chemistry experiment [video / filtered from Mr. Gold]

[4thdimensional]

[Cut to a desk piled high with papers and schoolbooks. They block the view for a second---at least, until his hand pushes through the pile and starts shoving them aside. Doc finally appears in view, goggles askew atop his head.]

Now that the latest calamity's past, hello! I'm glad most of you seem to be safe and sound---though I will say that a better backup plan might be in order if that stunt gets repeated. And now that it's worked, I fear it will be. An alternative power grid, perhaps? Costly and impractical everywhere, but maybe a little...

[He shakes his head, reaching down to shuffle what appears to be a stack of cover letters. Time to concentrate..]

I'm losing the train of thought already. I come to you with two questions. The first: do you know of any educational institutions that would hire this late in the year? I can offer to assist with finals, of course, but I'm hoping to fill a more permanent role.

And the second, more frivolous question: most of us know what the resurgence of red and pink heart shapes means, though I've never paid much attention to it. This year, I'm afraid it's required of me. And I wonder: as I understand it, it's a traditional day for a carefully planned date night and gift exchange between romantic partners. Are there any other nuances one should know before planning such a date?

Comments

[monge]

[See, he knew he felt like an idiot over in Science House for a reason. Only a smart person could ever understand all of that.

Thankfully, Komasan takes it upon himself to straighten things out for the more average minded folks.]

...huh?

[4thdimensional]

[Doc gave Komasan an apologetic smile. He might've gone a little overboard with the verbiage...nervous habit, clearly.]

I'd like to be a tutor or schoolteacher and I was looking for schools to apply to. And I'd also like to know what couples do for each other on Valentines' Day.

[monge]

Ah, I see. Well, there's this school I go to sometimes, it's made just for imPorts, zura! You should try that one, they'll probably want imPort teachers, zura.

[Now that he thinks about it, how many imPorts are teachers? The school would probably beg him to join...]

...What's Valentines Day, zura?

[Video]

[radventure]

[He's grinning at the talk about Valentine's day, but doesn't comment. ]

Haaaaave you met Professor Callaghan?

[Video]

[4thdimensional]

Briefly, yes, but I know he's a very private person.

[Video]

[pushtheboundaries]

[Guess who was alerted by a Max and is trying not to chuckle.]

Is that what they're saying about me.

[He can't even pretend to be mad or annoyed. He's just amused.]

[Video]

[radventure]

Ha, looks like he got my message!

[ Max grins down at the feed. ]

So Doc, here's a fun time travel conundrum for you to wrap your head around: Cal and I were born the same year.

[mathemagier]

There's an imPort school in Heropa you may want to check in with.

As for the holiday, there's nothing particular to know about it. The color scheme and hearts are all largely misleading. It's really just an excuse to spend the day together.

[4thdimensional]

As long as that will please him...I suppose it'll be all right.

I know he'd appreciate something quiet and private, not the dinners with gaudy decoration I see advertised. Are standard gifts appropriate?

[mathemagier]

Unless he has anything in particular against flowers or chocolate. In any case, the gift is meant to be something small.

video;

[dejerate]

Romantic partners? We can't just give chocolate to friends?

[Because Yuu. Has no such 'romantic partner'. But he has seen a lot of chocolate around recently, yes. Even someone as dense as he is is bound to notice.]

video;

[4thdimensional]

...I've never done it myself, but I don't see why not? So long as the meaning is clear.

video;

[dejerate]

The meaning? Oh. Of it being for friends? I hadn't thought of that....

[But then, Yuu rarely if ever thinks about this sort of thing besides the times Shinoa teases him about being a 'cherry boy' and goes on her rants about how the military needs everyone to have illicit relationships to repopulate back home.]

video;

[historiology]

Hm, yeah, someone else already mentioned that special school for imPorts right? I'm not sure if they are looking but it couldn't hurt to ask. I'm looking into university myself now. Probably with archaeology.

[But then he tilts his head, curious.]

That's what the chocolates were for? I mean, we have it back home but not this special day for it like that.

[He should probably look at doing something for Mikleo for it though, huh?]

video;

[4thdimensional]

I wish you the best in your studies! It's a wonderful field.

But yes. You're meant to give them on the 14th, along with another small gift. At least, as far as I've understood.

video;

[historiology]

Oh, thanks! I've always been interested in history and ruins. I'm not sure if the traps in the ones here might be more or less difficult than the ones back home but it's still going to be a way to travel and learn more even here.

On the 14th, with a gift....okay. I'll at least get Mikleo something then. I guess I'm still pretty new with this but it sounds like fun! Maybe I can make some for Nike and a few other friends too....or is there another day for that? For giving something to friends?

[dancermai]

[ This person sounds really interesting and there's one topic that she knows a little bit about. ]

Do you have a ...romantic partner? You should do something special that you know they will really like! Make them cookies!

[4thdimensional]

I do, yes! He has everything, and he can be difficult to please that way, but...

He doesn't know that I've landed a job in his town. We currently live far apart, but I'm moving into a nearby apartment, and perhaps that would be a way to spend the night.

[dancermai]

That would be so adorable and very romantic. If you surprised him by letting him know that you are suddenly very nearby, don't you think? You could invite him there not telling him what the reason was!

This sounds so exciting!

( video )

[drizzle]

[Upon hearing that Doc was asking for advice over getting a job at a local university, she was going to make a suggestion on the best way to get hired until she heard his second question. Don't mind Nike as her cheeks begin to burn. There may be some bashful finger playing at this point too.]

R-Required? Um, what do you mean by that, gramps?

( video )

[4thdimensional]

[Well. This is extremely awkward. Doc coughs lightly, stopping to pull himself together before addressing her.]

I have someone I'm...what's the phrase? Seeing. In that sense. So I'll have to craft the perfect date.

( video )

[drizzle]

Seeing?

[She has no idea of the double connotation behind his explanation, but....it sounds like he's interested in this person. Valentine's Day was a still new concept to her, but has an idea over its significance as she has been noticing the effects though. More like feeling it, really.]

Well, if you want to craft the perfect date, I suppose you could...um, go out and do the activities you both enjoy. Is there anything you both like to do together?

[video]

[aboveand]

Are you... asking what Valentine's Day is?

[video]

[4thdimensional]

No, no, I'm aware. At least as far as the cards and confessions aspect of new love.

It's more that I don't want to miss any associated dating rituals. It's my first time celebrating with a partner, and I'd hate to disappoint them by missing something that should've been obvious.

[aboveand]

That's really sweet.

[He means that too. Terry can appreciate making an effort for that special someone.]

As someone who's been a terrible boyfriend in the past, let me tell you the most important thing you can do, more than any of the way more romantic tips I'm sure you'll get from people is be on time. I can't tell you how many dates I've ruined or almost ruined by being late.

[In his defense, most of those times he was fighting someone trying to destroy Gotham, but Dana didn't know that.]