Sixth Cream Cake: [Written/Action]

[vor]

[Filtered to Ivan Vorpatril, 65% unhackable because it's early and he's sick.]

Ivan,

Would you please look in on the horse for me? The Imperial Ass seems to be having trouble getting out of bed today, as the Imperial Sniffles have turned into the Imperial Plague. We apologize for Our impending death and your impending resulting frustrations.

Regretfully,

Gregor

P.S. If this letter caused you alarm, please give yourself a refresher course in detecting the Imperial Sarcasm.

[/Filtered]

[Gregor is sick as a dog. Apartments adjacent to his have probably heard violent, deep, chesty coughing for about two weeks now. Ordinarily, he'd have on-site approved physicians checking him out and prescribing whatever antibiotic was necessary, but here, he has to actually go seek out help. So. To the Battle Dome clinic he goes, looking specifically to see Adele LeBlanc when she's in. He will wait for her, if necessary.

Afterwards, he's going to the library, then the bakery for coffee and something sweet. Anyone stopping in can see him sitting inside, devouring a psychology textbook and sipping coffee, the cream cakes reduced to crumbs. They are the only thing he has eaten all day. He is not looking great, occasionally falling into bad coughing fits, for which he ducks outside, but recovering fairly quickly. When he heads home, he goes straight to bed despite his plans to work out. And the fact that it's the middle of the day.]

[Filtered to Phoenix Ikki 79%]

PI--

I suppose we're supposed to be pen pals, whatever that entails. I hope you're adjusting to the village well.

--GB

Comments

[vor]

[He gives her a polite nod, picking up his plate and hers.] A pleasure meeting you, Amelia.

[thedicearecast]

Hey.

[Amelia reaches out, taking hold of the opposite side of the plate.]

I'll take it with me. They've got boxes. It's just too early in the day for sweets.

[vor]

[With a little smile, he releases it to her and offers her the second.] For your friend?

[thedicearecast]

[Amelia hesitates, then nods as she takes the plate.]

Thanks.

[Vash will probably appreciate it. And it'll be nice to surprise him.]

It was nice to meet you too.

[Written] - filtered 75%

[ivanyouidiot]

[Now Ivan's feeling rather more concerned.]

Makes you shake?

[vor]

[With a polite nod, he settles back down with his coffee, opening his book again.]

[Written] - filtered 75%

[vor]

Not badly. Apparently it's just one of the side effects of helping me breathe. Mild stimulant.

[Written] - filtered 75%

[ivanyouidiot]

Breathing is good.

Did you still want that brandy?

[Written] - filtered 75%

[vor]

I owe you.

[Written] - filtered 75%

[ivanyouidiot]

If you wish. Give me ten minutes.

[And in roughly that amount of time Ivan has found a teacup and brandy, boiled water, and headed over to Gregor's apartment with the result in the cup.]

[action]

[vor]

[The door isn't locked. Gregor's not even sure if the doors lock. Still, no one has come in and robbed him, so...

No, he's on the couch, reading a psychology textbook. If Ivan has caught him reading at all, he's probably caught him reading about psychology. If Ivan knocks, he'll call him in. Either way, he doesn't look up when Ivan enters.]

[rashness]

Alright good, that's good. I gotta deal with one dumb girl who walks outside whiles she's got a giant fever way too often.

[action]

[ivanyouidiot]

[Ivan lets himself in, and makes a disgruntled noise when he enters and sees Gregor reading.]

Wouldn't think you'd want to give yourself a headache right now.

[Written]

[uccellodifuoco]

With the way some are about it you would think they really have it written in their genetic system.

[action]

[vor]

I'm changing the Vorbarra image. We'll be the Bookworm Emperors. [He carefully marks his place and looks up as he closes the book.] Hi, Ivan.

[Written]

[vor]

Some people are less social than others. It doesn't mean anything's wrong with us.

[vor]

Ah. [Gregor coughs lightly.] I don't really have a fever.

[action]

[ivanyouidiot]

I'm sure you'll recover and be back to horseback riding soon sire.

[Ivan offers out the teacup, handle towards Gregor.]

Hello.

[action]

[vor]

God, thanks. [Forget the book. Gregor takes the cup and breathes in the vapors for a second. When he sips, it's like ambrosia. He sighs deeply and settles back on the couch.] How have you been adjusting?

[Action, Clinic]

[fleurdesel]

"You place the mouthpiece in your mouth, depress the canister on top, and inhale simultaneously. It may feel odd if you are unaccustomed to this form of medication, but it will help when you are least able to breathe."

The inhaler ought to last as long as the remainder of his illness runs, Adele doesn't think it's quite so bad that he'll need a refill.

[Action, Clinic]

[vor]

He nods, looking closely at the inhaler. A little too focused on it, maybe. Eventually, he clears his throat.

"There was something else I wanted to talk to you about."

[Action, Clinic]

[fleurdesel]

"What else can I do for you Gregor?"

At this she sets the clipboard aside, watches his face. His hands. Hopes it's something she can actually assist with since she's had such a lovely run of helplessness regarding those close to her as of late.

[action]

[ivanyouidiot]

[Ivan definitely approves of forgetting the book, although he steps back a little after the cup is in Gregor's hands. Just enough to give him space, and hopefully avoid germs]

People keep telling me terrifying things about this place. But it's been alright so far.

[Action, Clinic]

[vor]

He pauses to consider his words carefully.

"I'd...like to talk to you about anti-depressants."

[action]

[vor]

When I first came here, I was sure I was a Cetagandan political prisoner. Most of the suffering has been disappointing, in that light.

[He glances up at Ivan, seeing him sidle away.]

It's not contagious.