tushanshu | Stage 1 ► Video [Console]

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Stage 1 ► Video [Console]

[ The video feed flickers on and Tom is staring into the camera, then glancing off to the side -- then smiling. He looks tired, but relieved. ]

Well, that was simple enough.

Hello, there. My name is Dr. Thomas Light. I arrived some time ago, during a festival, and... I seem to have lost some time? I'm not sure what day it is, but I have one of these now --

[ He holds up his arm, motioning toward the simple metal bracelet on his wrist, with a dark stone set neatly inside it where a watch face would normally be. ]

If anyone could be so kind as to tell me how long I was out? And why I woke up... somewhere completely different?

[ A quick glance at the world behind him reveals he's in the... water sector. ]

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[guess who isn't even responding to the comm at first

guess who's just in water sector and then when he realizes he's still not a hundred percent sure of...where exactly...Tom is...

...but what if okay you know what let's try something]

Long enough, Thomas.

[ Tom's eyes light up at the sound of that voice, and his smile is audible when he speaks.]

Robert! I was hoping you'd respond!

[well, if his smile wasn't audible then, it sure as hell is now]

Where are you? Are you still in Water Sector?

[ That brightness in Robert's voice makes his heart pound that much stronger, and this time he knows it's not just nerves. It's almost embarrassing.]

I am. At the very least, if I'm going to have a miniature crisis, this is certainly the place to do it. I'm sure I'd find this sector very relaxing under better circumstances.

Let's avoid the crisis all together and have you give me more direction than that so I can find you.

Edited 2015-07-01 02:17 (UTC)

Oh -- of course! What was I thinking?

[ A little embarrassed laugh at that. ]

Ah, let's see... I'm out in front of what looks like a small cafe, right at a sharp bend in one of the canals. There's a place to rent gondolas about a block down the way. Does that help?

I'm think you're still getting the hang of being here again. But I think I have an idea- let me know if you see any names, though, or if someone can point you towards a square?

I'll see what I can do.

[ And it's a process as Thomas acclimates himself to Keelai once again, trying to figure out not just the city but the social norms that go with it. But waling along the waterways and keeping in contact with Robert as he went, eventually Thomas found himself in a square, glancing around curiously --

-- but his entire face lights up when he finally spots Robert across the way, stuffing his communicator into a lab coat pocket as he quickly makes his way toward him. ]

[Robert's all but glowing, smile wide and honest as he approaches Tom. even for the short time they were around one another, he couldn't help but feel charmed by the man; there's no hesitation in his greeting]

Took you long enough to come back- I had almost given up!

[ Tom doesn't hesitate, either. The moment Robert's in range, he grabs the man's wrist and pulls him into a tight hug, with appropriate strength for a man his size, with all the enthusiasm of a child. Maybe he let the hug linger a litte too long, but after the whirlwind today had been so far, he'd take whatever comfort he could - including letting himself notice just how happy Robert was to see him again. ]

I'm an old man, Robert. Need to take my time with these things!

[he probably should have expected that, but Robert can't help but let out a - squawk? no, he's too respectable for that, but it's a rather undignified noise nonetheless. after a moment to recover, he manages to reach up and give at least a bit of a return to that hug]

Not with a grip like that, you're not!

[ Tom laughs at that, breaking the hug and pulling back, but not quite ready to break contact yet. One hand lingers on Robert's shoulder, squeezing gently as he gazes at the other man, admiring the wisdom and distinguishment etched in his features. The creases in the mans face align so well with his smile, while the rest he's sure betrays long nights of deep thought and concentration. He can just picture Robert huddled over a project, brows knit and gaze determined, clothes mussed and hair disheveled but looking so satisfied when he makes a new discovery --

Tom averts his gaze slightly, his cheeks just slightly pinker. Honestly, he's acting like a teenager! ]

I, uh, well. I'd say I missed you, too, but from my perspective I last saw you about an hour or so ago. It's all a bit surreal.

...I hope you weren't worried.

[Robert thinks he's imagining the look, but at the same time- when was the last time someone had ever...? he can't help but smile just a bit more warmly, shaking his head]

It's been a good few weeks for me. I...wondered, but everyone else who hadn't a gem disappeared at the same time, so...

[there's a pause, and then he reaches up to rub at the back of his head awkwardly]

You left your wallet. I couldn't resist glancing through it. [is that a faint note of apology? it could be.]

[ Thomas raises his brow, then just laughs, lightly jabbing Robert in the arm with a fist. ]

I disappear for a few months and you decide the loot's fair game. Shameful!

Joke's on you, it's about as good as Monopoly money here.

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Let's just say it made things bittersweet, knowing you were back with people who so obviously cared for you.

[have a light poke in the shoulder, Thomas]

Come on- I'll take you back to Sky Sector. Unless you'd prefer to go to the Hotel?

[ At that, Tom's smile softened a bit, a twinge of hurt crossing his expression. He didn't even get to see them again. Bittersweet, indeed. ]

It'd be nice to see them here, too. So much variety in technology here -- advanced AIs like Aya they can befriend and look up to.

And I'm certain they'd adore you.

[ He hopes they're doing all right.

Still, it was probably for the best not to ruin the mood with his own problems -- Robert was so happy to see him. He could indulge that for now. Tom gives a dismissive wave of his hand, brightening his smile, though it looks a little forced this time. ]

It'd be nice to have a private room this time around, but I think I've had enough of that hotel for one lifetime.

You're not in the Metal Sector anymore?

[Robert sees the twinge and almost asks about it...then seems to think better. Tom's moving on, so...]

I moved in with a couple boys - the Hamada brothers, did you ever meet them? And we're hosting a kedan. Their Aunt's staying with us, too, and she was one of the ones who had come around the time you had, then disappeared...I had hoped that it meant you'd return, eventually.

But it's not as crowded as it sounds. We make it work. I'm sure they'd be fine with you staying as long as you'd like.

You've mentioned them before! But that was a crazy two weeks for everyone -- I don't think I've had the chance to meet them, no.

Still, I --

[ It was one thing staying over at Robert's to avoid the crowd of the hotel when the man had been on his own. Now, with a whole family staying there?

It's a wonderful thought, Tom can't lie to himself about that. ]

I don't want to impose. Are you sure they'll be all right with it?

You'll like her. She's sharp- has to be, to have manage the boys all these years. And I don't see why they wouldn't be- Tadashi would probably house the entire city, if he had the means. And even if he didn't, if there was the need...

Besides, we can always use another pair of hands in the shop- you don't have to help, but I certainly wouldn't mind you stopping by sometime and taking a look at our setup.

...It sounds wonderful.

Of course, I...

[ He's thinking about his own kids again, and it hurts, but this needs to be said. ]

I need to know that my children would be welcome there, too. If they were to find their way here.

If they're anything like you, I can't imagine why not.

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Stage 1 ► Video [Console]

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