Appointments

[semper_cogitans]

For any mundane, non-critical one-on-one interactions with the scientist here, whether it be poking him for whatever reason, maintaining continuity, throwing him an item, or in general doing something that isn't momentous enough to require a whole post or log for it.

Please copy and paste the following for the first comment in any new thread you're

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[i_speak_softly]

Date of Thread: June 14 (during the Defining Trait experiment)
Type of Thread: Action
Location: Going to the western lake

[Before Don left on Sunday, he told Robert to pack up his swim gear - any of it that he wanted to use - and be ready at seven on Tuesday morning.]

[At exactly that hour, Don is sitting under Robert's window, ringing the bell of his bicycle. Said bicycle is not as it was last time Robert saw it in the Hamatos' house - it has been built out into a kind of tandem, with a chair-like second seat, and it is now pulling a small wagon loaded with a picnic basket, Don's duffel bag, a rolled-up blanket, and several canteens of water.]

[Hurry up, boyfriend - it's an hour's ride to the lake, and Don has a busy day planned.]

[semper_cogitans]

[If there's one thing that stuck around during the experiment, it was memory. So Robert is still actually organized and ready to go for the trip to the lake - the only difference is he looks a lot brighter than usual.

Beaming when he hears the bell, Robert scoops up his organized bag, full of the swim gear (because he just figured he'd bring all of it), and hops outside with a positively glowing expression.]

Don! I'm really looking forward to this! It's just too bad I didn't see you yesterday... but we can catch up today, can't we? [He practically glitters as he goes to sit next to Don in the tandem bicycle after placing his bag in the wagon.] I can't wait to try this out... I'll have so much to talk about with the others!

[By "the others", he means "half the village".]

[i_speak_softly]

[It's just an exciting kind of day, isn't it?]

Did I miss that much in a day?

[As soon as Robert is settled, Don stands up on the pedals, using his weight to get the bike moving.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Yes, very exciting. Any day Robert gets to spend with his wonderful friends is an exciting one.]

The village has certainly been exciting lately - and I'll have to get started on plans for a party with Giles... [Unlike his usual bluntness, Robert doesn't just announce what the party's for.] Oh, but I'm certain you'd rather think about us today, right? [And Robert's smile turns almost... playful.] After all, this is a picnic for just the two of us.

[i_speak_softly]

A picnic, a swim lesson... [He is completely distracted from that thing you said about a party.] Maybe something else...

[semper_cogitans]

Sounds wonderful! I'm sure I'll love whatever you have planned - you're always great at it. [Robert is so excited for this. So excited.] Though, it'd be even better if we could invite more people... Maybe next time, we can bring everybody!

[He literally does mean "everybody".]

[i_speak_softly]

[That's odd. Usually Robert is more in favor of one-on-one time. Oh well.]

We'll bring everyone when we go to the hot springs.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert nods enthusiastically at this.] Splendid - I'll be sure to tell everybody when the time comes, then.

[For now, he is content to be with his favourite turtle, though Don might notice an absence of usual clinginess. Still, that could be attributed to the fact they're both in a tandem bicycle.]

[i_speak_softly]

[This would indeed not be a very good time for clinging. Don navigates the bike down the dirt path, trying not to make the ride any more bumpy than it has to be.]

You haven't been out to the lake yet, have you?

[semper_cogitans]

Oh - no, I haven't. Though I really should've... It sounds beautiful. Just the kind of place to hold a gathering or something... [Or even just to sit and talk, though Robert is the kind to turn everything into some kind of social event if he's allowed.]

Come to think of it, I haven't been to the ocean in a long time, either... what a shame. I really do need to get out more.

[You will never hear him say those words again, Don.]

[i_speak_softly]

[But he likes hearing those words from you.]

I really want to visit the ocean this summer. After -- hm.

[Nope, not saying anything.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert piques an eyebrow at that, though his tone is still playful and gentle.]

You know, if you've got any plans, it'd be better to include me - unless you're having a little secret rendezvous without me? [He grins in a clearly joking way.

... Robert is making a joke. Does that compute?]

[i_speak_softly]

[Are you - teasing him? Don turns around to look at Robert as he coasts the bike down a gentle hill.]

Are you feeling all right?

[semper_cogitans]

Never felt better! [That grin metamorphoses into an easy, soft smile.] How could I ever be anything but alright with you?

[... Yeah, he still adores Don. That much is very normal.]

Is there a reason you're worried about me, though?

[i_speak_softly]

I don't know, you seem a little... strange.

[He turns back around to steer the bike before they coast right into the river.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Flippantly:] Oh, well, it might just be how excited we both are about this trip - or something like that, right?

[And then he smirks a little bit.] Or are you just trying to deflect the topic so I won't ask about your plans? Because you'll have to do better than that.