3/23/07 // C!Envy and npc:Dr. Carter
Who: C!Envy and npc:Dr. Carter
When: 3/23/07
Rating: G
Category: Misc Happenings
Summary: Ren and Dr. Carter have a chat over hot beverages.
C!Envy: *steps outside the hospital room after waiting for Edward to fall asleep, shutting the door quietly behind himself and pausing a moment to make sure he has his wallet in his pocket*
Dr. Carter: *steps out of her office a few doors down the hallway, her coat slung over one arm and fiddling around in her purse as she walks*
C!Envy: *notices her out of the corner of his eye, smiling curtly* Good evening.
Dr. Carter: *glances up, slowing her pace and pushing up her glasses, nodding* ...Good evening, Mr. Elric.
C!Envy: You are here late.
Dr. Carter: So are you.
C!Envy: I was just leaving, actually. Only for a bit, getting things for Edward. I hope it is not against regulations- he will refuse the hospital food, trust me.
Dr. Carter: *shifts the coat on her arm* ...So would I. Have you tasted that stuff? *smallest ghost of a smile*
C!Envy: *mirrors the smile* I have not, but I can smell it. *wrinkles his nose* ...Thank you for that. I know he can be... difficult.
Dr. Carter: *nods in acknowledgement* Hm. I’ve seen worse. We can afford to be accomodating from time to time, so long as the other patients don’t find out. ...Besides... *raises an eyebrow* ...from the look of Edward’s file, you two are our best customers. Far be it from me to discourage you from coming back.
C!Envy: *smiles, looking away quickly* I am not looking to gain any special treatment. I have money, I know. Sometimes it it useful for... accomodations. I promise, I will tell no one. And knowing Edward, we will be back.
Dr. Carter: Mr. Elric, you’re already receiving special treatment. Frankly, it’s more trouble than it’s worth trying to fight the two of you. *quirks her eyebrows* Mm. Accident prone. ...Lucky for him, he’s a fast healer. *long pause* ...I’m going to get some coffee. Would you like some?
C!Envy: *sighs* I am sorry, I am just not used to, er... protocol. *smiles lamely* I figured you would notice how quickly he heals. Some coffee, or tea maybe, would be very nice.
Dr. Carter: Hm. *nods head in the direction of the breakroom, walking briskly in that direction* ...Notice? ...Mr. Elric, I’ve been reviewing Edward’s chart, and according to his file, the last time he was admitted he was human. *gives him a sharp glance* Of course I noticed, I’m a doctor.
C!Envy: *follows a step or two behind* He is still human. Mostly. *sighs* I do not think I have to ask you to keep this between us, and as few assorted staff as possible.
Dr. Carter: ...I believe I understand you. *turns into the breakroom, setting her coat and purse down on the table* ...His eyes have turned purple. They were not that shade yesterday.
C!Envy: *self consciously keeps from making eye contact* There was an- an accident. A couple of months ago. He is still mostly human, you may just notice he... heals very quickly.
Dr. Carter: *watches him out of the corner of her eye* ...I’ve seen stranger. *grabs a box of teabags and sets it on the table* Here. It’s cheap, but I’m told it contains caffeine. Mugs and kettle are in the corner, by the stove. *glances around, then fishes around behind the various containers on the shelf, shoving a can of generic coffee aside, retrieving a nondescript box* ...The coffee isn’t any better than the food. I bring my own.
C!Envy: Have you, then? *takes the box, carefully keeping clear of any discriminating expressions and filling the kettle* Thank you. It is not the caffeine, just... It is a comfort thing, I guess. You work here- why do you even have to eat the food?
Dr. Carter: You surprised? I’m a doctor in a hospital in a city that hasn’t been sane in a year and a half. What haven’t I seen? *grabs the coffee press, measuring out some of the coffee* There’s a cafeteria. All the food comes from the same place.
C!Envy: *half-grins* Alright, no. I am not surprised. But I am also not used to people acknowledging, I guess. *keeps an eye on the kettle, fidgeting with a teabag packet* I am sorry about the food. Such a large establishment should take better care of it’s employees.
Dr. Carter: I’ve never seen much point in denial. *sets the press aside, also waiting on the kettle, shrugging* It’s nutritional, at the very least. We prefer to spend our money on medical supplies.
C!Envy: A sentiment we share, I believe. And I do appreciate the attention paid to professionalism. This hospital has been very helpful to Edward, and myself by association.
Dr. Carter: Hm. Can’t stomach the idea of blundering about with eyes closed, right? *twitches the corner of her mouth* We’re just doing our jobs, Mr. Elric. *pushes up her glasses, quiet for a few seconds* ...I’m glad you appreciate it.
