Robby "major sensei issues" Keene (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
strongroots) wrote2023-07-11 06:52 pm
strongroots) wrote2023-07-11 06:52 pm
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Not in such a diplomatic way!
Are you really that bad at drawing? I mean horses are difficult but that bad??
[ Daniel easily shakes his head. ]
It's fine. [ There's even a smile on his lips as he says those words. He understands the sentiment Robby is expressing there at the end, after all - especially when a lot of Daniel's own thoughts about this have felt so useless, like going around in circles and not finding out a single new thing.
But that's why he wants to show Robby it's okay. Robby's still so young - it's good if there's an adult to show him that it's okay to talk about things, to try and share feelings. ]
I know there's not much we can do about this place. [ UNFORTUNATELY.. Though Daniel sure wishes that was different too, since he's still very worried about Amanda and the kids - maybe even hoping they don't find out he's missing so soon, hoping that they're still away from the Valley on their trip. It might be the one upside to the argument he and Amanda had, if it's keeping her safe and away from Silver while he's stuck here. ]
But.. at least we've got each other while we're stuck here. All we can do is make the best of it. [ There's a slight edge to his expression, as if to suggest 'I know it's not necessarily easy or comfortable', but then he faintly shrugs. ] Have you had anything to focus on here that makes you feel a little better?
It's fine. [ There's even a smile on his lips as he says those words. He understands the sentiment Robby is expressing there at the end, after all - especially when a lot of Daniel's own thoughts about this have felt so useless, like going around in circles and not finding out a single new thing.
But that's why he wants to show Robby it's okay. Robby's still so young - it's good if there's an adult to show him that it's okay to talk about things, to try and share feelings. ]
I know there's not much we can do about this place. [ UNFORTUNATELY.. Though Daniel sure wishes that was different too, since he's still very worried about Amanda and the kids - maybe even hoping they don't find out he's missing so soon, hoping that they're still away from the Valley on their trip. It might be the one upside to the argument he and Amanda had, if it's keeping her safe and away from Silver while he's stuck here. ]
But.. at least we've got each other while we're stuck here. All we can do is make the best of it. [ There's a slight edge to his expression, as if to suggest 'I know it's not necessarily easy or comfortable', but then he faintly shrugs. ] Have you had anything to focus on here that makes you feel a little better?
youre still in the diplomatic lane
and i dont draw. not since i was 11? never been interested
and i dont draw. not since i was 11? never been interested
[ Something to focus... he tugs his lips aside, thinking about it. Nothing really feels like much (in reality, finding Mister LaRusso and having him around is what's made a big impact in his life here), but-- ]
I go to the gym with Mob, [ he answers...unenthusiastically, though he's sure to add: ] He was training to get stronger back home, and he's pretty committed to keeping it up here.
[ ...really, that guy just...manages to seem so content. Easygoing. What a guy. ]
And, uh... I mess around with the network? [ It's a weak follow-up, and again, he looks sheepish again, for entirely different reasons than the bummer topic previous. ] I dunno, what about you? There isn't a lot to do in this place. It's not even fun having free access to all the stores.
[ And by free access, he means free goods. ]
I go to the gym with Mob, [ he answers...unenthusiastically, though he's sure to add: ] He was training to get stronger back home, and he's pretty committed to keeping it up here.
[ ...really, that guy just...manages to seem so content. Easygoing. What a guy. ]
And, uh... I mess around with the network? [ It's a weak follow-up, and again, he looks sheepish again, for entirely different reasons than the bummer topic previous. ] I dunno, what about you? There isn't a lot to do in this place. It's not even fun having free access to all the stores.
[ And by free access, he means free goods. ]
[ Even though it's been hard to think about everything in the face of the surprise of speaking to Robby again now, Daniel did wonder just a little bit what Johnny told him - if Johnny told him anything, anyway. After speaking to the blonde, Daniel figured that the other was probably just trying to keep Robby as far away from karate as possible, even just from the very topic.
.. especially with what Johnny said. With Johnny's own feelings on the matter.
Daniel's gaze dips in a way that - at least partially - already answers the question before he actually tries to answer it. He stares at the kitchen floor for a moment, but then at the phone when he starts typing again. ]
Your father told me it was none of his business anymore after he got you out of Cobra Kai. He said we should leave it alone.
[ Looking back on the conversation isn't great for a myriad of reasons - certainly not least of which is Daniel feeling kind of ashamed of his own behaviour back there.
But something about the way Johnny seemed so uncaring about the influence it was still having on other kids still doesn't seem right with him, even when he disregards the stuff the other probably just said because Daniel came across like a raving lunatic. He might not always give the man leeway for his general Johnny-ness, but Daniel does realise he had a big hand himself in how that conversation went.
.. and look where it got him. Getting his ass kicked all by himself, then disappeared off to another city. Daniel wonders if anyone would've even found him there, were he not here instead now. ]
.. especially with what Johnny said. With Johnny's own feelings on the matter.
Daniel's gaze dips in a way that - at least partially - already answers the question before he actually tries to answer it. He stares at the kitchen floor for a moment, but then at the phone when he starts typing again. ]
Your father told me it was none of his business anymore after he got you out of Cobra Kai. He said we should leave it alone.
