Log: Ice Cream

[baruthumos]

Who: Omega Ai, Theta Ai
What: Eating ice cream and talking
Where: Ice cream shop
When: Saturday afternoon
Warnings: None



It's rare Omega doesn't have to give up chocolate ice cream to someone who likes it better. But they have about fifty gallons in the case, they can spare Omega a scoop or two. "I'm getting brownie bits. What do you want, T-man."

Comments

[trustandfireworks]

Theta looks up at him, frowning slightly at his answer. Everything about all this is so confusing, people reacting to things in weird ways and all.

'I... well I know he was upset about it, but if he was upset enough to get him to ask you to talk to me, then he must be more upset and there's more going on than I thought.

[baruthumos]

Understatement of the fucking century. "Don't worry, kiddo," Omega says. "Everything's going to work out. I'll make sure of it, okay? You just worry about school and maybe the twins."

Because kids need stability. They need to know everything is going to be okay. "How was your ice cream?"

[trustandfireworks]

Something's going on. Omega said he'd sort everything out, but then there must be something to be sorted out, right? But what? Why is he keeping it secret? 'What's wrong?'

'It was really nice,' he says.

[baruthumos]

"Nothing's wrong," Omega lies. "We just have to get used to the new normal. Like when a new school year starts."

[trustandfireworks]

'But you said you'd sort it out. Sort what out?' The more he's thinking about this, the more it seems something's up.

[baruthumos]

"That's where the metaphor falls apart kiddo," Omega says, thinking quickly. "Because you get a schedule that tells you where to go and when. We have to write our own schedule, and since we both have new jobs, Sigma's moved out, you and the twins have different schools, Beta takes you guys sometimes, and Maine floats around, well." Omega ticks each one off on his fingers as he speaks, and holds up his hands when he's done. "That's a lot of new stuff to juggle. It's all good stuff, but we want it to all fit together so me studying doesn't mean Delta comes home to the house looking like a tornado hit."

That's all true. But it's not the whole truth.

[trustandfireworks]

'Oh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense. A lot's been changing lately.' Some of it's good, some of it's less good. Less is changing for him, at least directly. Beta's joined the family and he's going into middle school, but other than that, it's mostly things happening to his older brothers which affect him because they're family. That's probably why Delta and Meg seem more stressed lately, no wonder they're worrying about him.

He rubs one of his aids as he often does when he's thinking, then shifts over in the booth so he's closer to his brother.

[baruthumos]

Omega recognizes the gesture and puts his arm around his little brother. "Whatcha thinking, Theta?"

[trustandfireworks]

He curls closer, reassured by the gesture. 'Just... I know a lot's been going on for you guys, and not all of it good.' He keeps fiddling with his aid. 'I want to help, but I don't know how. Or if I can.'

Sometimes it seems okay. But then Omega gets hurt or Delta's implants stop working and everything goes crazy and he gets reminded of how young he is and how little he can really do. Sometimes he envies the twins still believing everything's perfect unless it's bath time.

[baruthumos]

Omega squeezes him. "You're not going to like it," he says. "But what's really helpful for us is you staying out of trouble. For us to know that you are okay. And that doesn't mean not to tell us if something happens. But if you really want to help us, and not just look like you are, that's how."

He probably should think of something to at least feed Theta's ego before they have this conversation again.

[trustandfireworks]

He nods. That sounds like he could manage it. 'Okay. I'll do my best.' Starting with not complaining about going back to school.

[baruthumos]

"And when you get the list of things you need for school, bring it to me. We'll go get it, you and me, okay? No twins, no Gamma." School supplies and ice cream. Sounds like a plan.

[trustandfireworks]

'Okay,' he agrees, feeling better now. He loves his siblings, but Gamma's no fun on a shopping trip and having the twins means having to always watch out for them.

[baruthumos]

"So do you know what you're taking yet?" Omega feels like he hasn't made enough time for Theta this summer. That despite being home more than any other summer of Theta's life, he's let his little one down.

[trustandfireworks]

'Most of it's compulsory,' he says. 'Everyone has to do stuff like mathematics, science and English, but I want to try and do more physics stuff 'cause it's cool.'

[baruthumos]

"Physics is pretty cool," Omega agrees. Not so necessary for medicine, but for demolitions and recovery? He uses it a lot. "When do you have to pick a forgien language?"

[trustandfireworks]

'Yeah, I really like it.' It's probably his favorite subject. 'Um... Next year, I think?'

[baruthumos]

"So you have plenty of time," Omega says. "Physics is useful. Actually useful. Some of the other classes you have to take, not so much."

[trustandfireworks]

'I don't like history, it's too sad.' Couldn't they at least learn about Earth instead of how Adaptive had come to be so messed up?

[baruthumos]

"I never liked it either. Or English," Omega says. "I like math. They can't mark you down because they don't like you in math. You're either right or you're wrong. Physics is like that, too."

Omega had hated high school. And probably would have hated college too.

[trustandfireworks]

'English is okay, I guess.' He reads a bit slower than everyone else and sometimes everyone's moved on before he's caught up. 'I like math too, and I read that math and physics often go together when you do them more advanced.'

[baruthumos]

"Oh yes," Omega says. "I use math to figure out how big a charge I need all the time. And now, if you need help with your homework, you can ask me or Maine or Beta." That'll free up some time for Delta.

[trustandfireworks]

'Sigma helps when he comes over.' He likes spending the time with his brother, especially now he doesn't live at home any more. 'But I'll ask you if I need help and he's not there, thanks.'

[baruthumos]

"Alright, soda can. We should get out of here, let someone else have the booth." Omega slides out and stands up. "Think we should grab a tub or two to take home?"

[trustandfireworks]

Theta slips out of the booth, grabbing his helmet from under his seat. 'Yeah! We can have it for dessert tonight.'