i_speak_softly | Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[Bah. Cold weather.

Isamu is bundled up himself and not looking all that chipper as he crosses the turtle's path. The cold air makes him grumpy. But then, many things make the teen grumpy, so this is par for the course.

He pauses a moment to raise an eyebrow at the bag.]

Headed somewhere important?

[Don isn't grumpy at all, but his cheerful tone may seem to be at odds with his words.]

Away from my house.

[Er.]

...Is something wrong at your house?

[NOT TO PRY OR ANY-- yeah, he doesn't actually care about prying.]

[There is no prying between bros.]

Just that I'm tired of looking at the walls. [Although, the idea of something being wrong reminds him:] By the way, is Richard... feeling all right?

Richard?

[Isamu frowns.]

He's always moping about something or other. Why?

He was having some strange conversations on the journal yesterday.

[...Oh. Those.

Isamu snorts, face breaking into a large smirk.]

Man, that was just his majesty being a dumbass. That happens sometimes too. He thought he needed to learn how to be more manly for some reason.

As if there's some sort of universal definition for that.

[As if Richard could fall under any universe's definition for that...]

[Being manly enough for other people's definition is something Don has struggled with in the past, so he is sympathetic to this.]

A lot of people had something to say about it. Did he get the answer he was looking for?

He got answers. I don't know if they were what he was looking for, and most of them were worthless if you ask me.

...You should have seen what he came home wearing.

[He shakes his head.]

Ridiculous.

[Don cringes, but he has nothing much to say on the subject of clothes.]

Where are you on your way to?

The library. Figured I could use some new reading material.

[He's also curious about where Richard managed to get a hold of a certain magazine he had earlier...]

You can read?

Ha ha! Aren't you hilarious.

I did pass grade school, despite what anyone might claim otherwise.

[Technically speaking, Don didn't pass grade school, so he'd better get off that subject.]

Are you looking for anything in particular?

[He shrugs.]

Not really. It'll probably be full of boring reference material, but I figured I'd look anyway.

I was talking to someone recently about adventure novels. Any interest in that?

That sounds a little broad...

You don't think they have comics, do you?

They certainly didn't use to.

Figures. That would be too nice of them.

[Hesitantly, and only because Isamu is his bro, Don pulls an unmarked journal from his bag.]

This... this is what I'm reading on my trip.

[Isamu raises a brow.]

Your diary?

Leo's diary. Sort of. It's -- Isamu, he wrote down my future.

Your future?

[Like he was some kind of fortune teller or... oh right.]

He came from further ahead on your timeline?

Do you think you should read it?

[A nod.]

All of my brothers did. Something happened to me that they didn't want to talk about. I've been putting off reading this for months, but... I have to know.

["Even if I might regret it" goes unsaid.]

...If you think you can deal with it, man. I mean, we know nothing you learn here will affect anything if you're sent back, so it's not like you'll be able to change anything from happening.

For better or worse.

Exactly. [He looks down at the journal.] Why torture myself? But on the other hand, ignorance has not been bliss.

Well, it hasn't happened. And if you never leave here, it won't ever happen.

It's up to you, in the end. Personally, though? I'd burn it.

[Don looks appalled at this suggestion.]

I can't burn it.

Then lock it up somewhere and give someone else the key. Something that'll keep the temptation at bay.

I'm not tempted, Isamu. I've been thinking about it for months.

And I gave you my opinion.

I think maybe if I was in your shoes and I had the opportunity to learn about some of the things that happened to me later on, I would have been better off not knowing at the time. Especially if I couldn't change any of it.

But then that's just me. And maybe I'm wrong.

[Don looks at the ground, and quietly slides the journal back into his bag.]

I should get going.

[Isamu sighs. He always fails at this sort of thing.]

Look, I'm sorry.

You do whatever you want. I shouldn't be making comparisons like that.

[Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place. It's a private matter.]

It's okay. I just - wanted you to know.

[I.e., if it's really horrible, he may want to talk to you about it later.]

[Which is probably why he did mention it.]

Yeah, man. That was good of you.

So. Heh. If you turn into a raving mad man... er, turtle,... fairly soon, we'll know what to blame, right?

[Terrible attempt at humor, Isamu. Terrible.]

[It is terrible, but Don's reaction probably still seems extreme: he punches Isamu in the chest.]

Don't say that!

Whoa, hey!

[Isamu isn't a big guy, and he stumbles back from the impact, coughing a couple times. He holds a hand to his rib cage, the other out in front of him in a lame attempt to ward off another blow.]

Dude... chill.

[Don chills immediately, because that was out of line.]

I'm sorry.

