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[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.

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...But?

In case my memory's not as perfect as I think--

Well, They don't want your help there, but I...you know.

[His voice hushes and goes a bit soft]

I know. I have the recording you gave me. It means a great deal to me. You were wonderful and I deeply appreciated your patience, consideration, and- and love.

[Softly] Were?

Okay. Good. I'm glad you enjoyed having him.

Enjoyed having you and spending time with you. I want to continue spending time with you, if we can. Lunch together sounds perfect.

...I'll try to show you a good time.

Newton.

[An aggravated breath]

I'm not saying you have to be perfect or live up to anything in order to enjoy spending time with you. Our conversations over dinner- even interrupted or cut short as they were- remained precious to me because I know how difficult it is for you to fight them. And I know even if you don't always succeed that you're trying. That's all I can truly ask of you. The rest is just.. wanting to be close to you.

I'm sorry. You deserve better.

I rather think you're the one that deserves better.

Those aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

You have an alien hivemind trying desperately to take control over you. That isn't a character flaw. I love you and I'm going to help you.

I, uh, I'm sorry. You know how I feel too.
You're so brave, Hermann, I... well, you know. What you said.

I just wish I could have stayed younger. For you. For me, too.

It isn't anything you can control. Besides which, we have to get the Precursors out of your head at some point, so we may as well tackle that now. I think we'll both be happier for it, knowing you're free from them.

Let's talk about today though. I feel like I shouldn't think too much about removing Them. Where do you want lunch? Sandwiches? Italian? The little bistro downtown? Thai? I'm open to suggestions.

We haven't been to the bistro in a bit, unless you have a preference.

Nah, that works.

Alright. I'm gonna come home and change and we can go out. Dress, I don't know, cute?

I'll do what I can.

[He has exactly one pair of jeans, bought a good while ago at Newton's insistence. They're stiff and something of a pain to get in and out of, but it's the most casual clothing he owns. He decides to forgo a jacket to match]

Edited 2018-07-26 06:10 (UTC)

[He arrives home a while later, a bit frazzled and hurries into the bedroom to change clothes. When he comes back, he is dressed in a button down and jeans, looking a bit more like himself.]

You look cute.

[Newton looks a bit harried, but he's happy to see he's more animated than the Precursor's closed, dispassionate expression.

He smiles]

I do try. You look comfortable. Are you ready then?

Yes. No. Not quite.

This is stupid, and I don't, I shouldn't wear it myself, but that thing you gave me? Younger me? A week ago? That [He made a motion like putting on a ring on his finger] thing. Where is it? If you still have it, I want you to wear it, even if it's just on a string around your neck. I want to know you have it. It's stupid, okay. I just.. yeah.

It isn't stupid- it's rather sweet actually. Yes, I have it. Give me a moment..

[He touches Newton's arm as he passes him. It only takes a minute to retrieve it and he shows it to Newton before he slips it into his pocket]

I'll find a string for it later, but I have it for now.

[He grins uncontrollably and ushers Hermann out the door with a seemingly cheerful smile, masking his own dismay at being unable to simply, impulsively take Hermann's hand.]

It's in good hands.

[Hermann locks the door and smiles, then after a moment's indecision, leans in to kiss Newton on the cheek]

I'll take very good care of it for you until you can wear it again.

[He sways a bit in place and touches his cheek, feeling twenty years younger. Despite Their influence, Hermann looks a bit magical and heroic.]

Thank you.

[It's such a sweet reaction that Hermann's very nearly tempted to do it again but insteads leads them out to the car. He circles around to the driver's side and settles in]

I'm glad you came back, Newton.

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justaskalice - 2018-07-26 17:21 (UTC) - Expand

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mathemagier - 2018-07-26 19:04 (UTC) - Expand

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