Luceti Appointments

[i_speak_softly]

Need a thread with Don, but don't have a post for it and don't feel like starting one? Stick it here. Please note date, time of day, location, and any relevant circumstances.

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[semper_cogitans]

[... Well then. Literally abandoned in the middle of his argument, Robert can't even make any move to object to this. He just watches silently as Don gets up and leaves, genuinely shocked - and a little angry - that Don wouldn't even hear him out.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don returns sometime after dark, but instead of seeking Robert out, he goes to his own room and shuts the door softly. The fact that he makes any noise at all is evidence that he wants his partner to know he's there.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Having been rejected so soundly earlier, Robert is more than a little bitter and not exactly inclined to go running back to Don. Still, he's worried enough to walk up to the shut door, staring at it uncertainly, not willing to pass that barrier yet.]

[i_speak_softly]

[There are quiet noises from within: not exactly going-to-bed-noises, but not the sounds of intense activity either. There's no sign of whether Don knows Robert is listening.]

[semper_cogitans]

[This is surprisingly frustrating. Without any clear method of communication, Robert doesn't know if he's better off just leaving Don alone today. It just seems like everything he's tried to do since the Turtle re-established himself has gone as wrong as possible.

Robert continues to stare at the door for a solid minute, waiting for any sign that the ninja is even aware he's still there. When it doesn't come, he gathers any remaining courage he has and knocks softly on the door.]

[i_speak_softly]

[For another minute there's no answer, and then the ambiguous reply:]

It's open.

[semper_cogitans]

[But do you actually want me to open it?

In lieu of asking the question, Robert opens the door and peers inside like the entranceway might be booby-trapped. Any sign that Don might want him around?]

[i_speak_softly]

[Not especially. A variety of ninja equipment is laid out around the room, but no camping gear, which might be a good sign. Don is sitting on the corner of the bed, his bo across his knees. He doesn't say anything when Robert peers in.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Don holding a weapon is generally a source of safety and comfort. Not right now.

Robert does not move from his spot, conspicuously. He almost looks afraid, which is definitely not normal for him. Still, he doesn't leave, though he certainly seems like he might be considering it.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Well then. Don goes back to patiently inspecting his bo. He's been without it for several weeks, after all.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Another anxious minute of silence passes before Robert finally breaks it.]

... Sh-shall I leave you be?

[i_speak_softly]

[With an almost-frosty edge to his voice:]

Do you have anything to say?

[semper_cogitans]

[Some part of him, still surprisingly bitter, wonders if Don would even listen. But what actually leaves Robert's mouth is different.]

I... apologize for what has o-occurred today, and the time prior. I will take steps to ensure it... does not occur a s-second time.

[But he's not backing down on his opinion.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don keeps his eyes on his work. He's very aware of what Robert did and didn't say.]

Thank you.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert ducks his head in a sort of acknowledgement, and steps back to give the Turtle more room.]

... I will... t-take my leave now...

[He starts to walk out of the room, then, though with an obvious reluctance. He really hates how much is hovering in the air between them - it just makes everything feel wrong.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don makes no move to stop him, though he does say one maybe-promising thing.]

I'll see you in the morning.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert hesitates just a moment, to nod decisively at that.]

... Yes... as will I.

[He leaves, then, to retire to his own room for the first night in a long time spent without alcohol. Hopefully it won't have as much crying as the nights before.]

[Action | House 55...? | Afternoon on the 20th of November 2014]

[semper_cogitans]

[Somehow or another, Robert ends up on the doorstep of House 55.

He is cold, and a little wet, and full of a maelstrom of complicated emotions... feelings he can hardly define, let alone fully appreciate. Being back in Luceti alone - it's like he never left, except he knows that he did, but then everything is different from what he remembers, and that he also knows for certain now - just what is even going on?

At least the house is familiar. He takes comfort in that much.

The scientist knocks at what was once - and now again is - his door, shivering in the cold November air, and waits.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Now who could that be? Don puts down the journal he was flipping through, and goes to open the door, only to find -]

Robert? Why are you knocking?

[semper_cogitans]

[How does he say "because I wasn't sure if this was really 'home' anymore?"]

... I was... u-uncertain if... if you... if you w-would... [Control yourself, Robert.] ... If you would be... a-available.

[i_speak_softly]

[Uh... okay.]

Well, come in. Where did you go this morning?

[semper_cogitans]

[... What?]

... Don... I just... [Robert's gaze flickers up at the Turtle's, almost uncertainly.] ... I... just... r-r-returned to Luceti, not even s-several hours prior.

[i_speak_softly]

[Now that's concerning. Don pulls Robert in out of the cold by his sleeve, and closes the door behind him.]

Are you sure? All your things are here.

[He had checked, out of some combination of instinct and paranoia, when he got up to find Robert absent. Everything in the house was undisturbed - nothing missing, no sign of a struggle. Not a kidnapping then, nor had Robert been sent home. Except he says he was...]

[semper_cogitans]

[Almost helplessly:] I... returned in N-New Feather garb, and... [He'd had... a shutdown, of sorts, for quite some time. Enough that not even the scars riddling his arms mattered very much.

What Don says is confusing, though.] ... Wh-what is here...? There is... no s-sign of my having left...? [How?]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don just gestures to the interior of the house, inviting Robert to look for himself. He knows the scientist won't feel comfortable until he confirms that every item is in its proper place.]