Geez. Must've hit a nerve.

[Ow ow ow. He winces, rubbing at the area. That will probably bruise.]

Just take care of yourself on your little trip if you're headed out with that sort of mindset.

[That sort of mindset, a.k.a. his raging hormones, is part of why he's going on this little trip in the first place.]

I'll see you around, Isamu.

...Later, man.

Just forget what I said. Do whatever you need to, okay?

[And hopefully that won't involve doing anything he might regret.]

[ Twilight is wandering the streets, shivering a bit, when she sees the giant bipedal turtle. Well, it's not much stranger than the giant bipedal humans around these parts, anyway. She stops to greet him. ]

Hi! Are you... going somewhere?

[The Turtle seems unsurprised, as though he's met Twilight, or someone like her, before.]

Anywhere I want.

[ Awkward chuckle. ] I guess so. There definitely seems to be a lot of space around the town.

[ She's still not completely aware of where the barrier is. ]

You can walk with me, if you want.

Okay!

[ She falls in step, peering at his luggage out of the corner of her eye. Finally she comments: ]

Are all turtles your size where you come from?

[Don heads for the village center at a leisurely pace - though he'd be just as happy to veer off the beaten path if that's what Twilight wants to see.]

No, most are small. Do you know... [He trails off, trying to remember the other pony's name.]

[ It's all new to Twilight. You're talking to the pony who's been in the library almost since she arrived. ]

Pinkie Pie? Rainbow Dash? She has a pet turtle, you know. Maybe she'd audition you to be Tank's stand-in!

[Don misses a step, then pretends he didn't hear that and just says:]

The blue one.

Rainbow. Of course. Do you know her?

We met. She told me about your world.

Well, in that case, could you maybe tell me about yours? I'm all ears. How many of you are there?

Just four. Mostly my world is full of humans. [He really doesn't want to get onto that topic today, so he'll change the subject.] Do you like lakes or mountains?

I prefer lakes myself. Mountains are more difficult to climb, and they tend to house dragons. Is that where you're going?

I haven't decided yet. [But he makes a definite left turn now.] Let's follow the river for a while.

Sounds good to me. [ She's quiet for a time as they walk along the banks, just observing the environment and drinking in the fresh air. ]

[Don is quiet a while too, then asks:]

This may be an odd question, but - have you met me before?

[ She grins in surprise. ] You're the first giant talking turtle I've known. Unless you used to be called "Tank".

No one has ever called me that.

[ She winces. ] Sorry, I guess home is still on my mind. What is your name?

It's Donatello.

[No(t much) offense taken, really.]

Don-a-tell-o. It's nice to meet you! [ She glances at his bag again. ] So... are you going camping?

Edited 2013-03-12 01:22 (UTC)

[He smiles at the guess.]

Yes. Have you ever gone?

No, but I've read all about them! All we need is a tent, and s'mores, and a campfire, and spooky stories...

- Read about them?

[What kind of ~~person~~ pony reads about camping?]

It's served me well so far! I came in fifth in a race once because I did my research. Ooh, I know the perfect story, I used it for a slumber party with Applejack and Rarity.

[Don stares at Twilight with a mixture of disbelief and respect, and finally says:]

Fifth out of how many?

Lots of ponies! Half of Ponyville turned out. But most of them tired out before they got to the finish line, so I sprinted to the end.

You knew to pace yourself because you had researched how long the route was?

Yeah, and I also researched good running strategies, prepared a nutritious breakfast, and stretched properly. Also, I wanted to spend plenty of time savoring the Running of the Leaves. It was my first time seeing the traditional Ponyville custom.

[Well. Don may have something of a kindred spirit in this purple pony.]

I'm impressed -- I didn't get your name.

[ She stops and gives a small bow to him. ] Twilight Sparkle. Just Twilight is fine. [ Continuing to walk: ] Rainbow and Applejack were pretty surprised. They didn't think my strategy would work, either!

No one ever does.

[ Laughing ] That sounds almost as if you have some experience with the strategy.

It's the only strategy I'm good at.

So, do you spend a lot of time in the library, too? [ It feels sort of nice to have found a kindred spirit. ]

I would say I visit it often.

I'm surprised I haven't seen you. I've been in there most of the last few days. [ Being a little more antisocial than she'd care to admit. ]

I haven't been there recently.

Oh? So, what else is there to do around here?

[Casually dodging the fact that he hasn't been much of anywhere recently:]

The Battle Dome can be a good place to spend time.

The Battle Dome? [ echo? ]

You can create simulations there, of anything you want. How are you with code?

Uh... [ She shakes her head. ] I don't know what you're talking about.

