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

[cadmiums]

If we keep helping everyone we'll have enough eventually!

But if I didn't give them a discount, do you really think you shouldnt get one?
Because you know, you're not just a friend or classmate.

[transmittable]

What...would you say I am, then? If you had to put a word to it.

[cadmiums]

Well we go on dates right? And we both want to do couple things. And I haven't gone on a date with anyone else in a few weeks now...

Does that mean you're my girlfriend? [ It's a godamn miracle that he manages to say all of this with nothing but curiosity and wonder, as this has somehow never happened to him before.]

[transmittable]

[ She laughs, nervous. ]

Y-yeah, I think, um...I think that's how it works? That sounds right! That's...good with you? If you're my boyfriend?

[ In contrast, it sounds like she's a little baffled to be having this conversation. ]

[cadmiums]

Yeah! [ Give him a moment because this is the boy who took girls out on group dates every day and he's only now realized they've kind of been exclusive.]

So you're my girlfriend, Renee! And I'm your boyfriend, of course.

[transmittable]

[ More nervous laughter; is it just a tic she has? ]

Of all the things... Alright! Cool, that's- I'm really okay with that, I'm so incredibly okay with that. Being your girlfriend.

[cadmiums]

I'm glad, I'm really glad. Oh, we should do something to celebrate!

[transmittable]

Like what? Another date?

[ She says this with a hint of humor, but she sure is asking him on another one. ]

[cadmiums]

Well yeah, I'd love- [ He laughs a little.]

That was kind of sneaky, but you beat me...this time. Ahh it's kind of nice being the one asked out, so I can't complain.

[transmittable]

I've got one- two, now- to your three, I have to catch up somehow.

It's kind of nice doing the asking too. I see why you like it so much.

[cadmiums]

Ahh you're going to keep me on my toes!

You're the first girl to ever ask me out, you know. Actually, you're my first for a lot of things.

[transmittable]

...Really? Like what?

[cadmiums]

My first girlfriend.

[transmittable]

Never had a girlfriend before... That really is a surprise.

[cadmiums]

I've been on a lot of group dates and solo-dates but...I like this better. Even if it would disappoint the girls back home.

[transmittable]

So, what you're saying is, I've tamed a Casanova.

[cadmiums]

[ He chuckles lightly at that, sounding somewhere between amused and slightly embarassed.]

Yeah, I haven't had eyes for anyone else for a while now.

[transmittable]

Dummy...

[ She lets out a small laugh, equally embarrassed, and then pauses for a moment. ]

You know, I...never ordered something. You were going to "treat me" to a drink, right?

[ Not like she actually can drink it, but. The thought that counts. ]

[cadmiums]

Yes! What would you like to order? I'll make you anything you want! [ Where's his proper form, he adds a small bow after he speaks.]

[transmittable]

Anything?

[ She sounds like she's deliberating, but it's obviously fake. ]

Hmmm, what about a hot chocolate? Do you have that?

[cadmiums]

For you, anything. [ Which from the sound of it means anything, even outside of drinks.]

Of course, I'd be happy to make that for you. The payments on the house~. [ A wink.] As for delivery...would placing it in the kitchen be OK?

[transmittable]

Yes, or...

[ She drops her voice a little, the playfulness subduing. ]

I still can't accept any gifts, you know. And...it'd go to waste, if you just left it there. So maybe...you could drink it for me? It'd be like, um...something that I was supposed to drink, but you are, almost like...some kind of...

[ Indirect kiss. In a way. ]

[cadmiums]

Oh! [ He could not sound more excited and touched, it clearly wasn't something he was expecting.]

I'll do that tonight then! That's almost like the real thing and-- I want you to be my first kiss.

[transmittable]

F- first- even that?!

[ Oh dear, now she sounds a little embarrassed. ]

Wow... Oh, man, now I feel bad suggesting it, shouldn't your first kiss be...more in-person?!

[cadmiums]

Isn't the person you're kissing more important? [ He doesn't seem bothered by it, at any rate.]

Ah but-- [ Pause.] I don't know if it's possible but... if is, I promise I'll kiss you properly one day.