( o7 video )

[wearafeznow]

[ The hat shop feels rather empty today. It's the lack of purring little creatures, he knows that, but it's quiet and he's never been too fond of the quiet. It makes him think too much. Too many thoughts in his brain and the Doctor gets - well - mopey. He supposes he should get up, do something. Instead he's spinning a pork-pie hat around his index finger, aimless and a little bit fed-up.

His feet kick out in front of him on to the desk, and Wanda the adopted cat purrs at him slightly from her perch on top of a helmet. She must have pushed on his device when she climbed up there, because he hasn't quite realised that it's on yet. ]

Well, this is a bit of a pickle, isn't it Wanda? [ He stops spinning the hat to shove it on his head. ] Pork-pie, pickle, I'm sensing a food theme today. Maybe we should see if Pond wants to go for a picnic. Though not near any water. Somewhere dry, hey? Not the beach. Definitely not the beach.

[ Waving his hands at the cat, who looks at him in interest. ] A forest? No, bad, so many bad memories. Okay, a car park? Not exactly nice, but it's all empty and unwatery, that's good, isn't it?

[ Oh, look. He's finally noticed the flashing of his device. ] Wanda, watch your feet dear.

Comments

[waitedforyears]

A picnic?

[ No. No forest, that makes her think of the Weeping Angels. No water. She just drowned. ]

[wearafeznow]

[ Turning in his chair to look at her. Wanda mews in greeting. ] A picnic, Pond. How about it?

[waitedforyears]

Yeah, all right, sounds good.

[wearafeznow]

We should have a basket around here, and the corner shop does sandwiches, it'll be nice.

[ And he can start atoning for what he failed to do by not saving her. ]

[waitedforyears]

Yeah. I think I saw a basket. Somewhere under a bunch of hats.

[ He has nothing to atone for. It was her choice. Always. ]

[wearafeznow]

Let's find it, we can fill it up and go outside.

[waitedforyears]

All right, yeah. Somewhere in the back of the store. [ And off she goes to search for it.

A minute later, a sombrero on her head and a basket in hand, she re-emerges. ] Here we go.

[ And off comes the sombrero. Those are bad taste. ]

[wearafeznow]

[ Grinning at the sombrero. ] Nice look, Pond.

[waitedforyears]

Yeah, thanks. 's not my style, though, I don't think.

[wearafeznow]

You should make it your style.

[waitedforyears]

I don't really have your kind of love affair with hats.

[wearafeznow]

[ Beaming. ] But they're wonderful!

[waitedforyears]

So you say, Doctor. [ She's smiling, though. With fond memories of a fez being shot. ]

[latenightfondue]

[ Howard comes onto the screen, leaning back in a tall standing swivel chair, turning this way and that as he sips coffee, the lab he works in at City Solutions in the background. He's been watching, listening, and generally being fascinated. ]

Decided on a name, huh? Wanda works.

[wearafeznow]

Ooh, Mr. Stark. [ Ooh! ] Are you in a lab?

[latenightfondue]

Hey, come on, it's Howard. Mr Stark was my father.

[ Doing a full circle so the device picks up a better view. ]

Sure am, pal, it's where I work. Y'got a thing for labs?

[wearafeznow]

I do, well, not a thing, that sounds shady, but I love labs, couldn't live without them. [ A breath. ] I'd show you mine, but unfortunately the old girl didn't come with me to the City, almost missing the sciencey bits of life, which is a shame.

[latenightfondue]

If you want lab time, you could always come over while I'm in, take a look around. Long as nothing gets blown up, it can't hurt.

[wearafeznow]

Now you're talking.

[latenightfondue]

You busy now?

[wearafeznow]

[ Pausing, before he laughs. ] Why, Mr. Stark, I would love to come and science in your lab.

[latenightfondue]

Then what're you waiting for, Doc? Get yourself on over here.

texting:

[charring]

There's a water free park at (address).

texting:

[wearafeznow]

Miss McGee, how wonderful. Thank you.

texting:

[charring]

You're welcome. It's peaceful there and there's a butterfly and hummingbird garden in the middle. You might enjoy it.

texting:

[wearafeznow]

I'll take Pond there, it will do her some good.

How are you?

texting:

[charring]

Outside is always good. Unless you're a vampire and the sun is out. [Charlie. That was a bad joke. Why?]

Recovering. Surrounding myself with fuzzy things that aren't cooing and purring and self-reproducing. Might have to go out later, though. One of my animals needs a walk.

texting:

[wearafeznow]

DO YOU NEED ANY HELP?!

[ Enthusiastic texting, oops. ]

I'm rather fond of animals you see, they make wonderful conversationalists.

texting:

[charring]

I would not mind help at all. Phantom is a very energetic fox kit. You'll have to tell me what he says.

texting:

[wearafeznow]

Just call me the pet whisperer. It's a side business with the detecting and also hats.

texting:

[charring]

Can you talk to all animals? [She's wondering about the tribbles.]

texting:

[wearafeznow]

Well some species it's a little difficult. I need to be on the same psychic mindwave.

texting:

[charring]

That is nifty. If my pets ever say anything bad about me, let me know.

texting:

[wearafeznow]

They only ever say nice things.

texting:

[charring]

Good to hear.

texting:

[wearafeznow]

Though they would like more things to play with.

texting:

[charring]

They have been low on cat toys, lately. I'll make a stop later.

texting:

[wearafeznow]

Good woman, they’ll be pleased when you do.

[iwasherefirst]

Me and other you don't like beaches much either. Keep sayin' we're goin' to go someday and make better memories.

[wearafeznow]

[ Ah. ]

I imagine they would be rather upsetting, yes.

[iwasherefirst]

One of these days they won't be.

[wearafeznow]

I wish you good luck then. [ Which is weird, considering he is wishing himself luck. Technically. ] You and I should do something together one day, have a nice old chinwag.

[iwasherefirst]

Could go have chips and shakes. There's a brilliant diner 'round here.

voice;

[leathered]

I'm about ready for a whole planet without water.

voice;

[wearafeznow]

Mm. When I ever get out of here, I'll be choosing somewhere rather dry.