Father of Modern Robotics

{ DR. LIGHT RP. SELF INTERPRETED; GROUP EXCLUSIVE. }

[whistlingtheblues]

 “…You mean it’s not a storage room any more?” Blues asks, though there’s a note of weak but good humor under the teasing query. At the candid invitation, he takes a step or two forward and weighs his options. He could avoid the truth entirely, and continue to let Dr. Light have absolutely no idea what it is he does while wandering around the world, going on as he always has…

Or he could take a chance, just this once, on trusting the man who he still feels betrayed by, and in so doing take another step toward reconciliation. It’s a difficult choice; he’s managed just fine on his own for a long time, but… a part of him is tired of it. 

Finally, he sighs and girts his teeth, and nods his head in agreement.

 “Alright…but I think - I think we should talk over tea.”

[idcalism-blog]

Though the question was meant in jest, the words still stung. Did Blues truly think his father cared so little? Though Dr. Light’s expression remains rather neutral, there’s an unmistakable hurt in his eyes. Driving his first built away was one of his biggest regrets, right up there with ‘not trying harder to ensure Albert followed through on that second chance of his’, and being reminded of his failures wasn’t something the scientist enjoyed.

“It’d been untouched since you first left, actually,” He replies, frowning. “I had hoped you’d come home eventually, so I left it alone-- The twins weren’t allowed inside once they were created, either- Not until you reappeared and showed interest in rejoining the family.” 

But enough of that. Dr. Light isn’t interested in discussing the past unless Blues wants to. Not at the moment, anyways. Something much more recent has been plaguing his boy, something that must have been worse than their tangled web of a past-- Why else would he suddenly be willing to talk to his father about it?

“Tea sounds nice,” He replies with a nod. Personally, Dr. Light preferred coffee, but whatever Blues wanted! There’s a mischevious note to his voice next, a twinkle in his eye so similar to his sons’. “Roll baked cookies yesterday-- She says I’m supposed to be watching my sugar intake. But what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?”

[idcalism-blog]

whistlingtheblues:

“For a while, maybe,” Blues says, stepping inside the lab and watching his fa— the doctor with a wary but somewhat torn gaze. He glances over at the project briefly, then returns his gaze to the human before him, something in his shoulders giving away his mood. “I’ve been in Central America for a while, and I…” He trails off, fidgeting briefly like the twelve-year-old he tries so hard not to be, then adds, “And I need to spend some time here, instead.”

He doesn’t say what he’s been doing, what he will do again as soon as he can bring himself to plunge once more into the fray - how can he share this with Dr. Light, when he couldn’t even share his continued existence with the man for so long?

“…Thought I’d let you know.”

That will do. It will have to do.

“Oh, I see. Well. You’ll find your room as clean as you left it, at least-- Your sister’s been taking time to make sure it stays spotless, just in case you turned up again out of the blue. Make sure to thank her when you see her, alright?” He chuckles internally at the unintentional pun, though his amusement is short lived. Whatever happened in Central America was bothering his boy, and it was difficult to remain jovial knowing Blues was suffering. 

He might not be willing to talk, but it was Dr. Light’s duty as his father to at least try and get the issue out of him. He imagines Blues would be more willing to let him in than before-- So long as it doesn’t involve any repairs or maintenance. (Did he need any of those? Dr. Light wanted to ask, but he knew that unless the problem was life-threatening he would be shut down immediately-- And even then, getting his firstborn to admit it would be akin to pulling teeth.)

“You can stay as long as you want. I’m sure your siblings will be pleased,” He continues on, “I’m glad you came by to say hello. ... Did you want to talk about Central America? You look a little worn down, Blues. I’ve been working on this all day; I could do with a break.”

[idcalism-blog]

yo dr. light which one of your kids is the most difficult to deal with

Dr. Light is not amused.

“I’d be a disgrace of a parent if I answered this. My children are all unique and deal with things in their own ways, and understanding and adapting so I can help them when they need me is my job as their father. I’m not singling any of them out like that!”

[idcalism-blog]

"Dr. Light ... ?"

"Yes, Blues?”

The reply is absent-minded, Dr. Light distracted by putting the finishing touches on his latest project. Upon realizing he had addressed his wayward son and not any of the other children, the scientist drops his tools and turns to give the prototype a huge smile.

Things were... Still somewhat awkward between the two of them, but the last time Blues had been home had resulted in a rather long talk. It would be a while before their bond would truly be repaired, but steps forward were definitely being taken-- And the only way to continue taking those steps as to put in the effort.

“Blues! Welcome home! Staying a while this time, or is this just a quick visit?” The grin fades upon recalling his son’s tone-- Something seemed to be bothering him. Blues could obscure his face all he liked, but the fact of the matter was that Dr. Light knew his children. Whether Blues wanted to confide in him was another matter entirely, of course. His voice grows softer, gentler. “Is everything alright, my boy?”

[fortifiedforeman]

Heh- typical dad! It was inspirational how he worked so hard; and ol’ Gutsy did his best to take after that. Within reason, of course! There was a lot of Thomas that could be seen in Tenor; dedication, caring, love of music; next to Rock, Tenor probably also looked the most similar to Dr. Santa here. Except extremely buff.

