Game-Changers & Grudge Matches

Mortal was going to nod and confirm that she would be there in the morning, probably after a cold shower, though Euryale didn't need to know that last part, but she could have sworn she heard Euryale say something she didn't quite catch, "What did you say?"

"Nothing, just...everything's okay between us, right? You're not upset about anything?"

Mortal frowned, "We're the same as we've always been. Why would that make me unhappy?"

"...Okay, that's good...& don't feel like I'm trying to pressure you, but...Mortal, is there something you're not telling me?"

"I like you," Mortal blurted out, "But I know I shouldn't. It is unprofessional, for one, and worse, I feel like a creep for spending time with my best friend. So, I'm going to go home, and just stop with this silliness."

"Mortal, you've got it all wrong. Okay, maybe it is slightly unprofessional, but neither of us is in a position of authority over the other, so the Chief will probably be okay with it. No, wait, I'm missing the point."

*She sits up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed so that she can look at Mortal clearly.*

"There's nothing wrong with feeling that way. The truth is, you're my best friend, and I do think you're attractive...I just, I don't know, I've never stopped to really consider if that means something more. Maybe it's because we've never talked like this before. Maybe we should go out some time. Like, on a real date. Or...am I just being silly again?"

Mortal went back to flushing red, and grinning stupidly again, "No, I mean yes! No about being silly, yes about the date! I would love to go out." Mortal was so struck by the turn of events she didn't know if she should still go or return to her chair, so she just stood there.

"All right. How about tomorrow? I can spend the morning socializing with you and the rest of my friends, making sure they all know I'm okay, and the night can be just for the 2 of us."

Mortal tried to hide the fact that she was becoming absolutely giddy, "I would love that. Is there something you want to do, or someplace you want to go tomorrow night?"

Astarte called out for him to wait and ran after him, still holding the water. As she left the shop she called over her shoulder, "Could you have been a little more obnoxious?"
Sidon sighed and flinched a little as the door slammed behind her. He turned to Monu, "You can head home now. Sorry that your first day was like this. I hope you can give us another chance, you're a good kid."

*She runs into Roatha as he's exiting another cafe, with a bowl of noodles & an orange spark water.*

"Astarte? What are you doing here?"

*He looks down at the food in his hands.*

"Oh, yeah, I realized that, in my haste to make a point, I forgot to take my order with me. But, by this point, I was too far away to go back."
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"Harmony Tower is always a good spot for dates. We could also go to the park, or the bay. But, don't let me make all of the decisions, it's your night, too."

"It'll be perfect just spending time with you, and being honest about how I feel," Mortal smiled, and let out a sigh, "This means a lot to me, Euryale. You've made me very happy."

"I'm really sorry about that, back there... I can explain why he was such an ass," She said, sounding both timid and frustrated. "And you aren't fine, for all you know you could have severe internal injuries. I want to keep helping you out."

"No, don't worry about explaining. There was probably just too much testosterone in the air, what with Senthose, and the lightning, and a strange guy showing up in the shop. Anyway, they can't be that bad, or else I'd be passed out in a ditch by now."
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*Euryale smiles sheepishly.*

"Well, to be honest, I'm not exactly dreading tomorrow either. It's strange, that we've lived so long like this, and yet there's this thing that we never knew that we shared."

"I guess I just never assumed that I could be so lucky," Mortal said, "Anyway, this is our chance to get to know each other better. It is going to be great."

"You nearly fell over trying to get out of the cafe," Astarte furrowed her brow, before brightening a little. "Why don't we get a doctor to just take a look at you? A proper healer. I can pay for you."

*Thiera walks up from behind.*

Thiera<Excuse me, but I need to know whether or not you plan to stay here.>

"How long were you back there?"

Thiera<Long enough, but I promise I won't tell anyone. In fact, I think it would be a violation of doctor-patient confidentiality.>
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"No, no, I couldn't. Like I said, I'm sure it's fine. I'm just a bit bruised where some maniac was trying to crush my lungs. The same thing happened to Euryale, and Mortal didn't mention it on the phone, so the Healers probably weren't nearly as concerned about it as her shoulder."

Mortal felt a bit embarrassed, but simply said, "Perhaps I should go after all. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and that sort of thing. I'll be here first thing in the morning."

"But I'm worried..." Astarte said quietly, looking at Roatha's shoes. There was a short pause, then she quickly looked back up and spoke before he could say something. "Fine, but if you don't feel any better when we visit Euryale, do you promise to ask a nurse, or something?"

Thiera<Well, I hope you both enjoy your day tomorrow. Do you want this off?>

*She puts her finger on the light switch.*

"Yeah, I guess it's about time I went to sleep."

Thiera<All right, then. Goodnight.>

"Thanks, you too."

*Thiera turns the switch off, excuses herself to Mortal to do a last check up on the rest of her patients, & then heads off to do just that.*
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"Sure, I guess."

"So... I guess I'll see you tomorrow when we go to the hospital," Astarte said, suddenly not sure what to do with her hands. She ended up clasping them together behind her back. "See you then."

*Monu smiles*

<I enjoyed the excitement! When is my next shift?>

Mortal bid farewell to Euryale, then started merrily on her way home.

"Tomorrow, starting at the usual time," Sidon answered.

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*Roatha arrives at the cafe. As it is presumably not open, he heads to the front door of the house & knocks on it instead.*
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*Monu's shift begins in an hour.*
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*Venezuela awakens & locates the kitchen with only some difficulty. She surveys the fridge & cabinets for ingredients she knows how to cook.*
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*Eve is doing whatever.*
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*Whenever Gabe wakes up, if she hasn't already, she will find that a note has been slipped under her door, which reads, "Euryale is in hospital (address). Should get out today. Going to see her at 11."*
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*Tirea is presumably waiting by her phone for Gabe &/or Noctis to call & tell her when the team meeting is going to be.*
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*Dalia's interview is in an hour.*