I read instead of having a job… Thanks for that.

          • RaijinK
            RaijinK
            June 28, 2012 at 1:01 am | #

            Don’t let the supposed lack of tactile appreciation fool you. As an expression of intimacy, ladies like getting their breasts touched as much as the guy likes touching them.

            • Ziaheart
              Ziaheart
              June 28, 2012 at 4:12 am | #

              Not much of a turn-on for me. But to each their own.

              • Rex Hondo
                Rex Hondo
                June 28, 2012 at 7:29 am | #

                Gender-ambiguous handles combined with random avatars make my brain hurt…

              • Roborat
                Roborat
                June 28, 2012 at 3:20 pm | #

                I had a girlfriend who could orgasm just from breast fondling. It was quite interesting.

                • waldosan
                  waldosan
                  June 28, 2012 at 9:52 pm | #

                  is it possible she was just good at faking?

                • Roborat
                  Roborat
                  June 29, 2012 at 2:51 pm | #

                  Ohh no, it was real, very, very real.

            • begbert2
              begbert2
              June 28, 2012 at 10:40 am | #

              Pretty sure this varies a lot more on the female side than the male side, yeah.

            • Kryss LaBryn
              Kryss LaBryn
              June 28, 2012 at 1:05 pm | #

              Some of us do. Some of us really, really don’t.

      • Random Guy
        Random Guy
        June 28, 2012 at 3:56 am | #

        She yelled it at him.

  5. Wonder Wig
    Wonder Wig
    June 28, 2012 at 12:02 am | #

    Mike is never awol. He’s just … preparing.

    • Kafloobop
      Kafloobop
      June 28, 2012 at 12:05 am | #

      Great, now I’ll never be able to sleep again.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      June 28, 2012 at 12:07 am | #

      he’s ready to pounce, like those cats he stomped

      • Wonder Wig
        Wonder Wig
        June 28, 2012 at 12:11 am | #

        Stomped to gain their power.

      • madd
        madd
        June 28, 2012 at 2:51 am | #

        He strangled them AND stomped on them? This does not speak well for his strangling abilities.

        • Raoullefere
          Raoullefere
          June 28, 2012 at 2:58 am | #

          Oh, Mike strangles just fine. The thing is, it’s hard to tell at first glance that a strangled cat is dead instead of merely asleep. A sound post-mortem stomping addresses that problem. Then, of course, Mike hides until he can see the inevitable cat-fancier come along and take in the scene. Their expression makes it all worthwhile.

    • Aizat
      Aizat
      June 28, 2012 at 12:12 am | #

      And watching.

    • JHTriune
      JHTriune
      June 28, 2012 at 7:11 am | #

      That would make a WONDERFUL shirt.

  6. Mister Mercy
    Mister Mercy
    June 28, 2012 at 12:02 am | #

    Wow. I have never been demanded to touch. I though I had to ask permission

    • Taryn
      Taryn
      June 28, 2012 at 12:54 am | #

      I just want to say how much I love you for having a walrus as your av.

      • Mister Mercy
        Mister Mercy
        June 28, 2012 at 2:03 am | #

        The Lolrus loves you too Taryn.

    • Ragnal
      Ragnal
      June 28, 2012 at 1:19 am | #

      I know, right? I dunno if that says a lot about me or the girls I’m with, but…seriously.

  7. Yotomoe
    Yotomoe
    June 28, 2012 at 12:04 am | #

    You’re in college Walky. Everything is allowed.

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      June 28, 2012 at 12:06 am | #

      Except booze.

      • Sensedog
        Sensedog
        June 28, 2012 at 12:10 am | #

        But that won’t stop many students, especially the alcoholics.

        But as for Walky, he just needs to be a gentleman now and do as the lady requests.

        • TacosForever
          TacosForever
          June 28, 2012 at 1:03 am | #

          Especially if the lady requires his butt.

    • Wonder Wig
      Wonder Wig
      June 28, 2012 at 12:10 am | #

      “College is cool, everything is permitted.”

      • Aizat
        Aizat
        June 28, 2012 at 12:18 am | #

        Not mine.

      • Sensedog
        Sensedog
        June 28, 2012 at 12:25 am | #

        Great reference. I’m definitely going to enjoy the next game this fall.

      • KevinSig
        KevinSig
        June 28, 2012 at 8:56 am | #

        Is this supposed to be a play on “Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted?”