[ Looking back on the conversation isn't great for a myriad of reasons - certainly not least of which is Daniel feeling kind of ashamed of his own behaviour back there.
But something about the way Johnny seemed so uncaring about the influence it was still having on other kids still doesn't seem right with him, even when he disregards the stuff the other probably just said because Daniel came across like a raving lunatic. He might not always give the man leeway for his general Johnny-ness, but Daniel does realise he had a big hand himself in how that conversation went.
.. and look where it got him. Getting his ass kicked all by himself, then disappeared off to another city. Daniel wonders if anyone would've even found him there, were he not here instead now. ]
[ Something close to guilt forms before Robby can really establish why he feels guilty--because if he takes the minute to think about it, he probably is part of the reason his dad stopped getting involved with Cobra Kai. Him and Kreese always seemed to have more of the history, and between his breakdown and Miguel running off to Mexico, his dad must've figured that was the place he should focus from then on.
What more could they actually do about Cobra Kai? How do you stop a business from running, that provided nothing but wins in tournaments? ]
Everything just...it felt like a lot back then. The tournaments, the drama in-between; I don't know how it was for you two, [ when they were working together, or even in the time he was in juvie, ] but with me and everything going on with the Diazs, nothing ever feeling like it was getting better...
[ But Robby can't finish that. How can he, when he's saying all this to Mister LaRusso--who continued to try and fight, got his ass kicked for it? Trying to explain his dad, a man he's still learning, trying to know-- ]
It was easier to quit. [ --but in reality, only explaining himself as he looks at Mister LaRusso with a complicated, unhappy expression. ] It was hard to see a way forward.
[ ...and yet, it doesn't feel right to even leave it at, true as the words are. Because there's been time since he left, time since the exhaustion of dealing with Tory and Kenny has become worrisome again. He couldn't get them out by himself, no, not just by his words. ]
...but the students there need a way out, too. Silver was just as bad as Kreese--he didn't care how you won. And they, uh--they really changed for the worse. [ He tips his head aside. ] And me.
[ He's acknowledged as much already, but maybe it bears repeating, just the way that dojo can screw with you. So maybe, even if it's hard, even if it seems impossible--taking it out is always a cause worth fighting. Not giving up for.
Robby lifts his gaze, briefly lowered, back over to Mister LaRusso. ]
Did you find out anything? About Silver?
What more could they actually do about Cobra Kai? How do you stop a business from running, that provided nothing but wins in tournaments? ]
Everything just...it felt like a lot back then. The tournaments, the drama in-between; I don't know how it was for you two, [ when they were working together, or even in the time he was in juvie, ] but with me and everything going on with the Diazs, nothing ever feeling like it was getting better...
[ But Robby can't finish that. How can he, when he's saying all this to Mister LaRusso--who continued to try and fight, got his ass kicked for it? Trying to explain his dad, a man he's still learning, trying to know-- ]
It was easier to quit. [ --but in reality, only explaining himself as he looks at Mister LaRusso with a complicated, unhappy expression. ] It was hard to see a way forward.
[ ...and yet, it doesn't feel right to even leave it at, true as the words are. Because there's been time since he left, time since the exhaustion of dealing with Tory and Kenny has become worrisome again. He couldn't get them out by himself, no, not just by his words. ]
...but the students there need a way out, too. Silver was just as bad as Kreese--he didn't care how you won. And they, uh--they really changed for the worse. [ He tips his head aside. ] And me.
[ He's acknowledged as much already, but maybe it bears repeating, just the way that dojo can screw with you. So maybe, even if it's hard, even if it seems impossible--taking it out is always a cause worth fighting. Not giving up for.
Robby lifts his gaze, briefly lowered, back over to Mister LaRusso. ]
Did you find out anything? About Silver?
[ Robby, please don't say stealing isn't fun when you can just take stuff this easily--
Daniel understands the sentiment, though. Basically everything Robby expresses here. It's already really devoid of activities in this place for Daniel, so he can only imagine how much worse it must be for younger people, who are used to being even more active. ]
I've been helping out some kids. [ Daniel admits - something in the way he smiles faintly seeming to imply you know me, considering that's exactly what he did back home with Robby, unable to resist the call of a child who needs a responsible adult in their lives. ] It's pretty concerning to me that so many are here without their parents.
[ Robby included, though Daniel is - now he and Robby have made up - very much willing to consider himself as Robby's Designated Responsible Adult, which is more than most kids here have. ]
So I've just.. been doing this. Cooking for them, bringing meals over, checking in on them to make sure everything is alright.
Daniel understands the sentiment, though. Basically everything Robby expresses here. It's already really devoid of activities in this place for Daniel, so he can only imagine how much worse it must be for younger people, who are used to being even more active. ]
I've been helping out some kids. [ Daniel admits - something in the way he smiles faintly seeming to imply you know me, considering that's exactly what he did back home with Robby, unable to resist the call of a child who needs a responsible adult in their lives. ] It's pretty concerning to me that so many are here without their parents.
