Work Text:
The soft buzz of the computer was the only thing in the apartment that could be heard over the low sound of heavy rain hitting the window, and the occasional thunder rolling over the city. The rain had been pounding for two days already, and there was little to do but wait it out.
He loved the rain and the peace it brought.
The blue glow from a monitor lit up Doc’s face as he worked at his computer. He could focus on his studies more. The room around him was dark. Only the bright screen lit the room with its artificial light. And the more he stared into it, the more his eyes started to burn. Yet, he didn't even think about taking a break.
It wasn't too bad so no need to stop!
His fingers tapped rhythmically across his keyboard without pause. The sound like a beat filled the empty silence of the room. His breathing was slow but steady. The soft sounds of his fingertips on the keys made it feel like Doc was alone. No one else in the whole wide world other than him in his small apartment. It was just him and his computer. Just him and the thoughts racing through his head.
That was until his eyes began to sting and water.
He rubbed at them furiously. It didn't make any difference though. Tears were falling down his cheeks. He let out a frustrated sigh. How stupid... Doc closed his eyes to soothe the pain. He'd be forced to stop soon if this continued. But he had so much to do! He had to keep working on his dissertation. If he stopped now, it would take him way too long to get back to where he wanted to be in his career.
Doc frowned, listening to the soft pitter-patter of the rain.
It was calming; almost soothing to listen to. Almost. He wished he could indulge in this simple pleasure for longer. Just the rain tapping against the glass and the quiet, familiar hum of machinery. They were like gentle whispers offering nothing but words of comfort. A warm voice that made him feel safe.
2B shook his head. He took another deep breath and opened his eyes again.
His eyes were still watering.
Great. Tears and a headache.
That meant he probably wouldn't be able to keep going. Though he wasn't planning on giving up so easily. After all, the faster he got this done, the faster he could relax and have some fun, maybe even watch a movie. So through his tears, he squinted and started typing again. His eyes stung more as he did. He blinked hard but kept on typing. He had enough determination to ignore his wet cheeks and throbbing head.
If there was something he had to do, he would do it.
Quickly, he got back into an almost trance-like state, focusing on his work. With every word typed on his laptop, the pain in his skull grew stronger, but his hand never faltered. Nothing else mattered except finishing this work. Once he finished it, he could go lay on his bed for the rest of the night. Doc again only heard the tapping of his keyboard and the soft buzz of his computer.
Everything else faded away.
He didn't hear anyone coming. Didn't hear any doors opening or anyone walking into his room. Didn't notice someone standing behind him. Didn't see the person reach over to turn off his computer. Didn't see the man raise a hand and touch his shoulder gently.
"I think that's enough for today, huh?" Doc jumped at the sudden touch and turned around.
"Hey, why did you turn it off? I could have still gotten something else done." He stood up and brushed himself off, trying to look more composed than how he felt.
"Sure, and the next thing you'll find yourself in a hospital" Hank teased gently, putting his hands on Doc's shoulders and guiding him towards the door. Doc wanted to protest and push back just to get back to his desk. But with those arms on him, he felt powerless.
"You look like you haven't slept in weeks. You need to rest" Hank continued, pushing Doc into the kitchen Doc grumbled under his breath and sat down at the table.
The last few days seemed like they flew by. Doc couldn't remember the last time he'd felt well rested.
"It's almost 4 am." Hank said, taking out some leftovers.
"I know! I'm a grown man! I can take care of myself" Doc said quickly sitting down by the table and slumping in his chair.
"Sometimes I doubt that. You look like you've been hit by a truck" Hank replied with a warm smile as they put a plate in front of Doc.
"I'm not that weak" Doc retorted sharply as he picked up his fork, stabbing at a piece of chicken.
Hank sighed heavily as they poured him a glass of water.
"Eat." He ordered quietly before walking off into another room.
Doc huffed in annoyance. It was true that he hadn't eaten much for... Who knows how long? But that didn't matter. He was fine. Even if his appetite wasn't exactly strong... He could eat anything right now. The chicken tasted like cardboard. Yet it was the best meal he ever tasted for a while. Doc quickly finished his plate. Gulping it all down with a glass of water felt refreshing. At least, the cold, crisp liquid cooled his burning throat and made him feel slightly better.
It was hard to admit... But he needed that.
