Forty-Fourth Theory [Voice]

[i_speak_softly]

Filtered to Friends and Love Interests of Hamatos || Not Up to His Usual Standard

Raph is back.

[It should be apparent from his voice and his merely-mediocre filter that he has been up all night. After his brief message, the recording continues for a few minutes, possibly transmitting the muted voices of other Hamatos in the background, before the feed cuts out.]

Comments

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don glances over his shoulder, then turns and climbs into his bed, not even bothering to get under the blankets.]

Only about 26 hours...

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Only? [Robert's tone isn't completely incredulous, but it's got the sort of very gentle chiding tone that suggests he'd rather that not happen. Still, it's an emergency and Don can hardly be blamed.

He sits on the bed next to Don, not sure how close Don wants him to be. He's completely wide-awake himself, and isn't sure if he can nap in this case... but Don is free to pull him close, if he wants.

His fingers brush Don's shoulder, and if Don doesn't show any signs of disliking it, Robert will rub it in slow, gentle circles. A tiny fragment of a smile steals over his face.]

Rest well, Don...

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Mumbled:] 've gone longer... [Sometimes even when it wasn't an emergency. You can reprimand him later.]

[For now, Don pulls himself close, snaking his arm around Robert's waist and burying his face in his partner's lab coat, where it lays in starched folds along his hip. He's asleep in minutes.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert has never been a turtle pillow before. He kind of revels in the oddity of this situation and how it's strangely nice to just sit there and watch Don breathe softly.

He hopes that his lab coat isn't too uncomfortable.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don dozes fitfully, while Robert does other things. In about forty minutes he comes awake, his interal alarm telling him with quiet surety that he needs to get up now.]

[He disentangles himself from Robert and sits up, glancing briefly at what his partner is doing before reaching for his own journal.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert is likely in the middle of some conversation at this point; he pauses briefly to smile affectionately at Don - a real, bright smile, although it is fleeting and the last one Don will probably see him make today. He doesn't say anything yet, necessarily; after all, he doesn't want to interrupt Don, and though the video might be off by this point anyway, it's still awkward.

Though the closeness is very appreciated, especially at this trying time... which will only get more trying in a bit.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don smiles back, weakly, and apparently unaware of the labcoat wafflemarks all over his face and arms.]

[He opens his journal to check his messages.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[They are cute marks so nobody minds.

Robert turns to Don and asks, softly, trying not to overpower his journal:] Do you feel any better now...? That... wasn't much of a rest...

[He's just being protective of you, Don. That's all.

It's not nervousness over whether Vivi's stuck somewhere or anything... or worse.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

I'm fine.

[He talks to a few people, briefly. Robert may hear him inviting Isamu to the house.]

[Before he gets up to check on Raph:] Um... Two things. Remind me later.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

... I am glad.

[He is... because he didn't know if he could stand to see Don sick or exhausted much more.

And Robert doesn't know Isamu, but he hopes that Isamu's presence will be a comfort.]

Oh? Certainly, Don... what did you need me to remind you about?

[Robert looks up at Don almost endearingly, unaware of how difficult it will actually be to remind Don later.]

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Just remind me I wanted to give you something.

[He puts the journal down and reaches for his gear. He wouldn't bother, but Isamu would surely abuse him for walking around without it.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Certainly, Don. I will make sure of it.

[Of course, Don will have to give Robert another something after this - support.]

Is there anything else I can do for you, or are you alright for the time being?

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

I'm fine. [If only by sheer willpower.]

[He gestures to Robert's journal and computer.] You can stay in here if you want.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

I will, for the time being...

[And he's going to... until this happens.

Then he's going to go crying to Don, eventually.]