[ Robby included, though Daniel is - now he and Robby have made up - very much willing to consider himself as Robby's Designated Responsible Adult, which is more than most kids here have. ]
So I've just.. been doing this. Cooking for them, bringing meals over, checking in on them to make sure everything is alright.
[ Daniel does listen, even if he doesn't look in the boy's direction while he's doing so. Despite having spent quite some time in this place already, it's not like what happened back home doesn't still have its claws deep within Daniel, especially when he's had no one to talk about it, only idle time and more idle time to ponder all of it all by himself.
It makes it so easy to fall back into negative thoughts at everything Robby says. First the talk about Johnny - and maybe Johnny was the one in the right, maybe Daniel was crazy for continuing to fight, forever the one between the two of them who didn't know how to back then when he should, you couldn't leave well enough alone, you little twerp?
But he couldn't leave Cobra Kai alone. Not with what has been haunting his mind, the thoughts Robby voices here too. Cobra Kai is so bad. It's terrible for kids. If Daniel doesn't stop it, then more kids will keep getting hurt - just like Daniel was, all those years ago. (He knows how bad Silver is, doesn't need Robby to tell him, though he's keenly aware Robby has no idea just how well Daniel knew decades before getting beaten up by the man.)
And he lost. He didn't get anything done. He got people hurt, got Mike's store burned down, got his own ass kicked, then disappeared off to this place.
It looks like Daniel is wilting on the spot, only the fact that he doesn't want Robby to have to worry about him even further keeping him from just staying quiet altogether. The nausea still present in his stomach and the droning pain in his head sure doesn't help either. ]
He is the one who committed the crime Kreese was sent to jail for. He most likely set him up.
[ Maybe it's why his answer is relatively brief, despite everything Robby says. Daniel doesn't know how to address any of the rest of it that doesn't involve feeling like he failed in every single regard of his plan.
Especially in front of Robby. Robby, who got helped by Johnny, while Daniel was doing nothing but failing at the one thing he set out to do. ]
It makes it so easy to fall back into negative thoughts at everything Robby says. First the talk about Johnny - and maybe Johnny was the one in the right, maybe Daniel was crazy for continuing to fight, forever the one between the two of them who didn't know how to back then when he should, you couldn't leave well enough alone, you little twerp?
But he couldn't leave Cobra Kai alone. Not with what has been haunting his mind, the thoughts Robby voices here too. Cobra Kai is so bad. It's terrible for kids. If Daniel doesn't stop it, then more kids will keep getting hurt - just like Daniel was, all those years ago. (He knows how bad Silver is, doesn't need Robby to tell him, though he's keenly aware Robby has no idea just how well Daniel knew decades before getting beaten up by the man.)
And he lost. He didn't get anything done. He got people hurt, got Mike's store burned down, got his own ass kicked, then disappeared off to this place.
It looks like Daniel is wilting on the spot, only the fact that he doesn't want Robby to have to worry about him even further keeping him from just staying quiet altogether. The nausea still present in his stomach and the droning pain in his head sure doesn't help either. ]
He is the one who committed the crime Kreese was sent to jail for. He most likely set him up.
[ Maybe it's why his answer is relatively brief, despite everything Robby says. Daniel doesn't know how to address any of the rest of it that doesn't involve feeling like he failed in every single regard of his plan.
Especially in front of Robby. Robby, who got helped by Johnny, while Daniel was doing nothing but failing at the one thing he set out to do. ]
[ Robby tries to think about it, how many younger people has he seen compared to older, and it seems enough of a mix. Maybe the ratio doesn't matter more than Mister LaRusso's character coming through -- you know me, indeed.
It's that latter reason that stops Robby from questioning it, even just curiously. But he does scoff lightly, waving his fork up. ] Not a fan of the magical restaurants?
[ Imagine, being able to get whatever-you-want-food....and being thwarted by a dad man.
(Not that Robby's eager for the restaurant food, either.) ]
It's that latter reason that stops Robby from questioning it, even just curiously. But he does scoff lightly, waving his fork up. ] Not a fan of the magical restaurants?
[ Imagine, being able to get whatever-you-want-food....and being thwarted by a dad man.
(Not that Robby's eager for the restaurant food, either.) ]
[ His own cowardice peels back at Robby--pathetic, really, when he gave up over and over for what he played a part in. He didn't even think about it much; he never thought about what Mister LaRusso might've been doing, or thought about Cobra Kai as anything other than a brick wall. A dead end.
Tory was more stubborn than he was, and Kenny--he didn't even know who he was, now.
Mister LaRusso's message at least spares Robby from suffering too far in that mentality, though--because it hits him, wide-eyed and staring at Mister LaRusso, like he'd said the words himself. ]
Silver did? How-- why? I thought they... [ Does it even matter what Robby thought? He doesn't bother to finish, taking in a breath, but still trying to even wrap his head around it. Why is everything so insane? ]
How did you find that out?
Tory was more stubborn than he was, and Kenny--he didn't even know who he was, now.
Mister LaRusso's message at least spares Robby from suffering too far in that mentality, though--because it hits him, wide-eyed and staring at Mister LaRusso, like he'd said the words himself. ]
Silver did? How-- why? I thought they... [ Does it even matter what Robby thought? He doesn't bother to finish, taking in a breath, but still trying to even wrap his head around it. Why is everything so insane? ]
How did you find that out?
