video | c.fraser

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Is this not about a medical thing, this time? Seems so. Claire's a bit more relaxed than she usually is when using the network, and it might have something to do with that glass of wine in front of her.]

It's my fifty-first birthday this weekend. Do I win the award for most elderly amongst us refugees?

It's hard to believe I was in my late twenties when I first came to Olympia. Stasis is... strange, to say the least, but I'm sure any of us here for an amount of time realize that.

[Now, let's see who's going to be a smartass and make a grandma comment. She's waiting. It's there, in her smile. Do it.]

Comments

text | un: J.SHEPPARD

[impavid]

I still need to find out your secret. You're not bathing in virgin blood or something, are you?

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Claire grins.]

Well, have you noticed a decline in virgins here?

[impavid]

[ Why does everyone like video calls, this place is full of people who refuse to let him multi-task in peace!!

He could obnoxiously keep texting but you know what, whatever. After a short moment moment fumbling he opens a video feed back. He lofts an eyebrow, opens his mouth like he's about to say something then shoots a sharp look off screen. ]

Stop it! I'm watching you.

[ ... What is this tone, it's like Disappointed Dad Voice or something. He rolls his eyes, flicks a smile back at Claire. ]

Anyway, I'm not sure what makes you think I'm monitoring the number of local virgins. I can't tell if I should be offended or flattered.

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Don't be shy.

Claire lifts a brow--she could go on with the virgin joke, but...]

Is there a problem, over there?

[impavid]

There will be in a minute.

[ His eyes flick up to something off screen again, watching it, then he rolls his eyes and sets aside his phone -- leaving it pointing at an abstract patch of ceiling as he steps away. There's a distant scuffling sound, and John saying No, leave it alone! I told you --

Then the footsteps return, and after a moment the phone begins to move.

John is now sitting with a puppy secured on his lap. It's chewing on some kind of rope toy that he's half holding on to. ]

We're having impulse control issues, which seem to be related to how much or how little attention I'm paying to her.

[ His knowing smile has a hint of wince to it. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

[It's about halfway through that Claire expects a creature of sort, and she smiles at the sight of the puppy.]

How cute.

[Three dogs reside in her home now, though Alison is more of a hell hound than a dog. The other two are fine.]

Clearly, you need to give her all your attention.

[impavid]

Pretty sure as far as she's concerned, she's the most important thing in the room.

[ Technically he can't disagree right now.

He shuffles her to sit more comfortably and lofts an eyebrow at Claire, lets his smile turn amused. ]

Maybe I should be asking you for parenting tips?

[nineteenfortyfive]

[Pardon you, sir. Claire makes a face.]

I have had dogs before, you know. Even been living with some here for most of my time in the city.

[Direwolves at first, and now Theon's collection of mutts.]

[impavid]

Aren't a lot of dog tips the same as basic parenting tips? You know, be firm, let them know you're the boss, don't spoil them, teach them biting is bad.

[ Basically the same as a baby, right? Babies shouldn't bite either! ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

[He... has a point.]

The potty training is where it differs. Dogs learn where to go quicker.

[impavid]

Are you saying dogs are smarter than people?

[ TBH he certainly likes a lot of dogs better than some people. ]

[nineteenfortyfive]

In some regards. They do mature faster. That's a scientific fact.

[impavid]

[ This... is true in a way that reminds John of something else! ]

I don't suppose you know any good vets? We need to sort one out for her, and I've read up on a few but a personal recommendation is better.

[nineteenfortyfive]

I have one for the horses, but I can't say how he does with dogs. I could pass on his information regardless, if you'd like.

I muddled up these two threads and switched to text, PRETEND I DIDN'T

[impavid]

Sure, it's still closer to a personal recommendation than I've got right now. Anything helps when you're readying yourself for possibly having emergency bills when the dog tries to eat something it shouldn't.

[ Something else dogs and children have in common: when in doubt, try putting it in your mouth. ]