[ Loud dad sneeze. ] ... Goodness. Must be the weather.

... Hm. Jayne tells me Birdling's not left his room in quite some time.

(Nc) Ground me? How can you ground me when you don’t even have custody?

@doctor-jay.bsky.social (nc) This your home father?

His name isn't short for anything.

I did not.

Good.

... Hmm. What was that, now?

Not so difficult for me, son.

It's his name, isn't it?

... Hm?

Birdling's name isn't so difficult to remember.

Hm. It seems we do see eye to eye there. I only ever want what is best for patients. And make no mistake, it was not accident that I got to the position I hold today. It takes much hard work and dedication. Discipline, too.

Quite the noble cause, I'd say. Though it is only the utmost basic of requirements in royalty that a Prince care for and protect his subjects. I'm not quite sure how much I should be congratulating you for it.

OOC : // If I'm gonna share excerpts of Robin's characterization in Level Up I also feel legally obligated to share him and Susie's interactions from the fic because this is some writing I'm still proud of (Yay We Love You Susie Yayyy)

I see. I see. Equally as respectable specialties. I briefly studied physics when I attended university, way back when.

[ A curt nod. ] You're welcome.

Hello, then, Doctor. Are there any... specific medical fields you specialize in?

... Very well. You have my word. I'll take care of him. [ He's lying. Not intentionally or maliciously so, but he is lying. Perhaps he doesn't even realize he is. ]

OOC : // Robin sucks really really bad but I do have to stress that he isn't 100% a one-note no-questions-asked evil dad and actually has. Complexities to him. Reasons why he is the way he is. He's an asshole but he's not actively malicious yk

. . . [ In a rare show of emotion from him, Robin's brows knit together in mild concern. ] I perish the thought of injury befalling my son. I am quite sorry to hear you've been having such unpleasant dreams lately. ... Are you, perhaps, concerned that I would not take care of him?

... Mm. And who might you be.

Stable condition. [ Curtly adjusting his glasses, maintaining his flat expression. ] ... I'm a little surprised, that you ask. Then again though, I've heard you've been visiting quite a bit. Trust that we are taking good care of him.

... Quite nice to hear.

Hmm. I see. I wouldn't have known, really, as it was rather quite hard to tell with that tone of yours, Prince. ... Quite the sad shame, isn't it. [ There's very little expression in his voice. It's hard to tell exactly what he's thinking here, or, if he's even being genuine. ]

Quite the odd way to introduce yourself, 'your highness'. [ The way he says it drips with cold sarcasm. Like father, like son. ] And what exactly do you mean by that? Is my title not worty of the most basic respect?

Mm. Same to you. [ He leaves as well. The air feels a little less still afterwards. ]

... Quite good to hear. I'd hope that I've raised him well. [ Rather bold words for a man who hardly bothers to even check up on his own son. ]

My... how polite. [ His voice is so deadpan that it's difficult to tell if there's any sincerity in it. ] Dr. Robin Jay. I am Birdling's father. I trust you've met him, yes?

[ Narrowing his eyes a little. ] ... Good. Good.

That fellow... He looks like that one obnoxious spam advertisement that my ex-wife was obsessed with, back in the 1990s.

Hm. I'm not able to say I'm familiar with the name. But I must respect a fellow Doctor. Give her my utmost regards.

... And who, pray tell, would that be.

It is 'Doctor', by the way. I went through much effort to earn the title. I ought to see it respected.

Hello. I trust that my son's been behaving his utmost best around you all.

Temp. pinned.