[ Daniel glances up from his food, staring over at Robby with an expression that perhaps isn't full on shocked or terrified, but there's definitely something about the man's widened eyes that indicates surprise. ]
.. have you been eating there, Robby?
[ On the one hand.. Even if Daniel didn't think about it yet, it would have been logical. Robby is still young, and it's not exactly like he found the boy cooking his own meals when he picked him up from his mother's apartment.. (Though it would've been hard to cook there anyway, considering the circumstances.)
But still, to eat odd magically appearing food--
Daniel doesn't really trust those restaurants, hence why there's the faint threat of upcoming fussing in his tone. ]
.. have you been eating there, Robby?
[ On the one hand.. Even if Daniel didn't think about it yet, it would have been logical. Robby is still young, and it's not exactly like he found the boy cooking his own meals when he picked him up from his mother's apartment.. (Though it would've been hard to cook there anyway, considering the circumstances.)
But still, to eat odd magically appearing food--
Daniel doesn't really trust those restaurants, hence why there's the faint threat of upcoming fussing in his tone. ]
No. [ The answer is immediate--not hurried, but by the way Robby's nose wrinkles with his reply, yeah, he doesn't think much about that idea. ] I stuck with ready meals. It creeps me out.
[ The restaurant thing, he means--which, clearly, he isn't a fan of it either. The way he doesn't even really like to think about it, his voice dipping. Brief, and while it doesn't really help anything to point out: ]
...everything else could be showing the same way.
[ He looks down at his bowl, and though Mister LaRusso obviously cooked it himself, there's still the ingredients involved. Though, clearly both of them have a preference next to a meal appearing right in front of them.
...it's still a possibility. ]
[ The restaurant thing, he means--which, clearly, he isn't a fan of it either. The way he doesn't even really like to think about it, his voice dipping. Brief, and while it doesn't really help anything to point out: ]
...everything else could be showing the same way.
[ He looks down at his bowl, and though Mister LaRusso obviously cooked it himself, there's still the ingredients involved. Though, clearly both of them have a preference next to a meal appearing right in front of them.
...it's still a possibility. ]
[ Daniel shakes his head in response. There's so little he knows about the entire ordeal as well, after all. Even if Robby didn't finish his sentence, Daniel is pretty sure his mind was going in the same direction as Daniel's own - why would they even bother to betray each other? Weren't they working together? Even way back, decades ago, they had been working together. That had been the entire problem, the entire cause for Daniel's shame, his broken trust.
There's already enough negative feelings trying to nest within him though, so it's a little easier to let go of that one for the moment. ]
I got something in the mail. A newspaper article about the incident. Someone wrote that the guy who got beaten up had lied. I don't know who sent it.
[ He did contemplate it being a trap by Silver, but-- the information had been right. And if he thinks back on his confrontation with Silver - not something he likes to do, but something that's burned into his brain all the same - then it's not like the guy seemed particularly happy that Daniel found out, or that he was trying to get Raymond to testify against Silver. ]
It's how Silver cornered me. I first went to talk to the guy with someone else, but then later returned on my own, and then Silver was waiting for me there instead of him.
[ Sorry, Robby.
Things were wild while you were getting distracted by your dad's antics. ]
There's already enough negative feelings trying to nest within him though, so it's a little easier to let go of that one for the moment. ]
I got something in the mail. A newspaper article about the incident. Someone wrote that the guy who got beaten up had lied. I don't know who sent it.
[ He did contemplate it being a trap by Silver, but-- the information had been right. And if he thinks back on his confrontation with Silver - not something he likes to do, but something that's burned into his brain all the same - then it's not like the guy seemed particularly happy that Daniel found out, or that he was trying to get Raymond to testify against Silver. ]
It's how Silver cornered me. I first went to talk to the guy with someone else, but then later returned on my own, and then Silver was waiting for me there instead of him.
[ Sorry, Robby.
Things were wild while you were getting distracted by your dad's antics. ]
[ Someone knew about it... unless it had somehow been Kreese, but for the moment he thinks about that, he wonders if Kreese would have sent mail to Mister LaRusso of all people. Would he? Granted, he doesn't have a good idea about the man to know what he would do.
(He had done his best to ignore the parts of Cobra Kai he didn't like, after all. Isn't Cobra Kai just about winning, and surviving?)
But none of this is right--Mister LaRusso shouldn't have been by himself. Robby knows that things can't be made different, you can't change what's happened, but knowing what they've left back home and the mess that needs to be picked up--it's a frustration in his throat he can't swallow down. He could talk to his dad. He could talk to Tory again, Kenny--
Instead, they're stuck here. And Mister LaRusso... the state of him sticks with Robby when he looks at the man (and he's looking nowhere else). There's a mess they've left behind, and what was Mister LaRusso drinking about? Being away from his family? Silver being closer to them than he is?
