IC INBOX; MoM

[pushtheboundaries]

"You've reached Robert Callaghan, Headmaster to the Heropa Organization for imPort Education. Please leave a message with your name, your phone number, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. As a reminder, my office hours are..."

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[itistolaugh]

So what was it that set off the ol' ticker?

[ Tap tap tap on his chest. ]

[pushtheboundaries]

[silence.

silence and a frown. he's not trying to avoid talking about it, he's just trying to think of how to explain it. other than he got tired of being pushed around. of putting up with it, of bowing his head, of being angry and not being able to do anything about it-

he clenches his jaw, on some level recognizing the tension and knowing he should probably calm down, but it's all still so fresh and raw that thinking back on it...]

...one of the hours...it's foggy, but- everyone hated it. [almost everyone. didn't some not care? he reaches up to rub at his head, grimacing] Guess I hated it enough to crack right before.

[itistolaugh]

[ She frowns and rests her chin on top of his head. Shh, shh. It's okay. Calm down. Have some tits. ]

So what do you do now? Got your physio all set up? Got a shrink?

[pushtheboundaries]

[physio, yes. shrink...

well, the government is certainly willing to offer those, but he doesn't want one of theirs. maybe it's the programming, maybe it's something else, but he hadn't even given any serious thought to it until now.

and that's only because he knows Harley won't let it go. it's a testament to their friendship, though, that it serves as a start to him considering, and...then he exhales, heavily.]

I...could use a recommendation for the latter. If you know any good ones.

[whether Harley recognizes the concession for what it is, it's a large one for him.]

[itistolaugh]

[ She runs her fingers through his hair as she thinks it over. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I can get you in with someone. Not Chilton. Definitely not Crane. You aren't still having those little playdates with him, are you?

[pushtheboundaries]

And if I was?

[you know. hypothetically speaking. any puppy eyes are completely unintentional and created mostly by him trying not to focus on her tracts of land]

[itistolaugh]

That's over. It's not a request.

Next time he schedules some one on one time, you tell me and I will go sort him out.

[pushtheboundaries]

[oh, Harley. all he can think about is how you're the one who gave him the idea in the first place. he meets her gaze for a long few moments, then exhales and leans in to her]

That won't be necessary.

[itistolaugh]

[ She tightens her arms around him and leans her forehead against his. It's an awkward angle for her neck, but she's flexible. And stubborn. Maybe even more of the latter. ]

Not necessary because you're not gonna mess with him again, or because you think you can hide it from me if you do?

[pushtheboundaries]

I can't promise I won't- engage him, but no more sessions. No more visits. [that's something, right? he unconsciously tilts his neck to give her a slightly more accommodating position] Fair?

[itistolaugh]

Fair.

[ She trails light kisses over his forehead and temple down his cheek. ]

Oh, Robert. Robert, you are a lot of work, you know that?

[pushtheboundaries]

[he should probably tell her to stop. or stop her without words. instead he closes his eyes, taking a deep breath and - well, not quite relaxing. allowing himself to be soothed, more like. the attention...well, it's...nice.]

Not quite sure why you're putting it in, but...

[that's her own mistake choice]

[itistolaugh]

[ This tender moment ruined by: Phrasing.

She makes that awful I'm-trying-very-hard-not-to-laugh-but-I-can't-help-it-here-it-comes snrrKKKHH right in his ear. ]

[pushtheboundaries]

[wait, why is she-

are you serious. have a little snort, Harley, and a light push. up.]

You get the point.

[itistolaugh]

[ She'll loosen her hold, but she's not getting up. No way, no how, no sir. Unless he's got to pee or something. Maybe then. Old guys can't hold it in so good.

She gives him a quick, CHASTE, peck at the corner of his mouth. ]

You've gotta stop being surprised when I stick around.

[pushtheboundaries]

[you're gonna put his legs to sleep, lady. he rubs the side of his mouth, the faintest of smiles on his face]

Yeah, well- let's just say it's not a very big crowd.

[itistolaugh]

Quality, though.

You know I'm staying the night, right? I've got days of fussing over you to catch up on.

[pushtheboundaries]

I'm not that weak, Harley. Doctor says as long as I take it easy I should be able to resume most activities. [if he was an actual superhero, things would be different, but...]

[itistolaugh]

Robert. It's happening.

[pushtheboundaries]

I need to restock the fridge.

[not that she eats a lot but wow there's not enough food in there for two after him having been kept at the resort and him living off dry food mostly lately]

[itistolaugh]

Well, gee, I dunno how you're gonna do that when you can't get up.

[pushtheboundaries]

Well, if you're going to play nursemaid, does that mean you'll do my grocery shopping?

[itistolaugh]

I'll order delivery. Something healthy. On your card, obviously.

[pushtheboundaries]

Obviously.

[beat]

Not Mexican. I don't need to add heartburn to my list.

[itistolaugh]

[ She actually does get up now to go check out how dire the kitchen situation is. Enjoy your legs while you can, old man. ]

Geez Louise, is this all you've got? Aren't you besties with Martha Stewart?