- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[slightlyoffchilt]

"Hello.

You've reached the direct line of Doctor Frederick Chilton. As I am not available at the moment, you might assume I'm quite busy with something pressing. State your name and business, and I will return your call."

Comments

[mantlepieces]

[ Reggie sighs and says sharply: ]

Yeah, well -- 'cause you'd probably just call me suicidal again or something.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Ideation. Suicidal ideation. And clearly that resonated with you.

Perhaps you ought to come in. For another session.

[mantlepieces]

What, like-- [ It's actually somewhat tempting now, despite everything. The closer October draws, the worse Reggie feels. ] Today?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Have you the time, today?

[mantlepieces]

Well do you? I mean I don't need no session. Not like therapy.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Would it help if we called it by another name?

[mantlepieces]

Yeah, 'cause that's not what it is.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Then we can call it a conversation.

[mantlepieces]

... All right. Just a quick one, though. [ He pauses. ] If you're too busy we can always skip it, I know you got all your weird people issues goin' on to deal with.

[slightlyoffchilt]

My "weird people issues"?

[mantlepieces]

Yeah, y'know -- like all these guys you keep warning me against that I guess all got some kinda beef with you.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Please don't use the word "beef" when referring to any conflict with Hannibal Lecter.

[mantlepieces]

Why not? Don't tell me this dude is like your ex or something.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Excuse me? What on earth would ever give you that idea? What in my behavior would indicate such a conclusion?

[mantlepieces]

You mean with him or just in general?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Specifically with him.

-- But also in general.

[mantlepieces]

'Cause you're bein' all defensive and you won't say why. And 'cause you're, like-- [ A pause. ] Well, I can't answer that or you might fire me.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And because I am, like -- what, exactly?

[mantlepieces]

Well, like-- real freakin' prissy, for one thing.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You're fired. [A beat.] Only kidding -- you're not fired. But I disagree with your assertion regardless.

[mantlepieces]

[ Reggie's pulse races for a moment -- at least until Chilton continues. Way to scare him for a second... ]

You mean you don't act gay, or that you're not gay?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I have a girlfriend. I am in a relationship with my girlfriend. You have met her.

[mantlepieces]

Then what is the deal with this guy? Or any of these people? Seems pretty personal the way you talk about it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I have made the acquaintance of a few dangerous minds. Do you need details beyond that?

[mantlepieces]

Details help if I'm supposed to be avoidin' them. But you know what, you're right -- guess I'll just improvise.