grabaslice | IC INBOX

I wasn't serious, Leo. There were no threats.

And there won't be, so don't worry.

Alright. [Passingly suspicious.] I'm not gonna rock the boat about your health this time. I think... we all need a breather on that.

How are things with Bucky? He adjusting okay? I saw him at a cat cafe recently.

Good. [Not mentioning Casey wants to hang out on a certain day, because if Casey wants Leo there the teen will tell him. Or so Donnie thinks.]

Uh, well... Good, I think? He asked me how people go about finding things that interest them. [A beat.] I might have panicked.

...Just how did you panic? [He was about to compliment his brother for encouraging Bucky, then Donnie hit him with that.]

I kinda of trailed off and didn't give much of an answer? [As close to him saying he doesn't know something that he'll get.]

[Leo sighs a little.] Donnie, I'm pretty sure he's one of the few guys who needs as clear instructions as possible.

I know that, Leo! Just... I was put on the spot?

[He manages to not sigh again. Somehow.] I figured, Dee. It's kind of a big question.

Did you ask what he's gotten into so far-? Check in on how it's going?

He's figure out how to use the relic, and some things in the apartment on his own. I haven't left him alone to his own devices, too much.

He definitely needs to figure out independence, but, it'll take a bit of time, I think. [The guy seems a bit confused as far as Leo remembers.]

Yeah, which I'm trying. [A sigh and then... Another thing he talked to Casey about comes to mind.]

... It's almost November 17th, do you want to do anything that day?

[If Leo remembers his dates, he'll figure out why Donnie is asking him that.

Yay deathaversary!]

[That question gives the older man pause for a moment. Donnie can likely hear him take a breath in, then release it.] Do... you want to do something? Like, just you and me or-?

We could probably just have a quiet night in if you wanted.

[Leonardo usually tried to keep himself busy when the dates of any deaths came up. Less chance of wallowing in the grief if he had twenty tasks going on at once.]

... Junior wanted to hang out that day, and I told him I'd ask if you also wanted to do something just the two of us.

[Honestly he'd just rather not think about it at all, but hey. Sometimes you don't get what you want when it comes to the people you love.]

So yeah, just us? Unless you'd rather it is all three of us. Junior seemed fine with that, but... I'm the one who suggested it be just one on one?

[The idea of all three of them being together again feels nice. Almost nostalgic given how... rough everything had become. He misses the good times.]

I'd like all three of us, but, that's up to you, Dee. I know you're both figuring out where each other stands right now. [Donnie should get final say on this day, if anything.]

... Do you want me to be honest, or what I think you need to hear from me?

[He... he's actually asking if Leo wants the truth or a mask, which isn't something he's ever actually done. Just always assuming what he needs to do to make sure his family is happy with him.]

I'd rather you just tell me if you can't handle something. [He says plainly back.]

[He's trying to be calm, to sound collected, but anyone who knows him can tell that... After he lets out a sharp exhale, this is bothering him.]

I'd prefer to just not acknowledge the day at all. But I can't, because Casey needs this, and I've been awful to him...

H-hell, other than not wanting to be caught lying to April? It was having someone who has no reason to want me alive saying they hope I don't die that... that...

[He just goes ugh, and mutters something about why is he saying all of this, and he is very emotional right now.]

[Well, this is changing gears quickly.]

Okay. You and Casey have a planned thing. Just don't force yourself to act like everything is fine. Casey isn't an idiot, Donnie. He'll see through it. You'll be mad at yourself and him, and things will go sour. [He says plainly back, keeping one part focused on something concrete and slightly less emotional.]

Do you wanna deal with this right now? I can kinda tell you're dealing with some big emotions right now.

I have to, Leo. [Also wow, he won't get mad. He is very good at hiding that when he wants to!!!

But that also is an answer to Leo's question to if he wants to deal with this. He has to.]

Donnie. [He doesn't want to make things somehow worse between Casey and Donnie.] This is a chance for you to bond with Casey again, but, if you hide how you're feeling, he's going to be hurt if he finds out how much it stressed you out. I'm not telling you to cancel. I'm telling you to be fair to yourself and him.

I'm... not hiding how I feel, just. You two need this more than I do.

[Like, he didn't actually mourn people who died during the war. Not normally, he just continued with what needed to be done, or in certain cases decided to never get that attached ever again.

So the fact he's even admitting that he knows Casey and his twin need this is something.]

We need it, sure. [He won't disagree with that.] I also know this isn't comfortable for you either.

My comfort doesn't matter here. [And there's the mask, sliding back on a little.]

Cut the shit, Donnie. [Leonardo says bluntly back. Seeing right through him.]

On that day, what do you want to do between you and I? You and Casey have plans, but I'm open to just acting like its another day.

I'm not... [Mmm, he is but he'd prefer to just.]

This for you, Leo. What I want doesn't matter here.

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