C!Envy: Right. *glances up, smiling slightly and moving to pour hot water into his cup, and then her coffee press*
Dr. Carter: *leans against the sink* Thank you. *taps her fingers on the counter, silent for a long minute* ...Your eyes weren’t green yesterday.
C!Envy: *toys with the string of his teabag, watching the steam* My apologies. Force of habit. *changes them back to the normal violet* You are very observant.
Dr. Carter: *presses the coffee, flicking her eyes up to his face and back down again* ...I’m paid to be.
C!Envy: I do not mean to cause trouble. I am only interested in seeing that Edward is taken care of. *takes a sip of tea*
Dr. Carter: *flicks her eyes up again* ...Should I have been expecting trouble? *grabs a mug, pouring coffee*
C!Envy: No, of course not. But people tend to expect the worst. *offers the trace of a grateful smile*
Dr. Carter: *holds the cup of coffee in front of her face, inhaling the steam and watching him calculatingly* ...The worst. ...Your eyes can change color, Mr. Elric. Like I said, I’ve seen stranger.
C!Envy: People are suspicious of things that are different. *shrugs*
Dr. Carter: ...True. *sips at her coffee, moving to the table and sitting down* I tend to find different interesting. ...I suppose that’s why I put up with this place.
C!Envy: *laughs softly* That is a healthy outlook, I think. Dr.Gregory is generally not so... tolerant.
Dr. Carter: *quirks an eyebrow* Dr. Gregory. Hm. The man’s brilliant. ...Can’t say much else about him. *sip*
C!Envy: Agreed. *drinks some more tea in silence*
Dr. Carter: *sip, silence* ...Purple’s not a common eye color. Are you a fast healer too? *crosses her legs*
C!Envy: Remarkably. *smiles amiably, having a sip of tea and quirking an eyebrow*
Dr. Carter: ...Interesting. *smiles just slightly, sets her mug down, tapping her fingers on the table a few times* ...And this makes you... mostly human, as well...?
C!Envy: Not at all. *meets her eyes over his mug*
Dr. Carter: *holds his gaze* Hmm. *pushes up her glasses* ...You understand why, as a doctor, the ability to heal quickly is of interest to me.
C!Envy: ...If you are even remotely entertaining the idea of trying to hold either of us captive... *watches her levelly*
Dr. Carter: Ha! Captive. *picks up her coffee mug, taking a sip* I am planning on running some bloodwork on Edward.
C!Envy: My apologies. Humans can be unpredictable at times. *nods an apology* Bloodwork? ...Authorized bloodwork or off the record? Last I checked, he no longer carried any sickness and wounds like his do not require such things. *halfway amused*
Dr. Carter: Authorized. By me. His condition is anomalous, I wish to look into it.
C!Envy: Yes, but to what end? If you wish to publish your findings and create any sort of publicity involving my husband, I am afraid I will have to object. Strongly. If it is just for you, I am not entirely disagreeable. Although you should ask him.
Dr. Carter: Hm. *turns the mug in her hands, thinking* ...I believe a case like this would fall under doctor-patient confidentiality. If I used any of the data, his personal information would not be published.
C!Envy: Confidentiality is something I am familiar with. I suppose it works well enough. What exactly are you going to do, if you do not mind my asking?
Dr. Carter: Good. ...I will see what Edward thinks of the idea. *sip* ...I don’t know, actually. This is a unique situation. ...I don’t suppose you’d have any idea where I should start.
C!Envy: *finishes his tea* You could start by comparing it to the blood that Dr.Gregory took when Edward was sick. I am actually interested in the differences myself. *frowns* There may also be some samples of my blood along with Edwards, which, if you do not have an interest in them, I would like you to destroy.
Dr. Carter: *raises her eyebrows* Dr. Gregory. I find myself unsurprised. I will speak with him. *swirls the remains of her coffee in her mug* ...And if I do have an interest in them?
C!Envy: If you do have an interest in them, tell me so.
Dr. Carter: *finishes off her coffee* I have a great deal of interest in them.
C!Envy: Then you have my consent, provided you keep me updated with any and all tests you perform. *gets up, disposing of his teabag and washing out the mug* ...You know what I am, right? I know that sounds sort of ridiculous.
Dr. Carter: I will. *sets her coffee mug on the table, watching him* ...I don’t. I could hazard a guess....
C!Envy: I am interested to hear your guess. ...And that is a lot less morbid curiosity than you think.
Dr. Carter: *he couldn’t just tell her, could he* ...Based on rumors I have heard, I would have to guess.... homunculus.
C!Envy: Good guess. *offers an apologetic look* Sorry, I never know quite what to think, having this sort of conversation. Let alone what you know about us. Edward is not one, but I do not think I have to tell you that.
Dr. Carter: *is mildly surprised she’s not wrong* ...My next guess was going to be “extraterrestrial”. It seemed less plausible. *uncrosses her legs, crosses them the other direction* ...Mostly not one?
