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

[justaskalice]

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.

[mathemagier]

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.

[justaskalice]

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.

[mathemagier]

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

[justaskalice]

Nah, that works.

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

[mathemagier]

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]

[justaskalice]

[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.

[mathemagier]

[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?

[justaskalice]

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.

[mathemagier]

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.

[justaskalice]

[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.

[mathemagier]

[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.

[justaskalice]

[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.

[mathemagier]

[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.

[justaskalice]

I am too, though I wish it was under better circumstances on my part.

...Glad you're still here. And thank you for that week together.

[mathemagier]

Of course. I was hopeful that it would help.

[He starts up the car and pulls out of the driveway]

If there's anything more I can do to help, do let me know.