Marry me. [It's only mostly a joke, but Muldoon does get a tired kiss on the cheek as Casper moves further into the house. A ready meal is more than fine, he can't remember the last time he's had more than a granola bar or handful of trailmix.
He sits at the table and sets his glasses aside, rubbing his hands over his face with a sigh.] I should quit. Go back to New York, start lecturing again. [They both know he won't. He loves his work too much, and he loves the animals too much.[
[A half-decent meal has that effect on people. So Muldoon just smiles and gives Casper a small, encouraging nudge inside while he closes the door behind him. Then he follows the other man inside to sit at the table.]
I'd say it would be safer, and that you'd be a great professor. But I don't much like the idea of you being surrounded by pretty, young students, so I'm going to have to insist you stay. [He is also only mostly joking, but he manages a small smile with it.]
Besides, there are bad bosses everywhere. And you're the only one in the labs I can count on to have some common sense.
[Automatically, his foot goes out to rest against the side of Muldoon's ankle. Seeking that little extra bit of comfort.] Now why on earth would I be tempted by pretty young students when I have a handsome, mature partner at home?
[He sighs, already feeling a little more at ease just for being here.] So it's up to me to save the department? Oh dear, that's a lot of faith to put in me.
I would take trust. [He hasn't touched his food yet, but he will. Right now, being with someone he cares about is more important. He'd said being with Muldoon calms him, and he was telling the truth. Even just seeing a message from him settles his nerves.
So he reaches across the table to take the warden's hand, stroking his thumb over his knuckles.] I don't know what's coming next, exactly. It might be something good. I want it to be something good.
But either way, knowing I have you on my side? Helps immensely.
[Muldoon could be facing a looming threat and still being able to eat a full meal. It takes him a second to realise that Casper needs a minute, but once he does he leans on the table and holds Casper's hand tightly in his own.]
Whatever it is, I'll be here. We'll deal with it together, good or bad.
[There's a pause before he asks,] You're really quite worried, aren't you?
I don't like not having all the data. I feel like Wu is keeping something from me, and it's making my brain itch.
I can't make good decisions if I don't have all the information. Going into something blind bothers me. But this helps. You help. You're very level headed and no-nonsense. Straight forward. It's reassuring.
Is that me, am I so intelligent. [Finally, with a squeeze of Muldoon's hand, he turns to his dinner. Otherwise he'll get fussed at, he's sure. Though he still keeps his foot against Muldoon's ankle, since his hands are busy.]
Thanks for letting me come over and bitch at you. I've been... I dunno. Stress tends to make me shut down.
[That Casper asks, whether to joke or look for reassurance, gets a smile.] It is definitely you.
[Seeing the scientist finally start eating lets Muldoon relax a little. He doesn't want to be a nag, but... He does worry that Casper doesn't take care of himself.]
That was the nicest bitching I've ever heard. But you're welcome. We all need a break sometimes. I'm happy to remind you to take yours.
[Only after Casper has made a good start on his dinner does Muldoon follow suit.]
You don't seem like the type to shut down, though.
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He sits at the table and sets his glasses aside, rubbing his hands over his face with a sigh.] I should quit. Go back to New York, start lecturing again. [They both know he won't. He loves his work too much, and he loves the animals too much.[
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I'd say it would be safer, and that you'd be a great professor. But I don't much like the idea of you being surrounded by pretty, young students, so I'm going to have to insist you stay. [He is also only mostly joking, but he manages a small smile with it.]
Besides, there are bad bosses everywhere. And you're the only one in the labs I can count on to have some common sense.
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[He sighs, already feeling a little more at ease just for being here.] So it's up to me to save the department? Oh dear, that's a lot of faith to put in me.
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I'm not much for faith. But I know if I'm going to trust anyone it would be you.
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So he reaches across the table to take the warden's hand, stroking his thumb over his knuckles.] I don't know what's coming next, exactly. It might be something good. I want it to be something good.
But either way, knowing I have you on my side? Helps immensely.
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Whatever it is, I'll be here. We'll deal with it together, good or bad.
[There's a pause before he asks,] You're really quite worried, aren't you?
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I can't make good decisions if I don't have all the information. Going into something blind bothers me. But this helps. You help. You're very level headed and no-nonsense. Straight forward. It's reassuring.
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Not that I'm happy about not knowing so much, [he adds.] But having someone so intelligent on my side helps too.
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Thanks for letting me come over and bitch at you. I've been... I dunno. Stress tends to make me shut down.
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[Seeing the scientist finally start eating lets Muldoon relax a little. He doesn't want to be a nag, but... He does worry that Casper doesn't take care of himself.]
That was the nicest bitching I've ever heard. But you're welcome. We all need a break sometimes. I'm happy to remind you to take yours.
[Only after Casper has made a good start on his dinner does Muldoon follow suit.]
You don't seem like the type to shut down, though.