SWITCHBOARD

[transmittable]

If you'd like to ask the Transmitter something over the phone, go right ahead! The Transmitter will answer the phone as soon as she's available. Leaving messages is impossible, given how old these phones are, but you should be able to reach her at almost all hours.

Comments are screened for privacy; all Patients are offered confidentiality, didn't you know?

Comments

[transmittable]

...You're not gonna flirt me into coming out, you know. I've- we've been planning this for...awhile. A sweet guy isn't gonna change that.

[cadmiums]

Maybe not.

But maybe if you get comfortable with me, you'll tell me a little more about what you look like. That would make me happy on its own.

[transmittable]

Sure. Keep trying, lover-boy.

So you get to know me better. What else would you like to know?

[cadmiums]

[ He laughs into the receiver a little, somehow he's never been called that before. It sounds pleasant to his ears.]

What's your favorite color? Mine is yellow, but blue is my second favorite.

[transmittable]

Um... Favorite color...?

[ It seems like she has to think a bit on that. ]

Teal. Or...red. One of those.

[cadmiums]

Teal reminds me of the ocean and red... [ Strangely the image that comes to his mind isn't necessarily a pleasant one, so he stops himself there.]

I'll make sure to remember that when I get you a gift.

[transmittable]

A gift?! Aaahhh, you don't quit...

[ It sounds a bit more fond, though. ]

But, not the ocean. We. I don't like water.

[cadmiums]

I'd like to buy you something, but I haven't seen a store here. I'll just have to make you something instead. [ Nevermind that he doesn't know how to make anything, but #confidence.]

How about the sky, then?

[transmittable]

I like the sky. It's like...infinite possibilities. That sounds silly, but...

[cadmiums]

I don't think it's silly, I feel similarly-- the sky makes me feel like I could be free forever.

[...]

It would be nice to look up at the sky with you, even if it's not anytime soon.

[transmittable]

You don't even know my name, and you already want to do something like that?

[cadmiums]

What difference does that make? I'd love to know your name if you're willing to tell me but... that's not the most important thing. A name is just a name, it's the person who matters.

[transmittable]

Not quite sure I agree with you there. Names are important... At least, knowing your own is important.

Are... Are you one of those guys who falls for everyone he meets?

[cadmiums]

[ That tickles something at the back of mind, but he's not sure how much he likes the fleeting thought that follows.] A sense of self is important...but the name itself doesn't matter to me much.

I like a lot of people. [ A beat.] But that doesn't mean that I like everyone equally.

[transmittable]

Is that so...? Hm.

I wasn't meaning to imply anything bad with that. I've just... I've never met someone like you, who's this...kind.

[cadmiums]

Really? I think...this is just how I am.

[transmittable]

I hope you stay this way.

[ ... ]

So in terms of dates you've been on, how does this one rank?

[cadmiums]

Stay this way? [ That sounds a little weird.]

It may just be my favorite.

[transmittable]

Whaat...? How?

[ Feedback increases. You'll get an answer for that question, if you press it, but for now the Transmitter is distracted. ]

[cadmiums]

I don't know, but I've enjoyed talking with you a lot. And that's what counts, right? [ And by the sound of his voice, it does sound truthful. It's not something he could explain right now most likely but it was just a feeling. Maybe it was because this is the first real talk he's had with someone, all the flirting and banter aside.

He'll wait patiently for the feedback to subside, but the question isn't the foremost thing on his mind anymore.]

[transmittable]

[ It'll take a few moments. He can likely hear her breathing, heavy on the other end. ]

Yeah, I... I've...enjoyed talking with you, too. This is...also probably the nicest date I've ever had.

[ The distortion gradually lessens, despite the intense feedback. Her voice is easier to distinguish, shaky but a mid-range register. This doesn't last, however. When she next speaks, it's back to what it was before. ]

Can you tell me a little more about yourself? I know some things, but...not everything is clear in my head.

[cadmiums]

I'm glad, that makes me feel happy. [ The change in her voice surprises him a little, but it's kind of nice for however short it lasts.]

Of course, I don't mind. Is there anything in particular you want to know?

[transmittable]

Hmm. What kinds of things do you like to do on dates? Besides...this.

[cadmiums]

[ This clearly isn't an easy question, as it takes him some time to answer.]

I like to...make memories. Something to remember and cherish, no matter what happens.

[transmittable]

Making memories?

[ ... ]

That sounds lovely.