i_speak_softly | Eleventh Theory [Action/Voice]

[The message starts with a dry cough, before clearing his throat.]

'Bout time we got that started, Braniac. Been waitin' on it forever.

[Still oblivious.] Are you coming down with something?

I know. If I hear anything, you will be the first person I tell.

Wah? No! Just a scratchy throat. [Sigh. Thought bubbles.]

Anyways, yeah, you better. I been itching to get going. But I got some other projects I been working on too.

Can I bring you some honey? I don't remember seeing any in the kitchen... {Like I would notice... oh well, it's free and it doesn't go bad. No reason not to get more.}

Oh? What are you busy with? A lot of work at the smithy?

[Sigh.] Sorry. Listen, where are you?

I'm... workin' on something. At the barracks. Wanna meet me?

What? When did you get a dojo? ... Isn't that down by our building?

{The barracks are...}

[Cue a frustrated sigh, followed by a few lovely dry coughs.]

Since last week. It ain't much, but whatever. You'll have to come take a look. We need some mats, at least.

... Raph, you're not making a lot of sense. Are you sure you feel all right?

Okay, I'll circle around. Ten minutes.

I feel fine.

Donnie, tell me you've noticed the thought bubble thing.

{Right, like you would ever admit to not feeling fine. I swear, you and Leo...} Because you're talking like you do when you have a fever.

The what? [Ignoring the insult. It's not like he hasn't heard it before.]

I told you I feel fine. And I don't got a fever. Just look above you. Do you see that thing above your head?

Edited 2010-04-25 21:42 (UTC)

... Raph, I know we all miss Mikey, but that's no reason to start playing stupid made-you-look jokes.

I'm almost there. Are you inside?

[Otherwise, there's no answer. Once Don enters the barracks, he'll see what seems to be a giant storm cloud slowly engulfing the inside of the building. At its center stands Raphael, glaring at him with his arms crossed over his chest.]

[Uh-oh. Raph only gets emotionally voluble like that when he's delirious. Time to start running.]

Raph, is anyone there with you? [We are shouting into the journal now:] HEY! Is anyone there?

{Please, help my brother...}

[Less than a minute later, Don arrives in the barracks. The place is full of smoke.]

{Oh no. Delirious or drugged.}

Raph!

[He holds his breath, makes his way through the smoke, and seizes Raph's arm.]

Raph, come outside...

[With the touch of the arm, all of it is pulled back in like it's been sucked through a drinking straw. What's left of it flashes a violent, stormy red.]

Don't touch me.

{What the -}

[What follows in the thought bubble is a rapid catalog of everything in the room, as Don does a Ninja Assessment of his surroundings.]

[Oh, and the not-touching? Not happening.]

Raph, what's going on?

[He pulls his arm away.] Nothing! Let go.

Edited 2010-04-25 22:16 (UTC)

[Staaaaaring. Nervously:] Raph? What were you saying about thought bubbles?

It's some stupid Malnosso experiment, and it's driving me INSANE!

[He scrubs at his face.] I can't turn it off. It wasn't this bad this morning.

[He waves his arms desperately, like trying to clear a cloud of smoke.]

[He stops flailing, taking deep, steady breaths, his fists wound tightly at his side.]

[Don immediately covers his eyes. See, he can respect your privacy.]

Raph, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I thought you were saying those things. I don't - I don't know what you did say.

{How much of that was his thoughts? Is that really what it's like in his head? No wonder he acts that way...}

[The words disappear, replaced by a rolling, ominous-looking storm cloud. That's pure, unbridled emotion right there.

His eyes flick up to his brother's bubble.]

I told you.

[A frustrated growl breaks through his throat, and his fist buries itself in a nearby wall.]

Are you happy!?

[Still not looking.]

No!

{This must be so awful for him, he's such a private person - is he looking? What a mess. If this goes on much longer we'll probably never speak to each other again.}

Raph... I knew, but... just... is it like that all the time?

[He grits his teeth, leaning with his fist still against the wall.]

Yeah. [He breathes, trying to clear his head.] Pretty much.

Always? I mean, since you were younger?

... How do you live with it?

Crap. [He swats at that thought too.]

I mean, I was mad. No big deal.

[Peeking through his fingers.]

Is it... okay if I look?

{Inside your brain is the only part of you I haven't seen... Do you trust me enough for this, Raphael?}

Y-yeah.

I don't care.

[Looking.]

Raph...

{Whatever I see in there, it won't change who you are to me. It's okay. But if you don't want me to... I understand.}

It's fine. Just...don't act too surprised.

Edited 2010-04-25 23:57 (UTC)

I'll... try. Just remember I can't control it either.

{Okay, so we can see each other's thoughts. No big deal. We'll just...}

You said you were doing some work here?

[He clears his throat.] Well I...yeah, not really though. I mean, it's kind of just an empty room. [Turning behind him, he swings the door open, showing Don the dingy room he's dubbed the dojo.]

We really need some mats.

Edited 2010-04-26 01:36 (UTC)

Mats are never a dumb idea. Do you know where to get some? Or do we have to make them?

{There, see. No big deal at all. Just talking to Raph.}

Not the mats. Just...[Have a head-picture of flashbacks from his earlier sessions with Isamu.] other stuff.

But I think we gotta make 'em.

{What? What did I get wrong?}

[Looking at Raph's head-pictures, trying to figure out what he missed.]

{Hm, isn't that the kid who was asking about Raph's pet? What are they -}

Raph, have you been training him?

[With that, his bubble disappears completely, but a second later it's creeping back out again.]

Only since Tuesday. He wanted to learn how to defend himself, is all, and he ain't a bad guy.

I was gonna tell ya. I just wasn't sure if it was gonna work out before.

Edited 2010-04-26 02:28 (UTC)

... You're training a beginner? I sure hope you went easier on him than you did on me.

{Well, if the kid survived the first lesson, maybe it will work out after all...}

[He folds his arms and frowns.]

It'll be fine Don. It's been going good.

Raph, I know you wouldn't hurt him on purpose... but, well, he didn't look like a very sturdy guy. And, no offense, but you've never been very good at pulling punches.

{He really takes everything like an attack. No wonder he's so defensive. I don't know how to be any gentler with him... or, wait, am I too gentle? The more I try to be unambiguous, the more he thinks I'm insulting his intelligence... it's like what we talked about at the lake.}

I know what he can and can't take. It ain't like I'm sparrin' with him! I'm just showing him a few punches, some forms. I know what I'm doing.

Raph! I'm not... Okay, I am. But I analyze everything. I can't turn it off.

Just - be careful, okay? You're an enthusiastic person. [Rubbing his leg.] I've been sore all week.

{Mostly my own fault.}

Yeah, yeah. You were askin' for it.

So what do you think? Wanna help me make some mats?

