Keeping an eye on the world going by my window [open]

[whatsolarsystem]

Who: whatsolarsystem and holmes_blogger . And, of course, YOU!
What: Sherlock being the most intrusive receptionist ever, John being the actual helpful doctor.
When: Now!
Where: The refugee clinic.
Warnings: ...Sherlock harassment?

Comments

Sorry, there's no way I couldn't...

[missthewoman]

[Occasionally Irene may pass by the clinic to say hello to John on a whim, but this time she has come for some advice about a mildly annoying but persistent runny nose she's been having.

And oh, how delightful to see who is on the reception desk this month.]

Good afternoon, sir.

[For added horribleness... It may be easy for him to notice that rather than having the usual faint scent of Parisian perfume about her, Irene is wearing something quite different today. Something like warm spices, that brings to mind Christmas.]

[whatsolarsystem]

[Sherlock only raises a brow as Irene enters.

What to say? A greeting? A nod of acknowledgement? How about:]

You're smelling different today, Irene.

[What a gentleman.]

[missthewoman]

[At his blunt statement she raises an eyebrow, but smiles as always. Indeed, ever the gentleman. Never change! Irene will work on that.]

Yes, I'm afraid so. I do hope it's not too overpowering - the bottle accidentally broke.

[whatsolarsystem]

[Good luck with that, Irene!]

How clumsy of you. [He leans forward on his desk with a scrutinizing gaze.] Special occasion, I wonder? [Don't think he's forgotten about that oddity of a network post you posted not all that long ago, Irene.]

[missthewoman]

[She gives him a mildly flat look at being called clumsy. (And whatever are you talking about~?)]

Not at all. I saw an adorable little bottle on a bench, and of course I wanted to see what it was. [A slight shrug] The glass was impractically thin - it broke as I tried to take the stopper out.

[whatsolarsystem]

[That's right. Clumsy. He went there.]

A little bottle on a bench? How vague. Speaking of, you've been somewhat of a ghost as of late. [Of course, Sherlock's been stuck in the clinic for the month, so it's only natural he sees it from that angle.] What exactly have you been up to?

[A pause, then:] Other than catching a bout of the sniffles.

[missthewoman]

I have been about my job.
[She could have sufficed with saying just that, but after a beat she adds (to be more exact),] The opera opens on July 8th, so I have been mostly occupied with that. Yet I have had time to be on the planet. Hence, I believe, the 'sniffles'.

[whatsolarsystem]

Your job. [Sherlock isn't quite buying it, but he has no evidence against the fact. Doesn't mean he won't go fishing.] Your job as a celebrated opera singer, or as an equally talented con artist? [he uses those words specifically, as if to harken back to their first meeting. Suspicious, suspicious.]

Is this more of a social call than a doctor's appointment, Irene?

[missthewoman]

Both.

[She says the word more in response to his first question (and why did she blurt it out?), but is glad that it works for both. The last thing she needs is for Mister Sherlock to be even more suspicious of her. (But she has the sinking feeling that this is not going to go well.)]

I do occasionally pass by to say hello to John, but today I am here for a diagnosis of my symptoms.

[whatsolarsystem]

["Both", she says. Sherlock knows that this undoubtedly applies to both questions, as well. This only strings his curiosity along further.

But for now, perhaps, he'll let it pass.]

A cold. Perhaps a persistent allergic reaction, but it remains to be seen. Nothing that can't be taken care of at your local alien pharmacy with over-the-counter medication.

[missthewoman]

[Although glad that he has let the matter drop, she is equally suspicious about having so easily evaded further questioning.
For now, she'll just continue on with this convenient topic.]

And that is just the trouble. I'd rather avoid such 'alien' medicine until I know it is suitable for my use. And there is no other way for me to know so than by a doctor's advice.

[whatsolarsystem]

[He leans back in his seat and eyes her for a second or two before replying.]

Fine. Have a seat, then. [He waves at the empty seats in the waiting area.] The doctor will be in shortly to give you such aforementioned advice.

[missthewoman]

Thank you.

[For all that she would rather stand and chat with Sherlock a while longer - always an interesting pass-time - she finds herself at once moving to sit in the nearest chair. ...Well, perhaps she is simply more tired that she realizes. Things have been rather busy, and it would be nice to sit down.]

[whatsolarsystem]

[he raises a brow at her; that was odd, since Irene is usually one for idle banter. He would have wagered that she wasn't quite done chatting him up just yet.

Perhaps she really wasn't feeling well. Imagine that.]