➹BEEPER

[intheblanks]

"It had better be an emergency."
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[synanthrope]

Well, now you do.

[She leans back in her chair]

You can't change that. But if you're upset about it, then you're the one who is letting him ruin something else that you like.

Presuming you like sleeping with me, which I think you do.

[intheblanks]

I like you.

[Sleeping with her has only recently become a side benefit of that - and it's one he's been putting off assessing exactly because the longer term the arrangement becomes, the more certain things - like the list - start to encroach on the meaning of casual. Not that feeling bad about something has ever been a reason to stop.]

I'd have shown back up eventually.

[synanthrope]

How was I supposed to know that?

[It's not asked to make him feel guilty, and it's not asked for pity. It's just a question.]

[intheblanks]

Because I like you. [He ducks his head, shoulders lifting with what might be a laugh.] This is starting to sound domestic.

[synanthrope]

If this was domestic, I would have shown up in those heels that always make you stare.

[The ones she's wearing aren't his favorite pair]

And I would have brought the brownies Rosella made.

[intheblanks]

Trust me, domesticity isn't usually that accommodating. [He glances across to check her shoes by Pavlovian reflex.] Although, you could always have them on the table when I get home.

[synanthrope]

I don't think you mean the shoes.

[intheblanks]

My ankle's still not up to them.

[synanthrope]

They look better on me anyway.

[She pauses for a moment]

I should make you a suit.

[intheblanks]

[Hello, slight not-sequitur. He pulls out the lapels of his lab coat to glance down at what he has on.]

Should I feel insulted?

[synanthrope]

Do you think I make suits for men I don't find attractive?

[This is about flattering your shoulders and your waist, Chase]

[intheblanks]

I was assuming the insult was to my dress sense, not my figure.

[It wouldn't be the first - although Cameron broke his habit of wearing a rainbow.]

[synanthrope]

There's nothing offensive about the way you dress.

[intheblanks]

[It's all teasing, really.]

I'd love you to make me a suit.

[synanthrope]

Good.

[She smiles and it's real for an instant, just an instant, a reflection of the woman she might have been.]

You don't have to come back tonight if you don't want to.

[intheblanks]

[Oh, her. He's met her (or a version). He liked her too.]

But now I've heard there are brownies.

[synanthrope]

There are. With caramel.

[Saya looks up, out at the hall]

[intheblanks]

I think I should come back.

[synanthrope]

Good.

I'll see you tonight, then.

[intheblanks]

Yes.

[And it must be a victory, of sorts.]

[synanthrope]

[She stands up, but doesn't give him a kiss. Instead she just smiles a little, her ball of anxiety eased, and walks away.]