i_speak_softly | Thirty-Ninth Theory [Action]

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Thirty-Ninth Theory [Action]

[The house is too quiet today. With April sent home, Derek hiding out who-knows-where, and Leo gone to battle, it's down to just Don and Raph again - and not in their little apartment now, but in a house that feels suddenly too big.]

[Fortunately, Don has some things to occupy himself with. After making sure Raph is all right to be left alone for a few hours, he heads out to visit some friends.]

[He goes first up the path to C7, to visit Frederic - to check on the man in his roommate's absence and to deliver a certain package.]

[After that he'll circle back to C3. He needs to see a certain resident that he's been visiting frequently of late. This time, however, he won't go around to the door of the apartment. Instead he'll knock on the window. There's something they need to talk about, and this seems like a more apt way to begin the conversation.]

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Why?

Why what, Raph?

Well, he's uh... Y'know... [Because apparently the word "guy" is taboo now.]

A human? A scientist? Skinny? What's your objection, Raphael?

[Yes, he's deliberately provoking things. He's come this far and he's not going to leave the conversation half-finished.]

[Desperately:] He's a guy!

[A blank look, as though he can't imagine why this would be a problem. If you want to argue the point, you're going to have to take the burden of defense.]

I didn't think you were gay. I mean, what about Winry? Or April? You like girls, right?

[Ad hominem, Raph; not fair.]

Who said I was gay?

You did! Sayin' you love a dude!

Edited 2011-03-01 03:26 (UTC)

I love one guy! That's not nearly enough evidence to construct a general theory! [When in doubt, fall back on science-speak.]

I don't think it works that way, Donnie! He's still a guy!

[He slumps forward onto the counter.] I'm not gay!

[Plan B: Outright denial.]

Yeah, you are!

[He wraps his arms around his head, as if to ward off any more accusations. He might be crying a little. He can't deal with this.]

[Raph blinks for a moment when he realizes his brother is crying.]

Aw, Don, I - [He moves forward and reaches out, but hesitates before he can actually touch him.] I - i-it's just a lot to take in.

[Mumbled from somewhere under his elbow:] How do you think I feel.

Ah, yeah. Guess you got a point.

[He folds his arms and shifts from foot to foot. Awkwaaaaaard.]

So... what're we gonna do about it?

[He lifts his head suddenly, pinning Raph with a fiery glare.] What do you mean by that?

[He throws up his hands in defense.]

I don't know! I'm askin' you!

[A sullen look, as his chin sinks back to his forearm.] How about you say "Congratulations, Don" and then leave me alone.

Congratulations for what?

I don't know, for finding someone who loves me? Seems like a noteworthy positive event.

What, really? He's... you told him?

[... He guesses he wasn't quite clear on that point.]

Raph, I woke up in his bed last week and he still wanted to see me again.

[Raph puts up a hand to stop him.]

Waaaaaaaay too much detail there, Don-boy. But... [He lowers his hand, studying his brother's expression for a long while.] But okay. Okay good. Good for you. Uh... Congratulations.