Work Text:
The lab's atmosphere was frigid, despite Dottore’s coat swaddling you warm, it was simply not enough. Peering over, the segments and Dottore were working diligently and clearly focused on their task; leaving you to sit impatiently at his desk chair. The documents were scattered around the desk messily, pens and staples also adorned it, shining in the lamp's light. “[Name], stand up, I need to finish a report for Pantalone.”
You unreluctantly got up and stood awkwardly to the side before his hands gestured you to leave. Dottore, wanting to focus his attention on finishing his financial report to send to Pantalone, however you also want his full attention as of lately. Unfortunately Dottore wasn’t going to entertain your antics, your inconvenience would have potentially caused him more trouble as this financial report had to be done asap. “Dottoree” You whined once more, only for him to reply with silence. He was aware of your need for his affection, but his priority was on this report. “[Name], I will have to ask you to leave if you keep up with this disruptive behaviour of yours.” Before you could call his name once more, he used his free hand to rub his temples before muttering words under his breath. You could only say a few bits along the lines of “I cannot …this nonsense… when shall I… peace.” So you left, giving him his very wanted moment of peace.
Trying not to stomp out to give him his ever so strong desire of silence, if that's what he wanted, he shall get. He had been busy all week, excusing it as work commitments, leaving you wanting his attention even more than usual. Still realising that you had his coat, you peered outside the hallway window, the snow blanketed everything in the cool crispy white colour. You dropped off his coat on the outside bench of his lab, planning on going back to your place to get a proper winter coat. Maybe you will appreciate the silence just like he had just did, the alone time would be nice for both of you two.
To Dottore, the only distraction was gone, but the new noiseless atmosphere meant that you were likely plotting something. The report was finally making some progress, allowing Dottore to catch his breath, leaving a satisfied sign for a moment before it was back to work. The stillness in the air and that feeling of unease couldn't be shaken off by Dottore, where did you go and how come you haven't returned yet. Predicting by the half hour mark you would be back, sneaking in quietly and now bothering the Segments in replacement of him. But by the time he did peer over to a clock, you had been gone for over an hour. “Where could that specimen have disappeared off to now?” His question was rhetorical but an answer would have been nice. He smiled smugly as he pressed in the remaining numbers, the echoing of a calculator buttons and pen to paper were the only things that could have been heard.
✦
By the time it was done and ready to be delivered to Pantalone, Dottore couldn't shake off his concern for your absence. However if it was anyone else, he simply would not care, but this strange pit sat in his stomach, obviously it was just the stress from the report being done so late. Despite your presence being irritating at times, it was lonely not having you here. The Segments silently worked, sounds of clinking glass and metal clashing against each other echoed. Instead of your familiar laughter and your footsteps accompanying him, it was his own pair of steps. Attempting to shrug off the feeling made his chest tense up slightly, making him let out a sigh of discomfort. Regaining his focus, he made his way to Pantalone’s office.
Inside sat the Regrator comfortably on his leather chair, leaning back and staring back at his co-worker. Pantalone resumed with the discussion regarding Dottore’s report and other financial budgeting for the upcoming month. Reiterating that Dottore’s budget will be tighter due to ‘mindless spending’ and lack of concern for tracking such important numbers. Dottore felt as he began to zone in and out, was it from the strange tightness in his core and sudden drowsiness. Or was it from the boringness of the conversation feeling more like a lecture. Noticing the Doctors’ lack of response and mood, Pantalone dismissed the budget discussion for another day.
The descent back to the lab allowed Dottore to try to recollect what happened, even questioning his own actions to a certain degree. Why was he acting odd, but the idea of you being the center of his problems was quickly brushed off as he turned his awareness to other upcoming projects and Fatui meetings. Would it possibly be better if you were gone? His efficiency of completing his work would improve overall but at the cost of letting go of his darling [Name]? Is there a chance that he upsetted you that morning, the likelihood was higher knowing you. Reassessing his tone, and replaying the events didn't help much as the upsetting image of you crying kept reappearing. You would forgive him but the idea of hurting you even so slightly was worrying him, but his concern for your wellbeing did generate an uneasiness in him — what was his opinion of you, and why should he care?
By the time he did reach the doors guiding him to the lap, he saw his familiar coat that was previously wrapping you. The air felt thicker, he started to voluntarily breathe and count his breaths in his head while the pain of thinking of where you went swallowed him. Outside the snow was building smaller layers of that pure white, even opening a window would make you shiver up. You didn't need to rely on him and vice versa. He never needed anyone, Dottore was a man of one. However he couldn’t exactly deny that he did have some hints of love for you, even if he did not reciprocate it back. Your hands always seemed to wrap around him, your scent lingering around for longer than he wanted, small strands of your hair getting caught on his coat — all reminders of you appearing in his daily life when he looked closer, your presence will always haunt him even if you were not physically there.
Standing back in the lab, the questions only made him ponder more. But they had to be shuffled to the side as he had to prepare himself for other experiments that had been planned way in advance. Inside the Segments worked for a while until they noticed Dottore’s grunts growing louder while he mixed the chemical solution. The task was not difficult by any means, his weird choice of noise was the thing that made them stare. “Is everything alright Prime?” One of the Segments asked, before Prime could reply, he glared side eyeingly, silencing them.
Allowing himself to rest back at his desk, his hand covered his exhausted face. Not much was done today but his body was worn out from that lingering anxiety that never truly left. His breath felt heavier and it felt slightly harder to suddenly breathe in the air. “You look tired Dot? I told you not to burn yourself,” Your squeaked expression caught Dottore by surprise before his eyes drooped down facing you. You bent over his desk, both your hands supporting yourself, and that smile of yours, stared right back at him.
A small smile curled up before he came around to hug you tightly. His movements were fast and you almost didn't realise where he was. Dottore's arms were hot and felt cooling against your skin that was just exposed to the winter weather. Giggling, you couldn’t help but inquire about his sudden act of affection. You both stayed tangled against each other for a bit before he let go, not before using one arm putting you in a softer version of his chokehold, his other hand messing with your hair.
“Forgive me [Name] for my behaviour this morning. I did not intend for you to become so upset with me.” His tone was more lower, making it easier for you to hear, bobbing your head to the side in confusion before he reexplained himself. You also smiled back at him, as you completely forgot about that. “I forgot about that.” You Laughed. “Oh I just went shopping on your card, hope you don't mind.” Keeping his composure, Dottore brushed it off knowing that Pantalone would have a lengthy conversation again about his finances. But that didn't matter as long as you were happy.
Sitting on his desk while holding up your new outfits and justifying your choices, you were even so considerate in buying him a matching lounge wear set. “But I liked this pink over the one they had in store. I wish they restocked the other colours, I think it will pair well with these jeans too!” Dottore silently nodded as you held up the next top, resting his face on one of his hands. The thought of you did trailed his mind, his smile wider than before as the reassurance of you still being here was a testament that you did adore him deeply. Even if it meant that the next time Dottore visited Pantalone was for a lecture.