her smile curved slow and knowing at rae’s chuckle, her shoulders loosening in a way they rarely did outside of the OR. “between surgeries isn’t the problem,” she countered, voice edged with that easy humor she used when she wanted to make the world feel lighter. “it’s wading through a dozen nurses, two administrators, and at least three rumors about who’s sleeping with who before you actually find me. hospital grapevine’s faster than any pager system we’ve got.” she lifted her cup and took a careful sip, grimacing at the bitter heat before setting it back down with a soft clink. her gaze flicked back to rae, curious, lingering. “efficiency,” she echoed with a scoff, her tone dipping into sarcasm. “they love that word. throw it around like it means something. i’d like to see them juggle a hemorrhaging patient, a family demanding updates, and a resident who just fainted in the corner — all while still making discharge times look pretty on their reports.” a smirk tugged at her lips, though her eyes softened. “but hey, i guess that’s why we all sneak down here for five stolen minutes — keep ourselves human before they turn us into robots with clipboards.” when rae mentioned the residents, billie leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table, chin hovering close to her hand. “you’re right. i shouldn’t be too hard on them,” she admitted, though the wry tilt of her mouth suggested she’d still bark when necessary. “i nearly lost a patient once as an intern because i got lost between wards — chart in one hand, map in the other, completely panicked. if anyone tells you surgeons come out of the gate flawless, they’re lying through their teeth.” her laugh was soft, edged with memory, before she tipped her cup toward rae in mock toast. “so fine. i’ll try your gentle nagging method. but only because it’s you asking.” she studied rae for a moment, her gaze settling with a weight that wasn’t heavy but intent, deliberate. “truth is,” she continued, her voice quieter now against the hum of the cafeteria, “i didn’t bring you coffee for the caffeine. i could’ve downed both cups myself and powered through another double shift.” a pause, a faint shrug, though her expression betrayed her sincerity. “i came because i figured you deserved a break. and selfishly? because i wanted one with you.” her smirk returned, crooked and teasing, just enough to ease the weight of her words. “though if you are offering complimentary therapy sessions with every latte, you might have just earned yourself a very persistent customer. fair warning.”
