IC Contact Post

[mathemagier]

[Screened calls go straight to voicemail, where an impatient recording answers]

You've reached Dr. Hermann Gottlieb. Leave your name, number, and business if you expect a return call. Thank you.

Comments

[mathemagier]

No, you didn't. I asked for at least a few days.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Newt reconsiders the last hour or so.]

So I didn't force you? You're honestly okay with that arrangement and I'm not like...pushing you or Drift influencing you or just bulldozing my way through? You're going to be okay with marriage--to me--in two weeks?

[mathemagier]

I did say I was ready to marry you. And I am, Newton. Only I didn't anticipate it would be anytime within the next few days, and the nerves caught up with me all at once. But I can manage a week- and certainly two.

[driftsintobuffetline]

I guess I still don't really understand why it's so scary now and how you'll be better prepared in a week or so, but ok.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann sighs, gesturing loosely out the windshield and attempts to think of an explanation. The sky is clouded]

It's a bit like going outside and expecting a light rain. You've got a hood and so that's well enough, but you didn't prepare for a torrential downpour and you're without an umbrella.

[That seemed like a clearer explanation in his mind]

..That is to say, I expected to be married in March, and the nerves were raindrops leading up to it. Manageable, in other words. But to think of suddenly being married with nothing leading up to it-- fairly intimidating.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[For not the first, and certainly not the last time, Newt genuinely wonders how they had ever gotten off the ground in the first place. Hermann needs order, he resists spontaneity...

But some of his plans--the proposal, the assistance with the Drift, living together--however spontaneous by Hermann's standards...are some of the most magical moments of Newt's adult life.

He nods, kind of understanding the metaphor. It's hard, when Newt lives for spontaneity himself.]

Alright. You just tell me when you have a good coat and an umbrella and I'll be ready. It can be two weeks from now, two months, March, whenever. But when you say go--be ready to jump in the puddles with me, man.

Now. ...I think I'm done adulting, so how about we be teenagers and play hooky and go get us a milkshake or something.

[mathemagier]

[The tension dissipates as Newton seems to grasp what he's attempting to say, and he's more than ready for a mood change. Pulling on his seat belt, Hermann starts up the car]

Two weeks then. But before all that, we'll see about that shake and perhaps a bit of lunch.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[The change is much needed and he's glad to see Hermann is fine with moving on now. Newt buckles up.] And a makeout session. There's got to be some scenic hilltop where all the kids go to makeout these days.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann backs out of the parking space and merges back onto the road]

Well I don't know where the teenagers go nowadays, but I'm sure we can find a nice spot to have to ourselves..