[Special 004: Voice] Post-Love

[no_use_running]

We had another strange thing happen. But I think overall, some good came out of it

Comments

[Voice (Filtered 75%)] probably sometime after he talks to Chopin, screw chronology

[semper_cogitans]

[Now that Robert's had some time to calm down and regain some of his rationality - and now that he knows that there isn't much he can do about Helios' kidnapping - Robert posts to Ami. He filters it, mostly because he still feels terrible and he doesn't want to sob all over the journals again like he did when he spoke with Frederic.]

D-Doctor Mizuno. Are... you alright? [It's obvious from Robert's voice that he isn't.

After a pause of a few seconds, he mumbles:] I ruined it.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)] <3 thnmy!

[no_use_running]

I'm fine. [Of course, that'd be her answer regardless. But the experiment truly has provoked more thoughtfulness than sadness. The real question is how to ask Robert if something is wrong.]

Shall we talk awhile?

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

I-I... I would like to. [Robert's voice is halting and small and sad, a lot different from when Ami spoke to him last on the fifteenth. He inhales slowly and hesitates before he speaks.]

... I... I think that my foolishness and unprofessional discourse during the last experiment has... cost me a friendship. [Because Robert mistakes "I can never be with you D:" for "I hate you and never want to see you again D<". ... A-And. The other was... kidnapped. Very recently. [This may serve to make it obvious who it is but right now Robert doesn't really care if Ami knows.]

... I... I'm at my wits' end. [And this is accompanied by a sob. Yes, it's a good thing Robert filtered this.]

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

[She needs a moment to sort this out. She pays enough attention to realize who he means, but that's not really the important thing.]

I'm sorry to hear about those things. But, what happened because of the Malnosso shouldn't end a friendship. I think it should go deeper than that.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

I... I hope so. But... we barely met before all this. All I knew was that he was one of the most interesting, intelligent non-human sapients I have ever met. [And that probably makes it obviously who that is, too.]

... and... I still have feelings for both of them. Even though the experiment ended. [This last part is the hardest to admit. There is obvious fear, and self-loathing, in Robert's voice.]

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

I'm not really experienced in this sort of thing, but... I think the most important part is honesty.

[Ami's romantic ideals don't like it, but she can understand in theory that some people are polyamorous. The problem would be in deceiving someone somewhere in there, or hurting them.]

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

A-Ah. Well... I h-haven't said anything to... to Helios. [He might as well be blunt. Bluntness was easier; Robert couldn't be subtle very well.]

... B-But... Donatello, I... ... he walked out on me, earlier today. I-I'm afraid that he hates me now. [Terrified in fact. Both of them were so wonderful...] He... he p-probably doesn't even like humans. [Robert allows a small sob again.] I-I always ruin things like this...

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

Could it have been something else?

[She says this without much hope. Walking away seemed... pretty definite. And yet, usually if she ran away left a situation, it was because she didn't know what to do, not because of the other person.]

He might be confused, like you are, maybe.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

If it was, I wouldn't know what. [Robert's tone is somewhat... planitive.] I... I never understand these sorts of situations. This may be why I have few friends.

B-But... maybe. He... he said that if I still... if I still felt this way, to call him over the journals in a f-few days.

[Robert sobs a bit again.] Th-this... it's just... overwhelming.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

Then, doesn't it seem like he's just as scared? He probably wants to be sure this experiment is over. He wants to be sure it's real first.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

You... you have a point, yes. [Not that Robert could've come to that conclusion on his own due to his own fail.

He wants to hope, though. Even though hoping is usually irrational and idealistic and foolish.]

... th-thank you, Doctor Mizuno. You have been... most helpful in calming me somewhat and organizing my thoughts. [Granted, they're still a mess, but Robert feels a bit more confident now. Just a bit.]

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

I'm glad if that's the case. If you need medicine for the anxiety, the clinic would be helpful.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

You work at the clinic, correct? Perhaps I ought to take some preliminary lessons in medicine so as to be more helpful here.

[Robert's voice is still sad, but he seems to be feeling a bit better. It will probably hit him hard later again, when he's alone.]

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

Everyone who helps is appreciated. The staff has a high turnover rate.

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[semper_cogitans]

I would not mind lending my services there, if at all possible. [Work to distract him from the pain. Just like at home. Except... except he didn't feel completely alone, this time.

And... and maybe Donatello didn't hate him. Maybe.]

Re: [Voice (Filtered 75%)]

[no_use_running]

I'd be glad to have another colleague.