{What do I think? Ironic question.}

Sure. It will keep our hands busy until I hear back from Molly.

[He coughs into his fist a couple times before clearing his throat.]

We could get Leo in on it too.

{Mats training trust thoughts smoke barracks running come coughing.}

Raph, are you sure you're all right? That doesn't sound good...

I'm fine, Donnie. [He rubs at his throat.] Trust me, you'd know if I was lying.

Anyways. You think Leo would give me trouble?

{It's not lying if you think it's true.} Have you had anything to drink?

What, about taking a student? {Older but still so young and can't just be a sensei but he knows that too wouldn't do it lightly.} Raph, I don't know. I'm not ready to teach anyone, but you're... Do you feel like it's the right time? Really?

I'll grab some tea when we get home.

[He rubs the back of his neck.] I'm just teachin' him the basics. He was real adamant about it, so I thought why the heck not? Not like I got anything better to do with my time.

Edited 2010-04-27 01:17 (UTC)

Okay. {Dropping the subject. He'll only change his mind to defy me.}

I'm - I'm proud of you, Raph. You'll be a great teacher. {You know the codes. You won't overstep. The kid can be as adamant as he wants - no one can out-stubborn you, bro.}

[Everything Don just thought he takes as a compliment. He snorts a laugh, his thought bubble turning blurry again. Only three words escape it:]

Let's go home, huh? That tea's soundin' real good.

{I wonder why he has that fog? Is it on purpose, or is it always like that...?}

Sure. [Pause.] Is this still a secret from Leo?

He doesn't know yet, but I'll tell him when we get back.

[We're talking to the ground now, because you're making him feel like a lab rat, Don. Better to just pretend it's not happening, but the agitation is only making that cloud more stormy.]

Not like I got a choice.

{Is it... his feelings? He thinks in senses, not in words?}

I won't tell him, if you don't want me to.

Let me do it.

[Darkening still as he glances up at Donnie's bubble, a white flash of irritation melting to red. Raph's fists tighten at his sides.

He stalks out the door, not waiting for Don to catch up.]

Edited 2010-04-27 23:38 (UTC)

((Ahaha I thought we already left.))

Okay, I didn't -

{Never mind. He's not listening.}

[Following!]

This day is so over.

[Sad. On the one hand, it's wonderful to finally know what Raph is thinking. On the other hand, it's pretty awful to be violating his privacy this way.]

Do you want me to... go somewhere else? Until this stops?

No.

{Which is the truth? His words, his thoughts, or that cloud?}

I won't be offended, Raph. Either way. If you want me to go, I will.

Then what'm I supposed to do, hide from you all week?

Raph, I'm trying to give you a choice. It's obvious that you don't really want me to see this. So, if you prefer, I will find another place to stay until things go back to normal.

{Or you can be pig-headed, and suffer the consequences of your own stupid pride.}

You think I want you to move out? [For a moment, the cloud above him clears.]

Okay. [Raph looks at the ground, working his jaw and breathing deeply before returning to Don's eyes with a level stare.] Since I haven't got a choice I'm gonna be straight with you.

[He clears his throat, folding his arms.] There's a reason I don't like to talk about this stuff. Part of it's 'cause I don't get even half of what goes on up there. [He gestures vaguely to somewhere above his head.]

I told you in the woods, what goes on inside my brain ain't normal, and I hate the livin' crap outta it. So give me a freakin' break, Don, and just let me be pissed off.

You mean it... doesn't even make sense to you?

{How awful. But I don't think it's abnormal. If he were human, he wouldn't be...}

[He turns his back, covering his face with his hand, but his voice stays level.] Not really, no.

Are you really surprised?

{How can he live like that? What does the world look like to him?}

I... I knew you processed things differently, but I didn't know it was like that.

{He's probably going to kill me for this, but...} Can't you make it change?

[His hand drops down again.]

How?

Well - {Oh, tread lightly, Donatello...} What does it look like when you meditate?

[He turns back again, giving Don a skeptical look.] If meditatin' helped I'd never be not meditatin'.

{Oh.} What about when... you don't ever get a break?

Can't take a break from myself, Don.

But -

...

{... my worst fear ...}

[Can't say anything else. Needs to think.]

[Now that has Raph's attention...]

Worst fear?

{Uh-oh caught misunderstood be careful.}

... To be at war with my own mind.

{Didn't know you were fighting that battle every day afraid for you how can I help.}

Oh. [Well now he feels like crap.]

I'm sorry. {Sorry sorry sorry what else can I do.}

Did you... know? That other people weren't like you?

Don. Don't be. I mean...it's kinda obvious, right?

{You're not a freak. You're not. You're -}

- the strongest person I know.

I'm - [He snorts a laugh, his bubble shifting to lighter colors as he punches Don roughly on the arm.] You are so damn sappy sometimes.

Edited 2010-04-29 00:13 (UTC)

{But you like it better than when I .................................}

[With an effort of will, he conceals his thoughts.]

[And shortly thereafter, they arrive back at C6.]

Ready?

Like it better when you what?

[He pushes open the door to the building, but instead of heading toward the apartment, he makes for the kitchen instead.]

{....................................................}

Nothing.

[Reaching into the cabinet for boxes of tea.] Which do you want?

Hey! You get to pick me apart like a bug in a jar, now it's my turn.

[Sideways glance.] You won't like it.

[He crosses his arms and gives Don a hard look.] Lay it on me.

[Playing with the tea bags.]

Do you know those times when I'm - 'empty'? ... Do you want to see what I'm really doing?

Hey, you can see mine, can'tcha?

Raph, I... think you have it completely backwards. [Puts down the tea.] Do you want me to show you what it's really like?

Yeah, whatever. Just show me.

... Okay.

[He pulls out a chair and sits down.]

I can't always do it on purpose. But I'll try.

[He stares at the wall. In his thought bubble, the BattleShell. It rotates, the hood opens, the engine pops out. And, as Don's gaze unfocuses and his head tilts to the side, the engine 'explodes', the parts flying in all directions, the thought bubble expanding to contain them. The parts move around each other, each one a perfect three-dimensional replica of its real-life counterpart. Tiny formulas scrawl themselves in the air. And, in a way that's so smooth and gradual that you don't realize it's happening until it's almost finished, the parts reassemble themselves into a different, better kind of engine.]

[And Don stares at the wall.]

[Raph just stares on in awe.] That's...really freaky.

[Getting in on purpose is hard. Getting out on purpose is pretty much impossible. The pictures in Don's enormous thought bubble wander on - machines, abstract equations, lines and lines of text consisting mainly of scientific jargon - all flowing like a slow but mighty river.

As Don remains completely oblivious to reality.]

[He takes a step closer, staring at this craziness like watching rush-hour traffic]

Edited 2010-04-29 03:25 (UTC)

[Words and pictures scurry around Raph, or, being intangible, pass right through him. Don and his thoughts continue to be in their own little world. But, if Raph looks closer, he might see a calm happiness on his brother's face.]

