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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[i_speak_softly]

[Discussion will begin once the perishables are put away. Even after three years in Luceti, Don still has a Thing about safe preservation of food.]

I talked to someone about you.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert hesitates mid-swig, putting his glass down on the table.]

... Did you...?

[i_speak_softly]

I also signed you up for the social event he's hosting next weekend.

[Even though I know you'll hate it goes unsaid.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Unsurprisingly, Robert does not look thrilled.]

... Why...? What is it e-even for...?

[i_speak_softly]

Meeting new people. [He turns back to the non-perishables.] Since you apparently can't be left alone.

[semper_cogitans]

[This earns a slight wince from the man.] Generally I am more... s-self-sufficient than this...

[i_speak_softly]

[Don finishes putting away the groceries, gets his own glass of water, and comes to sit at the table.]

And other times you're not. Usually when I'm least able to do anything about it.

[semper_cogitans]

[Well, that he can't really argue. But...]

How would I be able to make friends at this venue...? [He doesn't even know what it is, much less what he's meant to do.]

[i_speak_softly]

Talk to people. Be charming. Employ other behaviors typically used in the pursuit of friendship.

[semper_cogitans]

[He's not good at that. Usually.]

... As you w-wish... [Still, he's not going to argue right now. Still not really mentally in a position to argue, honestly...

He sips more water, looking intently at the table like it's the most interesting thing in the world.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don is quiet a while, drinking his own water. Finally, he says:] The Malnosso drugged me.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert immediately looks up.]

... I presume said drugs were... not one's t-typical anaesthetics.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don shakes his head.]

Some sort of hallucinogen.

[semper_cogitans]

[That... hits a little close to home.]

I... [Hesitant pause:] I s-see...

... This experience was... t-traumatic, for you...?

[i_speak_softly]

It was... [He trails off, and draws a finger through the condensation ring on the table.] Every day they drugged me with something and then made me meditate. I had visions. Some of them were... beautiful.

[But he's clearly still upset about the whole thing.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Upset enough that even Robert can tell easily.]

It was... a-against your will. That... that alone would be t-traumatic. [Even Robert as a youth would not have enjoyed a high forced on him.]

[i_speak_softly]

You know how I feel about drugs.

[There's an accusatory tone in his voice. Robert isn't off the hook yet.]

[semper_cogitans]

[No, he isn't.]

Yes... I know you feel s-strongly negatively about them. And... I do not find your reasoning f-faulty, even if... the circumstances you describe are much different from m-many of the ones I have seen...

But this... this is s-something aside from even that. This was... forced upon you...

[In other words, it wouldn't really have mattered what it was - the sheer fact it was being forced on Don is what makes it bad.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don is unimpressed by this reasoning.]

Don't change the subject.

[semper_cogitans]

What is your... i-intended subject, then? [Because he doesn't know how this is changing it.]

[i_speak_softly]

[ROBERT YOU ARE SO FRUSTRATING.]

We're talking about the things drugs do to a person, and how no one sane would ever take them on purpose.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert sighs, his gaze ticking down at his hands.]

And yet I have d-done so purposefully. [Is he insane? Honestly, he isn't really sure anymore sometimes.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don knows exactly what he just implied.]

And it's unacceptable.

[The law has been laid down. Don't mess this up, Robert.]

[semper_cogitans]

[With a slight but surprising edge to his voice:] This situation is... h-hardly the same as my prior intravenous drug usage. My actions were n-not condonable, but they are entirely different from... wh-what you are stating.

[i_speak_softly]

[It's the worst possible time, but Don has to show some respect for Robert's sudden backbone. Explain yourself, scientist, and make it good.]