Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[For the past few weeks, Don has spent an increasing amount of time staring out the windows of his winter room, watching for signs of spring. As comfortable as the room is, after two-plus months of living in it he really just wants to get out.]

[To that end, he has been packing for a camping trip, and today - not knowing that winter isn't yet done with Luceti - he shuts down all the systems in his room and leaves the house.]

[Anyone out and about in the village may see the Turtle, bundled in his snowsuit and carrying a duffel bag, heading out of town. He's not going anywhere in particular and isn't in a hurry, so he'd be happy to stop and talk.]

Comments

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[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.

[i_speak_softly]

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

Don't say that!

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

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.

[musubi]

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.

[i_speak_softly]

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

I'm sorry.

[musubi]

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.

[i_speak_softly]

[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.

[musubi]

...Later, man.

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

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

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[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.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

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...?

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[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.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Really?

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

[fourthgenerationprincess]

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_speak_softly]

I haven't been there recently.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

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

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

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

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

I know.

[He pauses for a moment.]

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

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don looks sad at this.]

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

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

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.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don is not going to share.]

I shouldn't have.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard just shakes his head.]

Knowing him, I wouldn't be so sure.

[Action]

[tailasoldastime]

[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?

[fourthgenerationprincess]

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

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

No, thanks.

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

[Action]

[tailasoldastime]

Oh.

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