Hm. [Raph doesn't know whether to try and snap Don out of it or leave him to his reverie. He gets it now - how Don can get lost in this stuff and forget about the rest of the world. It's...hypnotic.

So he decides to leave Don to his thoughts, starting the water for tea.]

{BattleShell. Faster. More efficient. Like this... and the same principle could be applied to the Shell Cycle. Maybe even to the Shell Sub. Not to the train car though, he'd gotten it back to the Lair and he wasn't moving it again. No, he has other plans for the train car. Computers. Lab equipment. Medical equipment. And -

A whistle.

A whistle? No, the train's not going anywhere, it doesn't need a ...

... a whistle ...}

[The bubble shrinks, vacuuming itself up, returning to a little contained thing by Don's ear.]

[He blinks slowly at the tea kettle, as though examining a strange alien artifact. Finally:] Your water is boiling.

[He clears his throat and takes the kettle off.] Yeah, I know.

[He rubs his eyes, taking a minute to remember what he was doing in the real world.]

Do you understand now, Raph? Why I do that?

[He snatches a mug out of the cupboard and pours the water in.]

Do what? Zone out like that?

{... Okay. You keep calling it that.}

Never mind.

{A waste.}

[Raph catches his brother's bubble and frowns, holding the warm mug in both hands.]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. What'd I do now?

I get it, okay? 'Scuse me for the bad word choice.

{He knows what it is, but not what it is to me.}

{It doesn't matter.}

Is there enough water for another cup?

Yeah.

[He takes a seat. You can get it yourself.]

[Well, fine. He'll make his own tea.]

You still hate it.

[He shrugs and takes a seat at the table.]

[Don sits again, drinks his tea, and compares his own slowly-shifting thoughts to the roiling images in Raph's bubble.]

[Quietly:] We're both prisoners, aren't we.

[He leans with his elbows on the table, coughing and clearing his throat before answering.]

Don't say it like that.

[Though his thought bubble makes it obvious he has no idea why he shouldn't. It's at least half-true, isn't it? But it also makes them who they are. He wouldn't want to change that...or maybe he's not quite sure if he would. There are things he'd want to change about himself, but at the same time, that's what makes him who he is, and if he changed, it would be like losing a part of himself.

Above him, his thought bubble's cloud wordlessly argues with itself.]

[Forced cheer.] Well, I guess everyone is, in their own way. That's what makes psychology so interesting. {So hard to study.}

[Sips his tea thoughtfully.] I think this experiment has proved that there are certain kinds of freedom we wouldn't want.

[He shrugs again and sips his tea.]

Whatever.

{Too philosophical.}

Feeling any better?

Ah, yeah, I'll probably just try to sleep it off.

You promised you would talk to Leo.

I said I'd talk to Leo. I didn't say when.

[Sigh.] {Not like I don't use the same loophole.}

Don't put it off.

I gotta tell him sometime. I'm just sick of havin' all these deep discussions over every little thing, y'know? I just wanna quit talkin' so much.

... Okay.

{............................................................}

[Drinks his tea in silence.]

[Raph's grateful for the quiet, finishing his tea and going to wash out the mug in the sink. He still enjoys his brother's company, obviously, but sometimes that's all he needs.]

Edited 2010-05-01 01:13 (UTC)

{Aah! Snuck up on again you're a terrible ninja who is it do I have to fight - oh, it's Winry, she looks much better!}

Hi! I was just thinking about you. How have you been?

Well, thank you!

Edited 2010-04-25 21:03 (UTC)

{Huh? Did she have something above her head?}

... Do you know you are very dirty?

{... Is it okay to say that to a girl?}

Yes, Donatello. I am aware of that. And of course you can say that to a girl! At least, to me anyway.

{Oh, most girls must think that's offensive, or she wouldn't have told me it's all right... Okay, now I did not just hallucinate that twice.}

Winry, what is above your head?

Thought bubble, I guess. It's been there since yesterday. You have one too!

... Thought bubble? I knew the Malnosso did something to your head, but... WHAT?

{Ohshellhowlonghasthatbeenthereohshellit'srepeatingeverythingIthinkwhatthe - howdoIturnitOFF?Don'tthink,don'tthink,ohyeahlikeI'veeverbeenanygoodatthatIamgoingtobeinsomuchtroubleOHSHELLWINRYISSEEINGTHISTOO.}

... I'm sorry, would you mind averting your eyes?

{Is is still there, is she looking, please stop looking...}

Sure thing!

Edited 2010-04-25 21:37 (UTC)

{This is so embarrassing...}

[Quick look around, then he'll attempt to grab his bubble in order to... who knows. It's a moot point anyway, since his hands pass right through it.]

Do you know how this happened?

Edited 2010-04-25 21:47 (UTC)

Nope! Although it's probably just another experiment. Everybody seems to be chalking it up to that.

Oh. This... this is the first experiment I've been affected by.

{Could be worse. High potential for security breaches and general embarrassment, but if I'm careful there should be no lasting damage... I SAID IF I'M CAREFUL. Pink elephants, pink elephants... how long can this last?}

It's not as bad as some others. You just have to watch yourself.

Oh, sorry... you can turn around.

{Come on, Donatello. You've been studying meditation since you understood the concept of sitting still. You can clear your mind if you concentrate.}

It feels like it has been forever, Donatello. How have you been?

{..................... bad..... }

Not so well. I don't know if you've heard - Mike was sent home.

Edited 2010-04-25 23:47 (UTC)

If you guys need anything just tell me, okay?

Sorry, we... get a little reclusive when things like this happen. {As if we weren't eremitic enough already.} I meant to come see you, but... {No excuse. Winry's here; Mike isn't. You should have gone to her.}

No, no, no! Don't feel guilty! It's alright.

Losing Mikey... I don't blame you for wanting to keep to yourselves after that. At least now you're out and about. That's good.

{Everyone has their own problems...}

Yes. It seems to me, if I can't avoid the bad parts of this world, then I should at least make full use of the good parts.

{She's so much like Raph... no wonder they get along. -Erk.}

Did you see that? ... Would you pretend you didn't?

...Did you really just compare me to Raphael?

[Horrified silence.]

[And then he bursts out laughing.]

Do you know, he's not nearly as incrutable as he thinks he is?

{He'll kill me if he finds out about this. Only not really.}

Um... but really, don't tell him I said that.

Of course not. I don't want him to have an excuse to bully you.

{Bully me? Is that what he does?}

You're a good friend to him, Winry. He needs someone like you.

{Don't hurt him...}

Thanks Donatello, but my friendship isn't going to be exclusive to just him. You're all my friends. Don't forget that.

Edited 2010-04-26 14:37 (UTC)

[Blink at Winry's head-picture.]

