Coral's first birthday party

[guppy_sandhu]

Outside in a quiet corner of the garden, well away from the lake, a birthday party has been set up.

There's a paddling pool with some toys in, a picnic spread out on a cloth, and a sign saying 'Happy Birthday Coral'.

Comments

[a1enzo]

"All sorts. Wanna be a sprite?"

[ikissdhimbck]

She's taken aback.






"Me? A sprite?"

She laughs, but it's almost nervous sounding.

"I dunno. Could I get changed back after?"

[a1enzo]

"Sure. It's totally safe. My girlfriend's human, and we change to visit each other's worlds all the time."

Not that Kate needs to try it if she doesn't want to. He's mostly just making the point. She's welcome to if she does want to, though!

[ikissdhimbck]

"Gracious."

Kate's always been fascinated by the scientific. You'll find any opportunity presented to her is at least considered, if not immediately agreed to.

"I might take you up on that someday. At least t'see how it works."

[a1enzo]

"Sure thing."

Pause.

"I'm Enzo, by the way. Enzo Matrix."

The hand he offers is large, plastic-smooth, and if it's warm, that's only because the air around it is.

[ikissdhimbck]

"Beggin' your pardon."

Sometimes she plumb forgets her manners.

"Kate Barlow. I think I've seen you 'round the stables before, Mr. Matrix."

She takes the proffered hand, slightly surprised by the feeling of it. But she gives it a warm shake.

[a1enzo]

"Probably," he agrees. "And it's just Enzo, please. Matrix is what we call my brother."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Oh, of course."

She's grown used to having to dispense with the formalities around this place.

"Have y'known Guppy long?"

[a1enzo]

"Ages. Since before he got married, let alone had the kids."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Gracious. What a thing it is that the bar kept you comin' together all this time."

[a1enzo]

"Oh, I come here on purpose."

Theoretically, of course, the bar, or the Landlord or whatever, could keep him out.

He tries not to think about that.

[ikissdhimbck]

"I reckon I mean with a place as unpredictable an' sprawlin' as Milliways, it's a lovely thing that you an' Guppy haven't lost touch."

[a1enzo]

"Oh, yeah. 'Course, he makes himself pretty easy to find, usually, and I can always check the infirmary."

[ikissdhimbck]

"That is true," she chuckles. "I hope he don't wonder where Alex gets the inclination t'be a showboat from. Guppy's always in the middle of things, it seems."

[a1enzo]

"Good thing to be, for a doctor."

[ikissdhimbck]

"So long as he's not gettin' hurt," she points out.

'Doctor, heal thyself' takes on new meaning when it comes to Guppy.

[a1enzo]

"True. Still, he's got backup."