[ Ponyville hasn't evolved that far yet. ]

[You poor pony.]

The Battle Dome runs off of powerful computers. Code is how you tell them what to do. Then they create holograms, illusions, based on the instructions you give them.

Illusions, got it. I can make illusions, actually. Maybe I could help... What do you do there?

I build simulations, and then I use them - to travel places, or fix things, or fight enemies. It makes the village feel a lot bigger.

[ Her eyes narrow. ] You mean you could simulate anything?

[Don considers this before replying.]

I don't want to commit to anything, but definitely a lot of things.

I think... I think I need to see this. [ She grins. ] If there are limits, it's our scientific duty to find them!

[Don smiles back.] Why don't you go camp out in the Battle Dome, while I camp out - [He gestures towards the wilds of Luceti.] - somewhere?

...Oh! [ She looks around, then nods, taking a hint. ] Well, okay. You'll be all right here out here on your own?

Don't worry about me.

[Obviously the guy who has to put on a heated snowsuit to leave his house will have no trouble camping in the mountains for a few weeks.]

[ She grins. ] That's what friends are for, Don. [ Spreads her wings and flaps into the air. ] Give me a shout over the communication system if you need a special delivery!

[ And she might just find him and pay him a visit in the interim anyway. ]

[Spock had been walking home from the Dome when he saw Donatello.
The Vulcan nodded in greeting... though he was confused.... wasn't it still too cold for such running?
The Vulcan himself was thoroughly bundled up in a big coat and all the trimmings.]

[To be honest, yes - but Don is not going to keep himself locked indoors until April.]

[He nods back, but doesn't make any other greeting yet.]

[Spock blushes as he thinks about what happened between him and Professor Hastings....

...he wonders if Donatello knows.]

Greetings Donatello... how are you?

[Oh, Don knows. As the Vulcan approaches, the Turtle's demeanour turns subtly but noticeably hostile.]

Fine. How are you?

[Spock sighs....

..yeah, Donatello knows.] I am well.

Though I believe I owe you an apology... you and Professor Hastings.

[Yes you do. Don crosses his arms and listens.]

You realize that I did not intend for that to happen, yes? The shift compromised me... and your partner.

[Spock blushed.... The Vulcan was glad that Robert's glasses got knocked off when they did.]

[Don's rational mind understands this, but his hormones, ironically, are not impressed by the explanation.]

Stay away from him.

I am curious Mister Donatello, what Professor Hastings has told you about this incident?

[Spock looks expectantly at the turtle.]

Everything.

[In painful detail. So don't try to lie.]

Then you will know that it was an accident.

I hold no romantic feelings for Professor Hastings... I am completely dedicated to another. It was against my free will.

I appreciate your protection of your mate... I will stay away from him. I, however, wanted you to understand what transpired.

[He's still not able to be rational about this, but the threat level coming off him diminishes a little.]

I'll stay away from yours.

You do not know who 'mine' is... and I want to keep it that way. You are not a threat.

[Spock raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.] I have held our gatherings in high regard... it would be... remiss to lose them.

[Spock bows his head.] You have my sincerest apologies.

I stay away from everyone who isn't mine. [He will strongly imply the "unlike some people".]

[Later he will deal with the existential weirdness of having fought over mates with Mr. Spock. For now, he'll just back off a step, as though the Vulcan isn't worth any more of his time.]

[Spock sighs...and can't help but feel a bit sad.]

Very well Mister Donatello. [Spock lifted his hand in a Ta'al.]

Peace and long life to you, until next we meet.

[That is a human turtle he has not seen for a few weeks. But why does it look like he's... going somewhere? For more than a day? He is going to find out.]

H-hello, Don. Are you... leaving?

Just going on a trip. How are you?

I'm... good. [There's a hint of uncertainty as he recalls that experiment from February.] And, you? Wh-where are you going?

Camping. Somewhere.

[He notices the uncertainty, but isn't sure whether it's just Beast's usual hesitancy around people.]

You... do not know where?

[A casual shrug.]

I haven't decided yet.

[Strange. He thought you always plan where you're going to go.] When... when will you choose?

When I get there.

Huh? But... how can you get... there... wh-when you don't know wh-where...?

I'll know it when I see it.

[Beast just scratches his head. He truly does not understand this anymore.]

[Don takes pity, and stops trying to break Beast's brain.]

I'll tell you about it when I get back.

[For a brief moment, he ponders how Don can "get back" when he hasn't even gone, and it's not even evident where he's going yet... but he would just like the confusion to go away right now, so he accepts it.] A, alright.