C!Envy: *has a mild fit of stifled laughter* Oh goodness, I would never have pegged you as one to believe in such things. *frowns, trying to figure out how best to phrase this* ...He was dying. There was an accident of sorts- my doing- and he ended up what he is now.
Dr. Carter: ...Who says I do? *taps her fingers on the table* Hm. Yes, that illness of his. I’d wondered. Dr. Gregory’s a good doctor. He’s not that good.
C!Envy: *smirks* Indeed. It seems as if Edward’s conditions are a common curiosity around here, then. The details are rather complicated, but I believe the end product is self-explanatory enough. Edward was not overly pleased.
Dr. Carter: I can only assume anyone who’s looked at his chart for any length of time would be interested.
C!Envy: Naturally. So you understand why I take the precautions I do. If his file fell into the wrong hands, it could be a complete disaster and I really hate covering up disasters. *sighs*
Dr. Carter: I like to think my hands are the right ones. I do hope you agree. *faint smirk*
C!Envy: I agree. Do not prove me wrong.
Dr. Carter: I do not intend to do so. I do not think an opportunity like this is likely to come to me again. *stands, going to the sink to rinse her mug*
C!Envy: *watches her* I would imagine not. Congratulations on this serendipitous occasion.
Dr. Carter: *sets her mug to dry, turning to face him* Thank you. *dryly* I mean, really thank you. You two are the most interesting thing that’s happened to me since... ever, I think. *raises an eyebrow, smirking just slightly*
C!Envy: Oh, I am quite sure. *not sure whether he wants to laugh or do something particularly spiteful*
Dr. Carter: ...I would like to emphasize, however, that my first and foremost concern is for my patient. Trust that I am applying the full extent of my ability towards making Edward as well and as whole as possible, intellectually stimulating diversions aside. *quite serious*
C!Envy: Thank you. I know that you are only doing your job, as you say, but some do it better than others. I also know that at times, it takes an, er... special sort of professionalism to bear with Edward in his current state. *shifts tiredly*
Dr. Carter: Well. I’m glad my efforts are appreciated. *returns to the table, sitting again* ...He has a quite pronounced reaction to certain drugs. Alarming, almost. Has he always reacted in this way?
C!Envy: Which are you referring to? I am sorry, I am not exactly accostomed to these things, I really have no idea what is normal so to say. Since the accident, I have only noticed that he has a higher tolerance.
Dr. Carter: *faint smile* I refer to how the pain medication affects his personality. Different patients react in different ways. Edward becomes, to an almost unusual extent, shall we say... loopy?
C!Envy: Loopy would be... successfully descriptive, yes. Believe me, you prefer loopy over the alternative. *not wanting to sound as worried about this as he is*
Dr. Carter: And what is the alternative, then?
C!Envy: The reason he is taking antipsychotics. ...Or should be but just recently resumed. *sighs a bit more exhasperatedly than he means to*
Dr. Carter: Ah. Yes, of course. He resists taking his medication?
C!Envy: Almost always. Well, since the accident. When he was here in August, he, er... *feeling a bit self conscious now, not quite sure how to phrase this* ...he was admitted due to injuries he had inflicted upon himself in a psychotic episode. He did not want me to worry, so he started taking it and everything was fine until January. Mental health-wise.
Dr. Carter: Hm. It is not unusual, unfortunately, for patients with conditions such as Edward’s to refuse treatment. It is a symptom of their affliction that they do not believe they require treatment, or they are ashamed to need such assistance, or that they wish to remain in the state that they are in.
C!Envy: Really? This is normal? *blinks* ...Do you have any advice? I feel like such an idiot more often than not, not knowing how to take care of my own husband. I always thought I had a decent understanding of humans.
Dr. Carter: *nods* It does not surprise me. *pushes up her glasses* ...Advice? Hmm. ...I’m afraid, if he is reluctant, you may just have to fight him a little. I suppose I might suggest incorporating his medication into some sort of routine activity, if you do not already, morning cup of coffee or some such. That at least eliminates the possibility of him pretending to forget.
C!Envy: Routine. Right. *sighs* Edward has never exactly been a creature of habit... But what you said makes sense. It is not like we have never fought before. *rolls his eyes* I think once he has calmed down a little about his leg things might get easier. That and once he is out of the hospital. There are always new highs in irrationality during our visits here, not that I blame him. *thinks a moment, frowning* I am not sure how dealing with the loss of his leg will go...