        Are college Players the equivalent of Assasin’s? An is this there Creed WW?

        “College is cool, everything is permitted.”

        • Kam
          Kam
          June 28, 2012 at 10:08 am | #

          random reply with the intention of attempting to close the open italics flooding the rest of the comments below.

          • Kam
            Kam
            June 28, 2012 at 10:08 am | #

            (and i failed)

            • TacosForever
              TacosForever
              June 28, 2012 at 10:15 am | #

              Will this work?

              • TacosForever
                TacosForever
                June 28, 2012 at 10:15 am | #

                Nope.

      • Kryss LaBryn
        Kryss LaBryn
        June 28, 2012 at 4:51 pm | #

        “There’s a time and a place for everything, and that time and place is college.”

      • waldosan
        waldosan
        June 28, 2012 at 9:56 pm | #

        nothing is true, everything is permitted, know this and you will go far in theta kappa delta. (there’s some sorority or something at my college that i can’t be arsed to remember the name of.)

  8. SkepticJ
    SkepticJ
    June 28, 2012 at 12:04 am | #

    I love these two so much. There was a time where I could have used such explicit instructions, too.

    • George
      George
      June 28, 2012 at 12:13 am | #

      I think most of us have been in that position… hopefully the brain-mounted Google Glass 3.0 will give us real-time “relationship level” markers so this never has to happen again.

      Or, you know, we get better at communicating boundaries, including when they change. Either or.

      • Blob Marley
        Blob Marley
        June 28, 2012 at 4:29 am | #

        Communicating? Like some kind of… of… GROWN-UP?

  9. shadowMobster
    shadowMobster
    June 28, 2012 at 12:05 am | #

    TOUCH THEM NOW

  10. ShadowWing Tronix
    ShadowWing Tronix
    June 28, 2012 at 12:06 am | #

    Sometimes you don’t know that you can. Better safe than in a ditch near a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      June 28, 2012 at 12:11 am | #

      after all, every president needs at least one skeleton in their closet

  11. Ridureyu
    Ridureyu
    June 28, 2012 at 12:07 am | #

    PRE-MARITAL HANKY-PANKY!

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      June 28, 2012 at 12:13 am | #

      OH NOES!

    • Rex Hondo
      Rex Hondo
      June 28, 2012 at 12:17 am | #

      HUZZAH!!

    • ProfessorTomoe
      ProfessorTomoe
      June 28, 2012 at 12:22 am | #

      Holy Cheese!

      • Rex Hondo
        Rex Hondo
        June 28, 2012 at 3:17 am | #

        mmmmm… Swiss…

  12. LimeTH
    LimeTH
    June 28, 2012 at 12:08 am | #

    And my seething jealousy towards Walky further increases.

    • Kaixa
      Kaixa
      June 28, 2012 at 12:10 am | #

      And my seething jealousy towards Dorothy further increases.

      • Yotomoe
        Yotomoe
        June 28, 2012 at 12:12 am | #

        and my seething increases. someone please call a hospital

        • madd
          madd
          June 28, 2012 at 2:48 am | #

          Only if it lasts longer than four hours.

        • Just for kix
          Just for kix
          June 28, 2012 at 3:50 am | #

          Throw your dollar bills and leave your thrills all here with me
          And speak but don’t pretend I won’t defend you anymore you see
          It aches in every bone, I’ll die alone, but not for you
          My eyes don’t need to see that ugly thing, I know it’s me you fear
          If you want me hold me back

  13. Aizat
    Aizat
    June 28, 2012 at 12:08 am | #

    I’m with Walky on this one. That was actually allowed?

  14. Tom T.
    Tom T.
    June 28, 2012 at 12:09 am | #

    One at a time or both at once?

  15. Brasca1
    Brasca1
    June 28, 2012 at 12:11 am | #

    It’s tough for us guys. Girls can cop a feel and we don’t mind, but we have to be cautious because we don’t want to be thought of negatively.

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      June 28, 2012 at 12:15 am | #

      I don’t know… I don’t allow just any girl to touch my moobs, I’m not a cheap hussy after all. 😀

      • Ancestral Hamster
        Ancestral Hamster
        June 28, 2012 at 1:17 am | #

        Then are you an expensive hussy? 🙂

        • madd
          madd
          June 28, 2012 at 2:47 am | #

          Possibly just a reasonably ranged hussy.