He stands there, with so little to give. ]
--He's not getting away with it. With you gone, and me disappearing too? That's gonna cause problems for him and put our families on alert if he's the last person that saw you. I know it's not good to think about, [ worrying too deeply about what their families are going through, what they might be doing, ] but that's not going to be it for Silver... and right now...
[ He's stepping over, closer to Mister LaRusso; bringing them a step away from one another, just to allow them still their own space. Chin tilted up at him, meeting his eye. ]
...you should take it easy. You can sleep some more--unless you want some food first. But you can use my room instead of going back to your apartment. Plus...
[ ... ] You're not alone now.
[ Robby adds it weakly--at least, weak in the attempted positive note, a smile tugging on his lips. He doesn't know if being alone was a problem for the man, or what truly had him close to catatonic out by the graves, and he doesn't particularly want to ask either, but--
but maybe it can mean something small. Some kind of comfort, instead of landing nowhere at all. ]
(He had done his best to ignore the parts of Cobra Kai he didn't like, after all. Isn't Cobra Kai just about winning, and surviving?)
But none of this is right--Mister LaRusso shouldn't have been by himself. Robby knows that things can't be made different, you can't change what's happened, but knowing what they've left back home and the mess that needs to be picked up--it's a frustration in his throat he can't swallow down. He could talk to his dad. He could talk to Tory again, Kenny--
Instead, they're stuck here. And Mister LaRusso... the state of him sticks with Robby when he looks at the man (and he's looking nowhere else). There's a mess they've left behind, and what was Mister LaRusso drinking about? Being away from his family? Silver being closer to them than he is?
He stands there, with so little to give. ]
--He's not getting away with it. With you gone, and me disappearing too? That's gonna cause problems for him and put our families on alert if he's the last person that saw you. I know it's not good to think about, [ worrying too deeply about what their families are going through, what they might be doing, ] but that's not going to be it for Silver... and right now...
[ He's stepping over, closer to Mister LaRusso; bringing them a step away from one another, just to allow them still their own space. Chin tilted up at him, meeting his eye. ]
...you should take it easy. You can sleep some more--unless you want some food first. But you can use my room instead of going back to your apartment. Plus...
[ ... ] You're not alone now.
[ Robby adds it weakly--at least, weak in the attempted positive note, a smile tugging on his lips. He doesn't know if being alone was a problem for the man, or what truly had him close to catatonic out by the graves, and he doesn't particularly want to ask either, but--
but maybe it can mean something small. Some kind of comfort, instead of landing nowhere at all. ]
[ The man's lips tightly press together for a moment. There's relief in the fact that he and Robby seem to be on the same wavelength when it comes to the meals in the restaurants - it's nice in a way that makes you feel normal, that makes you feel connected to something, even here - but there is the other point Robby is putting forward here.
One Daniel can't fully deny. ]
At least this way there's a human touch to it. [ Even if it changes nothing about the ingredients. But it did make the difference as to a meal Daniel can't even touch because it gives him the creeps and meals he at least feels a little more comfortable eating, when it all passed through his own hands.
He pokes with a fork at a piece of pasta before putting it in his mouth, chewing and swallowing it. ]
I helped a boy who was trying to stake out one of the stores to see how they were being resupplied, but it was no good. Nothing actually restocked or reappeared while we were watching.
One Daniel can't fully deny. ]
At least this way there's a human touch to it. [ Even if it changes nothing about the ingredients. But it did make the difference as to a meal Daniel can't even touch because it gives him the creeps and meals he at least feels a little more comfortable eating, when it all passed through his own hands.
He pokes with a fork at a piece of pasta before putting it in his mouth, chewing and swallowing it. ]
I helped a boy who was trying to stake out one of the stores to see how they were being resupplied, but it was no good. Nothing actually restocked or reappeared while we were watching.
[ Robby doesn't argue Mister LaRusso's point--even internally, it's one of those helpless facts about the place. There's no alternative than to rely on the resources, even if they're kept to a minimum. Food is essential, and if he was eating anything, he'd rather it be Mister LaRusso's cooking.
...even if he doesn't really feel put off by the frozen foods, either. Both options are way better than the restaurants.
The information the older man shares is interesting though--mainly, the idea of him staking out one of the stores. He's not surprised by the actual key part about it, since: ]
I heard that's normal. No one catches anything--things just happen, even to people. You heard about someone getting cuffs put on them? [ Robby doesn't know the details too well (what was the 'crime', even?), but it's a better option to bring up than...well....the murder thing.
He sticks his fork in, down to the last few pieces of pasta, almost dismissive in his tone as he admits, ] I thought they had to do something to our heads to make us miss how anything happens--restocking stuff, making food appear?
[ Ah, he can also share, pointing his pasta-skewed fork at Mister LaRusso: ] Me and some guys went down into the tunnels. That thing happened, where we got turned around.
...even if he doesn't really feel put off by the frozen foods, either. Both options are way better than the restaurants.
The information the older man shares is interesting though--mainly, the idea of him staking out one of the stores. He's not surprised by the actual key part about it, since: ]
I heard that's normal. No one catches anything--things just happen, even to people. You heard about someone getting cuffs put on them? [ Robby doesn't know the details too well (what was the 'crime', even?), but it's a better option to bring up than...well....the murder thing.
