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: Evening of June 15, after Don gets back from the camping trip and finds out Shredder is in town
Type of Thread: Voice

[Panicked. Desperate. Pick up the journal right now.] Robert.

[i_speak_softly]

[He puts his head in his hands, trying to think through this.] Shredder is looking for us. He knows where you live. If he knows you know us, he might come after you. If you were here, he couldn't do that. If he found us anyway, he can't do anything because of the barrier. If he finds out the barrier is connected to Helios, he might go after him, but he could get to that point whether you were here or not. [He pauses, reviewing his logic.] I really think it makes more sense for you to come.

[semper_cogitans]

[... That logic is fairly airtight but Robert still doesn't want to put himself in the way of others again.]

... Giles already died for me o-once... I d-do not want your family to be the second...

[Softer:] A-And besides, I could not ask your brothers to tolerate me at that proximity for that long.

[i_speak_softly]

[Forget rational arguments. Don schools his features into the most forlorn expression he can muster - not difficult, given how he really feels - and flips on the Video function.]

[Sorry for the emotional blackmail, Robert. Don is kind of doubtful this will work on you, but even so he feels terrible for trying it.]

[semper_cogitans]

[Dat face. It's almost horribly sad enough that even Robert can see it. But mostly he's aware of how hideously awkward everything would be if he was in the Hamato residence.]

... Don...

[Your life is worth more than mine.]

... It is not fair of me... [And truth be told, he's almost more afraid of what inducing rage in Raph from constant contact would entail than the Shredder.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don disagrees, but it wouldn't be right to push this any further. You can't protect people against their will.]

Turn on yours. Please.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert does so without complaint. He's... obviously worried - his face is lined with stress - but he doesn't seem that worse for wear, yet.

He wonders if there's some sort of compromise. Or some method where he doesn't make everybody involved, including himself, hideously uncomfortable.

Right now he wants to hold Don and say everything's going to be alright even though it won't.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don studies Robert's face for a long moment. He looks about the same as always. Was Don expecting otherwise?]

[There's nothing more to say. Nothing but this. With all the sincerity in his soul, he says:] I love you.

[semper_cogitans]

[Part of Robert does want to accept the offer. After all, it'd be... being with Don in a way that's even more physical. Being in his presence, consistently. It'd almost be ideal, if not for the reasons behind it.

But there's his family. His family that, for the most part, is awkward with him and vice-versa. He doesn't want to cause any more problems than he already feels he's caused. And this is a gigantic problem.

The words bring the familiar sting of tears to Robert's gray eyes, but he smiles.]

I love you too, Don. [And that's why I can't let you be harmed because of me.]

... I... I s-suppose you are going to need to be... very cautious, now. [It hurts, knowing Don and his family have to skulk around again. They don't deserve that, not when that was what they had to do at home.] P-Perhaps... perhaps there is something I can do...?

[i_speak_softly]

[Don glances at something Robert can't see, then turns back.]

I think we're all grounded indefinitely. Call me often?

[semper_cogitans]

I will. For certain. [He'll want to. Maybe even every day. Hello obsessiveness.

Also he may or may not reconsider the offer. It depends on if things get really bad or not. And they might.

This may or may not be visible in his face.]

[i_speak_softly]

One more thing. Go to the library. Get a book; it doesn't really matter which one. Actually, make it something very technical on an obscure subject. Put a note in it telling Helios to watch out for a man named Oroku Saki. Write that he should burn the note after he reads it. Deliver the book. Don't make a big deal out of it and don't mention it to anyone. Do you understand?

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert can think of a dozen books that would fit this kind of description.

But Helios hates him right now.]

... H-Helios and I have not spoken for... almost a month. I think he really does hate me.

But...

... ... I... understand. [Even if Helios hates him, hopefully he can tolerate Robert enough to let him deliver this life-saving message. Eventually.]

[i_speak_softly]

That's all right. Well, I mean, not -- [He abandons that sentence and tries again.] I don't think he hates you. Go and talk to him. Bring the book as a making-up present. Don't let on that there's another reason for your visit.

[semper_cogitans]

I will not, Don. This is... imperative.

[Even if Helios does hate him, the message needs to get to him... it's important.

Just as soon as Robert can quash the familiar fear of going outside now that he has something to be afraid of.]

... I... I will call you again soon, Don... please stay safe if at all possible.

I... I love you. [He loves Don more than words can say, which is why this whole situation is so important.]

[i_speak_softly]

[He bites his lip, then says:] If it goes well, it might be better if you don't call.

[The rest -- he just can't reply to yet.]