For Joan

[theodorelasso]

Continued from here.

(warnings: sexytimes. also, panic attacks, brutal violence, attempted murder, discussion of suicide and actual murder... )

Comments

[formersurgeon]

"That is an excellent point," she says. "Maybe everything worked out for the best." She smiles, thinking of Leibniz. "The best of all possible worlds."

[theodorelasso]

Ted smiles and makes a noise of approval, then falls silent for a bit, trying and failing to think of something to say as sleepiness slowly threatens to overcome him.

"...Do you wanna stay on the line till I fall asleep?" he asks softly. He'd just really like to fall asleep with her next to him, and this is as close as they can get. Besides... It's his first night on his own since what happened, and he'd rather not feel entirely alone in the dark.

[formersurgeon]

"I'd like that," she answers just as softly. She wishes she could be there with him, especially tonight, but this will have to do.

"I love you, Ted," she murmurs.

[theodorelasso]

"Love you too, Joan," he answers quietly, closing his eyes. Pretending she's next to him. "Mmm, I mean Ms. Fletcher," he adds teasingly.

[formersurgeon]

She laughs softly. "Right." She smiles playfully. "Gottfried."

[theodorelasso]

"Mmm," he answers, making a face. "Think I prefer Leibniz." His voice is getting more muffled as he gets sleepier.

[formersurgeon]

She smiles. "Leibniz," she repeats gently. She can hear his voice getting sleepier, and her voice gets softer, to help ease him into sleep. "I'm right here," she assures him. She can imagine it's hard to be alone after what he's been through.

[theodorelasso]

"I know.." he answers softly, gratefully. The sleepier he gets, the easier it is to pretend she's right there. After that he falls quiet, slowly dozing off.

[formersurgeon]

He goes quiet, and Joan can just barely hear his breath, slow and soft. She smiles sadly, missing him so much. She waits, listening to him breathe, making sure that he's asleep before she hangs up.

"I love you," she whispers once more, hoping his subconscious hears her.

She ends the call, then presses the phone to her chest, staring up at the ceiling, her heart aching.