Dr. Carter: Is there anything else we can do to make him as comfortable as possible while he is here? I had gathered already that he is not overly fond of needles. *rummages through her purse, digging out a tin of mints, selecting one* He used to have automail, yes? ...Strange as it is to use past-tense. Once he is fully healed, an automail leg ought to give him almost the same mobility as a flesh one. *offers the tin of mints to Ren, sort of as an afterthought*
C!Envy: *looks up, surprised at her actually making such an offer* To be honest, sometimes I think he wants to be uncomfortable. That aside, you might want to keep an eye on his painkiller levels. He would never actually say something about it, but I think his wound was really hurting earlier. His body may be metabolizing it faster than it enters his system. The dislike of needles is... a bit of an understatement, but I think you have forever gained his favor by informing him about catheters earlier. It is true, he used to have an automail arm and leg. One can hardly blame him for being a bit... bitter. However, he has refused automail this time. Do not ask me why. *takes a mint* Thank you.
Dr. Carter: Hm. Thank you, I’ll make sure that gets checked. *faint half-smile* Medical equipment upgrades. It’s made life easier for all of us. Something about extra-dimensional technologies. *raises her eyebrows slightly* He has? ...Hm. *nods, snapping the tin closed and putting it away*
C!Envy: Thank you. One thing I can tell you about Edward is that he will never ask for anything, or admit to feeling uncomfortable. *smiles amusedly* Goodness, really? ...I did wonder about that. What a good turn of fate for once. *nods* I breached the subject earlier, just briefly. He seemed... very adverse. I suppose a crutch or some such will have to suffice. He will not necessarily be confined to a wheelchair, right?
Dr. Carter: I’ll keep that in mind. *quirks her eyebrows* The dimensional shifting is a mixed blessing, I’ll admit. I can’t say I’m pleased about the occurrence of maladies I have no idea how to treat. Such as someone growing green fur on their arms. *sucks on her mint thoughtfully* Honestly, he can do whatever he likes, he’s the one who has to get around somehow. There’s nothing wrong with the other leg. Whether he wants to walk or hop or roll is his affair.
C!Envy: *wrinkles his nose in distaste* Green fur? How vile. Although, given my knowledge of the dimensions, it seems oddly... fitting. Ugh. *shrugs* I have a feeling that the conversation with him may be slightly more turbulent. I have no idea what he expects to do, but I am not carrying him up and down stairs for the rest of his life.
Dr. Carter: Tell me about it. I just count myself lucky that one doesn’t seem to be contagious. *leans back in her chair* I should hope not. Other than the missing limb, he seems to be in fairly good physical condition, he ought the be able to manage on his own. Have your stairs got railings? If not, it might help to install them.
C!Envy: Goodness, yes. What a horrible malady. Edward’s was bizarre enough, but at least it was... conventional? I feel odd rationalizing a terminal illness. *folds his hands in his lap* I really hope he can. If there is one thing that makes him consistently angry, it is having to rely on others. However, his actions often betray this sentiment. We do have railings, thank goodness.
Dr. Carter: Mm. The strange ones really get me. People come here wanting to be treated, but do you do about something like that? Give them a razor and send them home. *raises her eyebrows slightly* That surprises me, then, that he would opt not to get automail.
C!Envy: *not quite done being disgusted* ...Ugh. *sighs exhasperatedly* I am married to the greatest example of living hypocrisy that I have ever encountered in all my years. I know he is young, but I tend to lose patience.
Dr. Carter: *nngh, domestics... refrains from making any faces* ...You don’t look much older. I suppose that doesn’t mean much of anything in your case.
C!Envy: *nngh, keeps forgetting about human aging patterns* I turned seven-hundred thirty three last November.
Dr. Carter: *eyebrows climb clear up to her hairline* ...Okay, I admit it, I’m impressed. That’s... very old.
C!Envy: *smiles self consciously* Ah, thank you? I am not used to people being... impressed. *laughs quietly*
Dr. Carter: Well. I am. *really wants to find out what makes him tick, tries to smother the feeling with professional detachment*
C!Envy: *extremely amused by her closely veiled fascination, trying not to show it before he notices the clock, frowning* Oh goodness. I am sorry, I should really get going. I need to pick up a couple of things while Edward is too unconscious to miss me. I am sorry to be so abrupt.
Dr. Carter: *also sneaks a glance at the clock* Hm. Yes, it is late. I should be going home. *stands, grabbing her purse and coat* ...I enjoyed speaking with you, Mr. Elric.
C!Envy: *stands as well, smiling dutifully* I enjoyed speaking with you as well. I am sure there will be further opportunities, given the presumable length of Edward’s stay. ...How long do you expect that to be, by the way? He asked earlier. *starts to the door*
Dr. Carter: ...I’m having trouble estimating, due to his unusual rates of healing. If this keeps up... a week or two. I’ll keep you updated. *heads to the door* Good evening, Mr. Elric. I’ll see you tomorrow. *nods, heading down the hallway towards a back exit of the hospital*
C!Envy: Alright. Thank you, and goodnight. *nods in return and heads off to the parking lot exit*
When: 3/23/07
Rating: G
Category: Misc Happenings
Summary: Ren and Dr. Carter have a chat over hot beverages.