{... She didn't really do that, did she?}

Um. He really is - huh?

{What is she OH NO OH NO PROXIMITY OF HEAD TO FEMALE MAMMAL PARTS WHAT IS SHE DOING HELP.}

[Flailing is desirable, but impossible without hurting one or both of them. So awkward return hug it is.]

{On second thought, this isn't so bad. She's soft. And she smells good. And I think she likes me. And - BRAIN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING. WE WILL NEVER LIVE THIS DOWN.}

[Okay, enough hugging, can he have his head back now?]

You should really visit us at the smithy sometime! The more the merrier.

{She's still speaking to me! I might still be able to show my face in public after all!}

Yes! Definitely! Tell me when!

{Why are you talking like that? Keep it together!}

Anytime! You should have been there the other day. I got to repair an android.

{What? I'm so jealous! I hardly ever get to work with AI!}

Where did you find an android?

Sokka brought her to me! The Malnosso's droids did her some damage, so I gave Luka a quick patch job to hold her over.

What? I didn't know any of the residents were robots!

{Oh, what is... WHA-? I don't care if that is a robot, it's - what are they - OH NO AVERT AVERT.}

[Covering eyes forever.]

Sorry! Sorry! I was just inspecting her wounds, promise!

{I'm scarred for life. I can never look at women again. I - What is that? Oh. Oh. Circuits, formulas, elements... mmm...}

Like I said! You should really visit the smithy sometime. We have all kinds of neat things happen.

It... certainly sounds like an eventful place.

{GO TO THE SMITHY. GO TO THE SMITHY. STOP PUTTING THIS OFF.}

So, what else did you have planned for today, other than thinking about my 'dissociative delusions'?

[Completely embarrassed.]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to broadcast that to everyone...

Donatello I didn't mean-

It's okay. What were you up to before I decided to interrupt?

{Not an interruption. I was thinking about you. I ......................................}

I was just... exploring. I haven't really gotten the lay of this place yet.

I could show you around! I haven't been everywhere, but I'm pretty familiar with Luceti.

Oh! Um... [Embarrassed.] Are you sure you want to? With... [Vague gesture at both of their bubbles.]

It's not like everybody else doesn't have them.

Edited 2010-04-28 00:54 (UTC)

Well, yes, but -

{Donatello, why are you arguing? She saw the inside of your head and she still likes you! Don't look a gift turtle in the mouth!}

[Smile.] What's your favorite place?

Oh, I don't know.

Do you want to pick one?

{All of those looked nice... but it seems like it's the people, not just the places, that she likes.}

Only it totally is.]

Well, you've been to the library. Have you been to the smithy?

{... Oh. Is there any young male here she doesn't like? Should never have thought I was anything special to her...}

Um. No. I honestly have not been inside the smithy yet. Do you want to go?

Yeah, I'll be glad to take you.

Edited 2010-04-28 23:07 (UTC)

{... Did she see that? She seems unhappy...}

[He follows, watching Winry carefully to try to read her mood.]

[Don matches Winry's pace when she drops back, and looks at the buildings as they pass.]

Do you know, I've hardly been in any of these, yet? The pizza place, once... and one of these stores, to find my gear after I arrived. And the library. That's about it.

Well, haven't been here that long, have you? And you wouldn't need to go in the clothing store, right? There are some stores even I haven't been in.

Almost three months... Erm. No. No clothes.

[He knows the smithy by its chimney. He just hasn't seen the inside yet.]

Not long at all!

We're here!

Edited 2010-04-29 03:23 (UTC)

[He goes inside, and, since he's a ninja, his eyes magically adjust to the dimness in about one and a half seconds.]

Wow! This is - {better than my lab no wouldn't trade home for anything} - amazing!

[He'll wander over to examine the forge. Sorry Winry distracted by machines. ♥]

It used to be somewhat of a medieval forge, but since the electronic upgrade we've gotten all kinds of new tools.

Oh? I'm kind of sorry I didn't see it before. I'm sure you had some creative workarounds. [His forte and area of interest. Always looking for a clever shortcut.]

Come with me! I'll show you where we do all the real work.

{Ah. Hm. Looks like she's been working on some of the things from her blueprints. ... Oh, is that what 'automail' looks like?}

Not bad. [Wistful sigh.] I wish I could show you mine. ... Oh!

[He concentrates hard on his lab from back home. Look into the thought bubble, Winry...]

[Here. Have images of the many awesome projects he's worked on in that lab. Restoring vehicles. Distilling antidotes. Examining alien artifacts. Healing injured brothers. Working out mathematical theorems for no practical purpose whatsoever.]

[... He misses it so much.]

It's amazing! I would have loved to see it in person.

If I ever build a dimensional portal to get out of here... I'll take you with me. {Would you go?}

Why wouldn't I go?

If I had a dimensional portal... wouldn't you rather go back to your own world?

Does something like that have to be a one way ticket?

... Once we were on the other side, you would probably have to wait for me to build another portal before you could go anywhere else.

[Sigh.] You - wouldn't want to stay with us, Winry. It's not a good life.

There has to be a more efficient way to travel. Something that will allow someone to travel between worlds without constantly having to create more portals.

The problem is that the portal itself doesn't move. {The summon-portals from the Nexus were a clever solution... I wonder if Leo could do that here? No I'm sure he would have tried already.}

A handheld teleporting device would work. {Like that thing April's uncle had.}

Do you think you'd be able to make a hand held one? I mean, Sokka and I have been talking about the possibility of visiting other worlds for a while, but...

We hadn't even thought about other worlds until arriving here. That kind of technology doesn't exist in either of our homes. We didn't even know where to start. But the idea, and the hope it provides, is something we've held on to.

Me? No, I - no. I'm nowhere close to that level. Even if resources were no object. {Which they always are.}

We have plenty of time to work it out.

[Sigh.] Winry... I've seen many kinds of teleportation devices. If I knew how to build any of them, I would be doing it already.

{There must be a way. Someone will find it.}

Sorry, I-

[Don wanders over to the other side of the room, and examines a pile of pointy metal things in various stages of becoming shuriken.] These must be Raph's.

Yes. He comes in here and makes weapons, mostly.

I'm proud of him. He's really finding constructive uses for himself here.

Constructive. Right.

... It's better than other things he could be doing.

{An image of Raphael using those weapons, to great effect, against human bodies.}

He seems pretty excited about the war.

Is he? {He had said it wasn't our fight.}

Well... Maybe not excited.

I don't know. [He turns away from the table of weapons.] It satisfies something in him. I've never really understood it.

I don't think I will either. But this place isn't just for making weapons.

Yes. Show me something else.

Well, I've made watches and... You might think this is a little silly, but...

They're not particularly interesting, and just child's toys.

[Gravely:] Toys are serious business.