Curious, Tenor does casually scan the documents from over his father’s shoulder. He frowns as he realizes what they are- because he’s seen them before. He had to stare at exactly that fine print some time ago, looking for the same loopholes; so that he could save his own siblings before he would be forced to send his own brother off to the incineration plant, where another one of his brothers would have to take him and the rest of the second DLN line apart…

But who could have been at risk? The only way anyone would have an expiry at this point is if an industry was shutting down; which seemed way too far off for any of his siblings… as far as Tenor knew.

Now he was worried. “Uh- what for, if you don’t mind saying?” Tenor started thinking as to who could be in trouble. Surely not any of the second-line DLNs, since they were already saved… Blues, maybe? Uh, was Blues even on the official government register anymore…? Hm…

[idcalism-blog]

The worried tone does not go unnoticed, and Thomas frowns. So Tenor had seen, huh? He’d thought his boy would know better than to read other people’s papers without permission, but he supposes given how much taller the robot was catching some glimpse would be inevitable. 

But to open up or not about this...? His eldest was honestly one of the best to talk to about some of the nastier aspects of the industry-- in fact, when the ninth line had been scheduled for decommissioning, Tenor had done all he could to help buy as much time as possible. It had only been thanks to Albert in the end that his children made it, of course, but... 

So far this was only known to himself and Rap. (As far as Thomas knew, anyways.) If Rap had been unwilling to tell even Time about his own imminent decommissioning, it was hardly likely he’d want his eldest brother in the loop. Thomas respected his son’s wishes, but lately it had been evident just how out of it Rap had seemed; Emotionally exhausted, lethargic... A touch volatile at the worst... At least one of his siblings deserved to know what was going on. Though biosterous, Tenor was also one of the most reliable of his siblings-- He would keep a secret if need be.

The scientist is quiet while he adds milk and sugar to his coffee (a touch more than Roll would approve of lately), gathering his thoughts-- And checking to make sure none of his other children would be around to eavesdrop. He takes a sip, then lets out a quiet sigh.

“I’d appreciate it if this didn’t reach any of your siblings’ ears just yet. Nor do I want you mentioning it to him-- Not until he’s ready to share it himself,” He begins softly, taking another sip of coffee. “But... With how much more rapidly the oil industry has been deteriorating than we thought it would... Rap is at risk. Serious risk. There’s still a lot of time left before an official expiry date will be issued, but I want to nip this in the bud while there’s still time; I don’t want him going down with the industry. Not after how close a call it was with your siblings.”

[fortifiedforeman]

“Y’might wanna watch what you’re doing, Dad!”

And saving the coffee from overflowing is Dr. Light’s eldest son, Tenor Light; gently tipping the pot back upwards with a finger. He greets his father with a big grin, and a bit of a scold; “Don’t tell me you’ve been workin’ a lot again! Y’know it’s no good if y’do.”

[idcalism-blog]

“Hmm? I– Oh. Oh, dear–” Thankfully, Thomas’ papers would be saved from ruin by his eldest (…again). Gosh, how would he ever get along without his children? (And for that matter, Thomas can’t help but wonder whether Albert’s children fuss over him as much as the Light clan does– Quick Man excepted, apparently. The DWN in red marched far too much to the beat of his own drum to give off the impression of a doting son.)

The scientist laughs sheepishly once he realizes what exactly had happened here and sets the pot down. These might just be photocopies of his actual work – which never left the lab, mind – but ruining them and having to make more is always more trouble than its worth.

…Well, these aren’t exactly work related papers in the first place. Should Tenor choose to get nosy, he’d find text upon text on the procedures and laws concerning Robot Masters and their expiry dates– And options available. Scribbled on the margins are notes– Some of them loopholes that might be exploited.

“Maybe just a little bit,” Thomas replies lightly, “But this is important. I have quite a few meetings coming up with officials in the next few weeks; It wouldn’t do to be unprepared!”

[idcalism-blog]

If one needs Dr. Light, he’ll be found pouring himself another cup of coffee, a rather large stack of files and important looking documents on the counter next to him. In fact, he’s skimming the contents of one as he pours-- Someone might want to get his attention before the mug overflows...

[idcalism-blog]

"Daddy!" Here you go Thomas, have your little Ice baby running to greet you. (cutewintersoldier)

“Ah-!”

Talk about a welcome surprise! The roboticist grins, setting aside his as of yet unlit pipe to offer a hug to the child hurrying this way. It’s been while since Flat has had a chance to come home, his work up north taking up much of his time. It’s unfortunate Thomas can’t make his way up there more often… Perhaps he really ought to be focusing on getting human teleportation to work as his next project!

“Hello, hello! Finally have some time off, Flat?”

[idcalism-blog]

“My, it’s certainly gotten cold out...”

Guess who’s just gotten home? Dr. Thomas Light, of course! The roboticist shifts a decently sized bag of parts and a book in his arms, nudging the front door to Light Labs shut with an elbow. 

[idcalism-blog]

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