C!Envy: *steps outside the hospital room after waiting for Edward to fall asleep, shutting the door quietly behind himself and pausing a moment to make sure he has his wallet in his pocket*
Dr. Carter: *steps out of her office a few doors down the hallway, her coat slung over one arm and fiddling around in her purse as she walks*
C!Envy: *notices her out of the corner of his eye, smiling curtly* Good evening.
Dr. Carter: *glances up, slowing her pace and pushing up her glasses, nodding* ...Good evening, Mr. Elric.
C!Envy: You are here late.
Dr. Carter: So are you.
C!Envy: I was just leaving, actually. Only for a bit, getting things for Edward. I hope it is not against regulations- he will refuse the hospital food, trust me.
Dr. Carter: *shifts the coat on her arm* ...So would I. Have you tasted that stuff? *smallest ghost of a smile*
C!Envy: *mirrors the smile* I have not, but I can smell it. *wrinkles his nose* ...Thank you for that. I know he can be... difficult.
Dr. Carter: *nods in acknowledgement* Hm. I’ve seen worse. We can afford to be accomodating from time to time, so long as the other patients don’t find out. ...Besides... *raises an eyebrow* ...from the look of Edward’s file, you two are our best customers. Far be it from me to discourage you from coming back.
C!Envy: *smiles, looking away quickly* I am not looking to gain any special treatment. I have money, I know. Sometimes it it useful for... accomodations. I promise, I will tell no one. And knowing Edward, we will be back.
Dr. Carter: Mr. Elric, you’re already receiving special treatment. Frankly, it’s more trouble than it’s worth trying to fight the two of you. *quirks her eyebrows* Mm. Accident prone. ...Lucky for him, he’s a fast healer. *long pause* ...I’m going to get some coffee. Would you like some?
C!Envy: *sighs* I am sorry, I am just not used to, er... protocol. *smiles lamely* I figured you would notice how quickly he heals. Some coffee, or tea maybe, would be very nice.
Dr. Carter: Hm. *nods head in the direction of the breakroom, walking briskly in that direction* ...Notice? ...Mr. Elric, I’ve been reviewing Edward’s chart, and according to his file, the last time he was admitted he was human. *gives him a sharp glance* Of course I noticed, I’m a doctor.
C!Envy: *follows a step or two behind* He is still human. Mostly. *sighs* I do not think I have to ask you to keep this between us, and as few assorted staff as possible.
Dr. Carter: ...I believe I understand you. *turns into the breakroom, setting her coat and purse down on the table* ...His eyes have turned purple. They were not that shade yesterday.
C!Envy: *self consciously keeps from making eye contact* There was an- an accident. A couple of months ago. He is still mostly human, you may just notice he... heals very quickly.
Dr. Carter: *watches him out of the corner of her eye* ...I’ve seen stranger. *grabs a box of teabags and sets it on the table* Here. It’s cheap, but I’m told it contains caffeine. Mugs and kettle are in the corner, by the stove. *glances around, then fishes around behind the various containers on the shelf, shoving a can of generic coffee aside, retrieving a nondescript box* ...The coffee isn’t any better than the food. I bring my own.
C!Envy: Have you, then? *takes the box, carefully keeping clear of any discriminating expressions and filling the kettle* Thank you. It is not the caffeine, just... It is a comfort thing, I guess. You work here- why do you even have to eat the food?
Dr. Carter: You surprised? I’m a doctor in a hospital in a city that hasn’t been sane in a year and a half. What haven’t I seen? *grabs the coffee press, measuring out some of the coffee* There’s a cafeteria. All the food comes from the same place.
C!Envy: *half-grins* Alright, no. I am not surprised. But I am also not used to people acknowledging, I guess. *keeps an eye on the kettle, fidgeting with a teabag packet* I am sorry about the food. Such a large establishment should take better care of it’s employees.
Dr. Carter: I’ve never seen much point in denial. *sets the press aside, also waiting on the kettle, shrugging* It’s nutritional, at the very least. We prefer to spend our money on medical supplies.
C!Envy: A sentiment we share, I believe. And I do appreciate the attention paid to professionalism. This hospital has been very helpful to Edward, and myself by association.
Dr. Carter: Hm. Can’t stomach the idea of blundering about with eyes closed, right? *twitches the corner of her mouth* We’re just doing our jobs, Mr. Elric. *pushes up her glasses, quiet for a few seconds* ...I’m glad you appreciate it.
C!Envy: Right. *glances up, smiling slightly and moving to pour hot water into his cup, and then her coffee press*
Dr. Carter: *leans against the sink* Thank you. *taps her fingers on the counter, silent for a long minute* ...Your eyes weren’t green yesterday.