[He'll inspect some of the toys.] These are very good. [And wind one up and let it go~] Haha!

I'm glad you like them. One day I want to learn how to control their movements. You know, so they don't wander off or get stepped on.

Now that I know how to do. [Smile.] I could teach you.

Really!? You'd do that?

Sure. ... If you have some infrared cameras, a hard drive, and something I can use to write code on.

I don't...?

Maybe we can find some at the item shop.

[Smile.] Is that one of your favorite places also? Should we go?

Well, not particularly. But we could anyway.

Only if you want to. It's hardly an urgent project.

Why not? I've got time. Unless you have someplace to be?

No. Nowhere to be until dinner. {Or maybe even later.}

Then shall we?

Let's shall! [Aaaand they link arms. Don isn't sure who's escorting who, but he doesn't really care.]

You know, I always enjoy spending time with you guys. You and your brothers, I mean.

I can tell. [He looks over at the water as they cross the bridge.] I mean - I like you too. As a friend.

Glad I'm not a bother, then. We're here.

{Never.}

[Don wanders into the item shop, peering at but not touching the many items of interest.]

Edited 2010-05-02 19:33 (UTC)

So what did you say we needed again?

A loaf of bread, a stick of butter, and a container of milk. [Smile.] Infrared cameras, a hard drive, and an interface.

Donatello! If you see any of those around here, just pick them up okay?

[Permission to touch? Okay!] Do you think we're likely to find them, Winry? They're - a little more advanced than the average technology here.

Probably not, but... sometimes weird things show up here. Things from people's worlds. We might get lucky.

[Well, Don is no stranger to picking through junk heaps. As he paws through the bins, he sets aside random items that might be useful either now or in the future. Too bad he doesn't have his trusty duffel bag~]

I wish I knew another way to build a self-guiding robot, but - [Abrupt pause.] Actually, I might know someone who might know.

Really? Who?

I met a New Feather by the name of Aros. He knows his way around a computer. If anyone has managed to get one ... it's him.

Then we should contact him!

I will! [Don reaches for his journal, turns to a new page, sets a filter, and records a message something like this.]

. . . Donatello?

Leonardo.

[Long pause.]

... Why are you labelled with a psychiatric disorder?

. . . What?

Um, I'm sorry, I thought you had a caption above your head that said "disassociative delusions".

{Donatello, are you listening to yourself? You're the one with delusions. 'Caption above his head'...}

I think you might be right, actually. About the caption, I mean.

Hm? [Looking where Leonardo is pointing.] What the -

[He jumps back, but the thought bubble follows him.]

Um... that's not mine.

Never mind that. Neither of us is delusional -- I think it started a while ago.

... How long?

{Good going, Donatello. Could you be more oblivious? ... Everyone is seeing this, aren't they? ... Hi, Leonardo.}

I only noticed earlier today. It could have been going on for days . . .

{No, I don't think I could have been that oblivious. I hope I couldn't... It's kind of like telepathy, isn't it? If only we could find the 'off' switch.}

. . . I guess not.

Are you well?

[Consider yourself bombarded by rapid-fire images of Mikey.]

I'm... no. More like in a holding pattern.

You're doing better, though?

[Whatever sadness looks like in a thought bubble... there it is.]

Better... I don't think "I've accepted it" is the right phrase, but there's nothing I can do right now, and acting crazy over it certainly won't help anyone. I'm just... trying to continue.

You're right. It's best to try and continue. At the very least, there's always the possibility he'll return.

[Horrified.] Don't think it!

[And on the subject of hypocrisy, have a collection of nightmares of Turtles dying in horrible ways.]

Sorry. He must be alive.

We can't know that.

{Although...}

[Have a flash of this.]

{He came from earlier in the timeline, but he was alive where I came from, and where Leo and Raph came from - I think - so he must be okay...}

It's better to think that he is, isn't it? Even thinking about losing someone is painful.

It's better to think what's true. Denial doesn't help anyone either.

{You'll see him again... you won't even remember being away from each other... the timeline will fix itself...}

You wouldn't be denying anything; just hoping.

[He totally sees that thought.]

[Also looking at the ground.]

This is... um... an ethical quandary.

Don't mind me. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Hey, I thought that was my motto.

Was it? Then we'd best adhere to it.

... One of them.

It's served me well, anyway.

. . . I'd think either part would serve anyone well.

Yes. I've also found "Machines don't fix themselves", "A hard drive in the hand is worth two in the trash compactor", and "Don't eat anything that's still moving" to be useful rules to live by.

[Have some colorful illustrations of the consequences of ignoring these rules.]

. . . Useful, I'm sure.

I've been meaning to ask about that playground; too late for me to sign on to help? [After all, he lives with Molly and lives next door to the main project manager]

Not at all!

{Oh, hm. Saijo-san didn't strike me as the type who was into manual labor. But the more the merrier!}

[Being a classy nosy telepath, he figures that second part is probably a thought, given that he's getting more savvy to the event. Thus, like always, he ignores that to focus on the topic at hand-]

Thanks. I've been keeping track of Molly's part of the plan for a while now.

((Ahaha, this event must be right up Atsuki's alley.))

You live together, right? I've seen you in the hallway...

{I wonder how they wound up living together? I don't think they're from the same world...}

That's right. [A nod even. And then to answer Dontello's question in such a way which doesn't let on-] I didn't think it was good for a young girl to live alone.

Usually I'd agree, but Molly seems like the kind of girl who can take care of herself.

[An image of said capable girl carrying an unconscious Turtle, and then:]

{He doesn't seem so old himself, though. Not that I am either, but... I wonder where his ninja girlfriend lives? And if she's alone?}

I'll agree that she's quite strong, but there's more to strength than merely being a superhero. [...A beat-] Or so I think, anyway. I offered and she accepted.

{Oh, she invited him. Well, I guess if it's working out, I shouldn't pry...}

Um... this might be a strange question, but - are my brothers and I good neighbors? We've never lived next to anyone before.

[Even if they were't Atsuki would never comment to the contrary, but even so he nods-] I get the feeling your brothers aren't the most social, but I'd have to say you're doing well on that front for first-timers.

We're, um... not used to having the opportunity.

[Smile.] I'm glad to hear it. It seems like bad neighbors are a common problem. {Judging by certain TV shows, anyway.}

That does make sense. [A beat-] And I wouldn't say problem so much as complication. Miscommunication is fairly common between people, but often these differences can be fixed.

{Hm. It always seems like such a big deal on television.}

[Be bombarded with snatches of mediocre American TV shows.]

{Well, another thing TV has misinformed me about...}

[Whatever it looks like when someone changes a belief, that's what's going on in Don's bubble.]

That's good to know. But even better, if nothing needs to be fixed in the first place.

I agree. But at the same time, sometimes differences can be enlightening. [...A beat-] For example, I never considered reptilian rights before.

