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]

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.

[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?