4th Caning // [ACTION] // Garden, Garden, Garden!

[ninjacane]

[Somewhere around House 55 (which is mysteriously unapproachable by most people due to a bit of help from Helios) is a humanoid rat working on his garden. It isn't too big, it isn't too small, but it's just the right size

Comments

[semper_cogitans]

[The latest - and strangest, right now - resident of House 55 may also be visible to Splinter. Gardening is something that Robert seems to have gotten himself a reputation for doing now, between the Memory Garden and his own personal hydroponics plot for Vivi... so he has no qualms with assisting Splinter with his own.

He's tending diligently to the tomato plot, carefully checking the soil even though he already checked it less than half an hour ago and the concentration of soil microbiota is abnormally low anyway.]

At this rate, I will become something of a botanist.

[ninjacane]

[Strange only because he is more "normal" compared to the rest of them.

Over time, Splinter has grown more used to the idea of Robert being "with" his son. He's not so apprehensive about him, and is more often friendly with him than not. If anything, Splinter knows how to adapt.

He smiles a bit when he sees Robert testing the soil again.]

Perhaps. ... The soil counts have not changed in such a small span of time, Robert.

[semper_cogitans]

[Strange is in the eyes of the beholder - though of course, Robert sees the Hamatos as significantly more "normal" than he is, in quite a few ways.

Likewise, Robert is less apprehensive about Splinter - over the time spent in Luceti, things have faded from a tense stand-off to something closer to the warm, approaching-familial relationship that a son-in-law might have... perhaps because Robert is the closest thing to a son-in-law that Splinter has had to deal with.

He smiles in return - sheepishly, this time. Splinter is observant...] Ah, well. I... I suppose I was just... wondering.

... This area is strange though, but I am not surprised - it is so very artificial...

[ninjacane]

[The bond isn't quite there yet, but it has definitely gone past tolerance on Splinter's behalf. He is still unsure of how to take all these changes in, but he is getting there.]

Ah, but nature has its way of making artificial things less artificial. It will simply take time.

[semper_cogitans]

[And that is all anybody could ask from either of them - a genuine attempt.]

I can certainly agree with that... [Robert stands up, regarding the leaves of the tomato plant he was just examining the soil near. It's healthy-looking, which is a positive thing.]

At any rate, the plants seem to be... thriving quite well. [And this is without advanced Terran nanoscopic fertilizers!]

[ninjacane]

[Splinter nods and looks back to the plant.]

I suppose this garden is doing well for my first time.

[He is a bit proud of himself, but he won't go bragging about it. The rat ninja is just happy to have a garden for him and his sons.]

[semper_cogitans]

[It's not like Robert could tell he was bragging even if he was - and as far as Robert's concerned, this is a good thing. Something worth being happy about - a real accomplishment.]

It has been... interesting getting used to non-hydroponic gardens...

Hopefully I have been something of an assistance, though.

[ninjacane]

[Splinter is humble. ... Unlike some of his sons, who will remain nameless.]

You have been an immense help, Robert. I am quite grateful for your assistance.

[semper_cogitans]

[And now it's Robert's term to be all humble.] Ah... thank you, Master Splinter. I just... am glad that I have been an asset to the family, rather than a detriment.

[Yes, he still worries about being a burden. He can't help himself.]

[ninjacane]

[Splinter blinks and looks up at Robert.]

You are worried about being a detriment to me and my sons?

[semper_cogitans]

[He always worries about this sort of thing, Splinter. It's just habit, now.]

Imposing upon your family the way I have... for the sake of protection? Yes... I am.

[ninjacane]

[There is a slight frown on his face now.]

It would be dishonorable to leave you in danger because of our enemies. You should feel no burden for being affected by our 'problems'.

[semper_cogitans]

Ah... [Robert focuses his gaze almost intensely on the tomato plot.] ... I am still thankful... and I know my p-presence must be strange to adjust to.

[He hasn't lived with anybody else in literally years. It's so very foreign to him.]

[ninjacane]

It is perhaps strange to adjust to, but it is not the first time we have had a human live with us. A friend of the family, Miss O'Neal, lived in our home after hers was destroyed after an attempt on our lives.

[Splinter sounds very serious right at the moment.]

We take the defense of those important to us seriously. Back home, friends are few and far between because it must be so. We are grateful for each friend that we have.

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert shivers slightly at the admission. So this isn't the first time... or even the worst.]

... I wish it was not so, though I... understand.

But thank you... I, likewise, am grateful for your family's protection and care. [Robert bows his head a bit, almost reverently.]

[ninjacane]

[It's amazing, really. A short while ago, Splinter regarded this man with absolute suspicion. Now, he's grown past tolerance and is quickly growing towards a certain... protectiveness. Not that he'd readily admit that to just anyone.]

It is good that my son has someone who can understand him. As Shakespeare once wrote, it is "Greek to me."