i_speak_softly | Twenty-fifth Theory [Action]

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Twenty-fifth Theory [Action]

[After putting in an obligatory appearance at the baseball game, Donatello is up to some business of his own.

At a certain point during the afternoon, you may find him wheeling a motorcycle from C6 to House 55.

A bit later, you might catch him dragging forty-gallon garbage cans filled with a strange assortment of objects along the same route.

And sometime after that, you may come upon him near the bridge on this path, surrounded by those same garbage cans. Except that they are up-ended now, their contents strewn across the ground. In the center of the mess a bizarre contraption is taking shape.

Question this strange behavior? Watch in silent bafflement? Or maybe just back away slowly.]

((Please indicate at which point you encounter him!))

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You don't know that for certain.

... Besides, it doesn't matter how anyone else has dealt with it, or is currently dealing with it. We're individuals.

No one else has admitted to it, at least.

[He throws a part down in frustration.] Sometimes I get really tired of being an individual.

It doesn't seem like an easy thing to admit to in public.

... Hm. That word does have many connotations. What is it... that makes you tired of it?

No one else has asked on behalf of a friend.

[... Not being able to go anywhere in daylight. Knowing he'll never achieve the things he could if only he were human. Trying to help his brothers when they're sick, but always having to guess, only guess, what might be good or safe for them.] So many things would be easier if I were like everyone else.

They may not have seen reason to. Or are handling it in another way.

... Perhaps it would. It's not easy being... what others would perceive as different. Even if those differences are part of what make you... you.

[Hm. You're strangely understanding about this.]

I don't really mind being like this. I just - wish other people wouldn't act that way about it.

It can be very hard for people to see things from a different perspective, if they're strongly rooted in their own.

What's to see? Not screaming at someone just because they look different seems like a pretty easy concept. [He bends down and picks up another piece.] Maybe it's easier when everyone you see is different.

Some people have a hard time of letting go of their preconceived ideas. As easy as the concept sounds, if something is different from what they expect... from how they want things to be, they can have difficulties. Whether it's a single person or a lot of people.

Keeping an open mind can be a difficult task. Those who advocate for it need to be careful that their own perspectives haven't become warped.

[He doesn't need the lecture. He's lived it.]

I don't know what you mean by that. Are you saying that I shouldn't expect humans to change? That I should just accept how they react to me?

[She doesn't mean to lecture. It's just hitting a little closer to home than she expected, and she tends to be more abstract when that happens.]

Hm? No, that isn't what I meant at all. Humans can change. It's simply... a process.

[The argument is forgotten as his attention settles on one word.] ... You said 'humans'.

[She goes quiet for a moment as he picks up on that.]

... So I did.

[A very telling reply.]

That's... um... [He clears his throat awkwardly.] You're very lucky.

In some ways, but not really. [Otherwise, this conversation would probably be a lot different. She does shake her head with a faint smile, briefly.] I just think I spent too much time around an idealist.

[Nod. He understands.] Idealists are a valuable commodity.

They're rare, but if their personalities are strong enough, it can affect those around them, even in the smallest ways.

You told me you met Leo... did you also know Mike?

No... we never met directly. Was he... like that, for you?

I'm not sure if 'idealist' is the right word... he was my optimist. [Pause.] He was everyone's optimist.

It seems like you've must have had quite the household, growing up.

[If only you knew.] We're a very efficient family. Everything you could want, in five people. It's - a very intense experience.

Five of you...? [There's Donatello, Leo, Raphael and Mike. Another brother? Hm. That doesn't seem right. There was April, and perhaps Casey ... but she didn't want to jump to conclusions.]

Me, my three brothers, and our father. [There's a sadness as he names them.]

Your father? ... I see. I'm glad you had someone to look out for you. And each of you... must have developed a role, for balance. [A pause, as she considers.] You and Leonardo must be the older ones.

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