(no subject)

[i_speak_softly]

Who: not_meatbuns, semper_cogitans, and i_speak_softly walk into a lab...
What: Finding out what said mutant turtle looks like on the inside.
When: Today, November 22nd.
Where: The Battle Dome clinic.
Summary: Don finally gets around to those medical imaging tests he's been thinking about; Robert is delighted to assist; Litchi was not expecting to break new ground in medical science today.
Rating: G.



Don's first visit to the clinic had gone well - the now-absent Dr. McCoy had treated him brusquely, but in an equal-opportunity kind of way - but it still took him months to build up courage for the thing he'd been thinking about even longer.

He's always wanted to know what mutant turtles look like on the inside.

He has a vague mental picture: pieced together from diagrams of humans and turtles, from a visceral sense of where his organs are, from glimpses snatched while desperately trying to treat his brother's wounds. With the advent of the Battle Dome and its advanced (by 2006 standards) equipment, he finally had an opportunity to really know, and on some level he's disgusted with himself for putting it off so long.

Today he's finally steeled himself to do it. With Robert at his side, for moral support as well as technical assistance, he heads to the clinic. Once in the lobby, he'll wait nervously for a doctor to appear. As long as it isn't Ami or that Law person...

((Don -> Robert -> Litchi?))

Comments

Tag order's fine with me! \o/

[semper_cogitans]

Robert would be lying if he said he wasn't immensely excited.

This is different from his usual astrobiological research, to be fair. Don is not a subject, in the same sense of the word. Robert - obviously - has much closer, more intimate feelings for him than anybody else he has ever worked with or studied the anatomy of in a clinical setting. This is much more than just research, as much as it is his particular line of work.

This is also understanding his partner's body, on a level much deeper than he's been able to previously.

So he is humming with anticipation, still a little nervous himself but mostly for the various reasons that he's generally nervous, and not for the same reasons Don is. In fact, he's less nervous than usual, if anything - the Battle Dome clinic is a place he's familiar with, and one he's content to wait with Don in.

It's funny. When he first answered in the affirmative to Don's questioning so many months ago, he never had expected things to end up this way. But that was Luceti for you.

Now to wait for a doctor...

[not_meatbuns]

It doesn't take too long for the doctor to show up. Litchi has been checking in on the Battle Dome clinic as often as she can with Law out on missions, and so only a few minutes drag by before she walks into the lobby.

Both Robert and Don alike get a quick glance over when she steps into the room, trying to gauge if either is sick or hurt. She may not be the world's leading authority on turtles, but Don looks to be in good health, and so Litchi greets them both with a sunny smile. Any friend of Robert's is a friend of hers.

"I hope I haven't kept you both waiting for very long," she greets, heading over to where the two are waiting. "What brings you here today?"

[i_speak_softly]

Don has met Litchi once before, but between the time elapsed and his poor human-recognition skills, he doesn't remember her. He also doesn't know that she's friends with his partner. As such, he stands up to greet her as a new acquaintance.

"I'm Donatello, and this is my friend and advisor, Professor Hastings. We're looking for someone who can help us use the imaging equipment."

No need to explain exactly why until he finds out whether Litchi will be that someone: he'd rather not share his reasons with more people than necessary.

[semper_cogitans]

Meanwhile, Robert makes it clear he knows he the moment he stands up to greet her alongside Don. If his smile doesn't make it obvious...

"Hello, Doctor Faye-Ling."

... Then his tone will instead. It's personable and much more familiar than somebody Robert never met before would have gotten.

Still, Robert remembers what Don told him. Discreetness is imperative. And he's never outright told Litchi that Don is his partner... (Though knowing how he acts, it might be easy to guess.)

[not_meatbuns]

Litchi's memory has its own shortcomings, so Don gets a short, polite bow in greeting as well. It's better just to go along with the new acquaintance politeness just in case, even though memory is stirring faintly that she's sure she's met him before.

Robert's greeting only makes her smile grow a little wider.

"I can certainly help you with the imaging equipment." Although she's wondering why, she's not about to ask here in the lobby. Patient confidentiality, and all. "If you'd prefer, we could head to a private room to talk?"

[i_speak_softly]

Don would be very intrigued by the knowledge that, in Luceti, mutant turtles don't even qualify as memorable.

"Yes, please."

As he makes to follow Dr. Faye-Ling, he raises a questioning brow at Robert - You know her? He's aware now that his partner will more than likely understand nothing from this gesture, but he can't quite stop himself from doing it anyway.

