( vi ) ( v i d e o )

[detriments]

[When she turns on the feed, she looks as composed and made up as ever - lips red, hair caught up, neck covered by silk, diamond earrings dangling from her ears. If not for her appearance, though, Christine would be anything but. And not many people would know why.

But then they may have noticed she hasn't quite been herself for a little while. She hasn't been very present in the network or offline, has she.

There isn't a trace of a smile on her expression, but she refuses to show anything like vulnerability, either. Her lips are only a neutral line, her gaze incisive.]

Renee Montoya was taken back home. By the Porter, I presume.

[Her tone is dry. Almost bored. This is no grieving girlfriend. Christine isn't playing the victim today.]

For those of you who might be worried.

[For those who ever considered themselves friendly or otherwise. She doesn't care.

And the feed clicks off.]

Comments

voice;

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He almost doesn't reply. It would be too easy, to rub in the salt, too enjoyable. Loss can be inflicted upon even the craftiest of minds, Christine -- he wanted to say that. But he had worked for some sort of useful agreement with her, and he wouldn't want to corrupt that so quickly, so viciously.

Her power was invaluable.

So, he speaks, with a quiet and sincere tone:]

My condolences, Christine.

voice;

[detriments]

[Her tone isn't quite bitter in return, just - quiet. Maybe a little off on how collected it is. The animosity between him and Renee was no secret, now, was it.]

I'm sure you're heartbroken, doctor.

voice;

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat -- the slightest of smirks cuts across his face, and he waits for that impulse to pass before he speaks, lest it shows in his voice. It's less a cruel victory and more a wry acknowledgement of Christine pinpointing his truer feelings.]

I will at least miss her resounding ability to deflect.

( video )

[youbastard]

Oh. [Well, that explained a lot. There's a bit of sadness in Ellie's tone, but it's more of a resigned sadness. It really shouldn't be surprise to her that she's gone, after all she hadn't heard from her when she was supposed to. Still...it was never easy losing friends in anyway. ] Thanks for letting everyone know.

[detriments]

[There's no apparent reaction to that flash of a smirk, though her gaze remains the same as ever - like she can see right through him, and there's nothing pleasant to find.]

I'm sure you'll find a suitable replacement quickly enough.

[Question is - will she?]

( video )

[detriments]

[There's nothing to thank, is what she wants to say, because Renee was hers and the thought that she was simply taken still makes Christine seethe.

It should be a nice thing to see people mourn her departure. Still she finds herself resenting them as much as she resents the Porter.]

It's the least I could do.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm in no short supply of deflectors.

[His tone is drier there, as if an eyeroll accompanied it.]

But no doubt you'll cope in a similar manner. With replacements, I mean. Old friends popping up as of late, aren't they?

[That could only mean one thing.]

[detriments]

What is that supposed to mean?

[No, really. Say it out loud for the world to hear, Chilton.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

That you're resourceful when it comes to emotional ties.

[detriments]

She isn't someone I can just replace, Frederick.

[and she wants to believe that, too.]

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat.]

You might be underestimating yourself.

[detriments]

Don't think you can even begin to guess what our relationship was like.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Too late, really. Though as much as I'd like to indulge in speculation with you as a captive audience -- well. We both know what you're like, Christine. You're so good at playing the chameleon. You're so good at adapting.

[detriments]

[She's seething, Chilton. She has very few reasons to remain even remotely pleasant in this conversation - other than the appearance she needs to put up in the face of said audience.]

Are you really this insensitive?

( video )

[youbastard]

It's appreciated. I was starting to get a little bit worried. [More than a little bit, especially with some things that had gone on. She hesitates for a second and looks distinctly like she's trying to figure out whether she should say anything more. She finally decides on asking what she was thinking.]

Are you okay?

[detriments]

[Well - that's a question and a half. After a soft sigh,]

I will be. Eventually.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I offered my condolences, didn't I?

[detriments]

We both know what they're worth.

[slightlyoffchilt]

How can you ask for sensitivity, then spurn it when it's offered?

[detriments]

Because you just can't control yourself, isn't that right? You can't help it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Between the two of us, I wouldn't point fingers at who lacks control, were I you.

[detriments]

And there we have it. The good doctor riding in on his high horse.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Oh, I'm on the high horse? Me? [No one knows how to get under his skin quite like Christine; it's partly why she's so alluring.] The one fending off your masterful attempts at forging this narrative out of the desires that your victim complex demands?

text;

[infomodder]

[WELL NOW THIS LOOKS INTERESTING]

Sorry about your friend.
And Frederick.

[detriments]

You could at least try to pretend you're a human being, Frederick. Not everything I do is for you to analyze like I'm just another clinical case.