Do... d-do you need help? Or... company?

No, thanks.

... Would you keep an eye on Robert, though?

Oh.

[Upon his request, a soft smile forms on his face.] I will. Is he doing... alright?

He's fine. He just... gets lonely.

Lonely... [He remembers the talk he and Robert had so long ago, about being alone... and what that meant... for them...]

... I understand.

[If Don has any questions about what Richard has been up to lately, the answer should be clear by sight alone-- despite Isamu and Asbel side-eying the heck out of his new fashion sense, he's stuck to his guns for the most part and is wearing something that isn't his usual style at all.

When he spots the turtle, he greets him with a smile.]

Is this for a vacation or a mission?

[Hey, Richard. Just the man Don was -- what are you wearing.]

A camping trip, um...

[He is trying really hard to be polite, but seriously, what are you wearing.]

[Something that doesn't suit him at all, that's what.]

All by yourself? Or are you meeting up with someone else?

[He hasn't noticed anything off with Don's reaction just yet...]

Alone. I need the time away.

[His eyes keep straying to Richard's bizarre outfit, but the mask helps to hide that.]

Did something happen?

[His first assumption, given that his own reasons when he leaves his house are usually something along those lines.]

[He hums equivocally.]

An accumulation of things.

[Richard gives a sympathetic nod.]

I understand. Sometimes you just need that space, even from the people you care about.

[He nods, but sadly.]

Robert doesn't get it.

[Yep, he can understand that.]

Many people take wanting time alone as a sign that they've done something wrong, even if that isn't the case.

That's exactly it. I can't make him understand that I don't want to be with people all the time, even when I like them.

[Hello, fellow introvert. Richard feels your pain.]

It can be hard when they're more social than you are. You don't want to let them down by spending too much time away from them, but at the same time, being around them all the time ends up wearing you out instead.

He's less social than I am. But possibly more co-dependent. [He scratches his head, baffled by his own words.] How is that even possible...?

[That earns a small, fond smile from Richard.]

That sounds not unlike Isamu at times.

[He recognizes by now just how much his friend depends on him and needs his presence-- the way he clung so desperately after the Vaskoth draft was proof enough of that.]

Really?

[He'd always thought of Isamu as a guy who looked out for himself - though not always very effectively.]

Yes. I take it that comes as something of a surprise.

He was close with Raph, but... you know.

I know.

[He pauses for a moment.]

He's told me that I'm all he has.

[Don looks sad at this.]

I would be sorry he doesn't count me also, but - I did just punch him.

You punched him?

[He's... okay, he can't honestly say he's surprised to hear that Isamu did something to get himself punched. He's just curious as to what that something was.]

[Don is not going to share.]

I shouldn't have.

[Richard just shakes his head.]

Knowing him, I wouldn't be so sure.

[Don makes a vague noise of disagreement, and changes the subject to the one they've avoided so far.]

Nice clothes, by the way.

[Well, that's a good way to change the topic! Richard actually looks quite pleased at the mention of his new outfit.]

Thank you. You're the first person to say so.

Really?

[He would think he's slower than the average human at noticing clothes.]

Yes, the general consensus from everyone else seems to be that it doesn't suit me at all.

[And he looks rather disappointed by that, too. It's supposed to be fashionable and manly, right?]

[Um, it fits. And doesn't seem to be nearly as impractical as other things Don has seen humans wearing.]

What does that mean...?

It means that they don't think it looks good on me because I'm too feminine.

[Not all of them had said that outright, but the intended meaning was pretty obvious.]

[Don can't help rolling his eyes at this.]

Richard, is this related to what you were saying on the journals yesterday?

[Ah, the jig is up. Not that it isn't an obvious association, but still.]

So you heard what I asked, did you? Yes, it is related to that. I wanted to get opinions from other worlds, but as it turns out, there aren't many differences between them.

[Don crosses his arms and shifts his weight a few times before speaking again.]

If I tell you something, can you keep it just between us?

[Richard blinks, then nods.]

Of course-- what is it?

[Don glances around, lowers his voice, and says:]

I wasn't aware of women until I was about nine years old.

You mean you didn't even know they existed?

[This is a bit hard for him to believe, though he can understand how it could be possible, having lived an extremely sheltered life himself.]

[Don nods, giving Richard a minute to absorb that this is exactly what he means.]

[Richard considers this for a brief moment before smiling.]

Don't worry-- they're still rather mysterious even to those of us who have grown up around them.

Glad to know it's not just me. [He smiles, and drops the secretive air.] If you ever want a different perspective...

On women, or on men?

Both, I guess. [Why are you looking at him like that.]