C!Envy: *toys with the string of his teabag, watching the steam* My apologies. Force of habit. *changes them back to the normal violet* You are very observant.
Dr. Carter: *presses the coffee, flicking her eyes up to his face and back down again* ...I’m paid to be.
C!Envy: I do not mean to cause trouble. I am only interested in seeing that Edward is taken care of. *takes a sip of tea*
Dr. Carter: *flicks her eyes up again* ...Should I have been expecting trouble? *grabs a mug, pouring coffee*
C!Envy: No, of course not. But people tend to expect the worst. *offers the trace of a grateful smile*
Dr. Carter: *holds the cup of coffee in front of her face, inhaling the steam and watching him calculatingly* ...The worst. ...Your eyes can change color, Mr. Elric. Like I said, I’ve seen stranger.
C!Envy: People are suspicious of things that are different. *shrugs*
Dr. Carter: ...True. *sips at her coffee, moving to the table and sitting down* I tend to find different interesting. ...I suppose that’s why I put up with this place.
C!Envy: *laughs softly* That is a healthy outlook, I think. Dr.Gregory is generally not so... tolerant.
Dr. Carter: *quirks an eyebrow* Dr. Gregory. Hm. The man’s brilliant. ...Can’t say much else about him. *sip*
C!Envy: Agreed. *drinks some more tea in silence*
Dr. Carter: *sip, silence* ...Purple’s not a common eye color. Are you a fast healer too? *crosses her legs*
C!Envy: Remarkably. *smiles amiably, having a sip of tea and quirking an eyebrow*
Dr. Carter: ...Interesting. *smiles just slightly, sets her mug down, tapping her fingers on the table a few times* ...And this makes you... mostly human, as well...?
C!Envy: Not at all. *meets her eyes over his mug*
Dr. Carter: *holds his gaze* Hmm. *pushes up her glasses* ...You understand why, as a doctor, the ability to heal quickly is of interest to me.
C!Envy: ...If you are even remotely entertaining the idea of trying to hold either of us captive... *watches her levelly*
Dr. Carter: Ha! Captive. *picks up her coffee mug, taking a sip* I am planning on running some bloodwork on Edward.
C!Envy: My apologies. Humans can be unpredictable at times. *nods an apology* Bloodwork? ...Authorized bloodwork or off the record? Last I checked, he no longer carried any sickness and wounds like his do not require such things. *halfway amused*
Dr. Carter: Authorized. By me. His condition is anomalous, I wish to look into it.
C!Envy: Yes, but to what end? If you wish to publish your findings and create any sort of publicity involving my husband, I am afraid I will have to object. Strongly. If it is just for you, I am not entirely disagreeable. Although you should ask him.
Dr. Carter: Hm. *turns the mug in her hands, thinking* ...I believe a case like this would fall under doctor-patient confidentiality. If I used any of the data, his personal information would not be published.
C!Envy: Confidentiality is something I am familiar with. I suppose it works well enough. What exactly are you going to do, if you do not mind my asking?
Dr. Carter: Good. ...I will see what Edward thinks of the idea. *sip* ...I don’t know, actually. This is a unique situation. ...I don’t suppose you’d have any idea where I should start.
C!Envy: *finishes his tea* You could start by comparing it to the blood that Dr.Gregory took when Edward was sick. I am actually interested in the differences myself. *frowns* There may also be some samples of my blood along with Edwards, which, if you do not have an interest in them, I would like you to destroy.
Dr. Carter: *raises her eyebrows* Dr. Gregory. I find myself unsurprised. I will speak with him. *swirls the remains of her coffee in her mug* ...And if I do have an interest in them?
C!Envy: If you do have an interest in them, tell me so.
Dr. Carter: *finishes off her coffee* I have a great deal of interest in them.
C!Envy: Then you have my consent, provided you keep me updated with any and all tests you perform. *gets up, disposing of his teabag and washing out the mug* ...You know what I am, right? I know that sounds sort of ridiculous.
Dr. Carter: I will. *sets her coffee mug on the table, watching him* ...I don’t. I could hazard a guess....
C!Envy: I am interested to hear your guess. ...And that is a lot less morbid curiosity than you think.
Dr. Carter: *he couldn’t just tell her, could he* ...Based on rumors I have heard, I would have to guess.... homunculus.
C!Envy: Good guess. *offers an apologetic look* Sorry, I never know quite what to think, having this sort of conversation. Let alone what you know about us. Edward is not one, but I do not think I have to tell you that.
Dr. Carter: *is mildly surprised she’s not wrong* ...My next guess was going to be “extraterrestrial”. It seemed less plausible. *uncrosses her legs, crosses them the other direction* ...Mostly not one?