"Not that bad?" Hank's gruff voice said when Doc finished the entire plate in record time.
When did Hank come back into the kitchen?
"It was nothing special" Doc answered nonchalantly, putting his plate aside.
Hank nodded slightly quickly going to wash his plate while Doc watched. 2B didn't want them to see how truly weak he was right now.
"Now... You need sleep." Hank stated softly once the dishes were washed and put away. Doc looked at the clock. It was nearly 5am.
Why was time passing so quickly?
The rain had finally let up a bit. Doc's eyelids drooped.
"Can't. Too much work to finish" Doc muttered looking at the floor.
"No, you need to sleep. Honey, please ..." Hank pleaded quietly.
Doc looked up at Hank.
His expression softened slightly when he saw the look on his face. This wasn't the first time he'd seen them truly worried over him. When he was sick or injured. Whenever he was upset. Doc loved the genuine concern he was able to show him. In those eyes, he was able to see something that no one else would be ever able to. The fear. The worry. And most importantly the love.
He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Hank's forehead.
His face relaxed and the corners of his mouth quirked upward ever so slightly. His eyes closed and he sighed happily leaning his head against Hank. Doc hated feeling weak... But when it comes to Hank... He'd swallow down all his pride and accept their help.
Hank quietly asked again. "Bed?"
After a moment of hesitation, Doc slowly nodded.
He knew they wanted what was best for him. And he was thankful for that. Hank quickly pulled up 2B from his seat. Easily, they pulled him up to his chest, carrying him to bed. Doc didn't try to fight the tiredness that swept over him. It didn't matter anymore anyway. He watched the grey walls pass as they walked to the bedroom. He rested his head on top of Hank's chest. He listened to the rapid beating of Hank's heart. It helped distract him from his aching head and pounding brain.
Before he knew it, he was already sitting down on their bed. Of course. It shouldn't be surprising. It was such a small and cramped apartment... Yet it was what he loved. Just enough space for both of them. The cluttered space made it that more cozy.
Without a word, Hank slipped his hands under his shirt. They moved carefully and gently against his skin as he pulled up the fabric to take it off. He shivered as cool air kissed the exposed areas of his skin.
The thought of the warm blankets along with his partner was even more appealing now... Soon.
Doc watched as Hank slipped their hands down his sides. Slowly they reached the bottom of his pants. His fingers ever so gently brushed against his exposed skin. Hank was careful not to touch the sensitive parts of his body. Doc sighed.
This was really comforting.
Nothing could soothe him quite as his partner did. Then Hank lifted his legs and slid them out of the tight, uncomfortable material. As Hank tossed his pants onto the chair by the bed, Doc kicked his socks off before sliding in beneath the covers. He groaned with relief.
Hank quickly followed and climbed into the bed too.
Hank pulled Doc close and wrapped an arm around him protectively while pulling the cover around him. They buried his nose in Doc's hair and breathed him in.
Finally.
Warmth.
Comfort.
Safety.
This was the perfect state to fall asleep in. Warm arms, soft pillows, the earthy smell of Hank's body and the sound of his heartbeat. It was perfect. He could stay here forever.
Closing his eyes, he placed a gentle kiss on Hank's collarbone and nestled closer, letting the familiar feeling overtake him.
"Thank you, my darling." Doc whispered before letting his eyes flutter shut.
Then silence.
Slowly, everything began to fade.
The warmth of his bed and Hank's arms began to leave, replaced by a coldness he could barely recognize anymore. Doc struggled to grip at the warm covers he felt not so long ago, yet his fingers found nothing but emptiness. He tried to open his eyes but there was only a pitch black darkness before him. At that point, he began to panic.
What happened?
Where was he?
Was he safe?
Was he hurt?
Was he in danger?
Suddenly a voice called out to him. A gentle, kind voice. The same voice that comforted him earlier and sent him to sleep.
"Doc..?" This voice made his whole body jolt upright.
This time, when he opened his eyes, he saw... A monitor? No... That couldn't be right.
Wasn't he in bed...?
Dumbfounded, 2B went to rub his eyes, but he was met with a glass barrier... He had goggles on... And a mask. He frowned and pushed all his headgear away.
He needed a moment to compose himself.
Closing his eyes again, he tried to focus on his surroundings.
