051 ][ VIDEO

[worksmart]

[Chase is strolling down a familiar white lit hospital corridor, ear to a phone.]

First seasonal case of sledder's testicle this morning. On his stomach, too fast down the hill, slipped through one of the slats... yep... other one was relatively unscathed, though. If I'm lucky that's my last clinic session this year.

[He pauses for the other side

Comments

[byweavinglives]

[Speaking of getting coffee, that's where Saya is, bundled up as usual, but still managing to look sleek and stylish as she gets an espresso. She's peppering it with something from a flask that she pulled out of her purse]

[worksmart]

[Chase notices her as he turns away with his own saccharine black. Dutifully, he checks the ceiling before he attempts a surprise attack, leaning in over her shoulder to murmur.]

Don't trust their sweeteners?

[byweavinglives]

I prefer my coffee a little stronger.

[She turns to look up at him, smiling, and she sips]

[worksmart]

If you try one of the bars, they'll serve you Irish.

[He smiles and folds his free arm across his chest, a support for the one holding a cup.]

Hi.

[byweavinglives]

I don't have any desire to go into a bar today.

[She takes another sip]

Hello. Taking a break from work?

[worksmart]

The people in the bars are the ones not acting out of the ordinary. [He takes a swallow of his own coffee, testing the heat, then sets it down to cool a fraction more.] Gearing up for an afternoon of it.

[byweavinglives]

I like to choose who has access to my mouth, really.

[She shrugs a little bit]

Someone has to save all those people from tragic cases of goring.

[worksmart]

You heard about those? [His eyebrows raise - he's just not sure how much attention someone like Saya pays to the network.] Most of them got lucky. He's angry, but he's got lousy aim.

[byweavinglives]

I pay attention to the Network, you know.

[She shrugs a little]

I'm surprised it's still alive.

[worksmart]

[There's a little pinch of surprise to his face, but he brushes it off with a shrug.]

There must be some superstition about killing them. Seven years bad luck in the saddle. [If you know what he means.] Someone will round it up eventually.

[byweavinglives]

That would detract people, wouldn't it?

[She takes another sip, and moves a little closer]

Are you heading to the hospital?

[worksmart]

In a few minutes. [He nods, reaching to try his drink and put it down again.] Theatre's the safest place to be right now. Everyone's unconscious.

[And again, a not-too-anxious glance upwards. What he can't see are the little leafy stragglers he's brought along for a ride.]

[byweavinglives]

I'd be happy to walk you.

[Why so anxious? Or are you just afraid that if you kiss Saya you'll regret turning her down more?]

[worksmart]

[Not-too-anxious, in fact. He's fairly sure it would be one kiss he wouldn't have to wash his mouth out after.]

If you're going that way.

[byweavinglives]

[Considering what she's drinking, you might change your mind if you knew.]

I was going to see if I could meet Rudy for lunch.

[worksmart]

[Ignorance really is bliss.]

I can have them send a page from the desk, if you like. [Retrieving his cup, he leans in enough to nudge her with his shoulder.] Thought about apprenticing your lodger with him?