C!Envy: *has a mild fit of stifled laughter* Oh goodness, I would never have pegged you as one to believe in such things. *frowns, trying to figure out how best to phrase this* ...He was dying. There was an accident of sorts- my doing- and he ended up what he is now.
Dr. Carter: ...Who says I do? *taps her fingers on the table* Hm. Yes, that illness of his. I’d wondered. Dr. Gregory’s a good doctor. He’s not that good.
C!Envy: *smirks* Indeed. It seems as if Edward’s conditions are a common curiosity around here, then. The details are rather complicated, but I believe the end product is self-explanatory enough. Edward was not overly pleased.
Dr. Carter: I can only assume anyone who’s looked at his chart for any length of time would be interested.
C!Envy: Naturally. So you understand why I take the precautions I do. If his file fell into the wrong hands, it could be a complete disaster and I really hate covering up disasters. *sighs*
Dr. Carter: I like to think my hands are the right ones. I do hope you agree. *faint smirk*
C!Envy: I agree. Do not prove me wrong.
Dr. Carter: I do not intend to do so. I do not think an opportunity like this is likely to come to me again. *stands, going to the sink to rinse her mug*
C!Envy: *watches her* I would imagine not. Congratulations on this serendipitous occasion.
Dr. Carter: *sets her mug to dry, turning to face him* Thank you. *dryly* I mean, really thank you. You two are the most interesting thing that’s happened to me since... ever, I think. *raises an eyebrow, smirking just slightly*
C!Envy: Oh, I am quite sure. *not sure whether he wants to laugh or do something particularly spiteful*
Dr. Carter: ...I would like to emphasize, however, that my first and foremost concern is for my patient. Trust that I am applying the full extent of my ability towards making Edward as well and as whole as possible, intellectually stimulating diversions aside. *quite serious*
C!Envy: Thank you. I know that you are only doing your job, as you say, but some do it better than others. I also know that at times, it takes an, er... special sort of professionalism to bear with Edward in his current state. *shifts tiredly*
Dr. Carter: Well. I’m glad my efforts are appreciated. *returns to the table, sitting again* ...He has a quite pronounced reaction to certain drugs. Alarming, almost. Has he always reacted in this way?
C!Envy: Which are you referring to? I am sorry, I am not exactly accostomed to these things, I really have no idea what is normal so to say. Since the accident, I have only noticed that he has a higher tolerance.
Dr. Carter: *faint smile* I refer to how the pain medication affects his personality. Different patients react in different ways. Edward becomes, to an almost unusual extent, shall we say... loopy?
C!Envy: Loopy would be... successfully descriptive, yes. Believe me, you prefer loopy over the alternative. *not wanting to sound as worried about this as he is*
Dr. Carter: And what is the alternative, then?
C!Envy: The reason he is taking antipsychotics. ...Or should be but just recently resumed. *sighs a bit more exhasperatedly than he means to*
Dr. Carter: Ah. Yes, of course. He resists taking his medication?
C!Envy: Almost always. Well, since the accident. When he was here in August, he, er... *feeling a bit self conscious now, not quite sure how to phrase this* ...he was admitted due to injuries he had inflicted upon himself in a psychotic episode. He did not want me to worry, so he started taking it and everything was fine until January. Mental health-wise.
Dr. Carter: Hm. It is not unusual, unfortunately, for patients with conditions such as Edward’s to refuse treatment. It is a symptom of their affliction that they do not believe they require treatment, or they are ashamed to need such assistance, or that they wish to remain in the state that they are in.
C!Envy: Really? This is normal? *blinks* ...Do you have any advice? I feel like such an idiot more often than not, not knowing how to take care of my own husband. I always thought I had a decent understanding of humans.
Dr. Carter: *nods* It does not surprise me. *pushes up her glasses* ...Advice? Hmm. ...I’m afraid, if he is reluctant, you may just have to fight him a little. I suppose I might suggest incorporating his medication into some sort of routine activity, if you do not already, morning cup of coffee or some such. That at least eliminates the possibility of him pretending to forget.
C!Envy: Routine. Right. *sighs* Edward has never exactly been a creature of habit... But what you said makes sense. It is not like we have never fought before. *rolls his eyes* I think once he has calmed down a little about his leg things might get easier. That and once he is out of the hospital. There are always new highs in irrationality during our visits here, not that I blame him. *thinks a moment, frowning* I am not sure how dealing with the loss of his leg will go...
