Well, good morning to you too, Zach!

I see you're sleeping in late. Trying to get the last few zz's in before the case? Probably a good idea… I know you're not a morning person. Sleep well?

… Yes. I really shouldn't have asked… I'm sorry. Force of habit. I always want you to wake up happy. One day, though. I know it'll happen. Give it time. If you want, you could go back to sleep. We have a few hours before we have to meet with…

… Zach?

… oh, good.

You worried me.

I'm still here.

Even your grumpy morning self can't scare me off. Some coffee will help you. Maybe we can swing by and get some breakfast. … I don't think they do room service here… not sure if we should anyway. The bellhop was a little flighty.

… And I don't want you to stay in bed all day. We have work to do! Oh, Zach. You'll be absolutely phenomenal. When have you never been? I'm always so impressed by you. Don't I always say that you mentor me?

You don't have to smile today if you don't have the energy. I got that covered. You just let me know when it's too much and I'll handle the small-talk. Oh, I don't mind. Take your time getting ready.

You know, some people are biologically programmed to wake up in the morning and others at night. It's true! A circadian rhythm and a good routine. Of course you know all about that, Zach. I'm always so impressed by your knowledge of the little things… but did you know that you can change it to where you don't need as much sleep?

Yes! It's called the Uberman Sleep Schedule! Interesting name. Reserved for something more than Superman or… ah, right! That's true, Zach! Superman didn't really need to sleep. We know that from the original Superman movie. Don't we? Remember watching it when we were kids? How we used to talk about Superman flying through the air and how it's strange his clothes don't fall off?

I think I finally have an answer for that. But we'll save it for when we watch it again after the case. It might surprise you.

Anyway, back to the sleep schedule. You take twenty minute naps every so often and you only need about two or three hours of sleep each night. Can you imagine, Zach? All the stuff we could accomplish? We could do so much together if the shackles of sleep did not hold us back.

Well, you already know so much. What's one more thing to learn now?

Ah!

Zach.

You impress me. You are right. We need our sleep. I can't imagine the things we would do if we only had a few hours each night. Perhaps that's why we need sleep all along— to prevent us from getting too ahead of ourselves.

Plus, I think the coffee tastes better after a long night of sleep. Cream, no sugar, right? Of course.

… Oh? Well. We still only need one bed. I guess it's different when you're sleeping alone. But there's something about sleeping with someone else that makes it… more restful. I feel better when you're near, Zach. Security in numbers, even laying in bed.

Yes. I'm glad to hear that, Zach. I know your nightmares are troubling and I'm glad to know that when I am here, they aren't as bad. You would do the same for me, Zach, I know that. That's how we are and I can't imagine a better life where you're not in it.

Do you remember when we were children? You used to cry into my arms until you fell asleep. Oh, Zach! Of course I don't tell anyone that! Your secrets are safe with me. But I was thinking… security in numbers, right? Maybe we still only need one bed.

Even if you're not here, Zach, I will always be. You're important to me. Even with two or eight or ten hours of sleep. After all, we're best friends. You'd do the same for me, I know. But I can keep holding you as much as you want, even if you can't hold me sometimes. I want to do that for you.

Why?

Zach.

You always ask me why. I keep telling you.

Because I care about you.

Why again?

Zach.

It's the same answer.

You'll believe me one day, I promise. Ah! I say that often. Well, because it's true! Have I lied to you before? Except when it's a birthday party and I know you'll love the surprise.

Zach. Please believe me. I care about you a lot. We're best friends. Do you think I would stick around this long if I didn't? You know I couldn't do this without you. If I didn't have you, I'm sure I would have been lost, like the case we had in San Diego.

San Diego? The man who had a penchant for collecting… that's right! Eyes. Specifically, blue eyes. You were the one who mentioned that to me. I would have been stuck forever. But you got it right away. Just like you always do.

Hm…? Superman movie later? Alright. Maybe if we wrap this up tonight, we'll watch Superman. I wonder if they get a good sci-fi channel out here. A full double feature with Superman and Ultraman! Wouldn't that be something!

I have no doubts about you, Zach. You'll believe me… ah, Zach. I sound like a broken record. But truly, I do believe it! You'll see. You are more important and special than you and I both know. I just know you're my best friend and that I will be here to hold you or tell you that you're more than you realize.

Anyway. Let's get back to work, Zach.