I think a different perspective on women would be more useful if I actually had any interest in them beyond mere friendship.

[... wait. He's supposed to be trying to cultivate that interest in them right now. Whoops.]

[Blink.]

Oh. You're one of those.

[It's not pejorative at all, just a non-specific category.]

"One of those"?

[Unfortunately, given Richard's current mindset and his recent experiences, his instinct is to assume that there's some sort of negative connotation to this.]

Sure. [Don rubs the back of his head awkwardly.] I guess I should be asking you for advice.

I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean.

[He's still thinking that Don meant something bad by it.]

[Blink. Richard doesn't know?]

Well, my partner is one.

[Oh. Oh. That makes a lot more sense.

Richard smiles, but it's a sad one, and he just shakes his head.]

I see. I'm afraid I'm not the best person to be seeking that sort of advice from...

[Not after his last relationship fell apart so spectacularly.]

Oh.

[Well. That's awkward. He's not sure what to say now.]

Let's just say it's a long story. But if you're looking for advice, you might wish to speak to Billy and Teddy. The two of them seem to be quite happy together.

[Don frowns; he doesn't recognize these names.]

Who are they?

[As much as part of Robert still worries - as he always does - about Don's lengthy departure, it's clear to him that the Turtle needs to be able to run free awhile, and the safe warmth of his winter room doesn't override that desire entirely.

This doesn't stop him from watching his partner's packing with a sort of discomfited air. What is it like, to need to leave the confines of a space so much, for so long?]

[Don recognizes Robert's trying-to-solve-a-problem look when he sees it, but he's not sure what the scientist finds so puzzling about this situation.]

[He tries to ignore the look, but the staring makes him uneasy, so eventually he asks:]

What's on your mind?

[A little distantly, as if Robert's not sure himself:] I... wonder about how it must feel, to... to desire such a lengthy trip from home.

[Robert himself has never been particularly subject to wanderlust, as can be easily gathered.]

[Don tilts his head, almost as though he's surprised by this idea.]

I don't feel like I'm leaving home.

How can you not, though? It is... essentially what is happening. [Robert's tone is more curious than anything, but there's still an edge of almost-uneasiness. And it's not the first time Don's up and left before - he's not used to people just being able to get up and go from a place for an extended period of time.]

[Don shrugs, as he carefully stows more supplies in his pack.]

Luceti is my home. I'm just visiting some other parts of it.

[On one level, this logic makes sense. On another level, without the comforting confines of the household, Robert would feel ill-at-ease himself.]

... I suppose.

[The other part is how far away Don is going to be. It's been awhile since Robert has been alone like that - the last time was when Don was getting his penalty removed - and as much as he can still poignantly remember that, the new routine is hard to break.]

[Robert's obvious non-understanding makes Don uneasy, so he changes the subject to more practical matters.]

I'll call home, but not every day. When I see the full moon, I'll come back.

Noted. Are there any particular matters you wish for me to accomplish while you are gone? [Other than the things he'd already be doing.] And what of maintaining the plants in your room?

[He holds up a hand.]

The plants are yours. I just keep them company.

[Robert smiles a little nervously in response.]

... I mostly am not certain... whether I should modulate the systems in your absence.

[The tropical plants would probably prefer to be warmer...]

The systems are yours if you want them. Otherwise I'll shut them down for the summer when I get back.

[Considering the place is basically being a pseudo-greenhouse anyway, Robert's glad for the extra warm space to raise his plants. ~~It might make moving back into the winter room next winter a chore, though.~~]

I am more than amicable to running them myself... your ingenious systems are quite simple to understand.

In any case, it will be some time before the paopu saplings will need... proper replanting, even though they are much larger than they were. [It's been quite awhile, after all. Even if it doesn't feel like it...]

[Don looks at the growing young trees.]

I liked having them around.

... It is possible the room could support one, were it... to be modified. [Though that would require retooling the roof.]

In any case, though... I also enjoy the indoor greenery. It is... enjoyable, to tend to them... and they make the house seem more... lively.

[Following the train of thought, Don directs a calculating look at the ceiling, then simply nods. Project accepted.]

[This is a nice thought.]

It is... a project to consider for later, yes...?

... At any rate... [Another glance at Don's packing.] Shall I... assist you, or... is there anything else you would rather I do...?

[He wants to spend a little time with you before you leave, Don.]

Mm.

[He glances up, and their gazes cross before he quickly looks away again.]

Just - stay right there.

Certainly.

[As he usually does, Robert follows this direction exactly - he stands in the exact same place, without moving from the spot, until whenever Don wants him to move.]

Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

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