          • Soundbucket
            Soundbucket
            June 28, 2012 at 3:29 am | #

            But not an Andrew Hussie.

            • Darksen
              Darksen
              June 28, 2012 at 9:01 pm | #

              This ^

        • Plasma Mongoose
          Plasma Mongoose
          June 28, 2012 at 3:45 am | #

          Yes I’m way overpriced.

          • Blob Marley
            Blob Marley
            June 28, 2012 at 4:31 am | #

            Hey, don’t talk like that. You’re *Premium*. Upsell, upsell, upsell!

    • Jackson
      Jackson
      June 28, 2012 at 8:42 am | #

      I know, it’s a total double standard! This rampant misandry has got me so hot under the collar! Grahh!

      • Darksen
        Darksen
        June 28, 2012 at 9:21 pm | #

        Um, it’s not really misandry so much as a stereotype. He didn’t mean bad even if what he said was kind of presumptuous. Please try not to throw that accusation around so lightly, especially if you’re going to get it wrong. (Not that you meant to I’m sure.)

        • waldosan
          waldosan
          June 28, 2012 at 10:08 pm | #

          the stereotype is still misandry at it’s core. just because we don’t care doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be a problem that needs to be addressed.

          okay yes it does. but in all realities the ones who hurt from this particular double standard are women, if you don’t respect us and our physical privacy then how can you ever expect us to respect yours?

          • Darksen
            Darksen
            June 29, 2012 at 8:55 am | #

            Not really. To be misandristic the notion has to be supported by a hatred of men. This steryotype is harmful, but iffy on its intentions I don’t think everyone who thinks that way hates men so much as they are mistaken.
            Also, one wrong does not justify another. Even if all women everywhere decided to violate a man today, (not that they necessarily ever would) it would still be wrong to do the same back to them. It would simply lower ourselves down to the level of every other person who violated someone else, and those people were always wrong. (Sorry. Rant.)

    • Shade
      Shade
      June 28, 2012 at 6:17 pm | #

      Speak for your self.

    • AY
      AY
      June 28, 2012 at 8:10 pm | #

      Eh. I don’t cop feels from my boyfriend just because I can. Consent is a two way street.

    • Darksen
      Darksen
      June 28, 2012 at 9:14 pm | #

      Um, yeah… I’m pretty sure I have standards concerning who, where, and when I get felt up, just as I’m sure that there are probably some girls who don’t mind at all, but you never know so best to at least be making out first or something before you try your hand.

      If you were wrong when you were already getting intimate, it’s an honest mistake. If you were wrong when it was out of nowhere, you’re being a real jerk, gender regardless.

  16. Luke
    Luke
    June 28, 2012 at 12:14 am | #

    This has been eating at me for quite some time now and mister banner up there has reminded me. Is Joe related to the young photographer who captured the famous Mt. Suribachi flag raising of WWII?

    Go for it Walky, she orders you. NOW.

    • David
      David M Willis
      June 28, 2012 at 12:23 am | #

      Joe has always been “Joe,” but later I borrowed his last name from one of my friends. It’s merely a coincidence.

      • Luke
        Luke
        June 28, 2012 at 12:27 am | #

        Hmm, interesting. Slightly disappointing, but very good to know. Thank you.

  17. Mkvenner
    Mkvenner
    June 28, 2012 at 12:16 am | #

    Wow just wow.

    Also Meet the pyro was finally released today.

    • Aizat
      Aizat
      June 28, 2012 at 12:23 am | #

      Yeah and it was awesome.

    • David
      David M Willis
      June 28, 2012 at 12:23 am | #

      Is that another sequel to “Meet the Parents”?

      • Aizat
        Aizat
        June 28, 2012 at 12:28 am | #

        No, it’s a new trailer for Team Fortress 2.

      • Mkvenner
        Mkvenner
        June 28, 2012 at 2:17 am | #

        It’s a Team Fortess 2 squel to “Meet the Parents”.

        • waldosan
          waldosan
          June 28, 2012 at 10:09 pm | #

          it was awful, valve shouldn’t have done that to the pyro…

  18. NPZR
    NPZR
    June 28, 2012 at 12:16 am | #

    This is the tale of a gentleman and a scholar…

  19. Rex Hondo
    Rex Hondo
    June 28, 2012 at 12:20 am | #

    Good, Walky. Having to be told once that you’re allowed can be charming. Don’t let yourself cross the line into “timid” though. You gotta be willing to make a move on your own some time. 😉

    • Tuen9
      Tuen9
      June 28, 2012 at 2:26 am | #

      Appropriate avatar is appropriate.

