(Untitled)

[flybywash]

Iiiiiit's inventory time!

If only that were half as exciting as the narration implies.

Datapad in hand and stylus behind his ear, Wash sticks his head into the infirmary and asks, "Simon, you got your check sheet done yet?"

Comments

[simon_doctor]

"Just about," says Simon from behind the cabinet door, around the pen in his teeth.

He sets down the last three canisters of foam bandage, takes the pen out of his mouth, notes down the final figure, and closes the cabinet. "One more drawer to tally and I'm through."

[flybywash]

"Did you include one stuffed rabbit with a shiny little embroidered heart?"

He eases further in and leans against the doorframe, folding his arms.

And not at all smirking. Not in the least.

[simon_doctor]

"No, actually," says Simon mildly. "I was going to ask you if you thought Naomi might like it, after I've detached the heart."

[flybywash]

"She'd love it."

Beat.

"You sure you wanna part with such a heartfelt and precious token of admiration, though? 'Cause I know if it was me I'd -- "

[simon_doctor]

"Don't be silly." It's perfectly deadpan, said sideways as he bends to open the last drawer for inventory. "Zoe would never stand for it."

[flybywash]

"Hey, Zoe wouldn't have to know."

(Pfft. She'd know within three and a half seconds, and everybody on this boat knows it.)

Pushing himself away from the doorframe, "Need any help with the last drawer?"

[simon_doctor]

"If you wouldn't mind?" He hands Wash the check sheet and the pen, and starts at the back of the drawer. "Surgical tape, three complete rolls, one partially used roll."

[flybywash]

Wash, with some effort, hops up to sit on the counter and drops his datapad and cane next to him. He scribbles down the results on the check sheet and gives the rest of it a quick once-over.

"Hell of a stock-up the next time we're in port," he mumbles to himself.

[simon_doctor]

"On the plus side, it doesn't look like we need anything we can't afford. Ah, disposable syringes, two."

[flybywash]

"Being rich is bizarre."

Scribble scribble.

"What do you think, cherries or watermelon if we make a fresh food run?"

[simon_doctor]

"Premeasured doses of adrenaline, five. Cherries keep better."

[flybywash]

"So that leaves the novelty of buying cherries planetside and watermelon when we need it from the bar. I approve."

He scratches the back of his head with the pen, briefly.

[simon_doctor]

A last few items ticked off, and Simon closes the drawer.

"And ... we're good."

[flybywash]

"Shiny."

With a flourish, Wash pulls the stylus from behind his ear and starts shifting the numbers over to his datapad.

Without looking up, "Maybe if we sent some of the cherries back to that secret admirer you'd get a less insulting stuffed animal next time. And for the record and benefit of your ego," solemnly, as he points at Simon with the stylus, "you look fine without airbrushing."

[simon_doctor]

Absolutely toneless: "I'm so happy to hear it."

A pause.

"It's not exactly a secret admirer. I mean. I know who it is."

[flybywash]

That makes Wash look up.

"You do?"