that is a lot cooler. what would you name it.

i just like ‘em. we had one in dc when i was a kid, i dunno.

you heard me.

you’re an angel.

they can’t afford to get rid of me.

that is a lot cooler.

well, i promise your view on that will change considering my little experiments involve needles.

i don’t know what you’re implying. i’m only stating an objective fact.

just one, yes. i need a control group.

“was i staring?” soft spoken, obvious shame slipping into her voice. “apologies. i’m glad you don’t seem to mind much.”

the medic looks away, cheeks flushed some pale shade of pink. “i see. you uh — you did capture my attention. we’ll see how things play out, i suppose.”

saline solution. you’re the “nothing happens” group. but i’m also considering not injecting you, because i do like you.

maybe. i am appreciated plenty. i do have a partner to consider, though, and i am not sure he’d take too kindly to me leaving with you.

the only thing you’ll feel is the needle and maybe you’ll taste the saline. some people do that! some don’t.

to be fair, tasting it is standard when it goes through an iv. i actually don’t remember if it happens with shots. anyway! [ wiping his arm, promptly giving him the injection after it dries. she’s quick. ] there we go! now i have to be with you constantly for . . . a few days.

if there’s one thing about siobhan, it’s that she’s not used to compliments on her appearance. “yeah? um, thank you.” it grows quieter with every word, face flushed even more. “it’s involuntary.”

it is, but i’ll just have to keep a closer eye on you than usual. i’m sure you don’t mind. [ faint chuckle precedes a quick kiss to his cheek. ]

yawn.

YAWNS LOUDER?

you’re never gonna guess why