#The author also razzes Harry for his sleep mask

[bumblingbabooshka]

From the Novel 'String Theory' by Kirsten Beyer. Harry's trying to sleep and Tom is refusing to leave his quarters unless he agrees to roleplay Captain Proton with him. Non-intricate, purely relentless rituals of wearing your crush down.

Transcript:

“Computer, increase illumination.” As the computer responded and the lights in the cabin rose to standard work settings, he continued, “You know it’s not a good idea to walk around in the dark, Harry. You might break something.” Harry was already back in bed. And just in case Tom intended to be exceptionally obtuse, he had reset his eye mask and placed two pillows firmly over his head. Perching himself on the edge of Harry’s bed, Tom checked the computer’s chronometer before saying, “Come on, Harry, you’ve been off duty for six hours already.” Through the muffling of the pillows Tom probably barely made out Harry’s “And I have two more to go, so get out!” But Tom was never this easily deterred. “Harry, do you remember that time you were trapped in a parallel universe or an alternative timeline or whatever back on Earth and only an incredible act of self-sacrifice, that resulted in my death I might add, allowed you to return to your proper…” “That wasn’t even you!” Harry screamed into his pillows. “Yes, but it was a version of me, and the way I see it, I pretty much saved your life, so…”