[semper_cogitans]

Robert nods as well and files into step after Litchi and Don. At Don's eye-ridge raise, he... basically gets nothing. He's aware Don's trying to communicate something, but the exact meaning of it doesn't register, so he just gives Don a sort of helplessly-uncomprehending look before hurrying after the doctor.

[not_meatbuns]

Litchi leads the way back towards one of the empty rooms, smiling inwardly at the uncomprehending look on Robert's face. So very familiar. But she won't comment on it at all - she figures it's not her business to butt into unspoken conversations.

"I hope you've both been well? The cold weather seems to be getting the better of several of us."

[i_speak_softly]

Well, that attempt at subtle communication went terribly awry. Refocusing on the task at hand, Don explains what he's come here for.

"Pretty well, thanks. But as for why I'm here, I - I've never had a really complete physical, and I think it would be a good idea to do that before... before I'm not well."

[semper_cogitans]

Robert nods at that question, and ensuing sentiment, himself. "That, and it would be... prudent to have more access to information, before it becomes necessary."

As in, before things get to a point where Robert can't easily get consent or cooperation.

"Assistance would be, thus, greatly appreciated..."

[not_meatbuns]

Litchi gives her own small nod. "Yes, it would definitely be a very good idea. Preventative measures are always safest."

She has some experience working with a few different kinds of beastkin, but it's definitely not her area of expertise. Her smile turns a little apologetic.

"Although, to be honest, I think I may require a few tests just to familiarize myself. I hope that won't be too much trouble."

[i_speak_softly]

Don's expression darkens just a little. "What do you have in mind?"

[semper_cogitans]

Hrm. Robert isn't certain how much he likes this, but at the same time, he doesn't think Litchi means any harm by it...

"Would it be anything... invasive, Doctor Faye-Ling?"

[not_meatbuns]

"Oh, no, nothing invasive. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I only mean to go through just a few basic tests on blood pressure and reflexes and such." Sheepish laugh. "It's only just a little more in-depth than your average physical. I promise it isn't anything terrible."

[i_speak_softly]

Don glances at Robert, giving him a small nod before turning back to Dr. Faye-Ling.

"Dr. McCoy gave me an examination a few months ago. I think he left some notes."

[semper_cogitans]

Oh yes, that examination. Hopefully it would be useful for Litchi's purposes? Not that Robert knows much, if any, detail about it - hell, he hadn't even been aware it happened until fairly recently.

... Still, this is important. They need to get this right, and make sure that the outdated-to-Robert equipment is as safe for Don as possible.

[not_meatbuns]

"Ah! I'm sure he did, I'll just have to find your file. It should only take me a moment." After all, everything is very organized around here. She's sure she can find it pretty quickly.

"Aside from the physical, was there anything else you'd like me to address?"

[i_speak_softly]

"I -" He glances at Robert, and makes himself refrain from reaching for the man's hand. "I want you to use the imaging equipment on me. I want to know what I look like on the inside."

[semper_cogitans]

Robert nods at that, wondering just how significant the glance is.

"And, while I... have knowledge on how to operate the equipment, I... would appreciate a licensed professional to assist me in that regard."

There is an undertone of 'somebody I can trust' in that particular statement, too.

[not_meatbuns]

Don, you have just piqued her interest. Quite a bit. Inner science nerd is emerging.

She gives them both a nod, although it is a little more confident after Robert chimes in.

"We can certainly have that done. The machines we have are just a little behind what we had back in the city, but they'll more than handle this task. It may be good practice for you as well, Professor Hastings... or at least a more visual learning experience."

Learning opportunity plus chance to help someone? This is right up her alley. Robert may have to put up with lesson time on the spot here.

[i_speak_softly]

Don is watching carefully to see exactly what kind of interest he has sparked. So far, it seems to be the honest, non-personal-profit-oriented type.

"Do you want to start with the standard tests?"

[semper_cogitans]

Oh, Robert will be glad to teach Litchi whatever is necessary. In fact, this is something he enjoys too.

"Yes - I must admit, it has been... far too long since I did any proper work with the instruments here... I would be glad to do so again."

This is important for so many reasons...

And to know Litchi seems just as interested as they are is reassuring.

"Standard tests would let us calibrate all the instrumentation properly, so it seems the most logical place to begin."

[not_meatbuns]

Litchi nods. "Yes, that's the best place to start. If you're ready, Mr. Donatello, we can get started."