Dr. Carter: Is there anything else we can do to make him as comfortable as possible while he is here? I had gathered already that he is not overly fond of needles. *rummages through her purse, digging out a tin of mints, selecting one* He used to have automail, yes? ...Strange as it is to use past-tense. Once he is fully healed, an automail leg ought to give him almost the same mobility as a flesh one. *offers the tin of mints to Ren, sort of as an afterthought*
C!Envy: *looks up, surprised at her actually making such an offer* To be honest, sometimes I think he wants to be uncomfortable. That aside, you might want to keep an eye on his painkiller levels. He would never actually say something about it, but I think his wound was really hurting earlier. His body may be metabolizing it faster than it enters his system. The dislike of needles is... a bit of an understatement, but I think you have forever gained his favor by informing him about catheters earlier. It is true, he used to have an automail arm and leg. One can hardly blame him for being a bit... bitter. However, he has refused automail this time. Do not ask me why. *takes a mint* Thank you.
Dr. Carter: Hm. Thank you, I’ll make sure that gets checked. *faint half-smile* Medical equipment upgrades. It’s made life easier for all of us. Something about extra-dimensional technologies. *raises her eyebrows slightly* He has? ...Hm. *nods, snapping the tin closed and putting it away*
C!Envy: Thank you. One thing I can tell you about Edward is that he will never ask for anything, or admit to feeling uncomfortable. *smiles amusedly* Goodness, really? ...I did wonder about that. What a good turn of fate for once. *nods* I breached the subject earlier, just briefly. He seemed... very adverse. I suppose a crutch or some such will have to suffice. He will not necessarily be confined to a wheelchair, right?
Dr. Carter: I’ll keep that in mind. *quirks her eyebrows* The dimensional shifting is a mixed blessing, I’ll admit. I can’t say I’m pleased about the occurrence of maladies I have no idea how to treat. Such as someone growing green fur on their arms. *sucks on her mint thoughtfully* Honestly, he can do whatever he likes, he’s the one who has to get around somehow. There’s nothing wrong with the other leg. Whether he wants to walk or hop or roll is his affair.
C!Envy: *wrinkles his nose in distaste* Green fur? How vile. Although, given my knowledge of the dimensions, it seems oddly... fitting. Ugh. *shrugs* I have a feeling that the conversation with him may be slightly more turbulent. I have no idea what he expects to do, but I am not carrying him up and down stairs for the rest of his life.
Dr. Carter: Tell me about it. I just count myself lucky that one doesn’t seem to be contagious. *leans back in her chair* I should hope not. Other than the missing limb, he seems to be in fairly good physical condition, he ought the be able to manage on his own. Have your stairs got railings? If not, it might help to install them.
C!Envy: Goodness, yes. What a horrible malady. Edward’s was bizarre enough, but at least it was... conventional? I feel odd rationalizing a terminal illness. *folds his hands in his lap* I really hope he can. If there is one thing that makes him consistently angry, it is having to rely on others. However, his actions often betray this sentiment. We do have railings, thank goodness.
Dr. Carter: Mm. The strange ones really get me. People come here wanting to be treated, but do you do about something like that? Give them a razor and send them home. *raises her eyebrows slightly* That surprises me, then, that he would opt not to get automail.
C!Envy: *not quite done being disgusted* ...Ugh. *sighs exhasperatedly* I am married to the greatest example of living hypocrisy that I have ever encountered in all my years. I know he is young, but I tend to lose patience.
Dr. Carter: *nngh, domestics... refrains from making any faces* ...You don’t look much older. I suppose that doesn’t mean much of anything in your case.
C!Envy: *nngh, keeps forgetting about human aging patterns* I turned seven-hundred thirty three last November.
Dr. Carter: *eyebrows climb clear up to her hairline* ...Okay, I admit it, I’m impressed. That’s... very old.
C!Envy: *smiles self consciously* Ah, thank you? I am not used to people being... impressed. *laughs quietly*
Dr. Carter: Well. I am. *really wants to find out what makes him tick, tries to smother the feeling with professional detachment*
C!Envy: *extremely amused by her closely veiled fascination, trying not to show it before he notices the clock, frowning* Oh goodness. I am sorry, I should really get going. I need to pick up a couple of things while Edward is too unconscious to miss me. I am sorry to be so abrupt.
Dr. Carter: *also sneaks a glance at the clock* Hm. Yes, it is late. I should be going home. *stands, grabbing her purse and coat* ...I enjoyed speaking with you, Mr. Elric.
C!Envy: *stands as well, smiling dutifully* I enjoyed speaking with you as well. I am sure there will be further opportunities, given the presumable length of Edward’s stay. ...How long do you expect that to be, by the way? He asked earlier. *starts to the door*
Dr. Carter: ...I’m having trouble estimating, due to his unusual rates of healing. If this keeps up... a week or two. I’ll keep you updated. *heads to the door* Good evening, Mr. Elric. I’ll see you tomorrow. *nods, heading down the hallway towards a back exit of the hospital*
C!Envy: Alright. Thank you, and goodnight. *nods in return and heads off to the parking lot exit*