Chapter Text
MC: ::Not listening::
Zayne: Is constantly shaking your head your form of exercise?
Zayne: It will only make you dizzier.
Zayne: Come here, I’ll massage it for you.
Zayne: I learned a few things from a colleague in the physiotherapy division. I need a test subject.
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I blush a little at Zayne’s last statement. It feels like there could be a hint of subtext there, but then again, he is straightforward to a fault, so I am probably overthinking things…as usual.
A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I take a moment to weigh the likelihood of him being suggestive via text before typing out my response. It's probably better to assume he is being matter-of-fact. I’ll know soon enough either way as I am walking into Akso Hospital now to meet up with him.
MC: Not sure how comfortable I feel about being a test subject. Is there any other cross-training I should know about - acupuncture, bloodletting, etc.?
I finish typing just as the elevator doors open to his floor. I walk down the familiar hallway, waving to Yvonne as I pass, and knock on Zayne’s office door.
“Just a moment.” comes the quiet response. I hear the soft rustle of paper, then the measured tread of his footsteps as he walks toward the door. As the door opens, I catch just a hint of a perplexed expression as he glances down at his phone. As soon as he realizes it’s me, he puts the phone away, and frowns slightly in my direction.
“You made it sound like I’m planning to torture you,” he accuses.
“You’re the one who said 'test subject.' That implies that the outcome may not be guaranteed.” I can’t help but tease, as I give him a little wave in greeting.
He holds the door open, a silent invitation to enter. “Are you doubting my expertise?”
“It depends,” I drawl out as I walk in and perch on the arm of his couch. “Does your division often cross-train with physiotherapy?”
“It’s been known to happen on occasion,” he replies noncommittally.
“Hmmmm, that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.”
The whole situation is a bit of a mystery to me. I wasn’t aware Zayne ever did any training outside his own department as his skills are in such high demand. When he isn’t actively involved in surgeries (both planned and emergencies), he's diligently following up with his roster of long-term patients, traveling to give lectures on new techniques, reading up on the latest research, or making trips out to Snowcrest to assist his mentor, Dr. Noah.
He continues, pulling me back from my thoughts. “I always appreciate adding tools to my arsenal, especially if there’s a chance they could come in handy when dealing with a particularly challenging patient.” He gives me an arch look, and I feel my back stiffen in response to his teasing.
“And just how did the topic of your more challenging patients come up?” I ask crossing my arms.
“It didn’t, exactly,” he admits. “Dr. Virago and I were collaborating on the plan of care for a patient who was getting discharged today. After our consultation, she mentioned I looked a little tired and suggested a protocol for helping alleviate tension.”
Oh great, I think to myself, a female colleague is going out of her way to be solicitous. A sudden flash of jealousy catches me off guard, and I am surprised into muttering, “I bet she did,” under my breath.
Zayne looks at me quizzically. “What was that?”
I flinch at my gaffe and try smoothing it over. “That was nice of her,” I try again, plastering what I hope is an innocent smile over my irritation. Virago…Virago? Why is that name so familiar?
Zayne’s expression doesn’t alter in the slightest, so I am left wondering whether he heard my original statement. Great. Way to play it cool.
Before I can ask Zayne about it though, he changes the subject.
“You’re here early. I wasn’t expecting you for another half hour.”
”We were a little light on Wanderers today,” I reply. “Jenna told me to take it as a gift and do something fun for change since all work and no play makes for a grumpy Hunter.”
That wasn’t exactly how the conversation with Jenna had played out, but Zayne didn’t need to know the particulars. Truthfully, I’d been working overtime the past two weeks in preparation for our trip to make up for the fact that I’d be gone. The pace I’d set for myself was grueling, even for me, and I'd had a close call this morning. Jenna probably would've benched me even if she hadn't known I was planning a trip. I’ve always taken my work very seriously, but even more so now that I’m on my own. I can’t help but feel guilty whenever I take scheduled leave. As if Wanderers weren't enough, those criminals are still out there. Jenna had been so happy to hear that I had plans that she’d skipped the lecture about spreading myself too thin and instead practically shoved me out the door.
“Sage advice,” Zayne agrees. “Do you mind waiting for a little bit? I still have a few more rounds to do before I leave for the day.”
I shrug and slide down to sit on the couch more properly. I might as well get comfortable if I'm going to be here a while.
He points to a small suitcase in the corner by the window. “Your packing list came in handy yet again. I believe I am all set for our trip, but if you get bored, you can always check my homework.”
Straightforward as usual, and yet his statement immediately fills my heart with a flurry of butterflies. I can feel the beginnings of a blush start to warm my cheeks. I have been looking forward to this trip since the time I surprised him in Riverisle City.
I struggle silently to compose myself as a complex mix of giddiness and anxiety surfaces at the thought of having Zayne’s attention all to myself for the next few days.
“Sounds like I plan.” I say softly as I tilt my head down in an attempt to use my bangs to shield my blush. I still feel the intensity of his gaze through the layers as I peek out at him from behind my fringe.
Zayne permits me a small smile before heading out the door. “See you soon.”
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