R36

[with_my_teacup]

[Shortly after this thread, Riddick walks out of his breakfast shift and back to his room. He will not be answering network communication. His door is locked but his friends' access is still active.]

[OOC: drop me a line before coming in if we haven't discussed this on plurk or IM]

Comments

[with_my_teacup]

Tired.

Just tired.

[He actually pats Arthas' hand when it's on his shoulder; his hand is sticky, stained with something pinkish-red. Not blood.

But wow that took a surprising amount of energy. It's like it's all just gone. He's really just... tired.]

[darknessb4me]

I know.

[It's not physical tiredness. It's deeper, and no amount of sleep helps.]

I can't cover your shifts. But I can check on your inmate. Walk the dog. Whatever.

[with_my_teacup]

[He gives a little nod. He'd been worried about that. He's grateful, even, but words are still dauntingly effort-intensive.

Partner having heard the w-word whines uneasily. Things don't seem right. He leans heavily against Arthas.]

[darknessb4me]

Yes, you.

[Then, to Riddick, serious but not harsh:]

How long?

[with_my_teacup]

[Riddick sighs. He doesn't know. Thinking about the trouble he's causing, the shift in the already volatile kitchen staff, is like having fiberglass under his skin. It itches, makes him feel more fatigued. Usually there'd be an adrenal kick to rip through his exhaustion-- but there isn't. He's out.

He shifts his shoulder. That rubbing Arthas is doing is kinda nice.]

[darknessb4me]

[More back-pets, then, as he waits to see if Riddick is going to answer.]

[with_my_teacup]

[He doesn't. He subsides into a drowse, closer to asleep than awake.]

[darknessb4me]

[Arthas' arm doesn't get tired - it can't - but he does get bored, and abandons petting to sit quietly on Riddick's bed, close enough for them to still have contact, back to back.

He'll wait.]