He was sitting down, at a desk. His whole body ached and felt stiff. He could hear the faint sound of rain hitting against the window. And... That familiar buzz of machinery. Just like... Back then. In his dream.
Right... It was all only a dream!
He must have fallen asleep at his desk while working again. How embarrassing...
Opening his eyes he stared ahead at the screen in front of him. There were words on the screen and they were starting to make sense. Everything made sense...
It was only a dream.
An old memory. But a good one at last.
He felt his arm gently shaken and turned to see Hank standing next to him with a worried expression plastered on his face. Right, they were still here all this time. But... This felt oddly familiar now.
"Huh? What..? I'm fine. Just a strange dream." 2B reassured his partner trying to keep his voice steady and calm.
Hank eerily turned his head to the side staring him down. To Doc, it was nothing more than a mere question from him. It was all normal. Hank was just worried...
"Of course I'm sure... I was just tired. Must have dozed off. Nothing to worry about, okay?" He reassured as calmly as possible, smiling at his partner.
Hank seemed to relax slightly at hearing his explanation and gave a nod of approval.
"Why did you even come here..?" Doc asked, to which Hank gazed at him blankly.
It didn't take long for him to point at the screen. Specifically, the time displayed on it. Then, they brought up the same hand to his face. His fingertips brushed against his cheek. This made Doc shiver but lean into the touch. His hands were so rough. No wonder why, with all those scars and injuries... And yet somehow his touches managed to stay so soft.
Whenever they touched him, it felt like feathers dragging across his skin. Like silk, or cotton. Like honey, or fresh cream. They left a light tingling sensation in their wake. They always fascinated him. So soft and yet so strong. Such power. Such strength. Such tenderness. And with each touch, they sent tingles all over his body.
He loved it.
His focus quickly changed when he heard Hank speaking.
"Bed..." They said quietly.
His voice was so... Familiar yet so different at the same time. He recognized the low tone, but now it was so hoarse and raspy compared to what it was before. Nowadays, he rarely spoke. But when they Did, Doc appreciated it that much more. He still loved Hank's voice, no matter how messed up it got from his injuries. What matters most anyway is that Hank cared about him. He cared back then, and he cared now. He smiled at the memories. It was always so soothing.
Doc hummed as he took their hand looking down at it. "Maybe... It is a bit late hm?" He questioned, playing with the ring on his finger.
Hank simply nodded his head. His hand intertwined with Doc's own. The simple gesture alone filled Doc with joy.
"Maybe you're right... You want me to get some sleep don't you?" In response came a low whine, to which Doc chuckled.
Slowly, he stood up from his chair and kissed his cheek. Sometimes, he might be rough on his partner... But ultimately Doc loves Hank even for all the stupid shit he does.
"Fine then... You've been waiting enough, let's get to bed" Usually, he'd fight it more.
But not today.
Not after everything he was reminded of.
Holding his hand, they started to walk together. This had happened so many times already. Doc would overwork himself to the point of utter exhaustion, and neglect his every need... But then, Hank would always be there to pull him back together. They'd remind him to take care of himself too. To eat something, shower properly, sleep, take a break...
In return, Doc showed them that same care.
But in different ways.
He'd patch up their every wound, bring him back from nothing and then comfort him whether by touch or simple words.
Even if Hank doesn't say anything, Doc can tell that the love his partner has for him is present. It's always there. All the years they spent together... And their love was always there. It might have changed and grown with time but it was with them. That was something he cherished.
It was something that he wished he'd never lose.
Quickly climbing into bed, they snuggled up together. Their hands laced together underneath the sheets. It felt so comfortable and homey here. It always did with Hank.
"Goodnight, darling." Doc whispered softly with a small smile on his lips.
It wasn't often that he'd call Hank by the pet name he used to call him all these years. But it always made him melt. He felt Hank shiver against him.
".. L-Love you..." Came the immediate reply and Doc relaxed further.
That warmed his heart. He pressed a quick peck on Hank's forehead. With him, he wasn't afraid to rest.
However, this wasn't going to be the last time Hank has to personally drag him to bed. Doc would rarely do it willingly all by himself.
And... That was okay.
Because he knew Hank was still there to watch over him.
His eyes closed as he listened to the soft rain pouring outside. His chest rose and fell in the slow rhythm that Hank's breaths created.
He loved the rain.