[Special 008: Voice/Action]

[no_use_running]

[Voice/Ami]

This may seem sort of a strange question suddenly, but please tell me about your families.

[Ami's having one of those days where the distance between herself and her family and friends seems too vast and too real. Later, to focus her mind, she'll train in the battle dome, partners and visitors welcome.]

Comments

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[It takes Robert some time to psyche himself up enough to say anything to Ami again. He needs to talk to her, but he's terrified. He's afraid to ask her if she likes him anymore.

He wants to say sorry so badly, but...

The question. It's an excuse. He answers it stumblingly, haltingly.]

... I was an adopted child, like most Terrans. My parents, Akila and Frederick Hastings, brought me up in Linden for the entirety of my life. They were both very kind people... loving, patient parents who nurtured my love of science ever since they were aware of my aptitude. I must confess that I likely caused them many problems at times with my insatiable desire for knowledge.

...

It... has been awhile since I spoke to them, at home.

A very long while.

[He falters uncomfortably then. Is it strange to not want to talk to them...? To not want to feel that pity, that shame, that undertone of barely-suppressed disapproval?

Or what he feels as such?]

[Voice] | Filtered 100%

[no_use_running]

Of course I'd listen. [She knows what it is not to be heard. She won't put someone else in that position.]

[Voice] | Filtered 100%

[semper_cogitans]

[It's reassuring, at least, to be heard. And it helps Robert get to a point where he can at least try to move past this.

Perhaps one day, if Ami needs to talk, he can listen for her as well.]

... [Almost thoughtfully:] You seem to be the kind of person many others feel comfortable confiding in... I suppose that's because you're such a gentle, kind person.

[Voice] | Filtered 100%

[no_use_running]

I've never really thought of myself that way. [When she was younger, people didn't really approach her; and even now that she's older, back home, most of her acquaintances were professional.