      But yeah, that’s the truth. I love this comic here cause it totally happened to me, hence I find it *hilarious*! I took the hint and went along with it, hopefully Walky does the same!

    • ProfessorZoot
      ProfessorZoot
      June 28, 2012 at 3:51 pm | #

      I don’t know, trying to steal third can lead to an easy out.

  20. Zanosuke_Kurosaki
    Zanosuke_Kurosaki
    June 28, 2012 at 12:22 am | #

    I am highly amused at Walky’s reaction. I am also feeling somewhat ambivalent towards Dorothy right now. I mean, her break-up was how long ago and she’s already going this far with someone else…? *shrug* Eh, whatevs, Dottie.

    • Historyman68
      Historyman68
      June 28, 2012 at 2:06 am | #

      Uh, yeah- her breakup is done, and it’s pretty clear she’d moved on by the time it happened anyway. She’s really supposed to wait a requisite week or whatever for the breakup to become “final?”

      • Rex Hondo
        Rex Hondo
        June 28, 2012 at 3:16 am | #

        It was a relatively clean break-up, Walky’s not one of Danny’s friends, and Danny has started seeing other people. I’d say she’s in the clear in any way that matters and many that don’t.

      • begbert2
        begbert2
        June 28, 2012 at 10:44 am | #

        Also, it’s been a week. More than, even. Mind the timeskip.

    • Fit-to-freak
      Fit-to-freak
      February 4, 2014 at 1:23 am | #

      This is old, but I want you to know you are an asshole. Judging Dorothy for her consensual sexual encounters is shitty and leads me to believe you may have a problem with women. JSYK

  21. Weebles
    Weebles
    June 28, 2012 at 12:23 am | #

    This exact type of situation happened to me during high school. I was too scared to touch, even though she wanted it. The folly of youth!

  22. Buckybone
    Buckybone
    June 28, 2012 at 12:25 am | #

    Sounds like the time for a new Walkyface avatar!

    Also, clueless Walky is…Walky.

  23. TemplarKnight
    TemplarKnight
    June 28, 2012 at 12:28 am | #

    Generally my reaction at that point, too. I usually need forms signed in triplicate before I can touch anything.

    Also:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B5NMN7GBA4

  24. Kernanator
    Kernanator
    June 28, 2012 at 12:31 am | #

    The rules have changed mid-game!

    • Plasma Mongoose
      Plasma Mongoose
      June 28, 2012 at 1:08 am | #

      I for one, like these rule changes. 😀

      • Rex Hondo
        Rex Hondo
        June 28, 2012 at 2:54 am | #

        Bedroom Calvinball FTW!!

        • Kernanator
          Kernanator
          June 28, 2012 at 3:29 am | #

          Bedroom Calvinball would be awesome.

          • Jackson
            Jackson
            June 28, 2012 at 8:46 am | #

            In Bedroom Calvinball, “the score is still Q to 12” takes on a whole new meaning.

        • Rust
          Rust
          June 28, 2012 at 5:27 am | #

          Bedroom Calvinball?

          Fund it!

  25. Thor
    Thor
    June 28, 2012 at 12:34 am | #

    Dorothy, please that you are as smart as you claim. You have a level of experience that Walky completely lacks. Guide and instruct the neophyte. This will reduce the stress level and will make sure that he don’t develop any bad habits.

    (I want to see if either of them tweet about this.)

  26. TacosForever
    TacosForever
    June 28, 2012 at 1:10 am | #

    Strips like this are what make me love this comic. And this strip is surprisingly true to life. Lolz.

    Also, I like how Dorothy is not at all fazed by Mike going out to strangle cats. They already know him so well.

  27. John Madden
    John Madden
    June 28, 2012 at 1:34 am | #

    Quoth the Raven: oh my.

    Also, strangling cats: not cool, man.

    • Rex Hondo
      Rex Hondo
      June 28, 2012 at 2:56 am | #

      Now I want, nay, must have a version of “The Raven” with the part of the raven played by George Takei.

