Chapter Text
A new intern? In such a place? How surprising. The guy must be insane or desperate. No one in their right mind would ever become an employee here. Reputation does terrible things…
A coral-furred employee came closer to the new Intern. What was her name again? Ah, doesn't matter… Everyone calls her just Nurse anyways. Not like anyone cares about names. Her soft voice took them out of their cloud of emptiness.
— Hey there, little guy! Got used to working here already? Heard it's your third day here… Surprised you stayed! Or… Even applied… - she looked nervous talking to Intern. Half because she isn't used to new employees, but half because of trying not to look at Intern's “totally not creepy” face expression.
— Hm… I'm used to things already. It wasn't that difficult to understand how to work properly… I'm glad you asked. - their voice is as calm as ever. Some might even call it flat. And their face unchanging.
— That's good! But aren't you frightened by all the anomalies and stuff? I can see that you learn pretty quickly!
— Thank you. I'm not worried about anomalies. As long as they're not a problem to our patients. Security showed me how to identify them easily while he isn't here. - they took the cup of coffee that was recently done being made. Just looked at it without drinking.
— So you're getting along with someone? That's nice! I could later teach you how to treat patients if you want to
— Oh yes, that would be lovely. - their smile seems to have widened just a little.
— Uhm… Alrighty then! I'll leave you to it
As she left to continue doing her work, Intern finally took a sip of their coffee. Which wasn't really a sip, and more like pouring coffee on themselves, which almost all didn't go where it was supposed to. Yet still unbothered they went back to checking in patients and visitors. Not that many anomalies today. That's good.
They watched as animals came and went, passing by without being fully noticed or registered by their head. Nurse also went home, meaning that Surgeon is soon to replace her absence. She deserves that rest, 12 hour shift is a lot. Although no one stayed long enough to notice how long Intern has been here for. Time is meaningless anyways. And then he arrived…
The white bunny with a brown cap, a moustache and brown plaid pants. That's the second time he's here, isn't it? Last time the guy basically begged for a cup of coffee. Intern thought, would he do it again or why is he here. Barney leaned onto the counter, smiling at Intern, whose ears lowered in something that could only be described as mild irritation. Yet their face stayed the same.
— Hello, dear friend! Could you do me a favour?
— Hi. What do you want?
— Could I bother you with a cup of coffee? It wasn't that difficult last time!
— Why do you come here for coffee? There's coffee shop right around the corner. It's not expensive. - they folded their front paws together, just like other bunny patients do. A normal gesture most likely.
— You see, it might not be expensive, but it's still not free… You get what I mean, kid?
— I'm not a child. And yes, I get what you mean.
— I know damn well there is no rule against giving coffee to patients…
— Actually! If it's dangerous to the patient it's forbidden, you're not a patient and if you get sick after drinking it then- There's no rule about it, but getting sick wouldn't feel good. On the other hand, you might finally visit us as a patient…
— Um… Well then it would be my problem, wouldn't it? Now give it to me. I don't like being refused.
— Okay. - they took the mug, refilled it with coffee and handed it to the man, who drank it quickly, sighing afterwards.
— Ah… Thanks, friend! By the way, can you keep this safe with you? I will soon take it back, don't worry - he showed a suitcase, holding it as if it's filled with cotton.
— Sure, but my shift will end in a couple of hours. Or I think so.
— Oh, that's no problem! Here, take it - he handed the suitcase, and as quickly as he arrived he was gone. - Thanks again and bye bye, friend!
— Goodbye, Barney. - when Intern tried to pick up the suitcase it turned out to be a lot heavier than it seemed. What did the guy put in there? Bricks? That's none of their business, really. Intern carefully put the suitcase under the counter and left it there. Such a weird guy… But probably no one is fully normal in a place like this.
Normal is a weird word.