He sticks his fork in, down to the last few pieces of pasta, almost dismissive in his tone as he admits, ] I thought they had to do something to our heads to make us miss how anything happens--restocking stuff, making food appear?
[ Ah, he can also share, pointing his pasta-skewed fork at Mister LaRusso: ] Me and some guys went down into the tunnels. That thing happened, where we got turned around.
[ It means something.
Robby is right in his earlier assessment - that it's not good to think about those other things. Daniel has been desperately trying to avoid thinking of what happened back home and its consequences, even if his anxiety- and depression-riddled mind didn't give him an easy time with trying to ignore those things. But he doesn't want to think about what Silver could be doing now, whether he'd try to follow up on his threat despite the circumstances. He doesn't want to think about how worried Amanda might be, or the kids. Despite the fight they had, surely Amanda would-- She'd still notice, eventually, she'd still care..
And he's hurt her enough.
So Daniel still doesn't want to think about that, even now. It makes him feel a little childish, especially when Robby - so much younger than him - is willing to address it, willing to reassure him, even though that should be the other way around here.
But thankfully the boy gives him something better to think about. Something positive in the middle of all the things that threaten to make Daniel stand on the cliff side of losing his mind, between his worried about everything back home and his worries about this place.
And that positive thing is Robby's presence. His sweet care, the way he words things.
Even if so much changed, it's like nothing has changed at all.
Daniel did look particularly miserable, discussing all of this, but it's when Robby speaks those last words and stands closer to him and smiles at him that the misery fades a little from the man's features. Not fully gone, especially not in the middle of a half-drunk-half-hangover state, but..
He smiles.
It means something.
Daniel doesn't address it using his phone, but it's like his gaze and that small smile say just as much as words could. He isn't alone, indeed. He's glad he isn't alone, even if that gladness might be selfish, even if Robby shouldn't be here.
Instead, when he types on his phone, it's just for it to read out: ]
I should eat something first. But then I will sleep.
[ Like Robby was fussing about at him a few moments ago-- ]
I don't want to make you worry too much about me here. [ Even if Daniel is giving the poor boy way too many reasons to do so. ]
Robby is right in his earlier assessment - that it's not good to think about those other things. Daniel has been desperately trying to avoid thinking of what happened back home and its consequences, even if his anxiety- and depression-riddled mind didn't give him an easy time with trying to ignore those things. But he doesn't want to think about what Silver could be doing now, whether he'd try to follow up on his threat despite the circumstances. He doesn't want to think about how worried Amanda might be, or the kids. Despite the fight they had, surely Amanda would-- She'd still notice, eventually, she'd still care..
And he's hurt her enough.
So Daniel still doesn't want to think about that, even now. It makes him feel a little childish, especially when Robby - so much younger than him - is willing to address it, willing to reassure him, even though that should be the other way around here.
But thankfully the boy gives him something better to think about. Something positive in the middle of all the things that threaten to make Daniel stand on the cliff side of losing his mind, between his worried about everything back home and his worries about this place.
And that positive thing is Robby's presence. His sweet care, the way he words things.
Even if so much changed, it's like nothing has changed at all.
Daniel did look particularly miserable, discussing all of this, but it's when Robby speaks those last words and stands closer to him and smiles at him that the misery fades a little from the man's features. Not fully gone, especially not in the middle of a half-drunk-half-hangover state, but..
He smiles.
It means something.
Daniel doesn't address it using his phone, but it's like his gaze and that small smile say just as much as words could. He isn't alone, indeed. He's glad he isn't alone, even if that gladness might be selfish, even if Robby shouldn't be here.
Instead, when he types on his phone, it's just for it to read out: ]
I should eat something first. But then I will sleep.
[ Like Robby was fussing about at him a few moments ago-- ]
I don't want to make you worry too much about me here. [ Even if Daniel is giving the poor boy way too many reasons to do so. ]
[ There's a slight nod at the cuffs thing, though no verbal reply. Mostly since.. well, there's the murder thing kind of hanging over it, right, since that's what all those people were discussing on the network..
And that's definitely not a topic Daniel wants to bring up during what's supposed to be a fun dinner together with Robby. Even if the rest of it is kind of heavy too, sure - but at least it's not the sort of thing where he has to contemplate death, or the risk of the death of the person he cares about most in this place.
.. though it seems that the last thing Robby mentions gives Daniel some concern all the same. Not the same level of concern he'd have over Robby dying, obviously, but the emotion is still very visible in the man's eyes as he stares at the boy across the table. ]
You did..?
[ Not like he's going to tell Robby not to do that when it's already happened, and when Daniel gets that Robby would just want to investigate, that it's part of what he's like..
But there's definitely Worried Adult energy hanging around him as he looks at the other. ]
You didn't get hurt in any way, did you? Just turned around? [ Fussy.. FUSSY..!!!
Haven't you missed this, Robby. During the month you thought you were here alone. Or when you were dealing with the war criminal senseis. You can't get this level of fussiness anywhere other than with Daniel LaRusso, the man who looks like he might put a helmet on kids just for going outside. ]
And that's definitely not a topic Daniel wants to bring up during what's supposed to be a fun dinner together with Robby. Even if the rest of it is kind of heavy too, sure - but at least it's not the sort of thing where he has to contemplate death, or the risk of the death of the person he cares about most in this place.