Interested as she is, it's pure academic interest. And she's not the kind to force anyone into anything they're not comfortable with. This is all up to the patient.

[i_speak_softly]

Oh, man, Don hates being called Mr. Donatello. But, resigning himself to this, he'll nod and submit to the testing as well.

[semper_cogitans]

That was something Robert figured out fairly early on with Don... but hey, it is a sign of respect, so it's better than the alternative.

"Would you require assistance, or shall I step aside for awhile, Doctor Faye-Ling? This is your area of expertise."

[not_meatbuns]

"You know, this may be good practice for you to get the basics down." Litchi, pausing in gathering up instruments to check basic signs, turns to give Robert a thoughtful look. "Maybe you could test reflexes for me... if, of course, that's alright with our patient?"

Nothing without your permission, Don.

[i_speak_softly]

In Don's experience, it's usually a sign of someone trying to talk him into something.

"... Sure." Besides the fact that Don would rather be hit with a mallet by someone he knows than by someone he doesn't, he's kind of curious whether Robert will do it.

[semper_cogitans]

Robert blinks a few times. Reflex testing... doesn't that require striking someone, here? Terrans would hardly need to resort to such crude methods, but...

"... Erm..."

He picks up the mallet in question, eyeing it almost suspiciously.

"... Is there another method besides this, or..."

... It's clear he's reluctant to actually hit Don.

[not_meatbuns]

...Yeah, that probably wasn't the best choice to start him off on.

"It's more of a tap than anything and shouldn't cause any pain whatsoever, but... if you aren't comfortable with it, maybe checking temperature may be a better place to start?"

[i_speak_softly]

Don looks faintly alarmed at this suggestion, and quickly takes off his kneepads. "Ah, no. Reflexes first." To Robert he adds: "Do it from the side."

[semper_cogitans]

Another impossibly-long moment passes where Robert regards the shape of his partner's knee, trying to find the best place to do this to minimize pain.

Finally, and awkwardly, he holds the mallet in shaky fingers and... hits Don in the knee, cringing even at the light strike.

...

It probably didn't even impact hard enough to get a reaction, honestly.

[not_meatbuns]

Not that she expected much else, but... Robert, what is she going to do with you?

[i_speak_softly]

That wasn't enough to trigger his trained reflexes, let alone his physiological ones.

A silent moment ensues during which Don stares down at his leg, as though waiting for some kind of delayed reaction. When none is forthcoming, he raises his eyes to Robert, giving the scientist a baleful look.

[semper_cogitans]

...

Well, that didn't go very well, did it?

Robert frowns awkwardly, meeting Don's gaze with an uncomfortable sort of apologetic look.

"... I... did not want to harm you."

... Honestly, Robert, at that strength the blow wouldn't even have harmed a fly, let alone Don.

[not_meatbuns]

Fighting down a sheepish laugh, Litchi shakes her head. "It won't do any harm to him, Professor Hastings. I promise."

Especially if he keeps up with feeble taps like that.

[i_speak_softly]

Don should probably have a conversation with Robert about his pain thresholds. On the other hand, finding out what Don considers to be "not really that painful" would almost certainly give the Terran conniptions.

For now, he'll just offer an encouraging smile. Try again?

[semper_cogitans]

He might as well.

After a brief pause, Robert readjusts his position, shifts the hammer in his hand, sets his jaw briefly and strikes Don's knee again - much less shakily and more direct this time. It's... a significant improvement, but he does look guilty about it.

[not_meatbuns]

That's more like it. She'll make an assistant out of you yet, Robert.

She'll just be noting any reflexes over here.

[i_speak_softly]

Human-like reflexes here! Don's leg bounces at the knee-tap, and he looks delighted with this result.

[semper_cogitans]

Robert wasn't certain what he'd been expecting, but it is interesting to see his leg react in the same way a human's might.

"... I... hope that was more effective," Robert says, still a little nervous. "And... not uncomfortable...?"

[not_meatbuns]

"Much more effective, yes." Litchi is proud of you, Robert.

[i_speak_softly]

Don nods vaguely, because how can he answer that? Anyway, his mind is more on what Dr. Faye-Ling might ask him next.

[semper_cogitans]

Drawing away obediently, Robert stands up and replaces the hammer on the countertop, obediently awaiting the next task. Don doesn't seem to be bothered so far...

"... What is the... next step in the procedure?"