      • Zababcd
        Zababcd
        June 28, 2012 at 11:02 am | #

        The annoying thing about memorising long poems like The Raven is that when someone mentions the poem, you feel like you must respond. Let me start with just one stanza, to check the formatting. This one is unchanged (except maybe punctuation, which I can’t remember), because Takei has not yet made an appearance.

        Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
        Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
        While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
        As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
        ”Tis some visitor,’ I muttered, ‘tapping at my chamber door.
        Only this, and nothing more.’

        • Zababcd
          Zababcd
          June 28, 2012 at 11:10 am | #

          That’s probably as good as it’s going to get.

          Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
          Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
          While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
          As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
          ”Tis some visitor,’ I muttered, ‘tapping at my chamber door.
          Only this, and nothing more.’

          Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December,
          And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
          Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had sought to borrow
          From my books surcease of sorrow, sorrow for the lost Lenore –
          For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore –
          Nameless here for evermore.

          And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
          Thrilled me, filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before,
          So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
          ”Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door,
          Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door.
          This it is, and nothing more.’

          Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
          ‘Sir,’ said I, ‘or madam, truly your forgiveness I implore,
          But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
          And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
          That I scarce was sure I heard you.’ Here I opened wide the door-
          Darkness there, and nothing more.

          Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing,
          Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before,
          But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
          And the only word there spoken was the whispered word ‘Lenore’.
          This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word ‘Lenore’.
          Merely this, and nothing more.

          Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
          Soon again I heard a tapping, something louder than before.
          ‘Surely,’ said I, ‘Surely that is coming from my window lattice.
          Let me see then what thereat is, and this mystery explore.
          Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore.
          ‘Tis the wind, and nothing more.’

          Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
          In there stepped a stately man who speaks the words you wrote before,
          Not the least obeisance made he, not a minute stopped or stayed he,
          But, with mien of lord or lady, leaped upon the chamber door,
          Leaped upon the bust of Pallas just above my chamber door
          Leaped and sat, and nothing more.

          Then, this George Takei beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
          By his grave and stern decorum as he wore a silly tie,
          ‘Though thy hair be partly shaven, thou’, I said, ‘art sure no craven,
          Ghastly, grim, but not a craven. That, I’m sure, would be a lie.
          Tell me what thy lordly name is, what am I to call you by?’
          Then ‘Oh, my.’ said George Takei.

          Much I marvelled this ungainly man to hear discourse so plainly,
          Though his answer little meaning, little relevancy bore,
          Still, we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
          Ever yet was blessed with seeing man above his chamber door –
          Man or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door –
          As I spoke of just before.

          But, the maven, sitting lonely on that placid bust, spoke only
          Those two words, as if in those two words his very soul did lie.
          Nothing farther then he uttered, not a syllable he stuttered,
          ‘Til I scarcely more than muttered, ‘Other friends did once stop by.
          On the morrow he will leave me, and my hopes once more shall die.
          Then the maven said, “Oh, my.”

          Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
          ‘Doubtless,’ said I, ‘what he utters is his only stock and store,
          Speaking of a poorly master, whom unmerciful disaster
          Followed fast and followed faster ’til his songs one burden bore –
          ‘Til the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
          Of never – nevermore.

          Then, the maven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
          Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of man, and bust, and tie,
          Then upon the velvet sinking I betook myself to linking
          Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this strange eccentric guy –
          What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and strange eccentric guy –
          Meant when he pronounced, “Oh, my.”

          This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
          To the man whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core.
          This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
          On the cushion’s velvet lining with the lamplight gloating o’er –
          But, whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o’er
          She shall press, ah, nevermore!

          Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer,
          Swung by Seraphim whose presence I detected quite close by.
          ‘Wretch!’ I cried, ‘Thy God hath lent thee! By these angels he hath sent thee!
          Respite! Respite and nepenthe when I watch this crazy guy!
          Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe! Thank you, crazy guy Takei!’
          Then ‘Oh, my.’ said George Takei.

          ‘Prophet!’ said I, ‘Thing of evil! Prophet still, if man or devil,
          Whether Tempter sent or Heaven’s angel, with white wings to fly
          Through the window, all undaunted, into desert land enchanted,
          Into home with horror haunted, tell me truly, George Takei –
          Is there – Is there balm in Gilead? Tell me, tell me, crazy guy!’
          Then ‘Oh, my.’ said George Takei.