.. though it seems that the last thing Robby mentions gives Daniel some concern all the same. Not the same level of concern he'd have over Robby dying, obviously, but the emotion is still very visible in the man's eyes as he stares at the boy across the table. ]
You did..?
[ Not like he's going to tell Robby not to do that when it's already happened, and when Daniel gets that Robby would just want to investigate, that it's part of what he's like..
But there's definitely Worried Adult energy hanging around him as he looks at the other. ]
You didn't get hurt in any way, did you? Just turned around? [ Fussy.. FUSSY..!!!
Haven't you missed this, Robby. During the month you thought you were here alone. Or when you were dealing with the war criminal senseis. You can't get this level of fussiness anywhere other than with Daniel LaRusso, the man who looks like he might put a helmet on kids just for going outside. ]
Yeah. There wasn't a train coming.
[ ...which Mister LaRusso didn't ask, and what Robby realises a second after the man didn't mean, which: ] We thought we were still walking that way, then we weren't. We were standing still close to where it happened-- every time. You don't get moved.
[ Which Robby sounds pretty sure of, and has reason to. They were going in there with some kind of plan.
Not that Robby realises the extent of this man's fussy adult worrying currently going on, because he's focusing on what people might be the biggest point of what he's sharing: ]
Strange, right?
[ You know. The magical forcefield thing, Mister LaRusso. ]
[ ...which Mister LaRusso didn't ask, and what Robby realises a second after the man didn't mean, which: ] We thought we were still walking that way, then we weren't. We were standing still close to where it happened-- every time. You don't get moved.
[ Which Robby sounds pretty sure of, and has reason to. They were going in there with some kind of plan.
Not that Robby realises the extent of this man's fussy adult worrying currently going on, because he's focusing on what people might be the biggest point of what he's sharing: ]
Strange, right?
[ You know. The magical forcefield thing, Mister LaRusso. ]
.. yeah. Strange.
[ Sorry if the answer comes out slowly, Robby. Daniel is kind of still distracted by the idea of his student being down there in the tunnels, and all possible dangers there..
Sure, they haven't encountered anything actually dangerous here just yet, but who knows. This place feels so eerie that it does feel like something could be lurking somewhere, even if Daniel doesn't know what kind of danger.
He shakes his head though, managing to shake it off.
(A little.
Honestly, he's more just pushing it down for now. As Daniel does with everything.) ]
I'm surprised they're even letting us try that in the first place. [ Considering how controlled everything else about this place seems to be. ] .. but maybe they wanted to send us a message that way.
[ That trying to escape isn't going to work. The idea makes Daniel frown slightly - though, let's be real, he never really was assuming the best of whoever trapped them here anyway. ]
[ Sorry if the answer comes out slowly, Robby. Daniel is kind of still distracted by the idea of his student being down there in the tunnels, and all possible dangers there..
Sure, they haven't encountered anything actually dangerous here just yet, but who knows. This place feels so eerie that it does feel like something could be lurking somewhere, even if Daniel doesn't know what kind of danger.
He shakes his head though, managing to shake it off.
(A little.
Honestly, he's more just pushing it down for now. As Daniel does with everything.) ]
I'm surprised they're even letting us try that in the first place. [ Considering how controlled everything else about this place seems to be. ] .. but maybe they wanted to send us a message that way.
[ That trying to escape isn't going to work. The idea makes Daniel frown slightly - though, let's be real, he never really was assuming the best of whoever trapped them here anyway. ]
It's a good message.
[ Robby has to concede to that. Just...turning you around, and making you barely aware you're doing it--it was a lot. It was freaky, and even remembering it now... Robby wasn't really certain of there being much they could do about their situation (not in terms of brute force), but that only confirmed for him how powerless they were.
It does make Robby quiet himself for a moment, as he feels that same response to the position they're in now--and if there's anything they can do, than sit around and wait. ]
Do you think we should keep trying to find out more? There's people trying to collect info and leave it around in case something happens to it--hiding it in places, [ he means. ] ...but I don't know what there is to find out.
[ Would them doing anything really help anyone out...? ]
[ Robby has to concede to that. Just...turning you around, and making you barely aware you're doing it--it was a lot. It was freaky, and even remembering it now... Robby wasn't really certain of there being much they could do about their situation (not in terms of brute force), but that only confirmed for him how powerless they were.
It does make Robby quiet himself for a moment, as he feels that same response to the position they're in now--and if there's anything they can do, than sit around and wait. ]
Do you think we should keep trying to find out more? There's people trying to collect info and leave it around in case something happens to it--hiding it in places, [ he means. ] ...but I don't know what there is to find out.
[ Would them doing anything really help anyone out...? ]
[ They're small motions of recognition, and they're enough--they're fine, when Mister LaRusso smiles. Because words alone are all they have, and maybe hope; until they can find more in this place, some better proof to Robby's point, or even a way out.
A way out would be good. A way back home would be really, really good.
