Thirty-Fourth Theory [Voice]

[i_speak_softly]

Filtered to Raine Sage || Unhackable

Professor Sage... I won't be coming back to school in January.

Comments

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[wise_maiden]

[She really hopes that doesn't mean what she thinks it means. Especially not today of all days. But she'll be tentative-- no need to rush to conclusions, after all.]

It's been a rough month, hasn't it? With the shift going on for so long, and... everything with Derek. I understand if you need a little more time to regroup before you feel comfortable coming back.

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[i_speak_softly]

I - [A pause, and then with greater resolve:] I don't think I'll be coming back at all.

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[wise_maiden]

I'm... sorry to hear that. You were doing so well.

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[i_speak_softly]

[With something like regret:] When I was there.

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[wise_maiden]

Everyone misses days, Donatello, weeks even, myself included. Considering the nature of this place, we don't hold it against the students if something comes up. It's... expected.

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[i_speak_softly]

I've missed half the year.

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[wise_maiden]

You say that as if you wouldn't be able to catch up. Besides... even if you need the time off now, that door will always be open for you to return. I didn't encourage you to take lessons just for you to walk out on me, after all.

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[i_speak_softly]

It's nothing about you, Professor. I really appreciate everything you've done. I just - wish I could have been a better student.

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[wise_maiden]

You're not a bad student, Donatello. Far from it.

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[i_speak_softly]

[... This is probably not the time to start quoting Splinter's proverbs.]

Thanks, Professor.

[He's not sure what else to say.]

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[wise_maiden]

In any case... if you've made up your mind, I'm not the one who can change that decision. The school will still be here, should your mind change.

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[i_speak_softly]

I'll - keep that in mind. [Awkward pause.] I hope you're enjoying - your holidays. [Whichever ones you celebrate.]

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[wise_maiden]

I think it's been a little too busy to really enjoy anything like that. But... thank you, I suppose.

/laaaaaaaaate x___x

[meanandgreen.livejournal.com]

[Raph only overhears part of that conversation, but nothing to insinuate the reason for it. He does pick up on Don's tone, however. There's something unsettling about it.

As soon as Don shuts the journal, Raph opens his bedroom door and peeks in.]

You all right?

[i_speak_softly]

[He closes the book, but doesn't take his hand from the cover.] Hey.

[meanandgreen.livejournal.com]

[Okay, something's definitely up. He closes the door behind him, crosses the room and sits down on the edge of Don's bed.]

What's up?

[i_speak_softly]

[He shakes his head, slides the journal into a drawer, and turns around in his chair.] Just listening to the books.

[meanandgreen.livejournal.com]

Was that Raine?

[i_speak_softly]

Are you spying on me, Raph?

[meanandgreen.livejournal.com]

What? No! I was just gonna ask you what you wanted for dinner and I heard you guys talkin'.

[Okay, maybe just a little.]

[i_speak_softly]

I just wanted to ask her a question.

[meanandgreen.livejournal.com]

Right. [You're lying. He can tell.]

[i_speak_softly]

[He is not lying. He reaches back into the drawer and pulls out his heavy grammar book, dropping it on the desk with a purposely loud thump.]

Regarding the difference between participles and gerunds. It's been bothering me for weeks.

[meanandgreen.livejournal.com]

Uh-huh.

[He pushes himself off the bed.]

You want mac n' cheese or tuna casserole? I'm too lazy to make anything else.

[i_speak_softly]

Either one is fine.