Not a lot of people have... {There's probably a reason.} [Somewhat forced smile.] What do you think, Saijo-san? Would you vote for Reptile Equality?

Without a doubt. [Reassuring smile even]

I'm glad to hear it.

... Are you even old enough to vote? {What's voting age? ... in ... I don't even know where he lives.}

Afraid not; seventeen here. [...A beat-] In the places I have citizenship, anyway.

{What an intuitive person.} [Still hasn't noticed the thought bubbles in this thread.]

It's always seemed strange to me that eligibility to vote is based on age. Why not some kind of intelligence test? I'm sure there are many teenagers who can reason through political issues, and just as many adults who can't.

That might take up a lot of time. [A pause...] Though I can see the merit in it.

If it stops raining for a while, yeah.

Edited 2010-04-27 01:29 (UTC)

Let's hope for good weather, then.

Or do a rain go away dance. But that would look lame.

{Really? Experiments, kidnappings, imprisonment, and you're complaining about a little wet weather?}

And it would probably be ineffective. ... Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if there's someone here who can control the weather.

[Minato is still fairly new--a week to the day, actually. And as such, he's still trying to find all of his clothing and weaponry in the village shops. He's also exploring the village in general, trying to get the lay of the land.

He blinks when he catches sight of the turtle passing nearby. Then blinks twice more.]

{BANDANA.}

[A reflexive thought. He barely even noticed you.]

[Well, at least the human seems amused about correcting himself. Also about talking in thought bubbles.]

{... Why did I just think that? Didn't I see the word 'headband' somewhere?}

[Looking around to see what he might have absent-mindedly read... and spotting your thought bubble.]

[EPIC DOUBLE-TAKE.]

What is above your head?

[It takes all of Minato's willpower to not laugh. He fails to prevent himself from grinning wider. He's laughing on the inside, but his thought bubble makes that pretty obvious.]

[Minato points to the words over his own head and states the obvious.] Thought bubble. You've got one too.

Hr? [A noise of confusion and disapproval.]

What the - where did that come from?

My son mentioned something about an "experiment"?

[Minato shrugs. He's obviously not that concerned about it.]

{So tired of this. So tired.}

I... think you've caught me at a bad moment.

((Everyone else who's tagged this thread, he already knew.))

Seems that way. ... So I should probably just say "hello, I'm new" another time? I've got one question, first, though.

Is the correct way to pronounce it "bandana"? It was in Katakana, and, so, I wasn't sure if it caught the pronunciation correctly or not. Foreign word and all.

[... Completely surprised by the question.]

{Katakana? Why - oh, the translation magic. I suppose, if Japanese is your primary language, you would see the journals - and now, our thoughts - in those characters.}

Um... yes. That's right.

Ah! So I got it right after all. Never know when things aren't Japanese.

[The thoughts grind to a halt, and Minato just shrugs, looking slightly embarrassed.]

[Awkward throat clearing.]

Yes.

{I wonder... are the translations very accurate? What's being lost? And... why are mine in English?}

A lot or a little, depending. ... and wouldn't that your primary language, then?

[Ah! Minato puts a hand up.]

Right, right. Parting ways. I'm Namikaze Minato. You'll be seeing me around town more often, now.

Sorry! I tried. Really, I did. [A slightly nervous laugh.]

Well, sort of. {The language I use for the outside world. But not my first.}

Hamato Donatello. Nice to -

[Sigh.] It's all right. Most people feel compelled to mention it right away. Often in a loud, hysterical voice.

Ah.

[FFFFF. Minato pauses for a moment, then does his best to make his thought bubble a bit bigger. And here, have a picture (http://spam.pcweenie.com/naruto/gamabunta.jpg) of a gigantic toad above his head. That's stories tall, by the look of it compared to... already really tall trees. Except the dot is a bit taller, and the toad doesn't have his weapon out. Also, it's probably slightly cartoon-like.]

That guy there? Is a friend of mine. The dot? Me. After working with the toads and frogs--[Minato shrugs with his arms wide, grinning.]--I kinda take appearances in stride. Humans are not the only sentient species on my planet.

Edited 2010-04-28 02:13 (UTC)

[Getting the hang of this.]

{My father is a big fan of Renaissance art. My brothers and I are all named for Italian artists.}

That's... a very large toad. And it's sentient?

He is, yes. He lives with plenty of others about a month away from my village.

[Have a thought picture (http://read.mangashare.com/Naruto/chapter-409/page008.html) of a mountain with giant mushrooms, plants, and obviously toads and frogs. And unfortunately, it doesn't stay there, because Minato can't help but remember eating various dishes and stews composed of giant bugs--oops, he didn't mean to show you that. He makes a face, and clears the picture by thinking normally.]

... At any rate, I should let you go on your way.

{... I think the giant toads were kind of a giveaway, actually.}

Agh - [Noise of disgust at self.] I'm sorry. I can't believe I just called a sentient being "it".

{... Not like I've never eaten bugs before.}

Oh - I didn't mean to keep you. [Nod.] I'll see you around, Namikaze-san.

[Minato laughs lightly.] I'm sure it happens to everyone. ... And you're going to want to keep it that way--not having eaten bugs before, that is.

[The human shrugs.] I don't mind being kept. You just said you'd rather talk at a better time. But as long as we avoid anything embarrassing, the thought bubbles can probably be used to enhance our conversation. So, whatever you prefer, really.

Er, no, I have eaten bugs. ... I've eaten pretty much everything that sat still long enough.

Did you say you're new here? You can walk around with me, if you'd like. I'm - sightseeing.

Ah! I misread. Didn't expect you to know my pain, so I glossed over it. [At least he sounds amused about the bug eating.] Find any that actually tasted good?

Completely wet behind the ears--it'll be a week tomorrow. [And at the offer to walk around, he smiles, and it reaches his eyes--not that it hadn't been from the start.] I'd really appreciate it if you did, Donaterr--urgh--Donatello. Sorry.

{Misread? Or...?}

[Don watches his own bubble while purposely thinking in Japanese. It still feeds back to him in English. Which is - confusing, to say the least. But it does seem to be a pretty good translation.]

Hm.

Bugs that taste good? You know, cockroaches are not nearly as bad as they look.

Sure. I don't really know where I'm going, but you're welcome to explore with me.

[Something about Italian names pronounced with a Japanese accent warms his heart, and it's reflected in a kind of softening around the edges of his thought bubble.]

... They must taste different when they're as big as your forearm, then.

[Minato laughs again--it comes easy to him.] Hey, you have a better idea where to go than me, so I'd be happy to follow you around.

[Minato notices that, just barely, and his smile softens a bit.]

Might be the location. I'm sure New York City cockroaches have quite the interesting diet.

I think I'll go - this way.

[He wanders off around the square. Follow if you want.]

You are what you eat, they say.