The smile he gives back to Mister LaRusso is brighter, comes after his last message; after he's leaned off from the fridge, his hand now on its handle. ]
I'm worrying enough, [ he semi-chides, asserts, whichever way the man wants to take it. Looks at the fridge briefly. ] You want toast, a sandwich? There's meats in here. [ He tugs on the handle. ] You can pick what you want. I'll grab bread.
[ Which will mean them switching around, but hey, it'll be easier for Mister LaRusso to choose his sandwich (or toast) additions than for Robby to list out what they have. And Mister Larusso will probably feel better than if Robby babied every part of making food for him. ]
A way out would be good. A way back home would be really, really good.
The smile he gives back to Mister LaRusso is brighter, comes after his last message; after he's leaned off from the fridge, his hand now on its handle. ]
I'm worrying enough, [ he semi-chides, asserts, whichever way the man wants to take it. Looks at the fridge briefly. ] You want toast, a sandwich? There's meats in here. [ He tugs on the handle. ] You can pick what you want. I'll grab bread.
[ Which will mean them switching around, but hey, it'll be easier for Mister LaRusso to choose his sandwich (or toast) additions than for Robby to list out what they have. And Mister Larusso will probably feel better than if Robby babied every part of making food for him. ]
[ It's a good question. And that - despite the fact that the topic is relatively heavy - makes Daniel smile at Robby across the dinner table. Not because of what they're talking about, but Robby probably knows the man well enough to recognize the approval in that smile. It's approval just for Robby, because it's good to see the boy willing to think about all of this in the first place.
Atta, boy. ]
I think it's good to keep trying to find out more, but you also shouldn't push yourself when there's not much to find out. [ Like Robby said - he doesn't know what there is left to find out, and Daniel isn't either. When people are moving on to experimenting with death, of course he'd rather not have his student involved in that. ] Instead it might be a good plan to just keep your ears and eyes open to find out more if anything new appears. Maybe more of the city will open up.
[ Like what happened with the bank, apparently. ]
And if you ever worry about a situation potentially being too dangerous, you can always ask me to come with you.
[ Quite possibly the lamest possible thing you could offer a teen, Daniel.. Heck yes, adult supervision, so cool and fun. ]
Atta, boy. ]
I think it's good to keep trying to find out more, but you also shouldn't push yourself when there's not much to find out. [ Like Robby said - he doesn't know what there is left to find out, and Daniel isn't either. When people are moving on to experimenting with death, of course he'd rather not have his student involved in that. ] Instead it might be a good plan to just keep your ears and eyes open to find out more if anything new appears. Maybe more of the city will open up.
[ Like what happened with the bank, apparently. ]
And if you ever worry about a situation potentially being too dangerous, you can always ask me to come with you.
[ Quite possibly the lamest possible thing you could offer a teen, Daniel.. Heck yes, adult supervision, so cool and fun. ]
[ Wow, asking his sensei to come with him to dangerous places? ...honestly, despite the serious topic between them--and Robby hasn't forgotten that--the offer does make Robby chuckle, lowering his head for a second. ]
We sound like we're some kind of Scooby Doo gang.
[ It's not really 'some kind' of Scooby Doo gang when there's only one, but... you get the idea, Mister LaRusso!! Everything about this place, even investigating it, is entirely outside their wheelhouse.
Though, apparently, Mister LaRusso had been investigating Silver, so--maybe not for him. ]
We sound like we're some kind of Scooby Doo gang.
[ It's not really 'some kind' of Scooby Doo gang when there's only one, but... you get the idea, Mister LaRusso!! Everything about this place, even investigating it, is entirely outside their wheelhouse.
Though, apparently, Mister LaRusso had been investigating Silver, so--maybe not for him. ]
[ Robby, you should probably just be glad that you're making a cultural reference that Daniel actually recognizes.
(Though he's at least a little bit more up to date on modern times than Robby's own father ever was..) ]
I mean, it's still entirely possible that there's some evil person with way too much money behind all this. [ He dryly remarks.
Like most Scooby Doo villains. They're all Terry Silvers.
It wouldn't explain some of the seemingly more supernatural things Daniel has seen already-- but he'd still believe in that outcome, as ridiculous as it sounds. ]
You know, like the guy behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz. [ Daniel was halfway through bringing another piece of pasta to his mouth, but then seems to faintly freeze with a realisation, adding: ] .. too old of a reference for you?
[ Look, he doesn't know entirely what's hip and happening with the kids, okay!! ]
(Though he's at least a little bit more up to date on modern times than Robby's own father ever was..) ]
I mean, it's still entirely possible that there's some evil person with way too much money behind all this. [ He dryly remarks.
Like most Scooby Doo villains. They're all Terry Silvers.
It wouldn't explain some of the seemingly more supernatural things Daniel has seen already-- but he'd still believe in that outcome, as ridiculous as it sounds. ]
You know, like the guy behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz. [ Daniel was halfway through bringing another piece of pasta to his mouth, but then seems to faintly freeze with a realisation, adding: ] .. too old of a reference for you?
[ Look, he doesn't know entirely what's hip and happening with the kids, okay!! ]
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