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

[i_speak_softly]

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

[musubi]

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.

[i_speak_softly]

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

I should get going.

[musubi]

[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.

[i_speak_softly]

[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.]

[musubi]

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.]

[i_speak_softly]

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

Don't say that!

[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.]