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]

[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.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Realizing he's been given a window to explain, Robert decides to take advantage of it.]

... When I began my... s-self-destructive patterns of drug utilization... I did it in order to feel c-comfortable and wanted. It was... enjoyable to Benjamin, that I was involved in s-something that he viewed as mere recreational activity. It assisted in my social a-anxieties, and it made... communication artificially simplified. It was, in essence, a s-substitute for emotional and mental connections with others...

[i_speak_softly]

[Wherever Robert is going with that argument, Don isn't sticking around to hear it. He stands so abruptly his chair clatters to the floor, and he stalks out of the house, slamming the door behind him.]

[He'll be back later.]

[Maybe.]

[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?