          ‘Prophet!’ said I, ‘Thing of evil! Prophet still, if man or devil,
          By that Heaven that bends above us, by that land beyond the sky,
          Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
          It shall clasp a sainted maiden, who quite recently did die –
          Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, who quite recently did die.’
          Then ‘Oh, my.’ said George Takei.

          ‘Be that word our sign of parting, man or fiend!’ I shrieked, up-starting,
          Get thee back into the Tempest! Take with you your silly tie!
          Leave no black hair as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
          Leave me by that window, that one, there, the one you came in by!
          Take thy silly exclamation! Take thy silly kitten tie!’
          Then ‘Oh, my.’ said George Takei.

          And the maven, while he’s sitting, now is knitting, always knitting,
          On that pallid bust of Pallas, sitting as he knits a tie.
          And the eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
          Over every kitten’s beaming grin on his new stupid tie.
          Calming down, I think that maybe he’s an okay guy.
          But then, ‘Oh my.’ said George Takei.

          • Kryss LaBryn
            Kryss LaBryn
            June 28, 2012 at 7:35 pm | #

            Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pr0n surfed, weak and weary,
            Over many a strange and spurious site of “HOT XXX GALORE,”
            While I clicked my fav’rite bookmark, suddenly there came a warning,
            And my heart was filled with mourning, mourning for my dear amour:
            “‘Tis not possible, I muttered, “Give me back my free hardcore!”
            Quoth the server, “404.”

            • waldosan
              waldosan
              June 28, 2012 at 10:11 pm | #

              well done! bravo!

    • ZORK
      ZORK
      February 22, 2014 at 7:38 pm | #

      I second the “Not cool” part.

  28. Uniqueantique
    Uniqueantique
    June 28, 2012 at 1:35 am | #

    Walky The Innocent. Be gentle Dorothy.

    • Rex Hondo
      Rex Hondo
      June 28, 2012 at 11:45 am | #

      Then feed him to the Sharkticons!

      • madd
        madd
        June 28, 2012 at 12:16 pm | #

        When I started reading that sentence I thought it was going to say “Then feed him McNuggets.”

        I don’t even know why.

        • Yotomoe
          Yotomoe
          June 28, 2012 at 1:21 pm | #

          poetic justice?

  29. Uniqueantique
    Uniqueantique
    June 28, 2012 at 1:38 am | #

    Drat! My gravatar didn’t change over.

    • Blob Marley
      Blob Marley
      June 28, 2012 at 4:33 am | #

      Looks like it has now.

    • Jessie
      Jessie
      June 28, 2012 at 2:54 pm | #

      I am fairly certain that this new Walky-face will be haunting my dreams tonight.

  30. Joebo
    Joebo
    June 28, 2012 at 2:05 am | #

    Mike being Away WithOut Leave would suggest that she wants him around. Does she enjoy an audience or something?

  31. Some guy
    Some guy
    June 28, 2012 at 2:16 am | #

    This is my life.

  32. madd
    madd
    June 28, 2012 at 2:58 am | #

    I don’t believe a no one has ever asked permission before touching my boobs. Frankly, I would have found it awkward if, in the middle of an intimate moment, someone were to ask.

    • madd
      madd
      June 28, 2012 at 2:59 am | #

      Wow. That is one messy sentence. That was supposed to be “I don’t believe anyone has …” I think maybe I’m too tired to be posting comments on the interwebs just now.

    • Maestro
      Maestro
      June 28, 2012 at 3:29 am | #

      You’d find it awkward if someone paused for a moment to ask, “Is it okay?” before doing so?

      • madd
        madd
        June 28, 2012 at 11:55 am | #

        Yes. Yes, would. It would pull me out of the moment and back in to my thinking brain where all the awkward anxieties and touching issues live.

    • Ziaheart
      Ziaheart
      June 28, 2012 at 4:22 am | #

      You and I are of differing opinion, then. I love it when a guy waits for me to give permission. Maybe not every time we make out, but the first time we try something new, yeah; even if it is something as mundane as touching my boobs. To me, that shows respect which is insanely attractive for me.

