People Like Us Part III [MxFxM]

13

"So, do me a favor and remind me why we're getting all these records from storage? I thought you were looking into River's stuff?"

After Nathan's conversation with Ace over the computer, the first thing he'd opted to do was look into the sample information for the Changeless Mortals—luckily for him, some of that work had already been done years ago. He'd asked Michael about any samples he might be able to use, and Michael just made his life a little easier, telling Nathan they had a bunch of charts down in storage with sample analyses. The less Nathan had to wait for, the better.

"We are looking into River's organs and enzymes and shit, but there's a connection between the Nethers and Changeless Mortals—like myself—and Ace and I want to find out why. Something about sterility. So, I need samples and charts." Nathan explained, and to be fair, he hadn't told Michael much about why he needed the charts.

"So you're trying to figure out why you guys can't have kids, using River's genetic information." Michael summed up, nodding as he carried a stack of charts back toward the lab. "You sure do get busy, I'll give you that."

Nathan could only snort, not mentioning that he had to be busy. If he couldn't help River, then he could at least try helping something, or someone, else. With River, it was a waiting game. At least with his current project Nathan was only held back by how quickly he could go through information and piece things together.

"I might be camped out in your office for a little while," he told Michael, glancing over at the other man and shrugging, only a little apologetic.

"Yeah, I thought as much. Just do me a favor and go home when you start nodding off. No sleeping in my office." Michael replied, then rolled his eyes. "Not like that'll be an issue, for you. You're, what, 80% coffee at this point?"

"More or less." Nathan muttered.

Really? Everyone had to comment on the coffee intake?

Michael at least didn't continue the topic and helped Nathan with the charts quietly for the rest of the walk back to the lab, both men depositing ten decently-sized paper charts on to Michael's desk. Once his hands were free, Michael shoved them into the pockets of his pants and sighed.

"Need anything else, or are you good for now?"

"I'm good. But I'll let you know if I need help with anything."

Michael nodded, but didn't respond for a moment, just looking at Nathan. It took all of two seconds for Nathan to narrow his eyes a little at the other man in response.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just crazy how you went from this little job shadower in my lab to the head of your own department in a new hospital. Shit, I mean you're an actual doctor now." Michael said, shaking his head a little. "Just crazy how time flies, you know?"

Nathan didn't respond, mostly because he didn't know what to say. What do you say to something like that just randomly spouted off? Luckily for him, Michael didn't give a chance to reply, instead reaching and patting Nathan's shoulder a couple times before moving to leave the office.

"Good luck on all your fancy vampire research. Let someone know if you need more caffeine fuel."

The brief moment of nostalgia was replaced with mild irritation, and Nathan rolled his eyes as he moved to sit at the desk. Of course Michael couldn't have just left the office quietly. But Nathan had more important things to focus on, so he grabbed the first chart from the pile to start going through paperwork.