Thirty-Seventh Theory [Voice/Action for Housemates]

[i_speak_softly]

((Backdated to this morning.))

Filtered to Helios || Unhackable

Helios, I need to talk to you. About your barrier.

[After this conversation, Don will attempt to occupy himself around the house. He swore off his tools and computer earlier in the week, and hasn't quite figured out yet how to fill his time without them. While he putters, he'll wonder whether anyone will remember that it's his birthday. Probably not. It's an arbitrary date, anyway - unlike six days from now, which will mark his one-year anniversary in Luceti.]

[The thoughts put him in a melancholy mood. Or maybe that's because it's been snowing for three days straight; or maybe it's because yesterday's events have taken a toll on his energy. Whatever the reason, it is a quiet and reflective Donatello that his housemates will find if they come looking for him.]

Comments

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Curious look. Elaborate on your analysis?]

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

Would you ever tell him to lay off and let you make your own decisions about what needs to be done?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

To a certain extent...

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

Donnie...[April reaches over to catch his hand.] I love Raphael, but he can be a little...bossy? Sometimes? And you DO need to stand up for yourself. I agree with that. Just--on your own terms.

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

He's just looking out for me...

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

[A sigh.] Looking out for you. Right. I know that, Donatello; Raphael would do anything for you. You love each other.

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[These are things he already knows.]

What are you trying to say, April?

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

[And this is one of those moments where April feels keenly her status as a not-turtle Outsider.] Nevermind, Donatello.

Re: [action]

[i_speak_softly]

[But it's exactly that "not-turtle Outsider" perspective that he needs right now.] I did try talking to him earlier.

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

Can you tell me why exactly you "quit" all those things in the first place?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[In order:] I was barely going anyway, it was a waste of my time, and I don't like it.

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

Connections, Donatello. I need connections between these reasons and the things. School--you were barely going. But Raine said you were doing so well!

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Automatically, as though he's been memorizing the entire conversation as a matter of course:] School, inventing, training. I was only doing well at things I'm already good at.

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

What if you tried some new things for a while? I mean, when spring comes?

[Because right now you are so slow and sleepy and useless.]

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[A vague motion with his free hand.] What should I try?

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

Ballroom dancing?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Sideways smile.] Would you be my partner?

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

Heh. Oh, I can't really DANCE, you know? I mean I would definitely dance with you. I just couldn't teach you anything.

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Someone here must know how. We could ... take lessons together. [He's almost liking the idea.]

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

We can start as soon as the weather warms up and you come back to life.

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Thanks, April. It - shouldn't be much longer now.

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

I apologize in advance for stepping all over your feet. [She reaches out to pat his cheek gently.]

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

I forgive you. [He squeezes her hand, then pulls away.]

[action]

[after-march.livejournal.com]

I think I'm going to try to get some sleep now. I still feel sore.

[Slowly she climbs off the bed and stretches.] Are you going to be okay?

[action]

[i_speak_softly]

Yeah. I just need to think about some things.