      • Blob Marley
        Blob Marley
        June 28, 2012 at 4:37 am | #

        Yo, most girls (at least most girls whose boobs I’ve touched) have never been that clear about it. There’s this whole dance you have to do. Goes a li’l somethin’ like this:

        1) Making out.
        2) Making out, slide hands up back.
        3) Making out, slide hands up back inside shirt.
        4) Making out, slide hands around while inside shirt so they’re touching belly.
        5) Take a moment to enjoy the delicious belly. Bellies are wonderful things to touch.
        6) Pull hands out of shirt. Move hands up to middle of ribcage. Rub beneath and to the sides of breasts.
        7) If, at this point, she has not objected, ramp up making out. Then, while shit’s getting real and tongues may or may not be going at it like fuckin’ Yoda and Palpatine, place hands on breasts.
        8) Don’t fucking move. If she doesn’t push your hands away, proceed to step 9.
        9) BOOBIES.

        Yeah, shit’s tricky when girls don’t be communicating.

        • Vonix
          Vonix
          June 28, 2012 at 7:03 am | #

          I about lost it at the star wars reference. Kudo’s to you my man.
          I am sorta the same way with the initial touch, its like freeze for a second or two then after that moment its all good.

          • Blob Marley
            Blob Marley
            June 28, 2012 at 2:50 pm | #

            Whoa, it turned my eight close paren into a coolface.

            I’m so okay with this…

          • Roborat
            Roborat
            June 28, 2012 at 3:37 pm | #

            Really, I had a mental picture of Yoda and Palpatine tongue kissing, and it freaked me out.

        • Jessie
          Jessie
          June 28, 2012 at 2:57 pm | #

          Wow…you just very accurately described every makeout I’ve ever had (that got to that point). And I think that’s a great way to go…doesn’t make the moment awkward, but shows some temerity, which is sweet and respectful.

      • madd
        madd
        June 28, 2012 at 12:08 pm | #

        “To me, that shows respect which is insanely attractive for me.”

        I just don’t equate someone not going”May I touch your boobs?” with a lack of respect. Personally, if someone’s close enough, relationship wise, to be touching my boobs, there have been plenty of chances to show me respect and if they hadn’t I wouldn’t be making out with them. I’m a go-with-what-feels-right type of person. If I stop to think, I over think and then I don’t want to be touched at all. If I don’t like or feel comfortable with what someone’s doing, I will let them know and they will either respect my boundaries and we can go from there or they can not, which has never actually happened, in which case they will never have the chance to do so again.

    • Izzy
      Izzy
      June 28, 2012 at 6:11 am | #

      I love how none of these gravitate reflect the correct genders of the people posting

  33. NinjaNick
    NinjaNick
    June 28, 2012 at 3:15 am | #

    Just poke ’em, Walky.

  34. Erin
    Erin
    June 28, 2012 at 3:50 am | #

    Billie was right. He’ll never get a girlfriend this way.

  35. chofm
    chofm
    June 28, 2012 at 3:54 am | #

    this scene has played out in every relationship iv ever been in. does that mean that me and walky are both oblivious guys? or just the best gentlemen ever?

    • Blob Marley
      Blob Marley
      June 28, 2012 at 4:38 am | #

      You might be oblivious or she might be bad at communicating nonverbally. Or both. Gentlemanliness is all well and good, but if you’re already at the Tongue Olympics, it’s awfully hard to keep being dapper.

  36. Rob
    Rob
    June 28, 2012 at 4:12 am | #

    Any chance we can get a cut of just Walky from panel 6? cause i’m pretty sure there are memes to be made.

  37. Not Walky
    Not Walky
    June 28, 2012 at 4:20 am | #

    Panel 6, totally has happened before. Wait a minute you said that . . . I treat some of my past relationships more like diplomatic treaties though.

  38. Blob Marley
    Blob Marley
    June 28, 2012 at 4:44 am | #

    Sometimes, hearing Dotty speaking with the voice of Fionna from Adventure Time gets… weird.

  39. Raen
    Raen
    June 28, 2012 at 5:18 am | #

    Was.

  40. Rust
    Rust
    June 28, 2012 at 5:24 am | #

    Ah, this strip brings back memories of my first boob grab, where I was so awkward that the gal had to literally take my hand and place it on her breast and command me to squeeze.

    • Resne
      Resne
      June 28, 2012 at 6:16 am | #

      That’s like a bad erotic fanfiction.

  41. lordphulish
    lordphulish
    June 28, 2012 at 6:20 am | #

    Dear Penthouse, you’ll never guess what happened to me!