Sounds good to me!

[Minato follows, looking around with both curiosity and an attempt to learn his surroundings as quickly as possible. Since Donatello isn't looking directly at him for the moment, he lets himself think a bit more like usual.]

[A slight hitch in his step, then Don continues walking.]

I heard there's a coffee shop here. Want to look for it?

[Minato grins at that idea.]

I'm game. My kid's not much of a coffee drinker, so I haven't been.

Think they have pastries?

Oh, I hope so. Some cinnamon rolls, maybe. {Mm.}

With or without icing?

... Who makes cinnamon rolls without icing? {Only evil, perverse people.}

[Oh, that makes Minato laugh.]

I like the way you think, Donaterr-- [Sigh.] I'm never going to get your name right.

Edited 2010-04-30 03:21 (UTC)

I don't mind. [Beat.] You can call me 'Don', if you want.

[Minato rubs the back of his head, but he seems more amused than embarrassed.] 'Don' would be much easier, yes--thank you.

... Most people call me by my given name--if you want. Whatever you're most comfortable with.

{He must be about Casey's age.}

Sure - Minato.

{Now where is that coffee shop?}

That's a good question.

[Minato's eyes are full of mirth.]

I guess we'll just have to explore until we find it?

I think it's over here...

((I have no idea where it is; I don't even see it on the map...))

Let's hope--I'm famished!

((I looked for it and couldn't find it, either. I'm sure it's somewhere!))

Edited 2010-05-01 02:20 (UTC)

((I'm gonna pretend they found it! We can NPC whoever's supposed to work there.))

[They come around the corner and - there it is! Don holds the door open.]

After you.

((Sounds good to me!))

[Minato gives a short bow and walks through the door.] Thank you.

[And Don follows Minato in. Oh shell it smells good.]

... I don't even know where to start. What are you going to have?

[Minato laughs softly.]

How about we start with the menu? I don't know what they have, either, which would make it hard to give you recommendations. Two cafes can serve very different menus.

That's true. {I guess? I've never been in a cafe before.}

[He considers the menu hanging behind the counter.]

It's usually best to start with something like the House Blend. Every cafe has their own specialty roast, and it's generally made to appeal to the most patrons. Then you figure out if you like it black or with cream or sugar. The staff can always give you suggestions if you decide to try other blends.

... Then there's the food. That can generally differ, too--cafes serve anything from pastries to lunch, but not all do so. It really differs from shop to shop. I'm pretty sure you don't need pointers with the pastries, though, do you? [There's that grin again.]

At least, that's how cafes work in my world. Not sure about yours.

... I'll have whatever you're having. With sugar. [Definitely sugar.]

Sounds good to me--House Blend it is. ... And cinnamon rolls, too, of course. We can't forget those.

Sure. [He'll wait while you order. And maybe stake out one of these tiny tables.]

[After a few minutes, Minato's heads over toe the table with a tray carrying two large coffees and two... very large, gooey cinnamon rolls, the delicious smell proceeding his arrival. He sets the tray down on the table, then puts Don's coffee and cinnamon roll in front of him.

We're in luck, Don! These look good enough to send us both into diabetic comas.

[Minato sets his own place and ninja slides the tray table to the side of the table before sitting down.]

Excellent.

{Hm. That was a strangely ninja-esque move.}

[Don eats the cinnamon roll and drinks the coffee and enjoys both of these things very much.]

[Minato grins at that.]

That would be because I'm a ninja.

[There was no reason to hide that part of his identity in his world, and he feels like he doesn't need to hide it here, either.]

What a small world.

[Minato blinks.]

Why? Are there ninjas in your world, too?

Edited 2010-05-01 20:09 (UTC)

Er... yes. I am one. [Sigh.] I haven't been a very good one lately, though.

[A blink.] I knew you were trained in something, but I wasn't sure what. [And a slight, worried frown--yes, he's already worried.] How so? ... Er, if you want to talk about it, that is.

Edited 2010-05-01 21:32 (UTC)

[Picking at his cinnamon roll.] I've barely trained since I got here. I know I should get back, but... it just hasn't happened. {As if these things ever 'just happen'.}

[His eyebrows go up.]

I'm going to guess you don't enjoy training much, do you?

No. Never did.

What about you? Ninja by choice?

[Minato grins.]

Could've dropped out of the academy if I wanted to. Didn't. ... I liked the training, I liked learning new techniques, I liked making new techniques. Liked the challenge of stealth missions or of trying to figure out how your enemy's techniques work so you can use them against him. There's some things I don't like about it, of course, but what can you do?

[Minato shrugs. In other words: yes, not only does he enjoy being a ninja, but he quite possibly excels at it. Not that he'd say that he does; that'd be rude.

The ninja sighs. He's picking at his cinnamon roll, too.]

{Making new techniques? He must be very talented...}

I saw that, Minato. I know. I just - seem to keep getting busy with other things. [Never a good enough excuse.]

Ah, no, no. I've still got a far way to go... [Downplaying a compliment--only somewhat Japanese in nature, as he's not outright calling himself horrible. That's not popular in Konoha, but humbleness still is.]

Good. You were supposed to. [There's some slight amusement in his seriousness.] Other things you like more, you mean.

Don't we all. [He's been taught often enough that there's no such thing as absolute mastery.]

... Things that seem more directly relevant to getting out of this place. {Things I'm better at.}

[There's a momentary blink, as if it hadn't quite occurred to Minato to leave this place--even though it had unconsciously for everyone else, he's dead back home. Of course, he's not thinking about the implications of his surprise right now, so it doesn't show up in his thought bubble.

The bit of surprise is replaced by a soft smile.]

That's important, yes--but just remember that you have to be able to watch your back, too. ... I do apologize for being nosy, but unfortunately, I'm a father. Of course, you're nothing like my son, other than being a ninja, but...

[Minato shrugs, looking apologetic.]

I know. {He almost sounds like Master Splinter, sometimes.} I'll ask my brother to spar with me again.

Are you your son's sensei?

That'll be a good start. [Minato sounds satisfied with that. Also, filling away that little bit of knowledge about the brother.] Tell him to not go easy on you, either.

[A pause.]

Ah, no, actually. My student is actually his sensei, and he also has a sensei in my sensei. ... I'm going to be training him here, though. Looking forward to that a lot, actually.

Edited 2010-05-02 03:40 (UTC)

Believe me, he doesn't. [A flash of their last training session.]

Oh, your son is here... is it a good thing, Minato? What do you think of this place, as a father?

Ah, good, good. [Minato's satisfied with that. Very satisfied. Enough that he starts to eat his cinnamon roll again and takes a drink of his coffee.] Just keep that up, then. [And then, for a moment, a vicious grin.] If my kid's out of shape, he's gonna be getting the same treatment.

