021: VIDEO

[intheblanks]

[The room is dim, but there's enough light for the camera to make out that there's only one person in it, sitting stiffly at the table like an interrogation subject.]

So thanks for the talk, but I reckon cutting me out of your will sent the message clear enough. Couldn't find any 'you're a disappointment' cards?

[Silence replies, but Chase continues the conversation, bitterly.]

I didn't want your money. I never wanted your money. [And he pauses, and something makes him huff a laugh.]

Figured out it was all I was going to get. You don't think I might have wanted to say goodbye?

[Why would he, since-]

I hated you. Didn't mean I didn't still-

Doesn't matter, now. Look, why don't you take this down to the hospital. Probably find someone more interested in listening to your lectures, there. Sign a few copies of your books.

[Another wait for a response that doesn't come, and Chase's tone slips from sarcastic to something dull and flat.]

You don't have a shadow, here.

[A beat. An interruption.]

Sooner be in his than yours.

[And now the silence stretches long. Chase pushes his chair back from the table and stands, but neither party are done talking.]

Allison was wrong about that.

[Barely enough time for the invisible speaker to draw breath.]

Don't want to talk about it. We're not going to talk about it. [But someone doesn't agree and, jaw clenched, despite himself, Chase listens.] Right, and you walked out on two kids and your sick wife. Careful, dad, high ground's looking a little shaky.

[He turns, walking to a counter in the back of the room. The motions, a familiar glug and clink denote drink being poured. He speaks without turning.]

It's under control. Think I'd still have a job right now if I showed up for surgery with shaky hands?

[Pause.]

It's under control.

[Silence.

Silence.

Silence, but for the hard slam of the glass against the back wall. Liquid spilling.]

And maybe I'd prefer to be just like her.

Comments

video;

[dignity_misery]

Can I laugh?

[What a polite girl.]

voice;

[intheblanks]

[He's unsurprised. But the video switches off: some things are too revealing.]

You usually do.

[dignity_misery]

I don't have to.

[But she probably will, she's already having trouble keeping it out of her voice.]

Voice

[mightbeconcussed]

I'd ask if you were okay, but...

Want a drink?

Voice

[intheblanks]

Maybe tomorrow.

[Sorry, Lucy, you don't get to see him when he knows he can't play nice.]

Voice

[mightbeconcussed]

Okay. Just sort of checking on you.

[She thinks she appreciates that?]

voice

[bedsidemanners]

Shaky hands?

voice

[intheblanks]

Which I don't have.

voice

[bedsidemanners]

Then what do you have?

[synanthrope]

You have a sibling.

[intheblanks]

[One he never mentions - and there's been enough opportunity on the subject with her.]

Sister.

[synanthrope]

One you never talk about.

[as_damaged]

[Too many questions, and too many unasked answers.

What was she wrong about?]

I assume you don't need anyone to point out the obvious.

[That it's only a curse. That this is recording.]

[intheblanks]

I know how the city works.

[Better than most. So he tells himself. Her confirmation might not have done more to shore up his clinging to that belief than his own does, but he'd take the comfort. He'd take it if he could, and not have it commented on.]

[as_damaged]

Knowing that rationally doesn't always make much of a difference.

Private

[worldofourown]

[...interesting...]

Prefer to be like whom?

Private

[intheblanks]

You're still locking all your conversations?

Private

[worldofourown]

[It's become a habit.]

You didn't answer my question.

voice;

[hexuality]

[Softly.]

Hi.

voice;

[intheblanks]

[Soft enough that he bites back something sharp. He handles these things better, now.]

Hi.

[Yes, I know it recorded. Yes I'm tired.]

voice;

[hexuality]

[Yes, she knows all of that. That's why she doesn't point any of it out. That's why she jumps to thinking of distractions and the first thing out of her mouth is: ]

I found that bowling kit you got me for Christmas.

[vicodincrutch]

Under control is a creative choice of words.

[intheblanks]

[Oh.

This is a difficult response, steady in a way that sounds unnatural. He's still waiting for the day someone asks him why.]

It's not affecting my work.

[dr_conscience]

I hope your aim for "under control" is a bit higher than not getting yourself fired.

[intheblanks]

Works for House. Actually, for him that might be aiming a little high.