  42. narmenduke
    narmenduke
    June 28, 2012 at 7:17 am | #

    BOW CHICKA WOW WOW

  43. Markus
    Markus
    June 28, 2012 at 8:29 am | #

    Must say, I’d have preferred (and expected) a little more ‘hands on’ instruction in the situation. Words are so – blunt.

  44. begbert2
    begbert2
    June 28, 2012 at 10:53 am | #

    Mike is gone, but his cameras aren’t.

  45. Kirt Dankmyer
    Kirt Dankmyer
    June 28, 2012 at 11:27 am | #

    SO ROMANTIC!

  46. Casey
    Casey
    June 28, 2012 at 11:29 am | #

    Sounds like she’s ready to be kissed, and then touched.

    • David
      David M Willis
      June 28, 2012 at 11:35 am | #

      *thumbsup*

      • Blob Marley
        Blob Marley
        June 28, 2012 at 2:51 pm | #

        Wait… Willis actually doing the thumbs up from his gravatar? I feel like I’m present at some kind of historic moment right now.

  47. Jererry
    Jererry
    June 28, 2012 at 1:04 pm | #

    God, that’s why I like Walky so much. I am Walky. That shit actually happened to me my freshman year of college. *Facepalms*

  48. Doom shepherd
    Doom shepherd
    June 28, 2012 at 1:39 pm | #

    Yeah, been there, runnin the hands every which way, almost but not quite touching, only to have her grab a hand, put it in a place (not always the breast, either) and make some sort of nonverbal urging sound “HHRR!” which I assume translates to “Rub HERE. NOW.”

  49. Aegon01
    Aegon01
    June 28, 2012 at 1:43 pm | #

    YES MA’AM

  50. hmrc4evr
    hmrc4evr
    June 28, 2012 at 1:54 pm | #

    I keep.comparing my love life to the one of a fictional character and I find myself having less of one than Walky.

    Thats very sad isn’t it?

    • Keulan
      Keulan
      June 28, 2012 at 8:31 pm | #

      Same for me. I know my love life sucks when even the most socially awkward of fictional characters have better love lives than me.

    • Kryss LaBryn
      Kryss LaBryn
      June 28, 2012 at 8:49 pm | #

      Only if he isn’t actually having one. 😉

  51. mouseanderson
    mouseanderson
    June 28, 2012 at 2:46 pm | #

    Good to know I’m not the only one whos had this experience.

    I felt about the same as Walky.

  52. ajm5007
    ajm5007
    June 28, 2012 at 5:04 pm | #

    I applaud Walky for not just assuming it was allowed, but once you find out, you just go with it, dude.

  53. Slagathor
    Slagathor
    June 28, 2012 at 5:36 pm | #

    Good thing Buckets of Blood guy didn’t hear that. He’d chop them right off of her.

    • Darksen
      Darksen
      June 28, 2012 at 9:39 pm | #

      Ummm…. MAYBE that’s true depending on Buckets of Blood guy’s sanity, but what would even prompt you to start thinking about

      Actually, nevermind. I’m okay not knowing.

  54. JA
    JA
    June 28, 2012 at 6:11 pm | #

    If you’re making out with a girl, touching of breasts is pretty much a given. Going for ass is expected. Nether region…may need to wait for cues on that one.

    • Luke
      Luke
      July 1, 2012 at 5:28 am | #

      Either I’m a really old-fashioned sixteen year old boy, or you likely have a criminal record… I think I’ll go with the former.

  55. waldosan
    waldosan
    June 28, 2012 at 10:17 pm | #

    y’see i was thinking that the breast area was off limits until you got to the sex part of the relationship. the ass could be used for make outs but mostly as someplace to hold on. i guess i am that sheltered… i guess I’ll have a bit of fun figuring things out when the time comes…

    • Roborat
      Roborat
      June 29, 2012 at 2:53 pm | #

      So to speak.

  56. social~cyanide
    social~cyanide
    July 1, 2012 at 6:26 pm | #

    We must save the kitties.

  57. Maycroft
    Maycroft
    July 3, 2012 at 6:38 am | #

    He never stops to be a gentleman.

  58. Kschenke
    Kschenke
    February 5, 2014 at 4:15 pm | #

    I just realized I want this exact situation to happen when Steph comes back later this year to DC Canon. Apparently she and Tim are going to have a storyline anyway … plus Dorothy’s wearing purple!

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