[Minato shrugs.] Haven't been here long enough to decide if it's a good thing or not. This place has given me a chance to spend some good quality time with him--he's grown up so much, nearly sixteen, but he still needs his father. ... Yet, I'm bothered about being essentially held prisoner here.

[He seems pretty happy about being with his son. Then again, this guy's the type that has a hard time staying depressed for long.]

Edited 2010-05-02 15:12 (UTC)

{Oh, he's the same age as me.} I'm sixteen too. Maybe your son and I could train together.

You said you just arrived - how long has he been here?

Sixteen, ne? I was trying to place your age, but didn't want to make any assumptions. Good to know I was close.

The training would work out very well, I'd think--exposure to different styles of fighting, if anything. There's also another ninja from my village that's his age, and her style is more than likely something you haven't experienced. It'd be good for all of you. I'll ask them about it.

[Minato pauses for a moment in thought.] Around a year, I think. He's... been here for a while.

Yes, please. Being accountable to someone other than my brother sounds like just the motivation I need.

A year? [Intrigued.] But - you never knew he was gone, right? Because of the timeline?

[That gets a chuckle.] "Family", huh? [Minato pointed his fork at Donatello for a moment.] Just gonna warn you--he's a hard worker, and I will tell him to push you if he agrees to train with you. Should be an interesting challenge.

Ah, well. [Minato rubs the back of his neck with his free hand.] Our.. timelines are more than just a year's difference. I'm only twenty-six. My son's sixteen years after my time.

Edited 2010-05-02 17:24 (UTC)

Don't worry. I'm not as much of a slacker as I appear to be.

WHAT?

How can you - even -- Sixteen years?

Good.

[Minato nods firmly, his expression more serious now.]

Sixteen years. [He echoes Donatello's words far more calmly.

The turtle's smart, from what Minato has seen so far. Naruto's sixteen. Naruto's sixteen years after the time Minato was taken. He hasn't trained his kid, but those who know him well have. Minato doesn't have to spell it out.]

Edited 2010-05-02 18:36 (UTC)

But - then -- [Trying to be calm and work this out.] Are you from before he was born? When you got here, how did you know he was your son?

Almost from before then, but, no--he was a newborn. Only held him once; ended up here almost just after.

[Minato smiles wistfully.] He has my hair, poor kid. Same color of eyes--shaped more like his mom's, though. Takes after his mom a lot. And when he's happy--really, really happy--he has my smile.

It was hard not to recognize him as my kid. The time difference was a bit of a shock, though.

Edited 2010-05-02 18:52 (UTC)

[Moment of sadness. And jealousy, for families where the parents and children know each other by shared features.]

That must have been amazing. To see him suddenly grown up.

But why didn't - don't - will not ... Why does he have a different sensei? I've heard that when you leave here, you go back to the exact moment you were taken. So you're not really missing out on all those years...

[Minato's smile is still soft.]

It was amazing.

[He shakes his head, chuckles softly, and then lets out a bit of a sigh as he closes his eyes. There's still that odd, small smile.] Donatello... [He pronounces the name right, strangely enough. His next words warrant it. Minato glances up at the turtle again. There's definite sadness in those eyes, now.] I'm afraid the exact moment I was taken was my last.

Your - what? [Willful failure to understand.]

[Don's attempt to not comprehend it almost makes Minato chuckle. He sips at his coffee again.]

You know what I meant.

[He doesn't seem to be as upset about it as he should be, all things considering. Minato's at peace with the final decisions he made.]

I'm dead. Back home, at least. I gave my life to protect my village and family that I loved. So, for every moment I have left here, I'm grateful.

... Yes. Someone else told me a similar story.

It does explain why you seem so happy to be here. When you leave, you'll ...

But for your son. It must be - {Awful. Wonderful. Both.}

It's both for me as well, but mostly wonderful. I'm not the type to dwell on things I can't change--I focus on what I can change.

So instead of dwelling on what I can't change, I'm going to enjoy my moments with him. Even for simple things such as going to a restaurant or shopping.. oooor working his butt off when I'm training with him. Figured I'll wait until I know him a bit better before I start doing that.

[He sounds like he's looking forward to that last one. Probably is. Poor Naruto?]

I'm - happy for you. For both of you.

{Hm. Roll gone, cup empty. Time to go?}

Thanks. I'll make sure to stay that way, too.

[Minato shakes his head, stands up, then points at the counter really quick.] In a sec. I gotta pick up a cinnamon roll for my son. Then it'll be time to go. Call me weird, but I kinda like watching him devour food.

Edited 2010-05-02 21:52 (UTC)

Sure. [While you're doing that, Don will bus the table. Just because he grew up in a sewer doesn't mean he has to be a slob.]

[Minato blinks when he comes back, triumphant with cinnamon roll in hand, only to find the table clean--he was about ready to help.]

... You beat me to it.

If you wanted to clean the table, you should have called dibs. [Smile.] It's not a problem. Ready to go?

[That causes Minato to chuckle.] ... Maybe I'm just not used to teenagers cleaning after themselves. [He holds up the small cardboard box with the cinnamon roll.] I'm ready.

{Is he used to teenagers at all?} I grew up with three same-age brothers, a single father, and no extended family. We learned to do things for ourselves.

[He'll head for the door, holding it open for you again.]

Edited 2010-05-03 02:25 (UTC)

[Minato chuckles.] I had three under my lead for a while. Two of them fought constantly. ... Although only one was generally sloppy. [Minato blinks, and then his voice is teasing.] Quadruplets? ... Your poor father.

[Minato nods at the door being held open again.] Thanks again.

{Constant fighting? I know how that is...}

Essentially. Sometimes I wonder how he did it. {Why he did it.}

Do I even want to know?

[Minato can't help but chuckle.]

One day at a time. And you must've been pretty cute as a... hatchling? Would that be the right term for it?

Two of my brothers. They don't mean it, though.

I, um - I don't know. I don't remember. {I don't think that has anything to do with why Master Splinter took us in.}

Wonder if they're anything like my students....

[Minato chuckles.]

I was kidding. ... Parents can't always explain why they do things, or sometimes even why they become parents. But from what I've seen, he's done a very good job.

Thanks, Minato. He'd be glad to know that.

[Glance at the sun.] I should probably be getting home.

Any parent would be.

[Minato holds his hand over his eyes as he also looks at the sun.] Same here. Wouldn't want my kid's cinnamon roll to get cold.

[He lowers that same hand, holding it out.] It was a pleasure meeting you, Don. Talk to you again, sometime?

[Handshake!] Likewise, Minato. I'm sure I'll see you again. For example, watching in amusement as your son kicks my shell. [Wave.] Until then.

[A firm but not overpowering handshake is given! Minato smiles at the comment about his son, his voice teasing slightly.] You forgot the part where I'll be pointing out your bad form. [And have a return wave.] Until then. I'll be in touch!

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