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]

Hey, so it looks like I'm... back? I mean, still the usual problem, but, uh, if you're here...please say you're here.

[mathemagier]

Newton!

[He's just so happy and relieved for a few beautiful moments. Then he pauses and hesitates, a bit guarded.]

How.. how are you?

[justaskalice]

I'm.... complicated. Especially after that week we had.

How are you?

[mathemagier]

I'm.. I'm better, now that you're here. Which week are you referencing- the one where you were ported out or the one where you were... younger.

[justaskalice]

The one where I was your cute young piece of ass. Why, what happened while I was gone?

[mathemagier]

Nothing important, I'd just wondered if you'd moved forward in time or some such.

[Although the world might be ending. ...That can wait]

Perhaps I should apologize? You dealt with quite a lot from me during that week.

[justaskalice]

I think They'd prefer you apologize. Take that as whatever guidance for whether you do or not.

[mathemagier]

Well in that case, I certainly won't. You sound.. like yourself.

[justaskalice]

I'm trying. Right now it seems to work.

I'll be home in a few. Maybe I can't quite be my younger self, but maybe we can go to lunch or...whatever?

[mathemagier]

[His voice warms]

That sounds lovely.

[justaskalice]

Oh, and for the record, pretty sure my memory of that week is clear, but--

[mathemagier]

...But?

[justaskalice]

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

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

[mathemagier]

[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.

[justaskalice]

[Softly] Were?

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

[mathemagier]

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

[justaskalice]

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

[mathemagier]

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.

[justaskalice]

I'm sorry. You deserve better.

[mathemagier]

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

[justaskalice]

Those aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

[mathemagier]

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.

[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.